Doing BIG Home Improvements - A Few Tips

If you think you're going to need to call in the contractor, then here are a few ways to ensure that your home improvement plans run smoothly:

• Instead of paying for the work before the contractor has started, arrange to pay in installments so you can monitor the work as it progresses. If something has been done wrong, you have more control over the contractor and can refuse to pay any more money until the problem has been rectified. By doing this, the end result should be one that you are both happy with, and then the contractor gets his money.
  


• Keep track of all expenditure and any extra materials that may be required as the work progresses. A good tip is to set up an Excel spreadsheet on the computer detailing all the proposed plans, with an outline of relevant costs etc. This will help to ensure your plans run smoothly.
  


• It's not a bad idea to get a contract signed. You can always refer back to it then for proof of what was agreed. Also, if something goes wrong, you will find the contract invaluable.

When Home Improvements Go Wrong!

Okay, so i thought i would post some examples of home improvements gone wrong. Its a nightmare scenario, but it could happen to any one of us, so be careful!

This is a photo from Boing Boing.net showing a rain gutter sealed on both ends. You have to question the common sense of some people!




Here's a great blog showing more home improvement ideas that have turned out rather unfortunate: Home Improvement - Bad Ideas Gone Badder

My Guide to Home Improvements

Home Improvements - What You Need To Know

If you are considering doing some home improvements, i recommend taking one step at a time. Don't rush in there all guns blazing, only to realise you don't have a large enough budget or you've come unstuck with your ideas.

A friend of mine once said "improving your home may not necessarily improve your life" and i think this is important to remember. Some people think that by doing a vast amount of home improvements, they will be happier with the end result, yet one should never rule out the subsequent stresses and strains home improvements can incur. Problems with workmen and costly unexpected necessities can all make the experience of improving your home a rather undesired one!

Surprisingly, many people still go ahead with the arduous task of undertaking radical home improvements, as confirmed by Yell.com this year. UK adults can spend around one year of their lives just doing home improvements. Interestingly, from this figure, 29% of people have admitted to undertaking a job that they simply are not equipped to do and therefore cannot complete it.
(Source: http://www.yellgroup.com/english/media-pressreleases-2008-determineddiyersadisasterwaitingtohappen)

Then you can opt for the contractor route; the costly alternative. If you've ever seen Homes From Hell or suchlike, you will no doubt recall the problems innocent homeowners face with bad workmen doing 'shabby' jobs. To avoid this, try using a workman recommended by a friend, or simply one you have heard is good by word of mouth.

My 3 top tips for home improvements:

1) Plan

2) Budget

3) Only do what is necessary!

Happy home improving!

For more Home Improvements, please take a look at my other blogs about Home Furnishings and Home Construction.