Family Handyman’s Valentine tips
BY World Special Publications
Monday, February 11, 2013
Working with your spouse on a remodeling project can be rewarding and challenging.
Avoid demolishing your marriage this Valentine’s Day with the Family Handyman’s tips for “DIY without divorce.”
• Decide on things before the work begins. Don’t even start the remodel if you’re not in agreement on what you want to accomplish.
• Make three lists: Must Have, Would Like If Possible and Optional. Keep as much of list one as you can, because that’s why you are remodeling. Keep 10 to 25 percent of list two, depending on your budget. Toss all of list three.
• Set appropriate expectations when using a contractor. When you hire a contractor, you are giving up control. Frequently, some of the work will not happen as quickly as expected or up to the standards you had envisioned. It is safe to assume that there will be some delays in the renovation process. Know your budget, and expect to go over it.
