It’s something that even the most diehard DIY homeowner faces from time to time.
There are so many ideas…so many projects we’d like to do, we’re not sure where to start.
So we put it off…we look through another magazine, spend more time pinning yet more photos…but after a while we end up doing nothing!
If this sounds like you, there’s a way to beat the “analysis paralysis” and move forward with your projects…prioritize them.
How?
There are different ways to think about the projects you’d like to do.
Aside from money and budget issues – which are an obvious concern – use the criteria below to determine which projects need immediate attention and which ones can wait their turn!
Do an assessment
Begin with anything in your home that needs repair or replacement. Those items that need your immediate attention should be done before anything else. (e.g. a broken stair, handrail, etc.)
Do what you can, but don’t put off calling for help if you need it. The safety of you, your family and anyone who comes to your home is of course your top priority.
What’s your energy level?
This might seem like a strange question, but it’s important to consider where you’re at emotionally and mentally.
It may not be the best time to consider taking on any home projects if you’re facing…or have just been through…a major life event. (e.g. moving house, loss of a loved one, divorce, etc.)
Give yourself some recovery time before jumping in with both feet.
The project…and your life…will go much more smoothly if you make sure you’re in the right state of mind to tackle a big project.
What’s your budget?
As noted earlier, your finances will dictate what gets done…and when.
While you could go into debt to finance your home projects, why would you? A smarter move is to save up and pay cash for each project.
Questions to ask yourself when prioritizing:
- ⬥What is the one project I really want to do this year?
- ⬥What part of my house bothers me the most?
- ⬥Are there any projects that should be a priority? (e.g. plumbing, electrical, roof, etc.)
- ⬥How much time will I have to spend on a project?
- ⬥What kind of budget will I have and what can I do with it?
- ⬥How long do I plan to stay in this house?
Make a master plan
Create a list of every single change you’d like to make to your home. Then, decide if you want to do one room at a time, or do a large project that covers all of the rooms in the house? (e.g. painting all of the rooms vs painting one room at a time)
What’s its function?
Go through each room in the house, imagining your daily routine. Think about changes that could be made in each room to add convenience to its use. For example, does your entryway have a closet? If not, would one be useful to you?
What about your cabinets? Would a lazy susan help you find things more easily?
Do you have a place for your keys, your shoes, your purse…etc.? If not, where would it make sense to make a place for them?
Would it help to install some wall hooks in the entryway or bookshelves in the living room?
Narrow your focus
Sometimes a large project can feel so overwhelming we fail to notice that just one or two smaller changes can make a difference that we can enjoy right now.
For example, instead of a complete remodel of your entire living room, narrow your focus to a single wall or even decorative elements such as new, brightly colored pillows and a large, throw rug with modern, geographical design elements.
Work in phases
You can do this through the entire house, or follow the same pattern, room by room.
Phase 1 – The room’s “outer shell”
- ⬥Paint
- ⬥Update fixtures and hardware
Phase 2 – Embellishments
- ⬥Crown molding
- ⬥Ceiling
- ⬥Trim
- ⬥Flooring
Phase 3 – Contents of room
- ⬥Decluttering
- ⬥Repurposing/refinishing old furniture
- ⬥Decorative elements – pictures, throw pillows, knick-knacks, etc.
Now that you’ve got your roadmap in place, be kind to yourself and remember that life happens. Take every interruption and setback in stride and keep plugging away…soon you’ll have a home that reflects all the care and attention you’ve lavished upon it.
