Ask Angi: Project planning 101

(41NBC/WMGT) — Whether you’re planning on remodeling your kitchen or repainting your home’s exterior, you should always start a home project with a plan. Bailey Carson, a home care expert at Angi, is here to walk us through her guide to project planning.

“Before you start on any home project, get clear about what you’re looking to get out of it,” says Carson, “People renovate their homes for a number of reasons, including making room for a growing family, modernizing for aesthetic purposes or to increase comfort, or you might even be looking to increase the resale value of your home. Being clear from the start on the purpose of your project is really going to help you prioritize.”

Once you know why you’re renovating your home, write down a list of must-haves and a list of nice-to-haves. This list will come in handy later when you need to prioritize different projects. You should also start to gather ballpark estimates for how much each project will cost.

Carson also offers this advice: “Before you start work on your project, you’ll also want to set a budget…Sit down with other adults in your household and make sure you understand just how much money you have to spend on the project. Then, get estimates from your contractor. Make sure you ask lots of questions and get all of the details on the costs involved. Finally, we always recommend setting aside an extra ten percent for any surprises that may come up along the way.”

You also need to consider your project’s timeline. Some projects – like home exterior projects – are best reserved for a certain time of the year. If you’re choosing between several different projects, consider starting with the projects that best suit the current season.

“Prioritizing your projects is one of the most important aspects of planning,” said Carson “When in doubt, start with items that have safety concerns, like fixing faulty wiring or cracks in your foundation. Once you know where you want to start, talk to multiple contractors. Get quotes and timelines, so you can make the choice that’s best for you.”

Do you have questions about your home projects? Tweet them using #AskingAngi and you may get some tips in an upcoming segment!