Step 4: Clear plenty of time on your calendar for the project.
Do not attempt to remodel your entire kitchen the month before Thanksgiving-it's unrealistic. You should establish a realistic timetable with your contractor that allows for delays due to weather, supply shortages, or other glitches that may occur.

Step 5: Find a reputable contractor. The only way to protect yourself during a remodeling project is to hire a professional contractor.  Make sure that you choose a contractor who is licensed, insured and has a long list of local references that you can call on to confirm his reputation.

Step 6: Create a budget. Decide how much you can realistically afford for the project before you start. If you are remodeling to sell, your budget should not exceed the increase in sales price of the home that is the result of remodeling. If you plan on staying in the home for a lengthy amount of time, you should spend a little more to get what you want.

Step 7: Request a comprehensive proposal from your contractor. The proposal should tell you how much the project is going to cost and what types of products will be used. If the proposal comes in above your budget limit, talk to your contractor about other options. Sometimes you can accomplish the same look with other products or design techniques.

Step 8: Get a complete, written contract before the work begins. The contract should cover the description of the project, timetable, payment schedule, types of products, etc., with provisions for the responsibilities of the contractor, subcontractors, change order procedures, warranties, and alternative dispute settlement clauses.

Step 9: Tie payments to work stages. Be wary of any contractor who wants a large amount of money up front. Normal contracts split payments by decreasing percentages of total cost and are tied to significant work stages in the project. Please note, however, that a large amount of money is usually required at the start of kitchen remodels to cover the costs of ordering appliances.

Step 10: Take a deep breath and keep your perspective. Remodeling can be noisy, time-consuming and disruptive to the normal home environment. It's important to keep your sense of humor and stay focused on the end result. Don’t be afraid to ask your contractor to do things to make the remodel easier on you such as setting up a temporary kitchen or erecting a dust barrier between the work area and the rest of your home.