It's tempting to watch those home remodeling shows and think it's easy to complete a major project in a weekend. Whether it's a new shower or a kitchen makeover, everything looks so doable on TV. It seems like a Do-It-Yourself project would save money, too. After all, everyone knows the materials are inexpensive but it's the labor that's costly, right?
Not so fast.

Before you start ripping things apart, do the math. Consider whether the money saved is worth it -- and whether you'll even save money at all. Often, it's worth it to pay a pro, who can finish a job a lot faster, which means less time with your house torn up. Time is money, and it's important to consider whether your time would be better spent doing something else. It's also important to be realistic about your skill set.

Can you really side your own house or install tile in the bathroom? A mistake on either of those projects could cost you a lot more money in the long run, not to mention the risk of injury involved. Many jobs, especially those involving electric or plumbing, are best left to the pros.

Many remodeling projects, especially outdoor projects, involve permitting, which means time spent in town hall and more expense. It's a good idea to spend some time online with videos or descriptions of a project so you can see what you need and what the potential problems are with a project.

Even if you have done similar projects before, expect the worst-case scenario. Worst-case for a roof: a nasty fall or a botched job that results in leaks and damage to other parts of the house.

Some DIY projects seem big but easy. One good example is installing snap-together laminate. If you already have the right tools, the job doesn't seem difficult. But, the project will be much more complicated if the room isn't square or the subfloor isn't smooth.

​Smaller projects like painting or landscaping are always suitable for the DIYer. They can legitimately be done in a weekend, and any mistakes are much easier to overcome. Just remember to be realistic and have fun -- and leave the serious jobs to the pros.

Scammers are targeting homeowners, trying to trick them out of cash and home equity, according to U.S. News. '

Loan flipping' scams seem to offer relief for those struggling with monthly mortgages. What actually happens is the scammer offers a fantastic deal on lower interest rates or mortgage payments. The homeowner goes through the lengthy loan application process only to find the terms and fees are much higher than advertised. Scammers get away with this because victims are either too fearful or exhausted by the process to end the deal.

Some schemes strip equity from homeowners who are in danger of foreclosure. '

Mortgage rescuers' focus on homeowners who have a lot of equity in the property, but now can't make mortgage payments. They tell delinquent payers that they will pay off the mortgage if they sign over the deed and make rental payments. Unfortunately, the rental fees are likely to be just as high. The scammer waits until the person falls behind, evicts them, keeps the equity and sells the home or skips town.

Here are things to look for:
* Leaseback schemes.
The scammer is going to own your home and you will rent from him. Always crooked.
* Bad credit doesn't matter. Credit always matters. If someone tells you otherwise, be suspicious.
* Upfront fees. These criminals review public records of people in default on their mortgages.
For a big fee, they offer to help homeowners refinance, usually through a government program, but they actually do nothing. In the end, the house is foreclosed, the homeowner loses everything, and the helper pockets the fees.

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