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Question: "I'm considering remodeling my home in a few key areas. This is the first time I've attempted to remodel, so what advice can you give before I jump head first into the project?”

Thanks so much for your question. There are some simple guidelines you should follow when attempting to remodel an area of your home. These are tried and true methods that will complete your projects and keep them well under your budget.

• Keep Your Spending in Line with Your Expectations. You should always keep in mind the price of the project as compared to the eventual return on your investment. Getting involved in a pricey remodeling project that only promises minor returns is just not good home improvement sense. Do some research on the type of return you can expect, and you will be pleasantly surprised in the end.

• Blend in the Old with the New. If your home is old, matching the materials of the new project with the old home can be quite expensive in the long run. Some research on matching materials will save you in the end. There are plenty of wood substitutes that will give you the same look and feel without the expense.

• Never Over Extend. Carefully planning your project from start to finish will ensure that you stay within your budget and capabilities. It's never a good situation when you have to call in a professional to complete a job you began. And it's even worse when you have to take out a loan to complete a project, as well.

The rule of thumb is to research, research, and research some more. If you know what you are getting into, and you know each stage of the project, you will complete it without unexpected expense or hassle.