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Some think that home improvement should be left to the pros, but that just isn’t true. Home improvement projects can actually be a lot of fun to complete on your own, whether you have experience or not. The key is to have some sensible advice. Read on to discover some neat tips.
When renovating a kitchen or bathroom, avoid using linoleum. The foremost reason for this is that linoleum has dropped out of vogue and can make your new renovation seem dated. Tile has a much better appearance, can be used in any situation where you might choose linoleum, and can even have radiant heat grids installed underneath for the extra touch of heated floors.
When doing home improvement projects around kitchens with gas stoves, gas fire places, or gas water heaters, it is very important to turn off the gas supply line. This will prevent any chances of injury or death caused by gas leaks, which can lead to suffocation or creating deadly gas explosions.
Never underestimate how long a project could take or the potential issues that could cause it to take longer or cost more. Make written notes about the entire job, so that you have a good grasp of all the steps involved. It is also a good idea to look for another opinion if you overlooked something. If you know exactly what must be done, you will be able to economize.
Landscaping can easily add value to your home by creating curb appeal. Shrubs and hedges are generally affordable and easy to maintain. Trees, on the other hand, are not recommended for many reasons. Foremost, immature trees do little to enhance the attractiveness of a yard, while mature trees are often very expensive.
Sealing air leaks is an inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. Unsealed cracks and openings are one of the leading causes of heat loss in the average home. Common problem areas include around doors and windows, around pipes, wires and ducts that lead outdoors and around recessed light fixtures. Use caulk to seal small cracks and expanding spray foam for larger gaps and openings.
If you are a handy person and can understand plans, consider doing some home improvement jobs yourself. Small and simple projects can improve the overall look of your home. By doing it yourself, you save money and avoid the aggravation of researching a contractor for minor jobs. You will feel more confident and much prouder of your home.
While new home builders are now required to install only low-flow toilets, older homes rarely have efficient plumbing; an older toilet can use more than three gallons of water per flush; a new low-flow commode will use less than half of that amount, making it a wise investment that can save money on your water costs.
Home improvement can be enjoyable and satisfying. If you take your time and apply some of the suggestions above, you will have fun while at the same time you will be adding value to your property. It’s a win-win situation!
