I always advise people to start any home project­–large or small–by working with a professional. Architects and professional contractors know what questions to ask and can help you avoid the pitfalls that can turn a dream home into a nightmare. Most of my clients are smart, well-educated professionals who excel in their fields of expertise. The problem is that some clients believe their intelligence naturally extends into home design and construction. This mentality can be disastrous. Acting as your own general contractor is a time-consuming, daunting task that leads many couples into rocky unknown territory. Time and again we’ve seen clients run into huge construction snafus simply because they took on a role they were not experienced in, with a price tag to match. Asking for referrals from friends, your local Home Builders Association and American Institute of Architects are all great places to find the expertise you and your new home deserve.