Homeownership requires continuous upkeep, but sometimes people put off the work. You might have a busy schedule or dread the monotonous chores. No matter what needs to get done around your house, this guide will teach you how to tackle home improvement projects you’ve been avoiding. These tips can speed things along and prevent you from dreading the work again.
1. Create a Budget
Financial difficulties can become roadblocks to many different things, including home improvement projects. If you’re unsure what the work will cost, you’ll likely put it off for weeks or even months.
Making a budget is the first step in getting ahead of your projects. Research the supplies you’ll need and compare the costs with your savings to determine if something’s too expensive to do on your own. Sometimes working with a contractor saves homeowners money, depending on the work.
2. Check Your Calendar
Time is also another complicating factor for homeowners. Look at your calendar to see how much free time you have during the next week or two. Annoying or complex projects won’t seem so impossible when you’ve carved out time for everything. Some people may also find housework more manageable with a concrete deadline.
3. Figure Out an Upkeep Plan
If you’re putting off projects because you know you’ll repeat the work sooner rather than later, creating an upkeep plan will help you get it out of the way. You won’t have to worry about the project anytime soon, which may encourage you to get started.
Deep cleaning your carpet takes time, but it can become an annual project if you learn to remove stains in between professional cleanings. Consider what stains are most common in your house. You could easily remove coffee and tea stains with dish soap, vinegar, and warm water. Grease, oil, or mold spores may need other supplies. Figuring out the most effective removal methods will stave off more significant projects, which is a technique you can use for most household work.
4. Ask for Help
You don’t have to do everything alone if you live with family members or a roommate. Ask them to help you with your scheduled work. It’s one of the best ways to figure out how to tackle home improvement projects you’ve been avoiding. Extra hands will make the projects fly by, and the work won’t feel so difficult when you’re not alone.
5. Learn About the Project
Difficult home improvement work is more overwhelming if you don’t understand how to start and finish the project. Before anything begins, watch the best DIY YouTube channels to learn every step you’ll need to complete. Someone likely already filmed the process so others could learn how to upgrade their living spaces.
6. Schedule a Playdate
Parents often don’t get enough time away from their young kids to finish more time-consuming projects. Ask a friend to watch them during a playdate so you have time for complicated tasks. You could finally powerwash your siding or work on your landscaping because you’ll have a few hours without kids to supervise. Depending on how long the playdate lasts, you could even knock a few projects out of the way.
Tackle Home Improvement Projects
Now that you know how to tackle home improvement projects you’ve been avoiding, put these tips into action. Schedule your work, find someone to watch your kids, and learn how to finish your project with great results. With a bit of time and planning, you’ll upgrade your home and keep it looking lovely for months to come.
Author bio: Cora Gold is an avid writer and the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine Revivalist. She is always finding new ways to spruce up her home, and she loves to share her inspiration with others. Keep up with Cora on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook.
