Your project is likely to cause plenty of dirt, dust, and commotion around your home. Remodeling may disrupt some daily routines you have, including some you may not be aware of. You must prepare yourself and your family for what may be weeks or months of inconvenience.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry offers some tips to ensure your project runs smoothly and that will help your lifestyle to remain as normal as possible:

Spell Out the Process. Ask the contractor what specifically will be done, when, and how long each task will take. Keep in mind that the odds are that delays will occur during your remodeling project; some of which are beyond the contractors control such as weather, permit approval, delays in materials shipments, and a myriad of other situations. Realize that changes you make, called "change orders", to the project after work has begun may also affect the schedule and your budget. Even the most talented contractor is going to face periodic delays. That is just the way remodeling is, so plan ahead.

Plan for Extra Storage. The contractor is going to have extra tools, materials and equipment in your house. You will have to agree with your contractor on a designated area for storage.

Communicate with your Contractor. Have the contractor's phone number handy. It is important to set up arrangements for regular communication with your contractor. Make arrangements to meet with someone in charge of the job, such as your project manager, on a daily basis. It should be done with the same person every day and it should take place on the job site. Keeping each other informed is the best insurance you and your contractor have in preventing disagreements due to a lack of communication.

Plan for the Logistics. Where may workers park? Is there a neighbor who will be upset by trucks in front of their home? What are the earliest and latest hours for working? Is smoking allowed? What entrance should the workers use? What entrance should materials come in through? Are parts of the house "off limits" to workers? How will pets be handled? How clean will the job site be made each day? May the contractor post a sign in the yard? Which (if any) bathrooms on the job site may workers use? Discuss these and other questions you may have with your contractor.

Check Locks and Keys. You may need to share keys with your contractor. Be sure you know who is responsible.

Keep Clear. Remember having your home remodeled is uniquely different from having a new home built. Your home is a work site in progress. Safety is of great importance so be careful when entering the job site. If there are young children inside your home, please educate them that tools are not toys. Do not allow them to enter a construction area without an adult.

Expect the Unexpected. There are hundreds of things that can occur during a remodel project, such as adverse weather, late deliveries of materials, strikes, wrong parts, etc. Keep in mind that the bigger the project, the greater the potential.

Protect your Household Items. Cover furniture and carpeting. A lot of dust occurs, so you may want to put some of your household items in storage. A good contractor will help you cover and protect the work area.

Keep your Cool. Staying calm and flexible is key in ensuring a smooth project. Some people put penalty/bonus clauses into the contract as additional motivators for the contractor to complete the job on time. In theory these clauses make a lot of sense, but in practice they tend to backfire. As a rule, a bonus works better than a penalty simply because it is inherently more positive. You also don't want a contractor to lose all motivation when a job gets behind schedule. It is not in your best interest for the contractor to be tempted to cut corners or skip steps to reach a deadline.

Treat the Workers Nicely. A word of appreciation, a cup of coffee, or a cold beverage on a hot day does a long way.

Try Not to Question Every Step. Workers are following orders and construction specifications. Keep your discussions about the project with your assigned project manager.

Plan Ahead to do Without Water or Power if Lines are Shut Off.