| Every homeowner has dreams for their property, but | | | | There are many places where you can cut corners in |
| often they don't know how to frugally invest in their | | | | cost. Your walls, roof and floors aren't among them. |
| homes. Spring is an ideal time for beginning remodeling | | | | You can buy cheaper fixtures, plain bathroom tiles |
| projects. There's just something about the weather | | | | and moderate-cost appliances. But your structure, |
| and the green grass that makes us want to paint the | | | | insulation, electrical, plumbing and heating and cooling |
| walls we've stared at all winter. | | | | are what makes your home efficient. By spending |
| You can make choices to remodel your home that | | | | the full dollar for these things, you can save a little |
| don't hurt your pocketbook. What is the ultimate goal | | | | money in the long run. Believe me, rising utilities are all |
| for the frugal homeowner? To have every cent that | | | | the reason to make your home top-notch efficient. |
| goes into a project come back to them. There are | | | | Along with this, you should invest in good windows |
| steps that can be taken to ensure that you don't | | | | and doors. They are expensive, but again, aren't a |
| spend too much money on that project. | | | | place to cut costs. When you are purchasing |
| Whether you plan to paint a room, remodel your | | | | windows, look for brands with high energy efficiency |
| kitchen or add on a second story, you must make | | | | ratings and low maintenance. A good choice is often |
| wise choices. Let's look at some steps that will take | | | | a good quality vinyl window. |
| you to a successful, and frugal, project. | | | | Step #4: Classic design is always best |
| Step #1: Decisions need to be made | | | | While trends are fun, they cut back your resell |
| This is your home, and you have some decisions to | | | | options. For example, my husband and I are into a |
| make. The first one is whether your project requires | | | | western cattle baron look. We choose to show this |
| a contractor or not. This depends on how much time | | | | in our leather and cowhide furnishings and decor. We |
| you have, what your skills are and how much stress | | | | know that if we go to far, like a mural of a cattle |
| you can handle. If there is even a slight hint that you | | | | drive on the dining room wall, that only a special |
| might not finish the project or won't finish it well, you | | | | person will like the home. |
| should hire a contractor. Yes, you have to pay more, | | | | You are best off if you use classic materials, like |
| but in the end you have something that has the | | | | wood and granite, and simple design. Use your decor |
| potential to appeal to buyers, not repel them. | | | | as a way to give your home style, or be prepared to |
| If you decide to use a contractor, make some smart | | | | repaint before you can sell the home. |
| decisions. You have to shop around for a contractor. | | | | Step #5: Expect your budget to be blown |
| Ask plenty of questions and go with someone you | | | | It's a nice idea to think that you can stick to your |
| are comfortable with. Word-of-mouth will tell you a | | | | budget, or better yet, come in under budget. But this |
| lot, so ask everyone you know about what they've | | | | isn't always possible with home remodeling projects. |
| heard about the contractor in question. Don't forget | | | | Why? Because homes hold lots of surprises. |
| to call the Better Business Bureau and the state | | | | You should give yourself at least 15% over your |
| attorney general's office about any investigations or | | | | budget as maneuvering room. This will cushion you |
| complaints about the contractor and his | | | | from any unexpected costs and surprises. Do this |
| subcontractors. | | | | especially if you are working with a contractor. |
| Step #2: Take it one project at a time | | | | Remember you budget and his estimates are just |
| If this is your first remodel project, don't start with | | | | numbers up in the air. When the dollars are spent, |
| something major. In order to keep your finances and | | | | that is how much your work really costs. |
| sanity in tact, you should prioritize what you need to | | | | There are a lot of ways to be frugal when making |
| do in the home. Don't try to do it all at once. For | | | | changes to your home. Walk through the aisles of |
| example, having your living room painted and your | | | | your local home store when making decisions. Ask |
| bathroom torn out at the same time will be a big | | | | your contractor to help you get the best for your |
| strain on you. | | | | money. But the top factor to being frugal in your |
| Start with the smallest and most minor projects first. | | | | home remodeling project? Knowledge. Do some |
| This often includes the things you can do yourself, | | | | research and investigation into what you are going to |
| like painting and new light fixtures. Then move onto | | | | do with your home. Look at the steps involved and |
| the projects that will pay you in the long run, such as | | | | what to expect the final project to give you. Use |
| new windows and major systems. Then turn to the | | | | your potential for knowledge to your advantage and |
| cosmetic and the finishing. | | | | you will make wise decisions for your home. |
| Step #3: Cheap will result in costly | | | | |