Divide it by subs...electrical, roofing, windows, flooring, tile, plumbing, etc. It's easier to find things that way. Your subs will have a lot of questions, so keep the binder handy where they can consult it if they need to. As for your financial record...Excel is great, and Quicken is easier to use. With Quicken, I could see where the money was going, and which account (equity line, checking account, credit card) it was coming from. Create a category called Home Renovation. Then create sub categories for each of the various aspects of the job...they will usually correspond with the folders in your binder. And by keeping your financial records separate from the binder, you can keep the binder out for everyone to look at. Keep your permits and copies of applications for permits in the folder on the inside of the front cover of the binder. And don't forget to keep records of how much state income tax you paid on everything if your state allows a federal tax deduction (as WA State does) on your federal taxes. You might want to set up a small work table in a common area with the binder and a copy of the architectural plans.

Sooooo, I am back. What a learning process this has been. But progress is being made and we are thrilled. Some updates to the plan........and of course up up updates to the budget. We have spent/committed $148,000 so far. I can give a breakdown of expenses if anyone is interested...we have had to delay the outdoor renovation for the time being. Here is the work we have accomplished (or are going to accomplish). All of this is included in the $148K except where noted. BATHS Rip out 3 and a half baths down to studs, remodel using Home Depot marble tiles in full baths (12 x 12 on floor, combination of 2x2, 6x6, and subway tile on walls. (to ceiling), Glass tile accents and borders. Slate floor in half bath. Kohler Archer tubs & toilets, etc. Restoration Gramercy Marble top vanity in two bathrooms, Restoration mirrors, Restoration Hardware lighting. Custom glass shower enclosure/door in master bath. Salvaged vintage sink and toilet in Full bath-YAY!, savings!. Kohler sink and toilet in half bath. KITCHEN Rip out entire kitchen (14 x 17) to studs. Install BR-11 Wenge floor 5 inch width.. Move plumbing and electric to accommodate new kitchen design. All Viking appliances: 36 inch stand alone freezer (floor model), 36 inch stand alone Fridge (floor model), 30 inch wall oven, 24 inch wall microwave with trim kit, Dishwasher, 36 inch cooktop. Shiloh inset shaker cabinets and center island painted polar white. Cabinets will consist of base cabinets, wall cabinets and additional set of glass cabinets above wall cabinets, to extend to ceiling. Minimal pull outs and special features (we couldn't afford any special features!!) Honed marble tops on counters and island, in either Imperial Danby or Carrara (budget reflects Carrara, but I love the milkyness of Danby). Elkay extra deep sink and moen faucet. Drawer pulls TBD (not budgeted yet). Rip out laundry room to create mud room (create cubbies. shelves, etc). install slate floors in mudroom. Take out all "stucco" walls and ceiling in den (down to studs). Replace with drywall and shaker molding. Remove carpet in 4 rooms over garage (1000 sq ft) and replace with Koka Oak ($5 sq foot). There is only a subfloor under carpet. Install base molding. Replace 8 windows with Anderson wood and vinyl windows. Removal of 11 hollow core doors (30 x 80) and replace with Jeldwen 5 panel shaker doors. Hardware TBD (not budgeted). Reconfigure of master Bedroom to Build walk in closet. Build walk in closet. Installation of Central Air to entire House. (time consuming and frustrating!!) Demolition of Basement walls/panelling to expose source of water coming in. Dig one side of foundation to reveal source of water getting in basement.....repair and replace dirt. Removal of wall paper from first and second floor. Sanding, Skim coat (2 coats) plaster, sanding again. I think that's all for right now. I am not doing any of the actual work, but I am exhausted nonetheless!!

We are in the middle of a renovation/house expansion. Would it make sense to include a water filter? Is it worth getting a whole house water filter or just one that goes under the kitchen sink? We don't have well water, just regular city water in Maryland. I'm leaning towards under the kitchen sink. Any brands one should get or stay away from?

OK. How about something like this. The island seating would be on the DR side out of any work areas. I could also put a microwave in the island. Not sure yet about the wall support so for now there is nothing but I assume between the kitchen designer and architect (engineer?) they will tell me what I should do to make sure my house does not fall down. I guess I would prefer to NOT to have columns but I am guessing that would be a lot more expensive. Not sure what and how to layout cabs in the island. This is what I came up with so far. The micro could be in the cab facing the dishwasher wall. I could put fake fronts on the cab on the LR side on the left. On the cabinet side facing sink I would put long handle to hang towels as I hate having them on the stove handle now. Thank you.