Tackling the Never-Ending Home Improvement To-Do List
Living in an older home can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole when it comes to repairs and maintenance. Just when you think you’ve conquered one issue, another pops up to take its place. As the proud owners of a 1925 craftsman-style bungalow, my wife Maria and I know this all too well.
Our house is filled with character and charm, but there’s always something that needs fixing, tweaking, or a complete overhaul. It can be overwhelming to look at the massive to-do list and wonder how we’ll ever get it all done. But over the years, we’ve developed a system that helps us stay sane and make steady progress, even if it takes a bit longer than we’d like.
The key is to break down big projects into manageable small repairs and tackle them one at a time. It may not be as glamorous as a complete home renovation, but these small fixes can make a big difference in the livability and appearance of your space. Plus, they’re often much more budget-friendly.
Prioritizing Your Project List
When Maria and I first moved into our house, we sat down and made a comprehensive list of every repair, upgrade, and renovation we wanted to tackle. It ranged from minor things like patching drywall to major projects like building a garage or adding an addition.
We then prioritized the list, putting the most pressing issues at the top. Anything that was a safety concern or could lead to further damage if left unchecked got bumped up. Things like fixing a leaky faucet or repairing a fallen gutter were our top priorities.
The long-term, more expensive projects went at the bottom of the list. We knew those would take significantly more time and money to complete, so we didn’t stress about them as much in the short term.
As we discussed on the Crazy Together blog, maintaining this prioritized list has been crucial for our sanity. It allows us to see our progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as we knock items off, even if the full transformation of our home is still years away.
Budgeting for Home Repairs
Of course, funding these projects is a key part of the equation. Maria and I are big Dave Ramsey followers, so we’re committed to paying cash for our home improvements rather than taking out loans. That means we have to be strategic about how we save and spend our home repair budget.
Each month, we set aside a portion of our income specifically for home projects. We call this our “home repairs sinking fund.” When we’ve saved up a couple thousand dollars, we’ll call our handyman and tackle the next few items on the list.
This method works well for the smaller, more affordable fixes. But for the bigger ticket items, it takes longer to save up the necessary funds. That’s where patience and managing expectations come into play.
As we mentioned on Crazy Together, we have a 10-year goal for completing all the renovations and upgrades we want to make. That keeps us from getting too frustrated about the pace of progress. We know it’s going to be a marathon, not a sprint.
And of course, we always make sure to have a healthy emergency fund on hand in case something unexpected pops up, like our water heater dying on my wife’s birthday. Having that safety net allows us to dip into it when necessary without derailing our home repair savings plan.
Making the Most of Small Wins
While we may not be able to snap our fingers and have our dream home overnight, we’ve found a lot of satisfaction in tackling those smaller projects one by one. It’s incredibly rewarding to cross an item off our list, even if it’s something as simple as fixing a squeaky floor or patching a hole in the drywall.
As the team at Apartment Therapy advises, taking on DIY home repairs can be a great way to develop your handy skills and save money in the process. And let’s be real – there’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping back and admiring your work, even if it’s just a fresh coat of paint in the hallway.
These small wins also serve as important reminders of our progress. When we’re feeling frustrated by how much is left to do, we can look at our spreadsheet and see how many items we’ve already completed. It helps us stay motivated and focused on the big picture.
Involving the Whole Family
One of the unexpected benefits of our slow-and-steady approach to home improvements is the lessons it’s taught our daughter, Dessa. At just 3 years old, she’s already learning valuable skills like patience, hard work, and delayed gratification.
Dessa observes us discussing our renovation plans, checking our progress, and waiting patiently until the timing is right to tackle the next project. As we shared on Crazy Together, this is teaching her that good things come to those who wait and that meaningful goals require dedication over time.
Of course, the process isn’t always easy. There are definitely days when Maria and I get tired of the never-ending to-do list and wish we could wave a magic wand to transform our home overnight. But overall, we feel incredibly grateful for the home we’ve built, and we know that the waiting and the work will make it all the more rewarding in the end.
Tackling Lead-Safe Renovations
One important consideration for anyone taking on home repair projects, especially in older houses, is lead safety. According to the EPA, homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, which can be a serious health hazard if disturbed during renovations.
That’s why it’s crucial to follow proper lead-safe work practices, such as containing the work area, using HEPA vacuums, and disposing of waste properly. Skipping these precautions can expose you and your family to dangerous lead dust and paint chips.
The good news is that with a little bit of preparation and the right safety equipment, you can tackle many small repair projects yourself without putting your health at risk. The EPA has a wealth of resources to help DIYers learn about lead-safe work practices and ensure their home improvement projects are done safely.
Seeking Assistance for Major Repairs
Of course, not every home repair project is a DIY endeavor. Sometimes, the issues are just too complex or dangerous for the average homeowner to handle on their own. In those cases, it’s important to know when to call in the professionals.
As discussed on AgingCare.com, elderly or low-income homeowners may be able to access assistance programs and grants to help cover the cost of major home repairs. Things like roof replacements, electrical work, or foundation issues often require expertise that goes beyond a typical DIY project.
Even if you’re not in a vulnerable financial situation, it’s still wise to bring in professionals for the big stuff. While it may cost more upfront, it can save you a headache (and potentially a lot of money) in the long run by ensuring the work is done correctly and up to code.
Embracing the Journey
At the end of the day, home improvement is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, patience, and a healthy dose of humor to navigate the ups and downs of renovating an older home. But the payoff is worth it – not just in the transformation of your living space, but in the life lessons you and your family learn along the way.
Maria and I may not have our dream home just yet, but we’re cherishing the process of getting there. And we’re proud to be setting a positive example for our daughter, showing her that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight, but through consistent effort and a willingness to embrace the journey, no matter how long it may take.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your own home repair to-do list, remember to take it one step at a time. Celebrate the small wins, be patient with the big projects, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Before you know it, your house will be transformed – and you’ll have some great stories (and maybe a few battle scars) to show for it.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out ABC Home – the experts in Aberdeen, UK who can help you tackle any home repair or renovation project, big or small. They’ve got your back on this never-ending journey.
