1. Hiring an inexperienced/unqualified Designer   Choose a qualified designer (click here). Are they a good listener? Are they qualified to help you achieve the practical, tasteful space that fits your needs and lifestyle? Don’t rush… Take time while working with a designer until you fully understand your completed project. An experienced designer can foresee many of the problems that may arise during the remodel, thus saving costly change orders and material or labor delays. Will the designer take field measurements? Will the designer look into walls and soffits that may be opened or removed? Will the designer look at the circuit box for availability for new circuits? 2. Hiring an inexperienced/unqualified Installer   A great design is only great if the products are installed correctly. Verify that your installer is experienced. Before work begins, the rest of your home needs to be protected from dust and debris by the contractor. Clean-up of the area should be performed daily by the contractor. Also, trash should be removed from your residence by the contractor as needed. 3. Working with or hiring uninsured Contractors   Protect yourself from financial loss. Request that a copy of the contractor's Certificate of Liability Insurance be sent to you directly from their insurance agent. Know the length of your contractor’s warranty. 4. Not Asking For References   Don’t hire a landscaper to remodel your kitchen. Ask for a list of references of similar projects that the remodeler has completed. (click here) Have a list of questions to ask each person. Questions such as: Did the contractor do what you expected? Did the project stay within budget? Was there open communication? Were phone calls answered promptly? Would you recommend them to your friends or hire them again? 5. Making Assumptions   Be sure to receive a detailed proposal that clearly states what IS included. Fully understand the scope of the complete project. Know the payment schedule. If something isn’t going the way you expected, ask. Don’t let questions or concerns go unanswered. 6. Spending Too Much or Too Little   A qualified designer will assist you in establishing a realistic budget and assist you in choosing quality products suited for your home, lifestyle & neighborhood. You don’t want to overspend for your house or neighborhood, but spending too little can be evident in the finished product. 7. Getting into the Endless Remodeling Project   Design the project and make all product selections well in advance of when the job is scheduled to begin. Ask how long the project is expected to take. Good planning can help avoid most delays. A good remodeler begins only after all products selected are available.