Reno - under the gun.

[Lulu]

I can now move on finishing my house. I have the tightest budget known to man and the way to keep on top of it usually means lots of time....which of course I don't have!

I need bathroom fittings, new shower, taps etc.

Windows

Curtains

Carpet


I'm looking for Direct to Public type places, Warehouses etc and anywhere I can get discounted fittings. If your hubby is a tradie or if you have recently done some work on your own place can you help me cut my search time down I'd really appreciate it.

I'm in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne btw

TIA xoxoxo

[Olive]

have you looked at E&S Trading? im not sure how cheap they are
can you sew? curtains are pretty easy

[Pandora]

Have PM'd you

[Lulu]

aarggh! NOw my net runs slow!!!

Tanks girls - will check those out now (unless I chuck the lappy through the window first).

[Lulu]

aarggh! NOw my net runs slow!!!

Tanks girls - will check those out now (unless I chuck the lappy through the window first).

[nickle730]

I am currently doing a bathroom reno and found The Big Hen on Green's Rd, Dandenong reasonably cheap. The bloke I dealt with was very knowledgeable and they had better stock than any of the other stores. I found E&S fairly expensive. Good luck!

[Tinks]

let me know what you need bathroom wise.....I might be able to get you a bargain.

[Loula]

I know a fantastic tiler if you want to get one in. He has done work for a few bbers.

Toilet and laundry just cost us $350.

[anney]

Grays home Reno auctions every 2nd Tuesday. But may need to spend 5 hours there. They also tend to sell in bulk lots but u can always eBay leftovers or sometimes other bidders there wil offer to buy some excess from you. Really is worth a day out. Cheltenham I think is where they are.

[Mak]

We have done really well with Grays online also - they may have some buy now stuff also listed.
Previously have also used Swan St Auctions (but they are really a sales only place, lol) in Richmond with great basics at a very basic price for bathroom/kitchen refits.
Carpets - Fowles Carpets Auction/Sales (once again sales only) they also did a great job/price on laying the carpet too. We got Stainmaster in 3 rooms plus hall for half the price quoted by other retailers.
Curtains and blinds - have had great experiences with Spotlight before with custom hollands and some standards.
Good luck!

[Lulu]

I can't believe I forgot about Grays!!!

This is brilliant - thank you all for your help. I'm starting TODAY!

[Rivlas]

What about Gumtree? There are a few in the area.

[~me~]

Freecycle is another one to check out. The Grey Army also have retired Tradies that do work and are apparently very reasonably priced.

[Lulu]

Off to Swan street today!!!

[Loula]

How did you get on today lulu ??

[*Infinity*]

Re the curtains - do you know ppl that can sew? A friends Mum is making some for me, I'll buy fabric but all she wants is a bottle of her fave booze LOL!

What about bartering? The "You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" theory? Is there anything you can offer other people if they can help you find bits & pieces or do the jobs you need?

Good luck.

[Lulu]

Went well at Swan St Auctions, I can most of it there and will hassle for further discount cos I'm doing dad's bathroom too.

Curtains - the window size is HUUUUGE, the drop is longer than most ready mades and I've been trying to make them myself for about 2 years :rofl. The sheer (lol) size is beyond my capacity. I have made curtains for all the other rooms though.

I've got a good plumber (exh and I agreed to share marital tradies thank goodness), and the rest will be grunt work that I can do. I will have to organise a working bee close to the end so it doesn't take all year.

Infinity - you read my mind! I was doing my lawn edges with garden shears yesterday (ffs, I'm scared of a whippersnipper but will wield ANY other power tool) and thought about bartering for stuff.

I have some brillo ideas bubbling up now (thought my inspiration had dried up), so once I get a list of EXACT requirements, I shall work out a trade of some sort.

[Yael]

Lulu - Head over to Gottleibs on Dandenong Rd, just on the corner of Koornang Rd in East Malvern/Carnegie. When we did our bathrooms they were the cheapest by far for a lot of stuff Vanity i got for $250 cheaper than Bunnings.