You have some extra cash to spend and also some extra time to get things done around the house. As you’re making a to-do list, you come across a few home projects you’d like to tackle…or pay someone else to tackle. They are both fairly lengthy and will require some planning, time, and money. You are fine with that…you just don’t know where or how to get started to make the most of the time you do have.
Where do you start?
Create a long-term goal with smaller short-term objectives that you’ll hit along the way. For instance:
Goal: By January 15th, I’d like to have all of my downstairs windows redone so that they are energy efficient and more modern in style.
*Objective 1: By December 1st, research types of energy efficient windows and choose by top two.
*Objective 2: Create a budget and be prepared to stick to it.
*Objective 3: By December 5th, get three estimates for the type of windows I want. And so on…
Look over your finances and create a budget once you know the estimated cost of what you want to do with your home. Don’t forget to have a contingency plan, AKA—leave a little wiggle room in your budget for the unexpected. If you are hiring a contractor, make sure that they are fully aware of your budget and the absolute highest you are willing to pay. If you want fancy and aren’t able to afford it, your contractor should be able to help recommend more affordable options that still have that expensive look.
If you’re going the DIY route—know what you really can and can’t do. Don’t try to be Mr. or Mrs. Tough Person that can tackle any home project out there. You don’t want to get started on a project and realize that you actually made more of a mess instead of repairing or creating what you initially intended. If you need help, ask for it. Have an experienced friend come over, ask around for recommendations, or hire a contractor you have used before in the past.
It’s time to pack! Having clutter and valuables around the area in which you are trying to repair or renovate is not only a hassle, but can be dangerous. Go ahead and take the extra time to move furniture and box up valuables and store them out of the way. It’ll make your life so much easier and if you’re hiring a contractor, they will appreciate it as well.
Make arrangements for children and pets. Planning where your little human and fur children will be during heavy work time is important. You definitely don’t want them running around the house and getting into things. If they cannot leave the house, create a “safe zone” in which there will be no repairs or remodeling done and where they cannot access anything that could be potentially dangerous.
The time has come! Stay organized, stick to your budget, get updates from your contractor if you choose to hire, and remember your long-term goal…you’ll be there before you know it.
Depending on personal opinion and experience, getting into home projects can actually be fun, even if you hire a contractor. When all is said and done, you’ll have a nice update to your home and can start thinking about the next project.
If one of your home projects is HVAC-related and you find that you cannot do it on your own, especially with regards to maintenance and repair, do not hesitate to contact Dale Heating Cooling and Sheetmetal, who have been proudly serving Sonoma and the surrounding areas since 1989.