August 22 2008
Feel like your living in a money pit? Here are some ways to save on your home improvement projects.
Paint
The cheapest and easiest way to update your home. Look for the boo-boo or mistinted paint section at your home improvement store. If you don't see it, ask. These paints are the same high quality and average $5 a gallon compared to full price at $20 & up a gallon. The colors are usually up with the current trends and if you don't see a color you like don't be afraid to mix colors together as long as the paints are the same kind (latex with latex, oil with oil). I painted almost every room in my house this way. Check garage sales and craigslist for people selling or even giving away leftover paint. Also many cities have programs that offer free paint through their recycling programs.
Paint your old furniture. Update an old table, dresser and even picture frames. (You might want to add a protective clear coat over your finished project so it will last longer and guard against scratches and chipping.) Be on the look out at garage sales, swap meets, thrift stores, craigslist and even free giveaways on the side of the road. That ugly ducking someone else is discarding might just need a new coat of paint.
Fixtures
You can easily update the look of your home by changing out the fixtures. Light fixtures, cabinet knobs, faucets and door hardware can all be found at discounted prices. Craigslist is a great place to find cheap or free fixtures. Another option is ebay. I changed out all of the door hardware in my house and paid less than half of what I would have paid buying this at my local home improvement store.
Class Project Remodel
Okay, I haven't done this, but I hear some Technical and Vocational Schools might take on your remodel job as a class project. You still have to purchase the materials but the labor is free. This could be a great deal if you have a large project that needs to be done. You might also keep these schools in mind for auto repairs. If anyone has had any luck with this I would love to know. Please leave a comment.
Until next time - Cheap Cindy
Feel like your living in a money pit? Here are some ways to save on your home improvement projects.
Paint
The cheapest and easiest way to update your home. Look for the boo-boo or mistinted paint section at your home improvement store. If you don't see it, ask. These paints are the same high quality and average $5 a gallon compared to full price at $20 & up a gallon. The colors are usually up with the current trends and if you don't see a color you like don't be afraid to mix colors together as long as the paints are the same kind (latex with latex, oil with oil). I painted almost every room in my house this way. Check garage sales and craigslist for people selling or even giving away leftover paint. Also many cities have programs that offer free paint through their recycling programs.
Paint your old furniture. Update an old table, dresser and even picture frames. (You might want to add a protective clear coat over your finished project so it will last longer and guard against scratches and chipping.) Be on the look out at garage sales, swap meets, thrift stores, craigslist and even free giveaways on the side of the road. That ugly ducking someone else is discarding might just need a new coat of paint.
Fixtures
You can easily update the look of your home by changing out the fixtures. Light fixtures, cabinet knobs, faucets and door hardware can all be found at discounted prices. Craigslist is a great place to find cheap or free fixtures. Another option is ebay. I changed out all of the door hardware in my house and paid less than half of what I would have paid buying this at my local home improvement store.
Class Project Remodel
Okay, I haven't done this, but I hear some Technical and Vocational Schools might take on your remodel job as a class project. You still have to purchase the materials but the labor is free. This could be a great deal if you have a large project that needs to be done. You might also keep these schools in mind for auto repairs. If anyone has had any luck with this I would love to know. Please leave a comment.
Until next time - Cheap Cindy
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