Do you consider yourself pretty handy around the house? Are you a Mr. Fix-it? Do you take on a lot of projects and get them done properly? Here are some tips you may already know, plus a few you may not have thought about.
When replacing your baseboards, try to use stained wood because it is a lot more appealing than painted baseboards. The warmth of stained wood will add value to your home. In addition, stained baseboards hide scuff marks and are easier to maintain than painted baseboards. There are a wide variety of stain colors that you can explore until you find one that is a right fit for you.
If you are looking for a functional home improvement project, try “building up.” Walls create a lot of wasted space. Add matching bookcases in your living room or build a window seat where your family can sit and read. Simple projects like these can make every space in your home usable and valuable to your family.
Use old two-liter bottles for storage in your kitchen. They provide a see-through surface and can hold a myriad of dry goods ranging from sugar, flour or oatmeal. You can keep them in a freezer, refrigerator, or on a shelf. When you need somethings, simply remove the cap to pour out the contents.
Planning landscaping to reduce water usage is not just for homeowners in drought-stricken areas. Between changing weather patterns, rising populations and falling water tables, water for home irrigation is only going to grow more expensive. By selecting plant species that require less water than the usual landscaping standards, a wise homeowner can save a lot of money.
Whenever your home improvement projects call for installing or replacing light switches, spend a little extra money to equip each room’s primary lights with a dimmer switch. Not only will you yourself enjoy the increased flexibility offered by good dimmers, the expenditure will pay off in terms of a little added market value if you ever sell your home.
To increase your kitchen’s value without spending a lot of money, add a new backsplash. Backsplashes are highly desired by buyers, and can make your kitchen look more put together. To save money, use a material like tin tile or stainless steel in place of costly ceramic tile. Be sure to pick out something that compliments your kitchen’s color scheme.
Replacing the windows in your home is one of the most important steps in perfecting your home. This is because the windows are one of the first thing a person notices in a home. Make sure to get windows that are durable. Vinyl windows are the best choice for durability and strength.
Replacing your outlet covers with new ones will add a fresh look to a tired room. Your outlets will look discolored and old over time. Therefore, new outlet covers mean an instant update to the home.
When repainting the exterior of your home, use plastic sheeting and masking tape to avoid getting paint on unwanted surfaces, such as your windows. Use drop cloths to protect your driveway, porch, and shrubs from dripping paint. You will also want to use 3-inch masking tape to protect the trim while you are painting the siding on your house.
Know your area. If your home is in a subdivision or small town, you do not want your home to stick out like a sore thumb. Look around before you decide to do any outer renovations, and try to fit in, at least a little. Homes that do not fit are homes that usually have a harder time should you ever choose to sell.
Home improvement is such a diverse field that you can spend a lifetime learning about it. Be aware that you’re never finished learning, and there is always room for improvement. You will be above the novice level in no time if you heed these tips.
