Let's be honest: home renovation can be both a daunting and an exciting experience. Budgets, choices, and the fear of making expensive mistakes can kill the mood and drain your motivation to get started. Don't worry — we've put together a full guide to turn that anxiety into motivation.
1. Build a budget and a shopping list
Picture the joy of painting a wall and realizing the color is exactly what you wanted. That joy evaporates the moment you realize you forgot to level the wall first, or worse, overspent on pricey designer paint. To avoid surprises like these, you need a clear budget and shopping list. Start by visualizing the final look of each room.
Whether you want a cozy, bright reading nook or a lively, modern kitchen — calculate costs not just for materials, but for labor too. Don't forget to add extra costs like fees and permits, split your budget into segments, and set aside about 10–20% for unexpected situations. If you do run into unexpected costs, consider an ESTO small loan for renovations, built specifically to cover expenses tied to renovating or refreshing your home.
ESTO small loan for renovations
An ESTO small loan for renovations — for every stage of life
Use an ESTO small loan for renovations
2. Deals and sales
Here's a tip: subscribe to newsletters from your favorite home improvement, renovation, and household goods stores. Spring is usually when these stores run their biggest discounts, making it the best time to buy materials and tools. You'll be surprised how many great deals you can find. We'd also suggest checking out ESTO Market partner stores. JYSK, for example — one of the fastest-growing home goods retailers — carries quality products to fit your style and budget, at standout prices and special discounts.
3. Shop by season
Seasonality can have a big impact on prices. It's one of the most important factors in budget-friendly renovation. Consider buying off-season items (like insulation or heating systems), since they're often cheaper outside their peak demand. Think ahead about what you'll need in the coming months and plan your purchases accordingly.
4. Check reviews
We live in an age where information is easier to access than ever. Make the most of it. Before buying anything, especially pricier items, do your homework. Check online reviews to gauge product quality and durability. Websites, forums, and social media groups are great resources for real user experiences and recommendations. Look for reviews that mention both pros and cons — you don't want to find out your new bathroom tiles turn slippery the moment they get wet, only after they're installed. Don't forget to factor in long-term costs either — sometimes it's worth paying more upfront for products that last longer.
5. Negotiate and ask for extras
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially on large orders or expensive items. Some contractors, for example, might have leftover materials from other jobs they could use on your project at a lower price. That can save you thousands of euros compared to buying new materials. Ask for discounts, free delivery, or an extended warranty. Retailers often want to sweeten the deal to close a sale, so a polite ask never hurts. Remember, the worst they can say is "no."
Safety comes first
Some renovation tasks you can handle yourself, like stripping wallpaper off walls, taping up windowsills to prep rooms for painting, or covering freshly laid floors with film to protect them from stains and scratches while moving furniture. Other jobs are better left to professionals — demolition, tiling, or plumbing. As fun as it sounds, taking on demolition without experience is risky enough — you could damage structural elements, pipes, or run into hazardous materials. These kinds of projects can genuinely save you money, but it's crucial to be realistic about your skills and take the time to understand the finer points of the job.
So, home renovation can be a fun experience that brings something new into your living space. But it takes the right strategy. With a well-thought-out budget, an eye for deals, and buying certain items off-season, you can turn your home into a cozy space without overspending. With careful planning and smart shopping, your dream home is within reach. And if money runs short, you can always turn to ESTO.
Looking for more tips or ideas on saving or managing your budget, you might also like this article: Building a family budget: how to start managing your finances?