What now?

            It’s the middle of January. The Christmas decorations are put away. The kids are back to school, the house is clean and the refrigerator is a little emptier. The cold and rainy days of late have given you plenty of time to spend on Pinterest. You now have a board for “Kitchens.” Or you have been looking through magazines and have a stack of pictures of your “dream” bathroom. But you have no idea how much your project might cost. Is it even feasible for you? What is the next step?

 

            Step 1-Decide if you need to employ the expertise and assistance of a contractor or if you will                         try to manage the project yourself.

 

            Step 2-Call and schedule appointments to visit various showrooms of products that may    

                       be involved in your project. Tile, cabinets, countertops, flooring, plumbing

                       fixtures, light fixtures, etc…

 

            Step 3-Once you have visited showrooms and have an idea of the products you would like to                        use, you can now begin to set up appointments for those trades to visit your home

                       to put an estimate together.

 

            Step 4-At the beginning or part of the way through this process, you may find that                        you would have more confidence in someone else overseeing the many moving                        parts of your project. A licensed contractor is never a bad idea and can be an asset

                       in navigating the waters of a kitchen or bath remodel. Take the time to stop

                       and evaluate if this is the best option for you.

 

            You are now well on your way to finding out how feasible and involved your project will be. Like Benjamin Franklin once said “An ounce of prevention (or planning) is worth a pound of cure.” Take the time to plan well before jumping into your project.

Home Office: Is it for you?

According to a recent Better Homes and Gardens survey, 59 percent of prospective home buyers are looking for a home office in their next house. Maybe you aren’t a prospective home buyer, but maybe you are a prospective home seller or just want to increase the value of your home. Have you considered a designated space for a home office?

 

Maybe you have an unused living room that could be turned into a home office. Or what about designating a small space in your kitchen for an office workspace. What about that unused closet? It would fit a small desk. Or the bonus room. Get creative and consider what space in your home could be designated for a home office.

 

What items are essential to have in a home office space?

·         File drawers or storage

·         Internet connection-maybe this is where you keep your router.

·         Power-to connect phone chargers, telephone, computer, lamps.

·         Lighting-overhead lighting, lamp or specific under cabinet task lighting.

·         Storage space or shelving-pens, paper, notebooks, owner’s manuals.

·         Seating-a chair, small stool or if you have the space and overstuffed chair.

·         Trash can

 

January is always a great time to purchase organization items. All the stores will have them on sale. Organize your home office space and start your year off on the right foot!