A home addition is a huge project that requires a contractor. It's not a simple DIY home improvement job. If you're nervous about the cost of hiring a contractor, here are some things you as the homeowner can do to cut costs: -- Prep the site yourself by removing landscaping and other obstacles in the way of construction -- Tear down walls and haul debris to the dump yourself -- Clean up the site at the end of every day so your construction team doesn't have to -- Do your own finish work such as painting, sanding, etc.