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A new floor can transform the look and feel of your space, significantly increasing its appeal and functionality. However, looking at prices for materials and installation, it’s easy to see why many homeowners hesitate to take on this project.
But you don’t have to postpone your long-awaited house transformation or compromise quality for affordability. Whether you’re looking to revamp a single room or overhaul your entire household’s floors, there are ways to keep costs down or get help with financing.
So, if you’re planning a flooring update but your budget is already stretched thin, we have a few financing and DIY cost-cutting hacks that can make your project more achievable.
Find Creative Financing Solutions
One way to manage the expenses of home flooring projects is through a financing solution. It’s not really a DIY hack, but it is a way to get your upgrade and keep immediate costs low. You can consider an investment in your house value, if you want.
The good news is that many financial institutions and credit companies provide promotional credit offers specifically designed for home improvement tasks. For instance, you can get flooring financing for a zero percent interest rate on purchases for the first 12 to 18 months, which can significantly ease your initial financial burden.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, using financing options can reduce immediate out-of-pocket expenses by up to 35%, allowing homeowners to proceed with their upgrades without financial strain.
However, before jumping at the opportunity, ensure you clearly understand the terms and your ability to meet the offer’s deadlines and conditions. Read all terms and conditions carefully before committing to any financing plan, ensuring it aligns well with your budgeting strategy.
Opt for Less Expensive Materials That Mimic High-End Looks
Choosing the right flooring materials can drastically lower the cost of updating your home flooring without sacrificing style.
For instance, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and laminate are excellent, budget-friendly alternatives to traditional hardwood. These materials mimic the aesthetic appeal of more expensive woods and offer enhanced durability and easier maintenance.
Both options provide substantial savings. While traditional hardwood floors can cost between $11-25 per square foot installed, LVT and laminate typically range from $2-7 per square foot – massive savings even for small spaces. Additionally, these alternatives offer ease of installation, further reducing overall costs.
Self-Installation Techniques
To cut costs further down, look for options that you can install without professional help. The best option is laminate or LVT, as they easily click together. You only need a few tools, such as measuring tape, a utility knife, spacers, and a rubber mallet, and a few tips regarding installation.
Here’s how to install these floors by yourself:
- Ensure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level.
- Lay down underlayment to provide a sound barrier and moisture protection.
- Begin laying your planks at one corner of the room, using spacers between the walls and planks to allow for expansion.
- Click each piece together snugly and use the mallet gently to secure connections without damaging the edges.
- Keep going until you reach the other corner of the room.
Repurpose and Restore Old Flooring
If your current flooring is not showing signs of serious damage, you can restore it to breathe new life into your space. It goes without saying that this will be way less expensive than an upgrade.
For aging wooden floors, sanding strips away old finishes, revealing the raw beauty beneath. After sanding, you can choose to stain or paint the wood for a fresh look. Stains can enhance the natural grain, offering elegance and depth, while paints allow for more dramatic transformations (you could have a chic, modern white, or bold black floor).
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your current flooring, inspect the planks for unique patterns or quality wood species. Sometimes, all it takes is removing dated carpet or vinyl layers to discover valuable hardwood underneath worth refinishing.
Key Takeaway
At the end of the day, whether you choose financing options or go with the hacks we listed, one thing is clear – you’ll have fabulous-looking floors in no time!
The secret is to not be afraid to combine creativity and practicality – these two always work better together. Dive into these DIY hacks with confidence and watch your living spaces transform beautifully and affordably.