Monday, April 8, 2013

Easy Home Improvement Tricks You Can Try Today

By Concha Gagliardotto


Gaining confidence in the area of home improvement is something that has proven elusive for many. However, preparing yourself to tackle a wide range of such tasks does not have to be difficult. By utilizing the advice contained in this article, you will have the information and know-how needed to dramatically enhance your home's beauty and functionality.

If your chimney is dated back 100 years or more, you may want to consider replacing it. An old chimney becomes hazardous and decreases your homes efficiency as well. They can become cracked or clogged causing issues if you wish to use it, while more of your home's heating and air can escape through an old chimney.

By installing crown molding, you will be updating your home with a crisp and fresh look that is surprisingly high-impact. At just over a dollar per square foot, you can splurge on molding that complements your window trim, flooring and baseboards. This look is timeless and easily adds value to your home, even after many years.

If you are looking for home improvement ideas that can add value to your house, then lighten everything up by adding space if you can. If your rooms are small, then this gives a cramped/dark feeling to them. Look to see if you can knock down a wall to combine two rooms (possibly between a kitchen and dining room). This will give a light and airy feeling to the space.

Replacing the windows in your home is one of the most important steps in perfecting your home. This is because the windows are one of the first thing a person notices in a home. Make sure to get windows that are durable. Vinyl windows are the best choice for durability and strength.

Looking to increase the value of your home prior to sale can require some home improvements that cannot be seen. It would be a wise investment to hire a home inspector to give your house the once over. They can identify any structural problems that may be hidden and need attention.

For a temporary and inexpensive way to childproof the edges of fireplaces, tables, and other objects, try using foam pipe insulation sleeves, which are pre-slit sleeves of cushy styrofoam. You can cover the sleeves with tablecloths or throws to disguise the do-it-yourself bumpers until your child no longer needs them.

An easy home improvement that can be done in just under an hour is to install a programmable thermostat. Disconnect the power for the thermostat and then it should be as simple as disconnecting three wires and reattaching three wires. Programmable thermostats are great money savers because they can be timed to turn off the heat and air when no on is at home.

Recycle the molding in the closets of your old house to finish out your renovation project! Sometimes, finding molding to match the molding from old houses can be almost impossible. One option is to remove the molding that is, likely inside your closets. You'll never notice that it's gone and it will be restored to its glory, out in the open where it can be seen.

Instead of trying to update bathrooms to go with current trends, it is a better idea to keep things neutral. The reason for that is the fact that styles change and there is a chance that what looks good now, may be considered dated at the time you wish to sell your home.

Ask to see your contractor's insurance certificate to ensure he is insured, then call his insurance company to find out what he's actually covered for. There are minimums set out by law which his coverage will need to adhere to, so find out what they are in your state and make sure he meets them.

When you need to find someone to do some work on your home, but no one has any recommendations, be sure to do a thorough search on the company on the internet. You should check reviews from previous customers, as well as to check the better business bureau. This could save you a lot of money and a big hassle in the future.

If a person already has a pool then they should consider getting a slide for their pool. The slide will be easy to install and bring new life to an old pool. People can newly enjoy what they already have had. Buying a slide can be an easy way to improve a pool.

If you do not already have one, add a second bathroom to your home. The main reason for this is so your family does not have to fight over one bathroom. Another reason for adding another bathroom is for resale value. Having two bathrooms makes a home more attractive for potential buyers.

Make visible changes. Invisible changes are great for your home, but if it ever comes time to sell, you do not want to have to explain why you installed fantastic heating systems but did not fix your shutters. Keep in mind that visibility sells. You want to be at the top of the market.

If you have a dark colored kitchen it would be in your best interest to lighten things up. Many people do not want to buy homes that have kitchens with dark colors. If you are worried about selling you home at some point them you need to keep that in mind.

Covering a stain, scratch, broken tile, or any kind of blemish on the floor with a decorative item, can be great for home improvement as well as fast to do. The blemish will disappear from sight, and it will only take as long as buying the decorative item.

Take advantage of the tips in this piece, and you will soon be ready to perform a broad array of home improvement jobs that will increase the appeal of your home.




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