Determine your current housing needs and long term goals. Before you rush to solve the most prominent problem, take some time to think about your entire house. Balancing your long term goals with your short term priorities will make your planning more effective and may help you solve several problems at once. Define the scope of your project Decide exactly what is included and what is not included in your improvement plans. When you have an outline of the scope of work you want done, set your preliminary budget, then add 20 to 30 percent for a contingency fund.
Good planning helps avoid unexpected costs, but a good budget allows for the unexpected.
Create a project file Prepare a project file for each home improvement project you undertake. Use your project file to store and organize documents such as plans, contracts, change orders, schedules, warranties, lien waivers, invoices, and receipts. You can also make flowcharts of work to be done, supplies to be ordered and delivered, inspections, money to be disbursed. Keeping careful records in your project file will help you to stay on top of your project. Note discussions that you have with contractors regarding tips, ideas, estimates and changes.