Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever have. And just like any investment, it’s important that you take care of your home by making necessary repairs, regular maintenance, and most of all, keeping your home’s design up-to-date. By doing so, the value of your home will increase significantly. However, due to the current economic woes, a home renovation project may not be at the top of your to-do list right now.

But what if I told you there are ways to save a lot of money on your home remodel? Yes, you can remodel your home at a price you can afford. All you need to do is strategically plan your materials, design, and time for your home remodeling project. You’ll see that it’s really not that hard to cut costs without compromising the quality of the project. Here are some tips on how to remodel your home without blowing your budget.

1. Efficiency matters, not size. Rearranging your home, bathroom, or kitchen for maximum utility doesn’t necessarily require building or creating more space. You can do this by using shelves with hidden cabinets or pull-out drawers. This can be very useful, especially in the kitchen, where careful planning for extra space pays off by not having to extend cabinets into other rooms.

two. let there be light. You can let more natural light into your home without building extra windows and doors. Before you break down the walls for more windows or bi-fold doors, why not think of less expensive and less intrusive ways to get more light? For example, you can make a windowless hallway brighter by installing a solar tube skylight which might be more affordable than putting in a new window.

3. DIY demolition. If you’re planning to start a home renovation project on a tight budget, you can start by being your own demolition crew. Although tearing down part of your home may not be as expensive as rebuilding it, you can still save a few bucks by doing some of the demolition work yourself. Just be careful and take extra precautions. Don’t forget to salvage reusable buildings and gently used accessories. If you have more time on your hands, you can also try some of the finishing work yourself, such as painting, sanding, installing insulation, and removing trash.

Four. Consider long-term expenses. Buying prefinished materials can be expensive up front, but it saves you money on extensive painting or finishing jobs. For example, you can get primed and painted weatherboards, baseboards, deck boards, and even pre-made wall finishes. These items usually cost more up front, but they will also help you save valuable time and money by avoiding expensive painting jobs.

5. It’s all about timing. Renovation work can be expensive, especially if you do it in high season. Contractors often double their charges if they are in high demand. Therefore, you may want to create a timeline for when to efficiently start your renovation project. This way, you’ll have more bargaining power with the contractor and you’ll likely get a fair deal for your remodeling project. It is also important to get price quotes from more than one contractor.

6. Go out and buy your own remodeling materials. Remodeling materials are often expensive. Also, there are some contractors who add a small commission to the price of the building materials they buy on your behalf, making the process even more expensive. That’s why it would be better if you buy them yourself instead of handing that task over to the contractor to make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. This also allows you to monitor every penny you spend on your renovation project.