Remodeling a house can be an all consuming process. There’s always a “to do” list and lots to plan and save for. One way to avoid getting overwhelmed is to set priorities.

What to Remodel?

Setting remodeling priorities allows you to focus on what home improvement projects are the most important – and give yourself breathing room for those project you probably won’t get to soon anyway.

This might mean that the major bathroom remodeling is off the list for now, so you can relax and overlook the old vanity and dripping faucet. Or, maybe you decide to just replace the vanity and faucet – a much less expensive home improvement commitment than a full scale remodeling.

Start with the safety and structural projects that you just must do. Fixing a roof, adding insulation below a freezing sunroom, or fixing a major plumbing leak should go to the top of the list. Next, add the fun home improvement projects. It’s always good to add a few fun remodeling projects because it helps you remember that it’s not all drudgery.

Yes, you need new insulation, but a new bathroom vanity is much more fun. Thus, the need to make a remodeling list and prioritize.

As you make your home improvement list, put a separate column on it for costs. Unfortunately, we all need to think about what remodeling will cost. Will you be hiring a contractor, which adds to your cost, but helps ensure the project is done correctly? Or, do you have enough contractor skills yourself to tackle the job?

Remodeling involves much give and take, so it’s important to put down your priorities in writing. Talk with a few contractors to determine pricing, then decide what you can do now or what you’ll need to defer. In the end, you’ll feel more organized – and remove the stress of thinking about 10 projects you’ll never get to this year.