This is where you can get specific with your tastes, but keep an eye on the "neighborhood standard." Over-improving a house (adding a $100k kitchen to a $200k neighborhood) will make it difficult to recoup your money later.
Fix the "guts" before the "glam." Ensure the roof is watertight and the plumbing/electrical systems are sound before installing expensive tile or hardwood floors. how to buy a house and renovate it
Get at least three bids for any major job. Don't automatically choose the cheapest; choose the one who provides a detailed, line-itemed quote and has verifiable references. This is where you can get specific with
Take your most realistic renovation estimate and add 20%. Once you open up walls, you will find electrical issues or plumbing leaks you didn't see during the inspection. Don't automatically choose the cheapest; choose the one
Whether you are DIY-ing or hiring a General Contractor (GC), the order of operations matters.