Is this your first home improvement project? You’re probably lost as to how to get started. As many people have discovered, the first home improvement project can be especially daunting. Below are some tips that can help to start making your home improvement jobs a tad bit easier.
Make your house energy efficient by using weather stripping for your doors and windows. It is a cheap fix that will seal the air leaks around the windows and doors and reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home. You are certain to notice the decrease in drafts on cold evenings.
Lampshades are not typically very interesting. Go to your local crafts store, pick up some acrylic paint and stencils, and create designs on your lampshades. Keep in mind this can be done with dye based ink pads as well. This will add some style and personality to you rooms and take away the drab look from a cheep looking lamp shade.
Make puncture holes in paint can rims with a nail. A common problem that occurs with paint cans is that paint spills from the can as the lid is replaced, thanks to a channel in the can. By making holes around the top of your paint can you can avoid this issue.
The next time you’re working on a home improvement project, be sure to find a good spot to store the debris that your work is generating. Removing debris can cost a good chunk of change, and developing a storage plan in advance can help keep costs down and will make sure your project can continue with no delays.
Table Lamps
If you want to free up the space on your tables and nightstands, try buying a floor lamp to replace your table lamps. Floor lamps are easier to move around and table lamps use space on stands. Make sure the lamp you choose fits your decor and tastes.
Save money by purchasing a drain snake. This will prevent you from buying drain cleaners. At first, you might need to have a pro show you the right way to use the snake; they aren’t for complete novices. Make sure the snake is the correct size, or you may damage your pipes when you use it.
Consider installing a shower if there is not one in your home already. A shower is easier to get into than a bathtub and also limits the water consumed by people in the house. This is especially true if you have kids. Five minute showers use less than a quarter the water that it takes to soak in the bath.
You have to let neighbors know of times when the street will be blocked due to your renovations. Significant renovations can mean blocking access to your street as deliveries are made and equipment is moved. If you let your neighbors know about this, they will appreciate your consideration and won’t mind the inconvenience so much.
Do you want to add some sophistication to your home but are low on funds? You can add to the looks of your home by getting a new doorbell. When visitors come, they will notice right away that you’ve done something different.
If yard work is not your thing, put in landscaping that needs little maintenance. This usually consists of rock beds with hearty plants that need little water. You can also save water and time in fixing your lawn.
Your contractor should be one with whom you have a good rapport. You need to trust your contractor and make them listen to your concerns. When a contractor doesn’t listen to you, they can do more harm by doing something wrong. Be sure that they listen very well to you.
Budgeting for your home improvements should be done in the beginning of the year. This is because after the holidays you will have a better assessment of your spending. The reason for this is sometimes more money creates more stress, so you can ease the problem by budgeting during the first few months of the year.
You should now be aware that home improvement is not nearly as daunting as it first appears. It’s hard to deny the increase in value and enjoyment of your home that accompanies the successful completion of a home improvement project.