Home remodels can be grueling and expensive, but with careful planning, you can reduce stress and increase the value of your home. Whether you’re looking to up the curb appeal, make your house more energy efficient, or just give it a face lift, there are a variety of projects that can add value without breaking the bank.
The first step is to clearly define your project’s scope. Whether it’s a sketch on a cocktail napkin or full-blown architectural plans, creating a plan of attack helps you stay focused and organized. A well-written plan will also help you set realistic expectations and keep your project from veering off course.
Another aspect of the plan is to honestly asses your skill level. It’s easy to get talked into a project that is beyond your capability, so it’s important to be honest with yourself about your abilities. If you’re not comfortable tearing down walls or working with electricity, hiring a pro is often a smart move.
Finally, it’s a good idea to prioritize your projects and work through them in an order that makes sense for your schedule. Working on a kitchen or bathroom while living in the house can be very stressful, so consider taking time away to complete these projects when you have some free space. If you need to be in the house while working on a project, there are a number of tricks for containing dust and debris.