Taking Advantage of the Final Weeks of Summer

Summer Renovation ProjectsAs the August weeks tick by and summer winds down before school begins and the routine of the year gets back into full-swing, we hope you’re having some fun.  If you’re like many homeowners, you’re probably also taking advantage of the more low-key schedule of the season and the warm days to finish up some outdoor projects around the house.

Some people look forward to spending weekends and days off ticking things off their to-do list, while others dread having to take time away from relaxing days at the beach or family gatherings to do work around the house. Whichever camp you happen to fall into, there are still things that likely need to get done. And unless you’re going to call in a professional, guess who has to find time to do the work?

The key to getting things done as quickly and stress-free as possible is to plan well before you start working. Start out by coming up with a design plan if you are building something or a plan of action if you need to tackle repairs. Don’t forget to include measurements in your plans because this will help you figure out how much you need to purchase when it comes to materials. You’ll also need to give some thought to your budget, especially if you are building something new.  Costs can easily get away from you when it’s time to pick out materials and it’s better to know up front how much you have or are willing to spend.

Once your design and budget are in place, it’s time to start planning for materials. Don’t just think about the finishing materials but about all materials that will be needed to get your project done. For example, if you are working outdoors on a patio, you not only need to think about the type of material you want to use to finish off your patio, but you’ll also need to figure out what types of materials you’ll need for the base layers.  Think about things like dirt for leveling, sand and crushed stone, among other materials.  What goes into the base layer may be affected by the final layer, depending on if it’s natural stone, pavers or poured concrete.

In addition to materials, you’ll also want to make sure you have the right tools and equipment to get the job done right.  In some cases, it may be best to rent equipment that you don’t already own if you’re only going to use it for this one project.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure everything is ready to go and that you have put aside some time to get the work done. It’s best to give yourself more time than expected because DIY projects often wind up running into snags and you’ll want to be prepared for anything that may come up.

For help determining the amount of landscaping or construction materials you need for your project, contact ATAK Trucking at 917-912-2900.

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