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You might think renovating a home is simple when budget isn't a factor, but when there are no limits, it's deceptively easy to become side railed. Getting off-track on a home renovation can be disastrous. You may end up with rooms that feel cavernous and impossible to fill or hallways that meander on, seemingly for miles. Worse, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of a renovation that never seems to end. You'll need focus and a plan to keep these situations from happening.

Have a Definite Plan Before You Begin

It's important to have a plan and to stick closely to it throughout your renovation. This doesn't mean you won't opt for an alternate style of sink or choose different flooring. It means deciding what you're going to renovate and how long you want it to take. Have an overall design and a timeline for each element. And have an overall timeframe of when the work will be completed. Keep the momentum of the project going with incremental goals so you can measure progress.

Act as Though You Have a Budget, Even if You Don't

It may sound unnecessary, but setting a budget is actually vital. Even if funds are unlimited, you should set a target for your contractors to operate within. The professionals who are working to help you with your remodel -- your designer, your contractor, and more -- need to have real, physical limits on spending. If you want to go all-in, that's fine. But you should still declare financial limits, even if it's only for your own peace of mind.

Narrow Your Choices

When you can have everything your heart desires, it's easy to become overwhelmed with options. Sit down with anyone else who will be living in the house and talk through which features are needs and which are wants. It's great to incorporate both, but needs should always take precedence so that the final result serves you well. While you may have the budget for a home movie theater, do you have the space? And if not, where will you make the space? Will you sacrifice your finished basement, or will you add on a new level? Once you have an exact idea of what everyone wants and how you'll achieve it, it's time to approach a designer and a contractor.

Exercising a little caution during an upscale home renovation will keep things moving along at an acceptable pace. It will also help keep you and your design team from becoming lost along the way.

Tag: Budgeting