With so many families spending time at home due to the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many homeowners’ thoughts have turned to the home improvements their home needs, whether it’s on the outside of the home or the inside, home improvements, contractors, and the like cost quite a bit of money, and being in the AFC home club sometimes isn’t enough to cover it.

If you’ve had to be out of work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you’re probably looking for creative ways to make your home improvements on a budget. Just as you can find health insurance advice for expecting parents through websites, you can also find budgeting tips for home improvements online just by putting your email address into a contact form. In fact, pregnant women know that you probably want to complete those home improvements before your bundle of joy arrives, so keep reading for a few tips to help you budget for the home improvements you need to get done before the delivery day.

1. Determine which home improvements are most important.

While there are many improvements you probably want to make to your home, the important ones need to be done first. For example, if you’re expecting the delivery of your baby in the next couple of months, you’ll want to have the baby’s nursery built on before you upgrade your kitchen. One great way to replace the non-functioning appliances in your home, such as the dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, dryer, or even the water heater, is to check into the home warranty options you have through AFC.

As a homeowner, your home insurance covers quite a few things, but a good home warranty covers even more. When you first moved into your home, you might have gone to afchomeclub.com (the AFC website), and joined the AFC home club for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home warranty would cover expensive appliance repairs and replacements. Now is the time to go to the AFC and see if a technician can be sent to your home to see if your appliances are salvageable or you need to replace your appliances soon, moving that to the top of your home improvement to-do list and budget, along with checking to see if you can get Medicaid for the delivery of your little one. Using your spare time to take care of renovations that are covered by your warranty is the best way to make sure you’re bringing your baby home to a great place.

2. Take on an extra gig to finance home improvements.

Sometimes, even with a great home warranty and home insurance, the home improvements you need just aren’t covered under your home insurance or home warranty plan. You’re steadily paying your health insurance payments since you don’t qualify for Medicaid and can’t afford another cent to come out of your budget. One of the best ways and a creative way to make money for the home improvements you’re seeking is to earn extra money by taking on side gigs online. Sites like Upwork have jobs that freelancers can bid on and make extra money in different fields of work.

Even Craigslist has gigs listed where you can make the extra money you need to finance appliances and home improvements without having to go to AFC and use your home warranty to do it. There are many clever ways to make money at home, you just need to know how to find them.

Fiverr is also a site that people use to make extra cash as well. There are many creative ways to make extra cash out there; you just have to know where to find them. There are even online courses you can teach that are great ways to bring in extra money if you have the experience. Many of these sites just require a username, email address, and a new password for you to get started earning the extra money you need. Working as a freelancer or selling crafts on Etsy can even turn into a full-time job if you play your cards right.

3. Consider used items, such as appliances.

Another great way to ensure you have the extra money to finance home improvements is to consider used appliances instead of going out and buying brand new ones. If you decide to purchase used appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, dryers, or washers, you might still want to have a technician come out and inspect the appliances before you sink your money into them to be on the safe side.

4. Shop around.

When it comes to home improvements, no two contractors or technicians will be the same or charge the same prices. Take your time, shop around, do your research, and choose the right contractors for the job.

These are just a few of the best tips for making home improvements on a budget. From shopping around for the best technicians and contractors and using gift cards for essentials to getting a full-time or part-time gig as a bookkeeper or transcriptionist, or even in graphic design, on Fiverr or Upwork, there are plenty of ways to budget for your home improvements and add income that your day job doesn’t provide, you just have to know where to look for them.