Although a home addition or remodeling project is almost always a major effort that can affect the resale value of your home, it should be done primarily to improve your quality of life. Keep the following list in mind when adding on to your home:

- Match the style of your home.
- Gather ideas from magazines and home shows.
- Consider hiring a designer, engineer or architect to help with the design.
- Integrate the addition into your existing structure.
- Have a plan with detailed descriptions of the materials that will be used.
- Call at least three general contractors to get estimates.
- Call various service professionals from several trades, such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
- Talk to friends and neighbors who have recently remodeled to gather information and insight.
-- Tips courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com