1. Plan your Project in Advance-  Large remodeling projects will take months of research to ensure success.  You must plan out what you want. How you want it. And why?  These questions will help you choose the correct action for planning.  For Example, if this is a new room or addition for a small home theatre.  You will want to have all the stereo, speaker,  and special lighting wires run inside the walls before the sheetrock is screwed and the flooring is in.  You will need to remember the smallest details.  Choosing fixtures may take weeks and sometime months to receive if on backorder such as a gas fireplace insert with a 3 stage blower with 2 stage flame adjustment with a digital remote (my Favorite).  Remember that good decisions in planning will make a the project run smoother.

2. Share Photos with your Contractor-  Telling someone what you want may not always convey your vision.  Cut out photos and images from magazines or print them from the internet.  Make sure your contractor knows EXACTLY what you want. If they don't see or comprehend what you expect you may be getting an estimate for a different job.

3. Compare Estimates-  You should always get at least Three(3) Estimates.  They should be fairly close if the work is described well.  The estimate should cover ever aspect and detail of the project. For Example if you are remodeling a bathroom and one estimate says one white tub and  the other states a Kohler whirlpool heated bathtub.  The price could be very drastic in difference.  If you wanted the Kohler tub but one estimate does not state the model you agreed on in the contract you signed.  You will end up with the least expensive model.  So read carefully!  There is a saying that I have found to be true, " You get what you pay for".

4. Be available during your Project-  Someone should always be a phone call away for questions.  Maybe the Tub you chose was out of stock and for $50 more you can have a better one with padded head rests or the pipes behind the wall are rusted out and should be replace while the wall is open.  Anything that could come up needs a decision.  There are always questions that need to be answered.

5. Choose the Right Contractor for your Project-  The most important tip of all.  Make shore the contractor is confident that they can do the work you are specifying.  They should have ideas of their own .  This shows that they have experience.  Some of their ideas may be better than your own. The contractor you choose must let you know what he is licensed to do.  If you are remodeling your kitchen and must remove the gas stove or oven.  You want to know that a licensed and insure contractor performs the gas work.  Suppose a fire occurs in the future, the insurance company could decline benefits because the work was not performed by a licensed professional.  Cover all angles.  Are you upgrading electric?  Most carpenters do not understand amperage loads, single phase, three phase, or even ground fault interrupt circuits.  So make sure they are using a licensed electrician to do the wiring.  You must do your homework about the contractors you choose.

6. Payment Schedules-  Most companies require a minimum of $100 to sign a contract and some require 1/3 down.  Normally you will pay 1/3 of the job costs to start the job.  The next 1/3 is due  after the job is started, materials are onsite and permits are pulled.  The final 1/3 is paid upon completion.  Completion is defined as when all work according to the contract you signed is completed.  Never pay this until you are completely satisfied.  Even if small details are left and the contractors assures you he will finish them, Do not pay until they do the small details.  It is very difficult for a contractor to return for small details when they already have your money.  This does not mean you can hold their  payment hostage.  If you are looking for a handout they can declare the job completed and place a lien against your property.  Remember to be kind and you will prevail.

7. Make space for Tools & Materials- Depending on the scope of your project will determine the space needed for materials and the contractors tools that he/she will leave onsite.  keep this in mind.  Many people forget about the supplies needed to build your project and how to keep them secure.

8. Clear the Area in Advance- Nothing will ruin your contractors day more than showing up to the first day of work and having to walk thru a maze of junk piled in his way.  The first day of a job can determine the success & quality of the project. If the contractor has exhausted him/herself in moving your furniture, boxes or etc., this does aggravate the workers (unless this was agreed to when the contract was signed).  Please prepare the work area.

9. The Dust & Debris will come-  When remodeling or construction of any kind is performed, there will be dust, dirt, & debris.  Expect the Dust!  Don't bother to wipe the coffee table off everyday unless your preparing food on it.  It will come back again until the project is completed.  It does not matter if the job is in the basement or in the attic the dust will find its way around the house.  One of your best ways to combat this is to turn the blower on in your heating or cooling system and let it run continuously.  Make sure you purchase a filter that will remove the smallest particles of dust and check it every few days.  Any filter can clog up easily during construction and cause damage to your heating and cooling system even raising the utility bills.

10. You may have to Improvise your Schedule-   Changing your routine will happen.   You may have to eat out if your kitchen is being remodeled.  You may have to use a laundry mat or go to family or friends house if your washer and dryer are disconnected.  You may want to sleep  elsewhere if the house was painted or the plumbing is down for a few days. You will know what do do when the time comes, just expect anything.

11. Problems will happen, it is a factor of life-  Expect the unexpected.  In the construction world anything goes.  Who knows what lies behind that old wall?  What is in the ground?  The inspectors wants more than you bargained for.  Project cost increases are always possible.  So don't be surprised.

12. Remember we are all Human-  Everyone is human and we all make mistakes.  If you see one being made that is crucial, speak up.  Just be nice about it.  No one likes to be yelled at or ridiculed.  If there are many workers onsite try to talk to the contractor in charge privately.  If you show respect they will comply to your satisfaction.  Kindness will get you everywhere.

13. Don't be a Peeping Tom-  Watching over your contractors back is never good.  Imagine someone breathing in your heart surgeons ear while he is giving you a triple by-pass on your heart.  No one likes to be looked at with a fine tooth comb.  Don't misunderstand me, you should still come around and take a glance every so often.  Just don't nit-pick.  If he/she has to constantly walk around you as an obstacle they may forget an important detail in their work because of the tension your presence creates.  It could make the contractor leave to go get supplies he does not really need or constant runs to his/her work vehicle.  At the end of the day you will have plenty of time to browse the area and see what they accomplished.

14. Be Patient & Kind-  Remember that these contractors have to complete your project before final payment.  They want to make you happy.  Some homeowners become impatient which will agitate the contractor and may cause him to perform less quality of work to finish the job sooner to get away from a bothersome homeowner.  Being patient and courteous can make people do extraordinary things.  Offering a cup of coffee or a snack could make a contractor give you anextra nice job.  Believe me!  As a former Contractor I always went the extra mile for my kind customers.