Renovating a property can seem like a monumental task. The costs, the choices, the Pinterest boards full of “dream renovations” you know you could never afford to get done. But while some projects require you to cash out your superannuation to make a deadline for Grand Designs, sometimes it just takes a little bit of budget-friendly creativity to give your home a serious refresh.
Right across Australia, homeowners are upcycling, repurposing and otherwise fixing up their properties with clever, low-cost changes that don’t sacrifice style for a sub-$5000 budget. These little updates may not be as flashy or Instagram-worthy as a full-on renovation, but they can transform the feel of a home and make a property you used to just live in a place you never want to leave.
If you’re dreaming of a freshly revitalised kitchen, or a deck that actually looks well-designed rather than just repurposed for function over form, without the need to sell an organ or two to pay for it, you’ve come to the right place. Keep scrolling to see what home renovations are working for homeowners across the country without breaking the bank.
In The Laundry, Bathroom and Kitchen
Grout in showers, kitchens, and laundries can crack, stain, or collect mould over time. To address this, many homeowners turn to Melbourne shower regrouting services to restore their tiles, prevent water damage, and give bathrooms a fresh, clean appearance.
You can use this opportunity to opt for a different grout colour to either match or contrast with the design of your bathroom, such as paint palette schemes. You can DIY this if you like - it's a medium-complexity job. Otherwise, a professional tiler or grout repair company can do this for a decent price.
Replace Worn-Out Kitchen Cabinets
If your kitchen cabinets are worn out, old, faded or falling off their hinges, it may be time for a low-cost revamp. Kitchen cabinetry tends to have a lifespan of around ten to twenty years. If you've purchased an older home and lived there for a while, there's a chance that your kitchen cabinets could do with replacement. You can get a good set of made-to-order kitchen cabinets for a small budget that won't break the bank.
If you're handy around the house, you can install them yourself and save some cash, or ask a handy friend or relative to help you. Otherwise, a cabinet maker should be able to design and install new kitchen cabinets, and your kitchen will feel modern and pristine with brand new cabinetry.
Install Brand New Floating or Engineering Flooring in Your Living Room
This hack is for if your living room has a worn-out, dirty, stained or faded carpet. Carpet is not the best floor covering, as it tends to trap dust and dirt. It can be quite unhygienic and flare up respiratory conditions such as asthma, or even trigger allergies.
A low-cost renovation you can perform in your living room is to rip up that nasty carpet and replace it with floating or engineered flooring. This specialised type of timber flooring has the look and feel of hardwood at a fraction of the cost of genuine timber flooring.
Depending on the size of your living room, you can re-floor it with this style of flooring for a few thousand dollars. Again, if you're handy enough, you can DIY install it yourself, so the only expense in this case is purchasing the flooring.
Install Dimmer Lights Throughout Your Home
A home's lighting can make or break how a home looks and feels, and how you experience your home. You need ample lighting to see what you're doing well at night or during the winter months, but you may want less artificial light in the summer months or if you're watching Netflix at night.
You can install dimmer switches throughout your home, which a licensed electrician can do for a low cost. This is a great low-budget renovation hack that will make a big difference to how your home feels. It's excellent to be able to dim your lights with the turn of a dial, allowing you to perfectly set the mood for indoor activities such as reading or game nights, or turn up the lighting when you need to see clearly, like when you're working or cleaning.
A Fresh Lick of Paint
When was the last time you painted the interior of your house? For most, their property hasn't seen a touch of paint since before they moved in. So get down to the local hardware store and grab some sample pots and see what changes you can make to your interior walls. There are heaps of options, but you'll want something that matches your existing decor and your chosen vibe.
Neutral palettes are an easy, no-frills option, but some people prefer warmer colours or even a smooth, cool feel. Avoid dark colours as these make your home seem small and cramped. Painting is an excellent low-cost renovation hack that won't break the bank.
Elevate Your Garden With Planter Boxes
Adding some gorgeous planter boxes to your garden is an excellent way of keeping your garden space modular, adaptable and elevated. You can buy planter boxes from many Australian nurseries and garden supply retailers, or you may even opt to make your own using some basic DIY woodworking skills. You can then fill the planter boxes with edible herbs, flowers or even small fruit trees.
Try to position your boxes in such a way that the plants get the appropriate amount of sunlight; use quality soil that drains well and is appropriate for the plants you are growing. Planter boxes will dry out faster than traditional garden beds, so it's important to either keep on top of watering (or install a self-watering system).
Rotate crops with the seasons to keep your box looking fresh and to make sure your garden is productive year-round. Varying box heights, colours, and materials will create interest and give your garden a more cohesive, purposeful feel.
These Simple Hacks will Elevate Your Home
Home improvements don’t always have to be big-budget projects. Many homeowners across the country are discovering the power of low-cost hacks for sprucing up their spaces. Refreshing a property can significantly enhance value without costing a fortune. Painting over dated walls, changing out old cabinet knobs, or replacing worn light fixtures are all quick fixes that can modernise a home.
Other budget-friendly improvements include power-washing driveways, adding curb appeal with new landscaping, or installing cost-effective vinyl flooring. These easy changes can make a major difference when it comes time to attract buyers or renters. Smart property upgrades don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive - just simple and creative.
