PLANNING is the first step toward successful renovation. You’re probably planning improvements all the time, and just don't realize it. For example, if you feel you don't have enough kitchen cabinets, or enough counter space, you've already started planning a kitchen renovation.

IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY with the arrangement of a room, or the number of rooms, you've begun a major improvement plan. Once you start visualizing things the way you'd really like them, you've started planning improvements.

You've likely had some improvement projects in mind for a while - if only you knew how and where to start, and how much these ideas would cost. A good way to start is to inspect and evaluate the house like you've probably never done before - go over the house as if you were tomorrow's prospective buyer.

AWKWARD FLOOR PLAN? Does everyone trample the hall carpet on their way in and out of the house? Do you have to walk through the living room get to the basement?

WASTED SPACE? Can you gain an extra room in the basement or attic? Would the veranda look nicer closed in? Could you turn the garage into a play room or a workshop?
 

Hiring a general contractor is tricky but hiring one to do or repair your woodwork isn't that hard. It’s a relatively simple task compared to say, if you are remodeling your entire house. Here’s a simply guide to hiring the best woodwork contractor for the job.

STEP 1: Have a clear vision. Know for yourself what it is that you want done. If possible, write it down or sketch a rough draft. This will help you communicate your vision to the contractor so the output would be as close to is as possible.

STEP 2: Have enough options. Invite at least three contractors to bid for the job and have them present estimates of the same job. Don’t ask for a bid for Mahogany and one from Oak because it defeats the whole point of it.

STEP 3: Research. Conduct a background investigation on your prospective contractors. Check their licenses (if your state requires them to practice), references from previous clients, work portfolios, and personal and financial and criminal records. Remember that you will be working with one of them so you had better be assured of who you are dealing with. Their background also says a lot of the possible outcomes of their future work with you.
 

STEP 4: Study the estimates. Carefully scrutinize each detail of the bidders’ estimates and go over the entries you don't clearly understand. Don't judge the estimates based on the price offer. Check for functional differences. For example, one of the contractors charges $50 more than the other but could finish the entire project in 8 days less.

STEP 5: Sign a contract. Once you have chosen you contractor, it would then be time to formally hire him by entering into a contract. First, make sure that all you have agreed upon is written in the agreement otherwise the contract is useless. Read the entire document and pay careful attention to the section on payment schedule. Keep a copy with you for future reference just in case.

The most important key to hiring a woodwork contractor is to hire the one you are most comfortable communicating with. Your contractor should be open to all of your ideas and shouldn't mind you asking a lot of questions. Remember that this is about them working to build what you’ve envisioned – not you making do with they are offering you. Be smart and attentive with your dealings and you will surely end up with the best hire.