- Job Ratings: Your final score depends on thoroughness and precision.
- Essential Tools: Always keep your drill, screwdriver, and Notch Trowel handy.
- Physics System: Heavy objects require two hands and careful maneuvering.
- Store Runs: Check the tablet frequently to buy exact materials needed.
- Cleanliness: Trash removal is often the final step before job completion.
Game Overview & Core Mechanics
Low Budget Repairs is a chaotic life simulation game where you play as a renovator tasked with fixing up dilapidated apartments. Unlike other renovation sims, this game focuses on a "janky" physics-based experience where precision is difficult, and instructions are often vague. Your goal is to complete jobs to the best of your ability to earn cash, despite the clumsy controls and unpredictable physics engine.
The game features a physics system where items can easily break, fall through floors, or collide with walls. Always move slowly when carrying heavy objects to avoid destroying the client's property.
Video Highlights:
- Introduction to the game's "janky" repair mechanics.
- Demonstration of wall patching and painting techniques.
- Furniture assembly and heavy object physics.
- Job completion and rating system breakdown.
The gameplay loop involves accepting a job, traveling to the location, assessing the damage, purchasing materials from the store, and executing the repairs. The challenge comes from the manual labor required—mixing your own cement, physically screwing in furniture mounts, and hauling heavy boxes out of windows.
Step-by-Step Job Completion
To successfully finish a job in Low Budget Repairs, you need to follow a logical sequence of operations. Rushing often leads to damaged property and lower ratings.
Assessment & Cleaning
Upon arrival, enter the apartment and identify all tasks. Look for trash, wall holes, and furniture that needs moving. Use your trash bags to collect garbage immediately to clear your workspace.
Material Acquisition
Check the tablet in your inventory or the on-screen list to see what items are required (e.g., "Blue Wave Tiles," "Fresh Basil Paint"). Travel to the store and purchase exactly what is needed.
Wall Repairs
Use the Notch Trowel to apply plaster to holes. Ensure the plaster isn't too diluted or too thick. Once applied, paint the walls using the specified colors. Note that paint may appear darker if applied too heavily.
Furniture Assembly
For new items like wardrobes or couches, unpack the boxes and use your drill to assemble them. When mounting items (shelves, clocks), use the mounting mode to align them before screwing them in.
Final Review
Once all tasks are checked off, clean any remaining debris. Use the tablet/phone to "Finish Job." You will receive a rating based on care and cleanliness.
If you run out of plaster or paint, you must return to the store. It is often better to buy slightly more than you think you need to avoid mid-job trips.
Tools & Materials Management
Managing your inventory and understanding the specific use cases for tools is vital for efficiency. The game does not hold your hand, so knowing the difference between a screwdriver and a drill is key.
| Tool/Material | Usage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notch Trowel | Applying plaster/adhesive | Essential for patching wall holes and tiling. |
| Screwdriver | Dismantling & Screwing | Used to take apart old furniture and screw in mounts. |
| Drill | Assembly | Required for assembling new furniture packs. |
| Broom | Cleaning | Sweeps up dust and debris; does not pick up trash. |
| Trash Bags | Disposal | Use these to collect garbage and throw it out windows. |
| Paint Brush | Painting | Manual application; can lead to streaky finishes if rushed. |
When mixing your own materials, such as tile adhesive or plaster, pay attention to proportions. A common ratio for wall paste is 65% powder to 35% water. Incorrect ratios will result in "shoddy work" warnings.
Maximizing Job Ratings
Your final payout and percentage score depend on how well you perform. The game evaluates your work based on several hidden factors.
High Rating Factors
- Precision: Aligning pictures and shelves perfectly level.
- Cleanliness: Removing all trash and dust.
- Completeness: Ensuring no wall holes are left unpainted.
Common Penalties
- Messy Paint: Visible brush strokes or dark spots.
- Damage: Breaking windows or knocking over furniture.
- Incomplete Tasks: Leaving trash or unassembled items.
Physics Tips
- Heavy Lifting: Use two hands and clear a path.
- Window Disposal: Use windows to eject heavy trash easily.
- Slow Movement: Walk slowly to prevent tripping or dropping items.
The game judges you on "care." Even if a task is technically done (e.g., a shelf is mounted), if it is slightly crooked or there is trash on the floor, your score will drop significantly.
Advanced Techniques & Troubleshooting
As you progress, jobs become more complex, involving electrical work and tiling. These tasks require a deeper understanding of the game's mechanics.
Electrical Work: When installing lamps, you must connect wires to the power grid.
- Mount the Lamp: Screw the lamp base into the wall.
- Connect Wires: Access the wiring mode and drag a wire from the lamp to a power source (fuse box or outlet).
- Manage Fuses: If you short a circuit, you may need to reset the fuse box by flipping the switches back on.
Tiling: Tiling is one of the most difficult tasks due to the physics.
- Apply Adhesive: Use your mixed paste on the target wall.
- Place Tiles: Stick tiles onto the adhesive. You can cut tiles if they don't fit using the cut mode.
- Grouting/Finishing: Ensure all tiles are secure and aligned.
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Short Circuit | Wires crossing or incorrect connection | Remove wires, reset fuse, and re-wire carefully. |
| Tiles Falling | Not enough adhesive or incorrect placement | Apply a thicker layer of paste and hold tiles longer. |
| Paint Too Dark | Applying too much paint or wrong dilution | Use thinner coats or buy a roller for smoother application. |
| Can't Move Object | Object is too heavy or blocked | Clear the path completely and use both hands/interact prompts. |
Job Completion Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure you haven't missed any tasks before calling the client.
Pre-Completion Checklist:
- All trash removed and disposed of
- Wall holes patched and painted
- Furniture assembled in correct locations
- Items mounted (clocks, shelves, lamps)
- Floors cleaned (no dust or debris)
- Electrical fixtures tested and working
Once you are satisfied, use the tablet to finish the job. You will receive a rating (typically 60%-90% for beginners) and your payment. Use this money to buy better tools or unlock new jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I fix a low budget repairs job rating?
To improve your rating, focus on precision. Use the measuring tape for hanging pictures and ensure walls are perfectly clean. Avoid rushing the painting process, as messy strokes lower your score. Always clean up every piece of trash before finishing.
Q: Why can't I pick up heavy objects?
Heavy objects in Low Budget Repairs often require you to clear a path. If you are blocked by furniture or debris, you cannot lift the item. Additionally, some objects require a specific interaction point (e.g., lifting from one side while the other slides).
Q: Where do I buy materials?
Materials are purchased at the store, accessible via your car or the map. You can buy pre-mixed options (more expensive) or raw materials to mix yourself (cheaper but requires mixing ratios like 65/35).
Q: What happens if I break something?
If you break a window or furniture, it generally counts against your final job rating. While you can sometimes replace items (like buying a new mirror), it is often better to move slowly and avoid damage in the first place.