The National Association of the Remodeling Industry has provided tips on how to get started and how to stretch a budget for spring remodeling projects.

Spring means fresh thoughts, new beginnings, and ideas for home renovation beginning to take shape. It marks the time when homeowners across the country seek out contractors who can turn their dream homes into reality through the process of remodeling.

May is National Home Improvement Month, so the perfect time of year to begin thinking about home improvement projects is right now. As the weather begins to get warmer, there is more demand for remodeling contractors, so homeowners are advised not to wait until summertime to start thinking about making changes to their homes. “Finding the right design, choosing a professional contractor, and securing the necessary financing for a home improvement project can sometimes take months,” says NARI President Everett Collier, CR. NARI suggests that homeowners who want to start a project by the summer start planning now.

General demand for home improvements and repairs continues on an upward trend, leaving quality contractors booked six to nine months in advance. NARI recommends the following steps to help kick-start the process:

* Think your project through from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space - all for a lot less than the cost of a new home. 

* Look over your property carefully. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help you in your planning by outlining options and discussing the improvements you can make within your budget. 

* Review your homeowner's insurance policy. What adjustments need to be made for the added value of the work being done?

General Remodeling Tips

No one likes to cut a budget, especially when it's their own. But when it comes to planning a remodeling project, homeowners must establish a realistic budget ... and manage it.

Preparing for a remodeling project is a lot like preparing to buy a car. You may know the room and style you want, but the options you choose may drive the price higher than you can reasonably afford. There are ways to stretch the remodeling budget, though, and end up with a stylish room within budget.

Below are NARI members' top ways to stretch a budget:

Getting Started

* The most important step is finding a professional remodeling contractor for your job.

* Hire a professional contractor who is familiar with the building codes in your area. Replacing work that does not meet code can be extremely expensive. 

* A well-written contract can prevent costly mistakes or additions to the scope of your project. It is a critical step in maintaining your budget. 

* Save money by planning ahead. Go through the design process first and choose everything you want to include in the new room(s), from appliances to light fixtures. This will define your budget and prevent hasty (and costly) decisions later in the project. Be sure to include all your product and material selections in the contract to avoid confusion and unnecessary change orders. Include the model, size, color, and other specifications. It is also wise to save 10-20 percent of your budget to allow for items added to the scope of work. 

* Product choice is the number one way to decrease the cost of your remodeling project. In addition, pay attention to how labor intensive some design features may be, for example laying ceramic tile on kitchen countertops and the backsplash. 

* Compare products and their prices carefully before you make final decisions. And keep an open mind when you discuss product and design ideas with your contractor. 

* Make decisions based on value and quality, not just price. 

* Think about staging the work being done to minimize the initial financial impact. It is often easier to create a more manageable budget by starting small and adding to the project at a later date. This will break the work into several jobs instead of one large project. The down side of staging a remodel is that you may end up paying more in the long run.

Whether homeowners want to expand their kitchen, add a second bath, build a family room, or install a deck, they can contact NARI to find a professional remodeling contractor in their area. "While most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects and cosmetic touchups, they need to consult with qualified professionals for larger remodeling jobs and major changes to the home’s structure," says Collier.

The remodeling market, projected to be a $291.5 billion industry in the U.S. in 2006, is expected to continue to experience significant growth. It is estimated that more than a million homes per year undergo major renovation or remodeling.

NARI is a professional association whose members voluntarily subscribe to a strict code of ethics. Consumers should search www.RemodelToday.com to find a qualified professional who is a member of NARI.

Consumers can also call the NARI National hotline at 800-611-NARI and request a free copy of NARI’s brochure, “How to Select a Remodeling Professional,” or visit www.RemodelToday.com and click on the homeowner’s guide for more information.