What I am talking about, of course, is room additions. Kitchens, bathrooms, studies, bedrooms or whatever name you give the space, it can be a simple and inexpensive way to improve your home and your way of life.

Imagine if you and your loved one didn't have to use the bathroom in shifts. If the kids each had their own rooms, they would have nothing to argue about (nice try!). The possibilities are limited only by your imagination, and of course the bank that's holding the note. But let's not get bogged down with the legalities and discuss some of the first steps to adding living space to your home:

1. First, locate your property lines and develop a plot plan which would include your home, landscaping and the location of the utilities. This is important information because local codes have restrictions with regard to how close you can build to your neighbor.
2. Next, look at the structure and the floor plan of your home. With the help of a residential designer or architect, we would develop a plan to provide the most attractive, useful and economical addition to your home.
3. The last step before work begins is to have detailed descriptions of the materials and the scope of the work to be done. "How much detail should I have?" you ask. The short answer is "More -- it is not possible to have too much."

Homeowners often ask how the bids can vary so much in price when everyone is looking at the same plans. I tell them it's all in the details. Putting them in writing is essential to eliminate confusion about the products to be used and the work to be done, so builders can give accurate bids and buyers can compare them easily.

One bid, for instance, may include door hardware at $9 per set. That is a low price, and if all you are concerned about is the lowest bid, this may be what you are looking for. However, if you want the hardware to match what you have in the rest of the house, or you don't want it to fall apart in your hand within the year, you need to see the specific type (brand name, style numbers, etc.) of hardware detailed in your materials list. That way you can see exactly where the bids really differ in order to make more educated choices.

The written scope of work is equally important when considering your construction project. This should outline, again in detail, who is responsible for each portion of the job. For example, will the contractor pay for the building permit or will you? Do you want the workers using your bathroom or would you rather they use an on-site toilet? Do you want lumber delivered on your brand new sod lawn or on the street? These kinds of details defined in writing at the time of bidding will eliminate most of the problems that result in a frustrating and stress-inducing job.

The key word in the last sentence is most. Understanding that there will be strange people ripping and tearing up the home you dearly love is enough to take the blood pressure up a notch. But you've got to keep the final outcome in focus. Remember, you have to crack the oyster shell to find the pearl -- or something like that!

Seriously, all these precautions do take time to research and put in writing, but I guarantee they will save you time and grief in the long run. And take heart -- you don't have to circle the wagons.

'Til the next time, may your construction project be a smooth one -- and Happy Trails!

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com