There are many potential pitfalls that can affect your remodeling project. The "While You are Here" Syndrome is one of them!

Expanding the "To Do" List

Don't make the the mistake of looking beyond the original scope of the project at other odd jobs around the house.

“While you are here, can you take a look at the cracked tile in the bathroom?” “Since the electrician is here, maybe he can extend the new wiring from the kitchen into the dining room.”

It is easy to fall into this trap because the sight of a contractor in the house often reminds people of all those forgotten little chores. Why not have someone else take care of them?

It Also Happens on DIY Projects!

On your own projects you can get carried away with the momentum and forget to do a reality check. Can you really paint three rooms in one weekend?

Staying on Track -- Define the Costs

In either scenario, define your costs and the timeline. Any changes should be discussed with the contractor to determine the cost and affect on the project timeline. Also, put changes in writing, as those little odd jobs can add significantly to the project cost.

The Snowball Effect

While upgrading the wiring in the dining room may seem like a small job, it can create a snowball effect. Here's how:

• The electrician will have to change his schedule to fit in the work.
• He begins to pull wiring into the dining room and finds a problem with the wires leading to the ceiling fixture. When fixing that problem, he has to cut a larger hole around the fixture opening. This will require some patching and painting later.
• As the work begins, you realize that you "may as well" replace the 30-year-old light fixture in the dining room. Then you rush to the store to buy one!

All of a sudden that little project has taken three hours, plus the cost of the fixture and your time to find it. And, you will be left to patch and paint the ceiling after the electrician goes home.

The extra cost in labor and materials?

$300 to $700, depending on the cost of the fixture.

Should You Expand the Project?

When planning a project, think about whether it makes sense to expand the work. Make sure you are prepared for the time, expense and disruption they may cause.