Planning is essential for pretty much everything in life – especially when it comes to remodeling your home. Planning will keep delays, setbacks and unforeseen costs at bay. Once the planning process has been laid out then the fun stuff can happen.

During your planning you may have decided on what contractor to use for your remodel. This is when information is imperative; you don’t want a contractor to stop mid-way or complete a miserable job. It’s best to your due-diligence and select the best contractor for your project. The wrong contractor will only cost you more money in the long run.

Know What You Want For Remodel

This should be the fun part of your remodeling project. Look around the web to find what you like. You can easily create an Ideabook on Houz.com and compile the photos you like. Also, be sure to take many pictures of your current project state. If you are wanting to tear a dividing wall, make sure to take a picture of both sides – this will help the contractor give you a best estimate. Also, make sure to take alot of measurements so you know what products may fit or not.

Visit store showrooms to get a different idea on layouts, you’ll be able to gather prices for products you like as well. Bring the pictures you took and measurements.

Set A Budget

When you’re shopping around for contractors, one of the questions to ask them is for a price range regarding your type of project. When you’ve attained 3-5 estimates you should see a common price denominator – this should be your budget.

When you’re also setting your budget, try not to make any changes when the plan is set. By adding a simple light fixture will delay your project and increase your project price point.

Knowing What Permits Are Needed

Ask your contractor if a permit is needed for your type of project. It is best to know before you begin the process of remodeling because it will cost you more if a permit is needed and you already begun the project. Contractors or Interior Designers know who to ask about pulling permits. They’ll usually ask permit expediters, because these are experts at pulling permit quickly and efficiently.

Selecting Your Contractor

After you’ve done your research, found the products you want, did your permit due-diligence and taken a tons of pictures, it is time to select the best interior designer or contractor for your project.

If you are selecting an interior designers for your project, they will most likely charge a design fee. Most designers will apply the design fee to your project deposit, so if you do decide to go with them the total cost will save you some cash. Keep in mind the design they created for your is already paid for by the design fee, so you’ll be able to shop around with other contractors to get the best price.

But please don’t make price the ultimate factor. You’ll want to have a contractor that is competent and responsible to complete your dream project. By getting a cheap contractor, you will most likely have a rude awakening…the project will probably not get close to your dream space.