My Top 5 DIY Problems Solved (On a Budget)

This post is in partnership with eBay.co.uk.

Regardless of your budget, making any sort of effective change to your home can be daunting. It’s all very well reading a lovely blog post on ‘how to…’ but usually these projects require time and money and the last thing you want to do is waste either, doing a botch job.

A recent study by eBay.co.uk discovered that 29% of DIY-ers have spent £279.30 correcting a job that’s gone wrong. That’s £4.2bn nationally! Do not be part of that statistic (like me).

I’ve never had the luxury of a big budget when it comes to interiors, yet it has never been quite as tight as when I was a student. Yes, even as a student, interior decorating was my ‘thing’ and getting my home looking right was always my priority. I was that loser. That being said, it has all paved the way for where we are today; still broke but in a much nicer house. Yay! Oh…

Over the years (and through trial and error) I found ways to update and makeover my home, that didn’t break the bank but still looked stylish. With very little budget, there was little room for mistakes, however, they were made and I learned from them. Here are my top 5 DIY problems solved (on a budget), so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.  YOU are welcome.

DIY Problems Solved: Disguise Bumpy Walls

According to the eBay.co.uk survey, 3 in 5 of Brits are put off DIY tasks due to a lack of skills. Of the 2,000 people asked, 37% avoid tiling, 38% just put up with that leaky tap, whilst understandably, 43% are scared of tackling plastering. It’s a huge job to DIY and calling in the professionals can come at a hefty price… but here are some effective ways to ‘smooth out’ imperfect walls. These are all techniques I use myself, depending on the look I want to achieve.

Filling and Sanding

This may sound like an obvious solution, but many people don’t realise how effective filling and sanding a wall can be; all you need is time and patience. If your walls are in relatively good condition, some ready mixed filler (find it here) and a paint scraper (filler knife) can help to smooth out an uneven surface.

Quick How To:

The trick is to prepare well before you start filling. Make sure ALL paper has been stripped, leaving no remnants on the wall. Spend time sanding any raised areas, then, when you think you’re finished, sand it again. Trust me, it’s worth it. Start with a coarse grid sandpaper then work down to a medium grit. Fill your imperfections, then sand again. Run a vacuum over the wall (to expose any pitting or holes), wipe, then fill and sand again. Like I said, time consuming but worth it. I did this on the bathroom walls and ceiling, and on the recessed panelled area of the hallway.

Wallpaper

One of the easiest ways to cover imperfections is by using wallpaper. Although I love pattern in other people’s houses, I’m too flighty and cannot commit to that kind of decision in my own home (for now). Instead I opt for a textured, paintable paper; one that’s easy to hang, with little matching and little waste.

I used a lightly textured paper in the front bedroom to add some depth as well as a quick fix to conceal the imperfections. If I could get it skimmed smooth for free, I still wouldn’t change it. The texture gives the feel of fabric lined walls; especially when run horizontally around the room, rather than vertically. Bet you never thought of trying that!

Hilarious fact: According to eBay.co.uk research, one of the top DIY fails, was ‘using tape to put up wallpaper’ !!

Skim Coat

If you are adamant that you need smooth walls, then I have an easier alternative to traditional skimming or plastering. You will need a heavy pile paint roller (shop here) and a squeegee. No, I’ve not gone mad.

Traditional plastering and skimming takes a lot of skill and coordination (I have neither) which results in a smooth finish with no need for sanding (this is why it costs so much. Skills). This technique requires no skill, but some sanding. It’s how I finished the walls in the bedroom for Revamp, Restyle, Reveal.

Step 1: Prepare your walls. Make sure that all wallpaper and loose paint has been thoroughly removed and that any holes or cracks have been filled using a filler suitable for the job. Deep holes should be built up in layers and allowed to dry thoroughly before sanding smooth. Make sure the walls and surrounding areas are dirt and dust free as loose debris can affect the application process and the final outcome.

Step 2: Seal unfinished walls with a plaster sealer or diluted PVA. Dilute one part PVA to four parts water. This will help the plaster to adhere properly.

Step 3: Dip the roller in the skim coat, ensuring that the pile is covered in product. You want a good amount of product, but not so much that it’s dropping everywhere. Starting at the bottom left corner, apply to the wall and roll out in a layer of no more than 1 sq metre.

Step 4: Using the squeegee, smooth out the skim in a thin, even coat making sure that all texture is covered. Work across the wall 1m squared at a time until it is complete. Allow to dry thoroughly

Step 5: A second coat will even out areas and fill any holes missed with the first coat.

Step 6: Sand down any irregularities or lines ready for painting.

DIY Problems Solved: Update Kitchen Units

Paint

Paint is one of the easiest ways to completely transform your kitchen. There are lots of readily available products for revamping kitchen cupboards, however, my preferred method requires no sanding and can be completed in a weekend.

Quick How To:

Ebay discovered that the nation’s top DIY botch was failing to prepare surfaces for painting and varnishing. I’ve been there and learned my lesson. It was tough. We must prepare, people. Preparation is key.

Before you begin, you will need to clean your door and drawer fronts. I would suggest removing them at this stage so that you can be thorough. Use sugar soap (here) to remove any grease. Allow to dry.

You will need to prime each surface before you paint it. This is the most important stage as this will give your finish longevity. I recommend that you use Zinsser primer, which requires no sanding and adheres unbelievably well. I used Zinsser on my bookcase hack and on the kitchen in my first flat (shown below), both applied with a brush. If your doors are high gloss, I would suggest a very light key first with a finishing sandpaper, just to ensure no chips or scrapes later on.

Top coat in paint suitable for wood and metal. I use a paintbrush for the corners/detailing and a small smooth roller for the flat surfaces. Two coats should see the job finished.

Change Handles

Changing handles is also a simple but effective way of updating existing cabinets. Be sure to measure the holes for your old handles before, to make sure that they match, or can be covered.

If the DIY bug hits you hard, you can always make your own handles. See that post (here).

DIY Problems Solved: Revamp Tiles

Re-grout

Re-grouting is a job that the nation loves to put off. It isn’t a complicated one but it is a tedious one. Your main tools are a grout scraper and determination. You can do this.

Quick How To:

The scraper tool will have a tungsten carbide grit coated blade, which you will run along the grout lines, removing the old grout. You may need to repeat the process a few times to get it all, making sure you are careful not to mark your tiles. Clean out the debris with a sponge and water. An old toothbrush can be useful here too.

Once clean, you are ready to grout. I always prefer the hassle free (but a little more expensive) option of ready mixed product (find it here). Apply your product (using a grout float or plastic spreader) in all directions to ensure that the lines are completely filled. Remove excess. Allow to dry for ten minutes before lightly wiping clean with a sponge. Maybe try a different colour for stylish impact.

Refresh Grout Colour

The easier and cheaper alternative to re-grouting, is to use a grout pen. These come in a variety of colours and are applied as if you are colouring-in the lines. The job is straightforward but needs to be recoated over time.

Paint Tiles or Add Decals

Updating tiled areas is another way to make a massive change to your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re looking for pattern, there is a wide variety of tile decals on the market, some of which are very inexpensive. These are easy to apply and can instantly transform a space.

If pattern isn’t your thing,  perhaps painting the tiles would be a better option for you. Again, there are many products especially for this process, however, good old Zinsser primer and a gloss top coat, will also do the trick. Apply both with a small smooth foam roller for a neat finish.

DIY Problems Solved: Make the Most of a Small Space

If space is at a premium, or if you just want to get your stuff out on display, then utilising the vertical surfaces in a room is a brilliant way to add extra storage as well as visual impact. I used bookcases in my living room to do just this.

If DIY really isn’t your thing, then twin slot shelving systems are a simple way to create easy to adjust custom shelving at a really affordable price. Simple to hang, these slotted metal uprights are screwed to the wall and brackets clicked into place to provide a versatile system that can be put together from around £40. Although basic, this system has become a design classic, that with a little spray paint and some interesting shelf choices, can look pretty stylish. I am planning using twin slot shelving in our downstairs office, sprayed ‘brass’ with some live-edge wood as shelves.

Another little trick is to utilise the dead space in a room. Shelving above doors can provide space for items that aren’t in regular use and hooks can be used to hang baskets and bags as extra storage too. Be fancy and source second hand vintage hooks for an interesting display.

DIY Problems Solved: Change Flooring

New flooring can be expensive and can be costly to have fitted. There are lots of great options available now though, at varied price points, so you don’t have to live with flooring that you hate.

Add Rugs

Okay, so the ugly flooring will still be there, but if it’s an inoffensive colour, perhaps investing in a large rug (or a few coordinating rugs) would work. I’ve done this in a previous property and found it completely distracted from the problem. The beauty of buying rugs is that you can take them with you if you move! Buy second-hand for individuality and character. I got this huge rug for the bargain price of £25…

and this hallway runner for £10 on eBay.co.uk!

Lay Self-adhesive Tile

Our current kitchen got a mini make-over with affordable vinyl tile, sourced on eBay.co.uk. It was put down as a temporary measure a couple of years ago, however, we are now considering vinyl tile for the new bathroom (when the time comes). It was easy to cut, easy to lay, and is zero maintenance. Also, it looks really good too. Vinyl tile is now available in a wide variety of patterns, including pretty convincing wood effect planks.

Lay Laminate

This job seems daunting, but it really isn’t a difficult process. The quality of laminate flooring has improved immensely over the last few years, including the cheaper end of the spectrum. Just remember that you will have to figure in the cost of edging and underlay too. There are loads of instructional videos online to help guide you, however, you can also check out my instructions below for a quick ‘how-to’.

How To Lay Laminate

Prepare Your Floor

Make sure that your floor is level and that any screws or nail heads are fixed below the surface. If your floor is very uneven, you may need to consider laying a sub-floor to level it. Your floor should be free of all dirt and debris.

Top Tip: Take note of which direction your floorboards run. You should run your laminate across these, rather than along them.

Lay your underlay and trim it to fit the space.

Step 1: Start in a corner and work your way across the room, tongue side of the board facing the wall.

Step 2: Measure the space for the last board in the row and mark it on the back of the board using the square. Make the cut using your mitre saw. Click the last board into place

Place spacers between the boards and the wall to allow room for expansion. This gap should be around 8mm, all around the room.

Step 3: Use the offcut from your last board to start the next row, which will give a staggered joint. Each board should click into place and lay perfectly flat. Continue to stagger each joint as you work across the room.

Step 4: Measure your final row for cutting, leaving room for the expansion gap.

Step 5: Use laminate floor beading to finish the edges, cutting the corners at 45 angles using your mitre saw. Using wood glue, attach the edging to the skirting boards. Do not attach these to the floor as this will prevent expansion. Use weights to hold in place until dry.

Top Tip: To fit around door frames, use a handsaw to undercut the base of the frame, using a scrap of laminate as a guide to run your saw along. The board should be able to slide under the frame.

My Top 5 DIY Problems. Solved.

I’ve wanted to write this post for a long time and the timing of the eBay.co.uk survey worked out perfectly. I’ve always been a keen DIY-er and it’s very easy to forget the very simple changes you can make to transform your home. We often look at the larger problem, instead of considering the tweaks that can be made to work with what you already have. Many home projects can often feel daunting, so it’s no surprise that 27% of those surveyed have never attempted any form of DIY at all.

Hopefully this post will convince one or two of you to give it a go.