It’s that time of the year when New Year’s resolutions are running rampant. What will you do better next year? When it comes to home improvement, you can always find plenty of room for resolutions. Here are a few to consider:

Remodeling on Time and Budget

How many times have you heard someone talk about going over his/her remodeling budget? It’s easy to do, but also easy to avoid. Here’s a handy cost estimator from HGTV to get you started. Then, make sure you:

• Set a budget: Believe it or not, some people don’t.
• Stick to the budget: When the contractor finds a $500 “surprise” cut the budget somewhere else. Or, put a contingency in the budget ahead of time to cover surprises.
• Write it all down: Those trips to the home improvement store add up quickly. Keep track, and stop when you reach your budget limit!

Set Your Goals and Stick to Them

Remodeling is always a game of give and take. Before you start a kitchen remodeling or other project, decide on your goals and objectives. Then, stick with the plan to avoid overspending.

Find the Right Contractor

Find a contractor who’s honest, fair, and skilled in the type of work you need. Don’t hire a windows contractor to install your kitchen unless he or she has experience in that area. Here are tips from Energy Star on finding a good heating and cooling contractor.

Have an Overall Remodeling Plan

Even if you won’t start your kitchen remodeling for a few years, think about how to approach it. If you plan to tear down the wall by the family room, hold off on remodeling that part of the house.

Overall, resolve to get what you want from home improvement next year!

The size and shape of your kitchen can quickly translate to happiness or frustration as you cook. If you struggle to makemeals in a small kitchen with limited counterspace, you know how challenging it can be. Here’s how to maximize your kitchen design space.

Think Carefully with Kitchen Cabinet Layouts

If you’re tackling a full kitchen remodeling project and can add space, plan it out on paper. Group appliances according to cooking zones, for example. This kitchen design space planner from Ikea can help. Consider:

• Adding at least 42 inches of walking space around the island
• Positioning refrigerator and wall oven doors so they don’t open near a seating area or bump into adjacent cabinetry
• Whether a U-shaped kitchen is more conducive to family meals than an L-shaped design.

Here’s a look at all the kitchen design styles to consider

Get Vertical with Kitchen Design

Many kitchens have several feet of unused space near the ceiling. By adding 42 inch cabinets instead of 36 inch cabinets, you can store more items in the kitchen cabinetsand open up countertop space for your meal preparation. Consider adding a few glass cabinet doors to bring in some light and add interest.

Steal Space When You Can

If you have a den or dining room with extra space, steal that extra square footage. If you can add an extra three to six feet in width to a narrow kitchen, it’s golden. Just make sure you’re getting enough space to justify the expense.

Also, consider buying a portable island on wheels for meal preparation. It can be used for food staging during parties or rolled into a pantry or back hallway when not in use.

Now that the holidays are over, you might be rethinking their budget. Did you spend too much? What else should you buy?

That same mindset applies to home improvement, as it’s easy to spend, spend, spend and, then, regret some decisions. Here are a few ways to avoid overspending on your remodeling budget. You’ll sleep better at night knowing your house projects are getting done, AND you’ll have some money left in the bank.

1. Keep track of the remodeling budget as you go: Although bathroom fixtures, the faucet, towel bars, and shelving might seem inexpensive, they add up. The same goes for kitchen cabinet accessories. Make a chart, and update it as you shop.
2. Don’t splurge before you sell: If you’re selling yourhouse, it’s someone else’s kitchen countertop. While you want to make the house nice to sell, don’t overindulge. Instead, buy a less expensive material, and put that money aside for your new house.
3. Do some of the home improvement work yourself: If you can do the demolition, painting, or trim work yourself, why not? Pay yourself first.
4. Paint or refinish kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them: The work will get done faster, and you’ll save big, says Buzzle.com.
5. Try laminate flooring instead of hardwood: While the look is slightly different, you can save plenty. In some cases, you can do the installation yourself.
6. Hire the right contractor who will do the work well and be efficient: Make sure you get a written estimate upfront, and sign a contract that spells out all the details. Knowing the final cost is huge in the home improvement game. It also makes for a good working relationship with the contractor.

The last thing you want after the holiday season is a stocking-full of regret. So, be careful when budgeting for your remodeling project, and enjoy the savings!

Flooring that jumps out at you as you walk in the door is just plain jarring. Is the color too bold or the style not quite right for the house? As you shop, avoid these common flooring mistakes:

1. Flooring that Doesn’t Blend:Flooring should coordinate with the style and décor of the house. Terra cotta tile goes well in a Spanish-themed home, but hardwood is more fitting in a traditional Colonial. While it’s fine to mix it up sometimes, but you should still keep a consistent flow. This is particularly true with kitchen flooring because it shapes the most important room in the house.
2. Flooring that Stops and Starts: It’s best to use the same flooring throughout large areas, so you don’t break up the visual flow from room to room. Try using the same hardwood or vinyl flooring in the foyer, hallway, powder room, and kitchen. Then, change it up in the dining room.
3. Too Much Color: Flooring is designed to be an inviting backdrop to your other décor. So, don’t make the mistake of buying bold kitchen flooring that steals the attention from your furniture and kitchen appliances.
4. Selecting the Cheapest Remodeling Contractor: You get what you pay for. So, be careful when trying to save money on your remodeling contractor. The right remodeling contractor will know what wood flooring needs to acclimate for a few days in the selected room. Otherwise, the flooring won’t be sized right to avoid expansion and contraction problems, says Buzzle.com.
5. Buying the Most Expensive Flooring: Overpaying for flooring is a big mistake, as you’ll have trouble recouping the cost during resale. If your house is in an entry-level subdivision, laminate flooring should be fine. Save the fancy wood flooring for the kitchen or one special room.

If you’re searching for a spa-like retreat with a bubbling bathtub and a steam shower, look no further than your own bathroom. Today’s bathroom remodeling projects are all about bringing that resort feeling to your home.

Bathroom remodeling isn’t always a stroll in paradise, however. Expect many steps and potential surprises. That’s because you’re working with a small space and trying to configure the floor plan for many uses. The way to avoid major mistakes, according to Consumer Reports, is to be realistic about your wants, needs, and remodeling budget. Here’s how to get bathroom remodeling right the first time:

Evaluate Your Bathroom Remodeling Space

Unless you can knock down a wall and expand, you’re stuck with the footprint of the room. Perhaps that means buying a smaller bathtub or going with just a shower. Be realistic, instead of trying to cram too much into one space.

Find a Good Contractor

Look for a contractor who specializes in bathroom remodeling. Make sure the contractor is up to speed on local building codes, the latest trends in shower and tub layout and usage, and can handle all the detailed tile work.

Create a Detailed Bathroom Remodeling Budget

Work with your contractor to narrow down what you absolutely must have and what can be trimmed to stay within your remodeling budget. Think about how long you’ll live in the house and your potential return on investment. When remodeling a master bathroom, you can often splurge a little more. Also, try these other helpful tips from HGTV.

Splurge a on Bathroom Remodeling

While staying on budget is important, don’t overlook a few splurge items to set the space apart. It might be a decorative light fixture above the vanity, a marble countertop, or fancy tile around the shower. Bathroom remodeling should be fun, after all!

So, spruce up your powder room, or completely remodel your master bathroom–either way, have fun with these space-saving ideas.

The end of the year is always a good time to do a little home organization. With all the holiday decorations and gifts, people often feel a little overwhelmed with “stuff.” Here’s how to get rid of clutter by following these five easy steps:

1. Assess Home Organization Needs: Make a list of the areas to tackle, making note of which are the most important to you. Will getting all the mail and school paperwork off the kitchen countertop make the evening meal more enjoyable? Then, make sure you have all the right home organization supplies–shelving, bins, etc. Here are some creative ideas from Realsimple.com for garage storage and more.
2. Home Organization Room by Room: As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. As you create a plan, focus on one room or part of a room at a time. That way, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when that area is finished.
3. Focus on Closet Organization-: We all have nightmare closets that we’re afraid to open. But, think of all that valuable space wasted with clutter. Here’s a good primer from HGTV on how to tackle closet organization and photo storage.
4. Get Rid of Clutter as You Go: You’ll feel a great sense of pride as you haul out bags of garbage or make a few trips to a charity clothing drive. Then, make a pact to not add clutter without taking more away.
5. Home Organization in Small Steps: Don’t think you have time for home organization? How about 30 minutes a day. Goodhousekeeping.com can show you how, room by room. Within a few days, weeks, or even months, you’ll get there. One small step at a time.

Don’t drown in clutter this holiday season. Follow these simple steps and control your clutter, for good!

Ready….Set….Go?

After months of planning, your remodeling project is about to start. Are you really ready? Here’s a good remodeling checklist to get you started. Think about:

The Home Improvement Plan

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people forge ahead with a remodeling project without a full plan. This should be in writing from the contractor and include:

• A layout of the space: This involves looking at your remodeling goals and floor plan.
• The scope of work: Consider demolition, replacement, moving walls, rebuilding the floor, etc.
• The timeline: When will the work begin, what hours will the contractor work, when will it end?
• What types of materials are included, down to the brand of faucet and the color of the granite countertop.

The Logistics of Remodeling

Do you need to move furniture out of the contractor’s way or pack your kitchen dishes or arrange for a cleaning service when it’s all done? Make sure you understand your role. Also:

• Notify your neighbors if the noise or traffic might be an inconvenience.
• Discuss the project details with your family. If it’s a kitchen remodeling, how will you handle meals?

The Remodeling Budget

The remodeling budget and payment schedule are key ingredients in any home improvement project. Don’t make the mistake of starting a remodeling project without a detailed budget from the contractor. You’ll need to know:

• When payments are due.
• What will happen if unexpected expenses arise?

Don’t Forget to Plan, Plan, Plan for Remodeling

While it’s tempting to jump into a remodeling project because you’re focused on the end result, that approach can be problematic. Plan ahead and you’ll feel more prepared when the contractor arrives.

Now, let the remodeling fun begin!

Buying replacement windows is an exciting process, but one filled with decision after decision after decision. Do you want double hung windows or casement windows? Would you prefer a bay window or a large row of transoms? What works best with your housing style?

The Lowdown on Replacement Windows Styles

Here’s how to narrow down your replacement window style choices. Think about your home’s architecture and the style you want to achieve. Try these images from Andersen Windows for more descriptions of the following:

• Awning: Opens with a hinge at the top
• Bay: A stationary window that has two angles on the sides and a flat section. Here’s the lowdown on this type of replacement window.
• Casement: One large window with a crank that opens the window outward
• Double hung: Two window sashes that open vertically
• Picture: A stationary window that typically is large and used to showcase an exterior view

The Functional Side of Replacement Windows

One way to pick a replacement window style is by to focus on functionality. If your replacement window will grace a location where you’ll want to open the window and let air in, consider double hung or casement windows. Both windows have a unique style and function. In fact, casement windows are ideal for allowing air in during rainy times.

Replacement windows are designed for function, but there’s no reason they have to be boring. Pick a unique style, add a large bank of picture windows, or get creative with window grills to make a statement. Do a little research, but don’t be afraid to have a little fun with the window style. It could transform your curb appeal.

Wondering how much home improvement you can buy for $1,000? You may be surprised at what you can accomplish for this reasonable sum.

Maximizing Your Home Improvement Budget

If you’re on a small home improvement budget, stick to replacing products or sprucing up your decor. If you avoid structural changes, you can put the bulk of your dollars into the finished product. Here are some examples:

• A few pieces of furniture: A leather ottoman, a lamp, and a few pillows can change your decorating theme.
• A new kitchen countertop: Alaminate countertop costs around $1,000, depending on the size of the kitchen. Or, splurge on granite for a small island.
• Painting: This is, by far, the biggest bang for your buck. Even when hiring a contractor, the cost for two rooms is typically less than $1,000.
• Sinks and faucets: In the kitchen, try a stainless steel sink and a faucet with a pull out sprayer. (If you’re handy, try this sink installation video from Lowe’s.) In the bathroom, get daring with an artistic-inspired sink bowl. Don’t worry about matching the new faucet finish with the existing bathtub filler and towel bars. Just find a finish that blends.
• The floor in one room: Here’s how to add ceramic tile floors on a budget.
• Window treatments: Pick a room or two, and splurge on new window treatments. This will help you manage sunlight and heat transmission, plus boost your overall design. Here’s a primer from Hunter Douglas on selecting window treatments.

Pick Your Home Improvement Battles

To avoid overspending, focus your budget in one or two rooms, particularly with ceramic tile floors. This way, you’ll see a noticeable difference and feel good about your investment.

The holidays are a busy time when your focus is on shopping, parties, and presents. This can also be a time when burglars move in to take advantage of your time away from home. According to Crimedoctor.com, most burglars want get in quickly and take items they can quickly resell, such as electronics. Here’s how to help keep them at bay with some easy home improvement projects:

Home Improvement Fixes

Exterior and interior lighting, along with landscaping, is the place to start. Outside, here are some things you need:

• Motion detector lights near back doors and garages
• Coach or overhead lights flanking your front door
• Pathway lighting leading to your garage and street
• Neatly trimmed bushes to eliminate hiding places

Inside, consider adding timers for lights in two or three rooms to give the illusion of activity.

Also:

• Forward your phone calls when out of town. According to State Farm Insurance, burglars often call a home first to see if someone is there.
• Position TVs and other expensive items so they’re hidden from view from the street.
• Leave on a talk radio show when you’re away from the house, so it sounds like someone is home.

The Lowdown on Home Alarm System

One obvious home improvement solution is to invest in a home alarm system. While this might cost $500 to $1,000 or more, it can provide peace of mind, particularly when you’re out of town.

Consider many factors when buying a home alarm system, such as the number of doors and windows to cover and whether you want monthly monitoring or just alarms that send out a loud noise. This home alarm systems overview from allthingsfrugal.com can get you started.