Cut the cost of home renovation projects with these savvy ways to save
Feature Hayley Gilbert
DECORATING special
Frequently asked questions...
Is it really worth spending on good quality paint?
If you can afford to, buying better quality paint may save you money in the long run, as well as giving a much better finish. Cheap paint may cost less but it’s likely that you’ll have to apply many coats, which adds up. A good quality paint should require fewer coats, which means less paint and less cost. It will also look far better, especially in different lights at different times of the day.
What can I do with offcuts of wallpaper?
If you have any wallpaper left over from a project or you find some tucked away in the garage, there are so many things you can do with it. You can frame swatches and hang on the wall for instant wall art. You can wallpaper the panels on a wardrobe or dresser. You can line drawers or the back of shelves or apply to step risers on the stairs. Just make sure you apply a coat of varnish afterwards to keep it looking good for longer.
Do I need an electrician to change light switches?
If your home has bland white light switches or sockets, you can give your whole interior a smart new look with brass, bronze, chrome, stainless steel or matt black versions instead. As this involves working with electricity, you will need a Part P qualified electrician for this job to ensure it is completed safely and is signed off.
USEFUL CONTACTS
• Search for freebies on freecycle.org or good-value items on gumtree.com.
• For upcycling tutorials head to valsparpaint.co.uk, homebase.co.uk, lick.com and diy.com.
• The best cashback sites are quidco.com and topcashback.co.ukand both have home, DIY and gardening brands as well as extra discount codes from the likes of Homebase, Toolstation, Wickes and B&Q.
• Find trades and get an idea of costs at myjobquote.co.uk.
If you do one thing...
Keep any leftover paint for touch-up jobs in the future and if you do want to dispose of it, always take it to your nearest waste and recycling centre – never put it in the bin.
HOW TO... save money on decor projects
When your home needs an update but you don’t have cash to splash, there are plenty of ways to save and still get a room refresh…
• Where poss
