Home Improvements

April 20, 2012

Have you ever started a project and thought, "Oh this will be a breeze! Just a little this, a little that, and Voila!” But in reality, it takes twice as long, or three times, or four times, or in my case, six months longer than planned? 

It so happens, I started one of these projects almost a year ago.  And it began simply enough – as these things so often do --when I walked into a fantastic fixer upper home with my family. Our realtor asked me "Are you sure you want a house you have to put work into and not one that you can just move right in?"
I, at the time, was eight months pregnant and looking more whale-like than human and STILL found myself saying "Oh yes, it won’t take any time at all.  No big deal, just a few little fixes." Who was I kidding? Everyone went along with me, but I guess they just didn’t want to hurt the prego’s feelings and say I was completely crazy.

Well, as it turns out, I was.

We have now been through sheetrock, paint, toilets, paint, flooring, more paint, and now sanding cabinets. I live an episode of This Old House on a daily basis. However, my family will soon be living in a practically new gorgeous home that we will appreciate even more because of the hard work we have put into it.

If you are thinking of starting a remodeling project or buying a house and doing the work on your own, here are a few tips I have discovered on my journey:

First, do your research:
I have checked out the whole series of Black and Decker Home Improvement, which have been a great help, but there are many more great books and databases in the Library system that can help you with remodeling and redecorating.

Always create a budget and leave room for the unknown:
There will always be something unexpected that comes up and must be taken care of, such as your hot water heater failing, or needing to have your furnace vents cleaned out. Having a solid budget planned out will make these surprise expenses a little less intrusive.

Ask your friends:
If you are bringing in a professional for plumbing, electrical, or flooring work, ask your friends who have done some of the same projects who they would recommend. Perhaps, some of your friends even have experience doing this type of work themselves.

Last, but not least, if you are going to throw your hammer, be sure never to throw it around windows.
Trust me on this one.

Tricia B.
Platte City Branch