5 DIY Home Upgrades That Could Save You Over £1,000 a Year
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With UK homeowners choosing to stay put instead of sell, attention is turning inward, and tools are coming out.
A 2024 survey found that over half of homeowners prefer to renovate their current properties rather than move, citing emotional ties and high moving costs.
“People want to improve their homes, but they don’t want to burn through their savings doing it,” says Glen Peskett, director at Saxton Blades Multitools. “The good news is, many of the jobs people think require a professional are actually very doable, especially with tools like circular saw blades or Stanley knife blades, which offer precise control and ease of use.”
According to recent surveys from Squared Money, home improvements like painting, tiling and small plumbing tweaks are top of the list for money-saving DIYers. And with nearly half of UK homeowners reporting savings of £1,000 or more by going DIY, it’s clear the movement is gaining momentum.
Glen’s top 5 jobs for confident beginners include (and how to do them):
- Bathroom regrouting – A new seal around tiles or tubs gives a crisp, mould-free finish.
How to: Use a Stanley knife blade to scrape away the old grout or silicone. Clean the surface, apply fresh grout or sealant with a caulking gun, and smooth it with a finger or grout float. - Door adjustments – Summer heat causing doors to swell? Trim the base yourself and skip the carpenter callout.
How to: Use a circular saw blade or a multitool with a flush-cut blade to trim the bottom of the door. Take accurate measurements before cutting, and sand the edges for a smooth finish. - Furniture sanding and upcycling – A multitool with sanding attachments makes revamping pieces easy.
How to: Start by removing old paint or varnish with a coarse sanding pad, then use a finer grit to smooth the surface. For detail work, use a Stanley knife blade to trim excess material or shape edges. - Running cables or trimming pipework – A little prep goes a long way in making these upgrades neat and safe.
How to: Use a circular saw blade or oscillating tool to make clean cuts in drywall for running cables or pipes. Make sure to turn off the power and measure carefully to avoid damaging existing wiring. - Tile or floor removal – It’s a workout, but manageable, and opens the door to stylish new interiors.
How to: Use a multitool with a scraper attachment to lift tiles or laminate. Use a Stanley knife blade to remove leftover adhesive or grout for a smooth surface.
“DIY can be empowering,” Glen adds. “It allows you to refresh your space without waiting on someone else’s schedule, or draining your bank account.”
