WHERE TO START

Question

I have so many new home project in my mind, I don't know where to start. I would like a spa bathroom, reading area (Feng Shui), master bedroom and outdoor pond????? help

360 Sod (Donna Dixson) · Answer

Sounds like you need to prioritize. I would look at budget first then ask myself if there is any of the projects that would take priority based on safety concerns. Next I would see if there are logistical sequences,such as will it be more cost effective to do the bathroom/bedroom projects in conjuntion with one another. That might be a good question for a remodle contractor to answer. The pond would be a totally seperate project,that can be done as a DIY or by a great landscape contracter in your area. Hope that helps-

MATTIE C · Answer

thanks, I will do just that one room at a time.

3po3 · Answer

This might seem obvious, but really think about what you use the most, and that will help you figure out the best bang for the buck. Try to quantify how much time you realistically spend in each area, and how much your quality of life would improve with an upgrade in that area. I know a lot of people spend a bunch of money on a jetted tub, for example, and still never have time to take a bath. Others, of course, take a bath every day and realize they couldn't live without it.

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

In these hard times we all want to improve our homes. Not only for our comfort but for value.  Before you begin your projects you should consult with a professional designer even if only for one or two hours.  They can help you decide what projects really make the most difference in the homes value as well as for your personal comfort.  And seeing your home can help you decide exactly what you should start first and what to wait upon.

I have seen many projects although meaning good intentions go way out of sight both in cost overruns as well as value added. Oftentimes never getting completely finished.

So you need to carefully determine your ability to pay for the project.  Determine if you have enough time to start and finish the project in a timely fashion. Determine if the project will add value to your home, or determine if its just a comfort value that you want.

I would however as much as you would like to do that great spa bathroom.  I would start small if your new to this type of home improvement stuff.  Do your bedroom first or even a little nook some where in the house you can call your own space.

Create a excel sheet with a budget and plan on exactly what it is that you want.  Put down costs, time, and criteria for exactly what it is that you want. Colors, decor etc.

Once armed with this information written down begin your project. And try to follow your plan. Carefully document the job and compare it to what you first wrote down.  Once done see just how good or bad you did based upon your first budget.  You will be surprised on how far you may end up being off  both on time and budget.  If not you should be patting yourself on your back because putting on paper then doing it the same way is very difficult even for the pros.

The reason for this little lesson. It takes a lot of DIY experience to do larger projects. Everyone can do them and I do not know you but I bet you can do them as well, but the difficult part is you. knowing your own personal limitations vs wants. If you watch all those TV shows where people renovate their bath or kitchen on a weekend. This is a very rare and very difficult thing to accomplish. So do not be disappointed in yourself if your not meeting budgets or times when doing any projects around the house. Particularly in the beginning.  It takes years to understand how to plan projects and to do them according to your plan.

I as a professional contractor make these same mistakes all the time.  And I doubt any other contractor here does not goof on time or costing once in a while also.  But were armed with years of experience under our belts and can use our poker face real well when we find ourselves in a corner trying to achieve the same dreams for our clients.

So be sure to tell us what you decide and if you need help with how to do it. Were all here to help you and give you thumbs up for a successful project.  Be sure to take lots of before and after photos so you can brag about them once your done!

Bob

Yamini LEED AP at Urbanmotifs · Answer

Mattie, a Spa bathroom can be achieved with your current space, it may just need some fresh paint, some new accessories that shout out spa. You may not want to remodel the entire bathroom if you like the flow and space. Here is an article I wrote a while back that can help transform your space - http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/115/nine-easy-steps-to-turn-your-bathroom-into-a-spa-retreat.html The same goes with the reading area and Master bathroom. Plan on spending a certain amount on each room and strive on creative ways to achieve this. I recently re-designed an entire bedroom for under 1000 dollars and I am confident it can be done in less and with Feng Shui in place. I am not a pond expert but I am sure there are ways to make this happen too. First prioritize your wants and needs and then plan each space accordingly. I would start with the bedroom and then work on the reading room, since I feel this wont take up much time and can be done in a week or 2. Good Luck and let me know if anytime you need help.

MATTIE C · Answer

thanks everyone!

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