A: Wow, you are certainly ambitious! However, I don't know how likely it is that you can get this project finished within a month if you have no idea how to do it.

As far as the specific steps to doing these projects, I advise you to look for books (complete with pictures) video tapes or classes at a local home improvement store. You can find books at home improvement stores and in book stores, and you can find books and how-to videos online with a good search engine.

You can rent wallpaper removal machines at rental stores. Home Advisor has information about removing wallpaper, the different techniques for installing tile and all the steps required for refinishing and painting wooden cabinets.

When you visit Home Advisor, select Painting and type the following titles into the search box:

• Tiles Add New Life To Your Home
• Tips for Installing Tile
• Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
• Refinishing Cabinet
• Repainting Cabinets

In reading the information, however, you will see my personal bias. After more than a decade in the home improvement referral business, I have come to the conclusion that in most cases, it is best to hire a professional to get a job done right the first time. Having to pay someone to fix mistakes usually costs far more than hiring a pro to do it right the first time.

This is particularly true with two of the projects you are considering: tile countertops and refinishing cabinets.

"A bad tile job is awful. Water runs down into low spots, tiles crack easily, improperly mixed grout can seep residue, the whole surface can actually look wavy if the base is not perfectly level," warns residential designer Teri Clark.

Secondly, only about half the professional painters I know will even attempt to refinish wood cabinets and those who do usually have their customers sign waivers agreeing to pay for the process even if they don't turn out as hoped. This is because the results of stripping and restaining old wood cannot be guaranteed. It is often best to paint them, which is still usually best done by professionals.

If you still choose to try it yourself, I think you would tackle the cabinets first. However, I think you should give yourself more time, go slowly, and be ready to call in help if necessary.

To locate reliable professionals to do these and other home improvement projects, visit Home Advisor, fill out the appropriate service request, and be matched with the ideal service professional in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com