G
ary M. Singer is a Florida attorney, board‑certified in real‑estate law by the Florida Bar, and runs a practice in Sunrise that handles real‑estate, business litigation, and contract matters. He chairs the Broward County Bar Association’s Real‑Estate Section, co‑hosts the weekly “Legal News and Review” radio show, and advises companies nationwide on Florida real‑estate trends. Questions can be sent to sunsentinel.com/askpro or via Twitter @GarySingerLaw. With over two decades of experience, he has guided countless clients through complex real‑estate transactions.

    **Mandy:** We finally saved enough for a kitchen remodel, but seeing friends’ projects makes us nervous. Any tips?

    **Answer:** A kitchen remodel can be exciting yet demanding. If possible, relocate during the work; the kitchen’s disruption can be stressful. If you stay, set up a temporary kitchen elsewhere with a microwave, toaster oven, and small fridge, and keep pets and kids away from the work zone. Before starting, list must‑haves and nice‑to‑haves, set a realistic budget, and vet contractors through reviews and referrals. Once chosen, secure a written contract detailing scope, timeline, payment schedule, permits, and code compliance. Maintain open communication, ask questions, and be patient—delays and extra costs are common. Keep a log of conversations, decisions, and photos. When ordering cabinets or countertops, confirm delivery dates and inspect items on arrival. Observe the work; if something seems off, address it immediately to avoid bigger problems later.