By Cassi Feldman

I JUST MOVED into the prototypical beat-up Mission Victorian. It's got windows that rattle, dirt-colored floors, and mysterious wires hanging out of the fireplace. It's perfect. For one thing, it's cheap (thank you, rent control). But I also find it strangely comforting to live in a place that's already seen a hundred years of tenants. Unfortunately, those tenants left behind more than good vibes.

For those who are noticing the same thing about their own digs, here are a few quick fixes and good stores to find the necessary materials. Be forewarned: this list is by no means exhaustive. You'll still have to shop around like the true bargain hunter you are.

Fixing things Your doorbell won't ring, your toilet won't flush, your stove won't light – and your landlord couldn't care less. Try looking on Craigslist's "barter/swap/free" page for someone who's willing to trade his or her fix-it skills for an old sofa or some French lessons. This is also a great way to find free (yes, free) furniture and electronics. www.craigslist.org.

If you qualify as low-income but own your own home, you may be eligible for a low-interest city loan from the Mayor's Office of Housing to bring it up to code. (415) 252-3177.

Painting If you're just touching up walls or furniture, you can bring a chip of existing paint to most hardware or paint stores and they'll match it exactly and sell you as much or as little as you need. For bigger jobs you can visit stores like Last's Paint, which sells discount brand-name quarts that have been returned because some picky pro decided the color wasn't quite right. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 2141 Mission, S.F. (415) 437-0633.

When it comes to doing the job itself, stay away from professional painters who charge thousands for an apartment. As long as you have your own supplies, the Day Labor Program can provide workers with years of experience for as little as $12 an hour. Call before 1 p.m. (415) 252-5375 or (415) 252-5376.

Lighting One of the more creative lighting touches I've seen was in a Western Addition apartment that opened onto a long, dark hallway. Its clever inhabitants had purchased a bunch of those adhesive mountable lights from Walgreen's and spaced them out in a long line. Not only did they do the job, but they also made the simple act of walking down the hall an interactive modern art experience.

Paper lanterns are a good way to disguise naked bulbs – and cheap, too, if you buy them in Chinatown instead of at Urban Outfitters. Look for energy-efficient lightbulbs; they use less power and last longer too.

Flooring Sure, we all want gorgeous hardwood floors, but who wants to spend the next three weekends working on them? If you do, rent a sander at Cole Hardware for $40 a day plus supplies. Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 8 a.m.-6 p.m., 956 Cole, S.F. (415) 753-2653.

If you don't, your cheapest option is carpet, which Floorcraft will slap down for about $2 per foot installed. You can also lay your own laminate flooring (I hear it's very woodlike) for just a little bit more. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 470 Bayshore, S.F. (415) 824-4056.

Appliances There's really no reason to buy new appliances when you can get used ones at Accurate Appliance – including brands like Whirlpool, General Electric, and Westinghouse – for less than half the price. Mon.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 903 O'Farrell, S.F. (415) 775-2000.

Also check out Craigslist, where someone always seems to be trying to unload a oven or washing machine.

Bedding and housewares Do not buy full-price sheets. Ever. They're one of the only purchases that make a trip to Ross or Marshall's worthwhile. If you must shop retail, at least wait till the big stores have their sales. Macy's holds its major home sales in February and August, Crate and Barrel has a big sale after Christmas, and Ikea has major sales in July and the day after Christmas. Macy's, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Union Square, Stockton and O'Farrell, S.F. (415) 397-3333. Crate and Barrel, Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., 55 Stockton, S.F. (415) 982-5200. Ikea, Daily, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 4400 Shellmound, Emeryville. (510)420-4532.

Decorating As a reformed earth-tone person, I have to give it to you straight: Color. It's great. Get some. Even one bright item – an orange chair or a lime green pillow – does wonders for your mental health.

Quirks and imperfections are part of a room's potential. If it's tiny, for example, make the most of vertical space by stacking a bookcase on top of a desk or using a tall, narrow dresser. If it has a fire escape, plant pots of herbs or flowers. If it needs curtains, pick up some discount fabric at Fabric Outlet (most windows require two to three yards) and either sew a hem or, even easier, use pinch clips. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fabric Outlet, 2109 Mission, S.F. (415) 552-4525.

Never underestimate the power of trash (see "Junkyard Martha Stewart," 1/12/00). Old glass windows can be transformed into poster frames, and little stools make great end tables or nightstands. For more inspiration check out the following businesses. Building Resources, Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 701 Amador, S.F. (415) 285-7814. Scounger's Center for Reusable Art Parts, Tues.-Thurs., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 801 Toland, S.F. (415) 647-1746. Urban Ore, Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., 1333 Sixth St., Berk. (510) 559-4450. Cliff's Variety, main store, Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; bath store, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 479 Castro, S.F. (415) 431-5365.

Finding your home online

If you don't know about Craigslist (www.craigslist.org), there's no hope for you. My best C.L. advice, other than to read Missed Connections religiously, is to act quickly if you find a good deal. A $300 roommate situation in the Haight was posted and rented within a matter of hours. For empty places you're better off waiting till the end of the month, when landlords are more likely to be getting desperate and lowering prices (see "Renter's Revenge," 1/30/02).

Rainbow Grocery has a good bulletin board, especially for sublets and shares: 1745 Folsom, S.F. (415) 863-8955.

Also try cafés in the neighborhoods you like. Most have a few ads posted on the wall.

Before accepting a place check www.sftu.org/omisites.htm to make sure you're not being overcharged. (Feldman)

Keeping your home