How to plan and prioritize this spring’s outdoor home projects
Spring has arrived a little earlier than our Punxsutawney Phil predicted, so we find ourselves venturing outdoors again. Now, we are faced with juggling the indoor projects and the perennial outdoor honey-do list. Homeowners know that those to-do lists can grow faster than crabgrass.
There is much to do, but you can get a handle on it before the beads of sweat form on your brow and you are completely overwhelmed. Take a little bit of time to make your spring DIY plan of attack. Here are some simple and time-saving tips to help you maintain and enjoy your outdoor living space this spring.
Head outside armed with a note pad and pen to assess winter’s damage to your yard and home’s exterior.- Make a list of what needs to be done: mulching, pruning, planting, seeding, weeding, painting and repairing. Make note of the different areas – front bed, side yard etc.
- Write down about how much time you need for each task; it will help you prioritize.
- Break your list into groups according to time needed for completion; 30 minutes, one hour, all day, two days, etc.
- Highlight those projects that need a buddy to be on hand. Ladies, decide who you’ll be taking for a manicure after helping plant that new garden. Guys, target who you’ll be buying pizza and beer for to help you get it done.
- Highlight those tasks where you’ll need a pro, like roofing, tree removal or siding repair
- Estimate a budget for the season – new plants, mulch, repairs and new projects.
Once you have a job list and time estimates, you’ll be better able to plan your projects around work or your kid’s baseball game. It is much easier to tackle that honey-do list knowing a half hour here and there can make a difference. Don’t be overwhelmed thinking you need all day, all weekend long to make progress.
Lastly, make a materials list for each project and do a shopping run. Have items on hand so when you have 30 minutes free you can just jump in and cross something off the list.
Nothing is more frustrating than twice daily trips to the home improvement store because you are out of supplies. Be proactive and save yourself time and gas money. Of course, the unexpected happens in every DIY project, but proper prior planning prevents poor performance later. Instead of more time in the car, we all want more time sipping lemonade on the porch.
