Whoever said the best things in life are free certainly wasn't about that reno life. And while we're totally here for renovating on a budget, there's simply some places where you need to splash a little cash when re-shaping your home.

Parts of your bathroom, laundry and kitchen deserve your discovering that inner urge to splurge.But don't think all three of these areas have to be a straight up money pit. There are some things you can afford to find in a more cost effective manner that will still have you loving life post reno.

The Kitchen

You can whip up some renos that can add some serious value to your home if you play your cards right in the kitchen. It's one of the first places people look when they are trying to see if a property ticks all those precious wants and needs boxes. And if you're not selling? Think about all the time you spend there.

The last thing you want is shoddy prep areas and dim, dingy dungeon vibes. That's why you should allocate a lot of your hard-earned dinero to your countertops and lighting. Both play a pivotal role in the look and feel of your space, not to mention provide a lot of its functionality. This is especially true if you don't consider yourself an ace cook who needs absolute top-of-the-line appliances.

To preserve max budget for these focus areas, you'll want to find top-shelf essentials that won't break the bank. This is where you can throw the kitchen sink at your budget without breaking it. Save some serious bucks with a single or double bowl sink that slots in beautifully to your new benchtops. Then add in a chrome or matte black mixer tap for a clean, contemporary look.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is another place you don't want to cut reno budget corners. There's no point in tightening the purse strings with key pieces like the toilet & tiling. These are heavy-use items you don't want to mess around with and should feel comfortable splurging (or at least not skimping) on. The same goes for the plumbing. Finding a reliable tradie can be tough, and a good one can be worth his or her weight in gold. While you def want to get a few quotes, don't play too much hardball here.

However, don't feel like you need to flush all your money down the toilet. There are plenty of places where you can conserve your cash stash and still kick your reno goals. Small bathroom accessories can make a big difference. Towel rails might seem boring, but the right one can add some chic style to your WC. And utilising available vertical real estate with items such as a soap bottle holder or wall caddy can help you maximise your space and your budget.

The Laundry

There's plenty to remember when planning your laundry reno. Well here's another: don't get too cute when it comes to your appliances. You want your washer and dryer to stand up to load after load of laundry for years to come. Also, don't be afraid to use a good chunk of your budget on high-quality cabinetry in your laundry. While there are plenty of things you can do to get the most out of your small spaces, you still want to have a strong cabinet setup that allows the room to be a bit more of an all-rounder when it comes to what you keep in it. Storage is at a premium in the laundry, after all.

Instead, shave a bit off your spending with the laundry tub, which doesn't need to be an aesthetic all star to get the job done. Pair it with some affordable laundry taps and you're laughing all the way to the bank (to deposit your leftover reno budget from your shrewd moves).

Free yourself up to go big at home on reno essentials by finding great, affordable alternatives with the help of CLARK. Find out where to buy these economical essentials today and get ready to fit everything in under budget.