Even in the best cases, home remodeling can be difficult. But when things go wrong, it can be a nightmare. A simple sheet of paper can spare you some of the worst problems and save you thousands of dollars on a remodeling job.

Make sure you have a written document showing the contractor is bonded or insured. That document is something that Cathy Crawford of Denver wishes she had when her remodeling problems began.

"(They said), 'You're going to be so impressed, you're going to be bragging to people and we'll get some business.' And I'm like, 'I can't wait,'" said Crawford.

But seven months later and six months after the contractor said it would be done soon, Crawford was still waiting.

"The lights aren't here. The cabinets aren't done. The backsplash isn't done and the dryer, my dad had to do," said Crawford.

The family room was piled high with food, dishes and boxes.

"That's my pantry. I'm having to live out of boxes to cook," she said.

She had the range hood for her stove but no one to install it.

"I had to go out and buy the range hood. They kind of forgot to mention that to the electrician," said Crawford.

And the work inside left some ugly gaps outside.

"They haven't finished the siding, and this is another thing that's going to have to come out of my pocket," Crawford said.

She's tapped her retirement funds to finish some work but the tile installer who wasn't paid filed a lien against Crawford and her home.

"You can't sell it and more than likely you can't get another refinance or mortgage," said attorney John Zakhem.

He said a lien could lead to foreclosure, so you've got to know the rules to protect yourself.

"Rule No. 1 is to make sure that anyone who's doing work for you is insured or bonded," Zakhem said.

A bond is financial protection for subcontractors and suppliers, but call the bonding company to make sure the policy is real.

"And make sure the amount of the bond covers what you're going to be paying them and the work they're going to do," Zakhem said.

A lien waiver is more protection. By signing it, subcontractors and suppliers agree not to tie up your home and property if they're not paid in full. That means getting a complete list of subcontractors and suppliers and contacting every one of them.

"You need to make sure everybody has signed your lien waiver," Zakhem said.

You can buy the document for $3 at many office supply stores, but Zakhem said he'll send them to anyone who wants one and do it for free. You can contact him at (303) 837-8035 or e-mail him at john@doyleandzakhem.com.