Decide if your home is "husband material" or "boyfriend material." Robyn says you will likely stay with a home that is husband material for awhile—a boyfriend material home, on the other hand, is a starter home. "If you think this is really your starter home—if you really think you will not be in it for very long—when you are remodeling you really will want to be focusing on getting the most bang for your buck," Robyn says.

Renovate your home successfully with tips from former This Old House executive producer, Bruce Irving.

Do a cost estimate with a contractor, and then have multiple contractors prepare bids.