How to Prioritize Home Projects: The Best Home Upgrades to Start With

We all have a list of home upgrades we’d like to make. It’s not always feasible to tackle everything at once, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait to get started. Use these tips to learn how to prioritize home projects to get the most satisfaction out of your home even if you have to wait awhile to truly perfect it.  

Safety First

Projects that impact your family’s safety are the best home improvements to start with. To further prioritize these projects, start with those that impact your family’s day-to-day safety. These could be projects like:

• Installing sturdier windows and doors.
• Repairing a rickety staircase.
• Installing a security system. 

Then, move on to any projects that affect your home’s structural integrity, such as:

• Repairing roof damage.
• Repairing cracks in your foundation. 

If you live in a region prone to natural disasters such as tornadoes or earthquakes, you should tackle any renovations that improve your home’s ability to stand up to those conditions at the same time as you tackle any other structural issues.

Focus on Functionality

Once you’ve addressed any safety concerns, it’s best to prioritize home renovations that will improve your home’s functionality. Rather than focusing on what would make your home look better, decide what would allow you to live better. 

Of course, these projects will depend on the specifics of your home and lifestyle. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Would creating more storage make your home less cluttered? 
• Would opening your kitchen allow you more interaction with your family while still getting necessary chores done? 
• Would finishing your basement give you room for a home office?

Don’t forget about home upgrades that would improve your family’s comfort. Do you need a new furnace? Does your air conditioner need repairs? You’ll have a better quality of life when you’re able to live comfortably in a home that provides for your specific needs. 

Work Within One Area

Once you’ve identified the functionality-related home upgrades you want to tackle, you’ll still need to prioritize the projects on that list. Choosing a particular area of your house to focus on first is often the best way to do this. For example, if there are multiple projects to be completed in your kitchen, focus your attention there before moving on to another area.

 
The best home renovations are the ones that don’t significantly disrupt your daily routine. By focusing your work on one area at a time, you’ll minimize disruptions and leave yourself with plenty of room to make any needed adjustments while your work area is off-limits. 

 

Look for Small Investments With Big Impacts

Another smart way to prioritize home projects is to start with the tasks that will require a relatively small investment of time or money, but will have a big impact on your quality of life. This could include projects like:

• Re-caulking your bathroom.
• Repairing or replacing doors that stick.
• Replacing electrical outlets that have lost tension.

Starting with quick wins will give you time to build up a budget for the more expensive projects, while immediately beginning to reap the benefits of your renovation plans.

How are you planning your home upgrades? Comment below.