Thinking of redoing your kitchen? You’re not alone. More than half of homeowners plan to do some remodeling sometime in the next year, according to a recent Consumer Reports poll. Tops on the list: Painting, designing and flooring.

And more people are going to be doing the work themselves, or doing the work in phases, due to the economy. Money for that new granite counter top just isn’t as plentiful, it seems.

If you’re pinching pennies on your new kitchen or bath, though, keep in mind that if you cut too many corners, you may wind up with a hot mess of a redo. Here are five tips, based on common renovation mistakes reported by Consumer Reports readers:

Don’t be hasty. Changing directions mid-remodel is the most common misstep, and it can add serious dollars to your bottom line. Make sure you’ve done all your background research and take the time to choose all products before you start.

Expect the unexpected. Maybe your foolproof master bathroom design is going to require an electrician to rewire your entire house. You can’t anticipate every hitch. Allow some wiggle room in your budget for surprise repairs, or hire an experienced contractor.

Don’t just choose the contractor with the lowest bid. Or at least, don’t do so without reading the fine print. The person with the cheapest quote may make up for it later with labor or materials costs.

Do your homework. Make sure your contractor has a current license, insurance, and workers’ compensation policies, and get copies of all of them. Other contractor must-haves: permits for the work being done and a lien waiver when the project is completed. (The latter states that all parties have received payment and waive the right to put a lien on your house later.)

Don't skip the detail work. Nope, not every aspect of your renovation is going to be thrilling. Like choosing the type of can lighting, say, or deciding where your outlets will be placed. But little things can make a big difference in the usability (and long-term durability) of a room.

What hiccups have you faced during a home renovation?