11 unique ideas that could help you save on renovation

4. Barter at garage sales

It’s amazing what people get rid off. Items are a fraction of the retail cost, people are desperate to sell and haggling is expected. Find sales through your local newspaper, or keep an eye out for posters stuck on lamp posts around your neighbourhood.

5. Visit trade fairs

Trade fairs take place all over Australia, opens in new window at different times of the year. Sellers showcase their goods and buyers get the chance to buy stuff at cost price. Be mindful that some fairs require you to have a business registration, or work in that particular trade.

6. Hire a handy-person

They’re inexpensive, experienced and perfect for all manner of odd jobs. Especially the one’s you’ve been putting off because you don’t have the time or skills to complete them. Get your handyperson to build a shed, mount a shelf, or paint a room perhaps.

7. Choose the right season of the year

When travelling, saving money means avoiding peak seasons like Christmas, Easter and school holidays and the same rules apply for renovations. For instance, if you’re planning to install air conditioning, do it in winter when demand is low.

8. Buy from alternative markets

Do flea markets, trash and treasure and car boot sales sound familiar? They’re like garage sales, but on a mighty scale. People gather in large halls or vacant outdoor areas to sell their unwanted goods. Most items are second hand, some even faulty (be careful), but they’re super cheap.

9. Beg, borrow, steal from family and friends

We don’t mean hang out on the side of the road and ask for loose change. But make the most of the people close to you. Beg people for their time — puppy-dog eyes always work. Borrow equipment from friends and family, it’s always cheaper than buying. Then get parts or materials for a steal. Someone probably has a shed full of unused bricks or left-over paint they want to get rid of. You could also try the Freecycle website, opens in new window for unwanted items needing a new home.

10. Wait for hard collections

Twice a year some local councils invite residents to throw out large items that can’t be accepted in weekly collections. People ditch all sorts of stuff like mattresses, beds, wood, white goods and appliances. Before you start lugging an oversized piece of wood over your shoulder, just remember to ask permission from the owner (and don’t pick up anything that has a council sticker on it).

11. Buy from a tip

We don’t want you to scavenge through the trash — but instead visit the tip’s shop-front. Some pretty cool stuff gets reused and sold there. You'll find recycled household material and plants, which means your landscaping might cost you a few gold coins instead of a few hundred bucks.