Preventing problems
To forestall the worst disasters from happening in the first place, prevention is your best strategy. Even before you get to the planning stage, evaluate your gut reaction to the person you're considering to head your project. Something about the way he or she relates to you may set off an alarm.

"Trust your hunches," advise Portland, Ore., family therapists Ivan and Jeri Inger.

They should know -- they've remodeled their house four times and rebuilt their office building from top to bottom.

Then, with your contractor and remodeler, discuss every contingency you can think of:

• How much say do you want to have in all stages of the project?
• Who makes what decisions?
• What if there's a difference of opinion or something isn't working out?

"The more time you spend on these details before you start, the better off you are," Ivan says.

Below are some additional links to helpful information

Paying For Your Remodeling Project in San Diego

Additional Work

The Right Choices

Communication with the remodeling company

Speak up, communicate, clarify!

The Pre-Construction Home Renovation Meeting

Timing and Schedules, its sunny in San Diego

Delays and Frustration, how to work it out

Be flexible and be realistic

Inconveniences can happen

Preventing the Home Remodeling Fever

Don't hover, Discover

Home Remodeling Information

If you hate the thought of remodeling because you can't stand the chaos, here are some coping tips.

Remodeling is traumatic. How to handle the stress without blowing up.

Preventing problems

Humor helps

Chillin' remember this is California...Relax

Test Your Remodeling Personality Type