I recently bid a job for a number of different windows to get a comparison on aluminum exterior and wood interiors.
This is what I found:

Everyone has stories about the contractor from hell, which turned their project into a nightmare. At the other end of the spectrum the contractor sees a headache client who can’t make decisions. Either way the Home Planning Guide tries to be the needed remodeling portal, preparing client to easily connect to the contractor through steps that are typically missed or neglected.

We are there for those of you that fit the following criteria:

A)  Don't have a clue where to start.
B)  Need some general guidance.
C)  Just looking for ideas, tips, and suggestions.
D)  All of the above.

Being in the remodeling business I often see people that are misguided, confused, and without direction. Our goal at the Home Planning Guide is to get you started off on the right foot by providing you tools to get thing in order to make your life and your contractor’s life easier.

Home Planning Guide Features:

• Database of tips and ideas. 
• Remodeling related News, products or services.
• Member contributions.
• Remodeling Forums/Poll/Voting.
• Remodeling Resources and Tools.
• Product FAQs, articles etc.
• Email-a-friend and Print-format for every story and article.

Two items that one should keep an eye out for at the end of the job:

1) On smaller remodeling projects make sure that the contractor has received a final inspection. If the permit has not been finalized you could face penalties and have to renew the permit to receive your final inspection. Some times contractors will try and leave this to the home owner, not wanting to spend the time to wait for the inspector. I would recommend holding the final payment till after the permit has been finalized.

2) Make sure that all the subs contractors and vendor have been paid by either you or your contractor. If people are not paid a lean could result. Typically companies will mail you a preliminary notice. If there is any addition concerns ask your contractor.

It seems quite logical but more often than not jobs are often delayed by the decisions that we assume can be made later; honestly it can be difficult to visualize how thing will look. I've seen jobs delayed as the home owner is changing tile selection on the day of installation.

Designers along with your Contractor can often alleviate these problems by helping to pick out material selection that will work and function together. A good number of people feel that they can make good design decisions. But, remember that the cost of a good designer can be well worth the value versus the cost of having regrets later on.

I find there are two types of designers out there. The first will design the whole project for you based off their style with little input and second will help guide you based off your input and bring thing together. Interview designers and find out what fits your style and comfort ability level. Upon my first meeting with clients I often see clients with a binder of information, magazine cutout, ideas, and possible material selections; this is a great idea… If your one of those people, you most likely want to find a designer will help guide you to bring all those ideas together and make them fit and function together.

After or during a remodel the home owner will often have the home reappraised. A few things to remember are:

1. They judge items based on their necessity to living. Items that are not necessities such as pools will have a low weight on the value.
2. On kitchen remodels make sure that you have your appliances on site. If you don't the have appliances they will deduct for not having a kitchen.
3. Save your landscaping and luxury items till the end, they will not add as much value.

Many people want to install tile warmers in tiled bathroom floors which is generally accepted, but what about the shower? According the Warm Your Floors it is alright to use their low voltage product within the shower also a protective surface should be applied. Please see their website for more information.