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February, 2017

  1. Getting Your Home Improvement Efforts Off Right

    February 27, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    You should make your home into a place of comfort and beauty. Investing time and money in home improvement is one of the best ways to ensure that your home always looks its best. This article delves into the different techniques to achieve what you desire.

    Make sure you understand your style before customizing your home. Your preferred decorating style will impact the choices available. It is simple to alter styles mid-project without even noticing it. At this point, it may be expensive to make any needed adjustments.

    Real Wood

    Hardwood is a better investment than laminate. Laminate looks like real wood but it cannot be refinished. In the coming years a real wood floor can be refinished, whereas a laminate floor must be completely replaced.

    If the doors to your bedroom are filthy, avoid just throwing them away. Remove the door from its frame, then sand it down until you expose bare wood. You can then use oil based and a paint roller. In order to create a fresher look, consider changing your doorknobs.

    TIP! Using a light colored shingle or roofing material will help save you money in energy costs. Light colors deflect the heat from the sun away from the house.

    Gutters, downspouts and chimneys sometimes get overlooked during yearly maintenance and home improvements. It is essential to make repairs if necessary. If you fail to clean your chimney, it could catch on fire.

    Make ample use of your outdoor space. Use your backyard for seasonal outdoor living space. Patios are great for having barbecues with friends, or just having a relaxing evening in the fresh air.

    Drain Snake

    TIP! Under no circumstances should you permit a contractor to start work on your house if there is no agreed upon and signed contract. You should take the contract to your lawyer so he can look over it.

    Purchase a drain snake for your home in order to save money. One of the biggest advantages is the lower frequency with which you need to purchase drain cleaners. You might want to ask a professional to demonstrate how to operate a drain snake before you try using it. Ensure that you purchase a snake that properly fits your drain.

    Add new knobs for your cabinets and drawer pulls in your kitchen for a great new look. Cabinet knobs can be easily installed and they actually add quite a bit of help in improving the decor of your kitchen. When replacing handles and knobs, think about cleaning out your cabinets because it is easier to do when you don’t have snagging hardware. Once they’re clean, add your new knobs.

    If your home needs lots of repairs before you can live in it, take care of the most extensive repairs first. Simpler projects, such as updating your bathrooms or finishing up the basement, can be performed after moving in.

    TIP! In order to keep air from passing through door frames, get some sealant material and draft fighters. You can slide draft excluders under the door and keep air from moving in or out.

    Ensure you thoroughly read over this article, and utilize the effective methods outlined here. Make the time to do the work when you have prepared yourself. It’ll be fun and fruitful.


  2. Learn How To Do Home Improvement Projects

    February 24, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    There are some projects that could be enjoyable and could also improve your home. Your home is your castle and putting your time and effort into it can feel great. The hardest part is getting started. The advice in this article will help you with ideas and techniques to put your house in the best shape.

    If you have a major project in mind, consider hiring a professional designer to help you out. If you lack formal training in this area, the plans you create may be heavy on esthetics and light on functionality. A professional will plan for renovations that will meet building codes and will add value to your home.

    TIP! New furniture is expensive. You may be able to make your room shine with by buying a few pieces of furniture from a thrift store of a garage sale.

    Be certain your air conditioner’s filters is kept clean. If the filter is clogged, it will make it hard for the unit to cool your home. You may also be using way more electricity than necessary. Change the filter according to the manufacturers directions.

    If you wish to do an easy home improvement project, get to a store and purchase some paint. Adding new paint to your home can make it seem new again. Best of all, adding a new coat of paint does not take much time, and it is very cheap. Getting a new coat of paint will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

    Solar Panels

    TIP! Often it can seem gloomy if the room is small; this does not always have to be the case. Give the room a little light.

    You should think about solar panels as far as projects for your home. Solar panels are a major investment, but you will lower your electric bills on the long term. This helps save money on your power bill because a majority of the energy comes from what you have stored. This is an excellent, green way to power your home.

    There are very few things that are as close to your heart as your home. For this reason, having it look as good as possible is very important. This article contains great tips on how you can improve your home. Decide which ones best address your needs and choose a weekend to begin your project.


  3. Improve Your Living Space And Be Happy

    February 22, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    If you or an acquaintance is considering a home improvement project, it will help to learn as much as possible so you can be assured the work is being done properly. Continue reading for some valuable information on things to consider while working on home improvement projects.

    When remodeling the tile floors, consider more high-tech options such as tiles that radiate heat. Radiant heat tiles use electricity to heat the tiles and keep your feet warm. At least these are easily installable if you carefully follow the directions. This makes it a project you can add on whether you are hiring someone or doing it yourself. You will be happy in the winter when you are going to the bathroom.

    TIP! If every method you’ve used to fix your squeaky door has failed, you may need to replace your door’s hinge. Of course, you can find them at any store that sells home hardware.

    A drill is a necessary part of many renovations. This will help you make holes and place screws in them without any special attachments. You should have a cordless, 9-volt power drill that come with a variety of drill bits and bits for Phillips and flat-head screws.

    When doing any projects that are near or involve a gas line, it is imperative that you shut the line down before beginning. Caution is the best guide for these projects. Unexpected accidents can occur if you do not plan accordingly.

    A high quality and attractive door and doorway can add up to a 10 percent increase to your home value. The finishing touches on the door also improve the look. A variety of locks and knobs are available.

    TIP! Be prepared well in advance of home improvement. Do your creative thinking as well as your pragmatic figuring far ahead of the actual improvements.

    When thinking about home improvements for areas with plumbing, like the kitchen and bathroom, consider replacing the walls with something more water resistant. 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.

    You need a list of all steps concerning a do-it-yourself renovation project. Even if you have to pay them a small fee, it will save you a bundle compared to the cost of a mistake.

    When undertaking major landscaping home improvement projects, always consult with your neighbors about drainage before work begins. Ideally, your landscaping plan should provide a way to drain runoff water from your property. In many cases, it might seem convenient to just reroute the water to a neighbors yard, but this can lead to some heated arguments with the people next door! You can coordinate drainage plans, however it requires clear communication.

    TIP! Planning to insulate your home while you are already planning a home improvement can kill two birds with one stone. You can install weather-stripping on each of your windows and doors.

    Home improvement tips are handy when anyone makes improvements to any part of your home. The more knowledge you have about a particular home improvement the better prepared you’ll be for the steps involved in achieving your home improvement goals. Use the advice in this piece to have a great experience working on projects to improve your home.


  4. Home Improvement Tips That Can Work For Everybody

    February 22, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement is something many people do for many different reasons. It is common for home owners to get tired of their homes. Others hope to make money by increasing the value of their house. Some just love to complete home renovation projects. This article is filled with tips to help you out, no matter what the reason is that you are improving your home.

    Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. You can spice up your lamp shades by painting them using stencils. This livens up the room without having to buy new lamp shades.

    TIP! When you’re doing work on your roof, three-inch aluminum tape can help you deal with any minor cracks that you find in the roofing surface. Remove the paper backing, then apply the sticky side to a very clean surface.

    Adding a textured finish to your walls with drywall mud can create a new look and disguise any blemishes. It is easy to texture. Apply drywall mud and, using a brush or a sponge, add some texture to the mud.

    Ceramic tile starts to wear and look dull after a while. You can improve its look with a safe solution of vinegar and water. Fill a bucket with the solution and easily mop your floors. This will eliminate the dirt and grime, making the floors look shiny and new.

    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. It can cost a lot to get rid of all the trash, so planning for that beforehand can save you money and keep your project on track.

    TIP! It’s expensive to refurnish a home. Garage sales and thrift stores offer furniture options at affordable prices.

    Putting on a new roof is often among a homeowner’s most significant expenses. You should get estimates and references from three or more roofing companies. Also be sure to ask them to include a few different material options in their quotes since there are a number of them that are available. A knowledgeable roofing contractor can help you make the best decision.

    When you are preparing to sell your home, set up your rooms in a way that defines the space. Family rooms, dens and any other rooms should have all the appropriate furniture. Potential buyers will be able to see themselves living there and come up with ideas for the space. Homes with well defined spaces are more attractive and make for faster sales.

    The caning in many chairs will sag eventually. This is easily correctable, however. Take a sponge and dampen the bottom, where the sagging is taking place. It’s got to be warm water. Leave the caning alone overnight to let it dry out. Repeat until the caning is fully repaired.

    TIP! When replacing your baseboards, try to use stained wood because it is a lot more appealing than painted baseboards. This gives your baseboards that look of real wood that blends very well with a modern or classic home.

    Make sure you find out a definitive answer on the time it will take for your contractor to do the work. Contractors have solid reasons to complete work fast. They might want to rush workers to get them to another job. The opposite can be true as well. If the workers are spending too much time on a project, they may be trying to charge you more for overtime hours.

    All homeowners have to deal with home improvements at some time or another. There are different reasons people start home improvements, but the goal is usually similar. Whether it be for money or looks, home improvement has got something in it that everyone can enjoy.


  5. Home Improvement Can Be Easy If You Have The Right Advice

    February 22, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement is more involved than adding new floors. In order to create the home of your dreams, you need to spend some time considering a whole host of options. The tips in this article will help you to develop exceptional home improvement abilities. You can save a lot of money and create your dream home.

    If your trailer, house, or apartment is too small to house a dryer and washer separately, think about installing a combination unit instead. Combo units are great for tight-fitting spaces. The combo can both wash and dry clothes.

    TIP! Even a small home improvement project can mean a big increase in your home’s value. Whether you are planning to sell or not, opt for doing small home improvement projects throughout the year.

    Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. You can spice up your lamp shades by painting them using stencils. You could literally create any design you can think of and give more personality to your home.

    If a designer just isn’t in your budget, get to work. You can learn from websites, books, magazines and more. You may find the perfect inspiration for your entire home improvement project in a single magazine layout. Literature can also provide you with the information you need to get your project done.

    Using the right type of lighting in any room makes a big difference in how it looks. Having a bright room will feel warm and inviting to members the house. A second fixture will also brighten a room. Adding light in dark spaces can make your home seem significantly more inviting.

    TIP! Paint the gaps where paneling will meet. This will ensure that any small gaps don’t become glaringly obvious.

    Basements rarely have any natural light available. To increase your enjoyment of any basement finishing project, carefully consider the layout of the lighting you use. If you have some luck, you will have a basement with high walls that stick out above ground level. If so, you may be able to install windows that bring in natural lighting.

    Regardless of how much care you take, chair cushions flatten over time after repeated use. A good way to restore such cushions is to place them outdoors in the sunshine. The sun helps the moisture evaporate from the cushion’s fillings, bringing the bounce back. Make sure to flip the sides of the cushion, and don’t leave it out too long, as the sun can make the fabric colors fade.

    Don’t ever hire an unlicensed contractor. Contractors and subcontractors are required by each state to have certification. Keep in mind that these certifications cannot be used to measure the talent of your contractor. Most importantly, a contractor without a proper license is likely not carrying proper professional insurance, making them especially risky to work with.

    TIP! Don’t try and fix that leak underneath the sink yourself. You can collect the water while you are waiting.

    Any and everyone can enjoy home improvement. You have to find a project that corresponds to your skills and knowledge. With time, you will be able to accomplish harder projects. You will be able to be truly proud of the finished product if you take your time and work hard.


  6. Really Effective Home Improvement Tips And Tricks

    February 19, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Every homeowner wants to make minor, or even major, improvements to their home. You will be able to do that when you read the helpful hints contained in this article. You’ll feel a whole lot better as you start checking off important tasks from your “to-do list.” To find out more about this process, continue reading the tips below.

    You should always keep your air conditioner filter changed. If it isn’t clean, it will use more energy to clean the house. It may also stay on for a longer period of time. To prevent dirt and grime from building up on your filters, change them out every month.

    Aluminum Tape

    If you must patch small cracks on your roof, using aluminum tape could do the job. Separate the paper backing and apply the sticky tape to a clean surface. Aluminum tape creates a waterproof seal.

    Repainting a porch may be something you need to do. You should use a high quality exterior paint. Make sure you use the same paint type as the existing paint. Oil paints work work well for trim because of its durability. However, oil-based paints are slick and slippery, so they are not good for walking areas.

    TIP! If your door is still squeaky after trying every imaginable method to fix it, you might want to buy a new hinge. Most hardware stores sell them.

    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. There are options as far as sensitivity and turning on the light manually if those options are important to you.

    Texturing walls through the use of drywall mud could cover up unwanted blemishes. It is simple to do texturing. Apply drywall mud with a trowel and use a sponge or a brush to spread it and create your own texture.

    Prioritize the rooms you plan to improve. Just improve different rooms gradually to save you some money and time. Before beginning any home improvement project, write out a detailed plan so you can keep a watch out for sales on the items you need. Plan ahead if you want to save money on home improvement.

    TIP! Use nails to drill some holes in your paint can’s rim. 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.

    Think about adding insulation to your home. Use the opportunity to add weather stripping to every door and window. If you reduce the air escaping your home, your cooling and heating systems will work better. This can save you a substantial amount on your bills.

    Would you like to make improvements, both great and small, to your residence? You are not the only one! As we have explained in this article, there are a few tricks that can make your home improvement jobs easier to accomplish. Hopefully, this article has rewarded you with useful knowledge that can help make your home improvement project a smashing success. It is now time for you to start your next project!


  7. Practical Tips To Help Improve Your Home

    February 12, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Home improvement is a great way to save money in the current economy. Selling your home at full value and trading up to a better one can be difficult (if not impossible) in current market conditions. Therefore, just make your existing structure better. This article has some tips to renew your home.

    It’s a good idea to clean your air conditioner filter regularly. If it isn’t clean, it will use more energy to clean the house. You may also be using way more electricity than necessary. Each month, switch out the filter to avoid problems.

    TIP! When the time comes to replace your roof, opt for white or other light colored tiles or material. Light-colored tiles will reflect sun rays rather than absorbing them, which will decrease the amount of built-up heat in your attic.

    Think about what area of the house you want to work on first. Just improve different rooms gradually to save you some money and time. If you make your plans in advance, you can incorporate significant bargains into the process. Planning your home improvement projects in advance can help you to save more money in the long run.

    Protect the floor in any room you are going to paint. This will keep any excess paint from damaging your carpet or floor. A cheap way that this can be done is to employ the use of newspapers. You may also use plastic sheeting or a paint cloth to protect your floor from dripping paint.

    Never discard doors simply due to dirt. Remove doors from their frames and sand them until you can see bare wood. Then buy any oil paint you like and paint the door with the paint roller. For a quick update, consider getting new doorknobs.

    TIP! Some things often overlooked when doing home improvements or updating are gutters, downspouts and chimneys. It is important to inspect these aspects of your home to make sure they are functioning properly, and to make any necessary repairs.

    Attaching two PVC pipes is a simple process that requires PVC primer and PVC cement. You should always use products made for this type of material. Make sure the pipes have no water on their surfaces.

    The right tools can make all the difference when working on a home improvement task. The correct tool will allow the project to be done correctly. Of course, it also helps to understand exactly how each tool should be used.

    If your goal is to create an ambiance of calm within your rooms, pick light, airy colors like light green, light blue, or light purple. Choosing fabrics such as cotton or linen will create a lighter quality than heavy brocades and dark patterns. Put some potpourri atop the coffee table and have scented candles in order to create a tranquil heaven for yourself.

    TIP! Upon selling a home, every part of the home should have a clearly defined purpose. Whether the room in question is an office or a den, its accessories and furniture should make its usage clear.

    Talk to your neighbors regarding drainage for a big landscaping project. Your landscape plan should drain all excess water away from your property. Although it may be convenient to route the water to your neighbor’s property, they are likely to be very unhappy about it. You must communicate with your neighbors to make sure your drainage plans will work to your advantage and theirs.

    Paint the walls for an updated room or house look. In many cases, a room’s ambiance can be transformed entirely with a quick color change. While painting a room is very inexpensive, it can increase the value of your home significantly. Complement the decor of the home with light colors and neutral shades.

    With the help of the advice here, you can make your home into anything that you want it to be. Home improvement is a manageable task, and as long as you outline a budget, it is relatively affordable.


  8. The Dirty Truth As Related To Home Improvement

    February 10, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    There’s no reason that a home improvement project has to suck up an excessive amount of time or money. New carpet, towels and wall art are all cheap, fun ways to improve the aesthetics of your home. Read on for some great ideas to liven up the look of your home.

    Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. By decorating these shades with stencils and paint from a craft store, you can turn a dreary lamp into a focal point in any room. You will add instant personality to your room, simply by brightening up your boring lamp shades.

    TIP! Take a sponge to your drywall! Use a sponge instead of a sander on those drywall seams. After you practice a little, you can get good at smoothing the seams with a sponge just as easily as with a sander.

    You can make a huge positive difference in the appearance of a room by installing a new floor in it. You have a choice of coverings to chose from these days with carpet, hardwood and tile all being viable options. Have a chat with a well-known flooring firm to ascertain what would work best for you.

    Use a sponge to help your drywall instead of sanding. You do not need to sand the seams on drywall, when you can just sponge them. A sponge can smooth the seams as effectively as a sander. Sponging is a better option because it does not create any dust.

    For an affordable way make your bathrooms look better, try purchasing metal fixtures. Various accessories, such as towel racks, shower rods and handles for cabinets come in all kinds of colors, shapes and finishes. There are sometimes packages available that can be put up in one day.

    Coffee Table

    You could make a unique choice in coffee tables rather than settling for something ready-made. Something unlikely, like an old chest, can be used a great coffee table. Throw books, accessories and magazines to accent your coffee table. You can even give it a country feel by including some teacups and a tablecloth.

    There are many wonderful things that you can do to change your home that will not be expensive. Be creative and come up with a look you can take pride in. The creativity is up to you. The advice you have read in the article above is how you can relay those ideas into practical applications.


  9. Try Home Improvement And Discover New Possibilities.

    February 8, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    It can be stressful to come home to a home that is filled with failed home improvement projects and clutter. Luckily, there are ways to easily improve your home. Use the tips in this article to transform your humble abode!

    Be sure and regularly clean out your air conditioning filter. If the filter is clogged, it will make it hard for the unit to cool your home. In addition, this can even cause damage to your unit because it’s running longer than necessary. Try to change your filter each and every month.

    TIP! Change the air filters in your home regularly. Clean air is healthy, plus appliances like the furnace will work more efficiently.

    A certain addition to your home can add style and class to it. A wine cellar or a library brimming with shelves are wonderful spaces in any home. Future home buyers and guests will be impressed by your improvements.

    A good tip for those interested in home improvement is to do personalized projects. Think about your interests and hobbies. Add your own unique style for your home improvement ideas, giving your personal touch can go a long way.

    A great way to lower the cost of your electric bill is to use a motion sensor light instead of a regular porch light. It is still possible to turn the light on manually, and the sensitivity is adjustable.

    TIP! Some old shoe boxes can be a great way to add some storage space to a room. Take leftover fabric or wallpaper and cover the shoe boxes in order to get a pleasing design.

    Add some storage areas to your home by using old shoe boxes for loose items. Use fabric or old wallpaper to cover the boxes. They make terrific storage containers, and they can even give your room a little extra drama.

    Tiny Holes

    If there are small holes in walls from hanging pictures or paintings, try using spackle to renew the walls. All home improvement stores sell spackle. Use a very small amount if you need to fill tiny holes. For tiny holes, apply the spackle with the point on a bobby pin. After the spackle has dried, use something stiff, such as a credit card, to smooth the hole until your wall looks smooth. Paint over the area. The hole in the wall should disappear.

    TIP! Stained wood is almost always more appealing than painted wood on baseboards. In addition to it having a classic look, the wood’s natural and warm look will fit in any type of home.

    Shop around for good deals on quality supplies for your home improvement projects. For example, new flooring prices can greatly vary. Between the discount outlets you can find and the bargain-hunting resources available to you, you may be able to save significant amounts of money.

    Nothing beats arriving home and seeing an appealing home that suits your needs perfectly. By choosing to follow the tips from this article, you can enhance your home easily with the home improvement projects of your choice. Continue to work at making improvements, even if all you can do is one one small project each time. Just work hard and you’ll have an amazing residence in no time.


  10. Is Your Home Boring? Try These Home Improvement Tips For Success!

    February 6, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Regardless of whether you just want visual improvements to your surroundings, or you want to boost the value of your investment, home improvement projects are great for just about everyone. This article will give you some great advice for improving your home.

    New flooring is a good way to make your rooms feel new. Good and reputable flooring companies can do wonders for your floor. Often, hardwood, laminate, carpeting and even tile, can be installed in a day! Or you can look at DIY options at your home improvement store.

    TIP! There are times when only one little improvement can increase the value of your home. If you want to sell your home, do a few small projects first.

    Determine the changes that you are going to make before you start the renovation. This helps you stay on budget and within the time frame you set for yourself. If you change course midstream and add new requirements, the cost and completion time will increase accordingly. Contractors will also be happier if you already have a good idea of what it is you want.

    Ask a professional about the condition of your current flooring before you buy new hardwood floors. You may find a lovely, natural hardwood floor buried beneath layers of linoleum or carpet. If that’s the case, you can save money and have better flooring this way.

    Make sure you turn off the right power circuit whenever you work on anything electrical. Touching live wires without having disconnected the power supply can cause electrocution and even death.

    TIP! When it’s time to redo a roof, try getting tile that’s white or something that’s light colored. This will reflect a lot of the heat and will keep your attic cooler.

    A wood fireplace is not the best way to heat your home. Apart from aesthetic reasons, this type of system is also quite inefficient because most of the heat ends up going through the chimney. Even worse, maintaining a fire consumes a great deal of oxygen from the air in your house.

    Install a lighting system that is enabled by motion detectors. Since the light won’t be on constantly, your energy bill will be lower. A motion sensor will keep thieves away from your property, as it will turn on signaling their presence.

    Research ideas for your home improvement projects before you begin. Start planning ahead of time to compare as many different ideas as possible. Don’t rush into picking color schemes; you don’t want to stress yourself out.

    TIP! Dust all your accessories at least one time every week. Lots of dust can gather in a small period of time, causing allergens to accumulate.

    If you plan on using bricks for your project, you should always purchase more bricks than you need. When doing repairs, you’ll be able to easily match the preexisting bricks because you have more of the same kind. The styles of bricks come in and out of fashion. A store of surplus bricks bought with the originals – as many as can be reasonably bought and stored – will take the difficulty out of future brick-matching.

    Do-it-yourself projects aren’t just for professionals or the highly skilled, everyone has some talent. It’s something anyone can do. A quick coat of paint or an overhaul on a kitchen are both things that can raise the value of the home or add comfort. Take the advice written in this article, and go to the nearest home improvement shop to get started.


  11. Make Your Home A Better Place With These Home Improvement Tips

    February 3, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    Almost anyone can find a home improvement project that he will enjoy. But it can be intimidating for a novice to know which tool to utilize, to realize when he or she needs a zoning permit or to know the building codes. So how can a person who has no experience in the area of home improvement begin to learn the necessary information? Checking out the tips and advice offered in this article is a great way to start!

    If you are replacing your baseboards, boards which are stained are more visually appealing than those which are painted. In addition to being classic, the warm look of wood is natural in virtually any style of home. Stained backboards also serve the benefit of defending against stains and marks, which can increase its longevity. There is a wide selection of colors in wood stain that can match most looks.

    TIP! Use common sense when deciding what home improvement projects are right for you. For instance, having an uncovered deck in Arizona or a sun room that has no ventilation in Michigan would be nonsensical renovations that will have potential buyers questioning your house upkeep decisions.

    Think about your improvments before you make your final decision. All improvement jobs require a well formed plan to ensure completion on time without going over the available budget. However, remember should you change any part of your plan, it will increase the cost of your project as well as the completion time of the project. If you know what you want before you begin, it will be easier to keep your contractor happy.

    If you door still squeaks despite your best efforts to remedy the situation, it may just need a new hinge. You can find hinges at different hardware stores. Simply disassemble the hinge and attach each side of it to the door and wall frame. The final step is to align the hinges so that you can change the pins.

    Put nail holes into the paint can’s rim. Why? Typically, paint will spill out and run down the can when you put the lid on it. Using a nail, poke holes around the top of the can to allow the paint to drain into the can.

    TIP! A good quality drill is an excellent home improvement tool. With a good drill, you can pre-drill a variety of surfaces to make installing screws easier.

    Fix any faucets that might be leaking, this is an easy fix. If you can easily find the leaks, you can save quite a bit of water – and money – each day. The savings you get from this will add up since your water bill will go down.

    If you have an attic, insulate it to save on winter heating costs. Heat naturally rises, which means tons of heat will escape from a poorly-insulated attic, especially during the colder months. Insulation can be found at most hardware stores and can be installed fairly easily.

    Now you know how much fun it can be to make home improvements. The fun that can be had while doing projects for the home is priceless. Utilize above tips and techniques in your next home improvement project.


  12. Get The Best From Your Home Improvement Projects

    February 1, 2017 by Thomas Herr

    The amount of home improvement resources available can be a bit overwhelming. However, there are some basics that no one who is considering a project should be without. See the article below for helpful hints.

    There are many small projects that can improve the value of your home. If you plan to list your home for sale in the near future, it may behoove you to take on a series of small projects beforehand. For example, paint the walls inside and outside your house. Something like this that is relatively low in cost can increase your home’s value exponentially.

    TIP! When you’re doing work on your roof, three-inch aluminum tape can help you deal with any minor cracks that you find in the roofing surface. Simply apply the tape by removing its backing and placing the sticky side to the surface you desire.

    If you have a porch, consider repainting it. Use a good quality exterior paint. It’s important that you select paint that has the same base. For example, you want to use oil paint over oil-based paint or latex paint (water) over paint with a water base. While oil-based paints are great for trim due to their durability, they generally shouldn’t be used on outdoor floors or decks, because they can become very slippery when it snows.

    A small room in your house does not always have to be dark. Let the sun shine in! This can be resolved through cleaning the windows and opening blinds. When you utilize all the available natural light, smaller rooms will appear to be bigger. Along with adding more light, you should lighten up the wall colors to add to the illusion. Suddenly, your small room will seem to expand.

    Add some protection to all of your floors before painting. This can help reduce stains, which can serve as a very costly expense. Layering your floor with old newspapers is an inexpensive method to protect it. You can also use a paint cloth or plastic sheet to shield your floor from paint.

    TIP! Using motion sensors on outdoor lighting is a good way to save money on energy. There are options as far as sensitivity and turning on the light manually if those options are important to you.

    It’s simple to hide extra supplies in your floor or attic. You can easily store two by fours or pieces of molding in these spaces. Just put some furring strips on the floor joists so that the materials can be stored.

    A lot of older homes have wall-to-wall carpet in every room, but it looks faded and nasty due to wear and tear. Hardwood floors are timeless and last a long time.

    If you can, try to fix an issue as soon as it pops up. There are many flaws that you can easily tolerate and forget. Don’t do that! Your home has interconnected systems, which can all be damaged at once. Before you know it, a little issue has turned into a major mess.

    TIP! Consider your home and your neighborhood’s character when deciding on updates and improvements. If you have a home that is in the Victorian style in a neighborhood full of smaller cottages, it will stick out.

    Home improvement projects are rewarding and fun when you do them by yourself. The trick is finding the right information to map out good plans for your work, and to follow it from start to finish. This will reduce the number of mistakes that can be made.