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Savings by Planning
Savings by Design
Tip #83: Keep Bathrooms Close to the Existing Water and Sewer Lines
Tip #87: Improve sound-proofing by insulating interior walls
Tip #71: Minimize hallways
Save on Your Remodel Tip #89: Space floor joists and roof rafters up to 24
Why Should My Kitchen Remodel Design Consider a Work Triangle?
Save on Your Remodel with Decorative Paint Finishes
Five Water-Saving Tips for Home Landscaping**
Before You Remodel with a Twenty Foot Ceiling**
Remodeling for Severe Weather Endurance**
Kitchen Layout Shape and Kitchen Remodeling
Save the Cost of a Rain Gutter on the Roof
How to Save More than 20% on a Kitchen Remodel in a Bad Economy with Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
Kitchen Remodeling Cost Estimates Are Looking Good for Spring 2009
Economic Recovery Act Makes Green Remodeling Affordable
Keep Your Cool and Stay Warmer with Some Help from the Recovery Act
Economic Stimulus
Remodel Your Bathrooms Now and Save More Than 10% by
Save Ten Percent on Your Bathroom Remodel
How to Save More than 20% on a Kitchen Remodel in a Bad Economy with Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
Keep Your Cool and Stay Warmer with Some Help from the Recovery Act
Energy-Efficient Remodeling Now Might Be Patriotic
Why is a Bad Economy a Good Time to Remodel Your Home?
Choose the Best New Roof with Help from Uncle Sam
Economic Recovery Act Provides Incentives to Make Homes More Energy Efficient
Ten Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient with Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
What Are the Five Most Important Energy-Efficient Upgrades for My Home?
Does Energy-Efficient Lighting Really Matter?
Can I Really Power My Home With Wind Energy?
Remodeling Savings Tip #405: Stick with Cosmetic Changes
Save on Remodeling Tip #409: Don’t Overdo it with Light Fixtures
Save on Remodeling Tip #410: Make a Room Larger with a Bay or Bow Window
Tip #415: Learn from the Remodeling Projects of others
Adding a Living Room to Your Home
Change a Room with a Fireplace Remodel
Great Ideas for Remodeling Your Attic
Choosing a Toilet for a Small Bathroom Remodel is Complicated
The Best Toilet for Remodeling a Small Bathroom
Storage, Organization and Surfaces in Small Bathroom Design
Small Bathroom Remodeling: Surfaces, Storage and Organization
Designing Surfaces, Storage and Organization for a Small Bathroom Remodel
Five Easy Ways to Save Money
My Kitchen Remodel - Part 3
Tip #33: Budget vs. Home Value
Tip #34: Don't Over-Improve
Tip #35: Demolish the whole house and start from scratch
Tip #36: Look for ideas in model homes/new homes and condos
Tip #37: Use Designs from Neighbors
Tip #38: Get Free Designs from Home Improvement Stores
Tip #39: Ask a Contractor
Tip #40: Do the Design Yourself
Tip #41: Create an Appropriate Design
Tip #42: Reallocate Existing Unused or Under-Utilized Space Instead of Adding On
Tip #43: Is your Design a Fad?
Tip #44: Create a list of what you DON'T like
Tip #45: Sketch out what you want done at every phase
Tip #46: Focus on improving efficiency, not increasing size
Tip #47: Use part of your garage for a closet or laundry room
Tip #48: Add closet space in the attic or basement
Tip #49: Convert your garage into living space
Tip #50: Convert a closet into living space
Tip #51: Finish Your Basement
Tip #52: Finish Your Attic
Tip #53: Save your front and back yards by expanding into the side yards
Tip #54: Landscaping that saves water
Tip #55: Landscaping that saves time and money
Tip #56: Design your landscaping to incorporate passive solar designs
Tip #57: Focus on Low Cost when you Hire a Designer or an Architect
Tip #58: Don't alter your roofline
Tip #59: Eliminate or reduce the size of eaves
Tip #60: Select a Lower-Pitch Roof
Tip #61: Create a Seamless Addition
Tip #62: Bump Out Instead of Adding On
Tip #63: Consider a Second Story Instead of an Addition that Requires a New Foundation
Tip #64: Build a small addition on posts and beams rather than a foundation slab
Tip #65: Make your addition a sunroom
Tip #66: Don't restructure a floor to support new bearing walls
Tip #67: Don't restructure the level of a floor to create a raised or sunken room
Tip #68: Work with your existing floor plan
Tip #69: Plan bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms where they can share major
Tip #70: Use a bump-out for a bedroom closet, kitchen pantry closet in the family room
Tip #72: If you will use a crawl space, make it as low as possible
Tip #73: Build with a slab on grade instead of a basement or crawl space
Tip #74: Insulate your crawlspace
Tip #75: Include vapor retardant in basement or a slab foundation for an addition
Tip #76: Use taller floor joists to eliminate the need for girders or other posts
Tip #77: Make room dimensions multiples of 4 to save materials and save on labor on cutting materials
Tip #78: Install straight-up stairways instead of stairs with landings and turns
Tip #79: Install a pre-fabricated spiral staircase
Tip #80: Don't Move Bearing Walls
Tip #81: Corners Cost Money
Tip #82: Save on a Foundation Corner by Bumping Out for a Closet, etc
Tip #84: Keep Appliances in the Same Position when Remodeling Kitchens and Bathrooms
Tip #85: Winterize/weatherize as you work
Tip #86: Don't move the toilet or the sink
Tip #88: Space wall studs up to 24
Tip #90: Use 2-stud corner framing
Tip #91: Don't use headers in non-load-bearing walls
Tip #92: Use
Tip #94: Build a patio instead of a deck
Tip #95: Use Standard Size Windows and Doors
Tip #96: Keep Windows, Doors, Switches and Outlets in the Same Position during a Remodel
Tip #97: Have Fewer Windows - Larger if You Want Light
Tip #98: Don't change the size of windows
Tip #99: Don't replace windows
Tip #100: Don't make windows larger
Tip #101: Install a tube light instead of a window
Tip #102: Don't replace old wood window sills
Tip #103: Arrange plumbing fixtures against one or two walls
Tip #104: Arrange plumbing fixtures against one or two walls
Tip #105: Route the dryer vent to the closest exterior wall
Tip #106: Add sound board on interior/bathroom walls - costs more but deadens the sound
Tip #107: Use ventilation fans in bathrooms and laundry rooms to control moisture
Tip #108: Insulate and air-seal walls behind tubs and showers
Tip #109: Locate your water heater effectively
Tip #110: Insulate pipes to reduce cooling of water as it moves from the water heater through the pipes to the faucet
Tip #111: Locate heating and cooling equipment centrally in the home
Tip #112: Don't replace kitchen or bathroom cabinets and counters with lower replacements
Tip #113: Include an island in the kitchen for storage space
Tip #114: Reface or Paint/Stain Cabinets Instead of Replacing Them
Tip #115: Use pre-built Cabinet Units Instead of Custom Cabinets
Tip #116: Don't use soffits above cabinets or bookcases
Tip #117: Don't buy cabinets that go to the ceiling
Tip #118: Add storage under a staircase
Tip #119: If adding a built-in bookcase, consider needs for additional storage and locate bookcases near planned closets. Then use the extra space behind the bookcase for storage
Tip #120: Increase storage space by building a closet that is of double depth
Tip #121: When remodeling an attic into living space, use the "dead space" at the edges of the room to create framed and finished storage areas
Tip #122: Create both a cozy nook and additional storage by constructing a window seat
Tip #123: Install pocket doors to better use space and give you the chance to reduce the size of a new room
Tip #124: Incorporate a mural
Tip #125: Limit the number of recessed light fixtures in your design
Tip #126: Skip shoe molding (3/4 round)
Tip #127: Use textures and patterns to shape perception
Tip #128: Install radiant heating for floors, walls and/or ceilings
Tip #129: Install mirrors to make a room look larger, especially a bathroom
Tip #130: Replace old wood shutters with lower-cost and low-maintenance vinyl
Tip #131: Refinish rather than replace a cracked driveway or patio
Tip #132: Add awnings to block sun, reduce heat and fading and provide protection during storms
Materials
Tip #170: Buy tools and appliances during holiday sales or year-end/after holiday sales
Tip #153: Take advantage of others' remodeling projects
Tip #220: Use metal studs for complex framing challenges
Tip #223: Use a prefab fireplace and mantel instead of one that is built on site
Tip #164: Use coupon codes to save money when shopping online
Tip #227: Use vented insulated roofing panels to create a cathedral ceiling
Tip #137: Ask Everyone How to Save
Tip #228: Increase warmth, comfort and quiet by installing cork flooring
Tip #158: Browse the classifieds
Remodeling Savings Tip #154: Browse dump sites for materials
Tip #175: Carefully research the style of columns, capitals and balustrades you will install. Save by purchasing direct from the manufacturer; check for a warranty
Tip #136: Shop the Sales
Save on Remodeling Tip #208: Install a bay or bow window instead of a bump out to make a room larger
Slash Your Remodel Costs by Shopping For Salvage
Liquidators can Cut Bathroom Remodeling Materials Costs in Half
Radiant Heat Saves Money**
Remodeling for Severe Weather Endurance**
Using Factory-Built Fireplaces to Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling Cost Estimates Are Looking Good for Spring 2009
Economic Recovery Act Makes Green Remodeling Affordable
Keep Your Cool and Stay Warmer with Some Help from the Recovery Act
Recession Remodelers Rack Up Big Savings
Save Ten Percent On Your Bathroom Remodel
Choose the Best New Roof with Help from Uncle Sam
Economic Stimulus
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Remodel Your Bathrooms Now and Save More Than 10% by
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Bathroom Remodeling Now Can Cost at Least Ten Percent Less
Save Ten Percent on Your Bathroom Remodel
Kitchen Remodeling Cost Estimates Are Looking Good for Spring 2009
How to Save More than 20% on a Kitchen Remodel in a Bad Economy with Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
Economic Recovery Act of 2009 Makes this the Best Time to Update HVAC and Water Heaters
Uncle Sam Says, “I Want to Help You Make Your Home Energy Efficient!”
Recession Remodelers Rack Up Big Savings
Energy Efficient Roof and Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
Economic Recovery Act Provides Incentives to Make Homes More Energy Efficient
Ten Ways to Make a Home More Energy Efficient with Help from the Recovery Act of 2009
How Is the Environment Inside Your Home?
Simple Steps to Greater Energy Efficiency
What Are My Options for Energy Efficient Water Heating?
What Are the Five Most Important Energy-Efficient Upgrades for My Home?
Does Energy-Efficient Lighting Really Matter?
Can I Really Power My Home With Wind Energy?
Energy Efficient Options for a Flat Roof
Remodeling Savings Tip #406: Shop Habitat for Humanity ReStores for Materials
Remodeling Savings Tip #407: Check dump sites for materials
Save on Remodeling Tip #409: Don’t Overdo it with Light Fixtures
Save on Remodeling Tip #410: Make a Room Larger with a Bay or Bow Window
Tip #412: Control Moisture in Bathrooms and Laundry Room with a Good Ventilation Fan
Tip #413: Shop the Sales
Tip #414: Ask Friends and Relatives how to Save
Remodeling Tip #416: See What Can be Found in the Classified Ads
Remodeling Tip #418: Save Money on Complex Framing with Metal Studs
Remodeling Tip #419: Build your Cathedral Ceiling with Insulated, Vented Panels
Remodeling Tip #420: Go Green and Save Money with Cork Flooring
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Home Appliances and Save Big
Does Solar Power Really Makes Sense for My Home?
Shower Choices for Remodeling a Small Bathroom
How Do I Get a Spa Shower in a Small Bathroom?
How To Select The Right Toilet for a Small Bathroom Remodel
What You Can Do About Small Bathroom Showers
Choosing a Toilet for a Small Bathroom Remodel is Complicated
The Best Toilet for Remodeling a Small Bathroom
Finding the Perfect Sink for a Small Bathroom Remodel
Choosing the Best Sink When Remodeling a Small Bathroom
Remodeling a Small Bath Calls for the Right Sink
My Kitchen Remodel - Part 3
Tip #133: Reuse
Tip #134: Use Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials
Tip #135: Spend Time on Shopping
Tip #138: Buy Materials in Kits or Packages
Tip #139: Buy Materials at an Auction
Tip #140: Buy Donated Materials from Non-Profits
Tip #141: Buy Salvaged Materials
Tip #142: Buy at Bone yards
Tip #143: Buy Closeouts
Tip #144: Buy materials from manufacturers when possible
Tip #145: Shop flea markets
Tip #146: Shop sites like Nextag.com or Pricecutter.com to compare prices on many items
Tip #147: Buy materials online, particularly auctions and close-out sites
Tip #148: Buy materials from the Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Tip #149: Ask a local builder for excess materials
Tip #150: Tap your Contractor's Sources
Tip #151: Use your networking skills to put out the word when you are looking for particular items
Tip #152: Check out construction sites for building materials
Tip #155: Develop contacts and rapport with local builders and contractors
Tip #156: Trade with friends and/or neighbors
Tip #157: Shop garage and yard sales
Tip #159: Browse online shopping and exchange sites like ebay.com and Craigslist.org, and freecycle.org, especially if you can find free items you need
Tip #160: Get free mulch for your landscaping
Tip #161: Ask a designer to take you to a showroom that will allow you to shop if accompanied; buy materials at trade discounts of up to 50%
Tip #162: Buy new appliances at scratch and dent sale
Tip #163: Buy display items
Tip #165: Buy Appliance Packages
Tip #166: Buy all lumber at once
Tip #167: Pick up materials rather than having them delivered
Tip #168: Rent or borrow tools and equipment rather than purchasing
Tip #169: Buy tools new and sell them when your project is finished
Tip #171: Buy excess tile
Tip #172: Buy items that offer manufacturer rebates
Tip #173: Don't buy appliances with lots of fancy features
Tip #174: Buy do-it-yourself kits for garden sheds, retractable awnings, sunrooms, spa enclosures, canopies and awnings
Tip #176: Buy carpet remnants
Tip #177: Don't use sod for your landscaping
Tip #178: Add Interesting Details to Generic Kitchen Cabinets
Tip #179: Re-face Your Appliances
Tip #180: Finish Trim
Tip #181: Use Vinyl or Engineered Material for Flooring
Tip #182: Use Solid Surface or Cultured Marble
Tip #183: Use Marble or Granite Tiles Instead of Solid Stone for the Countertop
Tip #184: Use Composite Wood or Plastic for Trim Boards
Tip #185: Buy Less Expensive Items which are Easy to Replace Later
Tip #186: Add exterior insulation covered with synthetic stucco
Tip #187: Use plastic water supply pipes instead of copper
Tip #188: Use light-weight roofing materials
Tip #189: Use a metal roof - it will last a lifetime and keep the house cooler
Tip #190: Use motion-sensing accent landscape lights
Tip #191: Use steel studs for non-bearing walls instead of wood
Tip #192: Use prefabricated shower and bath enclosures
Tip #193: Install a tub or shower liner rather than replacing
Tip #194: If you live in a moderate climate, install a whole-house fan rather than air conditioning
Tip #195: Install attic foil to block heat or use heat-blocking attic paint to save energy
Tip #196: Install a solar-powered attic fan to save energy
Tip #197: Install a vent-free gas fireplace instead of a wood burning fireplace
Tip #198: Eliminate the risk of leaks and drainage problems with gutter guards
Tip #199: Buy Your Own Electrical and Plumbing Fixtures
Tip #200: Build your deck with no-maintenance wood-alternative deck materials
Tip #201: Use certain houseplants to purify the air naturally rather than installing an expensive air filtration system
Tip #202: Install a solar water heater
Tip #203: Install a solar pre-heater for your hot water heater
Tip #204: Buy a no-vent dryer with automatic moisture sensor
Tip #205: Choose a front-loading clothes washer - they wash/rinse better and cost less to use
Tip #206: Choose a refrigerator/freezer with through-the-door ice/water dispenser
Tip #207: Install a garden window
Tip #209: Gain needed space with closet organizers
Tip #210: Buy fiberglass columns rather than wood columns
Tip #211: Build with concrete and foam blocks in tornado or hurricane prone regions for added strength and insulation
Tip #212: Install maintenance-free siding materials, such as simulated brick or stone siding
Tip #213: Buy young/small plants instead of large, mature ones
Tip #214: Use synthetic materials rather than carved wood for your wainscoting
Tip #215: Use factory built roof trusses instead of site-built rafter systems for your roof
Tip #216: Use a single heat pump instead of separate furnace and air conditioning units
Tip #217: Use blown-in insulation instead of fiberglass batts
Tip #218: Use pre-finished or primed trim
Tip #219: Use exterior wall sheathing that has a finished surface instead of a layer of sheathing that is then covered with siding, stucco or other finish
Tip #221: Use crushed rock driveway instead of concrete or asphalt
Tip #222: Use a textured drywall finish instead of smooth texture
Tip #224: Install a tight-sealing insulated garage door for energy savings and safety
Tip #225: Install vinyl or fiberglass fencing to reduce maintenance and replacement costs
Tip #226: Use moving wall or rigid board insulation systems when finishing a garage or basement
Tip #229: Use stamped concrete instead of paving stones for patios, driveways, etc.
Tip #230: Use a smaller number of larger cabinets instead of a lot of smaller ones
Tip #231: Use pre-built cabinets to create a smaller pantry instead of building one into the floor plan
Tip #232: Choose laminate countertop instead of solid surface countertop materials
Tip #233: Buy and restore an old or antique fireplace mantel
Tip #234: Refinish lighting fixture surfaces rather than replacing them
Tip #235: Refinish fan blades rather than replacing the fan
Tip #236: Use motion-activated security lights to save on electricity over time
Tip #237: Install a bathtub with an inline heater
Tip #239: Use storage systems to maximize storage space
Tip #240: Use Simple Common Tiles for the Field and Use Specialty Tiles as Accents, and Even Incorporate a Mural
Tip #241: Use Tiles that Look Like Stone Instead of Real Stone
Tip #242: Use tiles made from recycled glass bottles instead of ceramic tile
Tip #243: Use tile scraps to create drawer and door pulls
Tip #244: Buy plain ceramic tile and paint it yourself. If you are not an artist, try stencils
Tip #245: Consider alternatives to expensive wall preparation
Tip #246: Install dual-flush toilets to save water usage
Tip #247: Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink or secondary bathrooms
Tip #248: Install low-flow or adjustable showerheads
Tip #249: Install a super-efficient decorative steel front door
Tip #250: Try faux finishing, ragging, sponging and other paint application techniques
Tip #251: Create a wallpaper effect without the cost by stenciling borders
Tip #252: Use insulating paints to reduce your utility bills
Tip #253: Replace old window sashes with tilt-in sashes to reduce window condensation and outdoor noise while achieving energy efficiency. These windows are also easier to clean
Tip #254: Install ceiling fans in rooms used frequently
Tip #255: Don't install a backsplash above kitchen countertops
Tip #256: When choosing a color or pattern for your countertop, note differences in price between the various styles, and shop accordingly
Tip #257: Look at a variety of lighting models and options, consider price, quality and overall value
Tip #259: Minimize modifications to stock cabinets
Tip #260: Keep Your Receipts and Return What You Don't Use
Financing
Money
Save By Who Does the Work
Whole House Remodel Articles
One Room Addition or Remodel Articles
Specific Project Articles