A Remodeling Plan

Tips for Staying Organized

6. Schedule wisely.
The goal is ensuring that your time without household amenities is as brief as possible. For example, make sure you always have one operational bathroom, or that toilets and sinks can be reconnected by the end of the workday. If this isn't possible, you can ask your contractor for a list of toilet rental companies.

7. Expect to be upset at some point.
The excitement of planning the project and ordering products will start to wear off when strangers are in your house tearing things up. When your excitement level is at its lowest, it's helpful to remember that the result should be worth all the effort.

8. Carefully file documents and receipts.
You'll have plenty of documents to keep organized: bids, contracts, change orders, building permits, and insurance information—just to name a few. To simplify things, create one file that you can carry with you to meetings about your project. In the same file, store receipts for items you've bought for your home; you'll likely need to return a few.

9. Create an idea board.
When you first approach an architect or contractor, it's smart to go armed with pictures of rooms or houses that you like. Later, you'll probably still be making decisions about wallpaper, upholstery, and paint. Use a simple bulletin board to pin up potential choices and see how they work together.

10. Create a dust-control plan.
During projects that include drywalling, sanding, or wall repair, dust will travel throughout the house. This can be especially harmful to computers, televisions, and pianos. Purchase plastic carpet runners and plastic sheeting systems that can be hung to prevent dust from spreading among rooms.