Before beginning any remodeling project, ask yourself: "What's the budget?" If you start a remodeling product without having a definitive dollar cost in mind, it's easy for costs to escalate.
Instead, decide on a number, and then work backwards, making selections that fit into your budget.
Staying on top of the numbers is a full-time job in a major renovation. But it's your money and no contractor will care about it the way you do. So take the time to know what you're supposed to spend and stay on top of where you are in your budget at all times.
That way, there won't be any unpleasant surprises.
