Get good information before starting your project.

By Chris McGinnis

A number of specialty magazines on remodeling are available at local newsstands, and can get you started on ideas for your remodeling projects.

Other publications, such as Consumer Reports rates various appliances on reliability, value, and other factors.

The American Homeowners Foundation suggests the following "Top 10" remodeling tips:

· Compare the cost of moving to remodeling.

· Design ahead. Making changes in the middle of a project generally drives up costs. Moving walls, cabinets and other features on graph paper prior to starting a project is much less expensive.

· Don't overimprove. If you will be in your home a long time, this tip is less important.

However, if you plan to sell your home in the nearer future, make sure you can recoup your investment.

· Allow plenty of time for the job. Scheduling your project during a contractor's slower season helps. Plan for extra time, such as if new cabinets or other job elements do not arrive on time.

·Check the remodelers credentials - carefully.

Are they licensed and insured for workers compensation, property and personal liability? If in doubt, ask to o see their insurance certificate. Do they belong to trade organizations? Many organizations update members on latest techniques. Ask for recent references on similar jobs. Check with the Chaffee County Building Department to see records completed on any of the builder's projects.

· Request a comprehensive bid which details as many of the specifications of the project as possible. Get bids from at least three remodelers. If one bid is unusually low, make sure everything is included. If it is, make sure you've thoroughly covered the previous tip.

· Consider doing some of the work yourself. If bids are higher than expected and too much for you to afford, you may be surprised how much money you can save. But, make sure you are not getting in to something you don't have time or skill to complete.

· Get a comprehensive written contract. A contract will reduce the likelihood of disputes with your remodeler. The contract should contain a description of the project, timetable and payment schedule. General provisions defining responsibility of the contractor and the subcontractors, defects and correction, change order procedures, warranties, right to termination, and alternative dispute mechanisms.

Legal costs are high. The American Homeowners Foundation suggests including an agreement about seeking mediation, conciliation and/ or binding arbitration clauses should disagreement arise.

· Consider buying certain materials in advance. Appliance models change each year. Consider buying when you see a good deal. Sometimes you can get a better deal on a sale price of a closeout model than from a discount wholesaler.

· Be careful about financing. If you're financing the project, you want the lowest rate possible and the interest to be tax deductible.

The American Homeowners Foundation can be contacted at6776 Little Falls Road, Arlington, VA 2213-1213. (703) 536-7776.