Getting Started on a Home Improvement Project – Step One

Where Do I Start? 

Getting started on a home improvement project is the hardest part.  What do you do first? The predominate reason for sitting on our asses and doing nothing is fear and lack of knowledge.  We get bogged down in all the details and challenges, which begin to outweigh the need for change.  So, we find excuses.  And as a result, we get stuck and our projects get pushed down the priority list.

We want to get you “unstuck,” by giving you the knowledge and information that you need in order to feel confident.  Step One, follow this one simple piece of advice (below) and you will begin to feel empowered to take on any home improvement project.

Step One: Understand WHY

You are Starting This Home Improvement Project

Every home improvement project starts for a reason.  There is something wrong in your home that you are trying to fix.  These “wrongs” can range from very tiny, little problems (think “I hate that paint color”) to large and potentially dangerous issues (think water damage, mold, etc.).  Each come with their own unique challenges and potential fears – hurdles to getting started.  Identify the real “wrongs,” so that you feel confident that your project will have a positive result.  It may not be perfect, but at least it will fix the root cause of your problem.

WHY isn’t that Room Painted Yet?

As an example, let’s tackle that room with the horrible paint color. The room that was painted in the late 80’s.  The room that the family never uses.  You have hated the color of this room ever since you moved into the home.  Yet, this project has been on your list for some time.  So, why isn’t it painted?  Oh, and let’s not pick on that husband watching TV right now.  What’s the real reason?  Most likely, it’s because you do not know what color to paint the space.  You do not have the confidence to pick a color.  And, this one fear, keeps you from moving forward. 

What’s the Real Problem?

So, we recommend that you start your home improvement project by first identifying the real problem.  “I hate that color” is not identifying the problem.  Instead, it’s stating a fact.  You need to get to the root issue.

“I hate the color of that room because it reminds me of my grandmother’s dark living room with the smelly and oversized furniture.  Her living room didn’t make me feel comfortable or at home.  Instead, I want my room to be bright, light, happy, so that my family will feel at home and want to spend time there.”

Now that’s a real problem.  By getting to the real WHY, you can now begin to solve the problem. You have a starting point, a direction for the solution.

“I would like my room to be full of sun and daylight with colors and materials that are fresh, light, and comfortable.”