How to prioritize big projects

Home remodeling projects don’t need to be taken on all at once. Whether it’s not in the budget, you’re not able to physically do it or you can’t deal with all the upheaval at the same time, it’s often wise to spread it out. Sometimes you can split big projects up into bitesized chunks, and sometimes single done-in-one projects can lay the groundwork for future work, also known as “phasing.” work that can pay for itself over time. Some projects offer immediate return on investment, so make those early priorities in a series of jobs. If you can only handle part of a room remodel, for instance, energy-efficient windows are an excellent choice to start with. Anything that reduces energy or water consumption will yield immediate savings starting with your next bill.

After that, consider your current situation. Are you fixing up a starter home? Is your home a bit out of date and do you want to get rid of that shag carpeting? Crown molding, painting or wallpaper, appliances and fixtures all make an immediate impact on a home’s look and feel without necessarily breaking the bank. an area, consider how what you’re working on right now will affect what’s coming up. Sometimes creating a strong foundation for future work is a literal statement. If you have big landscaping dreams, perhaps building a patio or establishing basic mulch beds this year will yield options for next year.

Think about life changes to come. If you’re starting a family, you might plan on an open-design kitchen to act as a hub for comings and goings, and install storage like a mudroom for boots and coats in your future.

Conversely, if your kids are in high school, keep in mind the kind of empty-nest renovations you might start planning. You might be able to set up those hobby rooms or devote a garage to a motorcycle work space.

Sometimes smaller, lowcost improvements can make a difference quickly. New fixtures, painting, wallpapering and minor landscape improvements don’t cost much but immediately improve your quality of life and give you something to enjoy while you work on the big picture. Plants and irrigation are great starting points for a landscaping project.

Don’t underestimate the value of expert opinion. Professionals can provide guidance and advice; sometimes they present options you hadn’t thought of.