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TIP STORE: HOUSEHOLD: Renovations
LETS Get Help
I've been able to get advice and help from members of our Local Exchange Trading System. If you need to you can do a web search there's sure to be one in your area as you'll find LETS all over Australia, even the world!
Contributed by Julie Buxton, 29 September 2013
Contributed by Julie Buxton, 29 September 2013
Do Your Homework to get the Ramp Right
There are standards for the gradient of a ramp. Do contact your local occupational therapist at your local hospital. They are experts at ramps and ways to achieve what you need safely.
Contributed by Sue Fitzpatrick, 23rd May 2013
Contributed by Sue Fitzpatrick, 23rd May 2013
A Ramp for Mother
Hi Sandra, call your local home modifications service (go to their website to locate) for a home visit for a ramp. This is a government subsidised service to keep elderly and disabled people safe and independent at home so should cost less (possibly free depending on your Mum's finances and can be paid off if needed) than a private builder. They also follow Australian building guidelines so the ramp will be the correct gradient and safe.
Contributed by Susie Mullen, 23rd May 2013
Contributed by Susie Mullen, 23rd May 2013
Putting in a Ramp
Try contacting your council. If your mother has a disability she should be able to have work done by the council without charge. If she does not live at your house but only visits, they still might be able to install the ramp at cost. Don't try to install a ramp yourself without expert advice. They need to be carefully tailored to each house and have to be a certain gradient.
Contributed by Georgina Richard, 23rd May 2013
Contributed by Georgina Richard, 23rd May 2013
One Man's Trash is a Free Bathroom Renovation
We wanted to renovate our bathroom in our first home but didn't have the spare cash to do so. My fiancé's parents had just finished painting their bathroom and redoing it so we asked if we could have the left over paint and glass shower door they replaced - they just wanted a newer bathroom. We managed to get rid of our pink walls, horrible shower curtain and old extraction fan with good looking second hand products and free paint! The bathroom looks a thousand times better and we only had to buy a couple of brushes.
- Contributed by Aimee, Glenfield, 4th May 2010
- Contributed by Aimee, Glenfield, 4th May 2010
Hardware Website and Wikihow are Good Information Sources
When you need to know how to do a DIY job, try the Bunnings website - this will tell you when they have their renovation classes, and they're free. I know that it's only to promote you spending in their store, but firstly, you don't have to and secondly, I find that Bunnings is cheaper anyway if you do need certain tools. Also Wikihow will tell you how to do almost anything.
- Contributed by Rebecca, Woodside, 5th June 2010
Websites:
www.bunnings.com.au
www.wikihow
- Contributed by Rebecca, Woodside, 5th June 2010
Websites:
www.bunnings.com.au
www.wikihow
Hidden Drawers Boost Kitchen Space
I wanted to have some drawers installed in my kitchen but it would have been impossible to match the shade of the existing timber doors. A cabinet maker removed the centre melamine shelf from each of the wide cupboards and installed two custom made free-standing drawer units inside those cupboards/behind the doors. One unit has three deep white melamine drawers and the other unit has four deep drawers. If you can afford it is best to buy similar good quality drawers which will close gently for many years to come. I am thrilled to have extended the life and storage capacity of the kitchen for approximately $1,000.
- Contributed by Judith Toohey, 21st January 2010
- Contributed by Judith Toohey, 21st January 2010
Small Jobs Can be Done by Trainees
When you have a have a job that requires a carpenter or cabinet maker, contact the local high school and see if one of the year 11 or 12 students could take on the project as their major work. There could also be some students at the local trade centre or TAFE doing cabinet making that would love the experience - might just cost you materials.
- Contributed by Vanessa Richter, 21st January 2010
- Contributed by Vanessa Richter, 21st January 2010
Heat It Up
To strip pain off wooden furniture I would use a heat gun to strip the paint. It makes the paint bubble up then you can just scrape it off! Not sure, but you can probably hire one.
- Contributed by Bek S., 10th December 2009
- Contributed by Bek S., 10th December 2009
Easy Way to Restore Painted Furniture
This is relatively easy... firstly, sand it down thoroughly, by rubbing with medium sandpaper. Then wipe down with a sponge using sugar soap (best option - available from DIY stores). If necessary, wipe clean with a lint free cloth with a little white spirit on it to remove the excess dust. A good quality undercoat or primer and make sure primer is dry. You can then go about repainting. Make sure you use specialist wood paint and a high quality brush. You may need two coats depending on the paint. Good luck and have fun :)
- Contributed by Julie Buxton, 10th December 2009
- Contributed by Julie Buxton, 10th December 2009
DIY Outdoor Area for a Fraction of the Cost
Approximate $ Savings: $6,000
We have also been looking to enclose our car port, preferably with CrimSafe type of stainless mesh, that won't get wrecked by the dogs when they decide to paw at it, will deter intruders and will keep out the bities that currently drive us inside on warm summer evenings. Quotes were coming in at the $7,000 mark. Even a materials-only quote was only $500 less, as the construction is fairly simple. We managed to find on eBay a supplier on the Gold Coast that would give us the stainless mesh for $60/sheet, and the 15 sheets we needed to enclose our carport for under $900. We've found a door in the same material on eBay for just over $100 when we were quoted about $500 for the same door. I spent a bit of time talking to the men who quoted me on closing in the carport to find out how to screw in the screens to the metal bracing. So over the Christmas break, we'll have an outdoor area built for a fraction of the cost we were quoted, in high-quality materials.
- Contributed by Kero Fairbrother, 3rd December 2009
We have also been looking to enclose our car port, preferably with CrimSafe type of stainless mesh, that won't get wrecked by the dogs when they decide to paw at it, will deter intruders and will keep out the bities that currently drive us inside on warm summer evenings. Quotes were coming in at the $7,000 mark. Even a materials-only quote was only $500 less, as the construction is fairly simple. We managed to find on eBay a supplier on the Gold Coast that would give us the stainless mesh for $60/sheet, and the 15 sheets we needed to enclose our carport for under $900. We've found a door in the same material on eBay for just over $100 when we were quoted about $500 for the same door. I spent a bit of time talking to the men who quoted me on closing in the carport to find out how to screw in the screens to the metal bracing. So over the Christmas break, we'll have an outdoor area built for a fraction of the cost we were quoted, in high-quality materials.
- Contributed by Kero Fairbrother, 3rd December 2009
Bamboo Blind for Privacy and Climate Control
I've just bought 5 bamboo matchstick blinds from the Reject Shop for under $93.00. They have the blind pull cords to pull blinds up and down depending on the weather, enclosing the patio-pergola area during summer giving more shade and privacy (with the illusion of another room) but letting the cool breeze in morning and night. During summer with blinds down it will also cool the rest of the house, and pull them up in winter to let the northern sun in to warm the house.
- Contributed by AM Devenish, 30th November 2009
- Contributed by AM Devenish, 30th November 2009
Start at a Recycle Centre for Building Materials
You can go to recycle centres to get the supplies for your project. There are several in Brisbane - some are there to make money but they can stock some excellent things that can still save you money like whole banisters, windows, wood sleepers, doors and more. But the best ever places are the dump recycle yards. They are so cheap and you get to recycle! The Pine Treasure Market at Dakabin dump is great. It is open Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 8.30 to 12.00 I am constantly amazed at the quality of things that people throw out. If you have a good builder they could give you a list of supplies they need- or you could send them!!! This has saved us thousands.
- Contributed by Allison Blake, 27th November 2009
- Contributed by Allison Blake, 27th November 2009
Shade Cloth Panels Keep Out Pests
Assuming that you already have a roof and upright supports, it is easy to make pine framed panels which are then covered with shade cloth using an electric staple gun. These panels can be hinged and fitted to the uprights. They will open for easy cleaning around the base. Sliding screen doors from the recycle shop can also be fitted with shade cloth and set up where you need them. If there is any slope around the patio, sliding doors work better than opening doors. I did this on a verandah and it kept out the toads, mozzies and my pet chooks. It also gave me privacy as I could see out without my neighbours seeing in. It didn't make the area dark, but there are different colours and intensities of shade cloth available. I used shade cloth rather than flyscreen as it was stronger and cheaper. My pine framing came from a local manufacturer who puts it out for recycling.
- Contributed by Hilary Lee, 27th November 2009
- Contributed by Hilary Lee, 27th November 2009
Shade Cloth Gives Year Round Use to Verandah
We have enclosed the side of our house that faces north with green 90% shade cloth and that makes it good to use in summer or winter . The roof is plastic sheeting and that keeps us dry when it rains. I hope this help you.
- Contributed by Margaret Ashton, 26th November 2009
- Contributed by Margaret Ashton, 26th November 2009
Dream Pool on a Strict Budget
Approximate $ Savings: $7,500
At 40 I own my house and wanted to give something back to me for all my hard work, frugal savings and going without for a very long time. I have always wanted a pool but like everyone could not see the value is spending $25,000 to $30,000 to have someone put one in for me. I did a lot of research and by word of mouth I found out about Barrier Reef Pools at Beaudesert that sells fibre glass pool shells to the public at less than half the price! The pools are seconds which have slight flaws in them. The pool I purchased had had a 1 metre squared section cut out of it for quality assurance testing and was put back in the pool. The area they tested was slightly faded now the pool is full of water you can hardly notice it. I still received a full 25 year guarantee on the pool and saved $4,500 just on the shell. I decided to go owner builder and put it in myself and saved over $3,000. I negotiated terms with the excavator driver for a cash rate, saving $500, and found a property not far from my house that wanted to pay me for the dirt that was dug out for the pool, so instead of paying $1,500 for dumping fees I got paid for the dirt. The other major saving was buying second tiles to go around the coping of the pool. The tiles I wanted were going to cost me $17.99 each but I bought the same tiles for $2.99 each saving over $1300. Because the tiles were seconds some of the corners were chipped but that actually worked out perfectly as we used those tiles for the corners and curvy parts of the pool where the corners of the tiles had to be cut. I have about 15 pavers left over which I am going to use in my rock path leading up to the pool. If you are having contractors do work on your home, don't be afraid to haggle the price, they do come to the party and it is a win, win for everyone.
- Contributed by Jo, Heritage Park, 29th April 2009
At 40 I own my house and wanted to give something back to me for all my hard work, frugal savings and going without for a very long time. I have always wanted a pool but like everyone could not see the value is spending $25,000 to $30,000 to have someone put one in for me. I did a lot of research and by word of mouth I found out about Barrier Reef Pools at Beaudesert that sells fibre glass pool shells to the public at less than half the price! The pools are seconds which have slight flaws in them. The pool I purchased had had a 1 metre squared section cut out of it for quality assurance testing and was put back in the pool. The area they tested was slightly faded now the pool is full of water you can hardly notice it. I still received a full 25 year guarantee on the pool and saved $4,500 just on the shell. I decided to go owner builder and put it in myself and saved over $3,000. I negotiated terms with the excavator driver for a cash rate, saving $500, and found a property not far from my house that wanted to pay me for the dirt that was dug out for the pool, so instead of paying $1,500 for dumping fees I got paid for the dirt. The other major saving was buying second tiles to go around the coping of the pool. The tiles I wanted were going to cost me $17.99 each but I bought the same tiles for $2.99 each saving over $1300. Because the tiles were seconds some of the corners were chipped but that actually worked out perfectly as we used those tiles for the corners and curvy parts of the pool where the corners of the tiles had to be cut. I have about 15 pavers left over which I am going to use in my rock path leading up to the pool. If you are having contractors do work on your home, don't be afraid to haggle the price, they do come to the party and it is a win, win for everyone.
- Contributed by Jo, Heritage Park, 29th April 2009
Frugal Building Options
Look at poured earth walls {where you make form work layer by layer and when one layer is dry form up the next section (its labour intensive but really cheap) or straw bale building, if your local council approves it can save heaps. My brother built a poured earth studio and it looks fantastic and cost practically nothing. Inside he got old carpet put it up on the walls backwards framed it with oiled second hand planed down wood and painted it white and it looks fantastic. Also for tiles, those large tiling warehouses often have really cheap batches of tiles on special, but you need to measure your job before you go so you know if there is enough in the batch to finish your job.
- Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 25th October 2008
- Contributed by Vicki, Rye, 25th October 2008
A Little Extra Effort When Shopping Around Pays Off
Approximate $ Savings: $575
We have been slowly renovating our kitchen and finally reached the stage where we were ready to purchase new dining chairs to match the new decor. We looked at the main chain furniture stores and saw some we liked very much. They were $200 each, and because we only needed three (as we have fitted bench seating as part of the new kitchen) we were very close to putting them on the credit card. I had seen some on ebay that I wanted to look at in person, they were the wrong colour but I figured we could cover them ourselves in our choice of fabric. I convinced my husband to wait until we had seen the ebay chairs in person, then we could come back and get the others, knowing we had shopped around properly. When looking at the ebay chairs (which we loved) we saw that he had one in white (but the rest were green) and we were after white. I asked if he had any more in white and he said only two more and wasn't selling them because he didn't have a full set. I explained that we only wanted three, so he agreed to sell all three to us for a total of $25!! So not only did we not have to re-cover them we saved a total of $575 just by shopping around and making the extra effort to view the ebay chairs.
- Contributed by Collette, Coburg, 7th July 2008
We have been slowly renovating our kitchen and finally reached the stage where we were ready to purchase new dining chairs to match the new decor. We looked at the main chain furniture stores and saw some we liked very much. They were $200 each, and because we only needed three (as we have fitted bench seating as part of the new kitchen) we were very close to putting them on the credit card. I had seen some on ebay that I wanted to look at in person, they were the wrong colour but I figured we could cover them ourselves in our choice of fabric. I convinced my husband to wait until we had seen the ebay chairs in person, then we could come back and get the others, knowing we had shopped around properly. When looking at the ebay chairs (which we loved) we saw that he had one in white (but the rest were green) and we were after white. I asked if he had any more in white and he said only two more and wasn't selling them because he didn't have a full set. I explained that we only wanted three, so he agreed to sell all three to us for a total of $25!! So not only did we not have to re-cover them we saved a total of $575 just by shopping around and making the extra effort to view the ebay chairs.
- Contributed by Collette, Coburg, 7th July 2008
Ask Around to Find Tradies
Ask around. It is funny how many people you know who are handy or know someone else. I had a quick think and realised that through friends and family I know or have connections to a plumber, painter, electrician, plasterer and even the owner of a carpet store. Tell your friends what you are doing and see if they know anyone who can help.
- Contributed by Melanie, Dapto, 28th March 2008
- Contributed by Melanie, Dapto, 28th March 2008
Don't Increase Your Mortgage to Renovate
Please don't increase your mortgage, I did, and now I have to sell my house. Only use local trades people, who have worked in your town for 10 years at least, as I was defrauded $25,000 by using an out of town person/company for my renovations. Save every cent that you would be paying into your mortgage as extra, and keep your mortgage low, because a recession is here, and you will get stung by the interest rate rise. I hope that helps.
- Contributed by Fiona, Warrnambool, 29th March 2008
- Contributed by Fiona, Warrnambool, 29th March 2008
Leave Plumbing Where It Is and Save Heaps
I am married to a plumber, and have builders in the family so hope this helps. If you are renovating any plumbing areas (bathroom, toilet, kitchen) then try to leave taps, toilets, sink, etc where they are. This saves heaps. Sometimes the builder will let you do some of the clean up and removal of rubbish - get him to itemise the quote. Also it may seem dearer, but getting the builder to organize all the trades will save you time and money. They get the best prices and quickest service from the tradesmen. You can also save by buying your own fixtures (vanity, taps, sink etc) from auctions (if you live in a city). Make sure you know what things are worth first.
- Contributed by Rebekah, Korora, 28th March 2008
- Contributed by Rebekah, Korora, 28th March 2008
Word of Mouth Finds the Best Tradesmen
Over the last 5 years we have renovated our bathroom, kitchen and put new verandahs on the back and front of our house and I guess my biggest piece of advice is to ask friends if they know any tradesman - we found that they would always give us great prices because of the connection through the friend. Also try websites like graysonline.com.au who have fantastic cheap appliances etc to purchase. Hope this helps.
- Contributed by Kathie, Engadine, 28th March 2008
Website: www.graysonline.com.au
- Contributed by Kathie, Engadine, 28th March 2008
Website: www.graysonline.com.au
Check Retail Prices Then Bid at Auction To Save Money
A few ideas would be to have a look at what things cost in the shops (tiles, carpet and taps etc) then go to an auction with your prices and details so that you know how much to bid up to and still have a bargain. Another is that when it comes to carpeting in the bedroom if you have only extended the room with a wardrobe you don't have to re-carpet as you can get remnants that are large enough to fit the floor of the wardrobe and as it is out of sight it will not be a problem if you can not get a matching piece. If you go to your local hardware place they will be able to point you in the right direction for the DIY tasks that you can do to help save on some of the costs. Another good place to get sheds, tiles etc is in the local trading post, once again do your home work and make sure you are not paying to much.
- Contributed by Kellie, Gordon, 28th March 2008
- Contributed by Kellie, Gordon, 28th March 2008
Look on eBay for Renovation Needs
I was looking into having cupboards built into a room and was quoted more than I wanted to spend. I ended up purchasing a system from Ikea called Pax. If I had bought the 3 metre wardrobe from Ikea it would have cost me over $2000. Instead I kept my eye on ebay and purchased the whole wardrobe for $500. You can set up a search for Ikea Pax wardrobe so emails are sent to you everyday with new listings. As for getting other jobs done there is a web site called bangitup.com.au where you add the job you want done and local trades people will contact you to supply a quote.
- Contributed by Megan, Moss Vale, 28th March 2008
- Contributed by Megan, Moss Vale, 28th March 2008