Deciding which home improvement project to tackle first can feel overwhelming. While cosmetic upgrades like painting walls or installing new kitchen countertops are exciting, going in order of priority is critical to protecting your investment.
The golden rule of home improvement is simple: work from the top down and the outside in. Securing your home’s exterior—specifically your roof—prevents devastating water damage that would otherwise ruin your expensive interior upgrades.
If you already know your roof needs attention and you are on the hunt for the best roofer, you’ve come to the right place. At BTB, we’re all about roofs and gutters. Learn more here.
If you are still mapping out your budget, let’s look at how to properly triage your home maintenance list.
The Home Maintenance Hierarchy of Needs
When creating your priority list, follow this order to maximize your budget and protect your property:
- Priority 1: Safety and Structural Integrity (Roofing, foundation, major leaks, electrical hazards)
- Priority 2: Major System Replacements (HVAC, plumbing, water heater)
- Priority 3: Efficiency Upgrades (Windows, insulation, siding)
- Priority 4: Cosmetic and Lifestyle Upgrades (Kitchen remodels, painting, flooring)
How Do I Identify The Priorities?
There are a few ways that you can identify which home improvement projects should be a priority.
First, Organize Your Home
Before working on any home improvement project, you will need to be able to get a clear understanding of the condition of your home. This means that you will need to take the time to declutter and organize your home. It may be annoying, but it will help you to identify any areas that may need some work.
Assess The Condition of Your Home By Yourself
Homeownership comes with a lot of responsibilities, one of which is making sure that your home is in good condition. This means regularly assessing your home and property to identify any areas that need repair or attention.
Start by walking around the exterior of your home, taking note of any cracks in the foundation or damage to the siding or roof. Then, move inside and check all the major systems, like the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Make sure there are no leaks, breaks, or other issues.
Once you’ve gone through all the major systems, take a look at the smaller details, like doorknobs, light fixtures, and cabinet hardware. Replacing small items like this can make a big difference in the overall look of your home. By taking some time to assess your home on a regular basis, you can keep on top of repairs and maintain a healthy and safe living environment.
Hire a Professional
A home is a big investment, and it’s important to take care of it so that it will last for many years. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional assessment of your home’s condition every few years.
A professional can help identify needed repairs and make a list of priorities. However, as we noted, it’s also important to assess the condition of your home and property yourself before bringing on a professional. This way, you can use your own judgment to help in the decision-making process when coming up with a list of priorities.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your home will be in good condition for years to come.
Come Up With The List
Once you have gathered all the information, it’s time to sit down and come up with a list of priorities. This will help you to figure out what needs to be done first, second, third, and so on.
Some factors that you will need to consider when making your list include:
- The age of your home
- The condition of your home
- Your budget (we’ll get into that)
- The severity of the repair or issue
- Whether or not the repair is a DIY project or if it will require professional help
Consider The Value & Set a Budget
The next step is to set a budget. This will help you to identify how much money you have to spend on home improvement projects. It will be different for everyone. Once you have a budget, you can start to prioritize your home improvement projects.
You should consider the value of each project. For example, some houses will have high-end gutters and/or windows and get a repair done to the roof when it is 5 years overdue for replacement.
Not only would you have to come up with the money yourself for the project, but the company doing the new roof is going to have to protect the new gutters and or possibly new windows you have.
Priority #1: Why Your Roof Must Come Before Interior Upgrades
Your roof is practically the lifeblood and gatekeeper of your home. A compromised roof renders every other home improvement project useless. If a leak develops after you’ve just installed new drywall or custom cabinets, the water damage will devastate those new investments. Roofers in Lynchburg see this happen every day.
Furthermore, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming a “30-year shingle” will actually last 30 years. That timeframe refers to a manufacturer defect warranty and is largely irrelevant to the actual life expectancy of your roof.
Depending on ventilation, roof pitch, and local weather exposure, the true average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is typically 12 to 25 years. This is why it is incredibly risky to invest in high-end gutters or windows while neglecting to get a repair done to the roof when it is 5 years overdue for replacement. A roofing crew will then have to work around and try to protect your brand-new exterior upgrades.
Inspecting your roof is always of the utmost importance. If you’re not sure of the condition of your roof, let an expert inspect it before starting any major home improvement projects. When Lynchburg residents ask for the best roofer, they are always pointed to BTB.
Conclusion
Your home is a massive investment, and it’s vital to protect it structurally before making it look pretty. By continually assessing your property and adhering to a strict priority list, you ensure your remodeling budget isn’t wasted on secondary projects while the primary structure fails.
Always start at the top. If you’re not absolutely sure about the condition of your roof, let an expert like BTB inspect it before you spend a dime inside. Get a quote today.