If you want to make some home improvements, but don’t want to spend a vast amount of money, there are lots of ways of making your hard-earned cash stretch just that bit further.
Whatever size of project you’re undertaking, it’s always worth asking about discounts when you visit builders merchants or suppliers – if they think they’ll get enough business from you, they might bring down the price even if you’re not in the trade. But don’t be fooled into thinking that doing every project yourself saves money in the long term – it always makes sense to get qualified tradesmen in to do tricky jobs such as plumbing, electrics and plastering, since you don’t want to have to pay to have any of your DIY mistakes rectified.
If you’re going to buy a new kitchen, it’s essential to shop around. Keep your eyes peeled for end-of-the-line or closing down sales. And always compare prices – if you see a kitchen in two shops that is cheaper in the second of the two, ask the first shop to make you a better price offer. If you can’t afford to replace your kitchen, you can cheaply refresh your current units by replacing the cupboard doors and handles – and keep an eye on the classified ads, since you might find something second-hand.
Second-hand shopping is cheap, and it’s a fantastic way to find unique items with personality, which won’t be owned by everybody else. Reclamation and salvage yards are ideal places to find anything from antiques, huge architectural features and eccentric oddities to give your home that unique touch. They are also a veritable treasure trove if you’re looking for period features such as fireplaces, radiators and masonry – these always add value to a property. You’ll often come across some really good deals – and it’s a green and cheap way to add some personality to your home.
Buying online can also reap rewards. Before you buy anything, though, make sure the site you use is reputable – check online discussion boards, or get online recommendations. The most popular place to buy and sell second-hand items is eBay, which has 83.9 million users worldwide. You can get some really good deals here – and if you’re nervous about using eBay, remember that you can pay securely using PayPal. The feedback system encourages traders to be honest – customers can leave both positive and negative feedback, so this keeps everyone on their toes. Remember to check for hidden costs such as VAT or post and packaging – especially if items are coming from overseas. And if you get a taste for selling through eBay, it’s a great way to convert clutter into cash.
And last, but not least – don’t forget free listings sites such as Freecycle, Freebay and Gumtree, which advertise the free exchange of goods. Everything on these sites is free – all you pay for is collection of the item. You can find all sorts of things – from kitchen units to sofas and bicycles. If you’re lucky, you could even refurnish your house for free – and be chuffed with the knowledge that you’re recycling!
For further information, see our ‘How To Guide’.
