The Seasons They Are a Changin’ – Ideas to Make the Most of Your Home Improvement This Fall
Posted September 8th, 2009 by PaigeYou know fall is coming when you start to feel that slight chill in the air. You suddenly realize you need blankets at night and a sweater in the morning. Whether we like it or not, summer is ending. It’s already September and Labor Day weekend is past.
End of summer for many homeowners means the end of their big summer home improvement plans but consider these three things before you stop thinking about your home entirely:
Plan, Plan, Plan
It’s never too early to start thinking about your home improvement plans for next summer or over the coming year. Keep an inspiration binder where you tear out pictures you like and jot down ideas that inspire you. You might also want to keep a file or magazine holder full of the catalogues and magazines you pick up, so when it’s time for a project you have a one stop visual resource.
An inspiration binder is a great way not only to help you plan, but contractors can use it as a guide for helping you achieve your dream project. Like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and an inspiration binder can help insure you’re vision and your contractor’s vision match.
Take Advantage of Contractor’s Lighter Schedules
After a busy spring and summer, contractors usually have a smaller number of projects. With a more open schedule you’ll have more control over your project timeline and will likely have more one on one time working directly with your contractor. You might want to consider a small interior remodel before Thanksgiving, or perhaps even before Christmas for you and your family to enjoy for the holidays.
A Homeowner’s Work is Never Done – Fall Home Maintenance
You may not be embarking on any projects for the fall and winter, but that doesn’t mean you’ve got nothing home related to do. Home maintenance should be a high priority for both fall and winter. Check out our Fall Maintenance Guide for a more information about how to prepare and protect your home. Hiring a handyman for your home maintenance could be a good option for you if you prefer to outsource home related projects.
Whether or not you’ll start a home improvement project this Fall, or if you’ll just plan for the warmer weather, here are some more ideas to check out:
Remodeling Triumphs and War Stories
You’re So Vain: Choosing a Bathroom Vanity
The Right Tools Make All the Difference
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September 9th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
A quick word on taking advantage of light contractor schedules. The challenging economic environment has made this a buyer’s market. Always get several estimates and comparison shop to get the best deals. Contractors can, and will, lower their prices to get work.
September 14th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Thanks for the link to the fall maintenance guide, esp. the suggestion of cleaning the gutters. A few years ago we forgot to clean out the gutters and in mid-November suffered some bad gutter-related leaks.
September 20th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
In response to Corey, call around to different contractors and have them fight for your business. Or if you want a cheaper endeavor compile a list of do-it-yourself projects. I’m always more satisfied when I complete a job knowing I put my own time and work into it.