Renovating Your Home

Are You DIY Material?

If you're renovating your home on a budget, your best bet is to become a "do-it-yourself"-er. Some home renovation supply stores like Home Depot even offer free classes -- called "How To Clinics" -- in how to take on anything from applying wallpaper to tuning up a lawn mower.

Even if you decide to do your own renovations, you need to create a budget and stick to it. Keep close accounts of expenses. Always assume that the work will take longer than you thought at first and factor this into your budget.

Before starting a DIY project, think about all the ways you can earn with uTANGO toward your annual reward and your ultimate $1 Million cash payout. Shopping for appliances, electronics, home furnishings, paint, building supplies, and even lawn care and accessories all can help you earn toward your future. Start shopping for your home makeover now!

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The best way to find a builder to renovate your home is to do a little local research. Yellow Pages and Internet searches are fine, but how can you be sure you'll like the work this particular contractor does?

Try driving around your neighborhood looking for homes that you like. Contact the owner of a few houses that catch your eye. Simply explaining that you really love how their house looks, are planning to have renovations done, and would like to know if they will share the name of their contractor. You'll be surprised by how many people will be happy to share their information.

Collect the names of at least 3-5 different builders and contact each of them. Explain that you have admired their work (if you can name the specific house, even better) and wonder if they may be free to look at your home for a potential project. Compare rates and ideas of each designer before deciding on the one you will hire.

Want to know how to save money when renovating your home and property? Consider tackling projects in the off-season.

Winter: Landscaping planning; Interior remodeling

Spring: Concrete pouring/Driveways; Roof-replacement

Fall: Exterior house painting

Summer : Relax. (This is the busiest and most expensive time of year for contractors!)

You can also save money on renovations by asking contractors to include your house as a fill-in job -- he or she works on small portions between other projects. The contractor may even offer a discount since you're keeping his/her crew busy with work all year round.

About uTANGO

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