Whether you are looking to update the decor in your home or you’re going for a total kitchen redo, keep in mind that the costs can add up quickly so there’s not much room for trial and error.

You can minimize stress, keep your spending under control and reap the rewards of a well-executed project by following these three simple tips.

Think Before You Leap

The single biggest reason that projects go over budget is adding things after construction has already started, a.k.a. change orders. You can easily save yourself money by simply having an overall plan and clear scope of work before you start.

The more time you put into planning and selecting your finishes and products, the more accurate the bids, the more realistic the budget and the better the end result. It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people rush into projects with only the end result in mind and ignore other important considerations like the need to move plumbing and electrical for the new kitchen layout.

I recommend hiring a design professional to help you think through the details — it will pay for itself by saving you thousands of dollars in the end by keeping the change orders out of the equation.

Expect the Unexpected

As an experienced remodeler, I do my best to anticipate potential issues, but it is only when you cut into the walls, floors and ceiling that you really get the whole story.

You’ll find pipes in the wall you didn’t know were there, unearth asbestos tiles that need to be disposed of properly or discover termite-damaged walls that need to be replaced.

To account for these surprises, I recommend allocating 10 to 20 percent of your budget as a contingency for unforeseen items that will arise during your remodeling project. With a financial buffer in place, you won’t have to start crossing things off your wish list like the glass tile backsplash and commercial grade appliances!

Know Your Limits

Now that you have a well thought out plan, will you do-it-yourself or higher a pro? DIY is a popular trend that many of us take on to try and save money. Television shows make remodeling look simple, but often times the DIY approach is not as easy as it seems, and it can end up costing you double – once for your attempt and then again when you’re in over your head and have to call in a pro to fix the mess.

Before you pick up a paint brush or grab a hammer and start gutting your kitchen, ask yourself, do I have the time, tools, skill and experience to properly complete the project? If you answered no to any of these questions, I recommend saving the DIY for smaller projects.

Anicka J. Marshall is a LaPlace designer, engineer and licensed general contractor with 15 years experience. She is the owner of AJMDesignBuild.com, a design and construction firm known for helping people discover what they really want then making it happen better than they envisioned.