Set a time line for completion (it usually takes a month or two longer than expected).

Dream and Imagine – what kind of magic do you want when you walk in the door?

Research Design Ideas – on the web, in stores, open houses, product brochures, magazines, books. Photograph, clip or print examples that give an impression of the style you like. Doing a fair amount of research yourself is important – to be knowledgeable about options and help convey to the designer exactly what you really like and expect.

Select a design theme (modern, contemporary, eclectic, minimalist, traditional, European, etc.)

Research prices for the various grades of materials and appliances.

At this point develop your own preliminary design for the renovations, including floor plans and furnishings.

Select an Architect or Designer. Present your research and design ideas. (Most kitchen or bath designers are not licensed architects or interior designers, but many have relevant training or certification. You may find one that will satisfy your needs quite nicely – especially when doing a "direct" replacement of old cabinets, fixtures and appliances. Or go with a "top of the line" licensed professional. It's generally your choice.)

You could decide to use economy or standard grade materials, but in our experience, you'll be unhappy in the long run if you scrimp. You know the old saw about getting what you pay for. Our advice is to go with quality. Select premium materials and products. And, if necessary, scale back on the scope of the project to pay for them.

Have detailed sketches or drawings made. These should show exactly what the renovations will look like – in both plan and elevation views. A contractor must be able to work from them. Ideally you'll also want to see a computer rendering of each new room. An architect or designer, if employed, provides all of these.

Select a contractor. This is far and away the most important person in our view. The key factors to look for: experience, good references, licensed and insured. The Contractor works with you and your architect or designer. You want to find one you can work with, talk to and trust.

Contractor makes a bid or proposal, plus outlines alternative options.

When a proposal is accepted, the contractor or designer makes a list of materials to order. Take a look at it and verify that orders were placed.

Start the process of obtaining board approval.

Check that necessary building permits have been pulled (an architect or contractor normally handles this for you). If doing a simple project, sometimes you can do it yourself -- click here for details.

When the board gives its approval, introduce yourself to the building "super". We recommend handing him $100 or $200. It’s just part of the culture in NYC, and a little cash up front can pay big dividends down the road. Remodeling tests everyone’s patience and flexibility at times – and you want the super on your side through the process. It’s almost inevitable that your contractor will mess up once in awhile and piss a few people off. He may make too much noise or leave garbage on the sidewalk past pickup time. Or leave a common area dirty….etc. His mistake can sometimes result in issuance of a ticket against the building (sometimes a very expensive one). Ask the super to come to you first if there is the need to resolve an issue….before calling the building’s managing agent. The building can shut down the remodel at almost any point if something happens that really upsets the management company or the board.

Once the contractor starts the demolition…..generally stay out of the way. But check in briefly every few days to stay on top of the progress, and speak up quickly if you see anything happening that is not part of the plan or what you want done.

Work with your contractor, designer and architect. Remain flexible and open to adjustments and changes, when they make sense. Some changes to the plan inevitably occur. Some at your request, some as a result of suggestions from your professionals. Sometimes from necessity due to unforeseeable circumstances (a sub-floor was rotten and you couldn’t tell until demolition revealed it).

Once underway, don't be surprised if you want to make a last second switch or two: you may realize the standard tile you thought you wanted just isn’t going to cut it. That what you really need is some custom-made tile from Morocco. Or you decide to add crown moldings, built in bookshelves, a window seat or a new linen closet. Some owners start out with a plan to redo just two rooms, and half way through decide the remaining 3 rooms in the apartment also need a complete renewal. It's not uncommon. And, generally, if you’ve got the money, your contractor will be happy to oblige (remember to also get board approval for changes as required). Other times your plans change because the budget has reached its elastic limit, and you have to forgo the last 2 items on the list.

Generally, 4-5 months down the road, if all has gone reasonably well, you'll have made it through the entire process, including final touch up, and move into a totally renewed home. That would be the ideal, at least. Final touch up and some finish work, however, are almost inevitably completed after you move in. Such is life!