In 2025, apartment renovation remains one of the most expensive projects for homeowners. Rising prices for construction materials, labor, and unpredictable costs push many to look for saving strategies. Smart planning, modern trends, and tried-and-true hacks can significantly reduce your budget. As Baltimore Chronicle notes, strategy and clear priorities are key.
This article covers the most up-to-date tips on how to save during renovation without sacrificing quality.
Planning: Half of the Budget Battle Won
Before starting any renovation, it’s essential to create a detailed plan. It helps prevent chaotic spending, unnecessary purchases, and design mistakes.
What a Renovation Plan Should Include:
- a complete list of works with timeframes;
- prioritization of zones (e.g., kitchen, bathroom);
- a budget cap with a 15% reserve;
- a basic cost estimate for materials;
- a format choice: DIY, partial, or full contractor engagement.
Planning also helps you find alternatives — for instance, choosing practical off-the-shelf design ideas instead of expensive custom solutions.
2025 Renovation Trends: Stylish and Affordable
Modern interior trends in 2025 offer solutions that are both fashionable and budget-friendly.
Key Trends:
- Minimalism — fewer furnishings and materials, more open space.
- Eco-materials — budget-friendly, sustainable, and durable (e.g., cork, veneer).
- Universal colors — neutral tones reduce the need for frequent redecoration.
- Modular furniture — easy to rearrange without built-in installations.
- Reuse culture — repainting or reupholstering old furniture instead of buying new.
Many current trends emphasize multifunctionality — what used to be a shelf can now double as a table or a hidden storage unit.
Hacks That Actually Save Your Budget
Simple everyday tricks can cut your renovation costs by 20–30% or more.
Top 5 Budget-Friendly Moves:
- Buy materials in bulk or during sales.
- Do minor tasks yourself (demolition, painting).
- Replace tiles in the bathroom with waterproof paint.
- Repurpose old furniture or buy second-hand via OLX or marketplaces.
- Use multi-purpose materials (e.g., vinyl flooring instead of parquet).
YouTube or Pinterest can be goldmines for DIY decor ideas or creative space solutions.
Choosing Contractors: Expensive ≠ Better
Hiring workers is one of the costliest parts of any renovation. But savings are possible here too.
How to Hire Smartly:
- Look for recommended freelancers, not agency contractors.
- Compare quotes from 3–5 service providers.
- Choose professionals with reviews and work samples.
- Negotiate stage-by-stage payments, not lump sums in advance.
- Offer service exchange deals — e.g., build a website in return for renovation help.
Some specialists even offer online consultation or project supervision services — a much cheaper option than full-time presence on site.
Materials: Where and How to Cut Costs
In 2025, most construction materials have gone up in price, but alternatives exist — often cheaper and just as functional.
Table: Materials Comparison
| Material | Expensive Option | Budget Alternative | Savings (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor covering | Hardwood parquet | Laminate or vinyl | 35–50% |
| Walls | Plaster + paint | Vinyl wallpaper | 25–40% |
| Sanitary ware | Italian brands | Polish or local manufacturers | 30–45% |
| Furniture | Designer sets | IKEA, Jysk, or DIY builds | 40–60% |
| Lighting | Hanging fixtures | LED ceiling panels | 20–30% |
You Can DIY More Than You Think
Even without professional skills, you can do part of the renovation yourself.
Examples of Easy DIY Tasks:
- Painting walls and ceilings
- Removing old coatings
- Installing baseboards
- Assembling furniture
- Installing sockets and light switches
This not only saves money but also brings satisfaction from creating your own space.
Break Renovation into Phases
You don’t need to renovate everything at once. Splitting the work into phases allows you to:
- better control your budget;
- gradually purchase materials;
- avoid loans and financial pressure;
- adjust plans as needed;
- adapt to market price changes.
For instance, you can complete the bathroom in the first month, move on to the kitchen in the second, and finish the rest later.
Earlier we wrote about how to get rid of insects in your apartment.