Save Money When Renovating Your Home

There was a lot of work to do after we bought this property, so we started by gutting the place. We threw out the carpets, hacked crumbling plaster off the walls and hired trademen to install new wiring, plumbing and a bathroom. Next, we added a new roof, central heating and an internal staircase down to the basement – and also turned what was a bathroom into the kitchen. I proud that I’m handy with woodworking tools – I made all the shelves and cupboards in our house and also upcycled pieces of old furniture. In our bedroom, I measured our books, worked out the height required and made bookshelves to fit in the alcoves on each side of the old fireplace. I did a small amount of woodwork at art college and also studied model-making as part of my stage design course – I just saw our new home as the same thing but on a bigger scale. Also, when the builders were here, I watched them and picked up tips. I’ve even made some floor lamps using tree branches, which were given to me by a gardener To make the shades I used some wire which I had around the house, combined with some some sturdy card . I am just like everyone else – I don’t want to have to spend money if it is not necessary, so if there is something that I would like for the house that I think I can make myself I am happy to attempt it . Alternatively, I will go out looking to see if anything useful has been left behind in a skip somewhere However I did purchase the sideboard in my bedroom in a furniture warehouse sale . We really like to relax at the end of a busy day so when we found we had a bit of surplus funds we invested this in a really comfy hard wearing settee . Occasionally I like to indulge myself with somescented candles, particularly the beautiful ones made by companies like Yankee candle and True Grace candles.Christmas time is very special – because we live in a pretty small place we can get to see all our friends without having to travel long distances in poor weather . And being able to walk along the beach in the snow is a unique feeling.Our christmas tree always has pride of place in the middle of our bay window, meaning that everyone walking by or coming up the pathway is greeted by its lovely twinkling lights and baubles . I was so pleased when we finally finished the renovations, as it meant the house felt like our home and I was finally let loose to decorate it from top to bottom. Christmas is such a special time for us as a family and now we have a special house to enjoy it in.