Moms Support Network- Mom Chat, Support Groups and Networking-Because Mommy needs a time out!: Completely at Home

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Living Through Your Construction Job

It's all well and good to talk about buying a fixer-upper and doing the renovations necessary to bring the home up to the neighborhood standard - it's another thing to actually do it.

Construction is tough on you, and your family. And, it sucks up cash like there's no tomorrow.

One way to make the job easier is to plan for the worst, and that means facing your fears about renovation straight on. Are you most afraid that your contractor will walk away half way through the job? Or, are you afraid that every time you open up a wall you'll have to replace everything inside.

Once you've voiced your fears, you can set up contingency plans to help you get through whatever situation emerges. Remember, it's your renovation. Plan for it.

Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.

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Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer

How do you find a good contractor, architect and designer? Carefully. The professionals you hire will quickly become part of your extended family. Barbara Buchholz has some ideas on making the right choice.

After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to consider before you start.

Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer

Getting Your Warranties

The Truth About Estimates

Your Rights as a Contractee

How to Find a Contractor

Managing the Renovation

Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract

Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.

The True Costs of Home Improvements

Landscaping & Hardscaping

Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?

Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?

Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants

New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski, real estate development and home improvement contributor for numerous publications including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when planning and budgeting for your renovation project.

Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates

Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs

How Much Can You Afford to Spend?

Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity Vs. Construction Loans

Building Your Renovation Team

Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget