Before You Remodel Your Home

It all begins with a dream. Cathedral ceilings! Skylights! Room-sized closets! But, the dream may turn into a nightmare, unless you plan ahead. Before you remodel, follow these steps to get your home improvement project on the right start.

1. Draw Your Dream. Even before you consult an architect, you can begin sketching out your ideas and imagining your remodeled home. If you are adding or expanding a room, think about how the space will be used and how the changes will affect traffic patterns. A simple home design software program can help you visualize your project.

2. Learn From Others. One of the best ways to get inspiration and to avoid pitfalls is to follow the experiences of other homeowners.

3. Count Your Money. Even the best-laid budgets can go bust. Chances are, your remodeling project will cost more than you expect. Before you set your heart on high-end ceramic tiles or fiberglass columns, find out how much you have to spend and make sure you have a cushion against cost overruns.

4. Plan for Problems. The larger the remodel, the greater the chances for frustrations. There will be equipment breakdowns, supply shortages, miscommunications, and delays. Draw up a few friendly rules for workers. Tell them where they may park their trucks and store their equipment. Plan for ways you can indulge yourself when times become especially stressful.