Be careful though - they are the master "up sell" organization so when you go to a seminar, leave the wallet at home!

Anyway, just know that some leak sources are very obvious and easy to fix and others can be a real pain in the butt and the wallet.

Also, working at a hardware store or lumberyard will also teach you a lot about building materials, their names and uses, benefits and disadvantages, etc.

OK...I'm not going to take my wallet in.

I liked the leave your wallet at home!

I budget generally $12-13k for cabinets, granite, backsplash, stainless appliances, door hardware, sink and faucet, flooring and install...possible to go lower with cheaper granite and appliances.

I know myself, so for me personally I don't take cash because I'll loose it, spend in the candy machine, or my kids will sneak it out of my wallet.

If I find closeouts on light fixtures, ceiling fans, door hardware, faucets, smoke detectors and other commonly used items I'll buy a bunch of them.

Check with a title company to see what they require for transfer.As for price and terms, consider what you can afford and what makes sense to your wallet.

Its more than just paying large contractor bills... smaller transactions like trips to the hardware store for light bulbs for instance.