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| 50 Clever DIY Ideas for Big Savings |
Submitted by:
Tip Hero 11/03/2009 3:59 PM
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What we don't have in money we can make up with in time. When times are good and you've got money to spare, you might be fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay someone else to do work around the house, freeing up time for other work, projects, hobbies, and fun. But when the going gets tough, time can often be your most valuable asset. And putting that time to good use, such as going the DIY route, can help save you money while also providing for some very rewarding work. After all, when you do it yourself, you're much more likely to enjoy what you've done than if you had paid someone else to do it. At least we think so!
We came across a great article from This Old House that lists 50 DIY things you can do to save big. There are a lot of really great ideas on the list. What we also like about the list is that they break up the projects into four major per-year savings categories: (1) Savings of up to $50, savings of up to $150, savings of up to $250, and savings of up to $500. Plus, under each idea, they provide cost and savings amounts, so you can get a sense of what to expect to save for each.
We've pulled out a few of our favorites from each category, but we strongly suggest clicking through to read about all 50 ideas.
And if you've got any DIY, money-saving tips of your own, please share them with the rest of the Tip Hero community in the Comments section below. Thanks!
Up to $50 in Savings:
1. Shorten your dryer-vent hose. - "Then trim the hose length so that it's just long enough for you to pull the dryer a few feet out from the wall. A short and unobstructed line makes your dryer run more efficiently." Estimated savings: $25/year.
2. Borrow specialized tools. - "Go to Zilok for far better deals than rental retailers offer." Estimated savings: "$50 or more for the same tool at a rental center."
Web searches (sponosred): Tool Rentals | Tool Rental Centers
4. Choose one neutral trim paint. - "For the entire house rather than buying a gallon of a particular color for each room and using only a fraction of each can." Estimated savings: "$50 on paint for three rooms."
Web searches (sponosred): Discount Paint | Paint Tools
Up to $150 in Savings:
17. Set your computer to sleep. — "Not just the monitor, but the hard drive, too—so that it automatically dims after 10 minutes of nonuse." Estimated savings: $75/year off electric bills.
18. Wait to replace your grill, lawn mower, or patio furniture until the fall. - "Stores mark down their inventory to make room for holiday decorations and snowblowers." Estimated savings: "$150 or more per item."
21. Buy a deluxe battery recharging station. - "Stop using disposables. A combo unit keeps a supply of AA, AAA, C, and D batteries at the ready." Estimated savings: "As much as $100 per year on disposables for dozens of tools and gadgets."
Up to $250 in Savings:
29. Plug in a SmartStrip. - "Three-quarters of the energy that electronics burn is consumed when the equipment is turned off. Rather than unplug items after every use, hook them up to a SmartStrip surge protector, which automatically kills power to electronics when you turn them off and returns it when you switch them back on." Estimated savings: "As much as $240 per year in energy costs."
33. Do your own energy audit. - "Pick up Black & Decker's new Thermal Leak Detector to find weak spots in your home's "insulation envelope." Fixes are often as simple as installing foam gaskets under switch plates and outlet covers ($3 for 10 gaskets at Home Energy Solutions) and adding new weatherstripping around your entry door ($3 for 17 feet of self-adhesive foam strip at Lowes)." Estimated savings: $160/year.
35. Get the contractor discount on home improvement products. - "Many local dealers offer a 5, 10, or even 15 percent discount to tradespeople. So, for example, drop the name of your plumber when buying new bath fixtures. Don't have a pro? Explain that you're contracting the job, and ask if they'll extend the discount." Estimated savings: "Easily $250 for a new tub, sink, and toilet suite."
Up to $500 in Savings:
38. Install an under-sink water filter. - Stop buying expensive bottled water. Estimated savings: "$360 per year on purified water."
Web searches (sponosred): Under-Sink Water Filters
39. Install a wireless light switch. - "Simply attach a battery-operated device to the wall and screw its receptor into the lamp socket, which then receives the bulb." Estimated savings: "$250 to $300 to have an electrician install a switch and snake in wiring."
42. Free mulch and compost. - Get it at your town's yard-waste recycling center. Estimated savings: "$300 for all the amendments you'll need to fortify and cover your raised beds and foundation plantings, per 1/4 acre."
50 Nifty Tricks for Big DIY Savings (This Old House) |
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