Whole home low budget slow refresh

Home Sweet Home!So I'm about to take on a little cottage in the middle of nowhere to be near family, and I'm beside myself with excitement about all the stuff we can do to freshen her up. I've never done any reno stuff before, but a lick of paint is always a great place to start. Bunnings, here I come!

P.S. I'm still trying to work out how to add an image to this post!

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Hello @BoeingFan

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's a pleasure to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your plans for a whole home refresh.

Congratulations on getting your new home! I'm in total agreement with you that there are so many things you can do to refresh your property. Adding a small picket fence, building a paved walkway and starting a garden are just some of the things that come to mind. However, painting is one the easiest things you can start with. My number one tip is to make sure to prepare the surface of the item that you'll be painting.

Every time you start a new discussion you'll find a button at the bottom of the page saying "upload image" simply follow the prompts and you'll be able to load your pictures. However, if you need assistance, we'll be more than happy to post them for you.

Let me call on some of our experienced members @prettyliving, @lifestylebymari and @homeinmelbourne for their recommendations.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing each improvement that you make.

If you have any questions we can help out with, please let us know.

Eric

Congrats on the new place! @BoeingFan

How exciting! We just bought a new place too, got lots of renos planned for the future but it’s amazing how different it already looks after a big tidy up of the yard and clean up inside as well as some little upgrades like a bathroom mirror, kitchen cabinet handles etc. Those little things can make a big difference too!

All the best with yours, can’t wait to see some before and afters!

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23055#Comment_23055

G'day @EricL ,

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.

I'm moving back to the little village up north where I grew up, to care for my Dad. This little house sits next door to Dads, so it will give me the opportunity to be right there with Dad and also have a personal space, plus allow my partner and I to get out of the Sydney rat race.

She's a little 1 bedder fibro number, with a little living area, dining space and kitchen, with a bathroom. The toot used to be an outhouse but had to be pulled down, so a septic and toot need to be done as one of the first items with the paint, so if you see someone staring endlessly at the range at Bunnings it will be me 😀

The old Zip instant hot water system over the bath is dripping rust stains, so I think it's time to go for it also. The kitchen had a pot belly ages ago, and I'm thinking this will be the perfect place to have a rangehood and an induction cooktop put in.

I could go on and on, but these are some of the early things to be done, and I can't wait!

Cheers 🙂

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23056#Comment_23056

Thank you @prettyliving , and the same to you! What an exciting time huh? I swear I have a bunnings shopping list which has already grown to about 20 items and counting, from power tools to fencing, to paint and decor. I'm so glad some simple little things as you mentioned make a big difference, it helps on a small budget. I've already started tackling the yard and getting it back a manageable level. It's really great to learn about all the things involved with how stuff works too, like painting various surfaces, the differences between the plethora of cordless drills, and constant water pressure pumps. We intend to eventually live off grid, and the existing water tank is a great place to start, I just need to connect all roofing areas to it to make sure we catch as much rain as we can. I'll be following your progress too, so please post some pic's as you go for inspiration and ideas 🙂

Cheers.

Well, I have finished building my first ever fence! What a learning curve 😀

As I will eventually be relocating my mini sausage dogs to the country with me, this was my first major project. This fence faces the street and is 40m long. I got the wire mesh and posts from Bunnings, however my local store doesn't carry everything needed, so some products were sourced elsewhere. I used 2x rolls of Longyard mesh, 2x packs of 10 Longyard pickets, post driver, netting clips, netting clip pliers, fencing tool, straining wire, strainers, large fencing pliers, U nails, hammer, spirit level, masking tape; I think that covers it.

Given that we'd had a lot of rain just before building the fence, driving the posts in manually was quite easy. The pickets are 180cm tall, and the mesh is 120cm tall, so I drove the pickets in 60cm. I used masking tape on each post to show where the post had to be driven in to. A friend recommended I run the straining wire through the holes in each picket, and plat it through the mesh, however an extremely knowledgable and friendly staff member at a local ag store ran me through the go to whoa of building this thing, and advised me against doing either. In short, running the straining wire through the posts introduces rubbing, eroding the protection to the post and the wire, and allowing rust and wear to shorten the fences lifespan.

The posts were driven into the ground at around 2 metre spans, then the straining wire was run along between the existing straining posts, then strained and and clipped to each picket. Then using netting clips, I clipped the mesh to the straining wire at each post, and midway in between each post. Those little wire strainers were so easy to use, and as this fence is 40m long, I installed them at both ends for extra oomph.

First project done ✔️ IMG_8605 - Copy.jpg

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23773#Comment_23773

That fence looks terrific, @BoeingFan, and I trust your mini sausage dogs will be contained well.

I suspect you've pulled the bottom straining wire taught, but check at the mid-point between two posts that you can't lift the mesh up at all. Typically, this type of fence is excellent for livestock, but a small dog might nose its way under the mid-section. A 450mm tent peg in the middle of each fence segment should hold it down nicely and prevent escape attempts.

Fantastic work, and I can't wait to see what project you tackle next.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74523#Comment_74523

G'day @MitchellMc

Thank you, it was quite satisfying to finish it. Whilst nowhere near perfect, it was great to learn how to do it, and use those lessons for the second one, which is almost finished. I've clipped the netting at each post, and also in each mid section to help stop it from being lifted, but that's a great idea re the tent pole in the between each post, I'll be sure to do that.

Cheers

Wow this is one of the most fun projects I’ve seen for ages!

With a small building and a tropical climate, could I suggest you look to Balinese villas for inspiration? Not the first or cheapest thing to do, but that’s where I’d be heading with this place. Outdoor living and bathroom with an air conditioned bedroom.

A deck or pavers with a roof out the front would double your living space and hide the fibro-ness. Plant the right tropical plants and they’ll take care of themselves.

Paint is your best friend inside. Ask the locals for their tips on keeping damp and mould at bay.

Congratulations @BoeingFan ! Take lots of before pictures now as this will be amazing.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23788#Comment_23788

Thank you so much for your comments and suggestions, I appreciate it. I love the idea of having more outdoor space to sit and enjoy! .

I'm meeting my builder this weekend to discuss next steps and ideas, so hopefully some more progress will be happening sooner than later. In the meantime I need to rip that old bath tub and vanity out to get the bathroom back to frame for the plumbers.

Cheers,

Jason

Demo has begun

Well the bathroom demo has begun. So far I've removed 2 panels of non-asbestos fibro, exposing the original fibro walls, and removed the Zip electric instant hot water system. There was also a large cupboard in the left corner which was impossible to remove in one piece, so I chainsawed it in half. I've got to remove the vanity and bathtub (which will go to the tip 🤔) yet, and then the plumber will do the internal plumbing. Fun, fun, fun! I'm very inspired by @jaga and the bathroom reno posted here because the room dimensions are very similar. Now what to do with those fabulous 70's curtains! 😁

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23798#Comment_23798

Hello @BoeingFan

Thank you very much for the update on your home renovation. Are you installing a walk-in shower as well? Will the vanity still be in the same spot or will you be putting it at the far end wall? Is there a toilet in this room that we can't see? It looks like you have a steel ceramic bathtub. If you do, I propose saving it from the tip and turning it into either a vegetable garden out the back or a timber-heated spa. It would be a shame to just get rid of the tub when you can repurpose it for something else.

I also strongly encourage you to save all the timber pieces in your home demolition. As you mentioned earlier, it sounds like you are far away from the town's commercial centre. Hence, it would be practical to recycle as much timber as you can. Even the vanity looks like it is still in fair condition. Perhaps you can sell it or donate it, you can even use the vanity top outside in your backyard as a handwash basin.

Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your bathroom revamp complete.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74543#Comment_74543

G'day @EricL

Once I've stripped everything out of the room and taken the walls back to the frame, inside plumbing is re-done, and new walls are up, we will be installing a new shower, vanity, toilet and mirror. I won't be using any tiles, I don't care for them, so I'll be having a chat with my builder to see what ideas we can come up with for a clean, modern look but with some texture.

Your idea of reusing the bathtub as a vegetable garden, timber heated spa, or even a frog pond is great food for thought; there is actually an existing pond in the front yard which Mum built years ago, and I had been thinking about filling it in though I'll think on that some more now too.

Also, thanks for the nudge about recycling the old timber! I almost had thrown it into my burn tank last week, so it's good that I ran out of time and it's still in the tub. This means I am going to meed more garage storage hahaha.

Cheers,

Jason

Hi Folks,

I've been toying with the idea of converting the old bricked pot belly stove landing in my kitchen to a space where I can instal an induction cooktop with drawers underneath, and a rangehood above which will exhaust out the existing pot belly chimney. The chimney stack shown sitting in the landing won't necessarily be connected to the rangehood unless that's a good idea, as the chimney surround exits the house at rooftop level. Pic below. External chimney surround

As the brick surrounds are flat and level, I was hoping to either sit an induction cooktop directly onto them, or get a wooden counter with and cut out the dimensions to fit the cooktop. I guess the drawer surround would need to be glued/nailed/screwed to the cooktop surround to make it a solid unit. Any thoughts? Pic is included showing the cavity where it will be installed.Old pot belly brick surround

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23829#Comment_23829

You most definitely can install an induction cooktop there, however, it's important to speak to your builder about the safety clearance between your cooktop and the range hood. I've sketched up an example of what your cooktop layout might look like. Please have a look and tell me what you think.

I suggest asking your builder if a Bellini 52cm Undermount Rangehood will fit inside the cavity of the pot belly chimney. In this manner, it will be totally hidden from view and you still get the convenience of a kitchen exhaust.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74570#Comment_74570

@EricLthat is fantastic, that's spot on what I'm looking for! Thank you so much for putting those together 😃

May I ask, what software do you use? It could be a very handy tool for me to learn to use.

Thank you so, so much!

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100881#Comment_100881

I'm glad my suggestion helped, I use Sketchup to do my renderings. It has a bit of a learning curve but once you get the hang of it, it's quite handy to use. I also suggest looking at tinkercad which is what @MitchellMc uses for his drawings, it's very user-friendly and you can still do awesome renders with it.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117350#Comment_117350

@EricL @MitchellMc this project needs to be a TV show. Or at least a YouTube series! Real life on a budget with Bunnings advisors instead of judges is way better than The Block.

Before @BoeingFan does any more, will you contact Phillip Wade or shall I? 🙂

Jason would you be up for it?

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126855#Comment_126855

Hahahaha @Ari I don’t think anyone would be interested in this little place, but thank you for the heart palpitations! 😂 it’s a very slow refresh as money trickles in so it may be anticlimactic! I’m going to pick up my 2 mini sausage dogs from Sydney next month and bring them up here with me, so I’m looking forward to their initial reactions 🐶🐶

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133186#Comment_133186

Your little slice of paradise might not become the next big television series, but you might have some members vicariously living the dream through your project. Personally, I spend just about every night searching through similar properties in hopes I come across something that would work for my family.

I'm super keen to follow along and provide assistance when needed.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137086#Comment_137086

@MitchellMcMate, I'm so humbled by your words, and am very grateful to see that perspective now. I guess I hadn't thought anyone would be interested because so many houses today are McMansions, not little fibro shacks, and I perhaps felt a little shy about it. Thanks for the grounding! I hope you find a place to sink your teeth into for your family.

Sometimes, like tonight, I find I can't sleep because I'm hanging out for tomorrow to come so that I can get back into doing stuff. Today I went to Bunnings and got an extendable Monarch paint roller pole so I can get some colour on those exterior walls and start seeing how she's going to look. I've got some sample pots of Dulux colours called grid, tinker and highgate, which I think will look great, fingers crossed.

Hopfully I'll have a preliminary pic of at least part of a wall tomorrow.

Cheers,
Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23798#Comment_23798

A nice old full length bathtub

The old vanity was dismantled piece by piece.

I appreciate good architecture no matter where it comes from.

This thing is heavy!

This is where today finished off.

Well after a very poor nights sleep, I didn't fire up until after lunch today, and the bathroom was in my sights. A crowbar and lots of sweat saw a productive day, and I've gotten the walls much closer to the frame now, save for the remaining fibro and masonite. I have got no idea how I'm going to get the bathtub out of the bathroom, it is one heavy number, and Dad is 84 so... 😁

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74603#Comment_74603

Some significant progress there @BoeingFan!

How wide are your doorways? If the bath width is narrower than the doorways, you could get a moving dolly under the bath before cutting the frame away. That way, you could wheel it out without lifting it. A bit trickier if you need to turn the tub on its side, though.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100904#Comment_100904

Good morning @MitchellMc

That’s a great idea, I’ll measure the door frame and bath width today. Does a dolly have a side rail that I could ratchet strap the bath to on its side? 🤔

Cheers,

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117360#Comment_117360

No, it doesn't have a rail, @BoeingFan, but you could place the bath on its side on the dolly and wrap the racket strap around it and under the belly of the dolly between the two sets of wheels.

Mitchell

Went to Bunnings today and bought this great little wheeled cart to tow behind the old ride-on. The ride on no longer has its cutting deck so it's basically a tractor. This is going to help move piles of old vegetation to my fire burn tank and not ruin my back in the process. Chuffed!

Some fatter tyres would be goodThis is so handy for dirtCool kit

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23908#Comment_23908

That's a nifty investment, @BoeingFan. It sure beats lugging rubbish around! I was going to ask how you got it to attach to the mower, but it seems you've used the handle mount to pin it there. Is it designed to attach to a mower like that, or was that your ingenious modification?

A somewhat unrelated but funny story. I grew up in a house that had about a 100-meter-long driveway. Mum used to hook the rubbish bin handle onto the car's tow ball and drag it down to the street for collection. One day as she was sitting at the traffic lights on the way to pick us up from school, the car behind started giving her a honk. She'd taken the bin on an unexpected journey without realising.

Mitchell

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74603#Comment_74603

What a committed project your doing fantastic.

Do you run any business? join Bunnings as a powerpass member if you arnt allready this will save you aprox 5% on you reno materials will be a big saving over time.

Your bath I am sure there is more than 1 doorway to navigate. and around corners?

Its hard to tell from photo this may not be realistic.

How wide is that window as the glass louvers can come out? If that is a wide enough fit take out all glass put in a timber ramp up to window ledge and also timbers sloping down the other side so it can be controlled up and down I might use come-along 2 tonne hand winch to do most of the holding (not pulling) work with a flat woven strap in slip knot/loop to grip the bath note the strap coming under the bath first this will help lift bath edge upwards.. The winch wont safely pull the bath up. You will need to partly lift bath start at one end and only lift the end closest end to window this lift will equal half bath weight will some one takes up winch slack. If you use a block like a besser brick use 70 x 35mm timber to lift bath as a fulcrum taking up slack on orange strap so you can hold the bath weight as you repossition fulctum block at need more than once. Note once bath is lifted up by fulcrum you can push timber right or left and it will move the bath closer to ramp. Do again lifting bath higher.

Please weigh up your options at all times and stay safe avoid manually lifting heavy bath.

If bath fits out door use @MitchellMc idea of dolly. I would aim at standing bath on end to get it around corners on a dolly this may make it to tall for doorway.(if safe to do so and possible )and chocking wood under bath to support is odd shape.

Plan z stand bath on end and walk it out just beware to run away from under it if it falls. Wish I was there to help

Good luck take your time sit down have a cuppa and plan your next move if one ideas is not practicable

Jewelleryrescue

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74612#Comment_74612

@MitchellMc Funny in cute way re rubbish bun tow.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74612#Comment_74612

@MitchellMcAbsolutely, I have some back issues so anything that helps to avoid having to lug heavy stuff around is a win. The tow bar is actually very clever, it has a pin with a spring clip that can be quickly adjusted to either connect to a ride on, or the handle to pull it around. It has a max load rating of just over 500kg's, and holds 200 litres. I love it, it's saving my back lots of straining.

I love that story, that's a classic! 🤣🤣🤣 How funny. I bet your Mum still chuckles about it 😀

Cheers,

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100912#Comment_100912

@JewelleryrescueThank you so much for your very comprehensive post, I really appreciate it!

I don't run a business so I don't think I can do the pass thing, I noticed that in Bunnings, and 5% isn't to be sneezed at.Thanks for mentioning it though 🙂

It was 33c here today and so I decided to leave the bath until it cools down later in the week. Once I have the tub out into the yard, I'm still not sure what I'd like to do with it; perhaps a herb garden? Anyway, thank you again!

Cheers,

Jason

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