1. DO SOME BRAINSTORMING
Think about your needs and problems. What's wrong with your current home? Don't worry about the costs and design problems. Think first about what you think is wrong. Write a list of what you don't like and don't want in your home.
2. FIND SOLUTIONS
Take your list and start writing down what you think might work to improve your living space. Think about your current needs as well as your needs for the next few years. Consider elements that will result in a higher value for your home. Even if you're not considering selling in the near future, remember that things change. Something may happen tomorrow that means you might have to leave your home and move across town, across the state or to the other side of the country. If your remodeling project results in a high-price tag for a feature that no one else wants, you'll have a tough time selling your and getting your money back out of your remodeling project.
3. MAKE A BUDGET
Write down both what you think your projects might cost AND what you think you can afford. It doesn't matter how accurate you are, just ballpark the figures so that you have some idea of what can be done for what budget you have.
4. SEARCH FOR A CONTRACTOR
Even a small remodeling project involves many decisions. You need to select a contractor that makes good decisions and works well with you and other people. Make sure that your contractor is licensed and that they have a great track record. Never hire a contractor just because the price is right. Chances are the price was right because the product was wrong. Look for a contractor who has experience on many types of remodeling projects. Just because a contractor can build a roof doesn't mean they can remodel a kitchen. Look for satisfied clients from similar projects.
5. ASK QUESTIONS UP FRONT
Make sure that what you think is going to be done is really what is going to be done. Never assume. Ask questions and expect answers. Write your questions down and check them off. After you have a clear idea of what is to be done, then you need to make sure that the contract or work papers spell out exactly what the needs to be done along with a time-line. You need to know who is responsible for everything. If you are handling some of the construct work, you need to know how that affects the contractor's work.
6. HAVE FUN
Think of your remodeling project as an adventure. An adventure should be fun. Everything will depend on your attitude. If you expect to enjoy the process, and if you expect the contractor to complete the project to your satisfaction, the odds are good that you'll have fun and the project will be a success.
