In addition to saving you money, making home improvements can really change the way your home looks for the better. There can be a lot to remember when it comes to doing home improvements right, though, so here are some tips to help keep you working smart, as well as working hard.
Cover your door knobs, hinges and other hardware with petroleum jelly before painting. It is an easy way to insure they don’t get covered in paint. All you have to do when you are finished painting is use a soft cotton cloth to wipe the petroleum jelly from the surfaces of the hardware.
Update the lighting in your home to add brightness. Changes in lighting fixtures and adding additional wall lighting can bring a entirely new look to your home. Buy energy saving bulbs to reduce your overall energy costs and consider investing in a smart lighting system that will automatically turn off lights when not in use.
Pick out a unique coffee table as opposed to a pre-made one. Use an old steamer trunk, blanket chest, or other unusual bin type item as a coffee table that doubles as storage. Toss your magazines, coffee table books, a tray or other items on top to define the piece. You could even add a small tablecloth and dainty tea cups to create a country look.
If you are short on cash and trying to figure out a way to create a unique backsplash for your kitchen, you can buy some nice patterned wallpaper. Meanwhile this may not be a permanent solution; you can switch out your designs often or keep it until you are able to afford tiling. You can even go as far as purchasing different patterned wallpapers and cutting them into small shapes to design your own wall mosaic as a backsplash.
Before you begin your next home improvement project, take the time to assess the current state of your home. Walking through the residence and figuring out what projects are necessities will help you plan your time and allow you to be more efficient with your work. Any projects that aren’t immediately necessary can be saved for a later date.
Insulate exposed pipes in your home. If uninsulated, pipes can freeze during the winter. This can cause a great deal of stress and headache since you won’t be able to access running water. The pipes could possibly burst. Exposed pipes may be located where you are unlikely to see them, such as, in the attic or the basement.
Throw your plastic shower curtain in the wash! Add a few clothes so they will swirl around with it and give it a good scrubbing. Even the most inexpensive shower curtains will survive one or two washings. You keep them out of the landfill and at the same time brighten up that tired bathroom!
If you live in the suburbs near woods, think about putting up a fence in your yard. You will keep the woodland creatures out of your yard and your garden.
Damaged, bent, or rusted metal railings are one of the most offensive eyesores commonly seen on older houses. For a modern look that doesn’t upstage the classic exterior of your house, replace metal railing with richly textured wood supports. You can stain the wood a darker color or leave it natural depending upon the exterior color of your house.
These tips are going to assist you in becoming a master at home improvement. Home improvements can help the appearance and convenience of living in your home. Remember, the more time and effort you place in your home improvements, the better off you will be. So start with this advice.