So Christmas has come and passed. The winter blues are now in full force, but we do have the new year to look forward to! A time to set some goals on what 2021 will bring and a time to try and work off any extra winter weight hanging on from the holiday season. Also, this is the time that we start looking at our homes and think about all the things on our honey-do-lists that have been put on the back-burner. Here are five things that you can do to start off the year on a good foot.
1. Know your Costs
Before we dive head first into everything that we want to achieve, it’s good to take a look at all of the things we currently have. This includes dishwashers, AC units, hot water heaters, washer/dryer units, etc. The reason why I say this is because if you have some older appliances that might need to be replaced this year, it might be a good idea to begin to assess how much they might cost. In fact Luke 14:28 says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Something tells me that Jesus would have been a pretty great general contractor. He was a carpenter and he knew that before you have a project, you need to make sure that you know the cost.
2. Fix the Small Stuff First
I know everyone wants to jump right into building an outdoor tree house for the kids or put in a freestanding pedestal tub (which does look amazing!). Before we do that, let’s get some easy wins under our belt first. Start with the small stuff: squeaky door hinges, check for loose knobs on cabinets or dressers, change light bulbs, replace weather strips on doors. The reason for this is two fold. These are items that you can knock out very quickly and easily and it’s all things that need to be done anyway. Not to mention your family will appreciate these small things sometimes even more than the new two-story tree house with an elevator that they will never use.
3. Clean Dryer Vents
Not the most fun tip on this list but might be one of the most important. A clogged dryer vent will cause your dryer to not run efficiently and could even cause a house fire! Dryers that are located in the center of the home are even more prone to clogging because of the longer ducts that they require. Two things to be on the lookout for: strong odors and long dry times. These are sure signs that your vent is clogged. Here is a tool to do it yourself.
4. Power Washing
Now this is where the fun starts! If you haven’t power washed anything before, soon you’ll know what I mean. With all the fresh starts that the new year brings, why not give your home a fresh look too. Rent or buy a pressure washer to clean your driveway, siding, brick, walkways, windows (be careful with your windows), etc. Believe me as soon as you start you will not want to stop.
5. The Big One
So by now you are riding the wave of productivity and fun that working on your home can be. You’re ready for the big one. Pick one big project that you have always wanted to do and make it happen. This is where you get to channel your inner handyman and really sink your teeth into that project that you’ve always wanted to do. If you are looking for some ideas of projects here is a list to get you started:
BIG PROJECT IDEAS
- Farmhouse Dining Table
- Coffee Table
- Garage Work Bench
- Canopy Bed
- Green House
- Adirondack Chairs
- Porch Swing
Need some help with some of your bigger project ideas? Reach out to us!
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