As the owner of a building under renovation, you have to decide how much day-to-day control you want to have in the process. It is particularly natural for someone who is new to the renovation process to adopt a lassaiz-faire approach. There is a whole new language to learn, and it can be difficult and intimidating to question a contractor or design professional until you truly understand an issue.

It is important to keep in mind that it is your money paying for the job and you are the one who will have to live with the finished product! You will still need to be involved in resolving the inevitable questions that crop up - from paint selection to quality control, the buck stops with you.

This section covers some of the key management tools you have at your disposal.