TIPS TO HELP GET YOUR DIY BUDGET BACK ON TRACK
Tackling home improvement jobs yourself, rather than getting the professionals in, can be a way to save a bit of cash.
But 39% homeowners admit to underestimating the cost of DIY jobs, with 23% ending up more than 50% over budget.
Here, Sally Conway, head of consumer communications at Shawbrook Bank, which carried out the research, shares tips for getting back on track...
Create a DIY ‘shopping list’
“You can use your list to even include precise measurements, and that way you don’t need to waste money on any excess materials, says Sally. “Having a practical overview of all costings for the home improvement will help you see which parts of the project are eating into your budget.”
Consider how to scale back
Sometimes, making smaller, more affordable, switches can still be effective.
“For example, if you’re re-doing your bathroom and you want to use tiles, you might consider only tiling the areas that need to be waterproof, and using a contrasting paint on the remainder of the wall,” suggests Sally.”
Is there a loyalty discount?
“Do some research to see if your local suppliers have a loyalty card, which could offer a discounted rate or additional points per sale,” says Sally.
Can you slow your plans down?
“If the budget is looking really tight, you can always look at shifting your project to a longer-term goal, making small changes over time. Home improvements don’t have to be all go, all of the time.”
Don’t be afraid to get help
If you need to call in the professionals, you’re not alone. Shawbrook Bank found 25% of budding DIY-ers have used tradespeople to fix mistakes they made themselves.