The 5 Things You Should Prioritize When Renovating A Home On A Budget

Embarking on a fixer-upper adventure or planning a remodel for your current home? When it comes to renovating a home, the first place you probably think of updating is the kitchen and bathrooms; however, there are other areas that are often overlooked and worth investing in.

Windows

Consider the quantity and quality of the windows you select.

Windows have a lot of benefits and for Harris, they are the biggest item worth investing in. “Evidence-based Design (EBD) is the practice of using science to inform interior design decisions. Currently, EBD practices are largely focused in healthcare facilities, but I believe many of these strategies apply to residential settings as well,” explains the designer, who referenced a study that suggests having a view to the outside and being able to see green spaces positively impacts mental and physical health. “We were meant to be in nature.” 

Having quality windows is also a structural and energy efficiency benefit that helps with heating and air regulation within the home, as well as functional being able to properly open and close them. “I don’t regret upgrading my windows so I can open and close them,” says Harris, who also highly recommends adding screens. 

Plus, the various styles can impact your home’s curb appeal. “You can change the whole look of your house by changing the look of your windows,” says Harris. There are endless options from pane styles to number of mullions. 

Cabinetry And Storage

“I’ve never regretted spending money on cabinets,” says Harris. “A client said to me, ‘I have kids and nowhere to put all their stuff. I feel like a messy person and I’m not a messy person.’ So I think when you’re able to put everything away, it’s mentally huge because if you live in chaos, you will probably feel like chaos.” While it might cost a bit more to add more cabinetry throughout your home, finding ways to maximize home organization up front will save you stress and more money down the road. “Save a little money for the end of your renovation to buy things like drawer dividers,” adds the designer.

The Layout

Getting the layout and flow of your home right to serve you is crucial.

While adding onto a home or putting up walls can be more costly, removing walls can also help open up spaces, rethink how to utilize existing space, and allow more natural light flow. Before knocking any walls down, be sure to check if they are load-bearing or have electrical and plumbing lines within.

Outdoor Living Areas

Porches and patio spaces that you don’t love are like wasted space because if you don’t like what you see, you’re likely not going to use it. “I’ll never regret putting in a nice screened in porch. I’m out here all the time and love it so much,” says Harris. “We spend about 90% of our time indoors, so anything I think you can do to bring the outside in is good for mental health.” 

Lighting Control 

From adding dimmers to decreasing the amount of recessed lighting, striking a balance to achieve a good ambiance is so important to fully enjoying a space. “I love being able to control lighting,” says Harris. “Particularly in the commercial world, we are very prone to over-lighting but it’s important not to overdo it with the can lights.” Don’t just focus on pendants and sconces, consider layering in table and floor lamps too.

Going hand in hand with that, lighting control and outdoor spaces also positively impact mental health. We spend the majority of our time indoors and a lot of us work from home now so it's even more important than ever before to incorporate biophilic design practices into our homes.