The season of spring brings out the clean freak and DIY enthusiast in all of us. Yet, making improvements to your home, even if you are just giving it a deep clean, requires spending money. Tools, cleaning products, paint and replacements for broken items are just a few of the costs that you may incur. I believe no one should be deprived of the satisfaction and reward that comes from the spring home improvement project. That’s why I have created this post in which I will share some of my tips on how to spend less.
Make your own cleaning products
Spring cleaning involves tackling those tricky and time-consuming chores like scrubbing the extractor fans and the oven. Cleaning products specifically designed for these jobs that you find on the supermarket shelves tend to be pricey and full of toxins. Did you know that many common household ingredients are just as effective? Bicarbonate soda, vinegar and lemon can be used to remove bathroom mold, clean grease and grime from kitchen appliances and for many other jobs.
Pool your resources
If there are tools and products that you need, but you can’t afford to buy them, consider sharing your resources with family, friends and neighbours. You can borrow products and equipment from each other, saving yourselves money.
Quality rather than quantity
If there are old items in your home that you are desperate to replace this spring, try to keep the quality rather than quantity mantra in your mind when spending your budget. If you buy cheap articles, you will probably have to replace them again next year. Instead, choose less but better quality items. Online shops like Rooi.com have a range of great homeware products at reasonable prices. You may not get as many items for your money as you would with cheaper stores, but they will certainly look better and last a lot longer.
Choose reclaimed or recycled
If you are working on a DIY project like replacing kitchen cabinet fronts or building a dining table for the garden, try sourcing reclaimed or recycled materials. Second-hand materials are more sustainable, give character to your home and tend to be much cheaper than buying new (and in some cases completely free). Start at home. Do you have any spare wood lying around that could be given a second life? If not, perhaps relatives, friends or neighbours do. No joy? Check out salvage yards and suppliers in your local area.
Do as much yourself as possible
The internet has made it possible for DIY beginners to do jobs themselves that they would previously have paid someone to do. However, if you get it wrong, it can cost you more in repairs than it would have to hire someone in the first place. Only take on jobs that you are confident with and always keep your health and safety at the forefront of your mind.
Giving your home a spring makeover doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Employ these frugal tips, and you can improve your home for less.