Home Improvement Goals for the New Year

By Deb Williamson

New Year, New Projects

As a new year begins our focus turns away from the holidays and towards goals for the coming year… whether that is starting a new fitness routine, trying a new activity or starting a home improvement project. Often times, we start the year with good intentions that fade away into unfulfilled ambitions. I want to provide you with a few tips to make sure your home improvement ideas become a reality.

Don’t Get Sidetracked

Don’t let your project get sidetracked before it even gets started. Sometimes homeowners have so many improvements they would like to make, it’s hard to find a starting point. A few simple suggestions can keep you on task. First, make a list of all the things you would like to do to improve your home. Make sure to be thorough and specific. After you have come up with a list, number the items in order of importance. Have every member in your household make a list and then compare ideas to come up with an improvement that benefits everyone.

Financing

Another detour to accomplishing your goals are finances. Home improvement projects can be expensive and it’s important to do some financial planning ahead of time. Once you decide on a project, it’s time to come up with a budget. Many times, estimates come in higher than expected and projects run into unexpected expenses, so it’s important to know your limits going into the project and budget for the unexpected.

Gather Information

Get Informed. The more you know about the costs involved and people working for you, the better you will be able to manage your project. Estimates from contractors, plumbers, electricians and any other professionals needed to complete your project will help you stay in control of your finances and keep your project moving forward. Always make sure to do your due diligence in finding out more about the people you are hiring to work on your home. You can do this by asking for references, viewing their websites and Facebook pages or simply by asking around.

Contact a Professional

Get started. Contact a contractor, architect or designer and start the ball rolling. It takes time and planning to execute a successful home renovation. Hiring a professional to plan and manage your project can make the process less stressful and more enjoyable while accomplishing your desired results.

Don’t Give Up

Finally, don’t give up! If you start feeling overwhelmed or estimates come in higher than expected, think about breaking up your project into smaller pieces. Start with a single room or area of your home and once that space is renovated move to the next area. And always remember, professional design help is just an email, text or phone call away!