The One Thing Christina Hall Warns To Consider Before Starting A DIY Renovation
When it comes to renovating a home, most of people are likely searching for a good deal. Often, this leads to attempting DIY projects rather than hiring a professional. And while that can be a great way to save a buck or two, there are things to consider before starting anything yourself. Christina Hall of HGTV's "Christina on the Coast" is a renovation expert, and one who isn't afraid of a little DIY herself. But, she warns, if you don't pay attention to the cost of things, you could still go way over your budget.
The HGTV host has a ton of tricks that can make a big difference without breaking the bank — Hall's biggest hack being decluttering. But when it comes to bigger projects, Hall says that the most important thing you can do is research the cost of materials before starting anything. While a DIY project may seem less expensive, without the proper research, you could find yourself in deep water before it even starts.
Why cost is a major factor in DIY projects
If you are hoping to tackle a renovation, your first question is whether or not you can do it yourself or if hiring a professional is a better option. While many will refer to a pro for things like electrical work and roof repairs, smaller projects have homeowners opting for the DIY method. HGTV's Christina Hall is constantly doing DIY projects for her clients, but as the cost of things have risen so dramatically, she warns homeowners of the potential budget-breaking projects. "Prices have gone up a lot on lumber and labor and everything, so if you're doing it yourself that's one thing, but just the prices of everything including pull handles, everything's gone up, so I think just really making sure you budget before you start the project," she said during an interview with Parade.
To avoid this happening to you, take Hall's advice and price everything out ahead of time. By doing this, not only are you more aware of the overall cost, but you may also be able to find areas to cut down, like choosing different hardware or opting for less expensive materials.
How to keep the cost down during a DIY reno
Beyond pricing out every item, there are other ways to ensure you don't go over budget when attempting a DIY renovation. There are smaller, budget-friendly things you can do to change up your interior, like painting walls, replacing faucets and other hardware, or switching out light fixtures. But if you are craving something bigger, always create a plan. A DIY reno can add up very quickly, so by having a plan in place for every step, you'll be able to navigate it better. Consider all those steps, and decide which ones can be done without the help of a professional.
Doing the demo yourself is a great money-saving option, as well as opting to pick up your materials rather than have them delivered. When it comes to the hardware or store-bought items, scour the internet or shops for the best deals. Places like Amazon Warehouse or your local hardware store may have deals that you can't find at the big-box stores, or they may be willing to price match.