Decorating & Design
8 Ways To Save Money On Your Next Renovation
Published on April 23, 2018
Designers Reena Sotropa and Alanna Dunn and of Reena Sotropa In House Design Group in Calgary break down the cost of a glamorous showhome in our June budget issue. For homeowners contemplating a custom build, or renovation, they share insider info on how to save money, without losing any wow factor. Click through for eight smart ways to cut costs when designing your home.
Get more budget-friendly tips in our June 2018 issue, on newsstands from May 1.
“In the past we have dropped drywall bulkheads over kitchen cabinets to save on extending the millwork right up to the ceiling. This detail is exceptionally handy in kitchens with very high ceilings,” says Alanna.
Opt for “faux” paneling created by applied moldings instead of traditional paneling. Inexpensive MDF boards and trim were used to add visual and textural interest to plain drywall. Concealed by a coat of paint, they effectively mimic recessed paneling.
Choosing stocked profiles rather than custom profiles can add up to a significant savings. “This idea can be applied when selecting trim such as baseboard, casing or crown molding, as well as cabinet doors and interior doors,” according to Reena.
Instead of sand-onsite hardwood, install engineered hardwood which can mimic a range of species and finishes — without the dust or noise caused by sanding.
“One of our favorite tricks is to use decorative door knobs in more “public” settings — think kitchens, entry halls, and living rooms — and utilize less expensive but complimentary knobs or levers in more private areas of the home, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms,” says Reena.
“A more simplified staircase design always results in greater cost savings,” Alanna explains.” A straight-run, closed-tread staircase will certainly come in at a lower price point than a curved stair or anything with an open tread.”
Because of the small size of powder rooms, they can be great spaces to spring for the more expensive finishes in your home, like the designer wallpaper seen here, which deliver big impact without a huge spend. “Typically you would require less stone, millwork or wallpaper in a powder room, so you may have an opportunity to utilize some fancier finishes and details you’ve been dreaming of in this space,” observes Alanna.
Selecting a standard counter edge profile can help bring down the cost of your design compared to a specialty profile, such as an ogee, bevelled, or mitred edge.
Phil Crozier
Reena Sotropa In House Design Group