As a homeowner, your list of maintenance projects is likely long and winding. Home improvement can be a daunting task, and it can be hard to know where to start. To kick things off, create a wish list of projects in no particular order. Next, go through our top tips below and learn how to prioritize your projects so that you can make the biggest difference as fast as possible.
Put function first.
As boring as it sounds, it’s smart to start with the house projects that impact safety or your daily function. Water heater on it’s last leg? Better upgrade before it blows. No functioning guest toilet? That’s where your list begins! Projects involving the roof, gutters, door locks and electrical work should take top priority.
Consider the season.
Timing does make a difference for many projects. Practically speaking, some tasks are simply easier to accomplish when the days are longer and warmer, while others may not be compatible with sticky, humid weather. Think realistically about how long each task will take, and determine if you have the weather to work on it or if it should wait until next season.
Think about first impressions.
A whole-home renovation may be your end goal, but most people can’t tackle it all at once. Think through what guests (or prospective homebuyers) will notice first, and start there. For example, a fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a room. An outdated kitchen can vastly decrease your home value, so that may be the room to start in. Adding a tastefully styled entryway table can add a wow-factor right when people walk in, and the right window treatments can make a home look more pulled together. You don’t have to do it all at once, but begin with the projects people will first absorb as they spend time in your home. Leave the boring-but-nice projects that nobody will admire slightly lower on your priority list (besides the safety-related and necessary functional to-dos mentioned above!). Being able to see your progress really does make a difference!
Start with low-budget, high-impact projects.
At the end of the day, the goal is to pack the biggest punch possible without breaking the bank — right? Arrange your home improvement to-do list in order from least expensive to most, and then compare that to a project list sorted by what will make the biggest difference in your space. If you opt to start with the most expensive project first (especially one that nobody really notices), it’s easy to get overwhelmed and burned out before you get where you want to be. By starting with bite-sized projects, so to speak, you’ll gain momentum that keeps you moving forward toward your end goals.
One easy way to transform your home without blowing your budget is to add or refresh your mirror! Mirrors have a way of opening up a space by bouncing light around the room, and framed mirrors can make a room appear more polished. Best of all, it’s a cost-effective way to make a big impact in your space. Browse our entire collection of framed mirrors here.