| One of my favorite movies is "The Money Pit" with | | | | room. |
| Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. They play newlyweds | | | | Unless you plan on doing the work yourself once you |
| that want to buy a house but don't have much | | | | have your plan you need to find a reliable contractor. |
| money. When they stumble on a beautiful old | | | | This is much easier said than done and you would be |
| mansion that is selling for an unbelievably low price | | | | well advised to talk to at least three contractors |
| they buy what they thought was their dream house. | | | | before picking one. Ask for references and please do |
| As soon as they move in the house starts falling | | | | check them out. See if you can inspect some |
| apart and they have no choice but to remodel the | | | | previous work they have done and check to see if |
| entire house from top to bottom and the remainder | | | | they are in good standing with the Better Business |
| of this hilarious movie is devoted to this process. | | | | Bureau. Ask family, friends and neighbors if they can |
| From working with the indifferent contractor to | | | | recommend someone they may have used for past |
| putting up with no water or even stairs this movie is | | | | projects. |
| an extreme example of what could happen during a | | | | Get a rough idea of what the project will cost from |
| remodeling and watching this movie reinforces the | | | | each contractor. If it's more than you expected you |
| facts that a home remodeling project can lead to | | | | might be able to cut corners a bit by using less |
| high family stress levels and in extreme cases | | | | expensive materials or maybe downsizing the project |
| divorce. | | | | a bit. Be wary of any contractor that says they can |
| Fortunately, this is one example where for the most | | | | do the job for an amount that is unrealistically lower |
| part life does not imitate art and most people that | | | | than your other bids. |
| are thinking of remodeling their home will not have | | | | Now you can set a realistic budget that you must |
| anywhere near the experience they did. There are, | | | | stick to. Be sure and have a little extra built in for the |
| however, lessons to be learned and I think it would | | | | inevitable extras that will crop up. Make sure you get |
| be a wise idea to watch this movie before you | | | | everything in writing in case you have problems |
| commit to any major remodeling plans for your | | | | during the project. Have everything spelled out as to |
| house. | | | | what will happen, who will do it and when and don't |
| As you are most likely not in a situation where a | | | | be afraid to consult with a lawyer if a large sum of |
| complete overhaul is required immediately you will | | | | money is involved. |
| have time to decide exactly what it is you want to | | | | If you need to finance the project with a second |
| accomplish. Do you want that bathroom retreat with | | | | mortgage or home equity loan be sure you are not |
| the Jacuzzi tub? Maybe you would like to finish off | | | | overextending yourself financially and think long and |
| the basement and have a great place for parties? Is | | | | hard about whether you really need to remodel. |
| the family outgrowing the house and you need to | | | | Maybe it is something that you can put off until you |
| add another bedroom? | | | | have saved up a bit more money thus saving you |
| These are all questions you need to answer up front. | | | | some financing costs. |
| Write down on paper what it is you want and sketch | | | | In the end, if you plan everything up front, pick a |
| it out so you have something to work from. There is | | | | good contractor, budget wisely and get everything in |
| some great inexpensive software available that you | | | | writing your remodeling project should come off |
| can use on your PC to design just about anything | | | | without a hitch and you will be very happy with the |
| from building a new house to adding an additional | | | | results. |