On Time and on Budget: A Home Renovation Survival Guide

John Rusk, contractor and renovation mediator, knows the ins and outs of the renovation business and in On Time and On Budget he explains everything you need to know before picking up the phone. In an engaging and informative style, Rusk shows you how to negotiate with a contractor, structure a payment schedule that is fair to everyone, and create the vital "punchlist" that guarantees the completion of a successful renovation - on time and on budget. Rusk takes you through every step of a renovation project - from the design stage, when the plans are drawn, to the construction stage, when the walls finally go up. He explains why things often go wrong and how to make sure you get the best work from your architect and contractor. And he shows you how to avoid the disputes that so often lead to disappointment and disaster.