Now may be the perfect time to consider remodeling your home. Thanks to tax credits and incentive programs promoting energy efficiency, it may also be the cheapest time to remodel your home. Read the ten top remodeling tips to save you money and discover how you can effectively transform your home environment into a new and improved space.

Remodeling Tip #1:  Arrange financing in advance

If you’re remodeling on a budget, you can save yourself a great deal of time and stress by arranging your financing in advance. Start by setting a budget and sticking to it.

If you’re bringing in contractors, have them draw up their payment terms in advance. Make sure you both agree on the amount to be paid and be sure to put it in writing.

Remodeling Tip #2:  Recycle and reuse what you can

When planning a remodel, look objectively at what you already have. Do your kitchen cabinets need to be completely replaced, or would they benefit from a facelift of paint or veneer?  Similarly, does your project require all new items or could you make do with gently used or recycled products?

Remodeling Tip #3:  Take advantage of your contractor’s contacts

If your project requires the assistance of several professionals, look to your main contractor for recommendations on who should get the job. Often this will qualify you for discounts and specials because those being recommended will want to show their gratitude for the recommendation.

Remodeling Tip #4:  Protect your valuables and expensive possessions

Any home construction site can fall prey to accidents, and if you have expensive goods lying near the action then they’re at risk of being damaged. Similarly, bringing workers into your home puts your valuables at risk for theft.

Waylay the risk by removing items of value from your home. Safeguard anything that can’t be moved by covering it with cardboard or packing paper. In addition, get references on people you hire to come into your home. Listen to your instincts and do not allow workers who make you feel ill at ease.

Remodeling Tip #5:  Consider high quality imitations when appropriate

If you are aiming to achieve a certain type of look in your remodel, try to use as many knockoffs as you can. For instance, if you’d like your kitchen to have a Tuscan feel, don’t fall into the habit of purchasing genuine Italian light fixtures or kitchen handles. Instead, do your research to find out what type of look a Tuscan kitchen should have and then shop for imitations that carry the same look at half the price.

Remodeling Tip #6:  Compare the cost of a remodel against the cost of new construction

In some cases, it’s simply cheaper to tear everything down and start over again. Other times you’ll be much better off working with what you have. Either way, you’ll want to consider a variety of factors before deciding which approach to take. Read up on your local building codes and consider the cost of removing or repairing things like lead, mold, asbestos, and structural problems.

Remodeling Tip #7:  Do as much work yourself as possible

If you have an able body and time to spare, doing a lot of the work yourself can save you a tremendous amount of money. Just be sure to only take on the tasks you can handle. Unless you’re skilled in specific areas, let the professionals handle things like rewiring electrical outlets or rerouting plumbing systems.

Remodeling Tip #8:  Consult with an architect instead of hiring one

If you bring in an architect to plan and oversee your entire remodel, your costs will soar. Instead, consult with an architect about the best approach for your remodel. You’ll have to pay a fee, but it will be much smaller than the price of management for a full-scale project. Listen closely to the tips provided by the architect and then oversee the project yourself.

Remodeling Tip #9:  Make alternative living arrangements

Depending on the scale of your remodel, you may not be able to comfortably stay in your home during the project. Decide whether you’ll need to temporarily move out of your home during the construction phase of the project. If doing so will make it possible for workers to complete the remodel more quickly, it might offset the cost of having to stay elsewhere.

Remodeling Tip #10:  Be realistic

Remodeling a space in your home can be an exciting idea until you actually begin work on the project. Things may go wrong and expenses may escalate. Set reasonable expectations about your timeline, budget, and final product. Don’t be tempted to think it’s as easy as the one-hour television remodel shows make it look. A lot of work goes into a remodel, but with careful planning and forethought it will be worth the payoff in the end – especially if you plan to sell your house down the road and hope to land a good price.