8 Home Improvement Tips for the New Year

It’s a new year! And you know what that means – a new opportunity to set some goals and get things done. If you’ve been mentally preparing a list of home improvement projects, now is the time to plan out how they get done. Here are some tips from our home improvement company:

Determine how long you’ll be in your home

If selling your home has been on your mind, figure out a time frame for when you would put your home on the market. (One year? Five years?) This will help you decide what home improvement projects to undergo in order to spruce it up and make it ready for selling.

Set a budget

Money after the holidays can be tight and it may be a little crazy to start thinking about home improvement soon after. While you don’t need to start right away, it’s a good idea to spend January (and even February) setting a budget for the things you want to get done. This way, you’ll feel comfortable once you start spending the money.

Start searching for inspiration early

It’s never too early for inspiration! If you know that you want to redo your home’s siding, finish your basement, or install a new roof, start looking through magazines and online photo galleries to get an idea of what you want to do. If your improvement is exterior, you can also take a drive through neighborhoods and draw inspiration from other homes.

Choose an expert

If there’s a project on your list that’s best left to the pros, make sure you choose a company that’s been in the business for awhile, has a good reputation, employs friendly staff members, and offers their services for a fair price. Choosing someone mediocre can result in careless workmanship, high prices, unpleasant service, and more.

Set some goals

Whether your list is full of large projects or small ones, set some goals for yourself. It will help you stay on track and will give you something to look forward to. In addition, it will help you manage your budget.

Don’t forget about energy savings

While you may be anticipating a bathroom renovation or a new deck, don’t forget that there are some home improvement projects that can help you save energy and lower your carbon footprint. For example, installing new windows can help eliminate drafts and keep the inside of your home at its most comfortable. Also, the right amount of home insulation can also play a part in your use of your air conditioning or heat. And if you’re in need of a new roof, there are options that can help absorb or reflect the heat of the sun.

Be patient and flexible

Home renovations take time, money, and patience and many times, they don’t go the way you imagined they would. No matter what project you’re tackling, remember to be flexible with start and end dates, materials, and even final results. Keeping an open mind can make all the difference.

Tackle some DIY projects

When it comes to smaller home improvement projects, there are many that you can do yourself! Check out the DIY section of our website and learn how to install beadboard, tile a shower, install a new sink, and more!