DEAR TIM: My wife and I are in disagreement concerning plans and blueprints for an upcoming remodeling project. I feel that simple sketches and a strong written contract will be just fine. She wants a full set of blueprints. Can we streamline the planning process? Can we develop our own plans? C. O.

DEAR C.O.: I think you both have made a strong case. In my opinion, you and your wife need to combine your ideas if you desire a successful project. You need a full set of blueprints and a strong written contract. Blueprints or plans reduce your wishes and contractor's promises to a singular graphic document. There is no more effective means of communication than high quality plans.

Many homeowners underestimate the value of the planning process. It is here that project success or failure is determined. If your project is not thoroughly thought out, all sorts of problems may occur during construction. For example, a kitchen cabinet layout may prove to be awkward, room sizes may be too small, building code requirements may be overlooked.

Projects with poor plans almost always come in over budget. Change orders seem to pop up everyday. Developing a full set of blueprints usually exposes these problems. I couldn't agree more concerning a strong written contract. Your contract needs to include all of the language required by your local state or municipality. For example, my city requires specific language in a contract regarding down payment monies and a customer's right to cancel the contract within 3 days after signing. Be sure to include language in your contract that indicates that all work should be performed in accordance with your finished, dated plans. I have coached many homeowners in the early stages of planning.

Often, I suggest that you look through magazines. Cut out pictures that depict design ideas, colors, styles, etc. of what interests you. Paste these pictures on a piece of notebook paper. Make a few quick notes on the pages to remind you of what you like about the photos. Install these pages in a simple 3 ring binder. Use this tool to communicate your thoughts to your builder, architect, or designer.

Five years ago, I would have said that you could probably not develop your own plans. However, the personal computer has changed my thoughts. Many computers that you purchase today will support design software that allows you to create plans, drawings, and sometimes three dimensional views of your project. I have a simple design program that allows me to draw a floorplan, doors, windows, interior walls, fixtures, etc. on my own computer. Many professional builders, architects, and designers have powerful design programs that allow them to create, modify, and view your plan on a large monitor. You can actually walk through your house before it is built. These computer programs are usually too expensive for a homeowner. However, you can purchase affordable design programs that will allow you to experiment on your own.

Use these to develop your own preliminary plans and ideas. Once you feel you have a workable design, have the professional fine tune it.