Check out these great home remodeling tips which will be sure to keep you under budget and finished on time: Don't Rush the Planning Resist Urge to Completely Flip House Confirm Zoning & Construction Regulations in Area Keep Communication Open with Architect & Builder Check out the full article on Popular Mechanics  to see all the tips. Contact us today!

If you are thinking about remodeling your home, you might be thinking about shopping around and hiring your own painters, electricians and other professionals. However, it can actually be a much better idea to handle a general contractor to help you with it all. These are some of the main reasons why. Catch All Potential Issues First of all, although you might have an idea of what you want your home to look like after it's remodeled, there is a chance that your home needs work that you don't even know about. For example, you might be focused on flooring and paint colors, but you might not realize that there are electrical problems or other issues. A general contractor knows to look out for these all of these things and can ensure that you are aware of all of the work that needs to be done to your home. This won't...

Your house is more than just a place to live - it's a home, and it's one that you want to be not only functional, but comfortable and attractive too. If it isn't the way that you'd like it to be at present, you may have already considered  home remodeling . Remodeling can be a great idea; you get the chance to completely remake your space, to add your own personal style and creativity while making it more usable as well. Unfortunately, some people shy away from the idea of a remodeling job because they've heard so many horror stories of botched projects and shady contractors ripping people off. They may give up on the idea of remodeling, or even try to do the job themselves. This, however, is not a wise move to make; a home remodel is not a DIY type of job. Many remodeling jobs - kitchens and bathrooms for example - need to be...

All home remodeling  jobs come with a price tag. It wouldn't be part of the game if money and time weren't a consideration. However, not all improvements are created equal, and some home improvements are just a waste of time. For some homeowners, their choice of improvement is all about what they want now -- a new pool in an area where pools downgrade a home's value? "So be it," they think. "I want a pool. Bottom line."  For others, however, choosing a home addition that will bring value and add equity is the first thing they look at above all other considerations. While we wouldn't dare intervene and tell someone that they shouldn't follow their home design dreams, we will add our two cents about what incorporates value and what does not. In this post, we'll outline some home improvements that you should avoid when it comes time to  remodel...

Working with a skilled and qualified general contractor  will yield excellent results for your DC home improvement project. Carefully planning all facets of the job, including hiring and working with subcontractors, is not something that an inexperienced person should do alone. When it comes time to hire a contractor, do you know what skills and work experience to look for? If you answered no, then there's a chance that you might select the wrong contractor for the job, leaving yourself open to being taken advantage of.  Hiring a reliable DC general contractor to oversee your next job shouldn't be difficult, yet for those who have never involved themselves in a home improvement project, the process can be mentally taxing. Especially if the project is large and time-consuming. So to help you out with your next home improvement project, we've compiled a list of 6 things that you should look for when...

Any general contractor providing residential remodeling services will tell you that the industry is all about kitchens and bathrooms. And for good reason -- most general contractors agree that kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects have a very high return-on-investment rate, 63.6% on average. Even so, the most reliable general contractors will also tell you there are other beneficial renovations often overlooked by homeowners. If you're saving up for residential remodeling and construction work, then here are three projects to consider  first . Not all of these projects sound exciting. They won't go viral with Big Remodeling News or House Renovation Blogs, but they will be worth your hard-earned money. 1. From the Ground Up Homeowners are often amazed by just how much of a difference new floors can make to their home, whether it's fresh carpet or gorgeous hardwood flooring. Over time, your carpet becomes stained and faded, while hardwood, tile,...

Remodeling your house is a common and very rewarding project millions of homeowners take on every year. From residential bathroom remodeling to more general remodeling work, renovating your house comes with many benefits. It does a lot more, at the very least, than just make your house look better!   Bathroom remodeling is by far the most sought after remodeling project in the United States. Seventy-eight percent of total home projects are done on the bathroom. However, design remodeling work is also done on the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedrooms -- really, anywhere. One reason why residential home design projects are so popular is that they have a high return-on-investment (ROI). Bathroom remodeling jobs, for example, have an average ROI of 64%. Kitchen remodeling projects also have an average 64% ROI. However, deck projects take the cake with a ROI of over 87%!   Needless to say, residential design and...

Your home should match your lifestyle. It should complement your life. Lifestyles change, lives change. Families grow up and grow out of homes without considering the benefits of remodeling. Perhaps your kitchen isn’t up to par, or your backyard needs a revamp, or maybe you need more room. Even if you’re just looking to raise your home's market value, general remodeling is a great way to do it. Our homes reflect us to some degree, right? So when those quirks you initially loved about your house aren’t so charming anymore, renew your home’s value and function! We’re here to give you the good remodeling news : Remodeling offers: Not only does the external appearance of your home increase sales potential and curb appeal, but remodeling and construction, adding new appliances, adding a furnished basement, or adding a deck can increase the value of your home. On average, residential bathroom remodeling/remodeling your...

Everyone wants to love the home that they live in and find beauty in it. One of the best ways to do this is to create a custom look in your home by choosing to complete  home renovations  by adding custom molding in your favorite rooms. The great thing about custom moldings is that they can be completely designed to fit your individual tastes and design scheme. Plus, they can give your home the comfortable feel that was always missing from it before. Custom moldings can be added to any room of your home and will work well in a variety of locations. While crown molding will help make your ceiling look higher, molding at a lower location can make the room look more finished. Molding can also give your home the character that it needs to win over buyers if you are preparing to sell. When you are looking to add molding...

Nothing is more beautiful than a fully restored hardwood floor. Seeing all of your hard work come to fruition is about as satisfying of a feeling you can think of. So if you've got a hardwood floor hiding under your carpet, perhaps it's time to dive-in and revitalize your home. Here are 5 tips on refinishing your hardwood floor from your Maryland  general contractor . 1. Know your finishes. Finishes for a hardwood floor range, but not by much. So to soothe your hardwood floor desires, choose between 3 types of finishes: polyurethane, varnish, and sealer. Each one serves a different purpose, so discuss what is right before you buy. 2. Talk to a professional. Refinishing a hardwood floor might seem like a DIY job. However, to do it right, you might need a professional. Because when you think about it, the amount of time you put into it might even out in the end....

Mourning the fact that all of your children are grown and leaving the nest? Cheer up by working on some  home renovations . Below, you'll find home renovation ideas that are ideal for empty nesters. Create Bigger Rooms When you have a bunch of kids living under one roof, you're more or less forced into buying a home with many small bedrooms. But now that you no longer have lots of people living with you, there's no need to settle for sleeping in a tiny bedroom. Go ahead and tear down the walls. Turn those smaller bedrooms into one big bedroom suite. Looking around at the relaxing and spacious room in your new suite will keep you from missing the kids too much. Combine the Guest Room and Home Office Yes, you'll want to have a comfy place for your kids to sleep whenever they come home to visit. However, there's...

A homeowner with an extra room in their home has many options for how they want to use the space. For instance, turning it into a gym, yoga retreat, guest bedroom, game room, or office are all options. If you love reading, you should consider creating a library in your home, which will allow you to exercise your passion for books by turning it into a beautiful collection. Reading also keeps your mind sharp, reduces stress, among many other benefits, so do not hesitate to consider professional  home remodeling  to ensure a positive outcome with your new library. Get Plenty of Natural Lighting While it is important to get enough task lighting to illuminate the room at nighttime, you should also not hesitate to rely on natural lighting to get you through the day for your daytime reading needs. Large and double-pane windows in a library really add to the overall...

Freestanding furniture allows you to move with your furniture, or adjust how a room is organized, which is great for renters and individuals living in a starter home. However, once you find a home that you plan on living in for many years, you can begin to think about personalizing the home, and this is where adding built-ins is an excellent idea to achieve such customization. Having built-ins constructed and installed by a  home remodeling  company will ensure you receive high-quality and long-lasting results with the built-ins that get added to your home. Gain Lots of Storage Room Depending on the size of your home, storage may be quite limited. If this is the case, you will enjoy built-ins because they are able to create so much storage space when planned out carefully. Another advantage that built-ins have is that they are designed with your home and needs in mind, unlike freestanding furniture,...

If you enjoy entertaining guests throughout the year, but are struggling to find enough space in your home, it may be time to look at your attic for a  home remodeling  project. Many homeowners leave the attic to simply be storage space, but you could be missing out on valuable space if the space is unfinished. In order to add valuable square footage to your home, consider making the following upgrades. Invest in Soundproofing While it’s impossible to eliminate all sound from the attic if you decide to use the space as a theater, gaming room, or bedroom, you can reduce it significantly by investing in soundproofing. Getting the walls and flooring soundproofed will help make the attic feel like a true addition to the home. Replace Outdated Flooring Older flooring is common in attics, often in the form of worn out wooden or laminate floors. This can be very unwelcoming,...

If you are planning a remodeling project for your home, you likely know there are a number of benefits associated with this choice. For example, remodeling and construction work often has high returns on investment, with an expected 63.6% ROI from a redesigned bathroom and a 77% ROI just from installing new windows. With these benefits, it is no surprise that the home remodeling industry generates an estimated $47 billion in revenue in the United States. But before you get lost in the details of your residential home design, there are a number of things you should know to keep your project running as smoothly as possible. Whether you're working with a local handyman or an established contractor, remodeling your kitchen or renovating an entire house, keep the tips below in mind to keep costs manageable and get the best results out of your contractor. Make Decisions in a Timely Manner...

Looking to give your house a great new look? Homeowners across the Bethesda, MD area are constantly looking for remodeling services for their home. People remodel their home's for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is to create more space or a new design for the home.  Here at Smith, Thomas & Smith, Inc., we are proud to offer remodeling services in the surrounding Bethesda, MD area.  Check out what one of our customers had to say about our remodeling service... " Thank you for your years of wonderful service!" Remodeling Customer - Bethesda, Maryland We take pride in our remodeling services and make sure every customer is completely satisfied with any project we undertake. If you are thinking about a remodeling project for your home, please contact us today!   Offering top-of-the-line home remodeling services to the Bethesda, Maryland area!  

Owning a home is a lifelong investment, which includes a lifetime of chores -- something that shouldn't be taken for granted. But for a lot of homeowners, if chores are a problem, then performing  home renovations  isn't something that is fixed on their radar at all, especially if money is tight. So if you're looking for some inexpensive yet worthwhile ways of boosting your home's value without making an appointment to move into the poor house, we've got you covered. Kitchen Jewels Without a kitchen, a home is not a home. So why not make some small improvements to the heart of your home? Add a new faucet, a new light fixture, and even update outdated hardware for just a few hundred dollars. Slap on a coat of paint and add some fresh fruit, and your home's value just crept up a few notches. Bathroom Facelift Though the bathroom is widely used...

Can you believe that the year is almost over? Christmas is but a few weeks away. Seems like it happens faster every year. What  home remodeling  jobs did you get done this year? More importantly, what remodeling and renovations did you plan to get done that you never got around to or something else got in the way? Well, don't fret! Winter is the best time to strike a balance in the universes and do some work inside the home. Just think of it as a cure for the winter blues. Here are just three. Paint and Wallpaper You're "stuck" inside anyway, so what better time is there to create an exciting new color scheme in your dining room, living room, or den? Add a new coat of paint the bathroom. Wallpaper your bedroom for added comfort. Install some crown molding while your at it The possibilities are endless with paint...

Homeowners often feel the need to move into a bigger house as soon as they find out that they are expecting their first baby. However, more often than not, a move isn't really essential. Home renovations are often all that's needed to make your current home spacious enough to house the newest additional member to your family. But now, you're probably wondering about which  home renovations  to make in order to accommodate your growing needs. That's why you need to keep on with reading this post to gain some good renovation ideas. Turn One Bedroom into Two Is your home lacking a room for your new baby? Do you currently have a spacious master bedroom? Then you might want to turn that big bedroom into two smaller rooms. It will enable you and your significant other to have some alone time while the baby's asleep. Convert the Attic into a Playroom...

When to comes to  home remodeling , the choices are endless, and not every home (or homeowner) has or needs the same thing. But one thing that seems to prevail cross the board is how consistently homes are stocked with regular, run-of-the-mill water heaters; those noisy behemoths that sit in the corner of the basement and consume, consume, consume. Consider, if you will, the tankless water heater. Often used in smaller affairs, and popular among foreign countries where space is limited, tankless water heaters are cheaper to run, make much less noise, and take up less square footage as compared to traditional, residential water heaters. So if these products are so great, why doesn't every home have one? That's a great question. We'll provide some information on the subject and let you decide what the American consumer is missing out on. How Tankless Water Heaters Function Compared to the traditional water...

A successful  home renovation  can turn into a taxing ordeal when easily avoidable mistakes begin to tarnish its progress. Fortunately, composing a detailed plan, before starting your remodel, helps eliminate unnecessary hiccups from slowing down or even halting your schedule. To ensure you reach your remodeling goal without facing numerous obstacles, we've listed 3 renovating mistakes that are commonly made by homeowners. Underestimating the cost of your remodel can leave you with an unfinished project. Before you start spending, sit down and hash out a realistic budget with your contractor. Remember, you need to consider every possible angle, which means you should set at least 10 percent of your budget aside for unexpected expenses. Unfortunately, neglecting to do so can leave you clamoring for money towards the end of your renovation. Also, as the project progresses, reanalyze your budget and make proactive changes before any serious money issues begin to form....

Have you been putting off a basement  home renovation  for what seems like months (years?), and have finally come to the conclusion that this year, after all this time, is finally the year you are going to get your ducks in a row and dive in? If you answered yes, then you're in luck. Here is everything you need to know about renovating your basement. Drywalling Don't be fooled by what you've seen on TV, hanging drywall is actually fairly simple (and rewarding). What to not expect, however, is that you can complete the entire process in 8 hours. To be that quick and accurate requires years of experience, so work at your own pace. Practice makes perfect, so work section by section and it'll all come together. Don't worry excessively about mistakes near the floor and ceiling, they can easily be covered by trim and molding. Focus your efforts on...

There are a number of reasons to consider planning a general remodeling project in your home. For example, if your home is more than 30 years old, it may require new wiring or plumbing, a new HVAC system or roof, and better insulation to create the best possible living environment for you and your family. Additionally, residential remodeling services are a great investment: on average, a remodeled bathroom has been shown to have a return on investment of 63.6%, while simply adding new windows can create a return on investment of 77%. With these benefits, it is no surprise that remodeling and construction are such common parts of owning a home in the United States. However, diving into a general remodeling project can be challenging whether you're hiring a kitchen remodeling service or planning to make a few simple changes to your living room. And no matter how many books or...

We all want nice things in our home. But many of the most desired home projects cost big bucks. Setting aside funds and finding the time to set up a man cave in the basement, for instance, or the know-how to gut and redecorate a bathroom may not be in the budget, but there are many things that are. So while it's a common and acceptable fact that many of the most  home remodeling  jobs can cost 5-figures, there are several home improvements that you can do that won't break the bank. Here are 3 home remodeling jobs that you can do for under $1,000. 1. Update an Old Bathroom The average cost of a completely redone bathroom can run a homeowner 15-20k. But if you don't have that kind of money, don't worry. There are still improvements you can do without dipping into your savings. - Replace fixtures, including toilet seats,...

When seeking  painting & papering  you'll usually find that one painting company stands head and shoulders above the rest. We thought we'd let you know what top residential painting & papering contractors have to offer, and the reasons you should consider hiring them. Experience:  When hiring a residential painting & papering contractor, you want to hire a professional company with decades of experience in residential, commercial and industrial work. Professional contractors with that kind of experience, usually operate at a high level of precision. Experienced, professionals will also have a super-clean bill of health from the Better Business Bureau. With credentials like that, they've likely earned a level of trustworthiness, and attention to detail you can count on every time. Reliability:  You need to be able to count on your contractor implicitly. Your contractor should have a supervisor in charge who is dedicated to overseeing your project. This supervisor will coordinate with your family...

Families with young children often struggle with having enough space for them to play comfortably. In order for you to have the space you need without spending a lot of money on expanding, you should convert the basement into a play area. In order for the  home remodeling  project to go smoothly, you should consider what features are essential for the perfect playroom. Insulation Many homeowners associate basements with damp and uncomfortable spaces that become either too hot or cold, depending on the season. In order for the basement to be comfortable for your children, you’ll need to get the walls and ceiling properly insulated. Air Conditioning and Heating Another important thing you’ll need to do to improve the comfort of the basement is getting air conditioning and heating installed. Focusing on these two elements will help the basement turned playroom feel like an extension of your home and make it...

Whether your family is growing due to a new baby or you’re simply in need of more space, converting your garage into a bedroom is a fantastic project to consider. Not only is the garage one of the easiest spaces to work with for  home renovations , it can also give you an incredible amount of extra space due it’s large space. In order for the renovated space to look like a bedroom, instead of a garage, you need to complete a number of projects. Make Insulation, Heating, and Cooling Priorities While you may be thinking of new furniture you can buy for the room, you’ll need to first address making the space comfortable. Garages often become too warm or cold, depending on the time of year, making it important to focus on getting the space ready by insulating the walls and ceiling. Adding heating and cooling in the garage can...

Tiny houses may not be for everyone -- living in a space under 500 sq feet has its disadvantages. However, tiny houses do incorporate some amazing space saving designs that are truly inspirational! Here's some innovative tiny house eye candy to get you started on your  home remodeling  plans. Office Nook  - Do you need a space to sort the mail, write your grocery list, or charge your tablet? This little office nook is a simple addition to include in your overall remodeling plan. Place it in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom. Upper Loft  - If you already have vaulted ceilings or an empty attic space, it would be easy to remodel to include a loft. Lofts are a great bonus space for kids play area, storage, guest sleeping space, etc. Ladders leading to the loft can be customized to be sliding, fold-up, or attached. Under Stairs Storage  - Think...

A great question. Something that many homeowners who are ready to begin a big project may be asking. The short answer is, if you didn't see this coming, yes. A  general contractor  is an important facet to getting a big job done, organizing all the details, managing the sub-contractors, and ensuring the quality of work.  General contractors work in a different realm than sub-contractors. They use the "big picture," and have their hand in every pot going on. Their specialty isn't relegated to simply electrical, plumbing, or building, they have years of experience coupled with vast knowledge of the entire building process. They step in to make sure the job's done, and will not leave until you are satisfied. Self-Contained If you chose to hire a general contractor from the onset, what you get is a complete and organized team. That's because general contractors typically have their own crew, who are...

Did you know that you can install custom cabinets yourself even without the help of a  general contractor ? It's true! So while a general contractor will have knowledge that you may not, you can still go about the task pretty much by yourself with just a few pieces of knowledge to help you if things get tough.  Here are some simple tips to help you install custom cabinets. 1. Choose your material.  Custom means it's all about what you want, all the way down to the material you choose. Be sure to pre-measure for accurate installation. 2. Side frame construction.  Side frames are designed to hold your cabinets in place once they arrive. To build these, construct to the appropriate size and attach with nails and wood glue. For extra help use a framing square. 3. Front frame construction.  Just like a your side frame, your front frame needs to...

Is this the year you finally rid your home of that tired, boring, old kitchen? Are you fed up with creaky and cracked cabinets, flooring that is peeling and coming up, and outdated and energy-hungry appliances?  Kitchen remodeling  jobs can be very expensive. Trust us, we know. The  Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value Report  has remodeling a kitchen costing about as much as a brand new Cadillac: $50,000. With even small remodeling jobs ranging between $15,000 to $20,000. That sort of spending can wipe out a person's entire life savings. So with that in mind, we thought we'd give you some tips on how to remodel your kitchen without taking out a second mortgage. Skilled contractors are your friend. The key to finding a good contractor is to interview them with scrutiny. Ask for references, previous job information, and so on. A good contractor can actually save you money if they...

Аttіс rеnоvаtіоns саn іnсludе іmрrоvіng thе еnеrgу еffісіеnсу оf thе sрасе, оr turnіng іntо аn ехtеndеd аrеа fоr lіvіng аnd еntеrtаіnіng. This type of  home renovations  mау іnсludе іnsulаtіng thе sрасе, аnd mаkіng іt mоrе fіrерrооf. Сrеаtіng аddіtіоnаl rооms аnd lіvіng аrеаs іs sіgnіfісаntlу mоrе dіffісult аnd соstlу, аnd оftеn іnvоlvеs іnstаllіng drуwаll, buіldіng а sub flооr, аnd сuttіng wіndоws іntо ехіstіng wаlls. Dереndіng оn thе tуре оf wоrk реrfоrmеd, hоmеоwnеrs mау nееd tо соnsult wіth а lосаl соntrасtоr fоr lаbоr rеquіrіng sресіаlіzеd skіlls. Ноmеоwnеrs wіth smаll аttіс stоrаgе sрасе mау wіsh tо соnsіdеr еnеrgу еffісіеnсу аttіс rеnоvаtіоns. Тhіs tуре оf uрdаtіng аnd rераіr wоrk саn іmрrоvе thе flоw оf аіr сіrсulаtіоn thrоughоut а hоusе, аnd rеduсе thе аmоunt оf mоnеу thе оwnеrs sреnd аnnuаllу оn еnеrgу соnsumрtіоn. Аll сеіlіng аrеаs аnd suрроrt јоіsts whісh sераrаtе thе аttіс frоm thе lіvіng роrtіоn оf thе hоmе shоuld bе thоrоughlу іnsulаtеd аnd сhесkеd...

It is not too uncommon for homes to come in a pretty neutral shape, and this is because homes appeal to a wider audience when neutral, as opposed to homes that cater to a specific style. However, there are many  home remodeling  ideas that you can use to personalize your home, even when you do not have a lot of money to spend. Crown Molding and Trim Accents Throughout your entire home, crown molding and baseboard trim can add an incredible amount of personality and unique style. If this is not enough, you can opt for doorway trims, as well, which can fill each room entrance with plenty of great aesthetics. It is an excellent idea to consider these remodeling upgrades as they are cheap to obtain, and since they are not very challenging to install, you can get them professional installed at an affordable price. Give Your Walls a Repainting...

Unless you are planning your next project from beginning to end, you will likely be seeking the service of a licensed, bonded, and skilled  general contractor  to do most of that hard work for you.  From the smallest bathroom projects, to extensive, labor-intensive jobs like adding a home addition, a good general contractor will be with you for the entire process. But do you know how to pick the good from the bad?  Here are 5 tips to help you in your selection process. 1. Ask for references It's step number one when you're on the search. Does the person you are considering have  quality work they have done in the past , and people to vouch for their services? If the answer is no, move on. 2. For reliability, ask a home inspector If you are planning a project that requires a general contractor, you may want to have a...

Major home improvements can seem very daunting to homeowners, and in some cases dealing with electrical, plumbing, and construction issues is simply not possible. So while many projects around your home can be easily completed by you or contractor who specializes in that area (like a deck or installing a hot tub), for large, extensive, or complicated projects (like an entire kitchen or bath remodel), it's always best to ask a professional for help. Here are 3 benefits of hiring a  general contractor  to help complete your next job. Project Management   Don't want, or have the time to worry about overseeing and managing all aspects of a large home improvement project? Then hire a general contractor. The general contractor is in charge of all aspects of the process. If plumbing needs done, the general contractor will hire a plumber. Wiring? The general contractor will hire an electrician. They are in...

Renting an apartment is a great value. Maintenance is just a phone call away, and you have no worries about gardening, roof replacements and the other problems that homeowners fret about so frequently. When you get bored with the look of your space, you even have the option of undertaking some  home renovations  to change things around a little. There are four easy renovation tips for renters that do not require landlord approval and really shake things up. Paint the Furniture Dark furniture makes your space look smaller. Even when you have plenty of natural light coming in, the dark wood of the dining room table, the bookshelves and the side tables creates the optical illusion of a small space. Adding lighter wood stains or lighter paints to the mix is an ideal solution. Using a whitewash instead of a dark oak color will almost immediately turn your apartment into a...

Working on a budget is stressful. There are plenty of things that you may want to do for your home but you just do not know where to start to stay on track with your budget. You will want to make enough changes to make your home fit your needs. In order to get  home remodeling  done on a budget while still meeting your stylistic ideas, you may consider using some of the following tips to guide you through the process: Work with Size: Instead of trying to expand rooms, which will take out a huge cut of your budget, you should consider just working with what you have. You can make any room appear larger with some simple changes such as using small appliances, small furniture pieces, and built in storage.  Use Affordable Materials: Consider the installation of laminate for the floors and counter space. This material is much more affordable than others...

Planning  home remodeling  in your kitchen, bathroom or another room is fun.  You get to create the image of the room you want.  Making it come to life isn't a fairy tale.  It's going to take days, weeks or months piecing every element together and you're not ready for it.  It's not going to be easy when you have children, noise and unexpected, nosy guests coming to a head too.  You must keep it together.  Combat the stress with knowledge, organization and patience. Knowledge: Contact a remodeling professional that's experienced, licensed and priced within your budget.  Talk to the contractor or remodeling professional about the route they're going with this project.  Make sure you get a systematic outline of the task.  You'll know how far along they are and how much is left.  Talk about supplies and should you bring anything.  If the task must finish by a certain date for...