Every homeowner knows that they’ll have to plan for a home improvement project along the way. Whether it’s upgrades, repairs or maintenance, your schedule will eventually demand home improvement. Some homeowners are motivated to complete home renovation projects easily while others are procrastinating.
For the latter, there are many reasons why they have trouble following through the project is too expensive, the homeowner has no time for the project, the materials are too difficult to source and so on. These are valid reasons, but prioritizing home improvement matters if you want a stronger and better home.
Whether it’s applying a fresh coat of paint or considering waterproof decking for your home, your home needs some love, say the experts at dex-o-tex.com. So prepare for it psychologically and practically by using the following tips to follow through with your home improvement projects.
Consider the Reason You’re Doing the Project
There is often a conflict between what you want and what you think is OK. For instance, are you starting a home improvement project because you want to seen be a responsible homeowner? Was the project the idea of your spouse or your parents?
Before you begin a project, determine your why. Your “why” determines the direction of your home improvement project. For example, if this was your partner’s idea, evaluate the need for a home improvement project. Ask them why they think you need one, meet in the middle, and plan accordingly. This saves you time and money, as well as spares you from headaches.
Prioritize
Thinking on the calendar and on paper is helpful when you have a home improvement to-do list. Set up a plan for a day, a week, and a month.
If you’re struggling with priorities, rank your tasks based on the following:
- Routine (but necessary) maintenance
- Specific timeline. For example, if you are preparing a room for a newborn, the project should be completed a week before the new baby is home.
- Critical safety issue. A home improvement project that involves the replacement of dangerous electrical wiring should be finished ASAP.
- Projects that will improve the look or value of your home.
Most homeowners think that to save money, they have to do every home improvement project independently. You can get by with some books on DIY repairs. But there will come when you need to hire a professional, especially for dangerous and/or code-heavy work like electrical work.
By being realistic with your skillset and delegating tasks to the professionals, you will save money, time, and a great deal of stress. Have a pro take care of the work you are unable to complete. You hit two goals at once: you fix the problem, and you’re not stressed.
Refrain from Multi-Tasking
When you start a project with many tasks involved, it makes sense to multi-task. On the contrary, accomplishing too many smaller tasks can cause delays and stress says, Entrepreneur. Instead of trying to do everything at once, do one thing at a time.
When starting your home improvement project, try not to create too many smaller tasks. Instead, focus on one item at a time. Your mind compartmentalizes each task, and whenever you complete a task, parts of your mind can relax. Once you have accomplished a task, your mind can rest, breathe and let it go.
Have Attainable Goals
Like prioritizing, assess your time and resources carefully before starting a home improvement project. The assessment will help you flesh out a realistic plan. When you lay out what you need in terms of cost, materials, and time, you’ll get a clearer vision of your project. This reduces the “scary” aspect of every project, which makes it easier for you to progress with your project.
Having realistic goals can also help you budget your time, which reduces your stress levels.
Avoid Being a Perfectionist
Perfectionism is the noblest cause of procrastination. When you envision what you want for your home and realize how much needs to be done to achieve your vision, you may end up overwhelmed to actually do the project.
For example, you might be tempted to peel off the wallpaper in your room. When you do peel the wallpaper, however, you will leave the backing behind. In an old house, if you have plaster walls, getting the backing off and skim-coating and painting the room may take you three years. So, if you want things to be perfect immediately, you may not get started with the project.
Celebrate Your Success
If you finished painting the bedroom, celebrate with The Detox Cafe. Every time you accomplish something, it gives your mind a little boost. Always stop and relish what you have accomplished – whether it’s installing new lights or applying a fresh coat of paint – before you move on to the next project.
A home improvement project is inevitable, but it need not be a burden. Consider the tips above to fully focus on your home improvement project.