Saving Money on Home Renovations

Who isn't looking to improve their house without spending a fortune? Well, I have some ideas for you.

1. If you love the look of a granite countertop, but you think there's no way to afford it, consider granite tiles. You get the same look and durability at a fraction of the cost.

2. If you want to update the kitchen or bathroom look at the least expensive alternatives first, changing out the hardware on cabinetry can give a room a whole new look with minimal investment.

3. The same goes for lighting fixtures. New fixtures can get pricey. Can your fixtures be updated? Metal fixtures can easily be spray-painted. Remove the fixtures, tape off the electrical components and spray paint for a great new look. Be careful when you're working with electricity, and make sure you turn the power off at the source. Leave a big danger sign on the door to let people know what you're doing. Better yet, lock the bathroom door if you can.

4. Buy furniture in simple classic colors and textures and then brighten with pillows and fabrics. The investment is a fraction of what it takes to replace outdated furniture down the road.

Stripping Hardware

You painted and skipped the prep work but now you have painted hardware. Well, I can tell you how to fix it.



1. If there are just a few splotches, hold a cloth dipped in warm vinegar over the paint and then use a plastic putty knife to scrape away the drips.

2. If that just isn't going to cut it, carefully remove the hardware from the doors and windows.

3. Lay some foil on your work surface to protect it from chemicals, and pull on a pair of chemical resistant gloves.

4. Work in a well ventilated area. Fill a coffee can about halfway with paint stripper. Then, drop your hardware in the liquid. If you'd like to be able to fish the hardware out just tie a piece of string to the hardware then dip it into the liquid. Be careful not to splash.

5. Let it sit for the amount of time recommended on the package and then carefully pull it out.

6. Scrape away any big drips left on and rinse the hardware well.The good thing about this method is that you can re-use the stripper until your project is completely done.

Deceptive Decor

If you think high end accents like tassels and finials aren't in your budget, think again. I can show you how to get the look at a fraction of the cost.

1. Those great finials that top everything from lamps to clocks can be made from wooden elements that you can find in a craft store. An egg cup glued to a round knob and then painted gives you the look for pennies.

2. Those little knobs also make great feet for home accents. Add them to boxes, lamps or frames for an instant upgrade.

3. Want a bigger impact? Choose bigger accents, large feet and finials can be fashioned from wooden porch post tops! Love the look of tassels? Try making them yourself for a fraction of the cost. Buy fringe by the yard. At a fabric store, make a loop from the cording and then wrap the trim around the hang cord until you're happy with the thickness. Catch the end of the trim with a couple of stitches and you're done. For a more whimsical tassel, paint a wooden finial from the craft store and choose a multicolored double thick trim. Wrap it around a wooden finial and secure it with hot glue. A little hole drilled in the top of the finial is a perfect spot for a ribbon hanger. Want a bigger impact? Choose bigger accents, large feet and finials can be fashioned from wooden porch post tops! Love the look of tassels? Try making them yourself for a fraction of the cost. Buy fringe by the yard. At a fabric store, make a loop from the cording and then wrap the trim around the hang cord until you're happy with the thickness. Catch the end of the trim with a couple of stitches and you're done. For a more whimsical tassel, paint a wooden finial from the craft store and choose a multicolored double thick trim. Wrap it around a wooden finial and secure it with hot glue. A little hole drilled in the top of the finial is a perfect spot for a ribbon hanger. Want a bigger impact? Choose bigger accents, large feet and finials can be fashioned from wooden porch post tops! Love the look of tassels? Try making them yourself for a fraction of the cost. Buy fringe by the yard. At a fabric store, make a loop from the cording and then wrap the trim around the hang cord until you're happy with the thickness. Catch the end of the trim with a couple of stitches and you're done. For a more whimsical tassel, paint a wooden finial from the craft store and choose a multicolored double thick trim. Wrap it around a wooden finial and secure it with hot glue. A little hole drilled in the top of the finial is a perfect spot for a ribbon hanger.