My house was ten when I bought it, and was in excellent condition. But time past, he cut a series of questions. I think my way of dealing with (or not handling) home improvements are very typical of single women, their homes. Fortunately, my experience for you to navigate the waters of Home Improvement. Here is what I learned:
1. You can go places with a good book and a tool box. The Christmas Market of the year I moved, my sister and brother gave me a toolbox filled with the basics: screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, nails, screws and nuts, and so on. She also gave me a book on basic home repairs. His gift literally gave me the tools I needed, but he also gave me the confidence I have a small home improvement projects to tackle. My advice is to invest in some tools and using a book or online sources, are required for regular maintenance that leads to your home.
2. Ask for advice. As the only woman who is now 49 years and a limited knowledge of complex issues-it-yourself, I am always afraid that I may be tapped by a service company. When my air conditioning on a degree day over 100 was the mind, for example, I had no idea if I really needed a new drive. I learned from the neighbors to call family members and friends – whose collective knowledge of me – to get their impressions. You guided me in the right direction on several occasions.
3. Keep your neighbors. All houses in my immediate neighborhood were built by the same builder at the same time. Know my neighbors and tell them about home improvement helped me get an idea of what to plan. For example, two years ago, I began to see that the houses around me started getting new roofs. Although I am not a leaky roof, a few months ago I decided to re-roof. I wanted to be proactive, so I do not put beyond the cost of repairing drywall at the cost of a new roof.
4. Ask for recommendations, and review it themselves. Through references my neighbors, I have found on site, excellent coverage, flawless exterior house painter, and a large plate face. But I do not only rely on his word. I always – I repeat, always – check with my state licensing board to verify their contractor license and with the Better Business Bureau to check past reports. I get all estimates in writing and ask for proof of insurance.
5. Do not put your head in the sand. It has more than once, if I choose, it is not a question of home improvement and I always regretted. I knew, for example, that the exterior of my fireplace was some nonsense. Unfortunately, when released, since it cost me more than when I have dealt with it immediately.
6. Make a list. The last piece of advice is simple, but fundamental. Initiate and maintain a list handyman. As a single mother, is very easy to get caught in the bustle of daily life and do home care routine on track. I share my list of home improvement into three sections: one for the concepts that need attention in the next three months, one for home improvement projects for next year, and the cards, what I want with the house in next five years to achieve. The lists of short and medium stay motivated me during my long term list will help me save money for big-ticket items needed.
