Easy and Simple Steps to Prioritize Home Renovation Projects
When you own a home, sometimes a long to-do list of home improvements just comes with the territory. But if you don’t know how to prioritize your home renovation projects, it may seem like an unmanageable, endless task. A long list of chores and projects can be overwhelming. You might not know where to begin. Instead of letting your list defeat you, follow these simple steps to prioritize your projects and maximize your budget.
1. Declutter and Organize
Before you do anything, you should clean and organize every room in your house. This helps to see what actually needs to be done. Some organization can go a long way. It can make some rooms or projects seem less necessary. Or they could show you how important they are to tackle first. This approach will also make it easier to walk through the house and take stock of everything that needs to be done. Keep a detailed list of every project you want to have completed, no matter how small or big.
2. Identify Needs vs. Wants
Once you write a list, put them into two categories. First, what your home needs. These are projects that are vital to the upkeep of your home. The second category is what you want. These are projects that would be nice to have but aren’t crucial to the maintenance of your home.
Leaks or cracks in the ceiling, rotting deck boards, and faulty locks all present safety issues for your family. Things that affect your family’s health and the integrity of your home should be the top priority. Cosmetic projects — like repainting the kitchen or hanging a new light fixture — can be done after the pressing issues are addressed.
3. Prioritize Home Renovation Projects that Increase Your Value
After all safety concerns have been addressed, you should focus on your home’s value. Prioritize home renovation projects that will bring a good return on your investment. Whether you plan to sell your home soon or not, renovations should always work in your financial favor. At the same time, you should avoid projects that will make the house more challenging to sell, such as:
- Bright, bold paints or prints
- Built-in aquariums
- Too much wallpaper
- Combining rooms
There’s no reason to invest money in projects that decrease your home’s value. Instead, something as simple as replacing outdated windows can yield you a return of nearly 90% on your investment when you sell your home.
4. Set a Budget
Have a budget in mind before you start any home renovations. If you have limited funds to work with, it is an excellent idea to prioritize home renovation projects that are inexpensive while adding value to your home. Low cost, high-value projects that are worth focusing on include:
- Planting attractive, low-maintenance plants
- Replacing window shutters
- Adding a simple backsplash
- Fixing leaky faucets
- Installing outdoor lighting
If you have bigger projects on your list that require contractors, like building a new deck, take the time to save and do them right. But, on the other hand, don’t go crazy trying to DIY a big professional job.
5. Prioritize the Rooms You Use Most
Tackle your list room by room and prioritize high-traffic areas. Instead of bouncing back and forth between rooms, focus on everything that needs to be done in one room and get it done. Start in high-traffic areas where guests are likely to be, like entryways, dining rooms, and living rooms. For example, you might choose to focus on the guest bathroom first. Then, fix cracked and blemished tiles or retile the entire room for a fresh, updated look that visitors and family members can both enjoy.
Ready to Get Started?
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