A $28,000 estimate isn't necessarily cheaper than a $31,000 estimate.

One may include materials, disposal and permit costs that the other leaves out.

The Contractor Quote Comparison Tool helps you compare the pieces behind the total price.

The Payment & Draw Tracker keeps deposits, progress payments, approved changes and remaining balances organized.

That matters when the project has been running for six weeks and you can't remember whether a particular payment included the additional electrical work.

The Project Cost Dashboard gives you a simple view of:

• Original Budget

• Committed Costs

• Amount Paid

• Remaining Budget

• Projected Overrun

You don't need accounting software.

You need to know where the project stands.

The Contractor Communication Kit provides phone scripts, a walkthrough scorecard and contract clause topics.

These help in communications with your contractor to ensure you get your desired renovation.

Unexpected problems happen. Wood rot, hidden plumbing, damaged framing and outdated wiring may not be visible until work begins.

The expensive mistake is approving additional work without getting the scope and price in writing first.

The Change Order Protection Kit provides repair response scripts, the change order form, change order checklist and decision card.