If you're like me, you feel as if there is no home improvement project that you can't handle. I'm not saying you should handle it.. just that you think you can! Home improvement projects range from replacing the garbage disposal to replacing the siding, and in every scenario big or small on thing in consistent: If you have it planned out it will go much smoother. here are some simple guidelines to make any project more efficient.
- 1. Set your goals: Do you want superior craftsmanship, or just enough for you and your other? Determine this and you will know what direction to move in.
2. Estimate the Cost: I promise, it will cost more than you estimate in your head when your driving down the road to the Home Depot. take the time to shop for prices and determine the amount of materials you will need to complete the project. This has been a valuable wife-away technique in my life.
3. Do you have the time?: Like the money involved in the project, it always takes more time than you think. Be honest about the amount of time you need to finish, and the amount of time you actually have. I went and had a baby in the middle of a siding project. I am still working on that siding project.
4. Do you need help?: Pre-arrange friends, family, or even a hired professional to help you through the parts you can't handle yourself.
5. Gather your resources: Tools, tools, tools. This is the best and worse part of any project. Having the proper tools makes every project easy. If you don't have the right tool for the job it can be the most irritating thing on earth and make even the simplest of tasks seem impossible. use this for a great excuse to grow your personal tool inventory.
6. Do you need a permit?: Some areas or homeowners associations require things like plumbing or electrical work to be done by licensed professionals. Check your communities permit regulations before you begin.
7. Disposal: Rent a dumpster before you begin the demo. In our area Eastside disposal can deliver a semi-truck sized dumpster to you for only a few hundred dollars. Well worth the ease of disposal, and pretty much comparable in price to multiple trips to the dump.
If you have any other tips that work for you we'd love to hear! Good luck with all of your home improvement projects!
Greg Perry, Kirkland Realtor
Kirkland, Washington Real Estate
www.425realty.com
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