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Safety First
Take appropriate safety measures when working on projects and wear safety gear such as safety glasses, gloves, and ear plugs.
Budgeting
Always plan for the project to cost more than expected.
Create a budget for the project that is less than the funds you actually have available. The difference left over should be considered as a reserve to cover any costs that go beyond what you were expecting.
Check Out a Contractor Thoroughly
Check with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s Attorney General
Ask the contractor for a list of previous customers to contact as a reference
Speak with the contractor's suppliers
Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured
Paying a Contractor
Never pay a contractor all or even more than half of the cost up front. The less you can pay up front the safer you will be.
Try to set up a plan to pay portions of the bill as the contractor completes different phases of the project.
Get a detailed contract that that explains every detail and step of the contract work.
Doing It Yourself
Do a lot of planning and research before diving into the project.
Thoroughly learn the building processes involved with the project
Know the tools and type of materials you’ll need
Know the costs of the tools and materials
Make sure anything you plan on changing fits with in the dimensions of the area and that there remains ease of functionality, as well as adequate room to move around.
Utilize your materials wisely in order to minimize waste. For instance, determine the measurement of your material, as well as the measurements of the individual pieces you will need and try to cut as many pieces from the same material as possible.
Time
Realize the project will probably take longer than what you are expecting. Make sure you have some flexibility if the project should take longer.
Inconvenience
Be prepared for the inconvenience.
Determine ahead of time how to deal with electricity or water being turned off during the project. For instance, have bottled water available if the water needs to be cut off and have a plan for storing food from the refrigerator if the electricity will be off for an extended period of time.
Expect a mess
There will be dust and fumes everywhere. Keep your house well ventilated and cover your furniture.
Expect stress
Most will experience various difficulties during the process. Just stay calm and breathe.
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