So you’re thinking of improving your home once and for all? Very well. The first thing you should do is take an inventory of the knowledge you already have. This article offers a variety of diverse ideas and tips for your project.
Keep your air conditioning filters clean. A dirty AC filter causes your air conditioner to work inefficiently and consume more energy. The unit might also end up running much longer than it ought to. To prevent a buildup of dust and debris, change the AC or furnace filter monthly.
One good way to save on high electric bills is to turn off your lights. For your porch light, invest in a light equipped with a motion sensor. You will still be able to turn the light on manually when you need to, and the motion detector can be adjusted for sensitivity.
Plain lampshades can often be spartan and boring. Brighten up the room by making your own personal designs on your lamp shades and adding a bit of color. This will give your rooms some personality, taking away from the reality of how boring an ordinary lamp shade can be.
To stop squeaks, use construction adhesive. You’ll have to work from the basement or in the crawlspace but the effort will be worth it. Use a caulking gun to place glue between each floor joist, while making sure each planks is secure.
If you’re looking for the best room in your home to concentrate your improvement efforts on, the kitchen is a good bet. First, mix TSP and water half and half and scrub the walls. This mixture will not only remove grease but also prep the walls for a new coat of paint. Paint your kitchen in a tan shade; you will create the illusion of having more space.
Knock out that bubble in the vinyl flooring! If these bubbles exist, it is a simple fix to just cut into the bubble and release the excess air that has been trapped. This flattens the bubble temporarily. You will have to inject a bit of glue, though, to keep the repaired section flush with the floor. In order to properly do this, you should use glue that comes already loaded inside a syringe.
Make a bookcase unique by applying some wallpaper to it. Choose a vibrant graphic design. Then you simply fix the wallpaper into the rear of the bookcase, so that it will be visible behind your books. This tip can give an old bookcase a new look and create a visually appealing focal point in any room.
A good quality drill is an excellent home improvement tool. You need it to start screws and to drive them in place. A good cordless power drill with the right drill bits for Phillips and flathead screws is ideal.
Sealant strips and draft excluders can keep air from seeping out door cracks. Excluders go under the door and prevent hot air from going out and cool from coming in. Sealant strips will also do the job in preventing air from seeping out of door frames. You can usually get them at hardware stores.
Make a bookcase unique by applying some wallpaper to it. Select a unique and attractive design. Paper the back of the bookcase with the wallpaper, and then you’ll be able to see it behind the books. Adding a little bit of edginess to you bookshelf will create a more modern look for not only the bookshelf, but the room that it is in.
Visit some open houses for newer homes before you decide what home improvements you want to make. Doing this will allow you to check out modern looks so that you will better be able to imagine the look of your home with these options. This is much better than simply looking at the modern options at your local hardware store. A lot of these model homes hire decorators so you are able to see great style.
Cabinet Knobs
Do not underestimate the value of a high quality door. Your guests will be seeing your door whenever they enter and leave your home. You may be losing a lot of the heat through a door that is not insulated. Doors that are poorly constructed and have low quality hardware present a security risk.
You can update your kitchen by simply replacing your kitchen’s cabinet knobs. Installing cabinet knobs is an easy job, but can transform a boring kitchen into a magnificent living space. Take the time and clean out your cabinets as well when replacing the knobs. Attach your stylish new hardware and the job is done!
Today, there is a new danger to look out for during home improvement projects. Avoid buying drywall (i.e. wall board, sheet rock) manufactured in China. Since 2005, a great deal of the drywall used in the U.S. building industry has been sourced from China. The common issue with this drywall is quality control, or the lack thereof. It’s not only the crumbling and buckling you have to worry about. Some Chinese drywall can actually emit harmful gases.
You now have some great information on how to improve your home. You are one step closer to realizing your goals! This article has provided a good foundation for making some changes in your home. Get started with your planning and fix up your home.
Think about your surroundings and the environment you live in before you make any improvements to your home, but make sure you consider adding adequate fencing. This will prevent animals like rabbits, skunks and coyotes out, especially if planting a garden is part of your plan.
