You already know that making improvements to your home, not only adds beauty to your living area, but also increases your home's value. To make sure you are getting the most value for your effort, you need to find the best advice to help with your home improvement project. Check out the valuable tips in this article.
Make sure you have weather stripping around all of your doors and windows. This helps you with multiple problems. It keeps air from leaking out keeping your house cooler or warmer when you're running your A/C or heat. It can also keep little critters from finding their way in. It's also good if you're in an area that floods a lot, to keep water from seeping in.
Repainting the porch may be necessary in your home improvement efforts. The paint you use should be high-quality and formulated for exterior use. Always use paint that has the same type of base as the previous coat. Trim is usually well served by oil-based paint because it lasts longer; however, oil paint is not good for exterior floors or decks since it can be slippery in rain and snow.
Remodel your closet by using closet organizer kits. These kits are designed to maximize usable space in your closet. A basic kit usually comes with a closet rod and enough components to give you multiple shelves that you can adjust. Additional components can be purchased to customize your closet even more. This is a great way to add storage space in your home without a major remodel.
Buying new appliances can actually save you money in the long run. Now a days, companies have invested a lot of money in appliances that conserve energy. If you buy a new fridge that uses less electricity, during the life of the refrigerator, you will actually be saving money.
Roof improvements can be an excellent choice for a home improvement project. Consider choosing white tile to re-do your roof. Tiles that are lighter in color can reduce the amount of heat that is pulled into your attic. This helps to save you money on your energy bills in the summer.
Chandeliers are a great addition to any dining area, but overtime they can be a real collector for dust. To get rid of the dust on your chandelier you first need a pair of white cotton gloves. One of the gloves needs to be dry and the other needs to be dampened with any brand of glass cleaner. Make sure to wipe each prism with the damp glove first and then the dry one.
Many people feel that low ceilings are too constricting. Fortunately, window treatments may add a much-needed makeover with color and the illusion of larger square footage. All you have to do is place your window treatments higher to make your ceilings appear higher.
If you travel frequently and leave your house unattended, consider installing timer lights in your home. These lights come on according to a programmed schedule - giving the appearance that the home is occupied - even when it is not. This is an effective deterrent for would-be burglars who look for unoccupied homes when hunting for potential targets.
Install peepholes into your doors that lead to the outside of your home. Before letting anyone in, see who is lurking outside. Peepholes are simple to install and sliding patio doors won't cost you that much money. If you have a drill, the peep hole, and five minutes to spare, you have a home improvement. The security this improvement offers is well worth it.
Have a large bulletin board in your kitchen or living room, where you can write reminders for yourself of things you need to do or bills you need to pay. Emergency phone numbers, contacts, brochures, postcards and notes to yourself, look better arranged on a bulletin board and won't clutter your refrigerator or other appliances.
A large and bulky cabinet and sink can easily take up the biggest part of a tiny bathroom and make the area seem downright claustrophobic. Free up some additional space by having the cabinet and sink removed and replacing them with a sleek and attractive pedestal sink. The look is timeless, and the narrow silhouette will free up a great deal of space.
To create a modern focal point in your living room or study, consider installing a new stone, brick, or wood mantel for the area above your fireplace. If your fireplace already has a mantel, you can have it sanded and refinished to change its look. You could also update it by staining the brick or concrete with a rich color.
Quotes and feedback from contractors should be viewed with a degree of skepticism. Even a reputable contractors sometimes take advantage of an easily intimidated owner. Go with your gut if something does not seem right get a second opinion.
Building or buying a window box for windows in the front of your house is a very effective way to add color and visual interest to a drab exterior. A filled planter can be very heavy, so make sure that you use cleats to secure the box to the house. You can update the look by planting seasonal herbs, flowers, or grasses.
If you are trying to decide what home improvement projects to take on to prepare your home for resale, then remember the old real estate adage, "Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes." If you only have funds to improve a couple rooms, then start with your kitchens and bathrooms to see the biggest improvement in your asking price.
Is your home filled with bare walls? Why not create a painting to put on your wall so that your home has a personal touch of flair and elegance. While you may not be an artist, any sort of art on your walls will look better than nothing on your walls.
As you prepare to take on a new project, do yourself a favor and eliminate all clutter or obstructions in the area. You'll have more space to move items such as furniture around your home and eliminate extra waste as well. You will also appreciate the easier cleaning load and boost to your home organization.
Hopefully this info will make your next project a breeze. Not only is it easy to complete home improvement projects when you do them right, it can be addictive, too. Doing good work will lead you to taking on new, more ambitious projects. As long as you remember to educate yourself thoroughly beforehand, the sky's the limit.
