In The Bathroom

What you want – a new tub ($2,000 to $6,000).

Save by – lining the one you already have (approximately $1,000).

How it works.

Rather than tearing out your old tub you can have a new custom tub made to fit right over it (think of one paper cup nesting inside another one).  The installer takes exact measurements of your tub-and sometimes makes an impression of its shape with a paint-on-rubber mold.  A few weeks later he returns with a one-piece liner manufactured to a precise fit that’s made from the same acrylic used for new tubs.  He then bonds it in place over the old tub.

What to think about.

This process won’t get you a bigger tub or let you change the configuration of the room, but you also won’t have to go through a messy and disruptive construction project.

Who does the job?

Specialty companies, many of which are national chains (see http://www.bathfitter.com/, http://rebath.com/, and http://luxurybath.com/.

An even lower cost option.

Have your chipped, pitted or rust-stained tub reglazed in the color of your choice ($400 to $700) http://www.servicemagic.com/sem/category.Bathroom.13002.html?ef_id=1066:3:0bd89a0dfbdc6b78799dca6197bfa0dd_1078683797:SsPQNdBbricAACx2T2kAAAGA:20090930214005&gclid=COuOkP6lmp0CFSNQagodc0YzAA&m=googleadwords&entry_point_id=1918512.

What you want - to replace outdated tile wainscot ($3,000 to $5,000).

Save by – installing wood bead board paneling right over the tile ($1,000 to $1,500).

How it works.

A tile wainscot (a half wall of tile) is a nice bathroom feature, but not if the tiles are bright pink or avocado green.  For an instant update a woodworker can glue bead board plywood over the tile and create a small shelf along the top, then paint the woodwork white.

What to think about.

Make sure the plywood that your contractor uses has fully rounded groves (or “beads”), rather than just a shallow suggestion of the shape, which is common with some cheaper products.

Who does the job?

A contractor, carpenter or experienced neighborhood handyman.

An even lower cost option.

Paint the tile white with a specialized epoxy coating available at http://refinishingonline.com/ ($68 per kit).

The Rest Of The House

What you want - a family room addition ($20,000 plus).

Save by – Knocking down an interior wall ($1,000 to $1,500).

How it works.

Instead of building a brand-new family room by adding on to your house’s current footprint, you can remove an interior kitchen wall to create an open floor plan among existing rooms. You go from having an undersized kitchen next to an undersized living room, dining room or back hall to having one generous multipurpose space.

What to think about.

If the wall is bearing (that is structural), you need to add a beam, raising the cost to around $4,000, and if it’s “wet” (that is contains plumbing), rerouting the pipes could be cost prohibitive.

Who does the job?

A general contractor and plumber, if needed.

An even lower cost option.

Rather than removing the wall entirely you can create a large opening in it, such as for a breakfast bar or pass-through.  That way you avoid potential structural and plumbing complications (about $700).

What you want - custom built-ins ($6,000 to $10, 000).

Save by - using and personalizing stock cabinetry ($3,000 to $4,000).

How it works.

Inexpensive kitchen cabinets stocked unassembled at home centers offer plenty of mix-and-match storage solutions to create terrific built-ins, from bookshelves to window seats to wet bars.  Manufacturers even provide trim pieces that give the modules a customized one-piece look.

What to think about.

Sales reps in the kitchen department can use computer software to help you design your built-in based on your space and their selection of cabinetry.  This service is usually provided at no extra charge.

Who does the job?

A contractor, carpenter or home-center installation crew.

An even lower cost option

If you are handy enough to do the cabinet assembly yourself you can reduce the installer’s labor fee.  Figure it’ll take you about 20 minutes to assemble each cabinet unit, after the first one, which may take 45 minutes (about $1, 0000).

What you want - new windows ($800 to $1,200 per window for a quality wood product, installed).

Save by – Having the existing windows “doctored” ($150 to $300 per window).

How it works.

A handyman frees the painted-shut upper sash and replaces old sash cords, broken panes, missing putty and old hardware.  He gets everything working like new and adds weather stripping to improve energy efficiency.

What to think about.

Old windows may never be as efficient as brand-new ones but you get to keep the character of the house’s original windows.  There are more cost effective ways to slash energy costs than replacement windows anyway, like adding attic and basement insulation and weatherizing windows and doors.

Who does the job?

A window installer, handyman or contractor.

An even lower cost option.

Do the job yourself.  Order the instructional DVD “How to Repair Old Windows” for $22 at http://greenwichwindowdoctor.com/ ($8 to $15 per window in supplies).