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9 Ways New Homeowners Can Save Money on Renovations in 2025
According to Angi, the average cost of home renovations is $52,304 in 2024. Since costs tend to rise every year, chances are this number will go up in 2025.
For new homeowners who want to make some renovations but don’t want to empty their bank accounts to do so, there’s good news. There are several ways to keep costs low on all aspects of renovations, including materials and labor.
Here are some of the best ways new homeowners can save money on renovations in 2025, according to real estate experts.
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Ask for Leftover Materials
If you’re planning a DIY home renovation project, see if you can grab some leftover materials from contractors in the neighborhood.
“Most contractors will have all kinds of leftover materials from past [projects] that generally just end up being recycled or used for various miscellaneous tasks,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant. “They may have some materials that are perfect for your renovation. This can cut material costs down for you, lowering the price of the renovation in total.”
Enlist Contractors During the Off Season
Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of planning a home renovation project during the less busy season, since contractors may cut their prices. With less demand, it might also take less time to complete these projects.
“In conversations with some of my clients, I have come to find out that quite a few of them are knocking out renovations with contractors during the late fall to early spring; or their ‘off season,’” said Phil Green, CEO of I Buy SD, a privately-held single-family homebuyer in San Diego.
“I remember one of my clients saved roughly 20% on labor costs simply by going with a contractor when she came back to them during the slower months,” Green added.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead and prioritizing your needs can save you money and stress on any renovation project.
“Before diving into any renovation project, it’s super important to sit down and figure out what you really need to fix or upgrade. Think about what will make the biggest difference in your daily life and add value to your home,” said Tim Stassi, founder and managing broker at Dwell One Realty.
“I once worked with a family who wanted to redo their entire kitchen,” Stassi continued. “After talking it through, we decided to focus on replacing the countertops and cabinets first. It made a huge difference and left enough money left over for future updates. Sometimes, less is more!”
Add It to the Purchase Price
If you’re buying a home next year and you already know it’s going to need some work, see if you can make the renovations a condition for the sale.
“The biggest way new homeowners can save money on renovations and projects is to wrap it into the purchase price,” said Jeff Lichtenstein, owner broker at Echo Fine Properties in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. “Have the seller do the renovation before they close or the builder put it into the build job. That way, you can include it in the mortgage.”
You could also do this with “big ticket” things, he said, like a roof repair or a pool.
Shop Smart
One of the easiest ways to save money on home renovations as a new homeowner is to use alternative materials that are cheaper.
“Renovation materials can get pricey, but there are ways to get what you need without spending a fortune,” said Stassi. “Look for reclaimed wood, buy in bulk or wait for sales. Also, choose materials that are both affordable and durable.”
For example, reclaimed wood tends to be cheaper than new hardwood. Small changes like these can make a huge difference to your overall costs.
Stick to Small Projects
Not every home renovation project has to be massive. If you’re a new homeowner, you might actually want to stick to smaller, more manageable projects that don’t break the bank — at least at first. You can always switch to bigger renovations later.
“Painting is by far the most cost-effective way to renovate a home. Doing it yourself maximizes the return on investment, and a fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space,” said Erin Hybart, a Realtor, ADU and tiny house enthusiast and blogger at ReErin.com.
“Another budget-friendly option I am seeing is using epoxy to update countertops and floors,” Hybart added. “I’ve seen amazing results from people with little experience. It’s a great way to make a big impact without breaking the bank.”
Other suggestions from Hybart include:
- Use scrap wood to put in shelves or storage cubbies.
- Add an accent wall to make a particular space feel more custom.
Take It in Stages
If you are doing a major renovation, break it up to ease the financial burden a bit. It might take a few months or even years, but you won’t have to stress out about the costs so much.
“Spacing out projects allows you to manage costs while living in the space and prioritizing what matters most,” said Justin Landis, founder of Justin Landis Group. “New homeowners can achieve stunning results by balancing creativity with practicality without breaking the bank.”
DIY Whenever Possible (But Hire Out Some Things)
DIY projects tend to be cheaper, since you’re not relying on professional labor for everything, but you may still benefit from hiring out certain projects. This is especially the case if you’ve never owned property before or done renovations yourself.
“You don’t need to hire a contractor for everything. Save money by only hiring experts for the tricky parts, like electrical work or major structural changes. Handle simpler tasks yourself or with the help of friends and family,” said Stassi. “There are plenty of projects you can handle yourself and save some cash. Painting walls, changing out light fixtures or even installing shelves are great places to start.”
Shop Secondhand
Shopping surplus or secondhand can save you money on materials, too.
“Habitat for Humanity ReStores and online marketplaces often carry high-quality materials like flooring, fixtures and appliances at a fraction of retail prices,” said Landis.
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