plan ahead

First things first. You need to sit down and make a list of what you need and what needs to be done before getting started. This was our biggest mistake. We were not getting anything accomplished until we sat down and made a list. Our list looked a little like this...
- lay plastic down on carpets
- knock out old cabinets
- rip out old molding and doors
- measure molding and doors so we can get them ordered
- frame in new cabinets and walls
- peel off old wallpaper
- dry wall
- texture walls and ceilings
- pick our paint colors
- get primer (different colors for different paint)
- get paint sprayer to paint doors
- put in doors and molding
- prime walls
- paint
- get bathroom hardware .... etc.

This is not what your list will look like of course but it gives you a great idea on how to start. You can't just jump in without a blue print in you head of what you want. You may not also do everything that is on you list. It is just a rough draft to help get you started. It is there to give you an idea of what you want and how you want to get it accomplished. Don't let the list scare you. It may look like there is a lot that needs to be done but just start little by little. Remember... Rome wasn't built in a day!

Planning ahead is also good for your budget. When you have everything laid out on paper you will be able to figure out what is needed and what you can do without to reduce costs. Whether your flipping a home, updating, or adding on it can get expensive. Don't overdue it! Do what you can afford and go from there.