Yes, that’s right. It’s spring…well, almost. It may not look like spring in many parts of the country, but it’s spring in home improvement land. This is the ideal time to plan your remodeling projects–before the daffodils start to break through and the contractors get busy.

Plan, Plan, Plan for Home Improvement.

There are many benefits to planning your home improvement projects now. You’ll have time to talk with contractors, review their sketches, apply for permits, and shop for replacement windows without feeling rushed.

Home improvement planning also allows you to sit and mull the drawings, cut out pictures, and really think about how you’ll use the space. Here are key questions to ask yourself:

• How big should the room addition, deck, patio be?
• How do you plan to use the space?
• What size furniture do you need?
• If you’re buying replacement windows, which style really fits your architecture? Drive around the neighborhood and make note of what you like and don’t like in replacement windows.

A Bonanza of Remodeling Projects

According to information from Owens Corning, here are other practical (yet necessary) spring home improvement projects.

• Adding attic insulation
• Buying replacement windows
• Checking roofs and gutters for damage and doing those home repairs as needed!

Some of these remodeling projects can be handled on a DIY basis, while others are better left for a contractor.

Spring into Outdoor Home Improvement

This is also a great time to talk with a landscaping contractor about any outdoor projects, such as a patio or deck. Then get the planning going before the main season starts. Think about adding a shade tree near the patio or fragrant roses to enhance the experience.

As the Times Observer notes, many of these outdoor home improvement projects require little maintenance once installed. New decking, fencing, and patio materials make it easy to create an outdoor escape without a lot of upkeep.