I've got a pretty strong "do-it-yourself" streak in me and I appreciate the ability to devise creative solutions to practical problems. I also don't like spending money for something expensive unless there's a good reason to. Sometimes the right tool for the job is the tool that works, regardless of whether or not it was designed for the task.
That said, there are a lot of people out there who have turned to inexpensive homebuilt lighting kits for shooting their film projects and I have a soft spot for their ingenuity. These homebuilt kits are usually patched together from components purchased at the local home improvement center and designed for lighting construction sites or home workshops. There are a number of good articles from creative individuals who have gone this route and you have the opportunity to learn from their successes and failures.
Take a look at the following roundup of articles for help in outfitting your own home studio or location package. I'm particularly intrigued by the fluorescent solution.
Lighting on the Cheap
Home Depot Lighting Kit
Assemble Your Own Low-Budget Light Kit
Creating a Low Cost Fluorescent Lighting System
