When most of us remodel, we envision large, perfect rooms with lots of light and the latest conveniences and styles. However, we soon realize that we can’t have all these things on our remodeling budget. Most of the time, you have to sacrifice square footage or other features you want. What and where do you sacrifice? These are ten ways to save money on your remodeling while adhering to your original plans.

1. You must set your priorities. Some things are critical and some are not. You must make the decision on what you “have to have” and what you can compromise on. What you really want must conform to your budget.

2. Rethink your remodeling plans. If you can achieve results that you will be satisfied with by some cosmetic changes like changing the lighting, replacing cabinets, or updating with new paint, you will save a lot of money that can be spent on projects that you really want done during the remodeling.

3. Check out websites or read brochures that describe what remodeling improvements will actually increase the value of your house for future sale. What you want is a strong return on your investment of remodeling capital.

4. If you can, avoid expensive construction. Moving weight-bearing walls, altering a roofline, the installation of new windows, and extensive change to electrical systems and plumbing are very costly. If you work within the existing roof and the existing exterior walls, you can usually save a lot of money.

5. Use moderately priced materials to attain the look you want. Many options are available and you must explore them. For instance, if you can achieve the same look with stock cabinets rather than custom ones, why pay the extra money?

6. If the remodeling work will be highly visible, don’t try to cut corners there.

7. Interview several contractors and make sure they are licensed, bonded and insured. Ask for references you can call: previous satisfied customers. Then get three written bids on the exact same requirements of the project.

8. Make sure you are preventing cost overruns by dealing with only qualified, reliable, and fair professional contractors. Get a written contract detailing materials, timelines, and the actual work that must be performed.

9. Be smart with your remodeling financing. Home equity loans or refinancing are options that may save you money.

10. You can save money by performing some of the work yourself if you are experienced in those areas. Labor is usually the most expensive part of remodeling, so if you can do some of it, you will save money.