By Hong Pedez
Guessing wrong about a sale item can put you in a very uncomfortable position since you probably won’t be able to return it. Carry a tape measure and a list of the dimensions of your rooms with you all the time. In this way, if you see the perfect item of furnishing, appliance, or fixture on sale, you will be able to measure it to see if it will fit the space you have in mind.
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.
To update the appearance of your basement, opt for easily installed modular flooring – the durable carpeting is suitable for even the heaviest traffic, and will make the area more inviting by ensuring the floors are not ice-cold. Many companies offer affordable traction-backed carpeting squares in a range of colors and patterns. These can be laid directly over concrete with no advance preparation.
When making outside cosmetic improvements to your home, don’t neglect the front door. A cheap, ugly front door can make the whole front appear less attractive. To replace a standard front door, costs less than $200. The improvement you will see in the appearance of your home is more than worth the cost.
You should ask for proof of insurance before hiring a contractor to do any work on or around your home. If something goes wrong while the contractor is doing work on your home and he does not have insurance, it could be very difficult for you to get the new damage repaired. You just need to ask for their proof of insurance before hiring them.
When thinking about value in doing a home improvement, kitchens and baths are always a good bet. Home improvements are always a safe bet, but if you have a few thousand to spend, spend it on your kitchen or bathrooms because they are the areas that new home buyers are generally most interested in.
Need to improve the walls in your home? Apply joint compound in relatively thin coats, and sand each spot so that it’s level with the wall after dries. This works for patching nail holes as well as fixing cracks in your walls. If you are not priming the walls before painting them, apply some of the new paint over the patched spots before rolling the color onto the walls. The patched areas may absorb more paint, so giving them an extra layer at the beginning will help to ensure an even look.
Home improvement costs often skyrocket when homeowners fail to take un-livability into consideration when scheduling an intensive remodel. If you can’t cook in your kitchen or bath in your bathroom, you will end up eating out a lot and possibly staying in a hotel for a few nights. These costs add up quickly if you weren’t expecting them. Add another line to your budget for food and lodging if necessary.
One of the most profitable home improvements that can be made are updates to your old bathrooms. Usually the cost is the lowest for any room remodel, but the value achieved from it is significantly greater than the cost. If you do some of the work yourself, you can save even more.
To create a modern focal point in your living room or study, consider installing a new stone, brick, or wood mantel for the area above your fireplace. If your fireplace already has a mantel, you can have it sanded and refinished to change its look. You could also update it by staining the brick or concrete with a rich color.
Working to improve your own home is something that intimidates many. The key to succeeding in such an endeavor is arming yourself with the proper information before you start. By using the tips and advice in this article, you will have the education necessary to greatly increase the appeal and value of your home.