Are you losing money at Bunnings? Avoid this 'cheap' blunder home renovators are making!

When it comes to home improvement and DIY, Bunnings Warehouse is a name that resonates with many Australians.

It's the go-to place for tools, materials, and advice for sprucing up homes.

However, even the savviest of shoppers could fall into traps, especially when cost-cutting.


Professional renovator Jade Compston shared a word of caution for everyone trying to save a few dollars at Bunnings.

The budget home renovator warned against purchasing cheap painting tools, which may seem like a bargain at first glance.

'If you buy a cheap $3 brush, then be prepared to spend most of your time picking the bristles off the wall as it disintegrates in your hands as you paint,' Compston shared.


compressed-painted walls.jpeg
Jade Compston showcased one of her recent painting projects on social media. Image Credit: Instagram/Jade Compston


The same goes for paint rollers. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest option available, Compston urged homeowners to invest in a strong and reliable roller.

'Go for a strong and reliable roller like a UniPro micro fibre roller, which will cost around $18 but give such a smooth finish,' Compston added.

'My favourite is the 100 mm model as while it is smaller, it's easier to work with, and the result is always even.'


Compston suggested mid-range brushes from Monarch or UniPro, priced at around $15.

These brushes should do the job properly and leave a professional-looking finish on DIY painting projects.

Beyond tools, Compston talked about the importance of preparation when doing home projects.

She reminded DIY enthusiasts to always read instructions on paint cans, brushes, and roller packages.

This simple step ensures a polished look and can prevent several issues later on.

'A fresh coat of paint can change everything in a room—the look and how you feel within it,' Compston shared.

'It's the same when I am repainting an old chest of drawers or table—repainted in a smart colour, and it can look better than it ever did when it was brand new.'


For those looking to achieve the best results with paint, Compston shared her secrets.

She recommended using a paint roller in one direction, overlapping each new layer by at least half of the previous one.

She prefers water-based paints for their ease of use and clean-up, but enamel-based paints are an excellent option for darker colours.

When it comes to design, Compston always opts for bold statements on a budget.

Watch one of her recent renovations here:

Source: @jade_compston/Instagram

She uses simple design items from Bunnings' wood department to create stylish, textured effects.

These can be used to craft a feature wall that elevates the room's look, often for an additional cost of around $100 plus a tin of paint.

Compston believed that low-cost yet impactful designs could spice up a home.

She hopes that people can transform their spaces into areas they love, highlighting the mental health benefits of a comfortable and pleasing abode.
Key Takeaways

  • Professional renovator Jade Compston advised against cheap paint brushes and rollers, as low-quality tools could lead to poor results.
  • Compston recommended reading the instructions on paint cans and tool packaging to avoid common painting mistakes and achieve a polished look.
  • Jade, known for her budget-friendly renovations, shared tips on how to use paint rollers and to choose paint colours for versatility.
  • She also suggested using affordable design features like pine panelling to create stylish, textured walls on a budget.
Are you planning to repaint or renovate your home soon? Do you have DIY home tips you would like to share with everyone? Let's talk about it in the comments section below!
 

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Hi, I have an off-topic question!

If I want to try a home inspection service, what key factors should I consider before hiring an inspector?

Also, what’s your opinion on home inspections? Do you think it’s worth going for a complete inspection?
 
Jade Compston’s advice on DIY home improvements is spot on. While it can be tempting to cut costs at places like Bunnings, cheap painting tools often lead to more frustration and time wasted. The OnePlus One (OPO) is a perfect example of getting great value for quality, much like how a solid investment in good tools for Building inspection Perth, like a quality paintbrush or roller, ensures better results in your projects. It's all about finding the right balance between price and quality, whether you’re renovating your home or choosing tech. Planning and investing in the right equipment is key for a successful outcome.
 
Many years ago I spent quite a few years renovating houses and shops. I never bought the best tools or the cheapest tools, I always went for a mid-range priced tool and was never disappointed. The cheapest were definitely out as that was the sort of job they did and most of the dearest were overpriced. Just stay with the mid-priced range and you won't be disappointed as long as you know how to use the tool you are buying.
 
Hi, I have an off-topic question!

If I want to try a home inspection service, what key factors should I consider before hiring an inspector?

Also, what’s your opinion on home inspections? Do you think it’s worth going for a complete inspection?
After years in the flipping game I would suggest that if you don't know what you're looking for you're best to hire an inspector. Building inspectors only look for major structural defects. Actually I'll correct that, they do look for other smaller defects that you could possibly fix yourself at some later date but the inspection only covers major structural defects if you wish to make a claim against the seller for repairs. My advice is it's always worth the money to hire a building inspector as if the owner is not prepared to remedy the fault then you can opt out of the contract.
 
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Reactions: Sass
Professional renovator Jade Compston.

Enough said....

Like Jane Doe, the cleaning expert guru Tik Tok exponent or Sally Slackpouch, the world famous organiser influencer who nobody has ever heard of.

Make a video, post it on the internet, get 25 views and KABOOM!! You are now the world renowned expert on NOTHING AT ALL!!
 
Hi, I have an off-topic question!

If I want to try a home inspection service, what key factors should I consider before hiring an inspector?

Also, what’s your opinion on home inspections? Do you think it’s worth going for a complete inspection?
DEFINITELY....Especially if the house is current, being built, or older than 15 years. the houses they build today are made of cardboard.
 
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Why only point out Bunnings when there is abundant supplies at the dollar stores, supermarkets and weekend markets. I'm doing a one time reno to get ready to sell so I'm not going to buy high grade brushes or rollers for a single use. What is charged for some of the reno accessories are exorbitantly over priced anyway.
 
Hi, I have an off-topic question!

If I want to try a home inspection service, what key factors should I consider before hiring an inspector?

Also, what’s your opinion on home inspections? Do you think it’s worth going for a complete inspection?
It depends on how much you really want the house some body is buying my sons house the minute they saw it they made an offer, then inspector raised heaps of issues the buyer ignored him and said all houses have some issues the price will determine if the issue is relevant. My sons house is 120 years old they did a lot of renovations the buyer intends to do more
 
Why only point out Bunnings when there is abundant supplies at the dollar stores, supermarkets and weekend markets. I'm doing a one time reno to get ready to sell so I'm not going to buy high grade brushes or rollers for a single use. What is charged for some of the reno accessories are exorbitantly over priced anyway.
Cheap products give you a poor finish in most cases. You don't have to buy the dearest. Bunngs have a good mid priced range. Dollar stores just don't cut it. If you're going to do a reno then do a good one and you will reap the benefits in the price received.It doesn't matter if it's a one off, I buy new good quality products for every reno I do.
 

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