Any recommended suggestions for a quick but cheap renovation

If you bought a so so property, have to DIY or simple renovation<hire someone to do it> (not difficult one but quick and cheap ones:e.g. spend less than $2-5K), any suggestions?

Some simple renovation I have learned from the previous forum include DIY to paint the wall, change the carpet/floor as well as the curtains.

Any other suggestions?

This could be a creative idea for someone who would like to do a simple, less expensive renovation.

Many Thanks

 

You're on the right track with paint, floors, window furnishings.

Also

Modern lighting
Tapware
Door furnishing

 

I always wonder if it's safe to do diy electrical. It's not hard to screw in wires, but at the same time it's not hard to screw in the wrong wires either

 

Seriously only 3 to choose from? Yes but if you don't know the principles of positve/Active negative/neutral and earth DO NOT mess with wiring.

 

Cheap and cheery could include cleaning and regrouting of tiles, tub and tile paint, laminate paint to cabinets, removal of old grotty shower screens, even a new vanity. Outside a tidy up of the yard, and some simple planting.

 

Look if the bathroom and kitchen could be improved. Resurfaced, painted, new handles. Like any reno, these are big impact areas. If you do a cheap and cheerful makeover. Two thumbs up

 

I'm looking at doing this myself on a smallish 3x1. I'm hoping to replace carpet, paint the whole house and replace lighting. It's currently pretty tired - the lighting is very dated and the carpets are vile so it should come up nicely.

 

We bought a villa that was a bit tired. We did a 1 week reno. Paint, carpet, Lino in the kitchen and laundry. New toilet and vanity. Painted the kitchen doors and put new handles. Came up well and we didn't touch it for 4 years. We sold it last month. Doubled in price in 4 years. Nice!!

 

It's amazing what you can get second hand like vanitys, kitchens, bedroom cupboards etc. I've even done an entire house with free timber blinds! I put that one down to luck but I'm always on the look out for bits and pieces for my next Reno.

 

Do not touch the plumbing or the electrics. Leave that to licensed professionals or you'll find you've invalidated your insurance.

 

Electrical - It's just 3 wires isn't it.

Except most 60's and 70's dumps that people purchase as IP's are wired third terminal at the light fitting and use black as the switch wire.

Game over for DIY er's.

Hell, game over for some of the so called tradesman I've had the pleasure of employing before.

 

Thank god for trip switches.

 

I was under the impression that light fittings could be swapped without a sparky? No new circuits obviously but you can replace ugly old lights.

 

Or instead of regrouting, using a grout pen if you're really on a budget.

 

Except in many 60's and 70's dumps the lights were wired with no earth.
No earth. No trip.

 

Not legally.
A restricted electrical licence will allow the holder to exchange like for like.
Holder also required to prove the need for use.
Example plumber could disconnect hot water system, replace and reconnect electrical.
Test and tag tech could repair and replace cords and plug tops.
I don't believe this ticket is extended to DIY.
If anyone knows otherwise, then happy to be informed.

 

Ouch

 

You can if theyre the fittings don't require you to touch any wiring. Like the "lamp shade" style ones where you just unscrew and swap over

 

Plus when safety switches age they can break.

I remember my brother (sparky) telling me how he replaced a whole heap of safety switches in a townhouse complex. There was a high fail rate. Something like 1 in 5.

Which is why you should regularly press the test switch on the safety switch to make sure it's still working. I think the problem is (again from memory) the spring in the switch can stick after years of inactivity. So a regular testing is a good idea.

 

I'll admit to doing DIY electrical at home. I've installed lights. The problem I've been told about DIY electrical from my electrician mate is old houses with dodgy wiring and people attempting to use the wrong size wiring for certain applications. It melts and causes a fire. 1ml for lights but not for your big ass welding machine.