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. see more>>		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 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 Copyright © 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.