This week is dedicated to focusing on home renovation projects that you, the homeowner, can handle on your own. To kick this focus off, anyone that takes on a home renovation knows that there will be snags and frustration within the process. Here are some of my favorite ways to stay motivated and on task to complete your project and start enjoying your end result.
1. Get a Quote from a Contractor. Nothing gets me more motivated than a quote that is double or more what it would cost for you to do the project yourself. That way, during the process, you can keep in mind why you are doing the project on your own.
2. Remember, Angie’s List and Yelp Exist for a Reason. Some people seem to think that an item in a contractor’s tool belt is a magic wand. Although maybe not as common as a potential DIY disaster, there are plenty of stories where contractors have caused big issues. This is why for non-structural work; I always prefer to do the work myself. I have also had issues where you are waiting for weeks for a contractor to finish a job. On your own, you are more in control of the timeline.
3. Take Pictures of “Before”. During the demo and prep work phases of your project, you will definitely start to wonder why you started the project to begin with. I find that taking pictures of what the area looked like before updating will serve as a quick reminder why you are making updates to the space.
4. Post the “Before” Pictures Online. We like to share our progress with friends this way, but you can also keep friends and family apprised in other ways. The logic is similar to a workout program. If people know you are doing it and will inevitably ask how it is coming, you don’t want to have to admit that you stopped or are stretching it out for some reason.
5. Enlist the Help of Friends and Family. Not only is this a money and time-saver, I find it is a great bonding experience. Have you ever noticed that some of the best stories to tell are of those when something crazy or unexpected happens? Friends and family make the project more social and if an issue does arrive, they can help lighten the frustration and may even be bringing some knowledge to it that can help solve the issue.
6. Buy the Right Tools. I am a big proponent of simple is best, but when it comes to cutting certain materials, making correct measurements, or other specific applications, use what is recommended and it will relieve many headaches. If a tool seems pretty expensive, refer back to #1 on this list.
7. Borrow Tools if Possible. If you are taking on a project that seems like it will be a once-in-a-lifetime project that requires a specific tool, see if your friends or neighbors have the tool needed to complete the job. If not, you can rent one as well. Of course, if it is something that you will likely use more than once, certainly consider buying the tool.
8. Complete the Demo and Prep Work as Soon as Possible. Again, in my experience, it is at these beginning stages that you can get discouraged because you are the furthest away from a finished product. Depending on the project, I recommend one of two methods, complete all of this in the first day (if possible) or break it up into a couple of hourly sessions in consecutive nights. If it goes past much more than a week, you will likely lose focus.
9. Buy Quality Materials. Again, refer to #1 on this list. You have saved a lot of money doing the work yourself. Treat yourself to quality finishes and building materials that you know will last.
10. Be Mindful of Resale. Although you should buy quality materials, also be aware of the finishes that you are putting into the house compared to your neighborhood. For example, I like granite countertops, but for my first home in the $150,000 range, no other comparable house would have this. Unless you are in your forever home or find a great deal on finishes that you won’t recoup when it comes time to sell, stick with the level of house you are in. In this example, I was able to find a very nice laminate that was better than what was there and much less expensive than granite.
11. If You Have Kids, Include Them in the Project. Home renovation and maintenance are life skills that are vital for anyone. Once the kids are at an age where they can understand the project, include them in some way. If they are not yet able to handle the tools, they can act as a runner for retrieving non-power tools or other materials, like baseboard or tile. As they get older, they can gradually get more involved in the process. These skills will not only allow them to do their own renovations, but will also give them insight if they need to hire someone in knowing exactly what the charges are for.
12. Use the Internet for Problem Solving. There is no problem you will meet that someone else has not already. In all likelihood, someone has already posted a solution to that problem. Keep YouTube handy and search for answers to your specific issues on DIY forums. You’ll find an answer almost every time.
13. Take “After” Pictures. Once the project concludes, take “after” pictures. This will add extra motivation to repeat this process. You’ll likely want to share with friends and family, which is a nice talking point.
Throughout the week, I will focus on specific projects that are very manageable for those not used to doing renovations.
What tips do you have for surviving a renovation? What are some of your favorite kinds of projects?
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