In every remodel make sure you account for wiggle room. Interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn has a rule for remodeling, which suggests only 70 percent of the overall plans will be solid while the remaining 30 percent are considered wiggle room that are subject to change. 

If you're adding new junction boxes to an existing ceiling, keep in mind that there will be drywall or plaster patching, sanding and mudding involved which can be messy. Before your electrician arrives, remove any upholstered pieces or precious items from the space since the dust can potentially stain.

Once framing is up, bring painter's tape to map out intended furniture and ensure it will fit as designated on paper.

Always do a final color check after walls have been insulated and sheetrock is installed because the yellow coloring of pine used for framing can alter how colors read. 

Anytime you're replacing stairwell railing, leave the numbers up to your contractor since millwork is precise and configured down to the one-sixteenth of an inch measurement.