It’s the time of year when many homeowners start thinking about DIY tasks that need to be done. While doing it yourself is usually cheaper than getting a tradesman in, there are several ways in which you can further reduce the cost. Here are our top tips for saving money when embarking on a spot of DIY.
1) Look out for special offers
DIY season sees the major retailers in this sector become ultra-competitive by launching lots of sales and special offers – which is great news for penny-pinching homeowners! The days leading up to bank holiday weekends are particularly good for discounts and deals, such as multi-buys on paint and reduced-price tools.
It’s worth comparing prices online before actually going out to buy whatever you need, or even ordering items to be delivered to your home so you don’t have to brave the crowds – or risk giving in to some impulse buys. You may find extra special offers on the internet that aren’t available in-store, too.
2) Take advantage of tool and machinery hire
If the jobs you have in mind require specialist tools or machinery, don’t splash out on buying them outright – save money by hiring them instead. It’s unlikely the equipment in question will be used on a regular basis, making hiring a much more cost effective option, especially if you need something of a particularly high quality or from a top-end brand.
The internet is a good place to start when looking for organisations that offer DIY tools for hire –click here for one example – or consult your local directory to find suppliers in your area.
3) Know what you’re doing
A seemingly low-cost DIY task can turn into an expensive nightmare if you manage to botch it and need to spend extra money on rectifying your mistakes. That’s why it pays to do some careful research when starting a job you’ve never done before.
Of course, there are some projects that are definitely best off in the hands of the experts, such as plumbing and electrical work. Get a good price by comparing itemised quotes from at least three tradesmen.
4) Borrow from the neighbours
If you’re lucky and are on good terms with your neighbours, they might be willing to lend you equipment such as electric saws and sanders, so you don’t need to buy or even hire them yourself. Be sure to show your thanks by offering to do some DIY tasks for them or lending them your own tools in return.
Don’t know the neighbours? Now’s a good time to call round with some cake and introduce yourself!
5) Don’t buy more than you need
It’s easy to be over-cautious and buy more paint or hardware than is actually needed. With paint, the retailer or manufacturer should be able to give an indication of how much wall area a single can will cover, so pay attention to this and measure your walls to ensure you only buy as much as you require.
When it comes to things like screws and nails, you probably think that you can never have too many, but just look at how many you probably already have in your garage or toolbox, and then reassess that statement…