Home improvement is one of the great American pastimes. Tim Allen managed to make a whole TV series about it. Remodeling is one of the easiest ways to transform your home into something better. Yet it can also be very stressful. Like anything else in life, planning and knowledge can go a long ways.
Planning
The sooner you start planning your remodeling project the better. The longer you think about the project the more design options you will come up with. Spend lots of time talking these ideas over with friends and family members.
Finding a Contractor
Most people are not up to the task of a major remodeling project on their own. Hiring the right contractor can be at least as important as planning the project. Interview several contractors. Ask lots of questions. How long have they been in business? How many projects like yours have they done? Ask for a list of their most recent projects and clients, and then check on them. Ask to visit their current projects. Will they update a written schedule regularly as the project advances? A good way to find a reputable contractor is to start with the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. You can contact NARI at 847-298-9200 or at http://www.nari.org. They have a wealth of consumer information about remodeling.
Protecting Yourself
Avoid unscrupulous contractors. As a start only deal with licensed and insured contractors. Make sure that you sign a written contract that states clearly what is going to be done (how much will be done by subcontract, how much you are going to do yourself, who is going to get permits, etc). Never pay for the work with cash and don't pay for everything up front. When you get bids from different contractors compare them to see if they are including the same items. Remember that bids will vary considerably. Price is often not the most important factor. If you hire the cheapest contractor you're going to get a cheap product.
Expect the Unexpected
Death and taxes are the two certain things in life. The two certain things in remodeling are that it will cost more and take longer than originally planned. Some things will come up that are truly unexpected before hand (like deteriorated plumbing found inside a finished wall). NARI suggests holding 10 to 20% of your budget in reserve to deal with the unexpected. Also be aware of your own actions. Increases in cost often come from changes requested by the homeowner in the middle of the project ("While you're here why don't you also…"). If cost is a major concern then make sure you stick to the original plan. Keep an open dialogue with the contractor as the work progresses, and agree in writing when things change. Remember that a change in the work to be done usually means a change in cost.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
At times it may seem like it will never end. When things look grim keep the goal in mind. Soon the dust will be gone and you will be enjoying the rewards of your investment!