Planning is the key to skirting disasters when building, remodeling, or improving your home. Whether you are doing the work yourself or working with a contractor, architect, or other professional, developing a workable set of building plans, gathering the necessary building and zoning permits and clearances, and laying out a clear plan of attack will help you not just in surviving the process, but in succeeding on every level.

Of course, if you've been through these kinds of improvements before, you may have a fair idea of how to proceed. But if you are a newbie to major projects, you're going to need some help with planning and anticipating what lies ahead. This section of HomeTips offers basic guidance for dealing with all of these issues, from project plans to permits and strategies.