Home improvement is an ongoing process that may never truly finish. After all, the trends are always changing while wear and tear are bound to have an influence on your list of projects. So, before starting any future assignment, you must go the extra mile to confirm that you’ve made the right selection.
Here are some of the key questions that can point you in the right direction. Be sure to ask them before making your decision.
Is it an immediate priority?
The truth is that you will always have a long list of jobs that need completing. Unless you win the lottery (in which case you’d probably buy a mansion), you won’t be able to do them all. At least not right away. So, you must confirm that any project is a priority.
Some of the key issues that would fall under the essentials category include;
- Improving the home security facilities. This can be done with surveillance cameras, better door locks, and exterior lighting.
- Treating problems with the roofing or completing foundation repair before the damage escalates.
- Repairing existing damage caused by flooding, fires, and natural disasters. Or, for landlords, bad tenants.
There is little use in adding luxuries if the fundamentals aren’t in place.
Does it make financial sense?
Every major life decision should be made with financial aspects in mind. Nonetheless, it feels even more pertinent when dealing with the home. It is the most valuable asset you possess while it’s probably the source of your greatest ongoing expenses too.
As such, you will need to ask the following questions;
- Do I have access to the necessary funds? There’s nothing worse than being left with an unfinished project.
- Will the eco-friendly project save money in the long run? Considering the value of solar panels, for example, is key.
- Will the value added to my enjoyment and daily lifestyle vindicate the costs? Some upgrades are simply priceless.
Knowing that the project is financially savvy will make a telling impact.
Can I do it myself?
One of the biggest questions to ask is whether you are the right person to do the work. There are naturally pros (costs) and cons (quality, stress) to be gained from each approach. Whichever route you take, it’s vital that it won’t leave you feeling regret.
To ensure that it doesn’t, consider the following;
- Some home upgrade projects, like extensions, will require planning permission. Without legal permissions, you could face consequences.
- Poor workmanship can cause costly problems. Using a plumber for leaks and boilers, for example, is a must. Roofing and electrician work fall into this category.
- Online tutorials are readily available for a host of jobs. So, many of the purely cosmetic jobs can be done by you.
You must not overlook the time constraints involved, though. Or the potential stress.
Is the project designed to my needs?
Some homeowners fall into the trap of simply following the trends. While you can certainly gain inspiration by checking out the latest ideas, you must not lose sight of what you want. If you’re happy with the project, other elements won’t matter.
The factors that you’ll want to consider include;
- Your home should be adapted to your requirements. For example, if you have accessibility needs, a wetroom may be better.
- If you work from home, the addition of a home office space will be more valuable than an unused guest room.
- If you are planning to sell the property, you will want an affordable project that yields a positive ROI.
Ultimately, if the project is not tailored to your requirements, it’s not the right solution.
Does it make use of all available space?
We all wish we had a bigger property. As such, it’s vital that any project you plan to take on inside your property is designed to utilize the space. If it fails to do this, the final results will fall a little flat.
Therefore, you will want to take these issues into account;
- Wall-mounting a TV or shelf can save valuable floor space, particularly compared to bulky cabinets and units.
- Alcoves can be used to great effect, particularly for storage. Likewise, going open plan can alter the esthetic.
- Garages, gardens, basements, and attics are all criminally underutilized. Revamping those can bring a new dimension to the home.
Bigger is better. Don’t be afraid to embrace the space in style.
Is it the right time of the year?
In truth, you can probably complete any job at any time of the year. However, a long list of projects can be affected by the weather and climate conditions. Similarly, the supply and demand levels can influence the cost of a proposed project.
Timing is one of the most important aspects. So, you must not forget that;
- Completing a garden transformation, even with a gardener, in the winter may not be wise as the adverse weather could cause damage before you get to use it.
- Paint fumes can cause headaches if you are stuck inside with the work. However, if using a pro, you could time it to align with your vacation.
- If the weather condition means extra precautions are needed, it will increase the times and costs related to the project.
If the project would be better suited to later in the year, use this time to do something else.
Will the results last?
Once you’ve completed one project, your thoughts will move on to the next upgrade. Sadly, you won’t be able to do this if the works aren’t of the desired standard. That’s because you’ll be forced to revisit the last work.
With this in mind, you must be sure to;
- Avoid temporary measures that only serve to delay the inevitable outcome of needing more significant work.
- Ignore cosmetic trends that are likely to fall out of favor within the next year or two. After all, this time will be even closer by the time you’ve finished.
- Investigate whether new technologies are likely to render the works redundant in the near future.
When you make an upgrade that delivers years of service, you can sit back and smile.