When working with a contractor, don't make the mistake of thinking that he or she carries all the responsibility. Here's what to consider:

• When are payments due on the project?
• Will you make a bathroom available for the workers to use or ask them to rent a portable one for the project?
• How accessible can you be for meetings or quick decision-making during the project?

Here are other details renovators sometimes overlook:

·         Household plants -- if the contractor has to turn off the furnace for a day while the drywall is being sanded, will the temperature affect the plants? If so, find another location for them.

·         Where is the pet going to be kept?

Managing the Family Routine

Also consider how the project will change your family’s routine. Where will children play while the family room addition is being completed?

Feeling overwhelmed yet?  Don’t let the myriad details get to you. Renovations require preparation, and the more you plan, the smoother the process will go.