Although adding to the workload is probably the last thing anyone wants to think about just after moving into a new home, many will see a major home improvement project as a perfect opportunity to make their new home truly “theirs.” If you’ve just moved in and are already thinking about making some first home improvement projects, here are a few things to mull over before you start pricing out contractors and stocking up on sledgehammers.

Set Your Priorities

might be considering knocking down a wall or two to bring a bit more light into your home, but are there any projects that you’re overlooking that are far more important? Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to any of them, you’ve got more pressing home improvement projects to sink your time and energy into.

A. Are there any minor plumbing issues that you haven’t yet addressed?

B. Does the performance level of your water heater, furnace, or air conditioning leave anything to be desired?

C. How’s your roof? Are there any loose or missing shingles that could result in a leak during inclement weather?

D. What about your attic insulation? Have you noticed too much heat escaping during cold weather?

E. Have you noticed any electrical irregularities in your home that haven’t been the cause of any serious incidents, but that could develop given time?

Additional Home Improvement Project Suggestions

Now that you’ve determined that there aren’t any essential repairs that should be tended to, you can focus on home improvement projects of a more aesthetic nature. But before you launch headfirst into your first project, consider the following suggestions.

A. If you’re not thinking of living in your new home for long, stick to home improvements that will significantly increase its value.

B. If you’re planning on sticking around for a very long time, give yourself the freedom to make decisions that will improve your enjoyment of your new home.

C. When cost is a concern (and it almost always is) create a tight budget and ensure you’ve got the funds available to pay for the project. Otherwise, you might risk running out of money in the middle and be forced to live in a construction zone until your financial circumstances improve.

Give it Time

might experience a strong desire to make big changes before you move into your new home, but the consensus among the experts is to hold off until you’ve actually had a chance to live in it for a while. This way, you’ll be in a better position to make decisions that’ll improve on not only the appearance of your home but also on its functionality.