The value of your home can be increased by doing some home improvements. More than that, you need them in order to maintain a great home. Some tasks may be relatively simple, and others may be more challenging. For a handpicked selection of home improvement tips and tricks, read on!
When you are installing new cabinets yourself. Start with the top set first. This way you will have plenty of room underneath to stand and navigate as you hang the top ones. The bottom set are much easier to install as there is no holding up a heavy cabinet while it gets screwed in.
Caulking gaps between drywall is a necessary step in home improvement. Even if you complete a beautiful paint job, if you don’t first completely caulk the gaps between the panels of drywall the room will look unfinished. Unfinished gaps will even show up when you wall paper a room. Caulking is a must, anytime you drywall.
Paint stripes on your old walls before installing paneling! Regardless of your skill, it seems inevitable that some of the old wall will show through. To start, simply measure where the panels meet. Match the paint to the paneling color.
Keep your closet free of clutter by organizing your shoes. Keep boots and shoes that you don’t wear often in a large plastic box, or in the original boxes you got when you purchased them. Only leave out the shoes that you wear at least twice a week. Doing this will allow your closet space to be organized, and your shoes to be neatly displayed.
Choose area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. Area rugs can be moved and replaced easily, allow you to upgrade and adjust the style of your home anytime you like. In addition, area rugs can be cleaned quickly when they are stained; sometimes they can even be put in the washing machine.
The lighting inside a room makes a big difference in how it looks. A bright room feels warm and inviting. Installing a second light fixture can also serve to brighten a room. When you bring new light to a shaded room, the entire atmosphere is brighter.
Landscaping is the largest component of curb appeal. Make sure that your lawn is green and mowed, that there are no weeds growing in your flower beds and that all bushes, trees and shrubbery are trimmed and shaped nicely. These things can make your home look well cared for and put together.
To give your kitchen a facelift without a complete overhaul, consider painting your counter tops. There are specific types of paint meant for covering Formica or other laminate counters; these paints dry to a hard finish that can withstand the demands of a kitchen surface. Painting your counters is a great way to update your decor or hide stains without the expense of replacing them.
Creating a utility room in your original home design is a very smart idea. In this way you can put all of your utility appliances in one place. If you can keep your heating and cooling system, water heater, and electrical panel all in one conveniently located area, it will be easier to service them, and you will avoid wasting a lot of storage space by having them in separate areas of your home.
Everyone has heard the saying “plant a tree for your tomorrow.” You should also plant trees to increase your home’s value too. Each full grown tree increases the value of your property by approximately $1,000.
Carefully consider all your options when planning a home improvement project. Determine your motivation for renovations, and consider how the result will benefit you. Make the most of your hard work, time and money by choosing the project that provides the best return for your needs.