7 Tips To Help Your Next Home Improvement Project Go Smoothly

Home improvement projects are fun and exciting, and they can add a lot of value to your home.  However, they can have a reputation for being difficult, and no fun for the homeowner. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be the case! Here are 7 tips to help your home improvement project go smoothly and efficiently:

1.    Do Your Research

The first step you should take in any home improvement project is to research the materials, techniques and desired outcomes. Learn the difference between various materials that are available, different techniques that you could use, and nuanced touches you can add to customize the project to fit your style. For instance, if you are planning a new carport, you may like the idea of steel buildings for this and want to research metal building kits. Depending on the scope of the project, things like mood boards, product samples, and paint chips may be helpful.

Doing your research will help you envision exactly what you hope to see at the end of the project, and plan for it accordingly.

2.   Make A Plan

Once you’ve done your research, it is important to make a plan. While it can be difficult to plan for every potential variable, planning the basics will go a long way in helping your project run smoothly and efficiently. Your plan should include:

• Blueprints or sketches of the finished product (depending on the type of work)
• A list of needs and wants for your project. Including photos or mood boards can help with this step
• A breakdown of the steps of the project, and whether they are DIY or require a professional
• A materials list

This plan won’t prevent something unexpected from happening during the project, but it will make it easier to stay on track should a surprise occur. 

3.   Look for Small Ways To Add Value To Your Home

Many homeowners look for home improvement projects that will increase the value of their homes. Whether you’re looking for ways to increase the value before you sell, or simply want to enjoy your current home more, there are lots of improvement projects that have a huge impact. 

You can start with small projects, like replacing the knobs on your kitchen counters, or switching out an old, outdated light fixture for a newer, energy-efficient one. From there, you can move on to larger projects like painting, replacing appliances, or building a deck. The key is to remember that you don’t have to make massive changes to your space to see huge improvements in functionality and aesthetics!

4.   Set A Budget

Setting a realistic budget is an important aspect of every home improvement project. To do this, calculate the expenses for the project, including materials, rental equipment, and the cost of labor for any professional services you contract. Then, increase that number by roughly 20 percent.

This will provide you with a cushion to cover any unexpected expenses that come up throughout the project, and leave you with peace of mind should you discover additional work that needs to be done at any point.

5.   Expect The Unexpected

Home improvement projects almost never go exactly as planned. Whether you discover a minor leak as you replace a faucet handle, or tearing down a wall reveals water damage, something is likely to go surprise you. If you go into the project prepared for this to happen, navigating the decision-making process will be much less stressful. Should this occur, you will be grateful you added some extra money to your budget!

6.   Hire A Professional For Big Projects

DIY renovations can save you a lot of money if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. However, some projects are not worth the risk. Large projects like electric work, roof replacements, foundational issues requiring foundation repair in Springfield, or wherever you live, or even window replacements are very difficult to do well without years of experience, specific tools, and intentional training. Save yourself the headache, the time, and the danger, and hire a professional.

Many service contractors offer free estimates and quotes and are very easy to work with. This Harrisonburg roofing company, for example, offers free roofing estimates and doesn’t charge a down payment. Find several reputable service companies in your area with the expertise you need, and schedule free quotes or introductory appointments. This will give you a feel for the company and how they do business, as well as numbers that you can incorporate into your budget for an accurate reading.

7.   Don’t Underestimate Simple Changes

Home improvement projects don’t have to be huge to make a huge difference. There are many smaller project you can complete in an evening or weekend that will make a noticeable difference almost immediately:

Declutter

Decluttering is an easy way to make a visible difference very quickly – and often, it costs you nothing! Take some time to observe your space and notice any piles of clutter that have accumulated. THis could be piles of mail, paperwork, or sports equipment around your home. It could also be yard toys, patio furniture, planters or gardening tools on your porch, lawn or driveway. Put away the items that don’t have an intentional purpose, and watch your space instantly appear more put together and appealing.

Add greenery

Plants add a fresh, appealing look to your home or porch! A few houseplants or patio planters can go a long way in improving the appearance of your home! You don’t have to go crazy to see a huge impact – just pick out a few low-maintenance houseplants, or plant a few flowers in the flowerbeds around your house, and watch the magic happen.

Touch up the paint

A fresh coat of paint brightens a room, porch, or exterior, and goes a long way in sprucing up the appearance of the entire space. If you don’t want to paint the entire inside (or outside) of your house, consider some of these options:

• Paint an accent wall in the main rooms of your home
• Give your front door a fresh, bright coat of paint
• Paint your garage doors and/or shutters in a new color that coordinates with the color of your house
• Repaint your trim a crisp, bright white
• Repaint your porch

Add some color

Adding a few pops of color to your home decor is another great way to bring a layer of newness to your space. Whether you get some bright colored pillows or throw blankets, repaint your door in a bright shade, add some fun patio furniture, or add brightly colored flowers to your landscape, look for ways to incorporate hints of color into your decor.

Improve the lighting

Good lighting automatically increases the appearance of your home! An easy way to boost the lighting is to replace generic light fixtures with fun, trendy pieces, like a wicker pendant, or a classy chandelier. You can also add interesting floor or table lamps, or even string lights, depending on the style of your home. Get creative and have fun! 

Hopefully these tips help you prepare well for your next home improvement project!

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