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Remodeling Guide

Remodeling Home
Remodeling Intro
Kitchen Colors
Kitchen Styles
Kitchen Layouts
Designing around Limitations
Tips for Hiring a Contractor
Shopping for Accessories
A Feng Shui Kitchen
Kitchen Redo For Less
Fireplace Accessory Info
Preparing Your Fireplace
Designing a Home Bar
Increase Kitchen Storage
Organize Your Laundry Room
Creating Your Own Wine Cellar
Bathroom Storage Options
Kitchen Islands and Kitchen Carts
Accessorizing Your Bathroom
Outdoor Living
Outdoor Kitchens
Cabinet Hardware
Kitchen Sinks and Faucets
Bathroom Ventilation
Create Your Own Mudroom
Baker's Racks
Keeping Trash in Order
Bathroom Sinks and Faucets
Father's Day Gifts
Feng Shui For the Garden
A 4th of July Celebration
Choose the Right Bar Stool
Choosing a Countertop
Pot Racks
Range Hoods
Choosing a Bath Vanity
Turn Your Closet Into a Pantry
Cabinet Lighting
Installing a Bathroom Fan
Choosing a Medicine Cabinet
Outdoor Fireplaces
Built-In Ironing Boards
Lazy Susans

  
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Remodeling Within a Budget
BUDGETING TIPS

Just about everyone has budgeting concerns when it comes to remodeling.  Very few people have tens of thousands of dollars on hand, and it takes too long for most people to save up that kind of money.  There are a few financing options for people to consider, and in addition, plenty of cost saving strategies that can help save thousands of dollars. 

Financing Expensive Projects
While construction projects can cost considerable amounts of money, making your kitchen larger and more attractive can add value to your home.  Second mortgages and home equity loans may be worth the investment for people who plan on reselling their houses at some point in time.  A few thousand dollars of strategic remodeling can add a considerable amount to the resale price.  Taking out loans will increase your debts, but there is such as thing as good debt.  A home is an investment, and by making improvements, especially to the kitchen, you add to its worth. 

Other financing options include personal loans and credit card purchases.  Many credit unions and banks will give out personal loans for home improvements.  In many situations, personal loans may collect lower interest rates than second mortgages.  However, interest rates will vary depending on the bank and your credit history.  While not recommended, it's possible to remodel your kitchen using a credit card that has a high limit.  Credit cards have higher interest rates, however, so use them cautiously.

Remodeling Budgeting Tips
Whether you plan on paying with cash or financing your remodeling, extensive budgeting can save thousands of dollars.  Specialty furnishings and space-saving techniques can go a long way in saving money and providing greater remodeling flexibility.  Sales discounts and close-out deals provide tremendous cost-saving opportunities.  The Kitchen Accessories Unlimited online catalog always offers significant sales opportunities on pot racks, range hoods, kitchen islands, and much more.  Saving a few hundred dollars here and there adds up to a lot of money.

Many people get away with cutting some corners in order to save money.  If you want a new stainless steel refrigerator, for example, you can buy steel plating that fits perfectly over your existing refrigerator rather than purchasing an entirely new appliance.  This alone saves shoppers up to $1,000.  If you want a matching dishwasher cover, you can save over $2,000.  Moreover, instead of purchasing an expensive built-in kitchen island and adding structural support underneath, you have the option of buying a portable kitchen island that serves the same purposes. 

If you abhor the idea of taking out yet another loan that must be paid back, you can keep some kitchen accessories and build around them.  For example, if you purchased a range hood only two years ago, it might be wise to develop a color scheme and layout around that range hood.  Many people opt to keep their countertops, floors, or major appliances to save money.  Rather than clearing everything out, they can alter the look of their kitchens through small, yet strategic changes.

You can update the look of your kitchen just by purchasing stainless steel appliance caps and painting the walls a different color.  A set of shiny cookware hanging from an attractive pot rack is another example of an inexpensive yet major change.  Although small, shiny or eccentric cabinet knobs can add elegance and personality to your kitchen.  Additional lighting, either natural or artificial, can add life and warmth to your kitchen.

Baby Steps to the Perfect Kitchen
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to update your kitchen and maintain a positive cash flow.  You don't have to revamp your entire kitchen tomorrow.  Periodically making small changes over time can be a rewarding experience and yield fantastic results.  Keep in mind that the beauty of your home can have a direct impact on your overall happiness.  Whatever option you choose, make sure to enjoy the creative process of beautifying your home.