Project Planning/Sequencing

[CohenCottage]

Does anyone else have a problem with planning the order of projects? We seem to always get stalled doing the things we want to do b/c of the projects that have to get done first. For example, we want to paint the dog room, but we have to wait until the washer and dryer hookups are installed before we paint. That takes 800 bucks, so that hasn't happened yet. Or, we haven't painted the ceiling in the kitchen b/c we need to install can lights first.

This morning I thought of a great idea to help us with our planning and sequencing (since we are high with a sense of accomplishment from the whole exterior painting thing) so we don't lose our momentum.

I got a stack of blank flash cards and wrote each project on a card (quite a stack). When I get home tonight, we are going to spread all the cards out and start out with the ones that are a first priority for us. Then we can put all the related projects in the proper sequencing to see what has to get done in what order. We will also have a list of stand-alone projects (like pressure washing the driveway or planting flowers in the side yard) to pull from if we have a free weekend or afternoon and can't get something done on the 'big list' b/c of budget.

[Zuzu's Garden]

Wow, at first I thought that you must really have a lot of projects! Then I got to thinking about ours, and so do we. :p

Guess we need to add me to the C&B dictionary:

moving at the speed of Zuzu - to progress whenever

I have many, many projects to do, but I don't have a strong need to get it all done now like I did when I was younger. The order kind of makes itself known. Put the foundation garden in before the summer heat. Paint the kitchen when the knees aren't hurting. Install the solar panels after welding brackets. Top of the list is to remember to enjoy life. Yesterday's top priority was to spend time "removing the rust" from my calligraphy skills. At my house, it will all get done - moving at the speed of Zuzu.

;)
Zu

[CohenCottage]

We are young and impatient :D

[yarborough house]

Cohen -
I did a list of all the projects I wanted done on this house- it scared my husband because it was 4 pages typewritten. But I broke it down so it was very detailed.
I understand what you mean about it being sequenced..it seems you have a bit of the "anal A" type personality in you. I have way more than a bit my family says :) So, organization and lists are my saving grace. I just work better with a plan..not just skipping around.

My husband now asks for a list on the fridge - he says it makes it easier to get things done- I make the list in priority order and he goes from 1 to infinity as when the list is almost done I just put up another one :)

I get it..and it sounds like a great plan - might borrow it if you don't mind.

[CohenCottage]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a multi-page list!! My hubby has his list on the white board in our PB organizer thing, but it kind of stresses me out to see it all the time when the projects aren't getting checked off.

I would say I'm type A, but I am OCD, so it's either off and I'm a slob or on and I'm making lists and steam cleaning until midnight!

Hope the flash card idea helps... I'm thinking it will give us a little more structure so we move things along a little better.

[chyna]

Not to add to the list thing but shouldn't you paint the ceiling before putting in the cans? Otherwise you have to paint around those rims which sounds like a pain in the butt to me. :o

[cheapdiva]

Our kitchen remodel? That happened because we NEED to create a 2nd full bath out of the half bath that currently holds the washer/dryer also. So we opened up a wall to install the plumbing for the w/d - which is the common wall with the kitchen sink wall and "discovered" issues. This meant the kitchen was going to have to be done also - and since you can't live without a kitchen, it's getting done first. This was NOT the plan.

So now, the money I had planned on re-doing the bath and "funny room" (walls are coming down between these rooms to make one big room as the 2nd bath and laundry room) has gone to the kitchen. This means the bath/laundry won't get done till next spring probably. All of this to relieve "stress" on our current shower/tub with its 100 year old plumbing that our handyman says needs to be redone. AAAGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[CohenCottage]

Thanks Cheapdiva! I should have been more specific. We are going to pull out our existing lighting, patch holes, then wire new lighting and cut new holes for can lights and then paint before we put the new cans in... If the electrician thinks he can install all the new lights without screwing up the paint, I might pull out the existing fixtures then paint and let him cut holes and run wiring afterwards. See why I need a list???

[CohenCottage]

whoops, I meant thanks Chyna...

[RoseMary]

Cohen, your cards sound like a great idea. I may try that on a few projects and see how it works for us. One thing's for sure, we'll never have an empty file box!

[cheapdiva]

CC-
I'd paint only the immediate area around the can lights. BECAUSE unless you have a meticulous electrician, you'll have handprints on your fresh paint. Trust me. I have done this a few times (because I don't remember between the times contractors come in - but I'm not forgetting any more!!!) and always end up either washing the walls/ceiling or touching up the paint.

[CohenCottage]

Thanks for the tip Cheapdiva!! I will definitely do that...