This book equips owners with the information and strategies needed to turn their vision into a home or renovation project that can be executed on time and within budget. Chapters give detailed coverage of critical topics: design options, selecting and supervising the architect and contractor, cost estimates, budgets, plan specifications, contracts, dealing with town officials and keeping track of everything along the way. For each stage of the project there is detailed information on common pitfalls and how to avoid them, as well as insiders' tips which reveal what most contractors can't tell you. This book was previously published by Warner Books (2004) and titled What the Experts May Not Tell You About Building or Renovating Your Home. Amy Johnston is a Construction Manager and Owner's Representative. She grew up renovating homes with her family and went on to build and renovate several of her own. Johnston has spent the last twenty years managing the design and construction or renovation of residential