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What's the Budget?
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.
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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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
Managing the Renovation
Getting Your Warranties
The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
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.
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants
Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
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
Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity vs. Construction Loans
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget
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