Secrets to saving big on your next DIY project
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Are you looking to save money on home repairs and renovations? If so, then a DIY project is an excellent solution!
Tackling a repair or renovation yourself can save a significant amount of money, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. But it’s not without its challenges – you’ll need to be prepared with the right tools, knowledge, and patience.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve collected detailed advice and tips from experts to start your next DIY project off on the right foot. Keep reading to find out how you can save money on your next project, and create the home of your dreams!
Getting started: Gather your tools
In almost any job you do, having the right tools is absolutely crucial. So, before you start any home renovation project, make a list of all the materials you’ll need. This makes your job that much easier.
This may include basic hand tools such as screwdrivers and hammers, electric and impact drills, to more specialised tools such as a circular saw or tile cutter – or anything that can help you tackle a variety of projects with ease.
It’s best if you consider the material you’re working with and what types of tools you already own so you can weigh your options well. You can save money by investing in high-quality tools that will last you for many years and can be used for multiple home improvement projects.
Set a budget
This is an important step in any home renovation project. Having a budget in place will help you avoid overspending and make sure you have enough funds for unexpected costs. Set aside 10 to 20 per cent of your budget to help cover unexpected expenses. This will also ensure you can complete the project as planned.
To set a budget, you have to determine your goals first. Make a list of the repairs you plan on doing and include the approximate costs. This will give you an idea of the total cost of the renovations.
Next, get estimates from hardware stores or online retailers for the materials or tools you’ll need.
Once you have a budget in place, it’s important to stick to it and avoid making impulse purchases. Additionally, you can also save money by shopping for sales.
Research, research, research!
Conduct thorough research before you start any renovation project. This is to ensure you have a clear understanding of the current state of your property and so you’re aware of any potential issues that you need to address first.
Making informed decisions will help you save money in any DIY project, so don’t skip this step! Additionally, research different renovation options and consider the pros and cons of each one. This will help you figure out if it’s more costly to continue repairing areas of your home alone or if you hire a contractor.
Consider also the cost of materials, labour, or any other permit or licence that you may need. This establishes realistic expectations for your DIY project and ensures you’re not breaking any laws unconsciously.
Some of the more common regulations and safety standards that apply to renovations and repairs in Australia include the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
These standards regulate the materials used in construction, the minimum size of rooms and other safety-related criteria.
Take your time
Planning a home renovation can be a stressful experience, leading many people to want to rush through their projects as quickly as possible. But hastiness can lead to more mistakes and subpar results – and no one wants that, right?
Prioritise quality over speed and take as much time as you need. Rushing through things can lead to many errors and may give way to even more costly corrective measures down the line.
We know tackling your own home improvement projects can be a hassle, but with proper planning and time management, you can achieve your desired results without breaking the bank.
Home renovation expert and TV host Cherie Barber also shared her top tips for Aussies wanting to renovate on a budget. One of her tips includes managing the renovation project and breaking down the different jobs into smaller goals. After all, failing to plan properly is one of the easiest ways for your expenses to spiral out of control.
She recommends establishing a realistic time frame for each stage of the renovation process. You can read more about her advice here.
Remember: slow and steady wins the race.
We'd love to hear from you if you have any more tips or tricks for tackling home repairs and renovations, so let us know in the comments below!
Tackling a repair or renovation yourself can save a significant amount of money, as well as provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. But it’s not without its challenges – you’ll need to be prepared with the right tools, knowledge, and patience.
Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve collected detailed advice and tips from experts to start your next DIY project off on the right foot. Keep reading to find out how you can save money on your next project, and create the home of your dreams!
Getting started: Gather your tools
In almost any job you do, having the right tools is absolutely crucial. So, before you start any home renovation project, make a list of all the materials you’ll need. This makes your job that much easier.
This may include basic hand tools such as screwdrivers and hammers, electric and impact drills, to more specialised tools such as a circular saw or tile cutter – or anything that can help you tackle a variety of projects with ease.
Having the right tools nearby as you work will help you finish your tasks more efficiently. Credit: JESHOOTS.com/Pexels
It’s best if you consider the material you’re working with and what types of tools you already own so you can weigh your options well. You can save money by investing in high-quality tools that will last you for many years and can be used for multiple home improvement projects.
Set a budget
This is an important step in any home renovation project. Having a budget in place will help you avoid overspending and make sure you have enough funds for unexpected costs. Set aside 10 to 20 per cent of your budget to help cover unexpected expenses. This will also ensure you can complete the project as planned.
To set a budget, you have to determine your goals first. Make a list of the repairs you plan on doing and include the approximate costs. This will give you an idea of the total cost of the renovations.
Set a budget based on what you plan on accomplishing. Credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
Next, get estimates from hardware stores or online retailers for the materials or tools you’ll need.
Once you have a budget in place, it’s important to stick to it and avoid making impulse purchases. Additionally, you can also save money by shopping for sales.
Research, research, research!
Conduct thorough research before you start any renovation project. This is to ensure you have a clear understanding of the current state of your property and so you’re aware of any potential issues that you need to address first.
Making informed decisions will help you save money in any DIY project, so don’t skip this step! Additionally, research different renovation options and consider the pros and cons of each one. This will help you figure out if it’s more costly to continue repairing areas of your home alone or if you hire a contractor.
Consider also the cost of materials, labour, or any other permit or licence that you may need. This establishes realistic expectations for your DIY project and ensures you’re not breaking any laws unconsciously.
Consult with a contractor if you’re unsure about making home improvements on your own. Credit: ThisIsEngineering/Pexels
Some of the more common regulations and safety standards that apply to renovations and repairs in Australia include the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
These standards regulate the materials used in construction, the minimum size of rooms and other safety-related criteria.
Take your time
Planning a home renovation can be a stressful experience, leading many people to want to rush through their projects as quickly as possible. But hastiness can lead to more mistakes and subpar results – and no one wants that, right?
Prioritise quality over speed and take as much time as you need. Rushing through things can lead to many errors and may give way to even more costly corrective measures down the line.
We know tackling your own home improvement projects can be a hassle, but with proper planning and time management, you can achieve your desired results without breaking the bank.
Remember these tips, members! Image Credit: The Seniors Discount Club
Home renovation expert and TV host Cherie Barber also shared her top tips for Aussies wanting to renovate on a budget. One of her tips includes managing the renovation project and breaking down the different jobs into smaller goals. After all, failing to plan properly is one of the easiest ways for your expenses to spiral out of control.
She recommends establishing a realistic time frame for each stage of the renovation process. You can read more about her advice here.
Remember: slow and steady wins the race.
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