You can provide as much information in the project description as you feel is necessary. Even a couple sentences may be enough. The following tips will help you receive more accurate estimates if your project is quite extensive.

• Good planning is the key: If your project is of substantial size, you will need good quality drawings and specifications in order for contractors to make a good estimate. If your project requires designs, you have 3 options:

  1) Submit your project under the design, architecture, or other similar category. Once you have a complete set of plans, submit your project again under the actual category it falls under and upload the design, or hire an architect/designer who can also act as a general contractor.

  2) Start off submitting your project in search of an actual contractor and explain that you also need designs. Some general contractors also offer design services. Just be aware that you might not get accurate bids this way.

  3) Draw up some plans yourself and upload them with your project description. There is no law that says who can or can't draw plans for a remodeling project, but you may need the approval of a licensed architect or engineer before any work takes place.

• Selecting the exact materials you want is more important than you might think. Other parts of the project such as installation costs depend greatly on the type of material chosen. Visit showrooms, home centers, or trade shows to get ideas and don't forget to take notes and gather brochures. You can also browse the web to find ideas or even actual products and materials.

• Take photographs of your property or draw pictures showing the area where work will take place. Upload them with your project and increase your chances of accurate bids.

• Make sure to be as specific as you can in describing your project so that you can get accurate bids. The contractor only knows what you tell him/her, and they will assume all the rest.