#Keeping Costs Down - Money Saving Ideas - Budget - Planning - Design.

The Importance of Planning, Compromise and a Level Head

To keep remodeling costs in check, you must plan ahead, be willing to compromise, and keep emotions out of the financial picture. Here are some suggestions.

1. Identify affordable alternatives that look like expensive products:

Many laminates and solid surfaces come in colors and patterns that resemble granite and other natural stone countertops.

Vinyl flooring, whether tiles or sheets, offers colors and patterns that look like travertine or other stone tile floor options.

Laminate floors that look like wood are much cheaper than real hardwood floors.

Reface or refinish existing cabinets instead of buying new ones.

Choose stock cabinets instead of semi-custom or custom. Most stock cabinetry lines offer more material, color and accessory choices than in the past.

Counter-depth refrigerators look like built-ins because they don't stick out past the cabinets, but they cost nearly 50 percent less.

2. Don't change the layout much. If you keep your appliances, sinks, faucets, and lights where they are, you can use the existing plumbing and gas lines and electrical outlets. Moving utilities can add up to a lot of labor costs. Also, any time you cut into the walls, you run the risk of uncovering a problem that must be fixed. (See #3.) Many of these problems would need to be addressed eventually; you've just moved up the timeframe.

3. Plan for the worst; hope for the best. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends setting aside at least 10 percent of your budget for unforeseen costs. These may include: