When planning a kitchen remodeling, look beyond the fancy kitchen cabinets and granite countertop. Kitchen remodeling involves coordinating several different remodeling contractors and making multiple decisions about products and design. There are a couple of common problems that you will want to avoid.

Taking On Too Much Work

It's tempting to think you can complete a kitchen remodeling yourself and save money. This Do-It-Yourself attitude can work fine with small projects, but on bigger or more complicated projects, the opposite is true. Here?s why:

• Kitchen remodeling requires making many structural, logistical, and mechanical decisions.
• The work involves multiple trades from plumbing to carpentry to electrical.
• If you run into trouble during the home improvement project, the results can be disastrous. Where will you go for help?

The Solution?

• Consider whether you have time to devote to managing a kitchen remodeling project and to fixing a problem if it arises.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses. Before jumping head first into a kitchen remodeling project, ask yourself what's involved and whether you have the necessary skills.
• Interview qualified remodeling contractors to get a better idea of what's involved and how they work

Know When to Say When

It's easy to get carried away with home improvement. Some people just keep pouring money into their homes without an overall plan. It's a good idea to periodically take a step back and review your overall goals.

The Solution?

• Proper planning -- set realistic goals and stick to them
• Take a weekend off, then reassess your project list
• Get an assessment of what your house is worth. Are you over-improving for the neighborhood?

Remodeling without considering your home's resale value.

Kitchen remodeling can be a big boost to the value of your home, but you should consider some resale issues. One day you may want to sell your house, and you don't want to be the most expensive house on the block. Take this into account before buying the granite countertop and custom kitchen cabinets.

How this can affect you:

• You may not recoup your home improvement costs when you sell
• Your house will be so customized that it will be difficult to sell

The Solution?

You should talk to a real estate agent (even if you're not planning to sell soon) about what your house is worth. Find out if buyers expect granite countertops and other fancy finishes. Also you should discuss future projects and whether they will enhance the home's value.

About the Author

Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer and founder of www.renovatorsplace.com. She has been a writer of home improvement columns for 15 years. Her articles have appeared in numerous national newspapers and magazines, and on home improvement Web sites.