Planning a new project can be daunting to say the least, and can quickly become overwhelming. I’m here to help with a rough guide of my own process and how I get from start to finish. I’ll be using our primary closet project as an example.
First things first – Clean Out and Clean Up
In some instances, you may be trying to solve for a problem that may or may not exist if things that no longer serve you or your family are removed. Clean out expired items, products you no longer use, clothes that either don’t fit, are worn out, or you no longer wear, and things that belong elsewhere. Take everything out and take visual inventory, vacuum and wipe down shelves, and then replace what is staying. Once you’ve gone through this exercise, you’ll have a better idea of what needs changing and can move forward and planning with confidence!
Cleaning out my closet isn’t my favorite way to spend time, but it made me very aware of the problems that needed solutions and ideas for how I might achieve those goals.
Make a List
Walk around the area with a pen and paper and document all pain points that need addressed. Are you planning a storage solution? Are you solving a problem? Are you making your space more aesthetically pleasing?
My builder-grade closet had a number of issues, the chief complaint being a lack of realistic planning for real people who would be using the space.
- Too much long hanging room with very little short hanging space
- No dedicated space for shoes
- Wasted corners
- Under-utilization of vertical storage
- One shelf above each hanging rack that can’t realistically be used
- Everything out in the open (hide your crazy behind a cabinet door, please and thank you)
- Door orientation which makes 1/3 of my side completely unusable
- Fluorescent light with a bulb that needs replacing
- Carpet that my lovable miniature schnauzer digs up when he’s having a moment
Budget
Budget can be worked [backwards] by either starting with a number and working it backwards or [forward] starting with an idea and figure out the cost. I always add a 20% buffer to the budget in case of unknowns (aka when my husband gets a bright idea mid-project that would qualify as a change order).
Not having a clue what a primary closet renovation might cost, I started by sourcing and adding up what felt reasonable and then deciding when it made sense for us financially to tackle this project. While I fully believe that I could have changed out the light fixture and flooring myself, these two punch list items were things in my opinion that were worth hiring out. Switching the awful fluorescent light to LED cans and tearing out the carpet and installing wood floors cost right around $900 for a handyman. I purchased the flooring separately which came out to a few hundred dollars since it was a small space. Other costs included assorted thickness plywood, 1×2’s, 1×3’s, screws, wood glue, brad nails, primer, paint, wood filler, hinges, drawer slides, shelf pins, drawer pulls, and cabinet knobs. I’m sure there’s items missing, but that’s the bulk of my shopping list.
Sourcing
Sourcing can occur in conjunction with Budgeting. This is the step where you will determine how and where supplies will be procured.
- Floor & Decor – wood flooring
- Home Depot or Lowe’s – wood, wood glue, brad nails, some screws, wood filler, shelf pins and primer
- Amazon – pocket hole screws, hinges, drawer slides, drawer pulls and cabinet knobs
- Sherwin-Williams – paint
Make a Plan
What order do tasks need completed? What can be accomplished in parallel? Estimate the amount of time you’ll spend on each task. My personal preference is to also plan around messiness level, the weather, and whether or not I have help with my kids. I’m not doing any heavy sanding, a big paint job, or things that are time-sensitive unless I have help with my kids because I can’t hold my baby if I’m covered in sawdust or trying to operate a paint sprayer. Keep in mind that things don’t always go in the same order as the production version of an HGTV episode (think: demo being first) — sometimes you should analyze the space, plan, and build things first and then do demo so that install can happen immediately after so the space isn’t unusable during construction.
Educate Yourself
Learn from the successes and mistakes of others first. You’ll certainly make your own, which is a normal part of the learning process, but mistakes can be minimized by watching videos, reading blogs, talking to experts, etc. ahead of executing your own DIY. This will cut down the contingency portion of your budget and probably save yourself a few headaches and spinning your wheels.
Execute the Plan!!
Move forward with confidence that you’ve done all the background work and look forward to what your capable hands will create.
Enjoy your hard work!
Our closet is an area that I’ve always felt needed an apology and explanation. It’s plenty large enough, and now every square inch is being used to it’s highest and best. Seeing the outcome of what I designed and executed is a feeling that never gets old.
