Please help me make an ASK Rx/Tx pair

Hello Gurus
I have a project in hand to operate a electric lamp via remote. The problem is that I am quiet clear about the programming of the MCU but have no idea as to how to make a receiver & transmitter. Could someone please guide me in the right direction as to where I can obtain practicle information like circuits or guidence to make an UHF tx/rx pair. Please note that I do not want to use any ready made modules for this project as to cut down the cost.
Thanks
Damien