It Takes Time But Is Worth the Wait

Television is full of shows about decorating, maintaining and remodeling your home, and while they leave us inspired, eager and full of creative energy, we must realize reality TV is not always the reality of the situation.
Sunday nights at 8 p.m. on ABC is a great example. Most of you have either seen, or heard about, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.” Most of us are not going to have one hundred or more skilled labors working on our project. They do in a week what takes the average contractor three months or more, and would take the average do-it-yourselfer over a year. After you realize a beautiful home doesn’t happen overnight or even in a year, don’t give up on the idea, just plan accordingly.

Here are some steps to take:
Prioritize – There may be more than one project you’d like to have done, so you’ll need to make a list. Sit down with the family and decide what to tackle first.
Schedule – Time of year is very important. If it’s raining outside, you don’t want to add that new cement walkway to the backyard, or tear off the old roof. In addition to the weather you may need a place for your pets or small children to go for a few days while your project is completed.
Get It In Writing – Whether you are doing the project yourself, a friend is helping you or you hire a contractor, make sure you write down everything that you want done. This may save you from making three trips to the hardware store, and hopefully keep everyone focused on the same plan.
Finishing the Job – If you’re the do-it-yourselfer, make sure you get help if you need it. Some guys like to show how macho they are and how easy everything is, but you may need to swallow your pride, fellas, and get a buddy or two to help get the work done. The aforementioned may require a pizza to help motivate them. If you are experiencing trouble with a contractor finishing a job, remember “the squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Take Pictures – Before and after pictures of any project you do can provide a big sense of accomplishment and you can see what your hard worked helped do.
Until next time, good luck making your house a home! Remember to call, write, or e-mail us your questions regarding anything construction or home repair.