Tag Archives: motion sensor

Planning A Great Home Improvement Project That Anyone Can Do

TIP! If your roof has any small cracks, you can use some aluminum tape from a three inch wide roll to fix them. To use the tape, simply remove the paper backing from the tape and apply over the crack.

Some homeowners are put off by the thought of dealing with home improvements. The potential costs, the messes and the irritations can be more than they want to jump into. But actually, home improvement doesn’t have to be hard. The careful planner can execute wonderful home improvement projects without too many issues.

TIP! There are two tips that can make your ceiling look higher. Either use a floor lamp that is tall or paint stripes.

To save some energy yet still light up your yard, switch out your standard porch lights for lights that operate on a motion sensor. With the motion sensor on most models you can make adjustments to the sensitivity, and they can be manually turned on.

TIP! When you select furnishings, don’t tie yourself down to pieces that have busy upholstery patterns. Very busy prints can really dictate what the rest of your decor needs to do.

As you tackle home improvements, be mindful to observe your surroundings, making sure to do just those projects that are sensible. It might not make any sense to put a pool in Alaska, etc. Do things to a home that need to be done, but don’t do anything extra that the climate won’t allow.

TIP! Do not underestimate the amount of work that a project is going to require before you begin. Create a list of all the tasks you must take care of.

If you add another bathroom in the home, you will significantly increase the value of your house. An additional bathroom is definitely desirable, especially if each bathroom is on a different floor. Often, there will be someone waiting to go to the bathroom if you only have one.

TIP! Do not leave out the landscaping when you are considering home improvements. The front of your home, including the yard, is the first thing that others see of your residence.

One great way to save money on winter heating costs is insulating your attic. Because hot air inevitably rises, in the colder months poorly-insulated homes are letting huge amounts of heated air escape wastefully. The insulation can be purchased at any hardware store and is relatively easy to install.

TIP! Avoid listening to everything a contractor tells you. It is very common for all contractors, even respectable ones, to take advantage of homeowners.

Work on outdoor areas, as well. Your backyard can be an attractive, cozy addition to your living space. Patios are great for having barbecues with friends, or just having a relaxing evening in the fresh air.

TIP! One simple way to add fresh touch to where you live is by replacing old outlet covers. As time passes by, your outlet cover may grow old and discolored.

Try prints to brighten up a room. Pick bold colors and interesting designs to make the room pop out and shine. Animal prints, when used in an accessory piece, can be very fun.

TIP! Looking for a simple and cheap way to improve the look of your home? Add a touch of class to your entryway by installing a new doorbell. The new tone will immediately announce to visitors that something is different with your home.

If your home is in need of more space or you are not happy with the appearance, consider beginning a home improvement project to change it. When you renovate your home, you can make it just the way you want it, instead of moving into a property designed by someone else. Typically, renovations will cost less than a new home as well.

TIP! Do you have places in your lawn where grass won’t grow? Purchase some grass seeds to rejuvenate your yard. A patchy lawn never looks as though it is being well maintained.

A chain-link or wooden fence may be a good idea if you’ve purchased a home near a woody area or undeveloped location. The fences will prevent wild animals from entering your property.

TIP! Did you know that a simple, cheap improvement like replacing your old window blinds can improve not only the look of the home, but its actual value as well? Over time, blinds become faded by the sun or damaged by little hands and paws or other mishaps. This can make the rooms in your home look bland, and new blinds can really improve a room’s look.

To maintain hot water while traveling through pipes during the winter, you should insulate all plumbing. Weatherizing tape, which you apply to your pipes, can be found at most home improvement stores. When they are properly covered, there is less chance of freezing, and the expensive repair bills that can come when you have to call the plumber will not occur.

TIP! Keep your rooms minimally furnished. Too much furniture makes a space appear smaller and cluttered.

Let the neighbors know what to expect during your renovation. It can be irritating to live next to construction. Your neighbors will appreciate it if you tell them how long your disturbance will last.

TIP! Put a new ceiling fan in your room. Ceiling fans are relatively inexpensive and the type of project even novices can tackle.

Assess your water usage when you are doing home improvements to see where you can make improvements. You can simply add water heaters, shower heads and low flow toilets. More efficient plumbing will appeal to modern buyers and in the meantime will also lower your water bills.

Faucet Leaks

TIP! If your project requires you tape sheetrock, get a quality stainless steel taping knife specifically for that purpose. Purchasing a high quality knife for your project can be well worth the investment because it is more efficient to use, cleans easily and will last for years to come.

You should not be afraid to handle faucet leaks yourself. Small leaks can worsen, and each drip is a waste of water and money. The water leaking from your faucet can also cause water damage by staining the sink or bathtub it is leaking into. Getting a faucet replaced or repaired is a fairly simple and inexpensive job. Repairing or replacing items that are damaged by faucet leaks might not be.

TIP! Before painting over a wall previously painted with glossy paint, prime the walls with a good primer. This helps the paint adhere to the wall better and prevents the new paint from peeling.

Heating your tile floors is an easy and inexpensive upgrade. If you are going to replace your floor, think about getting tile and inquire about radiant heat. The sales person will be able to guide you on which type of flooring should be used as well as the options available for radiant heating. As an added benefit, it increases the resale value of your home.

TIP! Look for how-to videos for the project you want to do, getting as specific as possible, and including important details like model numbers. Because of the large number of Internet users, there is a very good chance someone has already done a job like yours and posted something about it.

This article presents just a few of the ways a homeowner can be better prepared to dig into a home improvement project. There will be fewer obstacles in your way when make home improvements after properly researching each project before beginning.

Solid Advice For Helping Your Home Improvement Plans

TIP! Lampshades with simple designs give no life to the room. Use some basic stencils and paint to give your boring lamp shade something extra.

It can be very entertaining to take on a home improvement project with someone you love. Spend a weekend on a project and create something together. Consider how much cash you’ll be able to save if you take on a project yourself. The advice given to you is going to assist you with getting started and gathering the supplies.

TIP! When improving your home, give the most visible areas the most attention. A potential buyer will judge your home by its outward appearance, so unsightly features can make a sale fall through.

If you are considering a renovation on your home that adds a personalized aspect, think about the value and return that the investment will make. You could make your home less attractive to a buyer if you make it stand out from others in the neighborhood.

Ceiling Fans

TIP! Dollar for dollar, an additional bathroom can really boost the value of your home. Adding a second bathroom can really up the value of your home.

When it comes to managing your home during the summer, use all of the fans that you can. Ceiling fans can circulate air in your room to keep it cooler. Using floor fans and ceiling fans will also help to lessen the energy you utilize, as you won’t need to run the air conditioner as hard. This will help you to save money.

TIP! Turn off the water prior to renovating a kitchen or bathroom. It may seem obvious, but a lot of homeowners forget this step and end up with a huge mess.

One good way to save on high electric bills is to turn off your lights. For your porch light, invest in a light equipped with a motion sensor. You can manually adjust the sensitivity of the light, as well as turn it on without engaging the motion sensor if you need to.

TIP! After you install new tile, make sure the grout gets sealed. Grout isn’t waterproof on its own.

Use these two steps to make your ceiling look higher. Consider painting vertical stripes on the walls, or adding a floor lamp. This creates an optical illusion that adds height to a room. The eye focuses on the tall lines, causing the ceilings to seem higher.

TIP! An air conditioner is a necessary evil in many locations. It is easy to hide it with some nice latticework or any other feature.

If you are thinking about home improvement, consider which part of your house needs the work first. When you take on a single room it will take less time and money to see the results you want. Look for sales and deals when you are deciding what you will be renovating. Plan carefully when you consider making improvements to your home if you want to save some money.

Coffee Table

TIP! Home improvement is a money saver; even though, it costs money at the outset. Updated appliances will create energy savings.

A good home improvement tip to use is to be creative when selecting a coffee table. Something like an old hope chest or a large stump can work well. You can even dress up a storage bin or shorten the legs of a larger table. The options are endless. To create some definition on your coffee table, throw some books, magazines and accessories on it. A country look can be created with the addition of teacups and tablecloths.

TIP! Do you enjoy hanging around outside, but hate dealing with bugs? You can add a screened-in porch to your home. Use this area to provide a general sitting-area for yourself and the guests when the group decides to head outdoors.

The first step to a kitchen or bathroom renovation is turning off the water! Whenever you are dealing with pipes, fittings, or fixtures, finding and turning the shutoff valve should be step number one. This will stop your house from flooding.

TIP! Consider how long you plan to be in the home. When you are only going to live in the home for a short time, you should minimize how much you plan to spend on home improvement.

With a reliable plan, you feel confident when beginning your home improvements. You may even have fun as you see your project coming along. You can use the money you saved on something else, and you’ll have pride in the work you’ve done.

Tips For Improving Your Home’s Value

TIP! Paint stripes on walls in the color of your paneling before the paneling is installed. Regardless of the quality of the panels you use, the old walls sometimes remain visible.

If selling your home is in the future, or even if you will be residing there for years, your home’s appearance is perfect for improvement. Simple projects can improve the value of your home. This article is going to go over some of the things that you can do to make your home more improved.

TIP! One good tip to remember when doing home improvement is to ensure you are working with a legitimate company. If a company doesn’t give you a physical address and only conducts business over the phone, that means they’re probably small time and aren’t very reputable.

When creating a home renovation, you should consider both the investment value and the intrinsic value of your proposed improvement. A very individualized renovation may not appeal to potential buyers, so the cost of your work may not be worth it.

Motion Sensor

TIP! In order to save money, get a drain snake. It will save you money on expensive and toxic drain cleaners.

One good way to save on high electric bills is to turn off your lights. For your porch light, invest in a light equipped with a motion sensor. With the motion sensor on most models you can make adjustments to the sensitivity, and they can be manually turned on.

TIP! Using wall mounts for TVs can free up quite a bit of space, as you can remove the stand or just clear the stand to be used for other things. You can do a project like this in just 30 minutes as long as you stick to the directions.

When deciding on which home improvements you are going to do, consider only those that make sense. Having additions built like a room to bask in the sun in without insulation when you live somewhere like Michigan, or a deck that isn’t covered in Arizona, this will deter home-buyers. Only renovate in a fashion that matches your climate and works for a variety of tastes and styles.

TIP! A level is key to installing new cabinets. Using the highest point of your kitchen floor, create a benchmark line that runs the distance the cabinets will run.

Try adding some solar panels to the outside of your home for a home improvement project. The upfront costs may be large, however, you should see that it’s a smart investment with the costs of electricity rising. The vast majority of energy you use will be energy you have stored, so you will pay less on your utility bills. This is also a good way to reduce your impact on the environment.

TIP! If your home improvement project is going to inconvenience the neighbors, make sure they know as soon as possible. This may occur if you need to have things delivered or if large pieces of equipment are a part of your plans.

If you are looking for issues, rotting wood, peeling paint, and water damage are all tip offs that a house has not been properly maintained. Other items, like electrical issues, will require professional inspection to discover. Invest money upfront when you purchase a home, so that you don’t have to spend a lot on repairs in the future.

Sealant Strips

TIP! A simple way to freshen up your living area is to get new covers for your outlets. After enough time, even outlet colors can become dingy or fade in color.

Sealant strips and draft excluders can really help prevent the escape of air through your doors. Draft excluders slide beneath the door to prevent hot air inside from leaking out during the winter, as well as keeping warm air in the summer. Sealant strips can do the same thing by fitting in the door frames. You can usually get them at hardware stores.

TIP! You can add additional living space to your home to make it more functional. Think about the children’s room, the living room, or a den.

Get references of anyone that will be working on a home improvement job on your behalf. Consider this process as a business hiring an employee. Do a background check and make certain they have good references from former clients.

TIP! Have you ever looked over the handles on your doors at home? Brass door handles are very shiny. Installing them is an easy way to improve a home.

Using the right type of lighting in any room makes a big difference in how it looks. Bright rooms are ideal to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can also install additional light to create more brightness. You can improve the overall feel of a house just by bringing some light to one room.

TIP! It is possible to easily install ceramic tile in the vast majority of bathrooms and kitchens. Choose either tiles with unique designs or a solid color scheme for a more elegant, put-together look.

Caned chair seats are naturally subject to sagging as time passes. This is easily correctable, however. Take a sponge and dampen the bottom, where the sagging is taking place. This should be done with warm water. Allow it to dry overnight. Be sure and repeat the process until caning is tightened again.

TIP! Why not start a landscaping project to beautify the surroundings of your home? Incorporate beautiful flowers, plants, shrubs, vines, mulches and various nice stones to improve the look of your landscape. The overall value of your property can be increased with the landscaping of your yard as well as providing a great focal point to impress visitors.

Install a peephole in your door. See who is on the other side of the door! The great thing is that almost anyone can install a peephole in very little time. You just need a drill and an hour or so out of your day. If you put one in, you will know who is at your door when you hear knocking.

TIP! When you start your home improvement product, do not rush headlong into the demolition. You might be tempted to rip old structure from areas you want to improve.

A few simple home improvements can make a big difference in the quality of your environment. Putting in one weekend full of work can change your homes’ appearance. You should now be much more knowledgeable on how to begin making improvements to your home. Just choose your next home improvement project and leap right in!

Some Home Improvement Projects For The Handyman

TIP! If you have tried everything you can to stop your door from squeaky, you may need a new hinge. It’s easy to buy door hinges at any home improvement center.

Improving the look of your home can change the way you feel regarding your private space. It’s easy to incorporate simple methods whenever you renovate. Here is some excellent advice to help you improve your home affordably.

TIP! Check out the credentials of any home improvement company that you are considering. Make sure that the company you choose conducts business face-to-face.

If your budget will allow it, opt for real wood floors instead of laminate. Laminate floors may look like real wood and be easier to clean, however they cannot be refinished. This means they’ll have to be completely redone if a new look is desired.

Motion Sensor

TIP! Consider installing peepholes in the outside doors of your home. Know who is knocking on the door without having to open it! Peepholes are a snap to put in and a high value, low cost improvement you can add to your home.

A great way to lower the cost of your electric bill is to use a motion sensor light instead of a regular porch light. You can manually adjust the sensitivity of the light, as well as turn it on without engaging the motion sensor if you need to.

TIP! One improvement that can make your life easier is replacing ordinary paneling in areas with many pipes with waterproof paneling. This “green board”, as it is commonly referred to, will stand up well to moisture, and prevent mold growth so it is ideally suited for these types of areas.

When you are working on home improvement projects, it is crucial that you are aware of what needs to be improved the most. Whoever looks at your house is going to go off of what they see, so the last thing you want to present to them is peeling paint or some untrimmed hedges, which can cause them to not buy the house. While it is true that some of the most important improvements are not obvious, for the selling of your house you need to focus on the obvious visual ones.

TIP! Almost all building supplies that are used for home renovation projects are prone to theft. Whenever they are not in use, building supplies and tools should be kept safe.

Can’t afford a designer? Start researching. Try some websites, books and magazines for some help. Magazines can be a great way to figure out what you’d like a room to look like. Literature can also provide you with the information you need to get your project done.

TIP! A great investment for any home is to soundproof interior walls. You cannot realistically sound proof every wall in the house since the expense would be very substantial.

Repairing leaky faucets is an excellent home improvement project for even a novice handyman. You can cut down on water waste and usage by repairing your faucets quickly. The savings you get from this will add up since your water bill will go down.

Luggage Rack

TIP! Splash a fresh coat of paint on your home’s entrance and replace your old, faded welcome mat. This is because your entrance is very important when it comes to welcoming guests to your home.

Re-purpose unlikely items for interesting home improvements. For example, a luggage rack can be reused as a side table. Simply place a piece of glass on top of the luggage rack for an instant side table. Place a lamp and some magazines on top of it, and you have a beautiful, usable new side table.

TIP! If you are tackling a project near your water pipes or something involving the water supply itself, turn your water off. It’s important to know where your home’s water shutoffs are located and to make sure the water is turned off before taking apart the sink, or you may soon be dealing with a flood.

Individual solar lights can be obtained cheaply, and come in a number of different styles, but they won’t do much apart from look pretty. For powerful lighting that makes walkways bright and highlights the best features of your landscaping, you need traditionally-powered lighting. These may cost more but they work better.

TIP! Vinyl decks have become a big hit with many homeowners. A vinyl deck is easily cleaned and maintained, although it must be washed two times per year.

In this article, we have presented some great ideas to improve your home and your perception of it. There are so many different ways to change the appearance of your home. Follow the advice above to make improvements you had never imagined.

Home Improvement Tips To Spruce Up Your Home

TIP! Before allowing any contractor to start working have a signed contract. If you can, have a lawyer review the contract before moving forward.

You can turn your improvement dreams into reality with the right tools and knowledge. There is a lot of information here that will show you how to bring out the best in your home. Use these tips to make your dream home a reality.

Based Paint

TIP! Spend some time shopping around for the best deals on the best products to use in your home prior to buying anything. If you plan to replace flooring in multiple rooms, prepare to spend a significant amount of money.

Porches need repainting at times. Be sure the paint you use is of the best quality. Make sure that you use similarly based paints together, such as putting a new oil-based paint over an old one. Likewise, match water-based or latex paints together when putting a new coat over an old one. An oil-based paint is better for trims and will last a long time but you should use a water-based paint for decks or floors since oil-based paint can become slippery in the winter.

TIP! Tile can get worn down and begin to look old. A safe, but effective method is by mixing vinegar and water together.

Get a new porch light that features a motion sensor in order to help reduce your electric bill. You can manually adjust the sensitivity of the light, as well as turn it on without engaging the motion sensor if you need to.

TIP! Create a visually pleasing bookcase with the use of some wallpaper. Choose a design that is unusual and interesting.

A quick home improvement idea is to lighten up those small, drab rooms in your home. You can do many quick and easy things to ensure that those rooms are getting the proper amount of light. Do some window cleaning so they sparkle, then open your drapes. When incorporating light, rooms look much larger, increasing the value of your home. Keep rooms free of clutter, and choose lighter, pastel colors for your walls. Follow these steps and your little room will seem much bigger.

TIP! When employing a contractor for your project, it’s important to maintain your own records. Contractors may not always do this for you, so don’t assume that they will.

Don’t toss out dirty bedroom doors. Remove doors from their frames and sand them until you can see bare wood. Next purchase paint and a roller and get to work. If you want things to feel fresh and new, try replacing your old doorknobs with something more fancy.

TIP! When you are thinking about doing any remodeling, you should always consider the landscaping. The front of your home, including the yard, is the first thing that others see of your residence.

It is common for gutters, eaves and chimneys to be neglected when home improvement tasks are planned. Keeping these parts of your home in good working order and making repairs as needed is crucial. If you do not clean it regularly, your chimney might catch fire; your downspouts and gutters may clog and lead to some water damage if you don’t pay attention.

Outdoor Living Space

TIP! Develop a yearly budget to make home improvements. If you own a home, you should always put aside a certain amount of money every year to maintain your home.

Don’t forget to improve your outdoor living space. Extend your living space to include part of the backyard. Take advantage of your outdoor living space by having friends over for a barbecue, or just relaxing.

TIP! A great way to get extra space is to mount your TV on a wall-mount bracket. This will give you extra floor space and make your room look larger.

Expensive artwork is unnecessary when a little imagination will suffice. For example, create your own art with some simple tiles. Using three dimensional tiles, alternating in color, arranged on a wall behind your sofa and voila – instant art!

TIP! An ugly outdoor air conditioner can be an eyesore, but it is necessary in certain regions. It is possible to use a trellis or latticework to hide this area in a safe and effective manner.

A good idea for a home improvement project is to put a chandelier in your home. You can buy a very nice chandelier for just under 500 dollars. Also, chandeliers add brightness to a room as well as a sparking appearance.

TIP! Insulation is a good way to prepare your plumbing for a cold spell, or just to be sure that the water runs hot through your pipes. Heat tape also works very well and is relatively easy to install, even if you’re a home improvement novice.

Select color schemes by using something that is already in the room to be painted. You can derive some great color plans by taking inspiration from upholstery, window treatments, carpeting, or other features. Use a dominant color and work off of that with other matching colors. The other colors can be used as accent or secondary shades.

TIP! Select a color scheme that works best for your room. Formal areas of your home, such as your dining area, should have a complementary scheme.

Because you are now armed with some excellent home renovation tips in the above article, you should now start gathering all the tools that you’ll need in order to begin. If you see that it’s getting tough during some parts of your home improvement project, go back over the information you read here to see if there was anything you may have forgotten about that can help you successfully complete the project.