30 Down-and-Dirty Tricks for Big DIY Savings

Prime walls with "oops" paint. These mis-tints and returns at your paint or hardware store are sold at a deep discount. Just be sure to pick a matte finish in a shade that's lighter than your top coat.

Cost: $1—$5

Savings: About $18 for a gallon of interior latex primer.

Bonus: You'll be putting to good use a can of paint that would likely just be disposed of.