Lifehack logo

How to Start a Home Improvement Project

Useful tips to improve home functionality and value

By Kimberly H. SmithPublished 4 years ago Updated 3 years ago 3 min read
Like
How to Start a Home Improvement Project
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

The Projects Never End

Owning a home is a never-ending project. Regardless of whether you’ve been living in your house for years, you just purchased one, or you’re about to list it for sale. Things will break and need to be repaired.

You may need to paint the walls, install wallpaper, put new fixtures on the ceiling, change the tiles on the kitchen floor, remodel the kitchen, put in a wall, or upgrade all of your plumbing fixtures. You could find yourself in a predicament of having water damage or wind damage.

Sounds like a lot? There’s an old riddle to help you get your mind properly aligned: how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Fixing up your home is an elephant, but if you do it one job at a time, you’ll be surprised at how fast it goes.

Getting Your Head in the Game

First, make a list of things that need to be fixed and work your way through the list at a comfortable pace. You’ll likely have some dusting, vacuuming, and carpet shampooing to do. How about cleaning the garage or the attic? Perhaps the crank on the windows needs to be removed or is missing in several rooms.

Once you’ve done all the easy things, then it’s time to get into the more difficult areas. Sometimes you’ll be able to handle plumbing fixes on your own just by turning off the water, unscrewing one segment of piping, and putting another one in. But, in most cases, you’ll cost yourself hundreds of dollars if you neglect to hire a professional plumber.

Plumbing and Water Damage Solutions

When you’re looking for plumbing solutions, professionals can provide the kind of services that you need. Whether you are seeking an experienced plumber for a residential or commercial system, choose a service wisely to get the help you seek. An additional collateral damage from plumbing problems is water damage, and plumbers may not be able repair such damage, predicating the need for additional professional assistance. Keep that in mind.

Water damage repair services can help you avoid permanent water damages. They specialize in various issues from small water spots to flooded homes. If not taken care of promptly, excess water in your home can cause extensive damage and possibly lead to hazardous mold.

Mold can be a real deal-killer if you’re listing your home for sale. Black mold is especially egregious and must be removed swiftly. Once you get things like water damage and plumbing problems fixed, then it’s time for some real projects, like a kitchen or a bathroom remodel. You should consider combining your repair projects to reduce costs and labor.

To the Exterior and Beyond

Do you have a deck or porch that could use a makeover? Be sure to check out DIY or professional solutions to increase your property value. You mustn’t neglect the exterior of your house. Judging a book by its cover may be a faux pas but in reality it is the opposite; and homes are no different.

Water features are ideal additions for gardens and patios. You can change the entire ambiance of an exterior space just by putting in a fountain, waterfall, or pond. They do not demand heavy maintenance and installations are affordable. With a number of options available, you can choose one that will suit your landscape design.

Get your lawn and beyond in viewing shape with a fresh coat of paint. Even if you’re not selling your home, it can always benefit from improvement, refurbishment, and maintenance of things listed here. It’s worth making the effort. If you can maintain it continuously, even better for you and your family.

house
Like

About the Creator

Kimberly H. Smith

Published author, copywriter, and transcription editor. Louisiana native with B.A. in Theatre from LSU. Wife and mother currently in the KC area writing a wide range of articles for freelance networks.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.