FRUGAL FRIDAY: Around the House

Today's tips focus on the home and house. The Hubs and I have been very blessed and in June of 2000 we moved into our dream house. We designed it, planned it, built it, and live in it. It will probably be the last home we ever live in and that's just the way we want it. It's a modest home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, situated right on Lanky Ridge (of course!). Nothing fancy, just right for us. Here are some of our tips on how we keep things within budget.

1. Do it yourself. We had a contractor who let us do whatever we were able to ourselves. The Hubs is an all-around handyman and plumber anyway. Me? Not so much. But I learned. I learned how to hang insulation, tack up baseboard molding and paint ceilings.We did all the painting in the house. The Hubs did all the plumbing. Any labor that you do yourself, you're not paying someone else to do it.
2. Do your own repairs. The Hubs does most of the routine maintenance on our home and cars. I said he's handy, right? His theory is, if I do right, it'll last longer. And he also notices things that need to be fixed because we're living here all the time. (or driving it)
3. Heat with wood. I know it's not practical or economical for everyone. But if possible, this will save so much money. The Hubs buys a permit each year to cut dead/fallen trees in a nearby state forest. It allows for a practially unlimited supply. Plus we have a few acres ourselves and we will cut up trees that have been downed by storms. It's weird, but he enjoys cutting, hauling, and splitting the wood. He says it helps him de-stress.
4. Watch that thermostat. Ours rarely goes below 75 in the summer or above 68 in the winter. You'll often here me say "put on a sweater if you're cold." It's reasonable to dress according to the weather. Even inside.
5. Give your house a check up. Ask your electric company about energy check ups. Some companies will come out and walk through your house to check for energy 'wasters." They will give you ideas to cut down or stop the waste. Always check your bill (phone bill, etc.) for errors and ways to save money.
6. Use a clothesline. I have one outside for sunny days and one in the basement for not-so-sunny days. In the winter with the wood stove going in the basement, the drying clothes help to moisten the dry indoor air. And I actually like the feel and smell of clothes dried naturally.
7. Forget cable tv. We have whatever channels we can pick up with that converter box thing and an antenna that's like ten years old. If you're buying something that comes over the airwaves for free, you aren't interested in saving money.
8. Use rechargeable batteries. I know they're more expensive but trust me, they will pay off in the long run.
9. Flourescent light bulbs. Again, expensive, but well worth it.

Hope you enjoy this series. I'll cover other topics here and here as we go along and hopefully offer something useful to you! Again, feel free to leave comments and share your Frugal Friday tips!