How to Prioritize Home Improvement Projects
If you are a homeowner, it’s likely that you’d like to tackle multiple home improvement projects at one time. However, with a limited amount of time and money and so many ideas on how to improve your home, prioritizing home improvement projects can be a challenge. Here at LeafFilter, we’ve compiled these handy tips to help you prioritize your needs and increase the value of your home.
Declutter Your Home
Cleaning out your clutter and organizing your home should be done before considering any home improvement projects. By disposing of unnecessary items, you can gain a clearer picture of your home and better evaluate what home improvements are really necessary. In addition, you can put the money you make from selling some of these items towards your home improvement fund.
Assess Your Home’s Condition
After your home is organized and free of clutter, the next step should be to personally inspect your home. Look around your home and assess its every component. Ask yourself whether actual repairs are needed or if there are just some cosmetic issues that you’d like to fix.
Safety Comes First
Home renovation projects that can impede on the safety of your home must be your first priority. The most common types of safety-related repairs have to do with roofs, siding, gutters, and security enhancements. Once these are completed, you can move on to cosmetic projects that are intended to improve the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Think About Increasing Home Value
Whether or not you are planning on moving in the future, focusing on projects that will add value to your home will ensure your time and money are being spent well. Some of the most popular projects that increase home value are kitchen remodeling, bathroom additions, energy-efficient insulation, patio and deck additions, new garage doors, and plumbing updates.
Determine Your Remodeling Budget
Prior to starting any home improvement project, you should determine your remodeling budget. Your remodeling budget can dictate which home improvement projects you should take on first. You should work with your resources and avoid getting into debt. Keep in mind that some projects can be less expensive without the support of a contractor while other, more involved projects should be performed with the expertise of a reliable contractor.
Don’t Forget About Seasonality
Considering seasonality is essential. It makes more sense to start some remodeling projects during the spring and summer because of the warmer weather and longer days. You should think about how the seasons may affect your projects, and whether some tasks should be saved for a later time.
Avoid Certain Projects
A contractor will not tell you this but there are a number of different projects that homeowners may be tempted to pursue that will not increase their home value. To avoid spending money on projects that won’t make a huge difference in your home’s resale value, try to refrain from building a home office, a pool, a hot tub, a luxury shower, and built-in electronics.
This handy list is sure to help you prioritize your next home improvement endeavor. For more tips on how to maintain your home and keep it in its optimal condition, check out the other articles in our blog.
