The cost of day-to-day living can easily pile up, especially when you take young ones, pets, and the upkeep of a house into consideration But, getting creative with DIY can be a brilliant remedy to keep your outgoings as low as possible. You can also feel great knowing you’re doing your bit for the environment by reducing your consumption and reusing materials in ingenious ways.

We’ve compiled a list of five things that are cheaper to make or do yourself and one that isn’t. There are options for those with little DIY know-how, and those who rival Handy Andy.

Level 1) Compost

An oldy but a goody. If you’re a garden lover, starting your own compost heap is a fantastic way to get quality plant food for no cost at all. Not only this but you will dramatically reduce what you send to the landfill – almost 50% of the contents of the average dustbin can be used for compost!

Level 2) Fancy bread

We love a good Tiger loaf as much as the next person. But sometimes you want something with a little more pizazz for your Sunday brunch, so why not pick up the ingredients from your local supermarket make your own fancy bread? Check out Jo Cook’s blog for  fast ‘no knead no fuss’ recipes. Or better yet, invest in a bread maker. These days you can pick one up for £20, and not only do you get that freshly baked bread smell wafting through your home, but it’s also additive free - so it’s healthier too.

Level 3) Pet Toys

We all love treating our pets, but a chew toy which your dog will destroy in 15 minutes usually costs around £12. It does get you thinking… is there a cheaper way? Of course there is! Get creative with old bits of clothing from around the house; cut an old t-shirt into strips, plait the strips, and knot the ends anyway you like. Tada!  You now have a toy made from repurposed old t-shirts.

Level 4) All-purpose cleaner

This trick may be old school, but it still works like a charm. You can spend a fortune on cleaning products every week, but chances are, you have loads of items in your kitchen cupboard which would work just as well. Baking soda is the best; mix four tablespoons with one litre of water and stir well. You can then use the mixture to clean surfaces and stainless-steel appliances. Even if you have to replace the baking soda more frequently – it’s cheaper than most branded products.

Level 5) Sweet treats – for the advanced, home deity

OK so sweets are a pound a packet but think about the overheads here. The ingredients for sweets cost next to nothing, and with a little creative flair you can make delicious treats to wow your friends and family. Buying ingredients in bulk will be much cheaper and last you ages... Have a look at BBC goodfood for some great recipes for peppermint creams and cashew caramels – perfect for kids parties, Halloween, after dinner party treats or even as favours for weddings.

However, not everything is cheaper to DIY…

Although DIY is a great way to save those precious pennies, there are limits folks. When it comes to safety, paying a little more to make sure the job’s done right is never a bad investment.  Never! make your own ladder, and never replace your own car battery... unless, you’re a ladder maker or a mechanic. Even then, best do it at work, not at home.