Renovating your home doesn’t have to break the bank or require a team of professionals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity, a dash of elbow grease, and a few dollars to make a significant impact. This is the message from former stars of The Block, Jess Eva and Norm Hogan, who have taken their expertise from the popular renovation show to a new level with Channel Nine’s series, Budget Battlers.
The premise of Budget Battlers is simple yet ambitious: renovate your entire house on a shoestring budget of $10,000 in just one week. The series, which premiered on Wednesday, December 4, is a treasure trove of cost-saving tips and DIY hacks that promise to breathe new life into tired spaces without the need for a hefty investment.
One of the standout tips from the show is the $4 door handle trick. By simply replacing old, worn-out handles on kitchen cabinets with new ones, homeowners can achieve a fresh, modern look for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. These handles can be found at budget-friendly prices at stores like Kmart and Bunnings, with options starting at around $4.20.
Norm likens this simple change to a personal makeover, saying, ‘If you go and shave your beard and have a haircut, you look completely different and brand new but you’ve still got the same old head.’ It’s a vivid analogy that drives home the point that small changes can make a big difference.
Jess offers another ingenious hack: using self-adhesive film to transform kitchen benchtops. Available in various colours and designs, this film can be found at Kmart for just $7.50. Jess encourages those with even the most basic DIY skills to give it a try, comparing the process to covering school books with contact paper.
The approach taken by Budget Battlers is a stark contrast to the high-stakes drama of The Block. Jess and Norm describe their new show as ‘100 per cent authentic reality TV,’ or more accurately, a documentary. There’s no scripting or producer interference; it’s all about real people making real changes to their homes.
The challenges faced during filming were intense, with Norm admitting that the experience was ‘a lot harder’ than The Block due to the tight budget, quick turnaround, and grueling work schedule. The duo often found themselves working 20-hour days, pushing through all-nighters to meet their ambitious deadlines.
Despite the hard work, Jess feels ’emotional’ and ‘very proud’ of what they’ve accomplished with Budget Battlers. She believes the show will resonate with viewers of all financial backgrounds, as each episode presents projects that anyone can tackle, even with just ’10 bucks in coins in the centre console of your car.’
For our readers of YourLifeChoices, these tips from Budget Battlers could be the perfect inspiration for your next home project. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen, living room, bedroom, or bathroom, remember that a little can go a long way. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about taking pride in your ability to create a beautiful and comfortable living space with your own hands.
So, before you consider a costly renovation, think about the small changes you can make that will have a big impact. Swap out those handles, apply a new coat of paint, or try your hand at applying adhesive film. These budget-friendly solutions might just transform your home into a space that feels brand new – all without the need for a professional renovation team or a hefty price tag.
Also read: Renovations that offer bang for your buck.
