Remodeling can be expensive and emotionally exhausting.  The unknown can be scary.  An average middle income person may remodel once or twice in his lifetime.  There are so many possibilities, too many contractors, a myriad of  colors, styles and so forth.  So much so, that anyone considering even a small remodel may feel overwhelmed by all of the choices.  There are common problems shared by home owners inexperienced in all of this. 

     (1.)  Plan before getting the estimate: It is very important that the customer creates an image of what he (...she/they) wants before he searches for a contractor.  A hand drawn floor plan with some basic dimensions, favorite paint colors or tile styles would be a good start.  A few samples or photos of some finish materials.  The customer should shop around on days off with his/her spouse to identify in stock or special order products that are deemed attractive and ambiance enhancing.  There's nothing more compromising than a customer who chooses bland looking finish materials just to save a few dollars, especially when his object is to create or recreate his space.  Oh, and husbands should be willing to compromise if the wife doesn't like blue walls. 

      (2.)  Get advice from experience: During the process the customers should also consult friends or family members, even neighbors who have already remodeled, for understanding what practicalities they have perhaps overlooked. Such as adding small items like outlets, light fixtures and two-way switches and other conveniences or perception altering devices like specialty or back lighting. 

      (3.)  Feel out your contractor:  Home owners considering a remodel should consult, plan and get a feel for the expense and time line required to complete the project they way they want it finished.  A contractor who estimates too high or too low is untrustworthy.  When the time comes for an estimate, get one from a well established local remodeler who trains his workers to do clean, quality work.  Don't be afraid to ask for a reference or two.  Some remodelers have their own show rooms, which is a plus for high standards.  The customer would be better served to hire a contractor who is recommended by someone the customer knows, so that the finished product can be seen. 

      (4.) Create expectations:  The home owner knows that he'll have to sign a contract and pay good money for his project.  He should set the expectation in the contractor's mind that he expects workers to take precautions, like taping roll paper to hard floors and applying plastic carpet protector in the work paths from entrance to the work area.  The workers are also expected to clean daily before leaving the premises.  All cuts should be made in the garage or in the driveway, never in the basement (unless furnace is turned off) or living space.  Also, the contract may involve thousands of dollars in materials and labor and may include an attachment that gives the contractor some leverage against real property. Be sure to actually read the contract and ask to be shown a liability waiver that releases the home owner and contractor once the customer is satisfied and the job is signed off. 

      Home owners can feel vulnerable if they don't do the thinking and leg-work first, taking the time to build a comfortable concept and wait for the right materials and people to do the work.  If the home owner does his homework before contacting contractors, he can only expect the best results.