Tips for Keeping Projects Cheap

I hate letting a project get out of control expensive. Hate it. Because at some point I just run out of money and it isn't worth it anymore. Over the years there's a few things I've learned to do that help me keep my projects relatively cheap to complete:

1. Never walk past the paint rejects at the hardware store.

A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to rehab any piece of furniture. As a rule, always check out the rejects in the paint department of your local hardware store, especially the chains. You can pay a quarter of the price for a fun color, and paint has a relatively long shelf life. Unless you've got a very specific color in mind, you can usually find some awesome cans on those shelves. I don't think I've ever paid full price for tinted paint.

2. Have a few choice tools on hand at all times.

I might be a lady, but I'm comfortable with power tools and you should be too. But since I live in an apartment, I can only keep the basics. Every person should have the following in their toolbox:

-A hammer (any hammer will do, nothing fancy needed)
-Screwdrivers, philip's and flat, in a few different sizes if possible
-An all-in-one tool

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-A level
-A drill with multiple bits (I got a cheap one from Ikea, works great)
-Sandpaper in a few different grits
-A basic wrench set
-Pliers, needle- and flat-nose

Again, that's a very basic list. I'm sure you could add quite a few more things to your own personal list of tools, but those are the ones I use the most. Also in my own toolbox I keep felt feet for furniture since I have hardwoods, and 3M picture hanging strips because I have plaster walls. If I need a power tool I borrow it from a friend. Always return tools, by the way. Don't be that guy.

Also, please don't feel pressured into buying a "girl's" tool set in pink. It's sexist marketing and it really bothers me.

3. Know what you want, and set a price limit.

I knew I wanted a coffee table, and I knew I didn't want to pay more than $10-$20. I found one eventually and refinished it (next post!), but it takes patience. If you're serious about saving money or refinishing your own furniture for sale or for keeps, drive around on trash night, spend your Saturdays at flea markets and yard sales, and scour Craigslist on the reg. My dad used to tell me there's a reason they call it fishing, not catching, so be prepared to fish for a gem.

4. Stock up on sale fabric or fabric quarters.

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Both can be very cheap and come in handy for throw pillows (excellent cheap gifts) and recovering small things like seat cushions. Fabrics are just useful in general. Keep some polyfil on hand as well, it's perfect for stuffing those throw pillows or refilling a scrawny stuffed animal.

5. Do research before you start a project.

Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Think of it as cooking - you're not going to want to run out in the middle of your project to pick up things you need. Paintbrushes too.

There you go, a few tips to get you started. Like I said my next post will be about refinishing a beat up coffee table, so stay tuned!