Saving Money – Easy DIY

By adopting a practical DIY approach and setting reasonable limits, homeowners can save unnecessary handyperson costs, maintain their property effectively and gain better control over their maintenance budget. The key is to identify which tasks are suitable for beginners, prepare adequately, and recognise when it's best to call in a professional. 

Why easy DIY saves real money  

Call-out fees, hourly rates, and minimum charges mean that even minor repairs can quickly become expensive when hiring a tradesperson or handyperson. Tasks like fixing a dripping tap, patching a small hole in a wall, or resealing a bathroom edge are often billed at the same rate as more complex jobs, even if the work itself only takes 15 to 30 minutes!  

Over the course of the year, handling just a few repairs on your own can save you the equivalent of a weekend getaway or a substantial amount on your utility bills, all while ensuring your home remains well-maintained. 

Simple jobs most owners can handle themselves  

Most homeowners can handle some low-risk maintenance tasks with a little guidance and basic tools. The following tasks are ideal starting points, as they pose minimal safety risks.  

• Dripping taps and minor leaks: In many cases, a worn washer or O‑ring is the culprit. Turning off the water supply, replacing a small internal part and reassembling the tap is well within reach for a beginner and can prevent expensive water waste.   
• Unblocking slow drains: Before calling a plumber, try simple methods such as boiling water, baking soda and vinegar, or a drain clearing product available in most supermarkets or local Bunnings, or a basic drain snake. These affordable tools often clear everyday buildup without the need for a service call.   
• Patching small wall holes: Nail holes and minor dents can usually be fixed with off‑the‑shelf spackle or filler, a putty knife and light sanding before repainting. This kind of DIY not only saves money but also keeps walls inspection‑ready if you are thinking of selling.   
• Fixing squeaky hinges and sticky doors: A small amount of lubricant, or a quick hinge adjustment often resolves annoying squeaks and sticking doors in minutes, with no special skills required!  
• Replacing worn weatherstripping: Updating seals around doors and windows is a straightforward way to cut drafts and energy costs. Pre‑made strips are inexpensive and designed for easy installation at home.  

Smart ways to keep DIY costs down  

Doing it yourself can already help reduce labour costs, but adopting a few extra habits can stretch your budget even further. Planning your tasks, creating lists, referencing photographs, and measuring carefully can help prevent buying the wrong materials or making repeated trips to the hardware store. Consider purchasing basic tools second-hand instead of making a significant upfront investment. Essential items like a good screwdriver set, adjustable spanner, putty knife, and a basic drill can be used for many projects and will quickly pay for themselves by saving you on call-out fees.  

Online tutorials, including reputable how-to videos and step-by-step guides, are also valuable resources. Just make sure the advice comes from reliable sources and complies with Australian standards. 

Know your limits and stay safe 

While DIY projects can be enjoyable for simple tasks, some jobs should be left to qualified professionals. This includes any work involving electrical wiring, gas lines, complex plumbing, or structural changes, as these can be dangerous and may affect your insurance if not performed correctly. You might also consider hiring a licensed tradesperson for high-risk tasks while you handle the preparation or finishing touches to save on costs. 

If you’re ever unsure, it’s best to seek advice before you begin. 

Contact us  

Smile Elite is a six-star management service provider for top-tier elite real estate agents in Australia. By showcasing your property to the widest possible audience, supported by the broader Smile Elite network, Sydney Country Living Group, Christie’s International affiliation and a nationwide buyers’ network, you gain a powerful competitive edge and the best opportunity of achieving an outstanding result. Contact us via our web contact form or email us at enquiries@smileelite.com.  

Originally published by Smile Elite.

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