While we're not seasoned pros yet, years of hands-on renovations have honed our skills and confidence. We've learned exactly what we can tackle ourselves and when to bring in experts like licensed contractors for safety and compliance.
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Our latest project has taught us valuable lessons while slashing costs through self-reliance. We handled all demolition ourselves—the crucial first step that's often the most straightforward way to economize. Though challenging, this round demanded serious effort, grit, and perseverance.
Performing key tasks in-house has saved us thousands, freeing up budget for our home's ongoing upgrades. This charming house in a prime location just needs modern touches. Here's what we've done ourselves, with practical insights from our experience.
To flood our home with natural light and openness, we removed several walls. As load-bearing structures, they required careful planning: we installed temporary supports beforehand and consulted our contractor and structural engineer for the right steel beams to uphold the upper floor. Safety first—we never compromise on structural integrity.
We dismantled the bulky chimney around our wood stove—a tough job revealing a 10cm-thick reinforced concrete slab. Our rented Kango hammer drill, originally for walls, made quick work of it. We own many tools but rent heavy hitters like this for infrequent use, picking up locally for convenience. Sites like Tool Center are great for essentials, like our construction vacuum.
Frank leads our electrical work—he's got the expertise on live, neutral, and ground wires. I assist but defer to him for execution. We never touch the meter cabinet; it demands certified pros to meet regulations. This balanced approach lets us handle straightforward installs confidently.
A first for us: swapping a clunky wall hood for a sleek ceiling model to avoid head bumps. The Siemens unit came with crystal-clear instructions. We wired and mounted it flawlessly; now it's ready for plasterboard finishing and the pro plasterer's touch.
Assembling the framework is straightforward. Uneven existing ceilings meant using filler shims for level alignment. Hardware store rules and a solid drill get them up fast—hammer plugs secure them firmly into concrete, despite the dust.
We've mastered this: scaffolding from our ladder, we hoist 3m plasterboards upright to prevent snaps. One holds it steady against the frame while the other screws it in. The first sheet was tricky, but practice perfected it. DIY-friendly for handy folks—plasterers smooth imperfections beautifully. Long poles from videos didn't work for us; teamwork did.
A pro quote of €1500 felt steep for materials we could source cheaper. We're leveling it ourselves for around €400, prepping perfectly for new PVC flooring.
Painting offers huge savings—no labor fees on pricey paint. I cover frames, doors, ceilings, walls, exteriors, and furniture. Frank skips it, so I trade for other chores. It's rewarding and cost-effective.
Quality tools are non-negotiable. Build your kit gradually; brands like Makita, Bosch, or Metabo deliver reliability. Beyond basics like hammer drills, wire-stripping pliers are invaluable for clean electrical preps. We love the satisfaction of DIY savings. Do you tackle renovations yourself or outsource? Share below!
