Simple Advice For Being Your Own Handyman (or Handywoman)
Updating the carpets in your house is a great way to increase value and improve the living quality. Give yourself plenty of shopping time in order to zero in on the perfect style, color, and material for your new carpet. Ask whoever works at the store if you can take some samples home.
If expense is a factor, consider vinyl tiles instead of ceramic or stone. Vinyl is easy to install, tough and is cheaper than other tiling options. Vinyl is available in many sizes and materials, so it is easy to purchase just enough for a small or large area.
As much as a fifth of all heat and cool air in homes is lost through windows. With a simple, second glaze application to larger windows, your monthly energy cost will be reduced. You will also enjoy a more temperate environment during weather extremes.
The ideal time to invest in additions or renovations is during a down real estate market. When work is scarce, contractors will compete for your business, allowing you to receive discounts. There is no expiration on home improvements. But, if you renovate your home during a slump, you will benefit from the increased value of your home when the market rebounds.
When you are replacing the baseboards, opt for stained wood over painted for more appeal. This look is considered classic, and most homes can benefit from the more natural appeal. Also, dings and scuffs are not as noticeable on stained baseboards as they are on the painted ones. There are several colors to choose from so you can match any decor.
Purchasing a smaller microwave, or a microwave that you can install over the stove, is a great space-saving tip to use in a smaller kitchen. These microwaves replace the hood of the range and are available in many price ranges, depending on the features desired. These models use a recirculating filter, making them ideal for use at home or in settings outside professional kitchens.
If you want an easy project that brings great returns, replace your old wood front door with a steel one. One recent study indicates that homeowners who replace a door with a steel variety tend to recoup about 129% of the door's total cost when the house sells. Your home will be more energy efficient and have better curb appeal with a steel entry door.
Construction adhesive is great for stopping floor squeaks. Even if you have to work out of the basement or crawl under the house, it will be worth the while. You will basically be gluing each floor joist to its neighbor by applying a glue line along each one with a caulking gun.
When considering home improvements, you should understand how long different types of materials, repairs and upgrades last. For example, a new stone or brick chimney can provide 100 years or more of use. However, a deck made of wood may last only 15 years. Vinyl flooring lasts approximately 29 years, whereas oak flooring can last a lifetime. When you are renovating your home, you should consider this sort of thing and decide whether or not a given renovation is worth the effort and expense.
Apply the 60/30/10 rule during decoration. The dominant color should comprise 60 percent, with the secondary color comprising 30 percent and the accent color 10 percent. In practice, this means that the main color should be used on the walls, while the secondary color should be used for the upholstery, and the last tenth should be used for a miscellaneous accent item.
Tackling your own home improvements can be a great learning experience. Sometimes a professional is needed to produce the best results. You will want to know as much as you can so you can keep an eye on your contractors. These are all important aspects of home improvement. Keep the tips shared here in mind to make your work much easier.
Home Improvement Advice That You Can Use, Great Advice For Every Kind Of Home Improvement Project