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