Remodeling is expensive work. As such, many people try to do as much as they can in order to stay on budget and cut costs wherever they can. If done right, these money-saving techniques can save you thousands of dollars in remodeling. However, try to avoid doing the following at all costs:

Unless you are a contractor yourself, do not attempt to be your own general contractor. While you may be a decent handyman, kitchen remodeling is one of the more time-consuming and complicated projects. You can find yourself losing thousands of dollars if done wrong; thus, leave kitchen remodeling to the professionals.

Never hire a contractor that makes you feel uneasy. Horror stores involving contractors running away with your money are common enough, so do what you can to avoid being the next character in those stories. Try asking for recommendations (and who to avoid) from friends you trust or family members in the area. Also, never let a contractor decide for you. You're the one spending, so you get final say, but be sure to make informed decisions as well.

When it comes to kitchens, try not to go with the flow in terms of what is popular at the time of a remodel. The average kitchen remodel should last at least twelve years before having it remodeled again, so going with a current trend can lead to an outdated kitchen within three years.

Due to its durability, a few repairs and diligent inspections can help roofs last a lifetime. However, it is inevitable that you will need to replace your roofing system someday. Here are a few signs that your roof will need to be replaced instead of the usual patch job:

Check the inner section of your roof for any holes (easy to find, they let sunlight in) or leaks. These are early signs of damage, and can lead to major repairs if left unattended. While these can easily be repaired, if this problem reoccurs frequently, it might be time to replace your roof.

After checking the interior, grab a ladder and climb up to the top of the roof. Check for any splotches of moss.; if moss is growing on your roof, the portion it covers may be rotting away, a sign that your roof needs to be replaced, especially if there are multiple growths on your roof.

In addition to looking out for moss, check for any missing or damaged shingles. If there is a huge bald spot on your roof, that will definitely need to be replaced.

It is difficult to tell when a roof requires replacing or if a repair will do; this decision is usually based on personal judgment call. A good rule of thumb, though, would be that if major repairs or multiple repairs are needed, you might be better off buying a new roof. It might even cost you less.

When you are planning to have your windows replaced, its important to know what you’re getting into. A cursory evaluation of your home with help from a trusted home improvement contractor will put you on the right track. However, your contractor might ask if you’re looking for specific replacement options or going the full package. There are a number of options you can pursue on either plan.

The sash is the main component of every window frame. This will be the only thing to be replaced if the inspection found no water damage on the frame itself and the sash opens with no hassle. In this case, replacing just the sash will only need installing new jamb liners and making sure the design and color syncs with that of the frame itself.

A sash-and-frame replacement is feasible if signs of moisture damage were found on the windowsill and air leaks were discovered on the sash and frame itself. The main window unit is inserted into the jambs and backed up against the stops. There’s a danger, however, of reduced daylight openings if you pursue this option. Going full-throttle on the window replacement is better if the window is totally compromised, but this will involve stripping the old trim and casings.

You have no choice but to replace the windows if they are truly too far gone. It will save you much in utility expenses in the long run.

Here's an idea: what if you merge your bed and bath into a single room? A number of houses have actually put this bold design into practice, doing away with the doors and partitions. At the least, there will be no need to worry about the door jamming when you need to go in the middle of the night. However, this design raises interesting questions; for one, what benefits does the design bring aside from saving travel time by a few seconds?

Combining the bedroom and bathroom can save space because the bathroom doesn't need its own. Frosted glass, sliding panels, or simple antique dividers can provide some sense of privacy while in the bathroom. You can also allocate a smaller space for the bathroom in the integration since it won't factor in the walls (as there aren't any). In addition, the bathroom can share lighting with the bedroom and help you save on energy costs.

However, this design doesn't make sense for small bedrooms; you want to have some elbow room between the bed and bath. In addition, you need to factor in the water; will the design spill water in the bedroom? This design isn't entirely open since there's still the matter of privacy and water damage to take into consideration. Get a bathroom remodeling contractor to discuss this design as to whether or not it's feasible for your home.