First Entry - new construction blog

The goal here is to help all of you non construction people navigate the world of remodeling.  I'm hoping to attach as much specific, personal experience as I can to help those getting ready to go thru the home upheaval in the most efficient way possible.   The first helpful hint - good design is a strong recommendation - and sticking to the original plan will keep things on schedule and on budget.  Get a good 'cost conscious' designer to guide you thru the process.  Find someone that is in tune with what projects cost.  Getting a design done that doesn't fit your budget is relatively useless.  Don't put the responsibility on the contractor to marry the budget and design if the two are not copacetic.  A design/build firm is always an option.  It might seem like it is costing more upfront but the smoothness and time efficiency   of the build will pay for itself again and again.