by Nikki Harder
Tradition dictates that every January 1, we resolve to make a life improvement, big or small. Improving your home can improve your life, so apply the most popular New Year's resolutions to your home.
- Lose weight. A bit of weight loss goes a long way in a home. Sell, donate, recycle or discard the stuff you never use. When your home is less cluttered, the rest of your life just might follow suit.
- Quit smoking. If your home is smoking, you need to know about it. Install a smoke detector on every level of your home and outside the sleeping areas. Keep your resolution charged all year by changing the batteries in your detectors twice a year.
- Get organized. A place for everything, and everything in its place — ever heard that one? Organize files, storage areas and living spaces. Professionals can lend a hand, or you can tackle the job yourself. Either way, your life runs more smoothy when you can find things when you need them.
- Improve your appearance. You'll be most content in your home when you're happy with it aesthetically. Refreshes could range from fresh flowers to improved lighting to new flooring. When you revitalize your home, it revitalizes you right back.
- Make more money. Small projects can add big profit if you plan to sell your home. Some can be found in simple fixes — a fresh coat of paint, a new rug, less furniture and less clutter. Although the return on your investment depends on your timing and the market, the most profitable changes are a basic kitchen update, a revitalized lawn, an energy-efficient fireplace and a second bath.
- Save money. Consistent, proper maintenance of your home can save big money in the long run. If ignored, small things like worn washer hoses, clogged gutters or dead tree limbs can become costly problems. A regular maintenance plan can prevent emergency repairs from taking you to the bank.
- Drink less. Is your energy consumption out of control? You can start with the easy fixes — use compact fluorescent light bulbs, rechargeable batteries and fewer disposable items. Turn off what you're not using and adjust your thermostat. Bigger ticket items include energy-saving appliances and low-flush toilets. These changes not only decrease your energy bills, they also place fewer demands on the planet's resources.
- Go back to school. Attend home maintenance classes and learn about home improvement projects. If you're calling in a professional, educate yourself about the appropriate processes, know what questions to ask, and then ask them.
- Try something new. Never hung a picture? Never built a deck? With the right tools and education, you can manage a lot on your own. Set your sights on a project that's realistic for you and go for it.
- Spend more time with family and friends. Your friends and family will line up at your door to help celebrate your accomplishments!
Now
You've done a great job finding your resolve. How do you actually keep your resolutions?
- Be realistic. Pick the projects you can actually complete. That might mean breaking a large task, such as organizing the house, into smaller ones — first the garage, then the basement, then the bedroom closets.
- Write it down. Not only does a list help you remember your resolution, it can help you keep your focus. Write down why you chose each resolution and let that be your motivation. A list also can help you see if you've made too many promises to yourself to fit into 365 days.
- Plan ahead. Really think about your priorities, time and budget. Keep in mind that major home improvement projects end up costing about 20 percent over budget, on average, so take that into account.
- Know your limits. If you get in over your head, call in a professional to complete the job done safely and correctly.
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