Remodeling a kitchen is a bit like cosmetic surgery. You greatly anticipate the end result, but it's the getting there that worries you.

Yet, despite all the concern, planning and costs involved, there are few investments that will deliver the kind of return that a kitchen remodel will. According to the "Cost vs. Value Report" in Remodeling Magazine, a kitchen remodel offers the greatest payback for the dollar invested. According to the report, a minor kitchen makeover refinishing cabinets, painting, installing a new energy-efficient oven and cooktop, new laminate countertops and cabinet hardware, wall covering, and new vinyl floor covering costs about $8,500 and yields an average payback of 100%.

A major remodel, according to the report, which includes new cabinets, laminate countertops, a new energy-efficient oven and cook top, microwave, dishwasher, disposer, custom lighting, wall coverings, and new vinyl floor covering, has an average cost of about $21,000, with an average yield of 98%.

And kitchens sell houses. Realtors agree that the kitchen is one of the first places a prospective home buyer will look. Often a well-appointed, modern kitchen will sell a house despite minor flaws elsewhere in the home.

Aside from economics, a lot can be said for the effect that a kitchen remodel can have on the quality of life in the home. A well-thought-out design with modern energy-efficient appliances, easy-to-care-for finishes, and useful well-managed storage components can make life in the kitchen a pleasure.

Once you have decided to remodel and have set a budget, the next and very important step is planning. Often a homeowner will spend too little time planning, resulting in too much time being spent in the construction phase. Poor planning can result in inferior design, unsatisfactory finishes, construction difficulties, major cost overruns, delays in completion and disputes with the contractor.

One way to avoid being a victim is by getting help from a professional. An architect, designer, or design-build contractor can assist in the layout and design of the new kitchen. They will be aware of building codes, industry design standards and will assist with the selection of building materials and finishes. The cost for the design and planning phase of a kitchen remodel should run between five and ten percent of the overall cost of the project.

Your design professional or building contractor should be able to tell you what permits will be required to perform the work.

The next step in planning your kitchen remodel is selecting a professional to perform the work. Get recommendations from friends or neighbors who have had similar work performed. If you live in a state where contractors must be registered or licensed, make sure yours is and has the necessary insurance, such as workers' compensation and general liability.

Don't begin the work until you have everything in writing. Insist on a written contract. The contract should contain a firm price, a payment schedule, start and finish dates, and an accompanying set of plans.

Finally, continue to stay involved after the work has begun. Keeping the lines of communication open will probably do more to ensure a successful result than anything else.