Five ways to save money on DIY jobs

theguardian.com:

The cost of materials for big home improvements such as loft conversions and extensions is soaring. Prices change all the time but Office for National Statistics figures show they are on average 26% higher than a year ago. In that period, the cost of steel bars, for example, has risen by about 58%.

However, you don’t need to extend your loft or replace your kitchen to transform your home. You can focus on smaller jobs such as replacing doors, handles and taps, and painting cabinets and wooden tables for a new look. There are lots of money-saving bloggers and upcycling influencers such as @crack_the_shutters, @ joannecondon and Shoestring Cottage that may offer inspiration.

Joanne Condon, the author of Furniture Crush, and an upcycling expert, says: “As the new trend of working from home collides with the rising cost of living, we need to look at how we can make better use of our homes without spending a fortune.

“We also need to think of multifunctional uses when we think of items we already have in our homes. For example, old drawers can turn into mini herb gardens, planting pots, pet beds and wall shelves. You can upcycle a wardrobe into a pantry press or bookcase by shelving it.”

If you want to take on the big jobs, you can buy former showroom kitchens and bathrooms at a fraction of their original price. The Used Kitchen Company has a wide range of ex-display kitchens and bathrooms. For example, one kitchen listed had a recommended retail price of £21,000 but was sold for £7,900.

Here you can also sell your old units and furniture on the website, or try eBay and Facebook Marketplace. You can find secondhand bathroom suites on these sites, and save on items such as new taps and showerheads.

Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert