A clean slate for home improvement

The trees have come down; the decorations rest back in their boxes and all the extra lights and sparkles no longer adorn the nooks and crannies. With the magic of the holiday season stripped away, our bare homes remain. The flaws, previously concealed by garlands and bows, scream to us that it’s time to act on long put-off home improvement projects. Whether yours is cosmetic or functional, January is a great time to explore options.

First, establish a budget of what you can and can’t afford. You’ll be far more comfortable working within your budget once you know where your limits are. Next, consult local experts. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Whether you’re looking for a home security system and have no idea what the options are or realizing you’ve never done any of the duct cleaning a home requires, asking an expert is the starting point.

A great place to start is the Winnipeg Renovation Show, which runs Jan. 16-18 at the RBC Convention Centre. There, you can peruse vendors, speak to experts on your particular problem or project and weigh different options.

With Winnipeg’s harsh winters and hot summers, online advice does not always apply to home ownership in our particular climate. But local business owners who have studied and worked here for years can better guide you in the right direction. Hundreds of companies that have operated successfully in Manitoba will be together at the Renovation Show with hands-on demonstrations. Find more information at winnipegrenovationshow.com

The show also gives attendees special offers on certain products and services, making it a good place to get a headstart on whatever you’re planning. If you’re really unsure of what direction you’d like to take a renovation project, it’s a great place to start brainstorming and gathering ideas. It’s an immersive dream board, a place where you can see and feel samples, leaf through brochures and exchange dialogue on what you’re imagining.

Once you have a better grasp on what you need or want for your home, be sure to gather multiple quotes. Get them on paper and look up company reviews on trusted third-party review sites like bbb.org. Companies accredited by the BBB have committed to uphold high ethical standards so it’s also a good idea to look for that blue seal.

Don’t let decision-paralysis take over, like it did last year. When life gets in the way, it’s easy to say you’ll tackle that project later. Many who undertake home improvement projects wish they had done so sooner because the end result is more comfortable living, more peace of mind and healthier situations for them and their families.

Now, with a fresh, clean slate and a year of promise ahead of you, it’s time to pull the trigger on the home improvement project you’ve been putting off. Next year’s holiday decorations will look better alongside the freshly designed kitchen renovation; your holiday visitors will breathe better with clean ducts; and many memories stand to be made in your new and improved space.