Budget How To-On the Cheap

Create a list of your needs and what you'd like to have, which will be two lists. This will get you clear on what you want and what you actually need. Next, do research and look for products that will increase your functionality, watch HGTV to get some tips. Finally, prepare that budget using a budget estimator. A great example is on the HGTV website: http://www.costestimator.com/hgtvkitchen/categories.jsp

Be creative and open to travel to cheaper areas of the country or to flea markets. I travelled hours up into the mountains in order to buy a pottery sink that cost $50 and looks amazing. I also bought an antique dresser from a flea market and the two together make a great, sophisticated pair, but without the designer price!

Although it is a such a pain, I would go with Home Depot. I remodeled my bathroom and kitchen that way and saved so much money then if I hired someone to do it all. I am not going to lie, it is a lot of hours spent in the store, but you do save tons of money in doing it this way. good luck.

Do it yourself. Friends of mine re-modeled their whole home, but hired out when it called for it. For the bathroom, it's easy to go to places like Expo and choose the bathroom design you like. If you need a little help, they have design teams that can help you with any part of the project...and they deliver!

decide in advance how much you want to spend. When speaking with contractors, constantly remind them of the limit and stress that there is ABSOLUTELY no more money. Work out a deal so that the total job is budgeted by item beforehand, and agree (have it written) that the final job costs will not exceed your limit.