Home improvement is such a broad subject. Because it offers such a wide array of options, home improvement can seem a bit daunting and overwhelming. Most people may think they need a contractor to do these seemingly time consuming, impossible tasks. The thing is: you can do it yourself! This article focuses on teaching you how to complete simple, everyday home improvements by yourself, no contractor necessary. Before you know it, you will be so savvy in home repair, all of your friends will be knocking on your door for help with their homes!
Minor home improvements have a small but cumulative effect on property value. Setting and achieving modest goals for repair and improvement projects is a good way to keep home value moving upwards. These "little fixes" are cheaper and faster than major renovations and can even make a fun leisure activity for the handy homeowner.
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.
Make sure before you get started in remodeling your basement that you have kept in mind heating, cooling, proper ventilation and dehumidification of the area. If you have enough headroom, your heating, cooling and much of your electrical equipment can be hidden behind a false ceiling. Prepare to hire a heating contractor to help you with your basement project.
Organize your closet by purchasing some designer paper boxes. You can usually find paper boxes with a nice patterned design at your local store. Use these boxes to organize your seasonal clothing, hide winter accessories, purses you aren't using or shoes you won't need for a while. Using patterned paper boxes makes the layout of your closet appear more organized and provide a hiding spot for things you're not using.
When you hire a contractor to work on a home improvement project, make sure that he is holding a current license and that he has insurance for his employees. This is important for your protection, in case you have a legal dispute about the quality of the work. In addition, if his employees are not covered by his insurance, you might be financially responsible for any injuries that an employee incurs, while he is on your premises.
An average-sized home that is poorly insulated can lose as much as 25 percent of its heat during the autumn and winter months. While updating your attic with glass fiber insulation materials may seem like a significant cost up front, you will quickly break even with the amount of money saved on your monthly heating bills.
Most people don't think of their circuit breakers until they lose power unexpectedly. One of the best things you can do to improve the safety and efficiency of your home is to regularly test your breakers by switching them on and off at least once yearly. This clears the breaker contacts of any built-up corrosion and allows them to work more efficiently and safely. If your breakers frequently trip, this may indicate potential safety issues that require an electrician.
If you have a large, open kitchen, consider building or buying a movable kitchen island. An island can be covered with tile, granite, or marble tops, making it the perfect extra surface for preparing meals, serving food, finishing up homework, or as a makeshift mini-bar that goes wherever you need it to. Many models include storage features like drawers, hooks, and built-in cutting blocks.
To save on energy costs, consider adding a series of small fluorescent lighting fixtures under your cabinetry. These lights consume less energy than your overhead light and can cast a glowing light on the counter surface that is ideal for preparing food or illuminating a richly colored counter top or decorative back splash area.
If you are buying a new bathtub, be sure to sit in the tub and lie back in it to be certain it's the right size and shape for you before purchasing it. Also, take good measurements of your bathroom space to be sure the tub will fit in the space you have.
Improve your window's appearance by replacing any worn or damaged window treatments. The sun, pets and general wear and tear can make your blinds look dull. The simple act of replacing blinds is one of the easiest and most affordable updates you can perform.
Do you want to add some sophistication to your home but are low on funds? A smart way to add elegance is replacing your doorbell. People visiting your home will immediately notice your nice new doorbell.
When you are making improvements to your home, don't be afraid to ask for help as soon as you can. The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you can get assistance with your home renovation project. If you wait too long and ask for assistance in the middle of a home renovation project, you may not get the help you need when you need it.
Are your windows outdated? Do they provide the right insulation? Maybe one or two of them are cracked or perhaps the style and design just doesn't fit the times anymore. Updating to new windows improves the beauty of your home as well as the value. Consider getting new windows if it is time.
Many people are unaware of new technology in water heaters, so think about going tankless. That old water heater keeps 40-60 gallons of water hot, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tankless water heaters only heat the water as you need it and will save you money now and will bring you profits when you sell.
Adding the right landscaping can really help your home's value increase. This type of home improvement will really set off the curb appeal of your property. It takes time for landscaping to grow, but as it grows so does the profit of your home. If you do not have a lot of time you can plant mature trees. These are more expensive but you receive instant results.
In sum, everybody has the capacity to perform home improvements. If you are not experienced in this area, reading up on your next project and following some basic tips can make all the difference. The article above is intended to give you the tools you need to get started with home improvement. If you follow this advice you will can do it all by yourself.