Home remodeling can add value to your home, along with making it more comfortable and beautiful. However, a good home remodel, that gives you the most return on your investment, is not as easy as just opening the phone book and picking out the first name you see. This article is meant to help homeowners confidently get through the worst roadblocks of a home remodeling project with ease and comfort.

Know What You’re Getting Yourself Into

First thing’s first-before you start picking out hand towels and door handles, you must figure out exactly what you want to have done. It is amazing how few homeowners take the time to really establish their wants and needs before they call their contractors. From upgrading your kitchen, master bedroom, to bathrooms, just start with one area you think needs the most work.

Sketch your ideas down on paper after you have figured out which room you want to remodel. Try and determine exactly how you’ll use the space and what your goals are with the room. Is it optimized for relaxing? For entertaining? These questions will make your planning stage with the contractor much easier. Also consider asking other people-friends and neighbors-what their experience has been and where their problems have occurred.

Next, plan your budget. It is always the safest to work in an additional 5-10% above what you tell your contractor you can spend, in order to cover any inevitable added costs (these can include high material costs and increased labor costs).

Make sure you have researched and know which permits you will require. Any structural change (like a room addition or a porch) will require permits and inspection, to make sure everything meets local building codes and safety regulations.

Do not over-improve. Once you get started, you can be swept away in the possibilities, but to really get the most out of your home remodeling, do no overdo it. Take a look at home prices in your area, and try not to exceed, in one room, what the general neighborhood values would be. If you spend half the estimated value for your neighbor’s house in your master bath, you will never be able to sell!

Lastly and maybe most importantly: Prepare yourself for problems! Yes, even the most thoroughly planned project can head into unexpected trouble. Using a professional, reliable contractor can ease these issues, but ultimately weather or other unforeseen circumstance can always put a snag in your plans. Remember your extra budget and keep calm, and you can make it through any obstacle.

Getting the Most Out of Your Home Remodeling Dollar

There are, of course, certain home remodeling projects that are going to offer the best return on your investment. Remodeling magazine published the following list to show where you get the most bang for your buck:

Bathroom Addition: 89%

Kitchen Remodel: 87%

Two Story Addition: 84%

Attic Bedroom Conversion: 83%

Master Suite Addition: 82%

Bathroom Remodel: 73%

Siding Replacement: 71%

Ultimately the best tips come on the job, from the experienced professionals. Pick a contractor that is knowledgeable and helpful, work together, and you will end up with your dream home remodeling project.