I knew nothing about remodeling a house. Now I know alot more! :) I hope you will find this information useful... :) Starting: 1. What triggered me to finally start the process is my sister told me to basically ' grow a pair of balls '. I have to own this project... do what I like and don't worry about what other people might think of it... all that matters is that you like the house. Plus, the existing house was in such bad shape... I really could not make it worse! :) 1. Finding a contractor. Good luck! Its hard, and I found one that I really like. Bids: 1. Get several bids. Does not matter if you like the contractors or not... you have to get at least 3 bids. 2. I hated when contractors would say... 'well, you know... I don't know exactly what is behind that wall' or 'well, I am not sure exactly what the roof looks like'. Since we gutted the entire house, I ended up taking down the ceiling just so the contractor could see the trusses... so I