If you're concerned about saving yourself time, headaches, and tension, read the remodeling diaries of two homeowners who have been through the process and survived. You'll likely pick up tips on how to think ahead-and what you might avoid.

Martha’s Kitchen Remodeling Diary
September 1-21
Secure loan from bank and commission plan from kitchen designer. Order cabinets from home center.

October 8-15
Cabinets arrive—six missing, two damaged. (Learn one of the first lessons of a remodel: patience.) Send the damaged ones back and store others in the garage. Reorders arrive eventually.

October 16-17
Demolition begins. Husband David and his parents tear out plaster walls and floors. Contractor installs new French door. David and his dad assemble cabinets in the garage.

November 4
Insulate walls and ceiling. Buy unfinished red oak flooring at home center so it can acclimate in the house for the required 72 hours before installation. Rent nailers from home center.

November 6-7
Install wood flooring in kitchen. Glad David’s friend can help because it’s definitely a project for two people. Save about $1,000 in labor.

November 8-12
The longest week ever. Drywallers arrive. Dust was everywhere. Once they were done, you could actually see the new space taking shape!

November 12-13
Couldn’t wait to see the green paint color our designer picked. So much energy we paint seven hours straight two days in a row. The whole house seemed to change.