The worst thing you can do when renovating is try to reinvent the wheel. Regardless of how big or small your renovation project, don't think that you're the first person to ever attempt it. You're not. While there may be some new twists peculiar to your home, in gen¬eral everything that can be done in renovation has been done by others. Benefit from their experience.

There are a host of resources available to you before you start your project. Take a look at these and "steal" ideas from them. You may want to put a Jacuzzi® in your bathroom. See how others have done it'the layout they used, how they made it fit into a small space'and check the different styles, colors, and prices available. Or you may want to renovate your entire home. Check out what others have done with a home similar to yours'the clever cost-cutting tricks they used, how they made use of space and light. Look into your options.

Your resources today are almost limitless.

What about Magazines and Books?
There are a host of magazines out there that cater to renovators. Many are composed entirely of plans for home design. Others con¬centrate on kitchen and bath. Still others emphasize interior design. Never mind the furniture in the photos'look at the rooms the fur¬niture is in for new ideas! Here is a partial list:

American Style
Mostly about furniture and colors, but check out the photos of rooms for ideas.

Bedrooms and Baths   
Mostly on decorating, but you'll get lots of ideas on different looks for rooms, some you may like.

Home   
Check out the ads. You might find just the faucet or toilet bowl you're looking for. Also, good for ideas on converting space.

Home and Architectural Trends
A great dream book. You'll get all kinds of fantastic ideas, but most may be too expensive for your pocketbook.

Homestyks Home Plans
A few articles on design, but mostly different style homes with whole-house layouts. Blueprints available for a fee.

Interior Design
Mostly on commercial buildings, but some articles on dream homes.
Taunton's Fine Home Building Great ideas and tips on new build¬ing techniques, from countertops to rain gutters.

This Old House
Like the television show, only broader in scope. Covers the field from landscaping to porches.

These magazines should all be available (or can be ordered) at your local magazine stand or bookstore. You don't need to subscribe to or buy all these publications (although you may want a subscrip¬tion to one or two that seem particularly attuned to your needs). But you will find it helpful to peruse several of them. Sometimes just look¬ing at the pictures will give you a new idea, something you hadn't considered, for solving a design problem.