Making home improvements doesn't have to mean completing complex tasks. It also doesn't have to mean spending big bucks. There are many projects that you can complete with just a little guidance. In this article we will provide tips on some simple and cost effective improvements that you could do this weekend.
Only spend time on home improvements that are practical. 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. Stick to what is liked, and don't reach outside of what local climate allows.
If you want a simple project that will really make a difference, think about painting your home. A house that is newly painted looks brand new, and does not require a lot of cash or time. A fresh coat of paint is also attractive to new buyers if you think you may sell your home any time soon.
When it comes to home improvement, be sure to do your background work and ensure that the contractor is bonded. This is important because a way to assure that the job you intended to be completed will be completed per the stated terms. Also, the bond provider will cover any damage or theft that occurs.
Ask for references before hiring anyone to make home improvements. Pretend like you're hiring someone at your own business. Look closely at their background, and ensure that their past clients have been happy with their work.
To save cash, buy a drain snake. It will keep you from having to spend your money on expensive drain cleaners as often. You should not use a snake on your drain if you do not know what you are doing, have a plumber do it. Remember to purchase a snake that fits your drain so that your pipe doesn't get damaged.
Throw your plastic shower curtain in the wash! Add a few clothes so they will swirl around with it and give it a good scrubbing. Even the most inexpensive shower curtains will survive one or two washings. You keep them out of the landfill and at the same time brighten up that tired bathroom!
A new front door could increase significantly the value of your home, sometimes up to 10 percent. You can customize your door with new knobs or locks, which are fairly inexpensive. There are many options as far as finishes and shapes.
If you are doing a total renovation of a room, work from the top down. If you start at the top and work downwards, falling debris and paint drips will not end up on a freshly renovated floor, but on a surface that you plan to remove anyway. This saves you significantly on time and effort.
If you have older ceiling fans in your home, a simple home improvement is to replace the blades of the fan. This is cheaper than buying a new fixture. Also, if your fixtures match, replacing just the blades allows you to keep the set intact. New ceiling fan blades can give your room a just-renovated look with minimal effort and expenditure.
While most people know that taking a shower instead of soaking in a tub helps to conserve water, not everyone knows that you can actually save more money on your water usage by replacing your original shower head with a specially designed low-flow shower head. This is a quick and easy improvement that can be done in one day and with only a minor cost.
Do not neglect safety under any circumstances. Wear goggles, hard hats, gloves and ear protection. Amateurs notice professionals foregoing protective gear and follow their lead. Just because you see others ignoring safety does not mean you should. If you are inexperienced, you have a much greater chance of getting injured.
It is important to estimate the cost of your materials before you start any home improvement project. The homeowner could save a lot of cash by purchasing materials in bulk. Long lead times can be a problem for materials needed for home improvements. If you do not order them ahead of time, it may make your project drag on.
If you need more room due to a growing family, don't sell your home. Instead, remodel it. Add on rooms or remodel the ones that you already have to make them bigger. This has some great benefits, it will save you a significant amount of money and the hassle of having to move.
Make sure any contractor you are considering is properly insured. If they do any damage to your home, and do not have insurance, you may have to go to court to get money for repairs. Ask your contractor to show you that they are insured.
Search for inspiration to get better ideas when you are renovating your home. Flip through the pages of a home and garden magazine or check out popular home improvement blogs for ideas. You can get some color swatches and fabric samples. Take the time to decide what you truly wish to have. Then you will be prepared when making decisions.
Before rolling paint onto walls or ceilings, cut in the edges with a brush. Tape off trim, moldings, windows, ceiling edges and fixtures. By painting the few inches closest to the edges using a brush, you do not have to roll right up to these obstacles which may prove too cumbersome with a full-sized paint roller.
Improve your home in an environmentally friendly way by adding weatherstripping to keep your doors and windows from leaking warm or cool air. Not only does making your home weatherproof benefit the environment, it also helps to put many of your hard earned dollars back in your wallet.
So there you have it, several simple and inexpensive tasks that will improve the value and quality of your home. Tackle one or two at a time, make them a weekend project, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Follow the tips we have provided and you'll be on your way to improving your home like the pros.
Orignal From: Home Improvement Can Be Pretty Simple With Help
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