Want to upgrade your home without blowing your budget?
Every homeowner has a list of projects they want crossed off. A kitchen remodel. Bathroom updates. Installing a new boiler before winter. After all, worthwhile improvements mean:
- A more comfortable home
- Lower monthly bills
Here’s the problem:
Large home renovations tend to go over budget. Now homeowners are spending an average of £3,140 annually on renovations – and that figure is rising. Costs inflate, unforeseen items are added and suddenly… poof. Your budget has disappeared.
Without a plan, you just won’t save.
Tired of overpaying for big home upgrades? Learn the easy secrets savvy homeowners follow to SAVE money. Without sacrificing quality.
Time to jump in!
Inside this guide:
- Why Smart Homeowners Start With Their Heating
- What Affects A New Boiler Cost?
- 6x Ways To Spend Less On Big Home Upgrades
Why Smart Homeowners Start With Their Heating
Not every upgrade is equal.
A new kitchen is nice. But a new heating system can save you money every month. That’s why homeowners are making their boiler a top priority.
Why? Because a boiler that’s past its prime is literally throwing away lots of the gas you’re paying for. New A-rated condensing boilers lose far less energy, saving you money and keeping you warmer.
If your boiler is more than 10 years old, then the time to start thinking is now. Knowing how much you will have to pay for a new boiler cost before you need one is essential. Obtaining an early quote for a new boiler installation allows you to shop around and compare boiler prices, fitting fees and warranties in your own time. It’s much cheaper than having to call someone for an emergency replacement in the middle of winter.
And it won’t take you long to make your money back. Switching from an older G-rated boiler to an A-rated one with full heating controls can save around £320 a year on heating costs for the average semi-detached home.
That’s money back in your pocket. Every single year.
What Affects A New Boiler Cost?
Here’s the thing…
There’s no magic number. Several different factors determine your new boiler cost:
- Boiler type: Combi, system and regular boilers all come at different prices.
- Size and output: Bigger homes with more radiators need more powerful boilers.
- Moving the boiler: If you move it to another location you will incur additional pipework and labour costs.
- Extra work: Power flushes, new controls or a new flue will incur extra costs.
The most cost effective solution is always a like-for-like replacement. If you keep your new boiler in the same position using the same system type, the job is quicker and easier for the engineer.
Pretty simple, right?
However, a boiler is only one home upgrade. Here are tips that’ll save you money on every major project in your house…
6x Ways To Spend Less On Big Home Upgrades
Here are proven steps that will allow homeowners to maintain control of budget during larger projects. Review them, select which will work for you and implement them. Saving money is that easy!
Set A Budget (And Stick To It)
This sounds obvious… But lots of homeowners skip it.
A new Houzz & Home research study found that homeowners spent too much on their renovations. In fact, 38% of homeowners overspent on their renovation project, while more than a quarter (26%) began work without any budget at all.
Write down how much you can afford. Now shave off 10-15% and set it aside for unexpected expenses. Older homes tend to hide ugly surprises behind walls and beneath floors.
If you don’t need the buffer, that’s a win.
Get At Least 3x Quotes
Never go with the first price you get.
Prices for identical work can vary wildly between different tradesmen. Obtaining 3x quotes allows you to know exactly what the market rate is. You’ll also be able to identify anyone overcharging (or undercharging).
When comparing quotes, check:
- What’s included in the price
- How long the job will take
- What warranty or guarantee comes with the work
A low-ball quote that omits work that needs to be done is not low-priced.
Time Your Upgrade Right
Timing can save you a surprising amount.
Demand for heating engineers is highest during autumn and winter. When winter comes around old boilers start failing and demand increases rapidly. You’ll usually get better prices/quicker start times if you book your boiler upgrade in spring/summer.
Think of other professions as well. Construction workers and roofers are busy during the summer, so inquire about when it’s slow for them to save money.
Check For Grants And Schemes
Don’t leave free money on the table!
Government schemes can reduce the cost of energy-efficient improvements. For instance, the Boiler Upgrade Scheme provides a grant of £7,500 towards an air source or ground source heat pump in England and Wales. The installer claims it on your behalf and discounts the grant from the price you pay upfront.
Simple as that really. It’s always worth seeing what you’re entitled to before you commit to anything. Also, worth checking your local council and energy supplier run schemes as well.
Bundle Jobs Together
Got more than one upgrade on your list?
Doing jobs together can save you money. Take…if you’re getting your boiler replaced and decorating. Do the pipework before. Saves paying to patch walls and floors twice.
Grouping your jobs together will also save on call-out charges and minimizes the amount of time your home is disrupted.
Fewer visits = lower costs.
Don’t Forget The Small Upgrades
Here’s something lots of homeowners miss…
The small upgrades often give you the best return. Things like:
- Smart thermostats
- Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
- Loft and pipe insulation
- Draught proofing around doors and windows
They aren’t as expensive as a whole house renovation, and they allow your larger upgrades to perform more efficiently. A new boiler won’t save you as much money in a leaky house with no controls.
Think of them as the support act that makes the main act shine.
The Final Word
Saving money on major home renovations doesn’t necessarily mean always going with the lowest bid. It means planning in advance and making wise decisions throughout the process.
To quickly recap:
- Start with upgrades that pay you back, like your heating
- Understand what drives your new boiler cost
- Set a budget with a buffer
- Get at least 3x quotes
- Time your project right
- Check for grants and bundle your jobs
- Rinse and repeat for every big job
Follow these tips and you’ll score the home you love for MUCH less than you expected. Your budget (and your bank account) will thank you!
