Most people that own a home have planned at least one project to improve some aspect of their home at some point. Those who have undertaken home improvement projects will tell you that success and failure are flip-sides of the same coin. This is especially true when the homeowner is a novice. The article below has tips to help you plan your next project.
Exercise your creativity and come up with a complete home improvement plan before you start any actual work. Getting the preparation out of the way will allow you to place your focus on the work in progress when the time comes. Inspiration can come from anywhere: home improvement shows on TV, magazines, or even features that you notice in your friends’ houses.
You should always keep your air conditioner filter changed. If the filter is clogged, it will force your air condition to work harder and use more energy. Additionally, it may cause the AC to run for extended and unnecessary periods of time. To prevent buildup, think of changing the filter monthly.
If you are trying to save on your heating bills, make sure to insulate the attic. Because hot air inevitably rises, in the colder months poorly-insulated homes are letting huge amounts of heated air escape wastefully. Insulation is easily obtained at many hardware or home improvement stores and can be simple to install.
Switch out your air filters often. It is healthy for the inside of your home and will get more life from your furnace and AC unit. A lot of service calls faced by repairmen happen due to dirty filter buildup.
When putting your house up for sale, a bathroom is an important room to consider remodeling. A buyer can easily personalize a living room or bedroom, but the bathroom needs to be in great shape. Be sure your sink, shower or tub are working. If they’re not, be sure to replace them. If you currently have linoleum flooring, replace it with tile.
Create a shopping list when you plan to go to the store to get supplies. A list of everything you will need will keep you from taking multiple trips. It will also keep you better organized.
Most basements have little natural lighting. Your basement can look better will well-placed artificial lighting. If you have luck, your basement has higher walls that stick out from ground level. If you do, you might consider installing windows to bring in some natural light.
Homes with a great view may sell for more than houses like it on the market. Do not consider a nice view as an investment since a view can change over the years, or different buyers might not enjoy it as much as you. But, because beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, the impact of your house’s view on its value may vary from potential buyer to buyer.
Be sure you properly install ventilation or windows in the bathroom. Humidity can cause a lot of damage to a bathroom. Repainting the walls in your bathroom won’t get rid of the mold. The correct answer is to prevent the problem from starting. Put in a fan and clear the air for good.
Couch cushions can loose their bounce over time and flatten. Sitting chair cushions in the sun helps them fluff back up to life. Sun exposure gets rid of the moisture trapped in the cushion’s fillings, which in turn makes them nice and bouncy. The sun can fade fabrics, so be sure to turn the cushions and do not leave them in the sun for too long.
You don’t need store-bought artwork to spice up your walls; you can use something as conventional as a three dimensional tile. Using three dimensional tiles, alternating in color, arranged on a wall behind your sofa and voila – instant art!
If you are planning to make bathroom renovations, try to make them handicap-accessible. Although it is not necessary to completely convert the bathroom now, preparing it for future adaptations as you grow older will be very convenient. If you put your home on the market, these modifications will increase its market value.
If you want to save money, then consider getting a drain snake. This will save you some cash on drain cleaners and plumbers in the future. You should not use a snake on your drain if you do not know what you are doing, have a plumber do it. Do not buy a drain snake that will not fit the pipe or you could damage it.
Money Aside
A design philosophy that many people are using is the age-in-place design strategy. Age-in-place refers to a design philosophy that accounts for the inevitable aging of homeowners over the span of their ownership. This type of improvement will increase both the level of comfort, and the value of the house.
One great habit for maintaining home improvement work is to keep some money aside for upgrades and repairs. By setting a reasonable amount of money aside each year, a homeowner is more likely to make the repairs and improvements that are necessary. If money is left over at the year’s end, it can go toward more home improvement work in the days to come.
Wipe any dust, dirt or oil from your baseboards and walls with a damp rag before you start painting them. This helps the paint stick to the wall better, and may also reduce the amount of paint required. It can also save you from having to re-apply paint later.
Put a new glaze on your bathroom fixtures. It can really make it look brand new! Plus it’s a much cheaper choice than replacing all of those older fixtures and flooring; a bathroom can be glazed for just a couple of hundred dollars. This make glazing an excellent choice to increase your home’s value while on a limited budget.
An ugly outdoor air conditioner can be an eyesore, but it is necessary in certain regions. Trellises or lattices are some nice ways to disguise your air conditioner to look more aesthetic. Ornamental grasses are a great option, but you must make sure you leave about one foot between the edge of your unit and the roots.
Try staining the floors of your basement. This is affordable and looks amazing. Staining the floor will also increase its durability and make it easier to clean. Go with something that will make the floor shiny. An upgraded stain can give your basement a richer feel for less money than installing a new floor.
Exterior lighting that is motion-activated is a practical and secure investment for your home. Motion sensing lights stay off until they detect motion in their path, and then they turn on automatically. Of course, if an intruder is trying to sneak onto your property, being hit with the sudden burst of light will send them running away.
Move furnishings away from the walls to make the room appear bigger. This makes it seem that the room is larger while creating a more modern and contemporary ambiance.
If you’re taking on a large project, hire a reputable professional. Educated professionals, such as architects and contractors, have spent much of their time to gain knowledge of their trade. These sorts of jobs are challenging and require a professional touch. Don’t go it alone. Get the help of a professional on large home improvement jobs to avoid the hassle and expense of “do-overs.”.
If your home needs many repairs, make larger renovations prior to moving in. Smaller projects that do not require moving heavy furnishings can be done little by little after moving in.
The contractor with the lowest price is not always the best value. The lowest price may seem attractive but often the cheapest estimates end up costing more because all of the costs were not included up front. Others will do a poor job, if you don’t pay well. Make sure you know exactly what work needs to be done so you can price it properly and select a contractor from a good base of understanding.
Outlet Covers
If you are going to repaint a wall that earlier feature glossy paint, prime it first. This helps the paint adhere to the wall better and prevents the new paint from peeling. Priming is also a good idea if you are switching to a lighter color, reducing how many coats are needed.
A really simple home improvement touch is to swap out your older outlet covers with brand new ones. Outlet covers are notorious for aging poorly, discoloring over time. Replacing your outlet covers can make a positive contribution to your home’s feel at a very affordable price.
Look for “how-to” videos to get a preview of the project you want to undertake, and search based on specific model numbers. You will be surprised how many people may have had the same trouble you are having, then videotaped their solution and uploaded it to the web. Using videos is a great way to learn from the mistakes and solutions of others.
Add an extension to the side of your home. Consider what you’d get the most out of, whether that may be a formal dining room, finished basement, or a media room. This helps make it easier for you to live in your home pleasantly while improving the value as well. However, don’t do this until you have enough money because this type of project can be rather costly.
Among the first aspects when taking on a new home repair project is to clear the area of debris and keep it clear. A project that involves demolition will certainly generate trash and debris that needs to be handled properly. Before getting started on your project, designate a particular spot to hold the debris and garbage until you can have it removed.
Do you enjoy hanging around outside, but hate dealing with bugs? You may want to consider adding a beautiful screened enclosure to your home. This offers a terrific area for sitting, reading, eating or just enjoying your family without worrying about insect bites. Installing a ceiling fan in this area will ensure that a cool breeze is always at hand.
If the cabinets in your kitchen need to be refinished and you do not have the funds, consider refacing them as opposed to replacing them. Total replacement of kitchen cabinets is quite expensive. You can just reface your cabinets, and spend much less money. You’ll save money and get a whole new look.
Do not go for the contractor who offers the best price. You may think you are getting a good deal; however, the ones with the lowest price often will add additional costs as the job progresses. It is also possible that some will simply fail to produce quality work. Research the work that you want done and find a qualified contractor.
If you want stucco siding on your home, it costs more than other siding. Be sure you’re prepared to invest in stucco. Perhaps you have your heart set on a specific appearance; however, it’s good to be open to less expensive alternatives.
Stainless Steel
When you are improving your home, consider the longevity of the appliances you purchase. A refrigerator should last approximately twenty years and a washer usually lasts about fifty percent of that length of time. Therefore, when renovating, choose your appliances wisely.
When taping sheetrock, invest in a stainless steel taping knife. A high-quality taping knife lasts longer than cheap varieties and is easier to keep clean. You will only ever need to buy one if you choose a knife that is stainless steel. Clean it after use, and store it carefully.
If you own a deck, try checking how resistant it is to water. Simply pour a bit of water onto the deck after it’s been dry and sunny for a few days. If the wood totally soaks in the water, it’s time to place on more repellent. Keep your deck in good condition by adding sealant before winter.
In advance of beginning a project, you need to ensure you are getting the right estimate. Underestimating will only lead to a heap of financial problems down the road when remodeling. Secure multiple estimates for any outside work you’re going to have done, and add a contingency factor into your budget to deal with unplanned expenses.
Try to make the entryway as attractive as possible as this is a key focal point in your home. Consider adding storage for shoes and coats, a catchall for your keys or even a decorative mirror or mail sorter. Improve the look of your home while adding some organization at the same time.
Furthermore, it can be hard for a homeowner to plan a home improvement task, especially if they have no experience. Without the aid of an expert, a project’s success or failure depends solely on luck. Implement what you’ve just learned, and change your odds.
Improving your home by reusing what you have to save on cost and to help the environment. If all it takes is a coat of new paint to renew the look of your cabinets, go for it! Replace the knobs or handles on them as well to modernize their look. Rather than replacing the tile, think about painting it to brighten your room.
