Making home improvements doesn’t have to mean completing complex tasks. It also doesn’t have to mean spending big bucks. There are many projects that you can complete with just a little guidance. In this article we will provide tips on some simple and cost effective improvements that you could do this weekend.
Seriously reconsider adding a swimming pool to your backyard. A pool can be an enjoyable addition to a home. What some people fail to realize is that they are also very expensive. Not only are there the initial costs to consider, there is also the cost of regular upkeep. Make sure you have the money and time required, to keep your pool area from falling into disrepair, before you spend the money on it.
Take your time when doing demolition during a home renovation. It is important to make sure the walls are intact when taking down a cabinet. There could be electrical systems you could damage that would cost quite a bit to fix.
To save on your energy bill, try changing your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED light bulbs cost more than regular light bulbs, but use less energy to light your home and last longer. You should see returns on your monthly energy bill in no time after replacing all of the normal bulbs in your home with these.
A new danger looms in the home improvement industry, thanks to our neighbors across the Pacific. Don’t buy drywall made in China. In the last few years, the amount of drywall being brought in from China has increased. Unfortunately, a great deal of these materials do not meet acceptable standards for quality. Drywall manufactured in China can expel toxic fumes, that in turn can lead to corrosion of wires in the wall.
If you are doing work near a kitchen, fireplace, or gas appliance, make sure you know where the gas shutoff for your home is located. If there were to be an accident, and gas started leaking into your home, the smallest spark could set it off. If you know in advance where the shutoff is, you can respond faster to the issue before it becomes an emergency.
To add a fresh new look to a dated decor, consider adding a new coat of paint. A whole room can look better with new paint. It does not cost much to repaint your walls and doing so can increase your home’s value. Consider using light colors that will brighten up your home and blend well with existing decor.
Many homeowners save on construction costs via installing particleboard or solid wood cabinets that don’t have hardware. Fortunately, you are able to get knobs, pulls for the drawers and handles at a hardware store or online. You can purchase any style or design of knobs that you wish and install them in a minutes.
A ground-level air conditioning unit is often absolutely necessary, but that doesn’t make it pretty to look at. It can easily be disguised with latticework or a trellis. You could also plant something in front of it, but make sure to leave one foot between the plant and the unit.
Replacing the outlet covers in any room is an inexpensive and easy upgrade. Outlet covers are notorious for aging poorly, discoloring over time. New covers will help you add a simple fresh touch to improve the look of your house.
So there you have it, several simple and inexpensive tasks that will improve the value and quality of your home. Tackle one or two at a time, make them a weekend project, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Follow the tips we have provided and you’ll be on your way to improving your home like the pros.
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