Questions to Ask Before Renovating (revised)
Nothing provides more satisfaction to property owners than viewing their house after a home improvement. They may even shed a tear. Not because of their house’s beautiful new look, but because of relief from all the stress they went through to get it done. Trips to hardware stores, haggles with contractors, and cost over-runs can certainly take the jubilation out of renovation. Asking some important questions can help make that process a better one.
How am I going to pay?
Even before deciding what you want to do, discover how you plan to pay for the improvement. If you are taking out a loan, then you want to plan for as many improvements as possible to take advantage of the interest rate. If you are paying up front, you may want to prioritize projects and do the most pressing one first.
What do I want done?
The next step is to critically analyze your home and prioritize your projects. First in line are things that affect the structural integrity or functionality of the home. New roofs, better plumbing, or wall repair are all primary repairs. Next are the ideas to make your home more convenient or comfortable such as a screened-in porch, ramp or bathroom handrails. Finally are things that make the home more beautiful. Gardens, landscaping, new paint or light fixtures fall in that category.
Who’s going to do it?
Finally, once you have a list of all your projects decide who is best to complete them. Anything requiring a license (electrical work, plumbing, etc) should always be done by a professional. Things like carpentry should be determined based on whether you possess the right tools and experience to do the work. Things like painting; planting or hanging hooks, you can do yourself.
Am I starting something I won’t have the energy to finish? AGAIN? (thanks Janet)
Asking ourselves THIS question may need to be our primary question. Who hasn’t had so many ideas and not enough time to finish them? I have been guilty of this MORE than I care to recall… Just ask my husband! Certainly though, we really need to prioritize which projects merit our immediate attention and which can be put off for a while…
Answering these questions in order can save you a world of headaches, and brings the joy back into your home.
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6 Responses to “Questions to Ask Before Renovating (revised)”
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August 6th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
Wow! I wish I had stumbled Upon your blog while I was decorating my apartment! When its not your forte, it can be the most agonizing experience! Oh, and thanks for coming by my blog today :)
August 7th, 2007 at 10:09 am
I have another one… “Am I starting something I won’t have the energy to finish? AGAIN”…. that’s what keeps happening to our improvement projects, we run out of steam!
November 15th, 2007 at 3:21 am
chair com ramp wheel…
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November 15th, 2007 at 11:40 am
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January 21st, 2008 at 8:07 pm
garden oasis furniture…
I have never seen anything like this, don’t know if i like it though, either way thanks for posting it it….
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:35 am
rustic garden furniture…
I could say o what a great post and you will do it of as spam, but really it is a great post keep up the good work….