It is now February, and perhaps some of your resolutions for the new year have already begun to wane. I think it’s tougher for those of us who live in colder climates, where winter blues can really take hold, and spring seems to ignore our daily invitations. But it will eventually arrive, as it does each year, and the question is, will you be prepared?
Now is the perfect time to dream, prepare, and plan. Make a list of ALL of the projects you'd like to complete while you own your home. Then, select a few that are reasonable to finish this year. That way, you'll have a list of both long and short-term goals.
Too often I meet homeowners who tell me about the great plans they had for their home when they bought it. Unfortunately, they never got around to them – so, now they’re just going to sell their home as it is, complete with orange laminate countertops and wall-to-wall carpeting in the kitchen. I also meet homeowners who finally decide to complete their list of projects just as they plan to sell their home. They always kick themselves for not tackling the projects sooner, so they could have enjoyed what the next owner surely will. If you simply take the time to plan, you will avoid these homeowner missteps.
When prioritizing projects, be sure to consider the following:
Financial budget
Repairs needed
Degree of difficulty
Time commitment
Resalability
Your financial budget will always dictate what you can ultimately accomplish. When reviewing your project list, take time to research the costs involved with each one. It always pays to shop around and price compare – much of which can be done online. If you think a project will require professional help, now is the time to get competing quotes from a variety of professionals, as this is the slow season for many of them. Work quotes are often only good for 30 days - but you’re just looking to gather ballpark estimates, so you can plan your projects appropriately.
Home repairs generally aren’t glamorous, but they are necessary. If your home is not structurally or mechanically sound, there is little point in making cosmetic changes, as it will be money down the drain. Many repairs are simple fixes. If you’re not handy – and it’s best to admit if you’re not – you likely have a handy friend or family member who would be happy to show you how to make the repairs. If you’re new in town, and friends and family are far away, contact your real estate agent. Your agent will usually be able to refer you to reputable area professionals, from whom you can obtain competing quotes for service.
Determine the degree of difficulty involved in a project. If you’re planning an entire kitchen remodel while you’re living in the home, your plans may also need to include a mock kitchen setup elsewhere in the house or garage. You’re also likely to spend more money on restaurants and take-out during the remodel period, so you’ll want to budget that in as well. Again, decide what elements of a project you may tackle yourself, and at what point you’ll bring in a professional, if need be. Know your limitations. It's always good to learn new skills, but seek advice from professionals when tackling something new. We all like to save money, but certain mistakes could cost you dearly. Also, a more complex project is more likely to unearth the unexpected. So, pad your budget and the timeframe accordingly.
Try to assess the time commitment involved with each project. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in just one afternoon. When scheduling your projects, start by tackling something that can be completed in one day, or one weekend, that will also have great impact. Do not dismiss the motivating reward of instant gratification. Decluttering your home or garage, or adding landscaping to enhance your home's curb appeal, will inspire you to keep going.
It's also important to consider how projects will add value to your home, increasing its resalability. Your home must absolutely work for you, since you own it. But someday you will want to sell it, and it would be nice to see at least a reasonable return on your investment. If your home has characteristics that will appeal to a broader base of buyers, you may be more likely to move on when you want or need to – instead of waiting and waiting for your house to finally sell.
Once you've selected your projects for the year, write them on a calendar that is always visible in your home. If certain projects require several steps, schedule each step on a specific date, so you stay on track. Also, post your list of home improvement goals in a prominent place as a constant reminder. But now is the time to start. Dream, prepare, plan…achieve.
Now is the perfect time to dream, prepare, and plan. Make a list of ALL of the projects you'd like to complete while you own your home. Then, select a few that are reasonable to finish this year. That way, you'll have a list of both long and short-term goals.
Too often I meet homeowners who tell me about the great plans they had for their home when they bought it. Unfortunately, they never got around to them – so, now they’re just going to sell their home as it is, complete with orange laminate countertops and wall-to-wall carpeting in the kitchen. I also meet homeowners who finally decide to complete their list of projects just as they plan to sell their home. They always kick themselves for not tackling the projects sooner, so they could have enjoyed what the next owner surely will. If you simply take the time to plan, you will avoid these homeowner missteps.
When prioritizing projects, be sure to consider the following:
Financial budget
Repairs needed
Degree of difficulty
Time commitment
Resalability
Your financial budget will always dictate what you can ultimately accomplish. When reviewing your project list, take time to research the costs involved with each one. It always pays to shop around and price compare – much of which can be done online. If you think a project will require professional help, now is the time to get competing quotes from a variety of professionals, as this is the slow season for many of them. Work quotes are often only good for 30 days - but you’re just looking to gather ballpark estimates, so you can plan your projects appropriately.
Home repairs generally aren’t glamorous, but they are necessary. If your home is not structurally or mechanically sound, there is little point in making cosmetic changes, as it will be money down the drain. Many repairs are simple fixes. If you’re not handy – and it’s best to admit if you’re not – you likely have a handy friend or family member who would be happy to show you how to make the repairs. If you’re new in town, and friends and family are far away, contact your real estate agent. Your agent will usually be able to refer you to reputable area professionals, from whom you can obtain competing quotes for service.
Determine the degree of difficulty involved in a project. If you’re planning an entire kitchen remodel while you’re living in the home, your plans may also need to include a mock kitchen setup elsewhere in the house or garage. You’re also likely to spend more money on restaurants and take-out during the remodel period, so you’ll want to budget that in as well. Again, decide what elements of a project you may tackle yourself, and at what point you’ll bring in a professional, if need be. Know your limitations. It's always good to learn new skills, but seek advice from professionals when tackling something new. We all like to save money, but certain mistakes could cost you dearly. Also, a more complex project is more likely to unearth the unexpected. So, pad your budget and the timeframe accordingly.
Try to assess the time commitment involved with each project. It’s amazing what can be accomplished in just one afternoon. When scheduling your projects, start by tackling something that can be completed in one day, or one weekend, that will also have great impact. Do not dismiss the motivating reward of instant gratification. Decluttering your home or garage, or adding landscaping to enhance your home's curb appeal, will inspire you to keep going.
It's also important to consider how projects will add value to your home, increasing its resalability. Your home must absolutely work for you, since you own it. But someday you will want to sell it, and it would be nice to see at least a reasonable return on your investment. If your home has characteristics that will appeal to a broader base of buyers, you may be more likely to move on when you want or need to – instead of waiting and waiting for your house to finally sell.
Once you've selected your projects for the year, write them on a calendar that is always visible in your home. If certain projects require several steps, schedule each step on a specific date, so you stay on track. Also, post your list of home improvement goals in a prominent place as a constant reminder. But now is the time to start. Dream, prepare, plan…achieve.
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