Are you loving the idea of a whole home remodel but dreading the costs? Improving your home doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive when you follow some basic tips. With a little planning and good advice, you could cut thousands of dollars from your remodeling bill.

Whether going DIY or with professional remodeling contractors, these are the best tips to stay within a reasonable budget.

Keep Most Windows the Same Size

Installing new windows is cost effective. Making major changes to install larger windows or more windows can quickly cut into your budget. When you are planning a remodel, decide which windows would give you the biggest advantages.

Larger windows facing curbside could increase the appeal and appraised value of your home. For your other windows, stick to the sizes you have now.

Add Insulation as You Renovate

You might spend a little more to install insulation now, but long term you will regain the cost and more. Insulation will make your home more energy efficient. This will reduce cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter. In turn, you’ll place less strain on your central air system or any air conditioners or heat pumps you are using.

When installing new windows as part of your renovation, choose low-e glass. This glass also raises energy efficiency and helps to insulate your home.

Stick to Your Existing Plumbing Locations

If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, try to use the plumbing as it is. Install vanities, showers, baths, dishwashers, sinks, etc. in the same locations as the old ones.

This could save time on your home remodel while also reducing cost.

It’s also a good idea to opt for water and energy saving fixtures and appliances. These will reduce utility costs over the lifetime of your home, making your remodel a much smarter investment.

Make Smart Use of the Space You Have Available

It’s natural to start thinking about an extension when you want more room in your kitchen. It might surprise you to learn that this isn’t the only way to add space.

Smart use of your existing floor plan will save you money on major remodeling. You can store more items if you install shelves in large open cabinets. If you are running out of pantry space, consider a sliding pantry with efficient hidden storage.

If you do choose to completely remodel your kitchen and add an extension, try to consider several different layouts. The shape and layout of your kitchen could change how you see and use space. Sometimes, opening a wall could make your kitchen feel much larger without adding an extension.

Think About Your Growing Family

With a home remodel it’s easy to get caught up on living spaces. Kitchens, living rooms, and even bathrooms are most often the focus. If you plan to grow your family in the future, consider adding a bedroom to your home during your next project.

This will save you money in the long term while also increasing the usable space in your home. In the meantime, the room could be used as an office or library, or even an exercise room.

Use a Garage or Attic to Add Space

Think an extension is the only way to remodel and increase the size of your home? If you’ve got garage space or even an attic, then you could convert these and potentially save thousands.

A simple garage conversion typically only requires flooring, insulation, drywall, and ceiling installation. Finishing an attached garage could add a significant amount of living space to your home. Attics are perfect for conversion to bedrooms or family living spaces.

Finishing a basement is another cost-effective way to add space without physical extensions to your home.

Choose the Right Materials for Counter tops

New counter tops bring out the best in a kitchen remodel. In the past, you’d need to spend a lot to get a quality natural stone counter. Today, quartz is a better option for most homeowners.

Quartz can be custom shaped for your kitchen. It can be colored to match your design and is heat and scratch resistant.

Wooden butcher block counters are also increasing in popularity. They’re ideal for traditional and transitional interior design.

DIY or a Professional Full Home Remodel?

DIY can be fun, and you can learn a lot on small projects around the home. However, for whole home remodeling, DIY could become a nightmare if you don’t have the right skills.

You also need to consider the time a DIY remodel would take and the disruption it could have on your family. Professional home remodeling is faster. You’ll also have confidence that the job is done right first time.

While DIY might seem more affordable at first, any small mistake could turn out to be costly in the long term. Talk to remodeling experts in your area and get bids for your project. With the time saved and the access to wholesale material costs, a professional job could turn out to be a better investment.

Don’t spend more than you must. Smart planning and knowing when to call in the professionals could make for an affordable home remodeling project. Make the right decisions to leave you with a home that you absolutely love, at a price you can afford.