Whether you want to add a deck to your house or learn how to do that faux finishing technique you saw on HGTV, this article gives you tips and pointers on various things you could do in your home to make it more personal and a home you can take pride in because you did it yourself.
If you have high electric bills each month, consider installing solar panels on your roof. While they may be expensive and labor intensive in the short run, in the long term you’ll cut down on your electric bill and contribute to helping the Earth through utilizing greener energy sources. There are also tax credits for those who install solar panels.
Hardwood is a better investment than laminate. Although laminate looks like the real thing, you can refinish it. 10 to 20 years down the road, yourself or a new owner will have to replace the floor instead of just having it refinished.
If you are suffering the wrath of owning a small bedroom, you can create an optical illusion making it seem larger than it is. Repainting your room in light green or blue can create a feeling of more “space”. You can also incorporate colors such as off white or beige, but they won’t feel as comfortable or warm as the other colors would.
Sometimes traditional and economical methods of dealing with squeaky doors may work for you. Here is a cheap alternative that you can try: Remove the hinge pin as normal, and rub it with regular bar soap. Then replace the pin and open and close the door to let the soap disperse on the hinge parts.
If you have a cabinet door that just won’t stay closed, try replacing the cabinet lock. You might want to try using a magnetic cabinet lock, as they generally last longer than wheel based cabinet lock systems. Simply remove the old lock and attach the new lock in the same location. Use wood screws if needed to create new holes.
A dripping sink can be an annoyance in any home. It not only wastes water, but costs money on your water bill. If a sink is dripping from the spout, the faucets central cartridge might need to be replaced. If you have a pillar tap, you might need to change the washer. A quick examination will help you determine your course of action.
If you are hiring someone to perform your home improvement work, make sure to get multiple bids for the project. Although it can be a little time consuming, this process ensures that you are getting the best deal on your project, and it helps you become more familiar with the industry and what to expect from your contractor.
Give special attention to your porch if you are thinking about home improvement projects. It is what is first seen by someone visiting your home. It will set the initial impression they have for your home. Keep your porch clean and add tasteful enhancements. Flowers, nice furniture and great lighting can be used to dress up an otherwise boring and bland porch. These things add value to a house.
Shut the toilet lid! No, it’s not a girl boy thing! Toddlers can topple into an open toilet and drown! Why take the chance of such a horrible thing happening when all you have to do is shut the lid. Keeping the bathroom door closed is another good practice when small children are in the house.
As you can see, there are a variety of things you can do around your home, both inside and outside, that will put your personal stamp on it. It doesn’t have to be a major change, because even the smallest things can make a big difference if done correctly and strategically.