Major home remodeling isn�t for the faint of heart; there is huge potential for design problems, cost overruns, or just unsatisfactory workmanship. Here, a professional construction manager who masterminded the redesign at New York�s famed Avery Fisher Hall as well as a massive institute-wide renovation of St. Luke�s Hospital, offers an indispensable guide for homeowners who need to manage a large-scale renovation. There�s advice on how to articulate your thoughts clearly to designers, architects, and contractors; tips on negotiating contracts; suggestions for protecting yourself from legal and financial threats; and help understanding warranty claims. Each step�from initial planning through the completed project�is covered in layman�s terms, and sample contracts, floor plans, cost estimating worksheets and other forms are provided.