Every homeowner has a horror story about remodeling. Here's how to avoid such domestic disasters. This practical guide focuses specifically on issues that relate to hiring and managing home repair professionals: what to expect from a competent craftsman; how to arrange financing; how to negotiate contracts; how to supervise contractors; and what to do if the work is faulty. Unlike nuts-and-bolts instruction manuals, however, this book deals with the homeowner's emotional distress, conflict, and anxiety aggravated by home repair complications. Readers can easily empathize with the real-world experiences Levinson describes. Lively anecdotes and case studies are included to help anyone deal with home repair snafus and delays, while learning bow to prevent future remodeling mishaps. Whether you are trying to locate a reliable plumber, electrician, or handyman, here are proven tips for getting the job done successfully at reasonable cost. Helpful checklists, sample contract forms, a glossary, and a list of licensing requirements for contractors throughout the United States add to this book's usefulness. Complete chapters cover each of these topics in detail, making this a helpful handbook to consult before launching any home renovation project. Ellis Levinson realistically emphasizes renovations and repairs to help the homeowner who must make do rather than build anew.