All homeowners know that owning your own home can be expensive, but takes a lot of work as well! In fact, as much as 1 to 3 percent of the total home value should be reinvested in the form of home improvement projects and repairs. Of course, there are always ways to cut down on costs, so let’s take a look at some ways to save money while still maintaining and improving the home of your dreams!
Increase the energy efficiency of your home by installing weather stripping all around your home’s doors and windows. The savings on your energy bill will more than cover the costs of this inexpensive repair. Also, this helps to reduce drafts for a better living environment.
If you are going to put in any paneling, paint some stripes on the walls. It doesn’t matter how well you try to install the paneling, the old wall seems to want to peek through. This can be prevented by taking a few minutes to measure the area in which the panels will adjoin. If you paint the wall to match the paneling, you will not see any cracks in between the panels.
A drill is a necessary part of many renovations. A drill allows you to drill different diameter holes, as well as screwing in a variety of screws. It is best to own a drill that has nine volts and all the standard drill bits.
Safety is paramount while you working on any projects around the home. Any project you are working on involves some level or risk, so follow instructions for power tools and ask a professional for help if there is something you do not understand. You should use online tutorials or have some friends show you how to perform certain tasks.
Fun is a necessary part of all home projects. While there are several times that you need to be careful and serious while working, you still need to enjoy completing it. If you are not enjoying yourself, you will make some mistakes. If you feel a job is beyond your expertise or enjoyment level, consider calling a professional.
Sealant Strips
Purchase sealant strips and draft excluders in order to prevent your air from exiting out of the doors. Draft excluders slide under the door to keep air in and out. Put some sealant strips on your door frames too. These can be found in hardware stores.
Always make sure that a company you hire is a legitimate one. Any company lacking a physical address is not worth your time. Try choosing companies with strong reputations.
Once you have reviewed the advice on home improvement idea from this article, you will feel more confident that the money you invest in improvements will be money well spent. By keeping your expenses down, and avoiding the common pitfalls, your next home project should turn out to be a big success.