Whether you DIY everything yourself or hire professionals, there are ways to save some of the costs associated with sprucing up your home.
1) Testers
Shop around for testers, as prices vary widely, and sometimes the manufacturers determine the cheapest place to buy. For example, Dulux testers cost £2.45 each at Homebase and B&Q, and £1.99 via Wilko’s website, but all three will cost you a few euros for home delivery. On Levix’s website, testers cost £2.38 each, and postage and packaging are free if you order three or more. Wilko is the best choice price-wise if you live close enough for free click-and-collect, but otherwise Dulux has the best offer.
2) Wallpaper
Look out for wallpaper samples that you can use for upcycling – or keep an eye out for scraps or partial rolls of wallpaper on Freecycle or sites like Etsy. Some companies charge for samples, while other companies offer a limited number for free but charge for shipping.
3) Look around
Most wallpapers, fabrics and carpets are not exclusive to one seller, so if you see one you like, pop the name into Google and check out the different offers. Make sure you compare one against the other – take delivery costs into account and with curtains check that you are getting the same lining, etc. Also keep in mind if something isn’t custom made and you may want to return it, keep in mind take into account how easy that will be and how much it will cost.
4) Paint
Consider buying many small cans of paint instead of one large one – unless you have a good idea of how much you need. While it’s more expensive up front, it may prove cheaper in the long run if you have an unopened jar to return. It will also help you keep the paint cleaner, especially if you are decorating for multiple weekends; the paint may stick to the lid and crumble inside the can when you open it.
5) Paperwork and emails
Keep your receipts in a safe place. In the chaos of getting work done it can be easy to lose things, but choose a place where you can put your paperwork and save your emails so you can get a refund for anything you don’t need.
Check Screwfix, Toolstation or Builder Depot before shopping, as they often have a huge selection of tools and materials at good prices, and you can check stock online. Screwfix and Toolstation offer additional discounts on their apps or with accounts as well.
7) Accessories
When you buy something that requires accessories, don’t automatically buy everything from the same place. Take doors for example: it can be cheaper to buy the hinges and latches from a store like Screwfix rather than adding them to your order from a door company. Likewise, the place where you buy your sink may not be the cheapest supplier of the taps you want. But don’t forget to take delivery costs into account when comparing prices.
8) Brushes
Don’t skimp on brushes, because cheap brushes often lose bristles that can get stuck in the paint and are difficult to remove. A good set of brushes will last a long time if you clean them properly after use. Check the paint can before use to see proper washing instructions. Oil-based paint requires solvents such as turpentine, methylated spirits or a similar brush cleaner.
9) Sandpaper
Coarse sandpaper can be sanded with other sandpaper to reduce its roughness. There are six main sandpaper grades, ranging from coarse to extra fine. If you have medium sandpaper with 80 grit, you can quickly make it more like 100 grit or higher by simply rubbing it with another piece of sandpaper, which can be cheaper than buying a whole roll or pack if you only have a few pieces. Need.
10) Bathroom accessories
Don’t just buy the cheapest tap, siphon or shower rod you can find. Buying products made by reputable manufacturers who use or sell standard spare parts, such as ceramic faucet cartridges, thermostatic shower faucets or other consumables, can save you money and effort in the long run.
Photo: off screen/Alamy
11) Ready-made options
If you hire a carpenter to build wardrobes or install cupboards, you can usually save money by purchasing some elements ready-made. For example, drawers are expensive to have built, but if you search for ‘internal drawers for wardrobes’ you will find many options. Before throwing away old furniture, consider whether it can be reused or adapted. Perhaps you can use an old dresser in an alcove and build shelves over it, rather than having to have a cabinet built from scratch.
12) Insurance
If you store things, the company you work with will usually insist that you get insurance. Don’t automatically buy the coverage: there are standalone policies available that usually offer more protection for less money. For example, Surewise and Store Insure provide cover while you move your belongings to and from storage, while policies from Access and Big Yellow do not. Before you buy, request a quote from your storage company and compare it with a third party. You can arrange this online at the last minute.