You might remember the last time you shopped for a car – or rather, the last time you set out to shop for a car.

You set a budget and swore there was “no way” you would exceed it. But once you were at the dealership, you saw that if you spent only “a little more” money, you could buy something even nicer than you planned.

So it was decision time – a time to reconcile what you really needed with what you really wanted and if you could afford to satisfy both objectives.

Budgeting for home improvements follows a remarkably similar trajectory. So if you're feeling adrift, anchor yourself with the knowledge that your experience -- meaning your research skills, persistence and common sense -- will serve you well.

Define the project

This is what you might call “the fun part,” the part that allows you to dream big as you outline exactly what your home improvement project might include. If it's multi-faceted, prioritize the elements now. It will save you time (and maybe some anxiety) later. For example, if you want to remodel your master bathroom and replace your roof, you probably would be willing to sacrifice the former since your roof plays a critical role in your safety and well being. As BankRate puts it, “To a home insurance company, the roof is the most important part of your house because it's the gateway to far greater damage claims once it's breached."

Estimate the costs

This step is among the trickiest to navigate. How are you supposed to know how much your home improvement will cost until you interview Las Vegas contractors? At this point, though, you want to keep them out of the process. This is your time to decide what you think your home improvement project will cost. (If you really don't know, remodeling work can cost $100 to $200 and even more per square foot. Or make some quick phone inquiries to recommended contractors.) You don't have to, but may want to pencil in a 10 percent “overage fund,” set aside for unexpected expenses or add-ons you cannot anticipate at this juncture. Naturally, you don't have to spend the money in this fund, but most people do (just like when they buy a new car).

Decide how you will pay

Here's another reason to isolate yourself for the time being: Figuring out how you will pay for your home improvement has a way of steeling your resolve to stick to a budget. The reality of pulling money from savings, taking out a home equity loan or opening an equity line of credit has a way of crystallizing just how much you really need or want a home improvement project. As you mull payment options, bookmark the possibility of contractor financing. Their terms and interest rates can sometimes surprise you.

Interview and gather bids from at least three contractors

Ask friends, family members and coworkers for referrals, and then read the contractors' websites carefully. When you're ready to invite the finalists into your home, talk with them about their most recent Las Vegas home improvement projects and ask for references. Communicate your wish for an itemized breakdown of the project's costs – not just a bottom-line figure with a 5 percent “fudge factor” built in. Express your wish for several alternatives, though many contractors are reluctant to comply at this stage. They're much more likely to scale back the scope and cost of a project after they know they are “the chosen one.”

Make good use of the wait time

As you wait for the contractors to compute their bids, check their licenses and references. If you trust Las Vegas review sites, see what people have to say about your finalists. At this point, a definite picture of the contractors' reputation, level of professionalism and attention to detail ought to be taking shape.

Reconcile the differences

By far the trickiest step for most homeowners is reconciling the bids they receive with their original projection. It takes a while to compare and contrast bids, and, if necessary, reduce the size of a project and make less expensive substitutions. Take your time, and try to remember that the time you invest now will help get your project off to the best possible start. Chances are, you'll live it with for a long time, and a patient, conscientious contractor knows this and will help you reconcile the differences.

If roof repairs or a roof replacement play a part in your home improvement project, be sure to turn to the most trusted roofing contractors in Las Vegas, First Quality Roofing & Insulation. Call us for a consultation and we'll do our best to echo some of the most rewarding parts of shopping for a new car.