By Rob Jones

Saving money is always a top agenda item, whether the economy is flagging or not. But, in times of economic struggle, making sure that you’re spending less on what you need becomes even more of a concern.

This is particularly true when we’re talking about home improvement projects, some of which need to happen and often at very inconvenient times where our pocketbooks are concerned. So, when you’re thinking about saving money on home improvement projects, where do you start?

Well, to get your creative brains churning, here are 5  tips on how to make the most of your home improvement dollar, even during lean times such as these.

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1. Shop for materials yourself

Saving money on home improvement means being creative, and cooperative. Don’t leave it to the contractor to source your home improvement materials. Shop for yourself. Find the best deals online. Talk to your local retailers, and negotiate the best prices. Investigate any recycled or re-claimed materials depots in your area.  Chuck in with your friends and neighbors to see if they want to share the cost of a bulk order on certain materials.

Taking the retail road less traveled is easy once you discover the hidden channels. And you will save money as a result.

2. See about rebates

Take advantage of all manufacturer rebates. Take a look and see if you can benefit from local tax rebates, too. Often, home improvements that save energy can mean money in your pocket in more ways than one. Many State tax rebate programs having to do with energy efficiency are in effect. Find out about them.

3. Upgrade the ‘old and busted’

Sometimes, making due with what you’ve got and waiting for economic storms to pass is a good idea. But, that old fridge or washing machine that is sucking up energy and adding a whopping bundle to your monthly bills is a different matter. Invest in energy efficient Energy Star appliances that save both energy, water – AND MONEY.

It seems kind of backward, maybe. But, sometimes you have to spend money to save it. And you lessen your carbon footprint even more when you recycle old appliances when you replace them with new ones.

4. Do It Yourself

Sometimes, saving money on the smaller projects is about tackling the job yourself. Go to your local big box chains, many of which host free DIY classes on all kinds of jobs around the house. Get how-to books and DVDs out of the library. Watch home improvement TV shows that demonstrate simple, inexpensive home improvements you can do yourself. Read home improvement blogs, and join DIY groups on the Internet.

Take an opportunity to learn how to be handy, and save on paying someone who already is.

5. Think, plan, document, negotiate

Maybe this seems obvious. But, when you’re embarking on a project, big or small, particularly in times when saving money is a big priority, gathering as much information is paramount to your success. Do your homework. Talk to contractors and compare quotes. Ask them advice on where to get the best deals. Examine the contract, and negotiate a deal where the power is in your hands where paying out before the work gets done is concerned.

Write down your plan, keep all details of contracts, and use it as a guide to keep you, and anyone you hire, on the straight and narrow. Stick to the plan, and save a bundle.

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Saving money on home improvement projects can also be attained by setting your priorities, deciding on what jobs to take care of (and pay for) now, and which ones to leave until later. Either way, the above points all hit on a common theme; identifying what’s important, and seeing about creative ways to get there.

It’s a new century! And even though we’re in a recession, our greatest money-saving tool remains to be our creative brains.

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Rob Jones is Content and Social Media Manager at BuildDirect , and Editor-in-Chief of the BuildDirect blog. BuildDirect which began in 1999 is a cost-efficient channel for high-quality and affordable flooring, tile, kitchen & bath surfaces, and outdoor living building materials.