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