Here is an excellent little article from the National Association of Home Builders.
http://www.nahb.org/Perhaps it was that moment when you realized that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the "in" colors for today's trendy kitchens. Or maybe you had an epiphany one day as you stood in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought has crossed your mind: Maybe it's time to remodel . . .If you decide to follow through on that thought, you'll join millions of others who decide to remodel their homes each year. The reasons for remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake. Some of these include:
--Adding more space.
--Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures.
--Creating a floor plan that's customized for your lifestyle.
--Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems.
--Increasing the resale value of your home.
Before you head too far down the remodeling path, it's a good idea to think through your wants and needs:
--Decide what changes you want to make.
--Ask yourself and other family members what you like and dislike about the house, then create a prioritized list.
--Look at magazines and collect pictures of what you like.
--Think about traffic patterns, furniture placement, colors, lighting, and how you want to use the remodeled space now and in the future.
