Small and easy improvements can really increase your home’s value. Actually, you can raise the value by thousands with a few updates. Here are several home improvement tips that will help you to get started.
Update any room with new flooring. Whether you opt for carpet, laminate flooring, tile or even stained concrete, you have a few options. You can install some flooring on your own in a few days, or you can hire a professional for a major project.
Replace your standard porch light with a motion sensor porch light, as this will reduce electricity costs. It can be switched on manually and the sensitivity can be adjusted on several models.
Wall surfaces can be much more appealing (and imperfections in them are harder to spot) when they’re textured with drywall mud. It is easy to texture. Put drywall mud on the walls with a trowel and then use a sponge, a brush or any item you can think of to add some texture.
Keeping a ceiling looking higher than it actually is, is something very easy to do with two tips. Your walls could be painted with stripes, or maybe you can add a tall lamp. This creates an optical illusion in the room. This can even make your room appear bigger and more spacious than it really is.
When deciding on which home improvements you are going to do, consider only those that make sense. Improvements that make no sense like a sun room with no insulation in a cold climate, or a deck with no shade in a hot climate might deter a possible home buyer. Do what is desired, but don’t go beyond your immediate climate needs.
Using the proper tools can mean the difference between a successful home improvement project and a disaster. Jobs can be done more easily and, more importantly, done correctly with the right tools. The key to using the right tools is having the right knowledge to use them properly.
Determine the changes you want to do prior to starting the renovation. This helps you stay on budget and within the time frame you set for yourself. You also know how much more adding in different things to your project might cost you. Refrain from making changes in your home improvement plans once the contractor has begun work.
Draft Excluders
In many home improvement projects, using “premium” materials is a way to maximize the value of the work. Comparison shop for these building supplies before choosing a vendor! If you put down new flooring, it can be expensive and a price comparison is helpful in these instances. Between the discount outlets you can find and the bargain-hunting resources available to you, you may be able to save significant amounts of money.
To prevent air from escaping through your doors, buy draft excluders and sealant strips. Draft excluders slide under the door to keep air in and out. You will get the same functionality with sealants trips which fit around the door frame. Look for them in hardware stores.
You can use hot glue to attach hardware such as bolts, nuts and screws to storage containers. It can be a hassle and cost you a lot of time if you cannot find a piece of hardware. Written labels do not provide the instant visual cue that this method does.
If you hire a contractor, keep careful records. Not all contractors will keep records for you. Save any invoices and contracts that have to do with the project. Your paperwork file should help prevent misunderstandings with a contractor by providing details about costs, expectations and the time frame for the performance of your home improvements.
Making home improvement projects fun is key. It is vital that you are seriously careful when you are working, but you should also be having fun. When you feel bogged down by the project, mistakes can happen. Try getting a professional if this happens to you.
You can use a coat rack that is mounted on your wall for a place to hang and display any of your bracelets or necklaces. You might want to exclude your valuable pieces from the display. Displaying your jewelry can make a nice statement in a room and keep it all tangle free. Select a few pieces that you wear often and keep those within reach.
It’s very easy to dress pillows for a teenager’s room. Go get some old clothes like a pair of jeans, some old concert t-shirts or anything with a cool design and fasten them around the pillows, then sew them on. This will spruce up your teen’s bedroom and give it a unique flair.
Luggage Rack
Work on outdoor areas, as well. Extend your living space to include part of the backyard. Take advantage of your outdoor living space by having friends over for a barbecue, or just relaxing.
If you have a luggage rack somewhere, you can easily turn it into a side table for your living room. Take the glass from a large picture frame and secure it to the luggage rack with permanent adhesive. Place a lamp and some magazines on top of it, and you have a beautiful, usable new side table.
Add new handles and knobs to your cabinets in your kitchen. Replacing knobs on cabinets is a easy way to impact the look of your home. If you do add in new knobs, make sure you clean your cabinets so that everything looks better in the end. Put the new knobs on and you are all done!
If you want to create a peaceful environment, pick out colors like blue, green, and purple in lighter shades. Make use of cottons and linens rather than heavier fabrics. Put some potpourri atop the coffee table and have scented candles in order to create a tranquil heaven for yourself.
Be sure to use water resistant dry wall in areas that harbor moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Water-resistant wall board is commonly referred to as “green board.” Most green boards are treated to resist water retention, and the mold that typically grows in moist environments.
Any painting job requires you to estimate the amount of paint you require. Do not guess how much the job is going to cost as you could be way off. Be certain to measure so that you will know the exact size of the area you plan to paint.
A new danger looms in the home improvement industry, thanks to our neighbors across the Pacific. Don’t buy drywall that comes from China. Since 2005, much of the dry wall used here has come from China. Unfortunately, a great deal of these materials do not meet acceptable standards for quality. Some Chinese drywall emits toxic fumes that corrode wires.
Never hire an unlicensed contractor for a home improvement job. Certification is required in every state for contractors and sub-contractors. While these documents don’t mean that a contractor is competent, the law does require them. The most important thing to remember is a contractor without his license is most likely without insurance as well.
Although there’s a great selection of solar-powered outdoor lights available out there, they’re really not appropriate for anything beyond providing decorative accents. For powerful lighting that makes walkways bright and highlights the best features of your landscaping, you need traditionally-powered lighting. These cost more than standalone solar lighting, but they last longer and work better.
When it comes to any home improvement project, it is necessary to estimate the cost of all the materials required. Many things can be bought in bulk which will save money. It is also true that various equipment and materials for home renovation projects come with lengthy wait times. You will have to order them well in advance in order to prevent your project from being held up.
Homeowners who hire a private contractor to do a large-scale home improvement project should listen carefully to the contractor’s advice but avoid taking it as gospel. If you know what you are talking about you are less likely to get taken advantage of. If the contractor mentions any problems or issues, homeowners should have the information validated before investing any more money in the project or modifying the construction schedule.
You can tackle any home improvement projects if you just have the right tips. By taking the time to plan, things will run more smoothly. Try some of the things you’ve just learned to increase your home’s value.
Prior to digging in to any big job with home improvement, it’s always nice to let the neighborhood know what you are up to. Having a neighbor doing construction can be quite irritating. Your neighbors will be very appreciative if you tell them exactly how long the disturbance from the construction job will last.
