Are there any special considerations i should make when planning a budget-friendly renovation job in my home or building?

If your addition requires clapboard coating, for example, you can save more in the long run by opting now for the pre-primed and prepainted variety. It costs an additional 10 to 20 cents per foot, but “you'll end up paying half of the painting jobs in the future,” says Paul Eldrenkamp, owner of Byggmeister, a design and construction remodeling company in Newton, Massachusetts. Every home renovation plan should begin with creating a budget. The best way to do this is to create a detailed spreadsheet with all possible costs for your projects, from labor to materials.

For example, if you're planning to renovate your living room, write down in your spreadsheet all the items that need to be replaced. It includes all lighting accessories, paints, floors, furniture and decorations.