Maintenance and updating your home is essential to being a homeowner, and it can seem overwhelming. There are lots of regulations, tools and design elements to make sense of and choose from. Here are just a few steps to make sure you do a safe, effective job.
Don’t plan a home renovation just because you can or just because you have the money. Many times, projects that are designed for the sake of being projects end up missing some other vital component of a home renovation, such as being non-value-adding changes or even causing the home to break local building codes.
Make sure that you and your contractor are on the same page regarding your budget for the project. Be honest with your contractor regarding the amount of money you have to spend, don’t hide the wiggle room that you built into the budget. Many homeowners fear that they will get taken advantage of, but if you are not honest, you may find yourself having received inferior materials or workmanship because the contractor was trying to cut the costs to fit your budget.
Try to avoid using oil based paints for your walls. Painting your walls with oil paint creates a look that is reminiscent of cheap apartment complexes. Choose a nice matte color that is easy to paint over. Oil based paints usually require the application of several layers of primer before you can paint over them properly. Using simple matte wall paint can cut down the cost of supplies and annoyance when painting your walls.
Prep before you paint. Painting the rooms in your home can provide a new face lift for a little bit of nothing if you are prepared. Don’t try to do it all in one day or weekend. Be prepared before you start. Have all of the necessary tools on hand.
Deal with maintenance issues as soon as they arrive. If you have tenants that complain of a leaky faucet, or a heater that is on the fritz, not only can they withhold rent until you have it repaired, but waiting can be more costly if further damage ensues.
Landscaping can easily add value to your home by creating curb appeal. Shrubs and hedges are generally affordable and easy to maintain. Trees, on the other hand, are not recommended for many reasons. Foremost, immature trees do little to enhance the attractiveness of a yard, while mature trees are often very expensive.
The proper lighting can greatly impact a room. A bright room can make your house inviting and warm. Just adding another lamp can make a huge difference. Add some brightness to a darker space and you will feel better in the whole home.
Decals are a great facelift for boring furniture and appliances; getting them off is a different story. If you’re out of ideas on how to remove old decals from surfaces the following tip is sure to help. Spray the decals you wish to remove with WD-40 spray. Try to lift the edges to get the liquid underneath. Let it sit in the solution for a minute or two and then gently scrape the decal with an old credit card or a plastic knife.
When planning landscaping, design it to complement the style of your home. Having a patio and a garden that go with your home’s style look nice.
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.
As you know, home improvement is key to keeping your home well-maintained. That’s why it’s so important to know how to do these jobs on your own. Understanding the steps involved in home improvements from start to finish should make maintaining your home easier than it would be to do otherwise. The great advice in the article above will be a good place to start.