Home Improvement
How to Start that Design

The comment I hear the most in the beginning of a home improvement how to design process is, "... I don't know anything about design, but...". If you are just about to say this, relax instead, you are in the right place. Because what I always find out is that there is a crystal clear picture of the final outcome in your head. You may not know the process or the names of products. You do however, know yourself, your likes, your dislikes, what makes you happy, what makes you sad. I have always felt that it is my job to help you see that certain products, placement, shape and colors create the picture and feelings you see in your mind.

Before I can help you with this, I need you and your family members to clearly identify what you like and dislike about your current home. I am going to ask you to make another list. This one will take about a week to compile, so plan this into the schedule you created in home remodeling plans - timing is everything.

Either use the chart assembled in the FREE Home Improvement How To Like/Dislike Chart or create your own. If making your own, create 6 columns and label them: Description, Family Member,Like, Dislike, Why, Rank.

Place this home improvement how to list where everyone in the family can jot down an idea as it happens. The reason I say it will take at least a week is that you won't really think of an idea until you are actually doing it, using it or passing by.

Even though you may only be working on a single task or project, please review your total home for this assignment. Only fully design the one item, but, keep the total list for your master planning.

When you made your first list of needs, wants and wishes, you grouped tasks together by project. For example, all kitchen tasks went under the kitchen heading. Continue this same process for this like and dislike list, matter of fact, make several copies and use one page per room in your house.

Nothing is any more off limits than is appropriate to your home and family. Examples could include: dislike that dead end hallway; like the arched window, dislike the door handles, like the kitchen cupboard door color, etc.

The final thing you will do is rank each task according to the following guidelines.

Cosmetic - usually means color changes,could include flooring changes, depending on how you feel about doing this work. Because cosmetic also means easy. It would also include furnishings, but we are only going to concentrate on the building aspects in this website.

Minor - usually means removing and replacing existing items with newer models - as in cabinetry, plumbing and flooring, doors and windows. With education and a willingness to get your hands dirty, this is ranked at mid-level on the difficulty scale.

Major - usually means things that you will have trouble visualizing. It could be referring to things like removing walls, adding walls, building an addition. It also means doing the things that you can't see and don't realize need to be done.

Some of the things you write down may surprise you. Have fun with this home improvement how to assignment and then come back to get started with your rough sketches. See you at the next stop, as I become your home improvement guide

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