When trying to decide on a big-ticket home improvement project, such as new counter tops, choose a design that is durable and timeless. Leave the trendy colors and funky designs for your furniture and paint colors, which are easier to change, if you tire of them or decide to sell.
If you are a handy person and can understand plans, consider doing some home improvement jobs yourself. Small and simple projects can improve the overall look of your home. By doing it yourself, you save money and avoid the aggravation of researching a contractor for minor jobs. You will feel more confident and much prouder of your home.
If you live in an older home with a wooden floor that is beyond sanding and staining, add a few coats of oil-based paint over the planks. Choose a paint that is intended for outdoor use on decks or porches; this ensures that it will be able to withstand the occasional wet spill and light traffic. It can also hold you over until you have the resources to replace the floor altogether.
Planning landscaping to reduce water usage is not just for homeowners in drought-stricken areas. Between changing weather patterns, rising populations and falling water tables, water for home irrigation is only going to grow more expensive. By selecting plant species that require less water than the usual landscaping standards, a wise homeowner can save a lot of money.
Always take your time. Unless it?s an emergency, like a leaky roof or flooded basement, plan ahead of a project at least three months out. Invest more time in order to save money by shopping around. Research what needs to be done and what materials are recommended so you have a plan and a shopping list once you are ready to begin.
After you have finished the painting part of your home improvements, it is important to clean up properly. If you used latex paint, all you need to clean up is soap and water. If your surfaces were painted with alkyd paints, you will need paint thinner to clean the brushes and gear that you used to do the job. Remember to not pour paint thinner or excess paint down the drain since it can lead to ground-water pollution. Both paint thinner and excess paint needs to be disposed at a toxic waste collection facility.
Improve your home and lower your water bill by changing out your toilet with a more efficient model. Many companies have reduced the amount of gallons it takes to flush and they even feature options, such as flushing only liquids or solids, so you can control how much water is used, depending on what is in the toilet.
Always select energy-efficient windows for home improvement projects. Modern windows conserve energy in a variety of ways, from special glass coatings to tight-sealing gaskets. The most efficient of modern double-glazed windows even have noble-gas-filled glazing cavities to prevent heat transmission. High-tech windows can help the homeowner realize significant savings on heating and cooling.
Soundproofing inside interior walls makes a good investment in any home. While soundproofing every wall would be luxurious, it is not technically feasible or economically sound. The most vital areas to soundproof are equipment rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms. The kitchen is also a good area to install soundproofing in, provided the kitchen is not open to too many other spaces.
When thinking about home improvements, think green! It?s a great way to add value as well as to be environmentally friendly. Putting in an energy efficient furnace or air conditioning will not only make your living space more comfortable, but also save you money and keep the earth cleaner longer.
Create a catching focal point in your living room or hallway by hanging a collection of mismatched silver serving trays. They not only add an interesting extra to your home, but they are mighty fun to collect. Go to flea markets, antique stores or second hand shops, to find the most interesting trays you can display.
As stated in the beginning of the article, there are many easy projects that even a novice can master. After reading this article, hopefully you have a new-found confidence in your abilities to tackle some home-improvement projects on your own. It will make you feel proud at the end of the day, seeing your very own handy work!
Terrilyn Freyermuth works as a scholar on the subject of snow markers
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