With some forethought and inventive design planning you can go forward with your home design project even in the current market.

Key considerations to keep in mind before you begin:
· Think about the type of return you are expecting or need to accomplish with your home improvement. Are you renovating your home in order to create a more livable space for your family or are you looking to improve the selling value of your home? Many people have called in the last few months asking us how they can make their current home more livable and better suited for a growing family. Our response has always been and still is: Have a clear idea of your budget as you begin to make the plans for your design project. Creating a design plan in tandem with your budget will save you time, limit aggravation and prevent disappointment if you have to scale back mid way through your project.

· Be realistic about the value of your home and the amount of changes you need or want to make. Look to similar houses in your area for selling prices, so you know what your house is currently worth. If you have the opportunity to re-finance consider taking advantage of the current low mortgage rates and use the additional cash to help with the costs of your renovations. The money you spend to redesign or renovate is a long-term investment that will ultimately raise the value your home. More importantly, you will be able to finance the home that you want to live in now.

· As you begin researching your options for an interior designer and general contractor be wary of offers that are too good to be true. Hungry design teams may turn out to have their own financial difficulties. Instead, interview design teams by asking them how they can creatively help you accomplish your plans within your budget.

As you move forward think about the following ideas:
· If you are looking to add additional space to your home, consider remodeling the space that you already have. For example, consider moving interior walls to create rooms that are more usable or that will improve the flow within your home. This may prove just as effective yet will cost less than an expensive addition. Most homes we've seen can be greatly improved by simply reapportioning the space.

· Try to break your project into phases. If you do not have the budget to complete your design plans in their entirety your design team can help you to prioritize and create a construction plan that can be done in complete and distinct phases.

Now to deciding on the details of your plans:
· One of the best ways to economize is to spend less on materials. The materials you choose are the easiest variable to adjust without adjusting your vision. Ask your interior designer and contractor to work together to advise you on less expensive materials and methods that will allow you to keep the look you want to achieve.

· For example, reconsider your finishing options. Marble and exotic woods may not be necessary to create the interior feel you are after.

· On kitchen and bath renovations consider cabinetry and fixture options. You may want the look and feel of a custom built kitchen from the turn of the century, but not the cost that goes with it. You can create that look with modern frameless cabinetry, as long as door styles, proportions and other details are carefully thought out. Built-in affordable designs can create functional areas out of small spaces while adding value.

· Keep in mind that professional craftsmanship is an important element and a highly skilled professional can do wonders with less expensive materials. The above attic office is furnished soley from IKEA in a one day shopping trip. However, the professional interior design make the room very functional for the homeowner, a stamp collector, and much more chic.

· Utilize design stores such as West Elm or CB2. They carry great selections and can provide options for transitional needs, such as a temporary home office. Purchases are relatively inexpensive so you can plan for adjustments as you progress with your remodeling plans or as your family life changes.

Finally, create a design plan that you can stick to. And then commit to those plans. Mid-stream changes will prove costly and can result in an expensive, budget destroying renovation. Work with your designer and general contractor to find creative approaches that will enable you to accomplish the design plans you envision while respecting your financial limits.

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