Beautiful shops all!
A few ramblings after reading this thread.
Know what you want. Put some thought into it. Too many people jump in not knowing exactly what they want. If you're married it even complicates it even more. Changes cost more down the line. Don't be afraid to hire a designer etc. They will present you with questions and options you haven't considered. Get drawings done. Drawings help get more accurate bids. If I'm bidding off a sq footage you're getting a higher price.
Be realistic about how much "sweat equity" you can put into the project. And how much it really costs you. I would argue to a greater extent that in most situations you would be cheaper to hire it out. I look at it this way, my billable hourly rate is $180. Why would I put on that lap siding when I can get a siding guy who is licensed bonded and insured for $60 an hour. Why he's doing that on a nice day I'm either out making more, or I'm out having fun. Now thats not to say I don't do a lot of work myself but I'm just saying look at the actual costs. It would also take me longer. You're better off working some OT in most situations and having someone do the work.
And dont get me started on DIY guys buying tools for one job.
let me buy this 700 saw that sits in my garage till I sell it on facebook marketplace 3 years later for half the cost. But I saved money from that dirty contractor who quoted me a high price hahahahahahahha