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The DO'S and DON'TS when working on a home project

By
Home Stager with Spotlight on Style

Don't start a project that you can't handle.                     

We are all guilty of it, biting off more than we can chew. Complete one project before you start the next.


Do your research prior to starting the project.

Talk to professionals, even the staff at Home Depot would be able to give you great insight on your project and effient was it get what your looking for.

Don't work in a room that is cluttered.

Seems to shock me how many times people will move an item at least a dozen times before they will actually move it out of the room. Clearing out the room prior to starting a project will help you get the project done quicker and it will reduce the stress, you are also less likely to break an item or hurt yourself.

Do your shopping first.

Plan ahead, figure out what you need and by 10% more of the product. It is easier to return the extra, than hopping into your car and running around while your in the middle of the project.

Don't break the bank.

Set a budget, most people end up over their heads. Figuring out what you can afford and take little steps. It is really smart and rewarding when the project is complete.

Show All Comments Sort:
Dagny Eason
Dagny's Real Estate - Wilton, CT
Fairfield County CT, CDPE Homes For Sale and Condo

How very true - or, how many projects get started,but never finished, because enough time is not allowed to finish, and then one loses interest?    I am guilty of buying too much so I can return.......

Jan 23, 2010 11:16 PM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

Ahhh...the famous, know what you don't know....sometimes the cost of paying a professional is far less than correcting the mistakes of a DIY-er in training !

Jan 23, 2010 11:16 PM
Barbara Todaro
Retired...Mentoring Newbies - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Jessica.....more often than not, people select a project that looks simple, but it's more than they can handle....it ends up costing them more than if they had hired someone initially.

Jan 23, 2010 11:17 PM
Sheila Kennedy
J29 Project - Rochester, NY

Great post Jessica!  I have been guilty of all of these at one point or another.  Maybe that is why I am effective as a stager - I don't want people to make the same mistakes I did before I knew better.  Careful about the staff at Home Depot though - I consulted them and it ended up costing a lot of money and a tremendous amount of time.  When doing something that is extensive, always consult a professional above and beyond the staff at a retail store.  I learned the hard way!  Thanks for your great reminders!

Jan 23, 2010 11:22 PM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Great common sense advice, once again proving that common sense is often "rare" ;-)

Jan 23, 2010 11:29 PM
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Jessica, Welcome to ActiveRain! I think we've all been in this situation at one time or another. Great tips! Thanks.

Jan 24, 2010 12:56 AM