The Great 'what are your easy MoneySaving DIY tips?' Hunt

Blue_Babe

We've found Reseiclo here in Newport to buy recycled wood for our DIY projects. They've saved us a fortune and we're saving our environment too. You may be able to find a similar scheme near you on the communitywoodrecycling .org web page. And never forget that clearing up old wooden pallets dumped in the community provides loads of wood for fences and smaller DIY projects.

jerez

A bit of a job-lot after many years of doing it for myself and by myself (no choice) in many homes:

First and, for me, most importantly, think every job through before you start. Visualise the process and write down each step. Finding you have done something in the wrong order is the most frustrating thing and sometimes the most costly if you have to start again.

Use cheap masking tape when painting to mark off lines but stick the lengths of tape to the carpet or your jumper first to make less sticky and prevent pulling paint off when you remove - much cheaper than the specialist low stick masking tape

Tape an envelope or stiffish paper bag just under the drilling point when drilling into walls to catch the dust.

If your hallway (or any room) is high ceiling-ed but narrow, paint one colour up to about picture rail height - even if the room doesn't have one- and a lighter colour for the ceiling and down to the picture rail height. This will give the optical illusion of widening the space. Experiment with the height of the line first using masking tape.

Cheap laminate furniture can be transformed with paint, new handles, fabric. Use a specialist undercoat product on the item first (can't remember what it's called) to make the paint stick. You can use flat emulsion with a coat of satin or gloss varnish on top. Won't stand up to lots of hard knocks but works.

If you can sew buy IKEA chairs and sofas without the cover and make your own. Wash the fabric before cutting (your cover is then washable) and use velcro to secure - the chairs etc. usually have velcro attached already as a guide to where to attach but you can add more if you want. Stuff chunks of foam down around the seat on top of the new cover, to hold a cover in place.

Finally - believe it or not you can install kitchen wall cabinets all by yourself. Once you have measured, marked and drilled the holes for fixing, use piles of big books or sturdy boxes to hold the cabinet while you attach to the wall with the first fixing. You can then adjust the height of the books to get the cabinet completely level before inserting the next fixing.

Stooby2

Tape an envelope or stiffish paper bag just under the drilling point when drilling into walls to catch the dust.

Not on wallpaper though - you can end up removing removing the wallpaper with the tape.

cyclonebri1

Great 'what are your easy MoneySaving DIY tips?' Hunt


Get friend drunk and agreeing to help out:money::money: Top tip

Jonesya

Toolstation and Screwfix are both quite a bit cheaper than the DIY sheds for basic items like screws, wall fixings, ironmongery, plumbing and electrical parts.

If you're attempting a major DIY project then invest in a book on the subject. You can get good specialist DIY books on lots of topics, second hand if necessary, off Amazon for a few quid which is a small cost to ensure you do the job correctly and get a good end result.

cyclonebri1

Jonesya wrote: »

Toolstation and Screwfix are both quite a bit cheaper than the DIY sheds for basic items like screws, wall fixings, ironmongery, plumbing and electrical parts.

If you're attempting a major DIY project then invest in a book on the subject. You can get good specialist DIY books on lots of topics, second hand if necessary, off Amazon for a few quid which is a small cost to ensure you do the job correctly and get a good end result.

I'd like to add to your post Jonesya;

Screwfix are indeed the best option for general fixings, always buy in bulk, they will be used later and it's handy not to have to go shopping for a few screws.

Regarding books, there is simply no need anymore, there is so much info available online, tutorials on youtube, (some good some not so), print off what you need and save the book cost :money: remember.

Regarding tools, buy them steadily as you need them rather than a kit of stuff, some of which you may never use ;)

Always get a hand when doing anything that is a stretch for 1 person, having to take time off work is hardly MSE either.

More to follow as they spring to mind.;)

Ken68

When starting a new project think it through and get your tools together in REVERSE order.
For example,bowl and soap for washing hands, washing down cloths etc, hoovering up, and finally make sure you have enough TMT. Time, Materials and Tools.

silvasava

If you need to emulsion on new plaster - use a cheap one first as the plaster will absorb the first coat at least!
UPVC Fascia board cut to size & nonailed will tidy up tatty interior window ledges

AlanM

Lexxi wrote: »

I was told talc can stop squeaky floorboards

Use screws instead of nails, then they don't move at all.

drummer_666

use freecycle and ebay.

My ebay finds - brand new hob £10, new designer sink £15, ex display bath & panel £50 delivered. Used but mint condition basin £5, cheap 2nd hand dishwasher and oven. Plus sanding belts are by far cheapest on ebay.

Got my very expensive solid wood dining table & chairs and virtually new designer toilet off freecycle.

Don't be afraid to try things yourself. A lot of things, like tiling isn't particularly difficult, just needs a lot of pre-planning, good attention to detail and lots of time. There is great advice on this forum and lots of online videos to help you.