Create a budget. The first tool you will need for any home improvement project is a calculator. Be sure to create a detailed, realistic spending plan.

Be realistic. “Do it yourself” doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do it alone. Some types of projects, like electrical rewiring, require an expert. If your project requires work done by a professional, get several bids for comparison purposes.

Know when to say when. Homeowners often find that home improvement projects have a "snowball effect." Just because you plant some trees does not mean that you need a new sprinkler system. Make sure that you know your limitations, and be wary of any contractor that tries to convince you to do more than you planned.

Try low-cost alternatives. If you’ve ever seen the show Trading Spaces, you know that dramatic changes can be made for very little money. Before you tear down a wall or add skylights, consider some low-cost home improvement ideas instead. Painting a room, for example, is an inexpensive way to make a dramatic change.