Question: We have been living in our...

Question: We have been living in our home for 20 years without doing any major home improvement work other than painting and upkeep. Now that we are retired and like the neighborhood in which we live, we would like to do a complete remodeling program to suit our needs.

Can you suggest where we can get the necessary information regarding general home improvement work before calling a contractor?

Answer: You should develop a concise idea of your needs. Many people decide to remodel after reading a magazine article or seeing a pretty picture in an advertisement but have no firm idea of what they would like to do. The net result is that they may discuss things with a contractor that are not feasible.

There are basically two things that need to be done before you meet with a contractor. First, you need to set up a proposed budget, and second, you need to research a wide range of possible improvements.

In establishing a budget, keep in mind that these home improvements will be either paid in cash or borrowed funds. Home improvements are usually a good investment because while they improve your life style, they also upgrade the value of your property.

When you have set your proposed budget, you should make a list of what you would like to do. Perhaps you do not like the exterior of your home and would like a face lift, or perhaps you need to completely redo your kitchen and your bath.

Your list should contain an itemized account of work to be done, in order of importance. If your top priority is remodeling a kitchen, for example, you should go for ideas to various home improvement display centers that feature kitchens.

There are other resources that will enable you to choose the improvements that suit you best. Visit as many model homes as possible. Also, clip out items from magazines. Another good idea is to visit open houses. Focus on those which are geared towards the “up market” housing, as these will have the innovative ideas that you are probably looking for.

By this time, you should have a firm but flexible range of ideas for your home improvement project--you are ready to choose a contractor. Some contractors will disregard some of your ideas as not being feasible, while others will try to work in most of your ideas where possible. At least you will have a starting point.

CORRECTION: I erred in the toll-free phone number for Professional Builder magazine in last week’s column. The correct number is 1-800-323-7379.