With the real estate market in a slump, Americans are spending billions of dollars on remodeling. This detailed guide provides excellent advice on saving money by being your own “contractor” on any remodeling project whether it’s the kitchen, bathroom or any other area of a house or apartment. Discusses how to prepare a remodeling plan and budget; finance the work; research and hire the workers; monitor the project and what recourse to take in case something goes wrong. Includes tips and anecdotes to aid readers in saving time, money and aggravation during the remodeling process.