HGTV’s Scott McGillivray Shares 3 Ingenious Budget Remodeling Hacks

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Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show Aired March 09, 2015

by Lisa Lozano

Scott McGillivray has made a name for himself performing cost-effective remodels on HGTV's Income Property, and now he's visiting Rachael and revealing some very affordable ways that you can transform your own home.

Hack 1: Take Notes... Privately

How do you create a space for writing notes without adding a single piece of equipment to your kitchen? Turn the inside of one of your kitchen cabinets into a chalkboard! Scott shows Rach how to quickly (and cheaply!) repurpose unused cabinet door space to create a hidden notepad that will keep you and your family organized.

Tip: If you use magnetic chalkboard paint, your cabinet will become a chalkboard AND a magnetic board!

Scott McGillivray's Hidden Cabinet Chalkboard

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Hack 2: Make Your Own Patio Stones

This hack is truly amazing – Scott shows you how to make your own patio stones for pennies on the dollar. Just go to the craft store and buy some thick box-like frames, remove the back, put them in place in your yard in the configuration of your choice, and pour in concrete. The best part? This will only cost you a quarter of the price you'd pay if you didn't make the stones yourself. Wow!

Tip: Be sure to “tamp” down the sand carefully before you pour or place the stones. This will help you avoid a common DIY patio pitfall – a surface that isn't level!

Scott McGillivray's DIY Patio Stones

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Hack 3: Create Privacy in Small Spaces with Sliding Doors

Sharing a small space and need a little privacy? Scott shares an easy way to divide the space in a flexible way. Just hang some sliding doors which you can move as needed. Rachael reveals that she uses reclaimed barn doors in her own home to hide the TV and audio visual equipment. The supplies needed are available at your local hardware store!

Create Privacy in Small Spaces with Sliding Doors

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So did these hacks inspire you? Tell us in the comments which one you're planning to try.

More of our favorite hacks:
Bring the Outdoors in with Nate Berkus' Inexpensive Decorating Tips
Sara Moulton's Restaurant Hacks
Rachael's Onion Hack

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