Whether you want to add a deck to your house or learn how to do that faux finishing technique you saw on HGTV, this article gives you tips and pointers on various things you could do in your home to make it more personal and a home you can take pride in because you did it yourself.
Every piece of real estate is subject to building codes; the savvy land buyer will research these codes well in advance of making a purchase. Without proper research, the requirements imposed by local codes and zoning regulations can present a nasty surprise to land holders who intend to build a new home or improve an existing one.
Paint your doors. If you have old, outdated hollow core doors in your home, those can easily be painted to make them brighter and looking newer. Simply take them off the hinges, throw them over a couple of saw horses outside, and give them a quick coat of primer first and then your choice of paint color.
When planning a home renovation with your contractor, be honest about your budget. While many homeowners fear that they will get ripped off by a contractor if it is known how much money they have to spend, the reality is that being honest will get you better results. The contractor is free to budget for better work and higher-quality materials if they know your true cost ceiling.
Even newbies can repair leaky faucets. If you can figure out how to fix these issues quickly, you will minimize the water that gets wasted every day. This is a project that will pay for itself in no time.
Always make sure to cover your furniture and floors when painting. Taking this step prevents paint from staining your floors, carpeting and other objects. When painting, use newspapers on your floor to reduce staining. You can use a plastic sheet or paint cloth to block your floor if paint splashes.
Painting is one of the simplest and most affordable home improvements you can do, yet it is also one of the most effective. A fresh coat of paint can make a house feel brand new and requires
made a post minimal output in both cash and time. A fresh paint job can boost the appeal of your house to potential homebuyers, in case you are thinking of selling.
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.
Clean out your home every few months by taking a look around and collecting items that you no longer need. It is a great feeling to update your home decor as well as giving unwanted items to charity. Take those things you no longer need and donate them to a local charity or orphanage. This will de- clutter your home and give you space for new items.
Build your own utility shelves with furring strips, plywood, and screws. Build two identical ladder-like sides using the furring strips and screws. Connect them perpendicularly by screwing on additional furring cut to the width of the shelves. Finally, screw plywood panels in place to make the shelf surfaces.
Drain your hot water heater every six months. If you maintain your water heater it will last in your home for years and years. Fortunately, draining it is not difficult. All you have to do is attach a hose to the drain valve and turn the valve the same direction as a spigot would require.
To save on your energy bill, try changing your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED light bulbs cost more than regular light bulbs, but use less energy to light your home and last longer. You should see returns on your monthly energy bill in no time after replacing all of the normal bulbs in your home with these.
Are you fixing up your home? Look first at the supplies you have on hand, both for inspiration and to avoid having to spend more money than you need to. Attractive frames that suit your decor are what you need.
These ideas are just a sampling of the vast home improvement resources out there. Continue to explore all of the creative and interesting improvements you can make to your home. Learning all you can about your project before you get started can help you achieve the final result that you are looking for. Before you start a new project, have a clear idea of what must be done.