So you're ready to redo that dated kitchen or add the bonus room that your family craves? Before you begin your renovation, here are a few tips that might make the process flow more smoothly and give you an idea of the steps that your project should follow.

1. Hire a qualified designer with experience in creating renovation and addition projects. Ask to see completed projects and a list of references. Thoroughly discuss the scope of your project and all of your requirements with the designer during the designer's visit to your home. Experienced, professional designers will typically charge a site visit fee for the design advice they provide at this meeting.

2. Establish a budget. If you aren't certain how much you can afford, see your banker to get pre-qualified for your loan. Investigate additional financing options.

3. Hire a qualified building contractor with experience in renovations and/or additions. Ask to see completed projects and a list of references.

4. Have an As-Built plan prepared. If you do not have an existing set of plans, one will need to be created by your designer by taking extensive field measurements and photos of your home as it is currently built.

5. The designer will then work with you to create a design for the renovation, using your ideas, wish list, budget and the As-Built plan to tie everything together and make the project appear as if it had originally been built that way. Now is the time to discuss options for making your project a Green home.

6. The As-Built plans are then used to create a demolition plan of items in the existing layout that will need to be relocated or removed.

7. Once the designs are complete, your designer will prepare a set of construction drawings, which your contractor will use to obtain cost information and building permits and use as a guide to build your renovation.

8. Get a written contract from the building contractor with the scope of the project detailed, total costs spelled out and a time line for completion. If you choose to go Green, make sure the contractor has experience in Green building and is aware of the Green elements you wish to include. Also, be sure to obtain a copy of their liability and workman's compensation insurance.

9. If you are contracting the project yourself, get quotes from all subcontractors, have signed agreements before any work begins with costs, payment schedules and time lines spelled out.

10. If you are remodeling in phases, get a master plan from your designer and discuss the different phases in detail with your contractor. Have all phases quoted separately.

11. Be prepared to spend more money than you initially thought, due to unexpected issues that inevitably occur during a renovation project and changes that you will make during the process.

12. Expect delays. There will always be some schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances.

13. Get a list of all product selections you need to make from your contractor and a timeline of when those choices need to be made. To help keep your project on schedule, make sure to keep up with selections before they are needed and provide them to the contractor as soon as possible. Your project can run more smoothly and effectively if you choose to hire an interior designer to assist you in making product and material selections, often saving you money in the long run.

14. Once your project is complete, your contractor should provide you with the owner's manuals and warranties for all the products installed in your home. Keep those in a binder along with the contact information for the subcontractors who worked on your project. Ask them to give you product demonstrations so you will know how to properly operate and maintain your new home.

15. Have a house warming celebration for your family, friends and the building team involved in making your renovation happen.