Remodeling can be a daunting Process. Our house is our most valuable material asset, both financially and emotionally. You are justisified in your feelings of apprehension at the thought-after all, you're putting something so valuable in the hands of someone who will often be literally destroying parts of it. And there is truth to the horror stories we've all heard about nightmare contractors, disastrous remodels, and outright criminals in the buisiness.

But it doesn't have to feel that way. The overwhelming majority of remodelers are hard working, honest, decent individuals who are providing an invaluable service to the community. The most important thing you can do is ask questions. Ask your neighbor, ask your friends, ask for referrals, ask for details. Start with a list off the top of your head, then do some research and add to YOUR list. Tradeshows, magazines and the internet are all excellent sources of information. By making the list yours, you will be confident of the steps your contractor takes. Stay involved in the process, but let them do their work. Take a few minutes and browse around, the next time you think about remodeling, you will be that much better off. Some internet resources