Any homeowner will tell you that owning and maintaining a home is both expansive and time consuming. Average homeowners should put aside about one to three percent of their home’s value every year to spend on improvements. Certainly, it is possible to reduce costs, so it makes sense to review some great ideas for doing just that.
If you are planning something major in terms of a home renovation project, make sure you hire a professional to help with the plans. Without specialized training in designing living spaces, your own ideas may lack the necessary details to allow your home to function optimally. An experienced designer or architect can create a remodeling plan that incorporates all the appropriate building codes for your area as well.
As you plan home improvements, consider your neighborhoods’s character. A Victorian house is going to stand out blaringly on a block that only has saltbox cottages. When doing a remodeling, take into consideration what the home will look like in the context of the other homes around it.
The right tools could make a huge difference when working in improving your house. Jobs can be done more easily and, more importantly, done correctly with the right tools. Of course, it also helps to understand exactly how each tool should be used.
Draft Excluders
Purchase draft excluders or sealant strips to stop air from getting out. Draft excluders go under the door and keep air from going out or coming in. You will get the same functionality with sealants trips which fit around the door frame. Just about any hardware store will have them in stock.
Compile a list of all the things you need before going to the tool store. Having a list helps you stay more organized and prevents you from having to run back to the store again and again.
An easy way to protect walls and floors from marks, and to protect your young children while you’re at it, is to pad furniture with sharp edges. Many stores offer specialized corner protectors for such an occasion. If you cannot locate them, a simple layer of foam and tape will suffice temporarily. You should also be sure that any loose wiring is taped down, it can pose a choking hazard for young children.
Use a type of bold print in a average or low key living room to add some personality. Animal prints are a good choice as well. Leopard print pillows or zebra striped cushions are a good choice, as are posters and wall art.
It is easy to make changes to your home while staying within your budget. When you choose good home improvement projects and handle them well, you can significantly boost the value, comfort, and appeal of your home without spending huge sums of money.