While the term home-improvement is often associated with costly remodeling jobs, there are plenty of simple ways to increase the value of your home. With a little home improvement knowledge, you can get a better-looking home with out spending much time or money. Take a look at these tips to get an idea of where to start.
When building your own home through use of a contractor, add a clause to the contract that gives the builder a bonus for finishing on time and on budget. This clause will encourage your builder to do a good job in the time allotted, and can save you a lot of headaches due to missed deadlines and extended budgets.
For a cost-effective method of updating the tiles on your floor, use vinyl instead of the more expensive stone or ceramic tiles. Not only is vinyl durable and water resistant, it also has an adhesive backing which makes it easy to install. As an added convenience, vinyl tiling is available in sheets or sets, depending on the size of the area you need to cover.
Paint and spackle can cover the holes left in your walls after you have hung pictures or paintings. You can find spackle at hardware stores. If the holes aren’t too large, you will just need a small amount of spackle. The smallest of holes (like those left by push-pins) will require such a tiny dab of spackle that the ideal applicator is a bobby pin. After the spackle has dried, use something stiff, such as a credit card, to smooth the hole until your wall looks smooth. Put on your paint. Presto! No more holes on the wall.
Write down exactly what you are hoping to accomplish with your home improvement project. After you have started the project, you’ll be free to focus on what it takes to accomplish it rather than elements of design. There are many places out there to draw inspiration from. Your friends’ homes, design TV shows, books and magazines and much more. You can certainly find it if you’re looking.
Place a nice centerpiece on your dining room table to create a sophisticated look. Your arrangement doesn’t have to be floral in nature. You can mix celery sticks or different vegetables with flowers, or use wildflowers growing outside to create an arrangement pleasing to the eye. You can place your centerpiece into a basket or a vase.
Storage projects are an excellent way to get your feet wet in the home improvement process. If you have a broom closet in your home, consider making it into a small pantry. It is easy to attach small racks to the inside of the door and create a place for canned goods and spices. If you are able to add a deeper shelf, you can also store boxes or kitchen appliances that don’t see much use.
No matter what your budget, there are plenty of ways to get a better-looking home. Keep these tips in mind the next time you look around your house. You should easily be able to find a do-it-yourself project that will make your home feel like new again.
