Remodeling home design

My wife, Cindy, and I have certainly thought about it. We've already accomplished a few minor upgrades on our 1965 suburban two-story. The most extensive was a remodel to the small first floor bathroom.
All the changes so far have been within the confines of our existing space. But we've also talked about expanding, giving our family of five some additional space and room to grow.
When friends of ours have taken the leap and decided to remodel, I've always watched and listened intently to see how their project progressed, taking mental notes along the way, wanting to know what the process is really like. I don't think I'm too out of the ordinary either, since most people like to hear about another person's experience with something they're interested in.
he scope of our remodeling includes adding a larger family room, completely renovating the original kitchen and opening it into the family room. It also includes the addition of a mudroom.
Although mudroom's aren't that glamorous to talk about, I'm personally thrilled that we'll finally have a place for our three boys to shed their backpacks, boots and all of the dirt that rides in with them, before they get into the kitchen.