You don’t always have to spend more to add real value to your property. Just take it from Stephen and Branden. Also known as the Visionary Husbands, they’re passionate DIYers and strategic home renovators living in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the years, they’ve learned plenty of ways to save money while upgrading their rental properties. Their latest project shows you don’t need a massive budget to elevate your space—just a plan, some paint, and the right financial tools.

We caught up with Stephen and Branden to talk about cost-saving choices, smart splurges, and their top tips for first-time DIYers.

Beyond aesthetic improvements, what was your primary goal for this renovation, knowing you wouldn’t be living there yourselves?

Because this is an older building and a vacation rental, we’re always conscious of how age can show—especially in photos or guest reviews. Older spaces definitely come with character, which we love, but we also wanted the space to feel updated, fresh, and clean. A modern vibe helps guests feel more comfortable and confident in the space, even if the bones of the building are decades old.

What was your biggest cost-saving move, and what's one area where you decided it was worth spending a bit more?

One of the best cost-saving choices we made was buying a 5-gallon bucket of paint instead of doing individual colors for every room. It gave us consistency throughout the space, and surprisingly, that one bucket covered most of the walls. We still wanted some contrast, so we splurged on a little extra paint and went bold in two rooms. One got a deep green colour-drenched look, and the other got a black feature wall. It gave us the best of both worlds: budget-friendly and visually interesting.

What’s the most cost-effective way to elevate a space for beginner DIYers?

Paint is truly a game changer when you’re renovating on a budget. It doesn’t just belong on walls either. You can use it on cabinets, doors, shelves, furniture—so many surfaces can be transformed with just a few coats. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to breathe new life into a tired space without having to do a full overhaul.

You talk a lot about adding value without overspending. What's one upgrade you considered but ultimately decided against because it didn't align with your budget-conscious approach or value-add goals?

We went back and forth on whether to replace the kitchen countertops. They’re about 17 years old and have a few scratches and signs of wear. We definitely want to upgrade them down the line, but for this round of renovations, it just wasn’t in the budget. Sometimes you have to make peace with a “phase one” renovation and leave the bigger-ticket upgrades for later.

Are there any other choices you would make if you decided to sell this property instead of renting it?

We had a lot of fun going bold with colour in the primary bedroom, but if we were planning to sell anytime soon, we probably would have kept it more neutral. Bold designs can be beautiful and full of personality, but they’re not always to everyone’s taste. If resale is the goal, it’s usually safer to keep things simple and let buyers imagine the space as their own.

If you had to pick one, what would you say is the single most impactful renovation tip you learned from this project that you'd share with aspiring renovators?

If you’re working on a tight schedule like we were, give yourself some extra time. Things will go wrong, or take longer than expected—especially if you’re not a pro. We made a few mistakes along the way and had to redo some things, which set us back a bit. Adding buffer time into your plan can take a lot of pressure off and make the whole experience way less stressful.

What’s the biggest mistake you see first-time DIYers make? 

One of the biggest mistakes we made early on was not being fully prepared. If you have a project in mind, take the time to research, make a list, and gather your materials before you start. There’s nothing worse than being mid-project and realizing you’re missing a tool or forgot a key piece. A little prep up front can save you a lot of frustration later.

Any advice for someone who’s considering DIYing, but isn’t sure if it’s right for them? 

When you’re doing DIYs, research is your best friend. Watch YouTube videos, read blog posts, ask people you trust—and don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. Mistakes are part of the process, especially if you’re learning as you go. Try to give yourself some grace if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time. It’s all part of getting better.

What’s a misconception you see around renovating spaces to increase value? 

There’s a pretty common myth that if you pour money into renovations, you’ll automatically get it back when you sell or rent. But in reality, not all upgrades give the same return. Sometimes the most valuable improvements aren’t flashy—they’re behind-the-scenes things like upgrading insulation, replacing windows, or modernizing an outdated electrical system. They might not make for the best Instagram photo, but they build trust and comfort with future buyers or renters, which can go a long way.

Did any of ATB’s tools help you make the decisions you did for this DIY project?

Yes! One of the biggest ways ATB’s tools helped was by giving us a clear picture of our overall budget before we even picked up a paintbrush. We used their budgeting tools to map out how much we could realistically spend and where we could cut back. It helped us feel more confident in the decisions we made—like choosing to hold off on replacing the countertops for now, or going with a 5-gallon bucket of paint instead of multiple smaller ones. Having that clarity up front made the entire project feel less overwhelming and way more manageable.

Ready to start your own renovation journey? ATB’s Mortgage Advice Centre can help you explore flexible options and budget-friendly strategies to make the most of your next project. Connect with us today.