Improving your home? A quick and simple guide.

Now that winter is nearly over, folks are starting to think about those home improvement projects that they want to do over the summer. So, while staring at the blizzard outside, here’s a quick primer on using project management techniques for your home projects.

Know your outcome

Before you get started, know what you want to accomplish. If it’s painting the house, imagine what the house looks like when it’s done. What color is it? Who did it? How much did it cost? When did you get homeowner association approval?

You knew it was done when the final inspection was complete and the check handed over to the painters.

Write it down.

Understand your requirements

After you imagine what your house looks like after it’s done, go back and figure out what you actually want. For painting, your list might look like this:

• Color selected – neutral base (white, cream) with gray or blue-gray trim. The colors have to pass homeowners committee.
• At least 3 bids from different contractors
• Hire a contractor with good ratings
• Basic maintenance to be done before painting – siding and window repairs and caulking.
• The job is done in less than 5 days.
• Job scheduled between the June 1 and June 15.

There may be more that you really want with this project, but try and stay with a few items that are really important. Over thinking can lead to never starting.

Create your plan

List what needs to be done to get from your current state – unpainted house – to your desired outcome – beautiful, freshly painted house.  Grab a piece of paper, sit down at the computer, or fire up the voice recorder on your phone.  Then create your plan. The items might look like this:

• Select the colors.
• Get the colors approved.
• Call the contractors for a bid.
• Review the bids and hire a contractor.
• Schedule the job and make the initial payment.
• Job is performed.
• Review and approve the job.
• Make final payment.
• Celebrate when you finish with a family bar-b-que.

Execute the plan

Do what you said you were going to do. The plan may need to change here and there. Put dates in if that makes you feel better.  Try to keep this simple.

It’s a good idea to do something every day toward your goal. This establishes a habit of success that is likely to see you through the project. Even if it’s only to review your plan to make sure you’re on track, do something.

Party!

When your project is complete, it’s time to party. Congratulate yourself on a job well done. It doesn’t have to be big and expensive, but do something to celebrate.

What’s on your list of home projects? These few steps will help you get that project organized and done so you can sit on your patio with a cold drink and enjoy those summer evenings.

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