What’s Holding Back Your Home Remodel?

Turning A Dilapidated House Into A Dream Home-Chispa MagazineEveryone has a to-do list, and most people’s contain something to do with making their home a nicer a place to live in. So how come we don’t actually just get on and do it? Well, there are several things that could be holding us back. Read on to find out what they are, and how you can overcome them. So you can get going on your home improvement projects today.

Money
The first thing that holds back remodeling and decoration projects is the cost. Depending on what it is that you are having done, it can be an expensive endeavor to try and redecorate. There are materials to pay for, as well as labor if you need to get a professional in to do any of the jobs. This is especially relevant to remodels where new rooms are being added like a conservatory, as you have to factor in the extra to cost to the budget.

But what can we do about this to lower costs? Well, first of all, you need to identify any job that you can do yourself. Maybe you can’t re-skim a wall, but you can probably paint the finished room without professional help. What about the ornaments and soft furnishes? Do they have to be bought from high-end stores, or can you make something similar from craft materials for a fraction of the cost?

For example, many people create their own abstract painting with leftover paint. Which not only costs just the price of the canvas but also fits in with your color scheme perfectly. Check out your local craft shops for deep edged canvas that won’t break the bank.

Remember too that prices on most things are negotiable, if you are reasonable and willing to have a go at getting them knocked down. Speak to a sales representative for items like media systems and furniture to see if they can reduce the price. Remember that they want to make a sale too. Paying by cash, taking the store display model, or buying a lot of items can give you extra negotiating power to secure a bargain.

Confidence
Confidence is another factor that can cause people to put off remodeling and decoration in their home. It’s pretty easy to be paralyzed into inaction if you aren’t sure what designs would look best, or how to bring a room together.

That is where a little professional help doesn’t go a miss. There are plenty of sources of assistance out there like professional interior designers, who can come and work especially on your home. Or you can research style principles on the internet, and build your confidence until you are ready to have a go yourself.

Time
Another reason that we hold back on remodeling our homes is the time and effort that it takes. Unfortunately, most redecorating and remodeling jobs are not instantaneous. In fact, they can take anything from a weekend, up to a month or longer depending on the complexity of the project. Combine this with the fact that you won’t be able to use that room for that time. As well as having to battle through the dust and debris of any renovation work, and it can really cause many people to put it off.

So what can be done about this? Well if you can to do the work yourself you have a bit more control of over when things get done. But if time is a key factor it’s a good idea to book some time off work and dedicate yourself to finishing the job during that period. Then you will know that you will only have to put up with the disruption for that amount of time.

However, if you are getting some of the work done professionally, you are somewhat at the mercy of your contractors. To help minimize any unplanned extension of deadlines you can put together a schedule of works. This is an estimate of how long each job will take, and that date you expect to have it done by. Then you will know who is and isn’t on the schedule and you can chase them accordingly.

Remember, though, it’s unlikely that all of the work will be completed on time. As often unexpected things happen, like items being delivered late, and this can put everyone behind.

Also, try and avoid doing little bits and bobs here and there. As this will cause the job to go on forever. You will also be inconvenienced for longer, and you run a real risk of becoming demotivated half way through. Which can bring things to a stop entirely.

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Mia Guerra

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine
Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.

Mia Guerra

Executive Editor at Chispa Magazine, Mia Guerra is a writer at heart. Regardless the topic, she loves to investigate, encourage, and ruminate on topics that can make us better people. Aiming to live a Proverbs 31 life, Mia is ecstatic to be following her calling with Chispa. At home she is her husband's sidekick and together they are raising a God-fearing family in Atlanta.