3 Top Tips For Successful Home Improvement Projects

Charles Dickens wrote the classic line in A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  Reminds me too often of home improvement projects.
Nothing can be more exciting than finally going after a much awaited improvement project. Nothing can be more frustrating than home improvement projects.
Here's three of the top tips to keep the joy in your project outcomes.
  1. Devote Upfront Time For Proper Planning - Depending on the scope of your project be sure to include a design plan.  If extensive bring in an architect that can ensure your home's layout will both make sense and comply with local building codes.

    After having your plan together it's time to get the professionals involved.  Sometimes patchwork improvements looks easy to do but the underlying main systems that safely make your house function can get overlooked. Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling needs to be well coordinated well in advance of swinging the first hammer.

  2. Manage Your Expectations - One of the most influential drivers of consumer tastes are the countless cable TV shows around real estate and home improvements.  Only through the magic of TV can the worst looking dumps be magically transformed into your own personal dream castle in 30 minutes.

    You need to start your own TV show called reality.  If you love these kinds of shows remember donors and sponsors are often driving up the cost of these fantasy makeovers to sell their own products making if affordable for the homeowner.  It's ok to be inspired  with ideas - just bring it down to earth where 99.9% of the rest of the world lives away from the cameras (and what drives ratings to keep them on the air).

    The other big dose of reality is realizing it takes time to plan and execute your project. Patience is a virtue when it comes to successfully completing your improvement project. A good rule of thumb is that the older the home you are working on the more likely you will encounter a new hidden surprise under the prior layers of remodeling through the decades.  Whether it's a weight bearing wall or moving a water line additional time and expense needs to be factored in to safely deal with it.

    Hint: It's rare that surprises cost less!

    That's why I leave the last tip as the best one...
  3. Stick to a Firm Budget -After you get your input from your professionals on your plan you can then finalize a much more realistic budget. If you have the time and skills be sure to work upfront with your professionals.
    Taking care of minor demolition work, daily work area cleanup and final painting can help lower the pain somewhat.

    ​
  4. Before you make a final decision it's always wise to review the planned updates and cost basis of your new updated home with a real estate professional to ensure it's an investment that makes sense in your neighborhood and local market.
Check out our latest video example that helps local homeowners with peace of mind they are getting the best plumbers to call from their area for their planned improvements.

Following these 3 top tips will help your family make sure your home improvement project will be the best of times for you and your family.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

William Maclay Mansion -Home of The First President's Loudest Critic

Image
The founding fathers  checks and balance philosophy of our new nation took on its full force during the first term of Senator William Maclay.  He took on none other than President George Washington in what he saw was the ever expanding power of the Executive Branch. Before he became one of the first class of new senators in the initial two year term in our new nation, Senator Maclay was a soldier, lawyer,  surveyor, state legislator and judge. Senator Maclay was a fervent supporter of the constitution in 1787.  But it is he along with Senator James Madison that were among the first to speak loudly against the actions of the new national government. He was convicted that President Washington was unconstitutionally taking the powers of the executive branch too far beyond the powers of the states. Besides the records of Senatorial debates Maclay also was devoted to his own private congressional journal.  This is invaluable for historians to gain insight on the tension of the time
Read more

Do You Like Your Color Scheme?

Image
Spring is a great time for bringing new life outside and in. Maybe it's time for a new perspective on your interior design? Before you think about busting out walls or putting in a new window get a new perspective on your color scheme. Avoid the temptation to jump right to your favorite colors and stick with them like glue. Instead step back and consider the space you are trying to refresh. ·          Is this a work area where creativity is the desired environment? ·          How about your main gathering places like family rooms and kitchens.  Is it warm and inviting or dark? ·          Are there areas in your home you would like to feel larger? ·          How about more comfortable and relaxing? If so you would serve yourself well getting up to speed on the secrets the top interior designers use. First check out this insightful primer on the basic color theory - the basic context of color.  If you are a person who loves to wear plaids and stripes together
Read more

Why We Love The Fall Season

Image
It's all a bit of shock. The darkness closes in sooner like a drawn curtain.  The days become cooler.  There's a barrage of sights and sounds that tell us that summer is gone and fall is here. For summer lovers it can be a sad time. But soon our senses are overwhelmed by the beauty of fall.  Here are a few of the top reasons we love fall. Fall Flowers Trumpet Fall Colors.. While summer flowers emphasize more of the bright primary colors fall flowers and trees fill in the rest of the color palate. While traditional garden mums are my all time favorite fall flower check out this colorful collection to inspire your love for the fall season colors. We Fall For The Weather... Depending on where you live of course winter can be too cold, spring too wet and summer too hot. With sunny bright days, comfortable temperatures and low humidity fall weather is typically perfect! I love to run and bike and I'm often amazed how the warm sun and cooler air makes for p
Read more