October 2016

Every homeowner knows that owning a home takes work and can be expensive. It is not uncommon to project costs of 1-3 percent of the home’s value in annual improvements. Costs can be reduced of course, and that is one of the things this article will try to help with. Make the most of these ideas and get the most from your projects.

Make your home more energy efficient by putting weather stripping around your windows and doors. This fix is very inexpensive, and it goes a long way in helping seal both cold and hot air out of your home. Also, this helps to reduce drafts for a better living environment.

Get a motion activated light for your front porch to help you keep your energy costs low, while keeping your yard safely lit. There are options as far as sensitivity and turning on the light manually if those options are important to you.

Dusting your home and furnishings on a weekly basis is a good idea. Dust contains allergens which can aggravate allergies. Regular dusting will not only remove dust, it can help you eliminate any unwanted spiders and other insects.

Instead of using a table lamp, choose a floor lamp; this will free up much-needed space on your nightstand. Floor versions are great because they can be easily moved to different locations. Look for an attractive lamp with a interesting shape that blends well with your decor.

Look for ideas for home improvement projects now. If you have a lot of ideas in mind, the easier it will be when a decision has to be made. Don’t rush into picking color schemes; you don’t want to stress yourself out.

An excellent investment for all homes is soundproofing the interior walls. It can be tempting to dream of soundproofing all the walls, yet this fantasy is not really possible, nor sensible. Bedrooms, bathrooms and equipment rooms are the most important to sound proof. As long as you do not have an open floor plan, another great room to soundproof is the kitchen.

Turning a basement into a usable room is a great idea. Finished basements add square footage as well as extra enjoyment. You can purchase finishing materials from your local discount or home improvement store. Many contractors estimate that a finished basement may boost the property value of a home as much as 30 percent.

Homeowners should use their best judgement when dealing with a contractor. Sometimes getting a second opinion is the best option. If you know what you are talking about you are less likely to get taken advantage of. Go with your gut if something does not seem right get a second opinion.

Installing a fence around ones entire backyard or a portion of ones yard can serve multiple home improvement purposes. It will allow guests, pets and family to avoid any stray animals that may be roaming around. This will also help keep a dog or other pet inside the yard. A fence …