Interested in tackling a remodeling project, but not sure where to start? Check out these tips from successful do-it-yourself remodelers to help kick-off your own project.
How hard could remodeling a home be? Watch the DIY television shows, and it only takes 30 minutes. And it seems so fun!
Anyone who has tackled painting a room or repairing a roof knows it’s not quite that easy. However, older homeowners seem undeterred. According to Houzz, an online platform for home renovation and design, 55+ homeowners make up the majority of remodelers and spend nearly three times more than millennials on improvements.
The reasons for remodeling vary. Some empty-nesters remodel so they can sell their homes for a premium and downsize. Others hope to stay in their homes for many more years to come and want to make them more user-friendly.
Whatever the reason, here are tips from successful do-it-yourself remodelers.
Plan Ahead
House renovations can tax your wallet as well as your patience. Get professional help from general contractors or home designers to estimate your costs. Large-scale projects may require loans. These professionals also have
Hiring A Pro 
One of the biggest challenges, especially in hot construction markets, is finding reliable, affordable help. Some of the home-improvement stores provide directories of independent contractors. There also are a slew of online directories, such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. Your neighbors can be a resource through platforms such as Nextdoor, a social-networking service for neighborhoods. Use caution when letting any stranger into your home.
Discounts
Every nickel counts. Big-box stores often run special savings around holidays. Home Depot and Lowe’s offer savings to veterans. Check their websites for criteria. Research online to see if the stores or paint outlets have promo codes or coupons available.
Help
Home-improvement stores are keen on helping customers. Help includes everything from cutting lumber to answering DIY questions to loading purchases in your car or truck. The last thing they want is an injury, so take advantage of the assistance. Some stores also include free accessories, such as paper for protection under plants and sod, cord for tying large bundles and plastic flags for supplies that protrude behind your vehicle.
Tool Buddies
Besides the usual tools, a smart phone and a garden cart scooter are invaluable. There are tons of apps accessible through your phone such as iHandy Carpenter, BrightNest and RoomScan Pro, to name a few. The phone’s flashlight feature is helpful in dark corners. The camera and selfie features can put eyes in otherwise inaccessible places. A rolling garden cart scooter can save your back on floor and baseboard tasks.
Safety First
If you plan to do some of the remodeling yourself, always put health and safety first. Are you up to it physically? Do you have the expertise? It isn’t worth saving a few pennies if it results in a trip to the doctor. Some renovations should always be done by professionals who are licensed and are familiar with permit requirements.
Home remodeling can be rewarding. Just remember to pace yourself and build in moments to relax and spend time with friends and families. After all, a home is where we live; family and friends are what we live for.
This article originally appeared in Growing Bolder Magazine. For more great stories like this, click here to subscribe to the digital or print editions of Growing Bolder Magazine. All past issues of GB Magazine, including the one that features this article, are also available to read online exclusively on the GB Portal. Click here to find out how to become a member!