How To Take On Home Projects

How To Take On Home Projects

What's Your Project?

This is the question I try to answer on a daily basis with clients. When I come home and am seeking aesthetic improvement in my own personal space, I must answer that question and it is absolutely daunting!

Many times I listen to ramblings of all that needs to be accomplished, accompanied by several tangents. The ranting continues as I wander aimlessly, following them throughout the house, viewing areas of dissatisfaction. Many times there is a blame game, and refereeing skills are needed to break up spousal disagreements.

 

Photo by Creatv Eight 


The value of using a journal is important in so many areas, and this is another plus to bring clarity to your goals. Projects are goals for your home! I am competitive and always like to turn anything into a sporting match. Make a list of things that you would like to see changed. Many times, the reason we do not make a list is that we know there is money needed to be allocated for each project.

Quickly, jot down as many of your projects that come to mind. After they are written down, the next step is to evaluate whether to take on large projects or small projects and how many. Write the estimated costs next to each one … “just guesstimate”!

 

How much money do you have or what’s your budget?

 

Photo by Dose Media


The first thing I do when meeting with a new client is to ask this question. I very rarely get an answer. …*crickets chirping*… Most people do not know. The state of some people’s finances can be a little depressing, and other people just do not want to know. Many years ago, at the design company I worked at, I sold a sofa via credit card for $35,000.00….oops! I added an extra zero while running the credit card. Designer math is a little crazy! A few days later, the proper credit was made for the $3500 sofa. Days and years later, we have laughed that at least you are good for the money… Hee! Hee! It is good to know how much money you have and how you allocate that in your life.

 

How much money is dedicated to this particular project?


The word dedicated sounds nicer than budgeted. Spouses disagree on these things. The wife wants drapes and all the sudden that is not a line item on the budget. I enjoy asking the husband to show me his line item for “techy” stuff throughout the home. It is not asked like that BUT rather “Hey! What cool items are you dreaming of installing starting in the family room.” The conversation progresses at the size of the screen and there is no putting this lid back on the can. I then can start into negotiations for equal money distribution.


Let the project(s) begin!


Coming up with the Project Plan is your next step but first write down the projects!

 

 

 

Cover Photo by Theme Photos