The time to remodel is here. You have reviewed plan after plan for the new kitchen and selected the cabinets, countertop and related finishes. Before you rip out your avocado stained kitchen and bring in the maple and granite, ask yourself a question. Are you really ready?

There are several steps that should take place before pulling out your work clothes or tossing the keys to a contractor. Depending upon the size and scope of the project, you should:

1.       Make sure all zoning variations and building permits are in place and that any related fees have been paid. The building permit should be posted at the job site before work begins. Permits provide an extra level of protection against unsafe building practices and poor workmanship.

2.       Check your finances. While this sounds obvious, some consumers are so eager to start a project that they jump into it before the loan paperwork is approved or while they wait for that bonus to arrive from their employer. Both are risky approaches. A delay in receiving the funds could put your project at risk.  Also make sure that you have set aside a contingency fund of 10 to 25 percent to cover unexpected expenses.

3.       Schedule a meeting with the contractor to review the project details and timeline.

Confirm the start date, how supplies and products will be delivered to the job site and who will sign for them. Remember, whoever signs for the materials is responsible for them. If you plan to assume that responsibility, be prepared to verify delivery of the correct items and inspect them for damage.

On larger projects, make arrangements to have a garbage dumpster at the job site. Most building departments will require it and waste haulers typically will not allow construction debris to be added to the regular garbage pickup.

4.       Make sure insurance coverage is in place. Typically the contractor should provide insurance coverage for anyone working on the site. Ask the contractor for details on how subcontractors will be insured. Call the contractor’s insurance agent to check the amount of coverage and determine whether it would adequately cover any injuries, theft or other claims. If the contractor's insurance is not adequate, you could be exposing yourself to claims against your homeowner's insurance policy.

5.       Have a preconstruction meeting with your family. Discuss the timeline and how it will impact family activities. Go over contingency plans for meals, showers or other daily functions that will be affected.

6.       Verify that all supplies have been ordered and are in stock. The last thing you want to do is start to rip apart your floor until you know that the specialty porcelain tile is available. Ideally you want to have the items on the job site before any work begins.

7.       Notify neighbors who will be affected by the noise, traffic or other inconveniences of remodeling. This is particularly important if workers will have to trample across someone else's driveway or lawn to access part of your house. (In some cases you also may want written permission from the neighbor).

This approach will help preserve friendly ties and avoid an embarrassing scene as your neighbor shouts at the contractor or calls the police.

8.       Make arrangements for small children or pets so they are not in the middle of the construction. Regardless the size of a project, a construction site is not a playground. Children should be kept out of the work area and warned about the dangers of construction materials and tools. You also should discuss these issues with the contractor to ensure that all tools, supplies and potentially dangerous materials are secured at the end of each day.

9.       Establish periodic project review sessions to determine the status of the project. While this is more important when working with a contractor on large projects, it also can be helpful when working with a friend on a smaller job that will be completed over several weekends.

10.     Relax. Enjoy that old kitchen while you still have running water. Take one last hot shower in your tiny bathroom. Enjoy the peace while you still have it.