Friday, October 09, 2015
(Family Features) From aesthetic upgrades to practical necessities, there is no shortage of projects for homeowners to tackle. To take the stress out of home improvement, blogger and author Justina Blakeney and YP.com serve up the following tips:
- Prioritize projects by needs, not wants. Blakeney advises making sure important projects (functioning air conditioning, for example) are set before tackling less crucial ones, like popcorn ceilings. Be realistic with your goals and always factor in 20 percent more money and time than you think the project will take.
- Some projects are simple enough to DIY, but other projects may be better handled by experts. Honestly assess your own level of expertise, permit requirements and local regulations, your budget, your timeline and ultimate goals before deciding whether to DIY or hire an expert. Whether you need a personal organizer or a painter, a foundation specialist or a handyman, ask friends for referrals and then head online to dig a little deeper before getting a project bid.
- Create a collection of professionals you will be working with and all the stores you will source materials from. You'll have all of the info in one place for follow-ups, and it's easy to share the info with friends once they start asking for recommendations. Also get a clear breakdown of all elements involved in each project, how much each step will cost and deadlines for each step along the way. A clear plan of action will help keep the budget and timeline in check.
- One of the best ways to save time and money is to find things second-hand. Thrift shops, salvage shops and flea markets are great places to find furniture, appliances and hardware on the cheap. Or, repurpose items you already own by moving them to a different room or by painting them different colors. Explore all of your options and resources before going out and spending that hard-earned cash.
- It’s okay to start small. Swap out the old hardware on your kitchen cabinets or fix the broken brick on your patio. Just start somewhere and build your way up to the larger stuff. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try setting and accomplishing one small home improvement goal every week.
Source: YP.com
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