Smart shopping: 5 money-saving tips for a spring home refresh

Spring is a time for renewal and freshness, when the sun rides higher and the days grow longer, inspiring us to refresh the look of our homes too.

In this article, we highlight five practical tips for carrying out your spring home renovation project as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.

1. Write down a work plan and a realistic budget

A thorough plan and realistic budgeting are the foundation of a successful renovation project.

Start by writing down all the activities you're planning, and next to each one note all the tools, materials, and other items you'll need for it. Are you planning to do everything yourself, or will you need to hire a specialist for some of the work? Add an estimated cost to every item.

Have you heard the saying, "Buy cheap, buy twice"? That undoubtedly holds true for materials and tools bought for home renovation too. So keep in mind that saving money upfront can lead to bigger expenses down the road. That's why we recommend budgeting for slightly higher costs, factoring in unexpected expenses, and carrying out your renovation project right away with the highest-quality tools you can manage.

If you see your budget growing beyond your means, an ESTO renovation loan can help, giving you quick extra funding for renovating your home. That way, you can be sure you'll carry out your home renovation plan on time and to a high standard.

The annual percentage rate of charge on an ESTO AS small loan is 51.28% per year under the following sample terms: loan amount EUR 1,320, fixed annual interest rate 21.90%, contract fee EUR 0, monthly administration fee EUR 3.90, total amount of credit and repayments EUR 2,345.31, assuming the credit is repaid over 36 months in equal monthly instalments of EUR 65.15. Before signing the agreement, read the terms and consult a specialist if needed. The small loan is provided and managed by ESTO AS.

2. Watch for spring campaigns and discounts

Buying materials and furnishing elements generally means significant expenses, but taking advantage of seasonal discounts and campaigns can help you save a meaningful amount of money.

Keep a close eye on offers from your favorite stores and be ready to act when the chance comes up to buy quality materials at a better price. For example, JYSK, ON24, and other ESTO partners often run special offers aimed specifically at spring home refreshes.

Sign up for ESTO's newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date on our partner stores' discounts and special offers. You can also visit ESTO Market to discover bigger deals. It can be a great way to get quality products at an exceptionally low price.

3. Ask for recommendations and check for positive customer feedback

With a renovation project, it's important not only to keep your budget under control, but also to make sure the materials and services you use are of good quality.

One of the best ways to do this is to read other people's reviews and recommendations for materials, tools, and furnishing elements alike. This helps you make sure you're buying a quality product that will last for years and help you save on costs down the road.

Before making a purchase, take time to read product and service reviews online. This helps you find reliable providers and avoid buying low-quality products.

If in doubt, ask friends or family members who have recently done renovation work for advice. Their personal experience can be invaluable in helping you make informed choices.

Specialists at hardware stores can also give great advice.

4. Focus on extra perks and negotiation

If you're buying materials in bulk or using a particular company's services, always ask whether you can get a discount or extra perks. That way, you might, for example, get free delivery or a free extended warranty.

It never hurts to ask, and you'll likely be surprised at how many companies are willing to offer extra discounts or other perks to keep their customers happy.

5. Think green to save both nature and your money

Sustainable renovation isn't just good for the environment - it can also save you money in the long run. Start by choosing energy-efficient appliances, which reduce your monthly utility costs, and choose recycled or natural materials that are both durable and environmentally friendly.

Besides your choice of materials and appliances, also think about improving your home's energy efficiency. For example, replacing windows or adding extra insulation can reduce heat loss and save you money on heating and electricity bills.

Summary

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your living space and add new energy to it. We hope you found some inspiration and encouragement to make your home a better place, both for you and for our planet.

And remember, an ESTO renovation loan can be a great helper for creating a pleasant living environment for yourself, easily and quickly.