Bob Vila Radio: Whole House To-Do List

When you look around your house, are you overwhelmed at the number of things that need to be repaired, replaced, or reorganized? If so, it’s time to make a whole-house to-do list—a laundry list of nagging household projects, both big and small.

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Listen to BOB VILA ON WHOLE HOUSE TO-DO LISTS or read the text below:

Whole House To Do List
Whole House To Do List



First, grab a pad of paper, a pencil, and a spouse or friend with a critical eye. Go from room to room, writing down anything that requires attention. Ignore everyday tasks like cleaning; focus instead on repairs and improvements like the drippy faucet and the dinged enamel on the stove; broken light fixtures; rooms in need of additional outlets; walls that need painting; windows that need caulking; the hall closet that needs purging. Consider the big picture. If you think you’ll be moving within the next few years, your list should include cosmetic fixes like interior painting. If you’d like to stay in the house as you age, include the installation of amenities like grab bars, shower seats, and lever door handles.

Now organize the list by complexity, from weekend DIY projects through large-scale renovations. Assign time estimates and priorities to the smaller tasks, and devise a long-term plan for tackling the bigger projects. Keep your list handy so the next time you have a spare hour or two, you’ll know exactly what you can do with it!

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 75 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day.

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