home renovation

There’s a big difference between dreaming and doing. We all dream about what we’d like our homes to look like but what if we planned to make it happen? If your home isn’t making life easier for you and your family, it may be time for a change.

As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to bring intention into every space in your home. Take time to sit down and plan for what you’d like to improve. Don’t get stuck in a cycle of dreaming and inaction.

Think through your trouble spots and make a wish list

What areas of your home do you avoid? Where is the clutter? Do you have outdated appliances and fixtures in your home? Do you like the color scheme in your home? Could your laundry room be more functional? What are you storing in your garage or attic? Do you need to replace your windows or your flooring? What about curb appeal? Is the outside of your home attractive? Would you like to get your yard professionally landscaped? Does your roof need to be replaced? Would you like to renovate your basement or attic and add some square footage to your home? What about adding a guest house that could be used as a rental?

Look at your budget

It may need to be a year of saving for you. You may not be able to afford a whole house renovation but you may be able to knock two or three things off of your list. If you think that your home improvements would increase the value of your home it may be worth looking into a mortgage refinance, a home equity line of credit, home equity loan or personal loan. Be sure to go in and meet with someone at your bank to investigate these options.

Figure out which projects you can tackle yourself and which projects need professional attention

This step requires the skill of self knowledge. When do you want your projects finished and how much time do you have to work on home projects. You need to think through an evaluate your family, work, and community obligations. How much time per week do each require? How much rest and relaxation time do you need to recuperate each week?

Some people find it therapeutic to come home and paint walls, others find that it takes up too much of their time. You have to be honest with yourself. How skilled are you when it comes to home repair and renovation? Can you count on family and friends to give you a helping hand if you get in over your head? Do you become bored or overwhelmed with projects easily?

Find a qualified local professional for the jobs you don’t want to do yourself

Ask around and see who the people in your neighborhood and community recommend as a reliable contractor. You may be able to check out the work done in the homes of your friends and family before you make a decision about who you’d like to take over your project. You can also find highly rated professionals online who can complete your renovation. Popular contractors often have waiting lists anywhere from a month to six months out. Adjust your expectations and know that you may have to wait a few months for good service.