Give your house a makeover with help from these handyman websites.
As house prices escalate, unemployment rises and the economy flatlines; home owners have turned to renovation rather than putting their property on the market. In response, handyman websites have sprung up to take advantage of people who are willing to take on DIY projects. Here are five handyman websites to consult when you want to find about everything from adding picture rails to getting the perfect painting finish.
Homeone building and renovation
Homeone building and renovation has over 31,000 members and is aimed at people who are planning their own DIY projects and home improvements. The website has a forum with over 48,000 topics where you can ask for referrals for tradesmen and get advice and tips on your home renovation from people who have been there and done that. There is also a home building directory and home building, renovation and improvement articles.
Domain
The Domain website published by Fairfax Media is best known for advertising real estate listings but there other sections like Renovations as well as a news section, advice and tips, property guides, a blog and a section for answering readers’ questions. The website also features a tradesmen’s directory where you can find contact details for electricians, plumbers, builders and more in your local area.
Bunnings Warehouse
Bunnings Warehouse is one of Australia’s largest handyman retail outlets with over 150 stores located in Australia. There is a DIY section available on their website for aspiring handymen and women with a wide range of helpful advice and tools from the experts at Bunnings Warehouse including guides, videos, planners, calculators, a project centre, a handyman magazine. There are also free workshops held in store.
Woodwork Forums
The Woodwork Forums may not look like the flashiest websites around but it is a specialised website designed to helping people with their woodwork and cabinet making enquiries. There is a section on product reviews, members businesses and services, special deals and offers, free giveaways as well sections specifically for antique restoration, clocks, upholstery, box making, CNC machines and much more.
Investment forums
There are also investment forums such as Somersoft Property Investment Forums and Property Investment that may have a section specifically on renovation. Advice about renovations is from an investor’s perspective so it is more about adding value and the importance of not overcapitalising. Here you can get great tips on how renovate a place to sell, get referrals for tradesmen and tips and advice on renovations.
There are many resources available to inspiring DIYers including videos, guides, forums and Q&A sections. Even if you hire a professional, doing research via these sites will give you a better understanding of what work is involved and how long it will take so you know what is a fair market price. Most importantly you can get referrals and recommendations for tradespeople from these helpful handyman websites.