Home improvement is not necessarily a difficult task. With the proper planning and right preparation, it is possible to have your home improvement done in time and on budget. Continue reading and learn some simple tips and tricks that can help ensure that your next project runs smoothly.
Increase the energy efficiency of your home by installing weather stripping all around your home’s doors and windows. It’s easy to add weather stripping. You just purchase it at your local hardware store and follow the package directions. Once you are finished, you will notice the improvement in the efficiency of your heat and A/C. You may also notice that you don’t feel as many drafts in your home.
Give the bubble in your old vinyl floor covering a shot! If your old vinyl flooring has a bubble under the surface, slice it open with a sharp utility knife to release trapped air. Doing this will only flatten the bubble for a short period of time. It can come back if you do nothing. You need to inject it with some new glue though to keep the section held down to the ground. Use glue that you buy in syringes to do the job.
Coffee Table
Opt for a unique coffee table rather than a generic pre-made one. Something unlikely, like an old chest, can be used a great coffee table. Place magazines and books on top of your coffee table to give it definition. You could also place teacups and add a tablecloth in order to have a country look.
Plastic 2-liter bottles are an excellent kitchen storage option. These bottles are clear and see-through and can protect virtually all your dry goods, including sugar and flour. You can keep them in the freezer, refrigerator or on your shelf. When it’s time to use the contents, simply pour out what you need.
When making improvements, take a second to focus on your porch. This is where you make your initial impression to your guests. Keep your porch clean and add tasteful enhancements. Flowers, nice furniture and great lighting can be used to dress up an otherwise boring and bland porch. This is a great way to increase the value of your home.
Motion Detectors
Make a point of installing motion detectors on your porch or entrance to your house. If your outdoor lights automatically shut off when no one needs them, they will cut down on your monthly energy bill. Motion detectors can also be a detractor to thieves, as the lights will turn on in their presence and alert others that they are there.
Remember, a good door is worth its weight in gold. Your guests will be impressed by it because they enter and exit through it. You can lose tons of heat through uninsulated, poorly fitting doors. If your door frame or locks are old or poorly made, you lose security and peace of mind.
Lately, there are certain dangers to be concerned with before starting a home improvement project. Do not purchase drywall (also known as wall board or sheet rock) that was made in China. Many contractors in the United States have used drywall sourced from China–at least since 2005. Chinese drywall yields poor quality, which can be a detriment towards your renovation project. In the worst cases, the drywall from China has been found to put off harmful gas that will corrode your wiring inside the walls.
It’s well worth your time to learn about how to make home improvements the correct way. Most homes need repair, maintenance or both. Making a home more livable and more valuable is easily possible for homeowners who are prepared to put in work above and beyond these minimum necessities. There is always more to learn, so keep educating yourself.
