There are many things one can learn from building or remodeling your entire house. First of all, take the initial budget and double it because that always happens. Second, find a friend who is an electrician or plumber because paying full rates for these guys can burst anyone’s budget. Third, shop craigslist and check local discount centers for cheap windows and doors. If you are capable of getting these things accomplished, you can save yourself about $20,000.
There also some things that you shouldn’t cheap out including: kitchen cabinets, flooring, trim, & lighting. Kitchen cabinets are offered with a lot of options and the cheapest cabinets are typically made of particle board and have horrible finishes. You may save a few hundred now, but you will be paying for that choice in about 5 years.
Their are a lot of ways to spruce up a home using forecast lighting, recessed lighting, and other fine art lamps and chandeliers. The whole point is that if you save on the rough stuff, spend on the finish stuff.