Doing your own home improvement projects can make your home a nicer place to live and save you quite a bit of cash, as well. Keeping track of everything you need to do your home improvements correctly can be overwhelming, so here is a collection of tips to help you on your way.
Experts from EcoKit told us that “before beginning home improvements apply for the appropriate building permits”. Any home improvement that involves plumbing, electricity, or structural changes can require a permit. Check your local laws. If you proceed without a permit then you can be fined or it could make the house harder to sell in the future.
In order to get the most out of your air conditioning and heating system, clean or replace your air filters. Dirty air filters can reduce air flow in your vents, causing your system to work harder to cool or heat your home, therefore using more energy and costing you more money. You can find replacement filters at your local hardware store or even sometimes at your local supermarket.
When doing home improvement, watch the highly visible improvements. Buyers will notice these improvements, and small things such as a fresh coat of paint or a well-maintained garden can make a huge difference in their opinion of the house. Although major improvements aren’t usually seen, lesser, more obvious ones are, so take care of them before selling your home.
Store your paint cans upside down. A skin forms inside used cans of paint. When you open the can it’s a mess to remove. One solution is to put the used paint cans in your storage area upside down! That way when you turn the can over and open it, the skin is underneath the paint where it can’t cause a problem.
When choosing a contractor, make sure to interview them and check references. There are few things more painful than a home improvement project gone wrong. At best you’ll have to live in a house that makes you unhappy and at worse you could find yourself without a place that’s safe to live in. Perform your due diligence upfront in making your choice so that you won’t be surprised at the results at the end.
Your ceramic tile can lose its luster after a while and appear grungy. Combine vinegar and water; this solution will help you clean the tile without harming it. Grab a bucket, fill it with your solution and you can mop your floors with ease. Also, this can help disinfect your floors so that they look pristine.
You don’t have to throw out your old wicker patio furniture. Sure, it may be weathered, but you can make them good as new. Replace your old cushions, or sew a new cover for them. Buy some cheap spray paint in shocking black or elegant white and spray your wicker set in the chosen color. Make sure to wear a protective mask over your mouth for safety. This can make your patio set look good as new and give you a reason to spend the day outdoors.
New cabinet handles and knobs can spruce up the look of your kitchen. Replacing knobs on cabinets is a easy way to impact the look of your home. When you remove your old knobs and handles, take the opportunity to clean the cabinets inside and out because it’s a lot easier without the hardware snagging. Once they’re clean, add your new knobs.
Replacing old outlet covers is a simple and cheap way to freshen up the look of your room. The outlet covers can become discolored over time. By putting new outlet covers on in the house, you add a fresh touch to your home.
Think you need to re-tile your bathroom? Try cleaning the tile and re-grouting first. Using this method can save you time and money over a complete re-tile project. It’s also easier to achieve by yourself. A toothbrush is a wonderful tool to use when cleaning grout. A quality steam mop can make a huge difference as well.
You can boost your home’s value and improve its curb appeal simply by adding another coat of high gloss paint to its shutters and front door. Complementing colors used together can make your home stand out.
Do you enjoy hanging around outside, but hate dealing with bugs? You can add a screened-in porch to your home. It will give you a nice place to read, eat or spend quality time with your loved ones without being bothered by pests. Place a ceiling fan on the ceiling for even more comfort.
Avoid procrastinating the repair of any leaking faucet. When you’re wasting water through leaks, your utility bills will skyrocket. The water leaking from your faucet can also cause water damage by staining the sink or bathtub it is leaking into. Repairing or replacing a faucet can be a cheap and easy project. Replacing items that were damaged by water may not be.
Still running those window unit air conditioners? Central AC is a costly upgrade but a rewarding one. It will save you money on your electric bill, so you will slowly make the upgrade cost back. Plus, it significantly increases the value of a home. Look into upgrading to Central AC in your home.
To really take the hassle out of home improvement, if you have young ones at home, have your kids help with some of the projects. If they do a project from start to finish with minimal supervision or assistance, they may take ownership of their work. This may free you of the responsibility of cleaning and maintenance of it. Another benefit of using your children is that it will save you a lot of money.
The advice shared here can help you save money that you don’t always need to give to a professional. You’ll be more ready than ever to design improvements that look great, fill your needs and function perfectly. The harder you try, the better your results are sure to be.
