At first, Banks figured she’d manage the entire renovation herself but later realized that wasn’t the best plan. “There’s nothing wrong with being your own general contractor unless you’re ordering custom materials that you've never ordered before, such as windows and doors,” she said.

Banks learned this lesson the hard way when her new door arrived several inches too small. “I can laugh about it now, but at the time I was so confused, because I had measured several times to be sure.”

The problem was that she had measured the existing door, instead of the outer dimensions of the exterior door frame (frame measurements are more accurate, because frames and doors are typically replaced together). Luckily, she was able to work through the problem with the help of a contactor and today has a properly sized and installed door.

“The moral of the story is, just get a professional to do everything concerning your windows and doors. Trust me, it's worth it!” she said.

Banks is a master at figuring out where to save and where to spend. Here’s how she does it.

1. Her number one money-saving secret: Keep the bones intact. Banks estimates she saved $10,000–15,000 by updating cabinet faces and leaving the existing structure.
2. Banks advises those completing similar renovations to reserve 20% of their budget for unforeseen expenses and emergencies so they don’t overspend.
3. Smart savings allowed her to splurge on the door, pendant lights and barstools. “They are the stars of the kitchen,” she said. “Without them, the kitchen is just creamy and neutral.”