We all do it. We dream of great ideas for home improvements and DIY projects to tackle. Before long, the list of items to tackle is huge, but the time and budget to do complete them is slightly less robust. So how do you decide what should come first? How do you prioritize one project over another and use your time as efficiently as possible?
We’ve got you covered.
Check out these six tips to help prioritize and tackle all your dream DIY projects.
1. Consider seasonality
Here in the Midwest, we know what a harsh winter feels like. Rather than looking at the changing seasons as a limitation to your projects, use it as a guide to help prioritize.
We all know you won’t be working on updating your outdoor space in the middle of December, so push the outdoor projects to the top of your list while the weather is comfortable. Move the projects that can be completed inside lower on the list so you can complete them this winter.
2. Determine your DIY budget
Before you start tackling your list of projects, determine your budget. Estimate project-by-project how much each will cost and use your set budget to determine which projects will fit in the budget and which need to be set aside for now.
You might consider setting up a Pick Your Payout or Name Your Savings account to help you budget for your DIY projects. Each of these allow you to set up automatic transfers to help you stay on track with your savings goal. Or if the project calls for it, you might even benefit from tapping into your home’s equity with a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is like a credit card that lets you borrow a set amount of your home’s value. It allows you to withdraw cash as you need it, and you only pay interest on what you borrow.
Once your budget is set, make sure you stick to it. While some DIY projects are relatively inexpensive, you don’t want to let one expensive project drain your budget for other essential areas in your life.
3. Know your skillset
While they may sound fun or interesting, some projects may be better left to the experts.
If starting a certain project is causing you stress or uncertainty, consider letting someone else tackle the project. If you start a project that you aren’t comfortable with and something goes wrong, it may cost you more to repair the damage later.
Even if the project is more expensive upfront, you may be saving money (and time) in the long run by avoiding something going wrong.
4. Put safety issues first
Many of your DIY projects may be more of a want than a need, but where a safety issue is concerned, you really need to address it as soon as possible. While other projects on your list may be more exciting, fixing cracks in your siding or a new lock on your door are much more pressing. Address safety issues before they lead to other more costly problems.
5. Think about increasing your home value
Whether it’s on your radar or way down the road, your home value will become important when you’re looking to sell. Depending on how much time you have before you make a major move like this, you may want to prioritize projects that will increase your home value. For example, something like a patio addition, while more expensive, will add more value to your home than re-painting a bedroom.
6. Make a physical list
When you don’t make a physical list of the projects on your DIY list, it can be easy to continue thinking of projects without addressing the need for each idea. Making a physical list and plan will help you stay on track and hold yourself accountable without creating a patchwork of incomplete work.
If you forget to write a project on your list, it probably wasn’t something that should take priority anyway.
Are there other areas of your home and personal life you’d like to improve?
Check out our blogs on how to manage financial stress and tips for saving time on chores and errands.
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