| How to cut the cost of decorating Are you getting ready to carry out a decorating project, perhaps you are planning on a complete home makeover. Well before you do, check out my top tips on how to cut the cost of decorating and save hundreds of pounds, and time, by doing a bit of planning and finding out the best deals that are around. How to cut the cost of decorating:
Do Your Homework
Write a complete list of all the work you are planning on doing around your home. You'll find that you may well be using the same paint in several different rooms. Buying in bulk is cheaper than buying lots of small amounts in dribs and drabs.
- Have one delivery
Leading on from my first point - if you need to have a delivery, say from a timber merchant or large DIY store, check your complete list of work. You'll find loads of things you can get in one go and save on multiple delivery charges.
Check out the internet
There are a number of companies that now deliver all sorts of DIY stuff. Screwfix do everything from the screws to the complete kitchen. Save yourself time and effort by getting them to deliver. Free delivery over a certain order size.
- Keep Measurements Handy
When you are in the middle of a project, have several copies of your work schedule and measurement/ to buy/ needed lists. Keep one in the car, one in your handbag/ rucksack, one at home near the computer. This way you will have information to hand when you come across potential bargains. However be wary of buying white elephants, see my article 'how to bag a bargain', having your list will help prevent you buying on impulse only to discover that the 'Bargain' is the wrong size, shade or shape...not so much of a bargain after all!
Carry a tape measure and calculator
Linked with my previous idea, make sure that you can easily check out furniture proportions and calculate measurements when you see then in a shop.
- Look for last season's bargains.
You don't only find these in the end of season sales. Find rolls of carpet, vinyl, wallpaper, fabrics...even paint. Check out my article 'How To Bag A Bargain' for more ideas on finding cut price decorating items.
- Use small carpet outlets
These smaller outlets often have great deals on end-of-roll carpets. You can often get really good quality carpets at a fraction of the larger retail outlet prices.
- Be flexible.
Try and keep an open mind and work unexpected bargains into your new scheme. you may not have considered a particular pattern or colour way...but will it work?
- Buy ex-display or exhibition furniture.
Though I am cautious of buying heavily used electrical goods, I would certainly consider purchasing sofas and hard wood furniture that has been on display. Yes there are the odd nicks and biffs, but can you repair these? Remember 'Liberon' wax sticks can cover all sorts of wood marks and upholstery can be steam cleaned.
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Save on the cost of wallpaper
Decorate a 'Feature' wall or alcoves with high impact wallpaper. Often you can create more visual impact by using a little in this way, than by papering the whole room.
Learn a new skill.
Bricklaying, Plumbing, Curtain Making, Plastering you'd be amazed what you can learn at night school and put to good use, not just this time, but every time you redecorate...who knows it could even lead to a whole new career.- Use up - in my article about how much paint to buy I joked about having a few cans lurking about in your shed ... well why not use them on the next decorating job you have? If they are all creams and whittes and all emulsions, then why not mix them up and create one homogenous colour. If you need to darken the colour then use some paint tints, from paint suppliers, to change the shade of paint.
- Look out for ways of recycling.
Either your own furniture or someone else's. There are loads of new websites that help you to find used goods and put them to good use. Oh and of course there are always second hand, yard, carboot sales and of course the good old Church Fete. Remember to look out for the decorating materials as well as the furnishings.
- Part Exchange.
Not just for cars and mobiles! You can part exchange all sorts of furnishing items from curtains to beds. Check out the www.curtainexchange.co.uk website and others on the net.
Find an alternative
I often recommend that instead of carpeting a room we sand the floorboards and use area rugs. Or how about painting those floor. You can buy great hardwearing floor paints for all surfaces from wood to concrete. For best results remember to use a good quality varnish to protect the paint finish. How about using plain lining paper and creating your own stencil ... take a look at some of the designs on the net to get inspiration... getting inspiration from websites is free and legal.
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Don't forget the small ads.
When I am working on a tight budget, I always set my clients looking for bargain furniture in the small ads. Need a new bed frame, coffee table, sideboard, set of dining room chairs...be quick these ads get good responses and items go quickly.
- Buy abroad.
I find that certain goods are much cheaper across the channel. Fabric, kitchenware, decorating goods, bathroom fittings and even tools are cheaper just across the channel. Enjoy a daytrip out and instead of the booze fill up on the home wares. You will have the added advantage of having items that others wont recognise, as they aren't available in GB. Be wary of buying electrical goods as both the electrical system on the continent is different and if they go wrong, you wont have the same rites as in the UK.
- Revamp or Rip-Out?
With your 'Green' hat on ask yourself
'Do I really need to replace it?'. Could you rework the bedroom wardrobes? Add new handles, paint with melamine paint, replace the doors, freshen up the surrounding walls and lighting.
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