The very first thing you should do when you start thinking about a remodeling or renovation project is to come up with a budget. I implore you to resist the urge to pick up the phone and call sixteen different contractors for estimates and use whatever responses you get to form a budget number. It is in everyone's best interest for you to do your homework first. By wisely determining a preliminary budget you will be able to screen contractors on the phone and schedule fewer visits, saving you a lot of time and aggravation, while wildly increasing the odds of a thrilling remodeling experience.