Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Projects

As I get settled there are a few projects that have been waiting for me to work in for a while and they are mostly rescuing a couple of pieces of furniture that need some urgent TLC. Both of them are chairs that I will be putting in my bedroom: one next to the phone table {I have still my old Miami land line!} and one for my desk. So, I made a list of what a remodel project should include that can be applied to mostly any project big and small.


The first and most important thing you need to determine is your budget. No project can be done without a budget because you don't want to get excited about something you can't afford... You don't want to plan a party with champagne when all you can afford is beer {how about this analogy!}


Once you have determined your budget then comes the time frame you have to get things done. If this is flexible I highly recommend setting a deadline this way you can adapt you lifestyle as needed. If your project is a small one like my "chair renovation" one a time frame or deadline are very flexible and can be met very easily. On bigger projects, always give yourself some extra time as you are highly dependent on other people's labor.


Interview is the key word when hiring outside labor, services or contractors for that special project. Best is if you can find a friend who can recommend you a good person to do the project or if you live in a place where you can find online reviews make sure to do the proper research. If none of the above are available, hardware and supplies stores are usually a good resource to find the person you need.


Put everything in writing and never rely on conversations that are not followed by at least an email confirmation. If you drop something off somewhere... get a receipt. If you agree on a deadline with someone... get it in writing! This types of documents can save you a lot of money and avoid tons of headaches... Believe me!

Have a great day!

42 comments:

  1. What a fantastic job you did! Love it :)

    xx

    www.sickbytrend.com

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  2. Very nice and chic! And thanks for the tips! xoxo

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  3. Lots of good common-sense advice. Especially the part about allowing more time when depending on third parties. Lovely photos, there's something so comforting about old leather chairs... xo

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  4. So elegant and classy!
    Great tips too! ;)
    xxx
    S

    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  5. Best of luck with your remodeling projects

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  6. Love the leather chair!! xo

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  7. Yes completely agree.
    Have a splendid day. xx

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  8. Hey dear, these are great guidelines, I need to do some refurbishment in our lounge and these are some good tips to follow!

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  9. Those are GREAT tips, darling! Thanks so much! xoxo

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  10. Excellent tips! I always hire someone. But I always go by word of mouth or see the work that they've done. Definitely have them write a detailed contract listing everything that needs to be done with a breakdown of cost. A time estimate is also helpful.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  11. Wonderful tips to help get us started on a re-do! I'm at this point NOW.. in my kitchen/family room area. I've done about all I can do and now it's time for some estimates.

    That leather club chair is very nice and has so much character.

    Leslie

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  12. Great tips and you're right... referrals are the best and always seem to work out for me.

    xx
    Quiet Luxury


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  13. yes i definitely need to evaluate these things when it comes to my projects :D

    -Jessica
    http://runninginsideus.blogspot.com

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  14. I have a few little DIY projects I want to start- my husband is pretty handy around the house, so he's my main go-to. :) Definitely helps to have him around!

    -Ashley
    http://lerougestylo.blog.com

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  15. Great idea - especially now when I am in need of having two pieces reupholstered and new drapes made. Thanks for the tips!

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  16. It's a good idea to structure little projects like that. Once we are in Oz I have so many plans. Right now the project is planning to big move and still managing to work full time and enjoyblondon life for the last few months.
    You have done a great job.

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  17. I really like the first chair. good luck with all your projects. And I agree, its great to get EVERYTHING in writing!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

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  18. Great tips here. I always try to make sure I have certain things in writing. It's so important and relying on memory is, well...unreliable.

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  19. Good advice. Be sure to read my five min makeup. I posted twice yesterday

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  20. Thanks for all of this advice. Sounds like you speak from lots of experience.

    *Erin

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  21. Love these pictures! And yes, thank you for this - I’m all about saving money!

    xo everything-pretty.com

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  22. Clear communication is so key!! great post.

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  23. I love the first worn leather chair!

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  24. Great advice! I'm always so overwhelmed when starting a new project...this is a great outline to follow. :)

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  25. Thanks for the tips! This is really helpful. I agree that getting referrals is usually the best way to go if possible when trying to contract outside labor. Good luck with your projects!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  26. Super useful advice! And gorgeous shots to go along with it. :)

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  27. These are great ideas. I haven't remodeled anything myself, but my parents spent the majority of my childhood remodeling our old house. They taught me how to budget and that it was important to get everything in writing, from contracts to schedules. A deadline seems like a good idea too--the remodeling of our kitchen was supposed to take a week, yet we ended up spending an entire summer eating dinner in the living room and eating off of paper plates!

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  28. Amazing photos:) Nice blog:) if you want go to my blog:)
    http://asunshineoffashion.blogspot.it/

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  29. See, I love that you started out with the budget. It's so important and determines so many factors later on!

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  30. These are great tips! That budget one is so important- it's so easy to underestimate how much something will cost in the end! Looking forward to seeing your revamped chairs.

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  31. very good tips. I usually just start going!

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  32. Great tips! I especially like the get everything in writing since that way there is something for both people to see what has been agreed to. :)

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  33. Great tips! Can't wait to see en results for these projects coming up! :)

    XX,
    Miranda

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  34. I hope that you will show us the pictures when you are done!
    Xx
    http://www.dontcallmefashionblogger.com/

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  35. Love those looks...
    And I agree with you to put everything in writing,
    saves you a lot of trouble later.

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  36. Great tips! i also love that analogy re.champagne party when one can only afford beer.

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  37. love these images! happy weekend!!

    xoxo
    kat

    www.withlovefromkat.com

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