If you've gone as far as building out your own walls in a basement or a garage, consider doing the electrical rough-in yourself. No special tools are required and you'll save some money on electrician ...

Imagine starting the first-floor rough-in of a 4,000-square-foot house at 5:30 p.m., moving on to the second floor at midnight, and then turning it over to the drywallers at 2:30 in the morning. Think ...