Most homeowner’s find themselves in need of repairs or home improvement at one time or another. Here are some handy tips to pass on! Hopefully, this will save you both time and money by doing it right the first time. Read on for some great advice.
Consider a truly “green” makeover to your landscaping. A popular new trend in landscaping is to make your garden fit the climate and area that you live in. Gone is the need for the perfect green lawn all year round. If you live in a dry climate, consider creating a landscape that are tolerant to drought and you will save money in watering costs and help the environment.
When it comes to home improvement, be sure to weigh the cost of purchasing CFL bulbs for your home. While they do save energy because of lower wattage usage, the upfront cost is higher than regular bulbs. Also, they may pose a health hazard to you if ever broken due to the amount of mercury used inside the bulb.
Recycle your plastic bottles to use as cord keepers! Smaller bottles like pill bottles work well to keep small appliance cords from tangling and bigger bottles like those vehicle oil come in work great for big shop extension cords. Just clean the bottles thoroughly, cut off the top and bottom, and use the resulting sleeve for your cords.
Be sure to keep your own records when you work with a contractor on a home improvement project. Don’t assume that your contractor will do this for you. Keep a folder with all contracts and invoices relevant to the project you are doing. Your paperwork file should help prevent misunderstandings with a contractor by providing details about costs, expectations and the time frame for the performance of your home improvements.
Never neglect an electrical system upgrade when you are making home improvements preparatory to selling your house. Older houses are woefully unequipped for the demands of modern appliances and electronics. Even recently-built homes may lack the power systems that the latest gadgets require. Installing a fully up-to-date electrical service will make your home stand out to potential buyers.
If you are doing the projects by yourself make sure you have the correct tools and high quality supplies. That may cost you a little more in the beginning, but it will save you money overall. Cheap tools and materials can break or wear down quickly. It’s not desirable to replace expensive tools frequently.
Search around and price out different contractors to get the best deals. The best way to feel safe when getting a contractor is to ask a friend or family member who has had their home remodeled by one for a good recommendation. This way you know you’re hiring a reliable contractor that you can trust to fix up your home.
Another very simple but easy to complete improvement is painting your home with a fresh coat of paint. By buying high quality paint with eye catching colors, you will improve the general look and mood of your place. Retouch the original color or possibly try a new, lively color in your rooms.
For the budget-minded homeowner working on a plumbing home improvement project, plastic PVC piping makes an entirely suitable substitute for expensive copper piping. PVC has been extensively tested and used for years without danger or failure. It is easy to work with and highly durable. The money saved by using PVC can be applied to more visible, usable home improvements.
Are you ready to start? Remember ‘a penny saved is a penny earned.’ So, take the time to read ahead of time to avoid any unnecessary mistake. Use the tips provided above to help you save time and money.
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