Need help what order should I do these projects?

Pat pacdits
by Pat pacdits
I just brought a home that needs work. I have already done some updates inside and I need help with the outside.

I have these big projects to do on a fixed income.

I am overwhelmed and don't know what order should I do these things?

Gutters are real bad need new ones installed.

Rain water needs to go away from home need French drains

4 25ft trees lifting back fence need to be cut down and 5 fence panels replaced when trees come down.

Those tree roots running under house need to have root raked

  10 answers
  • Sandra Allen Sandra Allen on Mar 05, 2018

    I would go in the exact order you listed. The gutters won't help if they are not working right, and you can damage a lot when they don't. If you know some people in your community (church?) that would help with the trees and fences that would be great too.

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 05, 2018

    Which are the more pressing problems? If it is still rainy where you live it could be the gutters. I personally would want the fence fixed for security reasons. What do you mean about the tree roots being raked?

    • Pat pacdits Pat pacdits on Mar 06, 2018

      Thank you. A root raker is a machine used to remove roots and other debris from beneath the soil

  • Amy Ogden-Paparone Amy Ogden-Paparone on Mar 05, 2018

    First thing you have to remember is Be Patient, Everything will get done in it's time! I would replace all the gutters first to protect the house, then do a little each day and before you know it, it'll all be done!

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Mar 05, 2018

    The first thing would be take care of the gutters and make sure that the downspouts have extensions to channel the rain water away. Water is so destructive and it could cause mold (a real health hazard). Next I would deal with the trees (you can't get rid of roots before the trees). Then do the roots. I think you kind of knew that, you already had it in the proper order, you just needed to hear it from others. Good luck with your projects.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Mar 05, 2018

    Fix your gutters first as this is the most important of the problems you have. Second, put in your French drain to get any standing water away from your home.

    Third, get rid of the tree that is creating the problem with the roots because the problem will always be there if the tree remains.

    Fourth, fix your fence.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 05, 2018

    Before you start big problems on the inside you need to make sure you aren't going to have leaks or a wet basement. Gutters and drainage system are the first thing to take care of. Get that tree taken care of before it damages your foundation. Unfortunately, if it's really large, try to get it professionally done. I have two that I'm going to have removed, so I know it isn't cheap. But, trees can be dangerous to both you and your home if not removed carefully.

  • SalvageBoyz SalvageBoyz on Mar 05, 2018

    Gutters, foundation (water) & tree...Can the gutters be cleaned and then replace the sections that are really in bad need (if your budget is tight), French drain..do the labor yourself and with friends and family...then you will only have parts costs; Trees if they are big or rooted..hire professional so it's grounded correctly...I use Thumbtack app to get bids on jobs around the house, and NextDoor app to ask neighbors for recommendation on reasonable help.


  • Linda Linda on Mar 05, 2018

    Make gutters drain into rainbarrels

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Mar 06, 2018

    An added comment: When removing the tree you can just cut it to ground level, drill deep holes into the stump and pour in some epsom salts. This will help to deteriorate the trunk without pulling it up.

  • Debbs Debbs on Aug 17, 2018

    Gutters are the first for certain. Water is enemy #1 in your home. I have done DIY gutters on my first fixer upper house and I have had them professionally done after snow damage. DIY never worked perfectly, but did work and were less expensive. I had snow damage gutters replaced and they were in and out in a few hours and the gutters are 100%. Budget is everything.


    French drain, trees, fence may all be inter-related. When money gets in the way (like it always does) I always go for low hanging fruit first - in other words what costs nothing but my labor, what is my labor plus low cost materials, my labor plus higher cost materials, what can only be done professionally due to lack of skills, strength or time. The fence may be a security issue or may simply be the old fashioned "fences make good neighbors". If it is not security, then maybe removal is all that is needed which then solves the tree roots from lifting it. If the trees pose no threat to the home, a replacement fence could be constructed in such a way as to not require tree removal. Tree removal and stump grinding can be expensive too. I had a rotten 40 footer posing danger to the house. Complete removal was completed in a few hours at a cost of $1500. French drains can be DIY and inexpensive (gravel & shovel) you just need to put your back into it unless you can find a couple broke 18 year olds who want to work looking for some extra money.