• Contact
  • Penina Petersen -Top Finance Blogger 2023 | Australia
Friday, May 9, 2025
  • Login
Savings Room
Advertisement
  • YOU
    • All
    • Beauty
    • Body
    • Career
    • Feel Good
    • Health & Fitness
    • Inspiration
    • Mind
    • Spirit
    • Style
    Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

    Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    First Aid Class

    Mastering Life-Saving Skills: What to Expect from a Hands-On First Aid Class

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    5 Exclusive Tips on Saving Money on Groceries

    supermarket 1470016036

    How to feed a family of four on the cheap. Spend $10 Save $600.

    save money 1509326869

    14 ways to save money in Australia

    Trending Tags

    • beauty tips
    • fashion tips
    • budget beauty buys
    • frugal style
    • lifestyle choices
    • beauty tips and tricks
    • makeup tips
    • budget makeup
  • Money
    • All
    • Bills & Budgeting
    • Business & Finance
    • Credit & Debt
    • Insurance
    • Investment
    • Make Money
    • Mortgages & Loans
    • Save Money
    • Super, Tax & Retirement
    Pay Debt

    Fast-Tracked Freedom: 7 Strategies for Paying Off Your HECS Debt Sooner 

    Cash Flow Management: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Afloat

    Cash Flow Management: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Afloat

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    Decision Drivers: 5 Essential Tools for Smarter Financial Choices

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    How to Build a Savings Plan That Actually Works

    How to Build a Savings Plan That Actually Works

    Saving for a house in Australia

    The ultimate guide to saving for a house in Australia

    Trending Tags

    • make money
    • how to save money
    • save money on gas
    • save money on groceries
    • save money on utilities
    • save money on car insurance
  • FOOD
    • All
    • Lunches & Leftovers
    • Meal Prep
    Saving money on groceries in Australia

    10 strategies for saving money on groceries in Australia

    30 fast meal prep ideas

    30 fast meal prep ideas

    save money on meat

    Nifty tricks for saving big on meat

    The Smart Cookbook Changing Lives

    The Smart Cookbook Changing Lives

    Ways to save money fast around the house today

    Ways to save money fast around the house today

    40 Sugar Free Kids Lunches Savings Room

    Sugar Free Kids Lunches

    Trending Tags

    • saving money on groceries
    • supermarket shopping tips
    • cheaper groceries
    • easy ways to save
    • dinner ideas
  • FAMILY LIFE
    • All
    • Baby
    • Kids & Parenting
    • Kids Tips
    • Love & Relationships
    • Media
    • Outdoor Spaces
    • Renovation Tips
    • Utilities
    • Working from home
    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    save on utilities australia

    30 fast tips: How to save on utilities in Australia

    modern bathroom tiles with plant

    Tile Tactics: How To Choose Tiles To Match Your Interiors

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    20% off inspiring wall murals for cash-strapped renovators

    20% off inspiring wall murals for cash-strapped renovators

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Trending Tags

    • parenting
    • kids activities
    • party tips
    • cheap things to do
    • school holidays
    • cheap party ideas
    • parenting advice
  • HOME & GARDEN
    • All
    • Cleaning
    • Declutter
    • Recycling Tips
    The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home: Tips and Tricks

    Spring Cleaning: 100 Essential Deep Cleaning and Declutter Tips

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Four Tips For Creating a More Functional Living Room Space

    Four Tips For Creating a More Functional Living Room Space

    Fast home organisation tips for the kitchen

    Fast home organisation tips for the kitchen

    11 ways to make money in Australia: How to get ahead

    11 ways to make money in Australia: How to get ahead

    11 budget-friendly tips to save money as a student in Australia

    11 budget-friendly tips to save money as a student in Australia

    Limitless no-fail cleaning motivation

    Limitless no-fail cleaning motivation

    Trending Tags

    • house hacks
    • housekeeping
    • cleaning hacks
    • moving house tips
    • save on cleaning products
  • ORGANISE
    • All
    • Home Office
    • Organise & Declutter
    • Room Makeovers
    • Rooms in the Home
    Where to Buy Affordable Office Desks and Chairs in Australia

    Where to Buy Affordable Office Desks and Chairs in Australia

    Sensory Ergonomics: A Deep Dive into the Role of Sensations in Furniture Design

    Sensory Ergonomics: A Deep Dive into the Role of Sensations in Furniture Design

    The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home: Tips and Tricks

    Spring Cleaning: 100 Essential Deep Cleaning and Declutter Tips

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Trending Tags

    • declutter
    • cleaning
    • home cleaning tips
    • speed cleaning tips
    • save on cleaning products
    • spring cleaning
  • EVENTS
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fathers Day
    • Mothers Day
    Budget Christmas: 100 Epic Ways to Save Money in Australia

    Budget Christmas: 100 Epic Ways to Save Money in Australia

    Fast and frugal tips for saving this Easter

    Fast and frugal tips for saving this Easter

    SAVINGSROOM PASTEL IMAGES earth happy 1

    T’is The Season To Be Thrifty In July

    36 5 Christmas Shopping Hacks To Save Money

    5 Christmas Shopping Hacks To Save Money

    57 Are you tired of conventional presents like socks

    Are you tired of conventional presents like socks?

    91 Win win ways mums can outsource life on Mothers Day and for good

    Win-win ways mums can outsource life on Mothers Day and for good

    Trending Tags

    • Christmas
    • travel
    • travel tips
    • budget christmas
    • free christmas gifts
    • christmas dinner ideas
    • christmas shopping
    • christmas lunch ideas
  • LIFESTYLE
    • All
    • Car Tips
    • Entertainment
    • Hacks
    • Holiday
    • Leisure & Recreation
    • Technology
    • Things to Do
    • Videos
    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    Travelling to the US? Hot tips on finding the best car insurance

    Going Green: Save Big Around The Home

    Going Green: Save Big Around The Home

    Here’s a smart solution! Rent camera gear for amazing shots & savings. Wow your Insta-audience too.

    Here’s a smart solution! Rent camera gear for amazing shots & savings. Wow your Insta-audience too.

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    6 tricks for slashing your next car loan

    SAVINGSROOM PASTEL IMAGES purse finance 1

    Living The Good Life Without The Guilt

    Trending Tags

    • home entertainment
    • cheap things to do
    • things to do this weekend
    • cheap style
    • cheap holidays
    • cheap style tips
    • cheap clothes
  • TRAVEL
    • All
    • Camping
    • Cars
    Campervan

    Campervan Conversion Made Easy with These Tricks – Find out More!

    Revealed 14 ways to save money on petrol

    Revealed: 14 ways to save money on petrol

    40+ Money Saving Tips for Struggling Families

    How to Save Money Fast: 40 Ways to Save Money

    Aussies might be considering credit as inflation bites

    Aussies might be considering credit as inflation bites

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    Travelling to the US? Hot tips on finding the best car insurance

    four assorted-color iPhone X cases

    Cut your mobile bills in half, plus more tips to save money in your home

    SAVE MONEY AUSTRALIA BUDGETING TIPS PERSONAL FINANCE 17

    Tips For Saving Money in Australia: 5 Things Australians Forget Every Time They Shop

    Trending Tags

    • hotel accommodation
    • holiday destinations
    • affordable holiday destinations
    • cheap holiday destinations
No Result
View All Result
  • YOU
    • All
    • Beauty
    • Body
    • Career
    • Feel Good
    • Health & Fitness
    • Inspiration
    • Mind
    • Spirit
    • Style
    Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

    Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    First Aid Class

    Mastering Life-Saving Skills: What to Expect from a Hands-On First Aid Class

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    5 Exclusive Tips on Saving Money on Groceries

    supermarket 1470016036

    How to feed a family of four on the cheap. Spend $10 Save $600.

    save money 1509326869

    14 ways to save money in Australia

    Trending Tags

    • beauty tips
    • fashion tips
    • budget beauty buys
    • frugal style
    • lifestyle choices
    • beauty tips and tricks
    • makeup tips
    • budget makeup
  • Money
    • All
    • Bills & Budgeting
    • Business & Finance
    • Credit & Debt
    • Insurance
    • Investment
    • Make Money
    • Mortgages & Loans
    • Save Money
    • Super, Tax & Retirement
    Pay Debt

    Fast-Tracked Freedom: 7 Strategies for Paying Off Your HECS Debt Sooner 

    Cash Flow Management: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Afloat

    Cash Flow Management: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Business Afloat

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    Decision Drivers: 5 Essential Tools for Smarter Financial Choices

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    Super Scams: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Retirement Fund Safe from Scammers

    How to Build a Savings Plan That Actually Works

    How to Build a Savings Plan That Actually Works

    Saving for a house in Australia

    The ultimate guide to saving for a house in Australia

    Trending Tags

    • make money
    • how to save money
    • save money on gas
    • save money on groceries
    • save money on utilities
    • save money on car insurance
  • FOOD
    • All
    • Lunches & Leftovers
    • Meal Prep
    Saving money on groceries in Australia

    10 strategies for saving money on groceries in Australia

    30 fast meal prep ideas

    30 fast meal prep ideas

    save money on meat

    Nifty tricks for saving big on meat

    The Smart Cookbook Changing Lives

    The Smart Cookbook Changing Lives

    Ways to save money fast around the house today

    Ways to save money fast around the house today

    40 Sugar Free Kids Lunches Savings Room

    Sugar Free Kids Lunches

    Trending Tags

    • saving money on groceries
    • supermarket shopping tips
    • cheaper groceries
    • easy ways to save
    • dinner ideas
  • FAMILY LIFE
    • All
    • Baby
    • Kids & Parenting
    • Kids Tips
    • Love & Relationships
    • Media
    • Outdoor Spaces
    • Renovation Tips
    • Utilities
    • Working from home
    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

    save on utilities australia

    30 fast tips: How to save on utilities in Australia

    modern bathroom tiles with plant

    Tile Tactics: How To Choose Tiles To Match Your Interiors

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    20% off inspiring wall murals for cash-strapped renovators

    20% off inspiring wall murals for cash-strapped renovators

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Trending Tags

    • parenting
    • kids activities
    • party tips
    • cheap things to do
    • school holidays
    • cheap party ideas
    • parenting advice
  • HOME & GARDEN
    • All
    • Cleaning
    • Declutter
    • Recycling Tips
    The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home: Tips and Tricks

    Spring Cleaning: 100 Essential Deep Cleaning and Declutter Tips

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Optimise Your Savings As A New Home Owner | 7 Tips

    Four Tips For Creating a More Functional Living Room Space

    Four Tips For Creating a More Functional Living Room Space

    Fast home organisation tips for the kitchen

    Fast home organisation tips for the kitchen

    11 ways to make money in Australia: How to get ahead

    11 ways to make money in Australia: How to get ahead

    11 budget-friendly tips to save money as a student in Australia

    11 budget-friendly tips to save money as a student in Australia

    Limitless no-fail cleaning motivation

    Limitless no-fail cleaning motivation

    Trending Tags

    • house hacks
    • housekeeping
    • cleaning hacks
    • moving house tips
    • save on cleaning products
  • ORGANISE
    • All
    • Home Office
    • Organise & Declutter
    • Room Makeovers
    • Rooms in the Home
    Where to Buy Affordable Office Desks and Chairs in Australia

    Where to Buy Affordable Office Desks and Chairs in Australia

    Sensory Ergonomics: A Deep Dive into the Role of Sensations in Furniture Design

    Sensory Ergonomics: A Deep Dive into the Role of Sensations in Furniture Design

    The Ultimate Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Home: Tips and Tricks

    Spring Cleaning: 100 Essential Deep Cleaning and Declutter Tips

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 smart storage solutions for your new home   

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    5 Handy Hacks For A More Liveable Living Space 

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Outdoor Entertaining – 5 Hacks for Happy Spring Parties

    Trending Tags

    • declutter
    • cleaning
    • home cleaning tips
    • speed cleaning tips
    • save on cleaning products
    • spring cleaning
  • EVENTS
    • All
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fathers Day
    • Mothers Day
    Budget Christmas: 100 Epic Ways to Save Money in Australia

    Budget Christmas: 100 Epic Ways to Save Money in Australia

    Fast and frugal tips for saving this Easter

    Fast and frugal tips for saving this Easter

    SAVINGSROOM PASTEL IMAGES earth happy 1

    T’is The Season To Be Thrifty In July

    36 5 Christmas Shopping Hacks To Save Money

    5 Christmas Shopping Hacks To Save Money

    57 Are you tired of conventional presents like socks

    Are you tired of conventional presents like socks?

    91 Win win ways mums can outsource life on Mothers Day and for good

    Win-win ways mums can outsource life on Mothers Day and for good

    Trending Tags

    • Christmas
    • travel
    • travel tips
    • budget christmas
    • free christmas gifts
    • christmas dinner ideas
    • christmas shopping
    • christmas lunch ideas
  • LIFESTYLE
    • All
    • Car Tips
    • Entertainment
    • Hacks
    • Holiday
    • Leisure & Recreation
    • Technology
    • Things to Do
    • Videos
    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    Travelling to the US? Hot tips on finding the best car insurance

    Going Green: Save Big Around The Home

    Going Green: Save Big Around The Home

    Here’s a smart solution! Rent camera gear for amazing shots & savings. Wow your Insta-audience too.

    Here’s a smart solution! Rent camera gear for amazing shots & savings. Wow your Insta-audience too.

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    6 tricks for slashing your next car loan

    SAVINGSROOM PASTEL IMAGES purse finance 1

    Living The Good Life Without The Guilt

    Trending Tags

    • home entertainment
    • cheap things to do
    • things to do this weekend
    • cheap style
    • cheap holidays
    • cheap style tips
    • cheap clothes
  • TRAVEL
    • All
    • Camping
    • Cars
    Campervan

    Campervan Conversion Made Easy with These Tricks – Find out More!

    Revealed 14 ways to save money on petrol

    Revealed: 14 ways to save money on petrol

    40+ Money Saving Tips for Struggling Families

    How to Save Money Fast: 40 Ways to Save Money

    Aussies might be considering credit as inflation bites

    Aussies might be considering credit as inflation bites

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Shoot and Edit Amazing Home Videos This Winter Season

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    Proven Money-Saving Tips for Families on a Budget

    Mind-blowing petrol savings: 180 ways to save

    Travelling to the US? Hot tips on finding the best car insurance

    four assorted-color iPhone X cases

    Cut your mobile bills in half, plus more tips to save money in your home

    SAVE MONEY AUSTRALIA BUDGETING TIPS PERSONAL FINANCE 17

    Tips For Saving Money in Australia: 5 Things Australians Forget Every Time They Shop

    Trending Tags

    • hotel accommodation
    • holiday destinations
    • affordable holiday destinations
    • cheap holiday destinations
No Result
View All Result
Savings Room
No Result
View All Result
Sponsored Content

How to save big on your renovation, homewares & furniture now

Penina Petersen by Penina Petersen
in Renovation Tips, Rooms in the Home
Reading Time: 10 mins read
How to save big on your renovation, homewares & furniture now

Pastel bedroom with contemporary artworks and stylish furniture

If you are an avid reader of my blog, you’ll know I’ve been in the throws of a major home renovation this year. And OMG, hubby and I have made some amazing savings on this project. Today, I’m giving you the inside scoop on how we’ve saved $50,000+ just by hanging out on Gumtree regularly!

My home is a large rectangle single story property. It was important that we shaved off costs at every stage of this renovation since we were also funding it out of our wages.

Read on to discover my secret tips for making amazing savings on home improvements and why I’ve been literally ‘living on Gumtree’ for the past year!


Firstly, here are my big important tips:

  1. Never overcapitalise
  2. Commit to never paying full price
  3. Never shop for ‘convenience’ (I.e Its just so easy to pop up into a local store to buy something – but it’ll will definitely cost you more)
  4. Never be in a hurry – be patient and you’ll save thousands
  5. It actually helps to not have enough money – because you will be forced to look for bargains

Here’s a tally of the total savings I’m about to show you:

  1. Blinds for my entire home: Total savings: $5515
  2. Furniture and homewares: Total savings: $2000
  3. Cheapest kitchen ever! Total savings: $11,090
  4. Desks: Total savings: $500
  5. 2nd Kitchen (Kitchenette) – Total Savings – $2494
  6. Flooring – Total savings – $7750
  7. Painting, plastering, building and electrical work: Total savings – $13,200
  8. Bathroom Makeover: Total savings – $5,600
  9. Doors – Total savings: $2,700

Total savings to date: $50,849 and there’s more…

Watch this space as my home renovation continues…


See how it all adds up? These savings are amazing and magical!

How to save big on renovations, homewares & furniture right now


Furniture – Total Savings $2000

  1. I needed 2 x sofas for 2 x living areas in my home: RRP approx $1000 each
  2. My price: FREE – both from Gumtree’s FREE section and both in excellent condition

Saving: $2000


Blinds for my entire home: Total savings $5515

7 blockout-style blinds in the living and kitchen area of our home

  1. Quote from Spotlight: $4,900

What I got them for and how:

We have an interior designer friend. In exchange for painting her fence (my hubby is a painter), she asked one of her ‘window dressing contacts’ to give us our blinds at cost. The quote from Spotlight was close to $5000. I got them for just $1600.

Saving: $3300

10 white wooden venetian blinds for bedrooms and other areas in the home

  1. Price at Bunnings for just one blind 1800mm x 2100mm drop = $251
  2. Total Price at Bunnings for 10 white venetian blinds = $2510
white wooden blind
Image Source: www.tradeblinds.co.uk

What I got them for and how:

I know of a local tip with a super cheap thrift store attached to it. It is in quite a rich area so there are always great bargains at awesome prices. I picked up:

  1. 3 x gorgeous wide wooden white venetian blinds for $5 each! (Brand new still in the box!)

Then I was patient (very important!) and visited Gumtree daily and searched for blinds. It took me about a week but then voila! A nice lady in South Yarra was getting rid of 23 blinds in beautiful condition for just $50 each. Not only were they great – they were also the exact length of 2500mm (which I couldn’t find at Bunnings) and the exact width. I bargained with her and got them for $40 each. So in the end I got 7 blinds for the price of one – had I purchased locally in store.

Total cost was: $280.

The moral of this story:

  1. Be prepared to inconvenience yourself to grab bargains!
  2. Convenience costs money

Tip: What to do if you can’t pick up something you found on Gumtree

If you don’t have a handy hubby like me with a van, you could always hire someone on Airtasker. My friend just picked up a piano from my house and moved it for just $65 using two guys and a truck from Airtasker. Weigh up the cost of your time and petrol. Many Airtaskers are traveling your way anyway – hence why moving something from one destination to the next can be so cheap.

Saving: $2,215


Cheapest kitchen ever! Total savings: $11,090

What I like about Gumtree is that not only are people giving stuff away (for cheap) and even FREE – there are also businesses who advertise on the pages you might be visiting. These are actually quite handy because if you don’t find what you are looking for, you can redirect to some of the ads and bargains on offer elsewhere. This is how I organised my cheapest kitchen ever – and believe me – it’s lovely!

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS1bPOGQInxmaEJDbTbWNd6Dtzjw ZI08VHquD2vaNrk3PngGsu
Image Source: Pinterest.com

Kitchen cabinets

People say that Ikea is a great place to get kitchens, but as you know I like to shop around. I only needed two large base cabinets (white high gloss) and one set of drawers for my kitchen. I had set myself the challenge of getting my kitchen for $1500.

And you do know how much I love a challenge 🙂

So here’s what happened:

While looking on Gumtree for kitchens (they do go fast so you have to be quick and visit regularly) –  I spotted an advert for cheap kitchens by a supplier close to where I live. After following this information I managed to do this:

  1. Beat the Ikea quote of $1450 (Note :They sting you on fittings and I wasn’t that happy with the quality etc)
  2. Got my very high quality, high gloss cabinets for $750 from a local warehouse in Clayton.

Tip: Many of the cheaper factory suppliers advertise on Gumtree so well worth a look.

Overhead & island bench cabinets

We ditched overhead cabinets for shelving above our bench, sink and oven etc. We also decided on a very large pantry and floating island bench – so we didn’t have to put cabinetry under the island bench.

  1. Cost for overhead cabinets & under island bench cabinets: Approx: $2500 (see pantry for savings from this)
  2. Cost for a shelf: Approx: $200

Saving: $3400

Kitchen benchtop

While shopping on Gumtree I then shopped around for a benchtop. We found a Caesarstone bench for just $200! (Which retails at $3000 new). We grabbed it but then it turned out we couldn’t use it on our project. So we resold it on Gumtree for more and then after following a Masters advert – picked up a reasonably priced laminate bench to suit our needs. I found Masters offered great quality (made in Germany not China) bench tops at very affordable prices. After looking at Ikea’s one’s, the Masters ones looked as if they’d last the test of time.

  1. Cost at Ikea for a custom benchtop $165 per metre x 3 = $495
  2. Cost at Masters for their profile bench top (same) = $253

Saving: $242

Kitchen sink

OK. Kitchen sinks cost a fortune and you really do have to shop around. I shopped around on Gumtree and ended up clicking on one of their eBay adverts for sinks. We picked up a beautiful square-edge double sink for just $170.

  1. Cost of a double sink RRP: $439
  2. Cost on eBay after finding the ad on Gumtree: $170

Saving: $269

Oven

  1. RRP for a standard 900mm oven at Good Guys: $1699.00
  2. I scored a 900mm oven from a restaurant in my area (a spare they weren’t using) for just $200!!

Saving: $1499

The glass rangehood

  1. RRP for standard glass rangehood at $499 and upwards! (900mm)
  2. I scored our rangehood from a son helping his Dad liquidate a kitchen business. It was brand new at just $150!!! (Gumtree)

Saving: $350

The Pantry

Here’s the point: Cabinetry is expensive but doors aren’t so much. It is the doors that make a cabinet look glossy and nice.

  1. RRP for 4 x large pantries in high gloss: 4 x $215 = $860
  2. We pulled out 4 x tall cupboards with shelves from a bedroom renovation at 50mm wide  x 1800mm high each

Here’s what we’ll do:

  1. Hubby will place a 10mm strip down each cupboard to make up the width
  2. We’ll purchase 4 x high gloss pantry doors from Ikea for $65 each at a total of $260

Total cost of our very large and impressive pantry: $260

Saving $600

The super stylish island bench

Kitchen are a place for creativity and making a statement and with creativity in mind, you can make massive savings.

We’re creating the following:

  1. A large feast table (40mm thick) for at least 10 people that is 1200mm wide and about 2000mm long RRP: Custom $3000 (Conservative)
  2. On top of that we’re creating a second bench for prepping on and entertaining from (more narrow but functional) RRP: $1500 (Conservative!)

Here was this year’s amazing find!

  1. FREE off Gumtree – someone was giving away stylish bedheads! But they were 40mm thick, a beautiful scandinavian finish and there were lots of them!
  2. For the cost of a steel frame and my hubby’s labour to cut them to size – will create an amazing look in our kitchen for just…drum.. roll…roll….I got this done for about $300!!!

Total savings: $4,700


Desks: Total savings – $500

  1. Desks RRP: $100 each
  2. We’re using the end pieces (of the bedhead score above) to create at least 6 floating workspaces in the home. We’ll need some brackets for about $100.

Total savings: $500

Z
Image Source:www.veramesmer.com

2nd Kitchen (Kitchenette) – Total savings – $2494

We wanted to put in a 2nd Kitchen in our home (a kitchenette) but didn’t want to pay a cent for it. So – great news – we got it for FREE on Gumtree. I love Gumtree’s FREE section and read on to discover what fantastic bargains I’ve scored this year on FREE stuff. You’d be amazed at what people will throw away.

  1. Cost of a basic laminate 2nd kitchen from Ikea (2 cabinets + 1 set of drawers) $1200
  2. Cost of a standard bencthtop (black – not custom) from Ikea: $170
  3. Cost a standard double sink: $265 (not the square kind)
  4. Double pantry RRP: $239
  5. Freestanding fridge RRP: $599
  6. Microwave new RRP: $120

Total cost if I was to buy the kitchen retail: $2593

Here’s what I got the above for:

  1. Kitchen cabinets + benchtop + wall oven + gas hotplate – all FREE – from a Russian guy on Gumtree
  2. Double sink: $30 from my local tip store
  3. Double pantry $20 from my local tip store
  4. Fridge – We pulled an oldie but goodie fridge out of the shed!
  5. Compact Microwave at Target: $49 (Using Google shopping search)

Total cost I did it for: $99

Total savings: $2494


Flooring: Total savings – $7750

Floor polishing

OK. We got a good reference from a neighbour but we had a bit of a floor disaster with our floors being stained Black Japan. We managed to get the job completed and fixed up for just $2000, which was OK. We saved about $2000 on the floors using this cheaper tradie and recommendation from a friend.

Saving: $2000

2Q==
Image Source: Pinterest.com

Carpeting

  1. RRP for 120 square metres of carpet was: $3600
  2. We spent $500 on Gumtree to purchase carpet squares at just $1 each. Purchased from an office renovation Melbourne. The guy selling them wasn’t fussed on price as it was his workplace and they were just getting rid of them. We purchased carpet glue for an extra $120 from McMats (also found on Gumtree!) and laid the carpet ourselves. We got the whole family helping. We carpeted 7 large rooms and a large living room for that! Yeah, we’ve all been working very hard on the weekends!

Saving: $3100

Image Source: Feltex.com

Designer vinyl flooring

Since we didn’t want to overcapitalise we put faux designer vinyl on the floors in our 2nd Kitchen and bathroom. My hubby laid the vinyl himself.

  1. Cost for tiling $3000 (Approx)
  2. Cost for faux designer vinyl – $350 – Found a link while searching Gumtree to the vinyl on eBay. We got the grey color that had a tinge of pink in it and it goes with everything!
images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTG20IkiM1gxff38A3PvzlcYXsttQ9Qlbj3Chk4Jx
Image Source: eBay

Saving: $2650

Total savings: $7750


Painting, plastering, building and electrical work: Total savings – $13,200

OK. We have tradie friends and are able to reap the benefits of that. My hubby and his friends trade with eachother and pay reduced rates. So here’s the kind of savings we’re making by getting friends to help out and vice versa.

  1. Painting – My hubby is a painter so he’s saved us thousands by painting our place on weekends off. We’ve saved about $10,000 with hubby painting all the rooms himself.
  2. Plastering – We had some plastering done by a friend over about 3 days for $35 per hour @ approximately 10 days = $3500. We got the reduced rate because my hubby painted our friends house a few years earlier for about $25 per hour. So it was a nice contra. It would have cost us about $4800 for the same job at $60 per hour. So we saved: $1300 on square setting our entire house (except bedrooms) to give it a more modern feel in living areas and the hall.
  3. Building – We’ve done some minor internal building over the past three years. Putting some doors and adding a few features. Cost: $1120 for 4 days at $280 a day. Cost would have been $1920 – so we saved $800 at a normal builder rate of $60 per hour.
Plastering New Home 500057 image
Image Source: Hotfrog.com.au

Total savings: $12,100


Bathroom makeover: Total savings – $5,600

The cost to renovate an average bathroom in Australia is $8,300. But alas! There’s a cheaper way!

We decided to simply give our bathroom a makeover. And here’s what we did:

  1. Removed the old towel racks. Replaced with new ones. Bunnings – $30 each.
  2. Kept the vanity – it was quite nice anyway but moved it to a better spot + $80 plumber
  3. Painted the old ugly green tiles white using a secret painting trick from my hubby – Paint $150
  4. Installed a new showerhead and taps $30
  5. Added a new trendy shower curtain
  6. Painted the bathroom generally
  7. Added our designer faux vinyl as mentioned above (under flooring)
  8. Added a modern and trendy looking bathroom Ikea cabinet (found in hard rubbish FREE!)
  9. Added a modern mirror on sale at Ikea for $19.00
  10. Kept the bath – still in good condition

Total cost of average new bathroom: $8300

What we spent (excluding vinyl mentioned above): $279

d427f92af572ed06937166a466382c9b
Image Source: Pinterest.com

Total savings: $5,600


Doors: Total savings – $2,700

We’ve also saved a stack of money no doors this year using Gumtree (total RRP: $4500)

  1. Cost for a 1200 wide door & Jam RRP: (Est: $900)
  2. Cost for a 3600 sliding glass door: RRP $3600
  3. Internal doors: Don’t buy secondhand – you’ll spend too much fixing them up. (Tip from hubby!)
2Q==
Image Source: Parkavenuewindows.com

Here’s what we did (total spend: $1800)

  1. We paid for the door and Jam: $600 (after clicking on an advert on Gumtree to eBay)
  2. We paid $1200 for one on Gumtree that was being pulled off a building site (brand new). They’d ordered the wrong door.

Total savings: $2700

zy6eju8a
Image Source:forum.homeone.com.au

Woah! It was exhausting recording this story.

If you are also renovating, you’ll know how tiring a renovation can be. Ours has been made much easier with all those savings. Thanks Gumtree!

Have you scored any fab items from sites like Gumtree? Leave your comments on Facebook. Hope you make some fantastic savings this year on renovations, homewares and furniture! 

Tags: furniturehome decorhome renovationsave money
Previous Post

10 nifty new tips for a frugal Christmas feast

Next Post

How to save big with wholesale wedding flowers & more

Next Post
How to save big with wholesale wedding flowers & more

How to save big with wholesale wedding flowers & more

About Me

Savings Room

Penina Petersen

Founder - Savings Room

It's not about me. It's about you.

Penina Petersen

Instagram

    Please install/update and activate JNews Instagram plugin.

Popular

How Experts Can Save You $100 a Month on Credit Card Debt

How Experts Can Save You $100 a Month on Credit Card Debt

11 months ago
Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now

11 months ago
Transferring money from Australia – Top 5 Ways

Transferring money from Australia – Top 5 Ways

12 months ago
Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

12 months ago

SAVE MONEY AUSTRALIA

The Savings Room blog is a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing insightful and practical guidance on all things related to saving money, budgeting, and frugal living. With a diverse range of articles and resources, the blog offers valuable tips and strategies for individuals and families looking to manage their finances more efficiently and effectively. From expert advice on budget planning and investment strategies to practical tips on reducing household expenses and maximizing savings, the Savings Room blog serves as a go-to resource for anyone striving to achieve financial stability and build a secure future.

SITE LINKS

  • About
  • Contact
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

OFFICE

Suite 1144
189 Queen St
Melbourne
Victoria
Australia
3000

LEGAL

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Data Protection
  • Disclosure Policy
  • ESG Compliance
  • Financial Notices
  • GDPR Compliance
  • Accessibility
  • Legal Notices
  • Cookie Policy
  • Refund Policy

FEATURED

  • Save Money
  • Make Money
  • Travel Tips
  • Christmas 2023
  • Holiday Hacks
  • Cleaning
  • Declutter

RECENT POSTS

  • How Experts Can Save You $100 a Month on Credit Card Debt
  • Why Every Aussie Absolutely Needs a Will Now
  • Transferring money from Australia – Top 5 Ways
  • Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family
  • Fast-Tracked Freedom: 7 Strategies for Paying Off Your HECS Debt Sooner 
  • Campervan Conversion Made Easy with These Tricks – Find out More!
  • Accessibility Compliance
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Data Protection and Privacy Policy
  • ESG Compliance
  • Financial Compliance (if applicable)
  • International Regulations Compliance
  • Legal Notices
  • Logout
  • My Profile
  • My Profile
  • Refund Policy
  • Terms and conditions
  • Ways to Save Money – 70,000+ Savings Tips
  • Thanks for contacting the Savings Room!
  • Penina Petersen -Top Finance Blogger 2023 | Australia
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions | Legal & Website Policies

© 2023 Savings Room

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • YOU
  • Money
  • FOOD
  • FAMILY LIFE
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • ORGANISE
  • EVENTS
  • LIFESTYLE
  • TRAVEL

© 2023 Savings Room