Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Always Room For Improvement: Could These Tips Make Your House Even Better?
There are some projects that could be enjoyable and could also improve your home. Your home is where you spend most of your time, so any efforts you place into it will be felt by you everyday. One of the biggest problems homeowners face is the actual first step in the process. You may not know how to proceed with the repairs. For inspiration and ideas on getting the most from your home, read on.
If you are thinking of replacing your popcorn ceiling, you need to test it for asbestos prior to handling. Asbestos is extremely harmful, and it requires special care and skilled professionals to remove and dispose of it properly as it causes serious problems when disturbed. If your popcorn ceiling does have asbestos in it, you will have to find a licensed company to remove it for you.
When it comes time to pick a contractor, shop around and make sure the estimates you receive are for the very same repairs. Have a list of projects, including repairs and replacements, ready to go before you contact the first contractor. Show that same list to every contractor you consult. If you constantly alter the details, it will be very hard to find the best value for your money.
As you begin your home improvement project, take care not to demolish too quickly. Always check the underlying structure that is behind a cabinet or wall before going to tear it down. If electrical elements were damaged, it may be costly to make the necessary repairs.
If you have chosen to do something major to your house, make sure it complements the construction and style of your entire house. For example, the addition of a garden, stone walkway or patio that clashes with the design of your home looks as if it was haphazardly thrown together, while one that is well planned and complementary to your home gives your property a put-together look.
Keep an eye out for sales on carpet installation from many of the national home project retailers. Often, they will reduce the cost of installation to extremely low levels to help sell the actual carpet. Replacing the carpets in your home during one of these promotions can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on labor and installation.
If your room is small, or the ceilings are low to the ground, give them the illusion of space. Flood the room with light. Paint the walls a nice, bright color the grabs the eye. You can make ceilings appear taller by simply re-positioning the curtain rod higher up above the window frame.
If you are beginning a renovation in your kitchen or bathroom, make sure to shut off the water supply to those rooms before beginning work on any plumbing or fixtures. That may sound like a no-brainer to you, but it is a step that is often overlooked by homeowners, resulting in costly flooding.
You should make sure any wood burning stove you are interested in is approved by the EPA. While newer models hold this certification, emissions standards for older models need to be tested. Carbon monoxide is also a concern when burning wood indoors, so carefully check all stoves for leaks.
Give yourself time to prepare before tackling a project around the house. For instance, if you are painting, cover all furniture prior to beginning. Paint can ruin any furniture it comes in contact with. Cover your furniture with sheets to keep it protected.
If your new home is in a suburban area located next to undeveloped or thickly wooded land, consider investing in a tall wooden or chain-link fence around the perimeter of your backyard. This will keep animals out of your yard.
Purchase a drain snake for your home in order to save money. This will keep you from needing drain cleaners as often. If you have not used a drain snake before, ask a professional to show you how on your first project. Snakes come in different sizes and lengths so measure your drain before buying one.
If you are purchasing a house, make sure to enlist a professional home inspector. That way you need not rely on the seller and your eyes about what has to be replaced or fixed if you buy the house. Besides, the seller will not be able to contest anything the inspector finds, and you will probably find out about things you had not noticed before.
If your home improvement project involves the water system or something close to it, shut off the water. Before you begin, know where the shut off valve is, or you may quickly be in a flood of water when repairing a sink.
Motion detection lighting can not only improve your home, but it can also save you cash and increase your overall security. Rather than staying on all night, motion-detecting lights activate only when movement occurs nearby. Anyone trying to break in will steer clear, because the will see the motion lights.
If you need to make renovations to your bathroom, you should make it handicap-accessible. You don't need to renovate it all at once, but it can save you time and prepare everything for when you get older in the same place. When you sell the house, these things are going to boost your home's resale value on the market.
Prior to starting an interior painting project, be sure and run a damp cloth on all walls and baseboards to get rid of dirt, grime and dust. The paint will stick better, and you may not have to repaint or touch up too often by undertaking this preparation work.
Use a cheque to pay your contractor in case he does a shoddy job, this way you can put a stop on it. This is a great way to ensure that a scam artist doesn't take your down payment and get out of town with it. But if you avoid paying in cash or with a debit, you can stop them from profiting off of you.
Your home is your castle, your headquarters, your life. That is why taking care of it is so important. You should have gotten some great tips on home projects from this article. Which ones do you want to do?
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