RENOVATING is costly, but it is possible to shave tens of thousands off your budget just by sticking to this advice.
■Don't assume you can buy everything cheaper yourself. Professional tradies can buy supplies at discounted prices and, very often, it's going to be cheaper than even the best specials you can find.
■Can I get by with a coat of paint? Changing from a dark to light colour, for example, can lift the mood of a room and make it seem bigger and brighter.
Seeing scuffed and discoloured walls, and tatty skirtings disappear under a slick paint job is an eye opener. You may consider scaling back your plans once you've seen the difference.
Painting outdoor furniture, kitchen cabinetry, old enamel baths, even bathroom tiles, are all options these days.
■Don't move plumbing and electricals. You want to keep the work of plumbers and electricians to a minimum.
SEEMINGLY minor things like changing from a floor-mounted to wall-hung vanity requires new plumbing. Relocating fixtures like toilets, sinks and showers will invariably require old pipes to be removed and new ones installed - and you never quite know what that is going to uncover.
■Look for economical ways to add natural light. Skylights and light tubes are a cost-effective option and generally do not require planning approval (although always check with your local council first).
A small light tube like a Solatube costs as little as $370, comes in a DIY kit, and can flood a dark bathroom with light. There's always the quick and easy stand-by of installing mirrors to bounce light around a room.
■Buy secondhand and seconds wisely. There are great bargains on sites like eBay, Trading Post and GraysOnline, as well in scrapyards, garage sales, secondhand building suppliers and the seconds area of major retailers. But you must do your research first to establish exactly what you need and what it costs new, so you don't get carried away with an impulse buy.
