A frugal Elizabeth Davies finds her inner Kiwi bloke, falls in love with DIY and Bunnings

By Elizabeth Davies

I’ve always worked hard for my money and been careful to save my pennies. For this reason I often find it hard to part with my cash. My sisters call me cheap, my mum says I’m frugal, a good habit I picked up from her side of the family.

Every time my grandfather purchased anything, he was sure to come home, beaming, only to stand before the rest of the family and proudly demand, "Guess how much I paid for this!" I often find myself eagerly repeating his words, thrilled by my bargain hunting success. As I’ve got older I’ve only become more passionate about a good deal.

My latest obsession is my home. I’m constantly looking for new ways to make our house reflect us, a quirky, bright, creative environment. I used to think that beautiful homes cost insane amounts of money, now I’m not so sure.

In the pursuit of my perfect home I’ve discovered my inner Kiwi bloke. Slowly but surely I’ve started a true love affair with DIY. Nearly every day you will find my boyfriend and I pacing the aisles of Bunnings, finding supplies for this week’s project.

It’s important to take a moment now to declare my loyalty to Bunnings. I know, it’s an Australian company, but the range, quality and service just don’t compare anywhere else, it’s become a little home away from home. As Arch Hill residents protest their future neighbours, I envy their proximity to such a beacon of DIY glory.

This week’s project is a good example of just how much money you can save when you get out of your comfort zone and do something yourself. A couple of weeks ago I was flicking through some design magazines and came across a really beautiful upholstered head board. A big, vintage style, rich material, curved head board, the epitome of luxury and indulgence, as well as a fabulous bedroom statement.

I immediately set out looking for one. My desperate search however quickly ended in disappointment. I couldn’t find anything like them to purchase. The closest thing, a more simple and less elegant design started at $650, well out of my non-existent budget.

However, I refused to be so easily defeated. A quick google revealed a number of websites with instructions for making a headboard yourself, to your own specifications. Not only did we save over $400, we were able to design and make it exactly the way we wanted it, better than anything we could have bought. Not only that, but there’s a satisfaction that comes with doing something on your own and knowing your money is well spent.

I’m lucky enough to have a boyfriend who owns practically every tool known to man and who will happily teach me how to use them, but every good hardware store has an option to hire tools and instructions for anything are only a mouse click away.

Of course there are places to draw a line, please remember google doesn’t make you a plumber, or an electrician, but it can make you a painter, an amateur builder and an all round give it a try, accidental genius.

Leave the serious stuff to the professionals but if you want to save some cash, do things your own way, or prove to your partner that you don’t always have to ‘pay a guy’ then give DIY the chance it deserves.

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*Elizabeth Davies is a 23 year old post-graduate journalism student at Auckland University of Technology. She lives with her partner in Epsom and spends her free time refurbishing vintage furniture and attempting to bake while fighting a daily battle against her bank balance. She writes a weekly article for interest.co.nz on money matters and financial struggles from a young person's perspective.