If you want to remodel but you're worried about how much it will cost, rest assured you’re not alone. Establishing a realistic remodeling budget is one of the most difficult parts of remodeling. After all, it is this piece of paper that determines the rest of the process.

But just because you have a limited budget, don’t get trapped into thinking that a major remodel is out of reach. By taking the time to plan and research your options, you can have that beautiful new look you’ve dreamed of, without going broke in the process.

According to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), developing, and sticking to, a realistic remodeling budget is simply a matter of first determining what you can afford, and then sticking to it. The association also recommends that once you have crunched the numbers and figured out how much money you can spend you need to decrease the amount by 10 to 15 percent — to cover any change orders or unexpected occurrences that may happen along the way.

Here are some remodeling ideas to help you go easy on the budget:

	Come up with a plan that involves as little structural changes as possible. Moving windows and tearing down walls adds up really fast. And you won’t believe how much new plumbing will cost. If you can live with the layout you have you will save a pile of money.
	Look for affordable alternatives to high-end materials. You can buy very attractive linoleum flooring that looks like ceramic tile. Laminate countertops come in a beautiful array of colors and styles and will make a dramatic difference to the look of your kitchen. Laminate floors can look every bit as beautiful as hardwood — yet save a lot on both maintenance and money. Ask your contractor if he can suggest alternate products to achieve the look you want. You may be very surprised at the results.
	Plan your splurge. If you just have to have the old fashioned soaker tub then by all means work it in the budget and plan accordingly. By figuring out where you will be splurging early on, you can work it into the overall budget and find other ways to cut costs.
	Keep whatever you can. If your appliances are still in good working order but look tired, update them with a new front panel. Same goes for cabinets. By refacing or refinishing your existing cabinets you will save a pile of money in both the materials and labor.
	Go slow. If you don’t need to do everything at once then it’s worth your while to take your time and do it in stages. This helps both with cash flow and the sanity of the household.
	Little details can have a huge impact. Something as small as changing the hardware will “freshen” your cabinets. Installing new faucets in the kitchen and bathroom brightens the look. A few decorative tiles will make an otherwise plain backsplash much more stylish.
	Paint. One of the easiest — and cheapest — ways to give your home a whole new look is to change the color on the walls. If you’re just feeling like you want a new look, painting is a great place to start.
	Create a new lighting plan. Changing the lighting scheme in a room can make a dramatic difference. By adding wall sconces, pot lights or pendant fixtures, you will give the space a whole new look.