Everyone seems to have some part of their home they don’t love. So where do you start if you are going to have work done on your house?
That was the subject of today’s podcast episode, and you can listen to it below.
Now let’s get to it. First you really need to come up with a plan. Figure out the scope of the job. Maybe you have several rooms you want to work on. I know in our old house, I had a list of things I wanted to work on. We had money in the budget for something every year. So I would take my plan and break it down over several years. Like counter-tops in the kitchen this year and paint the kitchen cabinets next year.
Put a plan together
Once you know what you plan to do, you can start researching contractors, appliances, whatever the scope of your project includes.
Get several bids
Be sure to get several bids if you are hiring contractors. Call their references. This is where you hear the real story, not just a sound bite. We got recommendations on solid contractors in North Carolina from our realtor. The painter did a great job too!
Ask for recommendations from neighbors and professionals
If you don’t know which contractors to talk to, I like to ask for referrals on the app Nextdoor or I just call a realtor friend; they always know the best contractors and service people!
Don’t go with the lowest bid
Well, what I mean is consider more than just price. I go with the company who as the best reputation who is reasonably priced. The lowest bidder may nickle and dime you… When we built our house, I did not choose the cheapest builder, I went with one of the best, and I’m very happy I did. And he had an amazing carpenter that did all the woodwork in my house.
Do your research
Looking for major appliances? Look at online reviews. I like to check BEST BUY and SEARS for reviews. I also highly recommend going to a local store to see the appliance or big ticket item in person if you can.
Sleep on it
Don’t feel pressured by a salesman or some special deal that ends at midnight. There are plenty of fish in the sea. If someone is pressuring you, then don’t do business with them. Reputable businesses don’t pressure clients. Sometimes we feel like we have to do it today, when usually it isn’t as big an emergency as we think it is.
And now my doorbell stopped working and my handywoman moved away. So now I need to find someone new to do my little honey-do projects. I guess I need to follow my own advice.
Have anything to add to the list? I want to know what you suggest.
I have some new things in my shop and brand new markdowns!!
You can subscribe to the podcasts in iTunes HERE.
To listen to more podcasts, you can find them all HERE.
lol I also have a problem with my door bell. Landlord couldn’t find what was wrong. I looked and one of the bars was broken. Mighty simple. I fixed and billed landlord
Good info, thx
Thanks for the tips. I definitely want things done right and excellently and for the best price.
love your doorbell! it’s the little things… and thanks so much for the app referral. i had not heard of it before.
Thanks for the tips, Anita. Have a great weekend!
Loved the podcast. First time listener. Lots of fun listening to you ladies troubleshoot. I’m able to picture these things your talking about and it’s very interesting. Putting my action plan together.
Thank you!
Thanks for the advice to sleep on making decisions and to have an action plan that may span several years.
Thank you for your info and encouragement as we have a big project ahead with my mother’s house!
Not feeling pressured is a big one.
I read your blog every day. I have so many projects and so little money. I tackle those things that I can do myself.
Slow and steady wins the race Kitsy.
I used to try to tackle all aspects of a room reno at once. We would try to save up money for all at once reno, but inevitably something would come up and we would spend our reno savings. Now I see the value of breaking down a job into smaller progressive jobs. We are doing the kitchen floor and countertops this year. I’m not sure if I will paint the cabinets or leave them yet. Even the “small” steps are progress and feels like a new room! Thanks for the advice
Sounds like you like a challenge Susan!
This is the first time I have been on your website Thank you for all the information and tips. Love seeing all the pictures, it has given me a lot to dream about. Can’t wait to get started making a lot of changes in my home.
Thanks for sharing this info.
First time I have listened to the podcast. So helpful. Now I have to go back and listen to the previous ones!
Isn’t it a style called eclectic when you have several different styles? I always thought when someone used that term it meant they couldn’t decide so they have it all.