Tag / improvement projects

by Ted

Less Fails, More Fab: Home Improvement Ideas

Are you looking for home improvement inspiration? What about information pertaining to how you can make home repairs? This article offers up a variety of ideas and inspiration for choosing and undertaking a successful home improvement project.

There are a few simple ways to give the appearance of a higher ceiling in your home. Paint a striped pattern on the wall or get a very tall floor lamp. This will make a optical illusion that makes the room seem bigger. Your eyes are going to focus on the lines, and your ceilings will seem higher than they are.

Increase the energy efficiency of your home by installing weather stripping all around your home’s doors and windows. This fix costs next to nothing, and it makes your home much more comfortable. Not to mention, it saves you money. Also, this helps to reduce drafts for a better living environment.

TIP! Adding or replacing the weather stripping around windows and doors is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. With the materials available at most hardware stores, this is a very easy and inexpensive change you can make to your home that will have a lasting impact on both your cooling and heating bills.

Solar Panels

You should think about solar panels as far as projects for your home. Solar panels are a major investment, but you will lower your electric bills on the long term. This will help you save on monthly electricity bills, because you will mostly be using energy you stored. This all-natural solution for energy in your home is amazing.

Plan out what you intend to do before you start on your home improvement project. If you want to stay withing your budget, you have to have a plan. Changing your plan in the middle can create problems both from a practical and monetary perspective. By deciding what you want beforehand instead of having to pick things as you go, you will find that your contractors are also a lot happier.

TIP! Plan out what you intend to do before you start on your home improvement project. A plan will help you remain on budget and on a designated time scale.

Planning to insulate your home while you are already planning a home improvement can kill two birds with one stone. Look for ways to weatherproof your home such as weather stripping and gap sealing. You can cut costs when you prevent air from escaping and coming in your home. This will save lots of money on energy costs in the long run.

Putting on a new roof is one of the major expenses of home ownership. Talk to at least three different roofers to secure estimates — and call their references. There are quite a few different things to consider with roofing like getting tile, metal or just a traditional wooden roof. Skilled roofing professionals can guide your decision.

Bleach poured into toilet bowls can help keep them clean. While the bleach may not smell great, taking the time to clean them this way will leave your toilet looking lovely, and will also disinfect it. You can also used scented bleach to make sure the smell isn’t too bad.

TIP! Use bleach to sanitize your commode. While the bleach may not smell great, taking the time to clean them this way will leave your toilet looking lovely, and will also disinfect it.

Make sure you plan your home improvement projects in advance. Avoiding the planning until the time you begin your project can cause indecisiveness and many lost dollars due to poor, spur-of-the-minute decisions. So, make a detailed plan and you will save yourself a lot of hardship during the project.

Make ample use of your outdoor space. Extend your living space to include part of the backyard. Patios are great for having barbecues with friends, or just having a relaxing evening in the fresh air.

You can refresh the look of your kitchen appliances without breaking the bank. Stainless steel is popular, but it does not make sense to discard a perfectly good refrigerator just because it does not look trendy. You can buy spray paint for your appliances in any color that you like. Appliance paint can update you kitchen quickly and easily.

TIP! You can change the appearance of your appliances in the kitchen more affordably than you might think. You many want a new refrigerator that is stainless steel even though your refrigerator works perfectly; however, this is not a good investment.

After sitting on your chair pads for a long time, they become flat. Rotate them and flip them to keep them from getting excessive wear and put them out in the sun on a pretty day. The sun will help remove some of the moisture in the cushions and give them new bounce. Remember to turn your cushions over while they are sitting in the sun. Don’t let them sit for hours, because sunlight does make colored fabric fade.

Adding distinctive touches to your walls can be done with simple three-dimensional tiles instead of purchasing generic pieces of artwork. For example, choose two different colors of 3D tiles to arrange in an artful pattern above your sofa for a unique object of art.

Attaching one of the pieces of hardware or fastenings you are storing to the lid of its container makes it easy to know what is inside. Trying to locate one screw or bolt may be problematic, even if you are organized. Written labels tend to merge together when you’re searching for the parts that you need.

TIP! You can use hot glue to attach hardware such as bolts, nuts and screws to storage containers. Even the most organized system of supplies can be an issue when you’re searching for that one elusive piece of hardware.

Wall-to-wall carpeting was common decades ago, but the carpets in these older houses are often badly deteriorated. Hardwood floors have their own appeal, and are far more durable than even high-quality carpeting.

One home improvement project with an outstanding return on investment is finishing a basement. When you finish your basement, you will have a whole extra room to enjoy. Get your materials from discount stores. Some sources say that your home’s resale value can increase up to 30 percent by finishing your basement.

When hiring people to help you with home improvement, it’s important to do a background check and ask for references. Just imagine you’re hiring someone to work for your company. You want to look into their background as much as possible and make sure that other people have been pleased with their service.

TIP! Ask for references from any contractor you hire. You should view it in exactly the same way as hiring someone to work for you.

Always remove any dust, dirt or oily marks from room surface that you are going to paint with a clean wet cloth. You’ll find that paint goes on smoother and more evenly when the surface is properly cleaned and prepared; your painting job will go faster and the results will last longer.

Don’t just eyeball it. Get out the level and make sure everything is straight when you’re installing your kitchen cabinets. Begin at the floor level, the highest point, and put a line where the cabinets will go in so that they are level.

Keep children safe and improve your home by putting pads on sharp furniture. Many stores sell corner protectors. To make them yourself, tape foam pieces to the corners of any furniture with dangerous edges. Make sure, too, that you remove a potential tripping and strangling hazard for your children by taping down all loose wires.

TIP! An easy way to protect walls and floors from marks, and to protect your young children while you’re at it, is to pad furniture with sharp edges. Either a corner protector or foam tape from your local hardware store will help curb the effects of any sharp edges.

Don’t agree on time constraints with the contractor that may cost you more money. There are good reasons your builder wants to finish the work fast. They probably want their workers to get done as quickly as they can to save payroll and boost productivity. This could be bad because the contractors could attempt to charge extra for overtime that wasn’t really needed.

Sometimes you reach an impasse and you can’t find any inspiration. Do not jump into it, think about these tips first. A serious mistake could have you living in a hotel for awhile. Take the advice you have learned here to heart and you are sure to see your home improvement projects through to their success.

Staining your basement floor can spruce up the looks down there. Stained concrete floors are not as expensive as replacing them; the look is also very stylish. A stained floor is also more durable and easy to clean. Look for a stain that will add lustre and shine. This can make your floors look much more expensive than they actually are.

TIP! Stain basement floors for a better look. It is cheaper to stain a concrete floor than it is to replace one, and the look can be very trendy.

by Ted

Don’t Hire Help, Do It Yourself With These Easy Home Improvement Tips

Home ownership numbers are very high in America, so it’s no surprise home improvement is a hot topic of discussion. Do not be disheartened if past home improvement projects have turned out less than satisfactory. By reading this article, you can pick up some handy advice that might make your next project a breeze.

If you are not bound financially, install the real hard wood flooring, rather than the laminate. Even though laminates may look like real wood and are easier to manage, they can’t be refinished. Choosing the cheaper option will mean that it will have to be replaced sooner, whereas quality materials can last for decades.

It’s time to pop those flooring bubbles! Just cut it with a knife and let the air out. This will temporarily flatten the bubble. In order to permanently repair this part of the floor though, you are going to need to put an amount of fresh glue in. Purchase the type of glue that fills a syringe to complete your project.

TIP! Put a shot into that vinyl flooring bubble. If you have a bubble in that old vinyl floor, simply slice it open and the air will release.

Work on the most obvious areas when doing home improvements. Your potential buyers have no choice but to judge your house by what they see, and having things such as peeling paint and overgrown hedges may cause you to lose the sale. You have to impress them.

If you want to redo your floor in an inexpensive way, think about vinyl. Vinyl is a strong substance that can stand up to water and can be easily installed thanks to adhesive backing. As an added convenience, vinyl tiling is available in sheets or sets, depending on the size of the area you need to cover.

Use aluminum foil to cover electrical outlets prior to painting. Tin foil is more easily applied than tape and can protect outlet covers from accidental paint splatters. That makes cleanup much easier. Remember to remove and recycle the foil only after the paint has dried.

TIP! Use aluminum foil to cover your wall outlets before painting. It’s easier to use aluminum foil, and it protects the outlets.

Having the right tools is essential when you are doing renovations. If you lack the appropriate tools and materials, it will be much more difficult to complete the project correctly and in a timely manner. Knowing how to properly use the tools is important too.

Before starting a home improvement project, try to ask help from family members or friends. If you don’t do it early, you might find yourself going it alone. You might also have problems completing the project on time, which can add more stress and work to your life.

Choosing to add insulation to your attic can be a smart move, especially in winter, as it saves on heating costs. Heat rises and, over time, a lot of it is lost during the colder seasons in houses that have poor insulation in the attic. Most hardware stores carry insulation, and its installation is very simple.

TIP! Choosing to add insulation to your attic can be a smart move, especially in winter, as it saves on heating costs. Heat tends to rise and without proper attic insulation; it seeps out of your house and runs your energy costs up substantially.

Insulating your attic properly is a home improvement project that can cut down on your wintertime heating costs. When a home does not have proper insulation, it will lose heat, since it rises. You can buy quality insulation at any home improvement center, and it’s quite simple to install.

Your bathroom is another important part of your home. Buyers can easily customize the majority of rooms, but make sure your bathroom is attractive and in good working order. Every fixture needs to be in like-new condition. If you currently have linoleum flooring, replace it with tile.

It can cost a lot of money to replace a roof. You should get estimates and references from three or more roofing companies. Tile, metal and wood shake are some options for roofing materials you can decide on. A good contractor can help give you options.

TIP! It can cost a lot of money to replace a roof. Try getting estimates from several companies and check all of their references.

Homes that have a nice view tend to sell for a lot more than similar houses without a view. Always remember that the premium price brought by the view might not be thought of as a smart investment. Other buyers might not like the view as much as you, and don’t want to pay more for it.

Keep any small jars (like baby food jars) for use in organizing your space. Affix the jar lids to the bottom side of a shelf on your wall. Put small items like jewelry, screws, nails, or jewelry parts into the jars. Replace the jar by twisting it back under the shelf. This maximizes the usage of your shelf and makes great use of little jars that are not used for anything else.

Before you work on your outlets, be certain the power is turned off where you’re working. Failing to do so can lead to serious injury or even death.

TIP! Before doing any work on electrical outlets, lighting, or any other item that is connected to your home’s electricity, be sure that the power circuit is turned off to the area you will be working on. Failing to do so can lead to serious injury or even death.

Costume Jewelry

Add some bling to a boring corner by hanging big costume jewelry pieces on a coat rack. Use it just for costume jewelry, not expensive pieces. Using creative displays to hang your jewelry can become a nice, decorative element and also protect your jewelry from tangles or breakage. Select a few pieces that you wear often and keep those within reach.

To make a room feel airy, wide-open, and tranquil, stick with light, low-saturation shades of pastel colors such as blue, green, or lavender. Utilize fabrics such as cotton or linen and not dark patterns and heavy brocades. Add some potpourri or scented candles in order to build an inviting, peaceful atmosphere.

TIP! Do you want to make your rooms more tranquil? Choose light colors like light green or light purple. Stick to airy fabrics, like linen and cotton, instead of heavy brocades and dark patterns.

A garage door that is re-painted will add curb appeal to any home. This can be a quick way to update the look of your house. Adding a new coat of paint make it sparkle and increases its value. Use a more fitting color for your garage door rather than a standard color.

If you have purchased a home located next to wooded or undeveloped land, consider installing a chain link or tall wood fence around your yard. This will prevent animals like rabbits, skunks and coyotes out, especially if planting a garden is part of your plan.

Purchase the best supplies for your home improvement project. Purchasing high quality tools can be costly, but it is a very worthwhile investment. Cheap tools and materials can break or wear down quickly. Paying more in the beginning means you do not need to replace your tools quite so often.

TIP! When undertaking a home improvement project on your own, make a point of buying high quality materials and tools. It does involve a more expensive up-front cost, but you won’t spend as much money over time.

If you plan to paint your home consider doing that before anything else. This will save you the trouble of worrying about where the paint ends up. Regardless of whether or not you use protective coverings, it is almost impossible not to get at least a little paint on the floor.

Do you have spots on your lawn where grass won’t grow? If the answer is yes, add some grass seed to your lawn. A lawn that looks even can truly improve your yard. Get the work done to have a better lawn.

If you buy a drain snake, it can save some money. This will save you some cash on drain cleaners and plumbers in the future. A drain snake should not be used by someone who is inexperienced, so ask a plumber to show you the right way to use it. Ensure that you purchase a snake that properly fits your drain.

TIP! Invest in a snake for your drains. Doing this means you won’t need to purchase drain cleaners all the time.

Window Treatments

Replacing your old window treatments is a great way to improve the look of your windows. Over time, window treatments may become dull, cracked or bent after years of abuse from children, pets or other accidents. By adding new blinds, you will be making a huge improvement.

Put a peephole in outside doors! It is helpful to be able to see who is on the other side of the door before you open it up. Although some people will hire a professional to do this, adding a peep hole is actually one of the easiest improvements out there. The only tool you’ll need is a drill, and the project takes very little time to complete. Having a peephole will take away the anxious feeling whenever there is a knock on your door, because you will have the luxury of seeing who is on the other side.

TIP! Install a peephole on your doors. Safety first! Never open the door unless you know who is there.

Perhaps one of the most critical things to keep in mind during your project is that you are perfectly capable of completing the task at hand. You must be patient, thorough and dedicated. If it has been accomplished by someone else, you can probably manage to do it as well. Follow the tips this article has provided, to ensure your home improvement projects are successful.

by Ted

Want To Improve Your Home? Some Smart Tips

It is not always necessary to hire a professional to handle home improvement projects. Continue reading to learn helpful ways to complete projects without the help of a professional. Adhering to these guidelines will bring you one step closer to the home of your dreams.

Spend time once a week to dust all home accessories. A lot of dust and dust bunnies can accumulate over the course of a few days providing a way for allergens to get in the way of your life. Besides keeping everything as clean and beautiful as it should be, when you dust regularly you’re in an excellent position to observe the first signs of damage, wear, or pest infestations in your home.

Enhance your home with a unique addition. Think of dedicated rooms for uncommon purposes, such as a classy billiard parlor (instead of a mere game room) or a well-appointed wine cellar. Not only will you guests be impressed, but if you sell your home in the future, it will entice potential buyers.

TIP! Enhance your home with a unique addition. Something like a built in book shelf for the library, or a wine cellar are great ideas.

Before starting any project, you must have a good idea of the changes you will be making. Projects without plans tend to take longer than expected and go overbudget. If you decide in the middle to add an extra feature, you will significantly increase the cost and time it will take. Contractors will also be happier if you already have a good idea of what it is you want.

A fresh coat of paint is the quickest and easiest home improvement project to tackle. A nice new coat of paint will make a house look new and doesn’t take a lot of money or time. A new paint job will also increase the attractiveness of your home to possible buyers if you are looking to sell.

If you find that water is leaking underneath your sink or from your tap refrain from attempting to fix it on your own. Use a container that is big enough to hold the liquid and contact a professional plumber.

TIP! It’s not always a good idea to fix leaks on your own. Just place a container under the leak to collect the water and get in touch with a professional plumber.

Use wallpaper to dress up an old bookcase. Try to pick a design that is unique and interesting. By applying wallpaper to the very back of your bookcase, it will simply peek over the top of your books and be very aesthetically pleasing. You will not only have a nice bookcase, but a nice addition to your room.

Planning ahead of time always improves the success of home improvement projects. If you wait until the project begins to make decisions, you may not be able to make up your mind or you may make bad decisions. Your project will stay on time and on budget if you plan it out in advance.

Use wallpaper to dress up an old bookcase. Choose a design that is both interesting and one of a kind. Only put the wallpaper on the back of the bookcase; you will see the wallpaper behind the books. Adding a little bit of edginess to you bookshelf will create a more modern look for not only the bookshelf, but the room that it is in.

TIP! Create visually pleasing bookcases by using wallpaper. Select a unique and attractive design.

Give special attention to your porch if you are thinking about home improvement projects. A porch is highly visible to the public and gives a lasting first impression to guest visiting your home. Clean up clutter and add nice enhancements such as flowers and flower pots, patio furniture, wood varnish, and light fixtures. The value of your home is sure to rise by doing this.

An excellent door’s value should not be underestimated. It will be the very first and very last thing guest will view. A door that is not properly fitted or insulated can bleed a lot of heat in or out of your home. Also, upgrade your locks for a better appearance.

When storing items in containers, glue one of them to the outside part of the container. When seeking one little piece of hardware, it can be problematic even with the best labeling system. When searching through many containers for small parts, written labels can often blend together.

TIP! When placing screws and nuts into storage containers, use hot glue. It can get tough to locate the fasteners you need among all the different ones you have, no matter how well-organized your storage area is.

If it’s practical, do repair jobs as soon as issues are spotted. You may think that a problem is so small that it won’t bother you. You need to resist the urge to ignore it. Because the various working systems in your home are interconnected, it is easy for problems to spread quickly. Before you know it, your little problem has snowballed out of control.

Research ideas for your home improvement projects before you begin. The sooner you start looking for ideas for your home, the more of them you will come across before it is time to make a decision. Removing the rush to find just the right color scheme will reduce the stress of your renovation.

It’s an excellent idea to visit open houses around town (new subdivisions are best) to gather ideas before you embark on renovations to your own house. Seeing the actual styles and colors will give you an idea of how these options would change the look of your home. Lots of model homes are decorated by professionals and include window treatments and custom furniture that can serve as useful examples for your house.

TIP! Visit open houses to find ideas of what may look in your home. You’ll see the latest styles and colors and get a better idea of how your home could look with those options than you would by just going through the hardware store.

This article’s suggestions will, ideally, come in quite handy in your next home improvement project. Since you’ve read this article, you probably want to make home improvements. You can get the job done yourself with excellent results by following our advice.

by Ted

Learning A Bit About Home Improvement Tips

Many homeowners never get started on home improvement projects. Oftentimes there is a misconception that all home improvement projects are expensive and very involved. It does not have to be hard to do home projects. When people understand how to go about starting projects and the right way to complete them, the process can be a breeze!

If your trailer, house, or apartment is too small to house a dryer and washer separately, think about installing a combination unit instead. They take up about the same amount of space as your dishwasher. With these combination units, you have the ability to wash clothes and dry them in one unit.

Before spending a lot of money on so-called “quality” supplies for any home improvement, make sure to shop around for better deals. It can cost a lot of money to install a new floor, so be sure to shop around to find the best deals. Between the discount outlets you can find and the bargain-hunting resources available to you, you may be able to save significant amounts of money.

TIP! Even if certain home improvement supplies look like a great deal, you should do some comparison shopping before you buy them. For example, quality home flooring can be expensive, but if you shop around, you should be able to find the flooring in your price range.

Think about what area of the house you want to work on first. There is no need to do everything at the same time. Choosing one room or project at a time makes sense financially as well. You should plan ahead and look for price deals on required project items. Planning ahead helps you to stay on time and keep within budget.

If you are looking to tile a floor on the cheap, pass on stone or ceramic tiles, and use vinyl instead. Vinyl has several things going for it. It is durable, installs easily with an adhesive backing, and resists water damage. The vinyl tiles can be bought as a single sheet or as a tile set.

Consider starting your projects in the kitchen. Begin with the walls and remove any grease stains with grease cutter. This mixture will not only remove grease but also prep the walls for a new coat of paint. Neutral, tan colors work well in all kinds of kitchens. Once you’ve finished re-painting, you’ll be impressed with how dramatic the difference is.

TIP! A good place to start home renovation is the kitchen. A great place to start is by cleaning any grease stains off the walls.

Utilize wallpaper to make an attractive bookcase. Choose a design that is different and eye catching. Only put the wallpaper on the back of the bookcase; you will see the wallpaper behind the books. This spices up the look of your old bookcase and adds a point of interest to your room.

Motion Detectors

Planning to insulate your home while you are already planning a home improvement can kill two birds with one stone. Install weather stripping materials around doors as well as windows. You can cut costs when you prevent air from escaping and coming in your home. Then you can save a lot of money on power bills.

TIP! After moving to your next location, consider taking the first few weeks for insulating the interior and encapsulating the warmer air. Use weather stripping on doors and windows.

Motion detectors should be installed near the entrance to your home. You can save some money on electric bills if your exterior lights switch off automatically. You can take your home’s safety up a notch by installing motion detectors that cause lights to turn on when a thief is present.

Peepholes are a great addition for your exterior doors. This will increase your home’s safety, as you will be able to see who is at your door before you open it. The great thing is that almost anyone can install a peephole in very little time. All you will need is a power drill and some extra time. A peephole will give you some peace of mind whenever you hear something outside.

Empty 2-liter bottles can be used as easy storage containers. You can use these to protect any dry goods like flour, sugar or corn meal. You can keep them on a shelf, in the refrigerator, or even in the freezer. When you require the contents, just remove its cap and pour.

TIP! Plastic 2-liter bottles are an excellent kitchen storage option. They are transparent and will preserve your dry goods.

To make your home improvement project a success, always hire a licensed contractor. All states require general contractors to have some kind of certification. Of course, this doesn’t mean your contractor is competent, but is does show that he has the proper credentials. More importantly, a person who doesn’t have a proper license probably doesn’t have the right insurance, and they can be risky to do any work with.

Though you may be getting bored with your present home, some home improvements can add some life into the home, as opposed to buying a new place. These renovations give you the power to create exactly what you want, while moving will just put you in some else’s vision. Often times a renovation project will be less costly than moving, and may even be less stressful.

Give special attention to your porch if you are thinking about home improvement projects. The porch will will be the first visible area anytime your neighbors or friends pay a visit. Organize the space and beautify it with flowers, furniture, and a nice light fixture. You can add value to the property of your home when your porch is nice and inviting.

TIP! When you are making home improvements, spend some time on your porch. It is what is first seen by someone visiting your home.

Garage Door

One way to make your home stand out from the rest is to add a new coat of paint to your garage door. Because they face weather constantly, garage doors tend to look worn and dirty. A house with a brand new paint coat looks even more valuable and pristine. Paint your garage door a different color that will match your home.

An excellent door’s value should not be underestimated. Your guests will be impressed by it because they enter and exit through it. You may be losing a lot of the heat through a door that is not insulated. If the locks and door frame aren’t made well or are old, your security and sense of safety is lowered.

TIP! You will get what you paid for when you buy a good door. Your guests will be seeing your door whenever they enter and leave your home.

If your new house is in the suburbs surrounded by a wooded area, think about installing a chain-link or wooden fence along your backyard. You will keep the woodland creatures out of your yard and your garden.

Any home improvement project can be tacked by a homeowner with the help of this article. Because research and self-education can eliminate most of the risks involved in home improvement work, there are few insurmountable obstacles between any homeowner and the kind of projects that improve a home’s value and comfort.

If you are bored with your home or find yourself running out of space, consider a renovation before simply deciding to move. A home renovation allows you to set up your home exactly as you want it, rather than moving into a new home that someone else designed. A well-planned renovation is far more affordable than purchasing a new home; it also gives you a greater degree of control over your surroundings.

TIP! If you aren’t happy with how your home looks, it may be time to consider a renovation. A renovation can allow you to alter your home to fit your lifestyle and needs without having to go through all of the work, stress and expense of moving.

by Ted

Home Improvement Guidelines That Are Easy To Understand

Doing home improvement projects yourself is a wonderful way to beautify your home and make it the dream house you have always wanted. There is a lot to consider when making home improvements yourself though, so consider these helpful tips.

Consider using light colored tile or shingles if you are redoing your roof. Lighter colors reflect sunshine rather than absorbing it, lowering the temperature in the attic. This ensures you’re not spending a lot on air conditioning.

Watch for offers from flooring stores and home improvement stores that will save you money on installation fees. They often offer cheap installation to encourage people to buy their carpets. Because it is common for the cost of installation to exceed the price of the actual carpet, this is an excellent opportunity if you need new carpet.

TIP! Watch for carpet installation sales at local locations of national home improvement retailers. Many places will offer free basic installation or discounted installation at certain times of the year.

If there are small holes in walls from hanging pictures or paintings, try using spackle to renew the walls. You can buy spackle at any home improvement store. If the holes aren’t too large, you will just need a small amount of spackle. If you have a very small hole, use a bobby pin, put a little spackle on it, and cover the hole. Once you get the spackle to dry you need to smooth that hole over with a rigid object so that the wall can be smooth. Paint over the area. This will completely transform the look of your wall.

Don’t dispose of bedroom doors simply due to a dirty appearance. Instead, remove them from their frame and sand them down. You can apply a clean, attractive coat of oil-based paint in whatever shade you desire using an ordinary roller. There are pretty doorknobs available for purchase that can instantly transform a door’s look.

A great way to lower the cost of your electric bill is to use a motion sensor light instead of a regular porch light. You can manually turn the light on and adjust sensitivity most of the time.

TIP! Get a new porch light that features a motion sensor in order to help reduce your electric bill. It is still possible to turn the light on manually, and the sensitivity is adjustable.

The reasons for why you are replacing a lock determines whether you have to replace all or part of it. The part of the lock called the cylinder is a piece that does the locking action. A cylinder replacement is what you need if you have lost the key and need to change your lock for safety reasons. Should you prefer complete security changes, or to enhance your door, the entire unit should be replaced.

When attempting to sell a house, the look of the bathroom is incredibly important. Bathrooms are more expensive to update than living rooms or bedrooms, and potential buyers can definitely be turned off by having to spend a lot of money updating one. Replace any worn or outdated tub, shower or sink. If the bathroom has linoleum flooring, lay tile in its place.

Getting your ceilings to seem taller then they are is possible by employing two easy methods. Paint a striped pattern on the wall or get a very tall floor lamp. This will make a optical illusion that makes the room seem bigger. The eye focuses on the tall lines, causing the ceilings to seem higher.

TIP! You can make your ceilings appear higher by following two simple tips. You can put a lengthy floor lamp in the room or install striped wall paper.

You need to be aware of a modern danger when doing home improvement projects. Avoid the purchase of Chinese manufactured drywall. Much drywall has been made in China since 2005. A lot of it is exposed to unacceptable quality control. In other cases, Chinese drywall has harmful gases that could corrode with the wires you have inside the walls.

A total floor replacement, whether tile, wood or carpet, can run a steep cost. Instead, consider removing the current flooring material and applying a stain to the concrete underneath. It will create an industrial look that is versatile can can be changed with the decor.

Think about your improvments before you make your final decision. This is crucial to make sure you stay on budget and within a certain time frame. If you change your mind midway through the project, you are adding a lot of time and cost. You will also be able to save quite a bit of money by having a plan in place before hiring a contractor.

TIP! Determine the changes that you are going to make before you start the renovation. A plan will help you remain on budget and on a designated time scale.

Prior to doing any interior painting, take a damp cloth and wipe away dirt and dust from the wall surfaces. Doing this will help the paint to properly adhere to your walls, and may even save you the trouble of applying an extra coat of paint.

Installing a property lined fence can have many beneficial effects to your home. A fence will protect your family, pets and guests from any stray animals. It also does a great job of securing your pet. There are many options available in fencing, so it can look however you want it to.

Does your vinyl floor covering have a bubble in it? If so, then pop it! It is a simple way to release all of the air. That will flatten the bubble for the moment. You’ll need to inject some fresh glue, however, to hold the repaired section to the floor. Purchase the type of glue that fills a syringe to complete your project.

TIP! It’s time to pop those flooring bubbles! If this problem is visible in your home, you can cut it and get rid of the problem. This part of the fix is only temporary, however.

With these tips you are prepared to improve the look and value of your home. Home improvements can help the appearance and convenience of living in your home. The more work you put into it, the more you get out of it. Doing a job well is its own reward, plus your home will look great.

by Ted

Home Improvements That Build The Most Equity

It’s time for you to enjoy what home improvement has to offer. It is a world filled with tools, rules and so much more. You may feel that it’s impossible to do your own home improvement projects. The helpful hints from this article can get you started.

Think about refinishing your cabinetry instead of putting in new ones. For a different look, you can simply replace the doors and hardware or paint the bases. These changes should not cost you a lot, but they should make your kitchen look like a new room.

If you are choosing a major renovation, look to hire a professional designer or architect to help develop the plans. Unless you or a family member has professional design training, any plans you create are likely to be all form and no function. A professional designer can come up with concrete plans that are viable and that conform to local building codes.

TIP! Engage a professional designer or architect to develop plans when you want to undertake a major home improvement project. If you choose not to hire a contractor, your plans are likely not to materialize well.

Rarely you may find water leaking underneath the sink or possibly from the faucet, but do not try to repair the leak on your own. You should just attempt to catch the leaking water using a large container, which can hold the water until a professional arrives.

Any home improvement project will be hard work. Sit and write down a lost of the things that you must do. A second opinion may help you avoid making any mistakes during your first assessment. You can save more money if you are clear about everything that needs doing.

Consider the character of your neighborhood when planning home improvement projects. A house that has a style completely different from those surrounding it may be problematic. A home that blends into the neighborhood will be easier to sell if you should decide to move.

TIP! When planning to make changes to the exterior of your home, you should make considerations for the overall look and feel of the neighborhood and surrounding homes. A Victorian house is going to stand out blaringly on a block that only has saltbox cottages.

Take time to investigate the background of any company you wish to do business with to ensure that they are above-board. If they only want to speak over the phone and will not give you an actual address, they are probably not reliable. Choose a company with a great reputation.

Put exhaust fans in the kitchen above the stove, and in each bathroom. This will keep you safe by reducing your risk of mold as well as removing hazardous fumes from your home that are associated with cooking. Also, if you are able to reduce the amount of humidity inside, you can prevent rot from occurring.

For the best quality home improvements, consider what you want to accomplish before you begin. Once you’ve started a project, you’ll be able to know what steps to take and hard decisions won’t have to be made. Pull ideas from magazines, others homes and anything that you really like.

TIP! For the best quality home improvements, consider what you want to accomplish before you begin. Getting the preparation out of the way will allow you to place your focus on the work in progress when the time comes.

Add motion-detecting lights to your home’s front entrance. By turning off the lights when no one is there to use them, these will save you money on your utilities. This idea can also keep your house safer from break-ins, since would-be thieves will trigger the motion sensor and turn on the lights for all to see.

You need to determine how much paint you’ll need before you set out to paint. Don’t try to blindly tackle a job, or it might cost you more in the long run. Take your time, and do calculations the right way.

In many home improvement projects, using “premium” materials is a way to maximize the value of the work. Comparison shop for these building supplies before choosing a vendor! Flooring is one area where it’s all too easy to spend more than you need to; comparison shopping will help you zero in on the best deals. There’s many discount stores that can help you save money.

TIP! A great way to save money on home upgrades is to comparison shop to find the best deals. It can cost a lot of money to install a new floor, so be sure to shop around to find the best deals.

Get an electrician to install an outlet inside the cabinet that is above your microwave. It is going to be easy for you to plug in the microwave without a visible cord. A small project such as this will keep you from having a cord dangling overhead.

Save Money

If you’re looking for the best room in your home to concentrate your improvement efforts on, the kitchen is a good bet. If you have grease stains on your walls, mix a solution of 2 to 1 TSP and water. Not only will it remove the grease, it will get much of the old paint off the walls as well. When you re-paint, pick a neutral color. This will look fantastic, and allow for many styling options in the future.

TIP! If you want to make changes to your home, start with your kitchen. Get started by cleaning the walls off.

When improving your home’s exterior, you could save money by adding motion detecting lights. These type of lights are only active when someone needs them, so you save money on electricity bills. Of course, if an intruder is trying to sneak onto your property, being hit with the sudden burst of light will send them running away.

Don’t clutter up your rooms with excessive furnishings. This will make the room seem smaller than it really is. If you are planning to sell the home in the future, a buyer will want to see space, not cramped living quarters. Less is truly more.

To keep cooled or heated air from escaping around windows and door, purchase some weather stripping. You put draft excluders under your door, and they help stop cold air from coming in and hot air from going out. Placing sealant strips around the frames can also help. Sealant strips can be purchased at most hardware stores.

TIP! To stop air from going through your door, buy sealant strips and draft excluders. You put draft excluders under your door, and they help stop cold air from coming in and hot air from going out.

When you put in new cabinetry in your kitchen or bathroom, it’s essential that every cabinet is screwed in tight to their respective wall studs. Find all of the your home’s wall studs before installation so you’ll know where you should place your screws. This process can be simplified with a simple and affordable stud finder from your local hardware store.

Look online for videos demonstrating the project you are planning. Use specific model numbers if you wish. Other home project fans, as well as professional handymen and contractors, are more than happy to provide solutions to just about any home improvement problem. Viewing these videos allows you to learn from the experiences of others.

If you need a new lock, you can just change out the cylinder if you want. The lock component that does the actual locking is called the cylinder. Just replace the cylinder if your only goal is to make sure your old, lost key won’t work in the door anymore. If you are replacing a lock for cosmetic purposes, you will need to replace the whole unit.

TIP! When a lock needs replaced, try replacing the whole assembly or just the cylinder. The cylinder is what actually locks your lock.

If you’re thinking about replacing the old siding on your house with stucco, be warned that the costs can be considerable. It is important that you understand the investment you’re making when you use stucco. Perhaps you have your heart set on a specific appearance; however, it’s good to be open to less expensive alternatives.

Examine your deck for safety before the summer season begins. There could be rotting wood that needs to be fixed. Taking time to perform this safety inspection will help you prevent mishaps during the summer months.

A great way to improve your households safety is to discuss with the entire family the different escape routes available if needed. In an emergency, it is easy to panic. Making plans on safe ways to exit a home when there is a fire or other emergency can help increase the likelihood that all family members will escape unharmed. It’s important to discuss alternate routes out of the home with everyone, not just the most obvious routes.

TIP! It is important to talk to everyone in your family about different emergency plans long before a disaster has a chance to strike. When there is a tragic accident or something beyond your control, people can tend to panic.

Always obtain the proper permits for any improvement projects involving electricity, structural changes, plumbing or any other major alterations. Your local city council or a general contractor can tell you what permits are necessary.

Power Strip

Lately, there are certain dangers to be concerned with before starting a home improvement project. Yes, those Chinese products are plaguing people again. This time it’s with their drywall, also called wall board or sheet rock. Since 2005, a great deal of the drywall used in the U.S. building industry has been sourced from China. Chinese drywall yields poor quality, which can be a detriment towards your renovation project. There have been extreme circumstances where drywall that was imported from China caused wires within walls to corrode due to toxic gasses that were produced.

TIP! You need to be aware of a modern danger when doing home improvement projects. Never utilize sheet rock or wall board that was made in China.

There is an easy way to save energy that most homeowners overlook. Utilizing a power strip is preferable to plugging each electronic device into a wall outlet. Power strips are simple to turn off and on whenever you need to use them. If you’re not using a particular electronic, turning down the power strip will save you a lot of energy.

When it comes to home improvement, the things you can do are endless. There are things everyone can do to improve their home, but some projects aren’t for everyone. Hopefully, these ideas can help you get started in your home with projects.

If it’s practical, do repair jobs as soon as issues are spotted. Damage comes from old problems which are ignored. It’s crucial that you don’t give into this urge! Different parts in your home are really connected to each other and the damage can spread quickly. A tiny problem can eventually become a huge one if left to fester.

TIP! It’s a good idea to take care of home improvement repairs as quickly as possible. It’s too easy to forget about all the little things that needs fixing.

by Ted

Home Improvement Solutions That You Can Use

Home improvements can be fun, but they can also be frustrating. With some helpful advice, though, the whole process can be much easier. Continue reading for some helpful tips.

Consider putting in radiant heat tiles. These are a special form-factor, which allows electricity to create power through a heating element and warm the ground beneath your toes. There are luckily some easy ways to do it yourself. That makes it something you may add onto, whether or not you do it yourself or hire a professional. You’ll thank yourself the first time you step inside your bathroom on a cold winter day.

Keep your air conditioner’s filter clean. If they get clogged, they must work much harder to cool the home, which takes more energy. The equipment will run for long periods of time, too. Change your filter on a regular basis; monthly is ideal.

TIP! Clean the filter of your air conditioning as clean as possible. Clogged filters make your unit more inefficient which ends up costing you more money and energy.

You need a drill when you’re going to tackle home improvement projects. This tool will create different-sized holes by using screws, as well as utilizing special attachments for driving the screws. Choose a battery powered, cordless drill with a variety of attachments and drill bits capable of handling both Phillips and flat-head screws.

Houses with good curb appeal often sell for considerably higher prices than other similar homes. Keep in mind, though, that the extra cost of the view may not be looked at as an investment, but as an extra charge for your pleasure. Future buyers may not find the view as pleasant as you do and may not be willing to pay the higher price simply because of it.

If there are small cracks in the roof, aluminum tape may be all you need to make the repair. Simply apply the tape by removing its backing and placing the sticky side to the surface you desire. This ensures a waterproof seal over any cracks.

TIP! If you must patch your roof, aluminum tape that is three inches wide is all you need to do the job. Clean the surface, then separate the tape from its paper backing.

Natural Lighting

In some houses, basements often lack natural lighting. To ensure your basement is more livable, plan your artificial lighting layout carefully. You may actually have tall walls that come up from the ground. If you basement is like this, install several windows to allow the maximum natural lighting in to your rooms.

Rather than getting rid of your cabinets for new ones, refinishing the ones you already have can save you money. For a fresh new appearance, install elegant new hardware, replace doors and give the base a coat of paint. This will modernize your kitchen without you having to spend a small fortune.

TIP! A kitchen remodel is less expensive if you refinsh existing cabinets. You can create a new and attractive look just by painting the bases and installing new hardware and doors.

Install motion detectors in front of the entrance of your house. By switching off the lights when they aren’t needed, motion detectors will knock a few bucks off your electric bill. Someone who comes to your home with a criminal intent may also be dissuaded from breaking in due to the fact that the lights come on when he shows up.

Put a peephole in outside doors! See who is on the other side before opening the door. You can also put in a peephole, which is very easily accomplished. The only tools you need are a drill and time. A peephole will offer you some peace of mind when someone is knocking at your door.

Purchase new metal fixtures for your bathroom. You can find items such as shower curtain rods, towel racks or knobs in different shapes and colors. In many cases, a coordinated set of hardware comes in a single, handy package. Installing one of these sets is a simple one-day (or even one-afternoon) project.

TIP! Think about adding coordinated metal fixtures to bathrooms to make them look more modern without spending too much. There are many new looks and options for towel racks, curtain rods and other bathroom fixtures.

Apply a glaze to your bathroom to improve its looks. Having the glazing redone can make all the difference in the world to the way a bathroom looks and feels. While replacing bathroom fixtures and floors is costly, bathrooms could be glazed for a much cheaper price. A great way to improve your bathroom’s appearance is with some fresh glaze.

To make your house look new and vibrant, try repainting the walls. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the look of a room. Despite being an inexpensive upgrade, fresh paint will seriously add to the value of the house. Use light colors that complement the your home’s style and decor.

Take the time to shop for the best deals in home improvement supplies. This can help you avoid over-spending on expensive items. It costs a lot of money to install new flooring, and if you compare prices, you can keep your expenses to a minimum. There are supply stores that give out discount and you could also look for bargain places that could help you.

TIP! Take the time to shop for the best deals in home improvement supplies. This can help you avoid over-spending on expensive items.

If your water pressure has dropped, this might be an easily-diagnosed problem. Ask neighbors if they have low water pressure too. If they are not having the issue, it is somewhere in your pipes. Check all faucets to find out if the problem is in all rooms. Some water pressure problems can be repaired with a quick fix such as cleaning out a faucet aerator that is dirty and is slowing water flow.

When you remodel a bathroom, be sure to have enough light. People tend to focus on fixtures when remodeling their bathroom and forget that lighting is important. Think about lights that can form a perimeter around your mirror and medicine cabinet. Also, use ceiling lights with replaceable bulbs.

Do want new kitchen appliances? Stainless steel is popular, but it does not make sense to discard a perfectly good refrigerator just because it does not look trendy. Consider buying appliance spray paint to color your appliances in any hue you can imagine. That makes it easy to renovate your kitchen in just a day.

TIP! You can change the appearance of your appliances in the kitchen more affordably than you might think. Don’t throw out a good functioning refrigerator because the color is outdated or scuffed up.

Be sure to add personal touches, but don’t go so far as to make your place “that” house. You do not need to be singled out in the neighborhood for having a totally different look to your home. This will make it harder for you when your home goes on the market.

Brighten up the home with fruit and flowers. Some colorful flowers and fruit can really perk your kitchen up. This is a great way to make your kitchen look more presentable. Looking at a vase filled with vibrant flowers any time at home will elevate your mood and make your kitchen look really nice.

If you are thinking about adding a wood fireplace to your home, you may want to reconsider. Apart from aesthetic reasons, this type of system is also quite inefficient because most of the heat ends up going through the chimney. Additionally, fires use of lots of oxygen, and that’s not good for your health.

TIP! A normal wood fireplace used for heating might not be such a great idea. Compared with other systems, a wood-burning fireplace retains heat far less efficiently.

If you are uneducated on the topic of home improvement, then home improvement projects will be difficult. This article has provided you with the know-how necessary to do a great job.

by Ted

Tips On How To Be Efficient When Improving Your House

It can be a lot of work doing home improvement projects. If you are new at it there are many things you should be thinking about before you start. No matter what type of home improvement project you have going on, this article will have some valuable information for you.

There are times when only one little improvement can increase the value of your home. If you want to sell your home, do a few small projects first. A bright and colorful coat of paint can add visual interest to any room or exterior. This is simple and can increase the value of your home.

Get at that drywall with a sponge! Skip the sanding and sponge drywall seams instead. Once you’re used to it, you can smooth out drywall seams with a damp sponge just as well as you could sanding. The advantage is that sponging doesn’t kick up all of the dust that sanding does.

TIP! Use a sponge to help install drywall. Rather than sanding drywall seams, you should use a sponge.

To save money, refinish dreary cabinets in lieu of replacing them. Add a fresh coat of paint to the cabinet bases, and replace the doors and the hardware for a whole new look. That will allow you to modernize the kitchen without paying too much.

Whenever your roof needs redoing, you should insert white tile. If not white, then ensure it is light colored. This deflects the sun and keeps heat outside in the summer. This will make your cooling and heating bills less expensive.

Redoing your floors with new tiles can be a great idea, but adding radiant heat tiles will bring a whole new level of comfort to your floors. Radiant heat tiles use electricity to heat the tiles and keep your feet warm. Fortunately, radiant heat tiles can be easily installed at home without hiring a professional. Its a good upgrade to your project regardless of whether or not you have a contractor. You’ll be glad you did this on that first winter morning you enter your bathroom.

TIP! If you are renovating tile floors, consider radiant heat tiles. These tiles give heat via the electricity and are stunning.

Turn off water if you are doing kitchen or bathroom home improvement projects. Make sure you know where the shut off valve is before working near the plumbing system. By doing this, you are making sure that you do not get a flood.

Sealant Strips

Look into solar panels for your home. While the upfront cost may be large, you may find it to be a wise investment in comparison to the rising costs of electricity. By doing this, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills due to the fact that the majority of your electricity will come straight from the sun. This is an excellent, green way to power your home.

TIP! The next time you think about home improvement, think about adding solar panels onto your house. While the upfront cost may be large, you may find it to be a wise investment in comparison to the rising costs of electricity.

You can use sealant strips or draft excluders to prevent heated or cooled air from seeping out around your doors. A draft excluder is placed under the door and will prevent hot air from escaping out while preventing cold air from coming in. Sealant strips provide a similar function when they are fitted tightly around a door’s frame. Sealant strips can be purchased at most hardware stores.

Ensure the space in your home can be looked at and pictured as that particular room. Family rooms, dens and any other rooms should have all the appropriate furniture. Potential buyers can more easily see themselves using the space. Homes that feature well defined spaces look better and sell faster.

One way to prevent bugs from coming into your house, and to save money on heating and cooling costs, is to seal any cracks or openings in your house. This can be done by applying caulk around windows and to baseboards. Once the caulk has set, it should be much more difficult for vermin and insects to enter and the area should no longer be drafty.

TIP! If your home has any cracks, seal them as quickly as possible in order to reduce your energy bill and avoid insect and vermin infestations. Simply apply caulk to baseboards, around and inside windows, and any other places.

Exhaust fans should be put in the laundry room, bathroom, and near cooking surfaces. Ventilation of moist air prevents the growth of mold indoors. Not only does it do that, it also doesn’t allow condensation to become trapped within walls and that keeps them from rotting.

Purchase a drain snake for your home in order to save money. This will save you some cash on drain cleaners and plumbers in the future. At first, you might need to have a pro show you the right way to use the snake; they aren’t for complete novices. Snakes come in different sizes, so it’s important to know your drain size and buy the right one. Otherwise you may damage your drain.

Before you perform any major repairs, run your plans by a professional. Often times a simple tip can save you both money and time. Choosing not to consult a professional can mean disaster.

TIP! A good home improvement tip is to get a professional opinion before you ever try to fix anything serious on your own. Sometimes, just that opinion can help you save money and time.

The first step in beginning work in your bathroom or kitchen is shutting off any water supply to the fixtures or plumbing. Sometimes homeowners forget about doing this and cause more problems for themselves.

Garage Door

When you are remodeling a room that has a lot of moisture, like a bathroom, consider replacing the wall board with a water-resistant version. These “green board” panels can absorb more water than regular ones, and will prevent mold from growing, both aspects of which are ideal for the area you are placing the panels in.

TIP! Be sure to use water resistant dry wall in areas that harbor moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Water resistance is important to prevent dangerous molds from thriving within moist walls.

To enhance the curb appeal of your home, give your garage door a fresh coat of paint. This can be a quick way to update the look of your house. New paint instantly transforms the look of a home and increases it’s value. Paint your garage door a different color that will match your home.

One good home improvement project that pays dividends is finishing the basement. When you finish the basement, you are making extra space for your family. You can also get the material from a discount outlet. Actually finishing your basement can up the value of your home by 30 percent or more.

When thinking of replacing your cabinets, try using wood cabinets. They are strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Common woods for cabinets are maple, oak, and cherry. They all accept wood stains, and therefore it is quite simple to adjust their color.

TIP! Have you thought about wood cabinets? Wood cabinets frequently wear better than cabinets with laminates or cabinets made from other materials, because surfaces can be maintained and repaired more easily. Some of the more common woods for cabinetry include maple, oak and cherry.

You don’t need to live in a mansion to own a chandelier. A sparkling chandelier is ideal for adding visual impact to your living area or formal dining area; many designs are available for only a few hundred dollars. Your total wattage should be between two hundred and four hundred for a sparkling bright chandelier.

If you want to try home improvement on your own, it could be a great experience. While some jobs are easy, there are those that are better left to the professionals. Simultaneously, you want the knowledge of how to accomplish things by yourself while meeting the needs of the experts you have hired to help you. It’s important to organize all aspects of your home improvement project in order to maximize its success. Be sure to implement the information found here, so that you get off on the right foot.

If your low ceilings have you and your family feeling claustrophobic, consider updating your window treatments to create an illusion of more space and add a pop of color that can be changed with the seasons. Your ceilings will seem taller if you put your window treatments higher.

TIP! You can make a room seem bigger by updating window treatments and changing your color scheme. Move curtain rods and accessories up to make ceilings seem higher.

by Ted

Try These Energizing Home Improvement Ideas

Improving your home with well-thought-out home improvement projects has many advantages. They will make your home more beautiful and also help to make it more attractive should you decide to sell one day. Home improvement projects can be both valuable and very fun. Read the following tips on how you get can ideas to make your home a better place to live.

Texturing walls using drywall mud can add visual interest and cover up many blemishes. It is not hard to do. Use a sponge or a brush to add texture to the drywall once it is where it needs to be.

You can handle repainting your porch on your own. You should always buy paint that is of good quality meant for the outdoors. It’s important that you select paint that has the same base. For example, you want to use oil paint over oil-based paint or latex paint (water) over paint with a water base. Oil-based products are perfect for trim because of their longevity, but they should not be applied to decks or outdoor flooring, because it gets slippery in inclement weather.

TIP! Porches need repainting at times. Use exterior paint that is good quality.

Put nail holes in the rim of paint can. Your paint can contains a rim that the lid fits into. When painting this can fill up with paint and then overflow when the lid is replaced. Driving several holes in the circumference of the lid should do the trick.

Have you considered the installation of solar panels? The initial outlay can be a little expensive, but over the long term this could be a very worthwhile investment. In addition to the power you use right away, you can store extra or sell it back to the electric company to maximize your savings. The Earth will thank you.

Use sponges on drywall. Rather than sanding drywall seams, just sponge them. A wet sponge can smooth the seams of drywall just as well as sandpaper. Sponging is a better option because it does not create any dust.

TIP! Take a sponge to your drywall! You should use a sponge rather than sand. With practice, a wet sponge is just as effective in smoothing out the seams of a drywall job as is careful sanding.

If you find that water is leaking underneath your sink or from your tap refrain from attempting to fix it on your own. Use a bucket to contain the leak, and contact a plumber.

Create a shopping list when you plan to go to the store to get supplies. Having a comprehensive list makes it easier to stay organized, saving you trips and money.

Construction adhesive can be used to stop floors from squeaking. Go underneath your floor to apply the adhesive. Use a caulk gun, put some glue on each joist of the floor and this will secure your subfloor.

TIP! Construction adhesive can be used to stop floors from squeaking. You may need to do it from your basement or even the crawlspace, but this is one improvement that is worth the effort.

Keep all of the baby food jars you have, as they can be helpful. Screw the jar lids into the bottom of a shelf. You can add little things that you use regularly to the jars, like nails or beads. Then twist the jars back into place under the shelf. This is a great way to maximize shelving and spare jars.

Buy yourself a tool called a drain snake for do-it-yourself clearing of plumbing pipes. This way, it won’t be necessary to spend money on drain cleaners as often as you did before. You should not use a snake on your drain if you do not know what you are doing, have a plumber do it. Remember to purchase a snake that fits your drain so that your pipe doesn’t get damaged.

You can use aluminum foil as a protective covering for certain surfaces before you paint. You should always be careful to avoid having aluminum foil come in contact with anything electrical. The foil protects while you paint and is much easier to work with than tape. It is also easier to clean up. Wait until the paint is dry and just toss the foil into the recycling bin.

TIP! Prior to adding paint to your walls, cover up each electrical outlet cover with a small sheet of aluminum foil. Aluminum foil will protect covers from paint, and it is not as difficult to use as tape is.

Never underestimate the important of a quality door. Whoever visits you home will see your door first and again as they leave. A door that is not properly fitted or insulated can bleed a lot of heat in or out of your home. Old locks also defeat your security.

Clogged Gutters

Downspouts, chimneys and gutters are overlooked often with home improvement. These elements of the house must be examined often to ensure they are always in good working order. Your chimney can catch fire if not cleaned on a regular basis and gutters and downspouts can become clogged with debris, which can lead to water damage if not addressed.

TIP! Downspouts, gutters and chimneys are often overlooked when performing updates and maintenance each year. However, focusing on these purely practical updates will go a long way in ensuring that your home operates safely, efficiently and in an affordable manner.

Clogged gutters can cause serious water damage to a home. Clogged gutters usually cause leaks in basements that happens due to rainwater. You want to clear your gutters long before these problems crop up.

Staining the floors of your basement makes for an easy facelift. Staining a floor made of concrete makes it look great and doesn’t cost as much as replacing it. Staining adds durability to the floor and keeps it easy to clean. There are many stains on the market, so find one that suits your style. Doing this will create the illusion that they are more expensive then in reality.

It is important to develop a plan before beginning any home improvement project. Making last-minute decisions or waffling on the day you’re supposed to begin can be disastrous. So, make a detailed plan and you will save yourself a lot of hardship during the project.

TIP! When performing home improvement projects, planning ahead is essential. Without a well thought out plan of action you are more likely to make poor choices and end up with a disaster.

Down-facing outdoor accent lighting is an easy way to emphasize the more attractive elements of your front lawn or walkway. When positioned in the branches of a large tree, this type of lighting can simulate natural light, such as that of the moon or a hint of sunlight on a dark day. You can also point it up at waterfalls or a gazebo.

Use analogous color schemes in tranquil parts of the home. Analogous means the colors are harmonious on the color wheel, one next to the other, like violet to blue and red to orange. This type of color scheme is more relaxing and is especially suited to areas like the bedroom or family room.

Your outdoor space should be utilized. You can extend your living space right into the back yard. Take advantage of your outdoor living space by having friends over for a barbecue, or just relaxing.

TIP! Learn how to utilize your outdoor space. Backyards and outdoor areas can be converted into an extended part of your overall living space.

Outlet Covers

A simple way to freshen up your living area is to get new covers for your outlets. Outlet covers become dirty and worn with use. By putting new outlet covers on in the house, you add a fresh touch to your home.

Paint the walls to update a dated looking home. In many cases, a room’s ambiance can be transformed entirely with a quick color change. You can also increase your home’s value by painting. Try using light colors that complement the colors used elsewhere in your home.

TIP! To liven up or modernize a dull and dated home, add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. The overall look of any room can change with a new coat of paint.

Installing smoke alarms in your home and checking them regularly can significantly lower your homeowners’ insurance premiums. The effect is more pronounced with older houses, because insurance companies assume – rightly – that more modern homes are built with more fire-resistant materials. Not only do they save you some money, but they can also save your life.

Choose low-maintenance options when designing your yard. Rock beds make up the majority of these systems, beautified by plants that require only basic care. A low maintenance yard will save you time, and low water requirements will save you money.

Investing in a serious backyard fence (a tall wooden one or even a chain-link one) is a good idea when you move into a house that’s immediately adjacent to forested or undeveloped land. This will help keep the wild animals out of your yard and your garden if you have one.

TIP! If your new house is in the suburbs surrounded by a wooded area, think about installing a chain-link or wooden fence along your backyard. The fences will prevent wild animals from entering your property.

Don’t skimp on the type of paint you buy for the outside of your house. When you use a quality paint, it will last a lot longer on your home. While it may cost more, superior paint is more durable, covering the house much more easily and quickly. You will actually save money over time because you won’t have to redo your work as often.

Completing a home improvement job can be a confidence-builder. After a successful minor project or two, a homeowner is likely to be ready to tackle bigger jobs. This can be very rewarding. You do not know how far you can go if you just plan ahead and educate yourself on home improvement.

Are you planning on painting your home? Try no-VOC paints. This is good for the earth and also do not have harsh chemicals. These are as good as regular paint, they might cost a little more.

TIP! If you want to paint your house, use no-VOC paints. No-Voc paints are free of harmful chemicals: this is better for the environment and for your health.

by Ted

Quick Advice For Being Your Own Handyman

There are lots of projects on home improvement that any homeowner can do. All they need is the right information on how to go about doing it. If you are a homeowner and are planning some home improvement projects in the near or distant future, you can make those projects easier to complete by using the tips and hints in the article that follows.

If you use drywall mud to texture your walls, it can improve their appearance and disguise blemishes. It is easy to create texture. Use a trowel to apply the joint compound, and then dab with a sponge, brush, or a crunched up newspaper to add some texture.

Look out for sales on carpet installations at your local home stores. Many places will offer free basic installation or discounted installation at certain times of the year. Because it is common for the cost of installation to exceed the price of the actual carpet, this is an excellent opportunity if you need new carpet.

TIP! Look out for sales on carpet installations at your local home stores. Often, the store will provide installation very cheaply, in order to encourage buyers.

When you’re preparing your home for sale, you want to do everything you can to clearly define the use of every room. Whether the room in question is an office or a den, its accessories and furniture should make its usage clear. Buyers are visual, and they often have a hard time imagining themselves in a space if it isn’t properly appointed. You will sell your house more quickly if you take the time to define spaces clearly.

Nobody should ever even consider hiring a contractor for home improvement jobs who is not licensed by a certified board or body. All states require contractors to have certification or licenses. The certification doesn’t guarantee satisfaction, but they are an added assurance. Also, an uncertified contractor comes with the extra risk of possibly not having insurance.

To lower the electric costs associated to illuminating your yard, you can change your regular light to one that contains a motion sensor. You can manually adjust the sensitivity of the light, as well as turn it on without engaging the motion sensor if you need to.

TIP! Use a porch light with motion sensors to illuminate your yard while saving costs on your electric bill. You can turn the light on manually, and on many models, you can also adjust its sensitivity.

Wall Board

Lately, there are certain dangers to be concerned with before starting a home improvement project. Don’t buy wall board, sheet rock and drywall that has been made in China. China exports a great abundance of drywall to the US and has been since 2005. Unfortunately, this is very poor quality wall board. In some cases, drywall from China can emit harmful gases, which can corrode wires.

Don’t waste money on renovations which just don’t fit in. Making strange changes to your home that do not take its setting into consideration can cause problems when you want to sell. Keep the local climate in mind when beginning a project.

TIP! As you tackle home improvements, be mindful to observe your surroundings, making sure to do just those projects that are sensible. Improvements that make no sense like a sun room with no insulation in a cold climate, or a deck with no shade in a hot climate might deter a possible home buyer.

Clogs in gutters can cause damage to your home’s exterior. One of the top causes of basement leaks are gutters clogged that cause run-off on the side of your home. Clean your gutters to avoid this type of matter.

Have you thought about wood cabinets? They are very durable and stand up very well under heavy use. Some of the most popular woods for cabinets are oak, cherry and maple. They can all be stained and if you want to, you can easily change their color.

If you want a project that takes minimal effort and makes full impact, grab a fresh bucket of paint. Adding new paint to your home can make it seem new again. Best of all, adding a new coat of paint does not take much time, and it is very cheap. A fresh coat of paint is also attractive to new buyers if you think you may sell your home any time soon.

TIP! To make a quick, easy improvement, go grab a gallon or two of paint. Fresh paint has the ability to make a home feel new again and is easy and cheap to apply.

Completely changing the flooring in a room can be very expensive, no matter whether the new flooring is tile, wood or carpet-based. One way to do it that is affordable is to get rid of the floor that is there and stain the concrete instead. This type of look isn’t for everyone, but in terms of a money-saving way to make home improvements, you can’t beat it.

Is your home getting to hot in the day or is your home too bright for your liking? If that is the case, you should consider tinting your windows. People of all ability levels can complete this project. Tinting saves you money on air conditioning, too.

Shop around for good deals on quality supplies for your home improvement projects. It can be expensive to install new flooring, and you should shop around for the best prices. Discount supply stores and bargain stores are both good places to look.

TIP! Shop around for the best deals. If you plan to replace flooring in multiple rooms, prepare to spend a significant amount of money.

Consider the good and the bad of an alarm system on your home during showings. The security benefits of the alarm might be vital if your neighborhood is dangerous and you have already moved out of the house.

When choosing a contractor for your home improvement needs, you must be sure they have insurance. If an uninsured contractor screws up and causes damage to your property, it may be necessary to sue her to recover the cost. To verify a contractor’s insurance status, you just need to demand proof that he is insured.

Use two-liter bottles that are empty to store things in your kitchen. They are transparent and will protect nearly anything, such as dry goods like sugar, flour, and corn meal. You can keep them in the freezer, refrigerator or on your shelf. Simply take of the top and pour it when you need it.

TIP! Kitchen storage is simple when you have two-liter bottles around. They are transparent and will preserve your dry goods.

If you want to spruce up your home in a jiffy, replace the paneling on your walls. Not only is this a fast and cheap method of making your home nicer, but you can remove the panels if you are not pleased with how they look.

Ceiling Fans

Before you start staining or painting wood, use sandpaper in order to make the surface smooth; then wipe the item using a damp rag. Sanding the object with fine grit sandpaper will help give the object a smooth finish. Wiping off the object afterwards will keep it smooth and get rid of dust.

TIP! Smooth wood before staining or painting it, then use a damp rag to wipe the surface off. Using a fine sandpaper on the surface will smooth it to an even finish.

A ceiling fan is a wonderful addition to any room. Ceiling fans are fairly inexpensive and simple to install. Ceiling fans can help you save money by circulating air so you don’t have to run your air conditioner as much.

Interior home improvement projects can be a nuisance to the other people that live in your home. A good way to do this is to do it alone. This reduces the stress as you’re working.

Safety first! If your windows are covered with blinds, you should always tie or snip the cords. These can be dangerous to children and pets who may become entangled in them. Make sure you have enough of a length so you can still effectively use the blinds, but you do not need a very long cord. By removing it you are preventing a potential accident before it occurs.

TIP! Tie or cut the extra cord hanging from your blinds. It is possible for kids and pets to get tangled in long cords and strangle.

Now, with these tips in mind, you are prepared to conquer your next home improvement project. You can make your dream home a reality, take care of your own maintenance issues, and deal with any home-related crisis, if you just learn a little about it.