Follow this step-by-step guide to preparing for a major luxury home renovation.

This Home Renovation 101 Guide includes:

• How to put down your ideas in a way that will help guide the contractor and design teams to accomplish your renovation goals
• What kind of time and budgetary expectations should be set—and when
• What to ask your home insurance agent
• Which custom remodeling projects require a specialist—and where to find one
• The benefits of design-build contracting, in which your contractor works directly with your architect and contractor
• What to consider when choosing your ideal renovation firm