Begin fulfilling your dream by clarifying why you want to do this. The majority of remodeling projects begin as a result of the need to make changes because the house no longer meets the needs and desires of the family. For example, having a baby or growing children can result in a need to expand your space. Or perhaps you have lived in your home for more than 10 years and you are getting an itch to update and modernize. Whatever the reason, it is best to make clear what you hope to accomplish from this home improvement project.

Brainstorm about everything you would like to have included in your remodel and then categorize each item as a “necessity or must have”, “amenity or nice to have” or “definitely not”. In order to organize your thoughts and ideas, create a notebook. This will allow you to keep pictures, color samples, fabric swatches, material specifications, reference phone numbers, budget information and project records in one concise area.

Now that you have answered the why and the what, it is time to take a look at the numbers. Spending time on the budget early on in the project plan, as well as reviewing it at every step of the process, is essential to its success and your sanity. Don’t forget to take into consideration the payback you hope to achieve from this home improvement. Typically a kitchen or bathroom improvement offers the highest payback when it comes to resale. Talk to a trusted real estate agent if this is a major consideration.

Being realistic with what you can afford and when you can afford it will allow you to put together a realistic timetable for the project as a whole. The schedule should be created with the help of your “construction team”, which may include an architect, interior designer, loan officer, and general contractor, to name a few. Areas that typically can cause a ripple in your timetable are the design phase, getting permits and the actual time for construction. Make sure that you have “padded” your schedule to account for these factors.

Identifying reliable competent contractors to work on your project can be as stressful as the project itself. This can also take the most time, so be sure to account for it on your project schedule. The simple answer to getting the best person for your project – research! Begin your search by asking friends and neighbors who have completed their own home improvements who they used. The county building department and Yellow Pages are also places to look. Then do your own homework by verifying their license and insurance, check references and reputation, and view previous and current jobs. Plan interviews that will allow you to assess their personality, approach to problem solving and their understanding of your dream. They may be the best at what they do, but if they don’t “see” your vision of the completed project, then helping you make it reality is going to be difficult. Plan to evaluate up to three bids before you make your final selection.

Through careful planning, the ground work should be completed which leads you to the exciting and nail biting phase of the project – construction. Pay attention to the work as it progresses without micromanaging of your construction team. Walking this fine line can make the difference between a good remodeling experience and a nightmare. Having pre-arranged work review meetings in your project plan can help. Use these to go over any issues that have come up, re-evaluate expectations, monitor progress and maintain positive communication with your contractor.

Post construction, before the celebration party, make sure that the punch list (final “to do” list) has been completed to your satisfaction and that your home owners insurance is updated to reflect your remodel.

It can’t be said enough – good planning will make for a great home improvement project.

Kathy Jenkins is a Professional Organizer based in Richmond, VA. Through her business, Come To Order, she offers residential professional organizing services tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients, and operates a retail website for organizing products, Organized A To Z.com. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD), Faithful Organizers, and Women Entrepreneurs of Virginia, and serves as marketing director of NAPO Richmond. You may contact her through her websites at www.cometoorderva.com and www.organizedatoz.com.

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Fixing up your home can be fun and often times very profitable even when you’re only doing a few easy home improvement projects. Home improvement projects can improve the look and value of your home dramatically. Many of us avoid home improvement projects due to their expense. And it can become expensive! Do your homework and you should not experience any surprises!

There are many things to ask yourself when looking to increase the value of your home through home improvement projects. One of the neat tricks you can do when creating some easy home improvement projects is to add some trim around the top of your ceiling. Like crown molding, which really enriches the beauty of any home.

After you have decided on and planned for your first home improvement projects, new window coverings and upgraded flooring should receive attention along with Interior painting and exterior painting. Also, at Home Depot they have a section of books on literally any home improvement projects you can imagine. Leave the landscaping for the end, this would be your final step.

Also, you will want to be practical when deciding on your home improvement! You can very easily waste money, where money is not needed. For example, If your fence is in dire need of repair, don’t think that by painting it you will hide the real problem. You need a new fence, period!

Here are some things to think about before you say go!
1) Does your home improvement project add space, function or added benefits to the area?
2) Does the home improvement project make the area more attractive, not only to you but to others?
3) Does the home improvement project make significant positive changes to the home?

Each of these things is something to take into consideration. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t properly plan ahead, don’t have the budget to cover the costs and re-mortgage their homes or take out other home improvement loans to help.

Many landscaping projects can be done throughout the year but it can be easier and more enjoyable during the summer. Families that have allergies or respiratory problems should be careful about what chemicals may have been used in the manufacture of finished products. Allowing problems to remain increases the risk of damage to your house.

Some people use home improvement as a creative outlet, and if it makes you happy then go for it! I personally enjoy making repairs around the house knowing the job is getting done right! But, if that isn’t your cup of tea, then once go with a professional, you should get multiple quotes before making your choice of who to use. The fact is that home improvement debts are easily avoided by simple planning.

Once all the work is completed you will be very happy with the end results of all your hard work.

Clifton is the owner of www.tips4homeimprovement.com, With his 25 years of experience in the real estate field. You will be amazed at the diversity of his Real Estate knowledge. Subjects from buying and selling real estate, FSBO, Foreclosures, Rehabbing, No Money Down, Real Estate license, Property Management, to remodeling your home, and much, much more! You can find many helpful topics at http://www.tips4homeimprovement.com/

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