Save on Remodeling Costs

6. Do Your Own Work

Weigh the values of doing it yourself versus hiring a professional. In many cases, the learning curve is so steep or the need for specialized tools so great that you end up hiring the professional. Siding and hardwood flooring installation often fall into this category. But since our only concern here is money, not time or misery--yes, it's almost always cheaper to do it yourself. So hurry up and learn to use that Bostich floor stapler!

5. Use Existing Electrical Work As Much as Possible

Like plumbing, electrical work is expensive. Instead of completely abandoning and redoing your current wiring, explore the possibility of supplementing it.

4. Live at Your Worksite

I considered phrasing this more delicately, but that's the truth; that's what it is. Paying a mortgage on the house you're renovating plus renting an apartment... Well, you can do the math. It does help to take certain measures. Contrary to the previous advice, building the addition outward does keep the building work outside of your living space. If you're doing your own work, you may want to maintain "clean zones." Dust barriers help.

Next...Big Contractors and Free Consultants

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