These home-renovation tips could save you time and money

Americans are spending less on home renovations this year, partly due to the exorbitant costs remodeling construction entails.

To make sure you’re not misspending previous funds, Business Insider offers these tidbits of useful information: When possible, add more living space and less clutter, keep your tastes neutral and avoid over-personalizing with niche tastes and work only with licensed contractors.

Of course, don’t forget to approach improvements with the entire timeline in mind.

“When remodeling, things need to occur in a certain order,” property manager Andrew Helling said. “For example, you don’t want to refinish flooring and then paint.”

Long considered a home’s most expensive space to renovate, the kitchen is also the most important room for home shoppers.

To save on money can opt to refresh the look of their kitchens through mere cosmetic upgrades, like covering an older oven that still works with a stainless steel-like decal. Paint is another affordable option that helps to refresh the look and feel of a room.

HGTV offers some more tips on how best to approach your kitchen project:

• Visit showrooms to determine exactly the look you want.
• If possible, “avoid structural changes, such as plumbing, mechanical systems and walls.” Merely moving an appliance, like a stove or dishwasher, can cost about $5,000.
• Don’t change your mind once you’ve placed an order, this can be pricey and time consuming.
• Go to supply yards and check out the “remnants” of oversupply stone, especially if you don’t need much of the same type of textile to cover your walls or counters.

Although the kitchen makeover isn’t necessarily the only home space to upgrade. Consider your home’s layout — should you add a half bath instead of a comprehensive kitchen remodel? — and the condition of your house’s exterior. If your foundation need improvement or you have a leak coming from the roof, buyers won’t care about your zinc counter-tops.

According to Remodeling 2019 Cost vs. Value Report, in Houston, a midrange comprehensive home kitchen remodel  could cost up to Remodel $124,346, although the average one will run around $25,000.