Shop Around

This cannot be emphasized enough if you are trying to bring down the cost of your project! Shop around for contractors. Look online. Talk to other people who have had work done on their homes. Get estimates from at least five different sources. If you prefer one contractor to another, but his price is higher, mention the great deals that other contractors have offered you. Sometimes they will make adjustments!

Know What You Want

The fun part of remodeling is the shopping! Finding the new floor, paint, cabinets, and decoration that are exactly what you want! It is good to have an idea in mind before you leave your house to go to the local home improvement store. Know for example if you prefer wood, carpet, or linoleum floors. Have a few different options for countertops and cabinets. The more flexible you are, the more likely your chances of finding what you're looking for! And the more likely you are to not be talked into something you aren't sure about, that may cost more than you meant to pay. Once again, don't forget to shop around! Try online sources such as eBay. They are very popular both for vintage shopping and for things that look like new.

It's also important to stick with your decisions. Changing your mind last minute not only makes your workers' job more difficult (which can make them grumpy), it also leads to returns (if you're lucky!) and extra purchases (which can make you grumpy).

Buy only That

It is sometimes too easy to be shopping for countertops and notice that shiny new sink, that is only a few more dollars than the one you had in mind. Then you think you'd better buy dishes to go with your new coat of paint. And that light fixture is so outdated! There is nothing wrong with getting what you want, as long as it is in your budget. Don't let yourself be carried away by extras, unless you were planning on buying them from the beginning.

Be Assertive

It is a known fact that kitchen remodeling usually takes more time, and costs more money, than one would initially think. It's best to start with a budget that is lower than you can afford, because if you go over budget you will have something set aside. However, even with all the precautions you take to be sure that YOU don't go over budget, contractors are not always trustworthy! Some of them will do anything to prolong the time they work for you, and the amount of money that you pay them.

If you have suspicions that you are being talked into something, don't be afraid to ask questions! It is good to get an agreement beforehand, preferably in writing, that looks out for your interests. That way you will know that the contractor is being straight with you. Sometimes it is even necessary to insist that they sign to be finished by a particular date, or they will lose a part of their payment. This is a rare request and may surprise them, but it is perfectly legal and makes the deal safer for you. Be sure it is a reasonable date, on or around their own estimate. You are not asking for anything more than they have already offered you, and if they refuse, that is a very bad sign!

Eyes on the Prize

The most important thing to remember is to be patient! Remember that when this is all done you will have a beautiful new kitchen, designed exactly the way you want it to be. Be firm but kind, as contractors will usually treat you the way that they are treated. Remember to know what you want your kitchen to become, and make sure that it gets there. This is your project! You can do it.