My kitchen and bathroom really need to be updated, but I don’t have a large budget. What should I do?

As with any major purchase, only spend what you can afford. You’ll want to draw up a budget before making any commitments with local contractors to see what you can realistically expect. It may be best to wait for your remodel until you can pay for it upfront. Some contractors will work out payment plans with you, and you may look into taking out a home equity loan or hiring a contractor that offers financing and loan options. You may also be able to hire a contractor that can complete the work in phases, so you can break the job into smaller, more affordable jobs.