• Builder: Repp Design and Construction, 422 W. Speedway, 791-7035 (Architect: Stacy Burnett).

• Front door and bathroom cabinets: Venus Designs, 304-5417.

• Paint: Citron Paint and Design, 7041 E. Tanque Verde Road, 886-5800.

Furnishing a home on a budget can be tricky and research is key, said Vail homeowner Kathleen Kennedy.

Kennedy said she spent hundreds of hours on the Internet, reading informative articles, consumer reviews and more, as she bargain-hunted for attractive, functional and affordable products for her home. She made many a purchase on eBay, including the bargain-priced $60 green leaf-shaped sink for her rain-forest-themed guest bathroom. She also bought a dog run she found on the online classified ad Web site craigslist.org.

Additionally, Kennedy said she kept a watchful eye out for local store coupons, flyers and storewide sales at places like Lowe's and Home Depot. Coupons often can be found online, she said.

Knowledge of specific store policies — like some stores' commitment to match their competitors' prices — also comes in handy when looking for the best deals, Kennedy said. If you're not afraid to ask, some companies, both online and in person, are willing to negotiate price and shipping fees, she said.

Another trick: Keep your eyes peeled for finds in unexpected places. Kennedy purchased a used stove from a local cooking school when she caught wind they were switching to new appliances.

Hundreds of Google searches and shopping trips later, Kennedy says her three years of patient, organized research have paid off.

"It takes a lot of time, but especially on the big purchases, you can save a lot of money," Kennedy said.

With her smart shopping habits and diligent research, Kennedy estimates she saved between one quarter and one third of what she might have otherwise spent on her home.