Tips for Funding Home Improvements

Spring is finally here and it’s a great time to carry out home improvements, whether you want to freshen up your home or need to repair damages caused by the winter weather. And remember, replacing a kitchen or bathroom, adding a conservatory or extending loft space are ways of adding value to your property too.

As with any project, the first step should be to draw up a plan. Think about what you need, what you’d like, how long it’s going to take and your budget. One of the worst things you can do when it comes to home improvements is to start a project without considering all the costs.

Depending on the scale of your home improvement plans, and whether you rent or own your property, you may need to seek permission before work gets underway. And for bigger projects, like building an extension, you should contact your local authority to check whether you need approval.

Consider the type of work and the level of your DIY skills, to see whether you need to employ tradespeople to carry out the work. Often the easiest and safest way to find a trades person is by asking family and friends for recommendations. And remember to get more than one quote, confirm exactly what’s covered by the price, and check the trades person’s credentials.

If you’re buying materials yourself, it’s best to shop around and also look on the internet for deals. Read customer reviews and ensure a guarantee is provided with the product to give you peace of mind.

Home improvement can be an expensive business. Don’t start the project without knowing the full costs, as you don’t want to run out of money halfway through. It’s also a good idea to add in a bit extra as a contingency budget, for any unexpected costs.

If you don’t have the money already set aside or the costs are more than you’d expected, you may want to consider borrowing the funds through a credit union, such as CLEVR Money. We offer a variety of loan products that are flexible and affordable. Find out more about the range of loans on offer and choose the one that’s right for you.

And don’t forget, our ‘Beat the banks’ promise means that if a high street bank offers you a lower rate on a loan under £5,000, we’ll match it.

To fund your project and create the home you love, email hello@clevr.money or visit www.clevr.money/