In today’s challenging economy many of us do not have the necessary budget to tackle major home improvement projects.  However there is a more strategic and affordable approach to remodeling – refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time.  This new do-it-yourself (DIY) movement is growing rapidly, and goes beyond quick fixes and simple décor updates.  It actually involves a completely new mindset.  This concept is so relevant it has been identified it as a new home improvement trend:  “Remodel Lite.”

“In its essence, the Remodel Lite consumer is one who wishes to refresh a room with only a few items – and with a minimal investment,” said Jack Suvak, director of market research and insights, Moen.  “But at the same time, they still have the mindset of a remodeler – they want their home improvement project to make a significant impact on their home, in terms of both style and functionality.”

For homeowners seeking to incorporate the Remodel Lite approach into their next home improvement project, Moen’s Jack Suvak offers the following tips:

Begin to Dream Again

Just because you might be short on funds doesn’t mean you have to be short on inspiration.  In these trying times, it’s okay to continue to have pie-in-the-sky home improvement dreams… but also understand that even small projects and purchases can help you slowly inch toward your goals.  With just a few updates around the house, you can quickly move from survival to revival.

Accessorize

Take a page from the fashion industry and realize the power of accessorizing.  You can easily transform the look of any room with a few key pieces.  But in this economy, choose items that can multitask to make the most of your investment.  Examples include an ottoman that doubles as storage and/or seating, or a flip-top sofa table that can open up to be used as a buffet or desk. 

Style Statement

Don’t neglect your sense of style while you’re watching your budget.  You can simply dress up the basics with your personal style by adding a stunning statement piece.  And many times, you don’t even need a tool box to add a touch of style – try a new area rug, piece of inexpensive artwork or a collage of family portraits. Hispanics may be interested in adding pieces – decorative, functional or both – that celebrate their heritage and countries of origin.

The Everyday Touch

Rather than spend your hard-earned dollars on a vase or piece of artwork that you only use at the holidays; invest in items that you see and touch every day.   For Hispanic families, the kitchen is a focal point, used not just for cooking and eating, but also as a social gathering area.  To that effect, the perfect example is a kitchen faucet – it’s something you use multiple times every day, and can truly be the ideal finishing touch to a Remodel Lite kitchen project. 

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pulldown functionality.  Models, such as the Moen® Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet, feature this unique design – with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings.  Day-by-Day, One Step at a Time

Start Small

Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle a number of projects at once. Rather, start with one primary project, even if complex, and turn it into smaller more manageable jobs.  Start with the rooms you and your family use most – typically, the kitchen, master bathroom and master bedroom.

The snow has melted and Spring is in full bloom. Now that we can see what’s underneath many of us realize there’s some serious work to be done around the house.

Spring is the time to begin working on home improvement projects. If you’re thinking about stocking up on supplies for your most pressing project, consider the ways you can save when you do-it-yourself:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores

For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you’re shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find coupons for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

2. Tester Cans and Used Paint

Next to buying a nice area rug, painting is probably the easiest way to change the look of a room. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are aware of this and they like to make you pay for it. There are definitely ways to get around the high prices though.

If you only have a small space to paint, there’s no need to invest in a whole gallon of paint that’ll inevitably take up space in the garage or closet. Ask about small tester cans that can often be found for $5 or less in a variety of colors.

The word is starting to get out on used paint, too. When people order large amounts of custom paint, they often order too much. This paint gets returned to the stores, but the merchant can’t put such cans back on the shelf with the rest of the paint. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to get gallons of paint for around $5. Not all stores will have used paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

3. Buy Lumber in Bulk

Working with lumber can be intimidating. It requires precise measurements and cuts, or you’ll end up wasting money and materials. Prices vary by lumber grade and wood type, so be aware of what materials are required to get the job done.

4. Caulk Singles

Caulk certainly won’t be the most expensive item on your home improvement list, but it’s useful for patching up holes and sealing cracks. Often when people buy a tube of caulk for a small project, they end up making a mess of it and throwing half the tube away.

If you want to keep some caulk around for projects that spring up, try out some caulk singles from General Electric. Much like the fast food ketchup packet, they’re enough for one project and cut back on waste and mess. Watch for coupons to home centers like the Home Depot that offer General Electric’s caulk singles.

5. Generic Vs. Name Brand

There’s an incredible variety of nails and screws available, but how much of a difference is there really? Generic brand nails and screws are often up to par with the name brands, but cost significantly less. In some cases, the only difference between a generic and the brand name is the box!

The same can be said for pipes and plumbing fixtures. Unpackaged fixtures in a bulk bin can have the same quality as their packaged counterparts on the shelf, but cost much less. Longevity is also something to consider when working on a plumbing project. Copper pipes and PVC pipes typically give you the most bang for your buck, lasting up to 60 years.

6. Government Rebates

Now that warm weather is finally on the way, you can replace your old windows and doors with more energy efficient ones. While it’s a big project, it may be worth it when you save on heating costs next winter.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the federal government is continuing to offer tax credits when you install Energy Star certified windows, doors and skylights. The credits aren’t as generous as last year, but you can still get 10 percent-off for $200 worth of windows and skylights and a rebate of up to $500 for doors.

7. Used Hand Tools

The garage sale may still be king for finding good deals on hand tools. Many people don’t enjoy inherited tools and are willing to part with them for next to nothing, compared to new tools. Wrench sets, hammers and screwdrivers made by quality toolmakers like Craftsman and Stanley can stand the test of time and are as good today as they were 30 years ago.

8. Buy Reconditioned or Rent Power Tools

It’s hard to justify buying an expensive power tool, especially when you know you’ll never use it again. If you live the DIY credo, Home Depot rents such power tools as power washers, paint sprayers, chainsaws and buff sander. By renting, you’ll get the professional finish you want without having to cut corners on expensive equipment.

Many power tool manufacturers have online outlets where they sell reconditioned tools at a discount. These tools are certified by the manufacturer, so you have a guarantee they’ll work. You can save even more when you use a Bosch Outlet coupon or a Bostitch Outlet free shipping code for discount power tools.

9. Working Together

No one escapes a little home maintenance from time to time. If you and a neighbors are working on similar projects, sharing the cost of renting a wood chipper or cement mixer can save both of you time and money.

While skilled friends and family don’t necessarily enjoy manual labor, they can be coaxed into it with the promise of good food, drink or a labor exchange to be named later. Working with friends gets the job done faster and is usually much more fun.

It’s surprisingly easy to be green in the kitchen. Recycle your cans, eat organic and bring your own reusable totes to the grocery store. However, when it comes to kitchen cleaning, a lot of us still choose old-school methods to do the dirty work. With a little know-how and terrific new products, clean and green can go hand-in-hand. Take, for instance, the Lindley™ pullout faucet (on the left) or the Anabelle™ pullout faucet (on the right) in the new Mediterranean bronze finish from Moen.  Both feature a low-flow setting to conserve water for everyday tasks, such as dishwashing. But with a touch of the button, you can easily switch to a higher flow rate when you need it—like, for filling big pots of water quickly.

Other ways to green your KITCHEN routine:

• Mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to make a natural streak-free cleaner.

• Mix baking soda, a little dishwashing liquid, and water for a natural, non-abrasive oven cleaner.

• Skip the pre-rinse cycle on your dishwasher to save water. Instead, give plates a quick rinse with the spray stream of the pullout wand before loading.

• The patented pause button is another handy way to conserve the flow of water. Instead of running the water constantly, hit pause and pull the wand out beyond the sink to perform tasks like watering plants.

Anabelle is available at Lowe’s, and Lindley is available at The Home Depot.  Visit moen.com for more product details, features and information on where to buy.