Take advantage of short days and daunting outdoor weather to do your planning. Simply envisioning desired home features and figuring out how to create them can save you time, money, and hassle in the year to come.

•Discuss ideas with household members.
•Find out from your local building department if your improvements meet building codes or if you’ll need any special permits.
•Seek word-of-mouth recommendations for contractors who could complete the job.
•Get bids on prospective contractors’ work and materials.
•Service and repair major home appliances or purchase new ones — after-holiday sales sometimes offer good bargains.
•Decide on how you want to pay for the project and line up financing.

List gathered from Wells Fargo.

Contact your Realtor® for more tips on fixing up your home or preparing your property to sell.