Skint Dad

Where Every Penny Counts

  • Home
  • Save money
    • Save money on water bills
    • How to save money on groceries
    • Save money on energy bills
    • Frugal living tips
    • 1p Saving Challenge
  • Make money
    • Make money online
    • Best side hustle ideas
    • Best paid surveys
    • Genuine work from home jobs
  • Manage money
    • Best budgeting apps
    • Average household bills
    • Credit score apps
  • Help & Support
  • News
  • Deals
    • Kids Eat Free
    • Farmfoods offers
    • Heron Foods offers
    • Blue Light Card discounts list
    • When is the Next sale
  • About us
    • Contact us
  • Subscribe
You are here: Home / Save Money / 5 DIY Tips to Save Money on Home Improvements

Skint Dad is reader supported. Some links may earn us a small commission. Learn more

5 DIY Tips to Save Money on Home Improvements

by Ricky Willis · updated 27 June 2019

Instead of overpaying for DIY jobs or projects, check out these top DIY money saving tips to help with tasks around the home.

DIY building materials

You’ve added every image you can find to your Pinterest boards, drawn up plans and are ready to go…but then you start to look at the costings.

Don’t let DIY be a bore as there are ways to do the same job but less expensive as you might first thing.

Get a sign-up bonus with Swagbucks

Earn a bit of extra money in your spare time with surveys, offers and other simple tasks you can do at home.

New users can currently get a bonus when they sign up.

Claim sign-up bonus

1. How to guides

I bet there are plenty of small DIY jobs you’ve put off in the past as you either didn’t want to pay a professional or you didn’t know how. And, I bet some of you have ended up forking out a small fortune when these small DIY jobs have turned into major headaches.

Well, worry no longer as you have the power in your fingertips to solve these DIY jobs without splashing the cash. Just pop over to YouTube, and whatever small job needs doing, you’ll find a helpful video which will take you step by step through the process of getting it done.

From replacing a cracked floor tile to fixing a leaky tap; how to guides on YouTube will give you the confidence and know-how to become a pro when it comes to DIY around the home.

2. Save on the cost of DIY materials

I hate overspending on things and materials needed for DIY jobs such as replacing the flooring or hanging new shelving are no different.

Before you head off to the big industrial estate stores for supplies, check your local builders merchants

From your kitchen and bathroom to your floor and stairs, even bolts, screws and cheap paint, you’ll be surprised what building material bargains you can pick.

3. Don’t rush

preparing for DIY

You have been working all week and the last thing you want to do at the weekend is painting the kid’s bedroom.

The lazy person in you wants to chuck some paint in a tray, grab the rollers and speed paint like you’re missing Christmas dinner.

The only problem with this is you are only going to make more work for yourself in the long run. You’ll no doubt get splashes of paint on the carpet and furniture, streaky lines on the walls and the cutting in is non-existent.

By planning out the DIY job and taking your time, you have increased your chance of getting it right the first time. You may also save cost on having to get the carpets professionally cleaned!

4. Make sure you’re covered

However much you think you’re prepared and have the skills to complete DIY jobs, accidents can still happen.

You don’t want to accidentally drill into pipes or put a foot through the ceiling!!

Before you start any DIY job, dig out your insurance policy or give your insurance company a call to check that you are adequately covered, just in case.

5. You can’t do it all

There are some DIY jobs that, frankly, you will be unable to do. Jobs that involve electrics or gas will need the skills of a professional. This doesn’t mean you won’t still be able to save money though.

Whatever it is, make sure you get three or four quotes and if you can get recommendations from friends and family even better.

Also, in some cases, you may be able to reduce the costs of a professional by doing part of the job yourselves.

A good example is carpet fitting. Carpet fitters can charge a small fortune for fitting the underlay so why not do this yourselves. It relatively straightforward, and the only tools you’ll need is a sharp stanley knife and a staple gun. Again, check out YouTube for a guide.

Ricky Willis

About Ricky Willis

Ricky Willis is the founder of Skint Dad. Drawing on his own experiences, he shares practical ways to save money, cut household costs and earn extra cash to help families make their money go further.

Ricky and Naomi Willis

Ricky and Naomi Willis, founders and editors of the Skint Dad website.

We know how heavy money pressure can feel, so we share simple, practical help to make everyday money feel more manageable.

Read more about us.

Buy Skint Dad's book Make Every Penny Count
Skint Dad in the media

Explore

Save money

Make money

Manage money

Buy our book

Budget recipes

Join the community

Buy Skint Dad a coffee

Information

About us

Contact us

Awards, Media and Press

Affiliate Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Terms & Conditions

Sitemap

Skint Dad

Business office:
K2 Tower
Bond Street
Hull
HU1 3EN

Skint Media Limited
Registered in England and Wales
Company number: 09991508

Registered office:
1st Floor 8b Lonsdale Gardens
Tunbridge Wells
Kent
TN1 1NU

Copyright © 2026 · Skint Media Limited · All rights reserved · Registered in England and Wales with company number 09991508

Skint Dad
Menu
  • Home
  • Save money
    • Save money on water bills
    • How to save money on groceries
    • Save money on energy bills
    • Frugal living tips
    • 1p Saving Challenge
  • Make money
    • Make money online
    • Best side hustle ideas
    • Best paid surveys
    • Genuine work from home jobs
  • Manage money
    • Best budgeting apps
    • Average household bills
    • Credit score apps
  • Help & Support
  • News
  • Deals
    • Kids Eat Free
    • Farmfoods offers
    • Heron Foods offers
    • Blue Light Card discounts list
    • When is the Next sale
  • About us
    • Contact us
  • Subscribe