No matter what your budget may be, the idea of home improvement is an exciting prospect. The following advice will help you get started on your next home improvement project.
Many tenants who are renting an apartment or home are in a pickle when landlords don’t allow tenants to paint the walls in a different color or take off the wallpaper that doesn’t suit their tastes. A great way to get around this is by purchasing flat bed sheets (the unfitted kind) and tacking them in a pleasing design on the wall. This will not harm the underlying wallpaper or paint and can add a touch of personality that won’t displease the landlord.
During the summer, you need to utilize lots of fans. Ceiling fans will keep cool air circulating. You can place some smaller fans around your home as needed. This will help you lower your electric bill during the summer months since fans use less electricity than an AC unit.
If you are suffering the wrath of owning a small bedroom, you can create an optical illusion making it seem larger than it is. Repainting your room in light green or blue can create a feeling of more “space”. You can also incorporate colors such as off white or beige, but they won’t feel as comfortable or warm as the other colors would.
Work with construction adhesive and remove the squeaks from your floors. If you do this, be aware that you are going to have to go under your home. Take a caulking gun and put glue on both sides of each floor joist, making sure that the glue binds the subfloor planks with the joists.
You should always wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting with a saw or other powered equipment. If you do not wear protective equipment for your eyes pieces of the material you are cutting or dust can become lodged in your eye or cause irritation. In severe cases permanent damage can be done to your eye.
If your house is low on usable space and you need an extra space, consider looking to your attic or basement for help. You can easily choose to turn your basement into a livable environment such as an office, man cave or recreation room. If your basement already has a staircase, a roof and separate walls, it can be a very cost effective way to improve your home.
Use light colors to create a soothing atmosphere: purple, green or blue often work well. Linens and cotton fabric add to a peaceful atmosphere. Use potpourri, candles or oil warmers to give your home a uniquely tranquil scent that means home to you.
Exterior lighting will give you peace of mind at night, and add beauty to your landscaping. Consider motion sensor lighting, as this will reduce the amount of energy used when the outdoors are not occupied, and can also frighten away unwanted animals or even prowlers. Install the lights in strategic places, such as the exact area visible to you from a window, and the path from your vehicle to the front door.
If you have room in your budget, you should go ahead and get started on a good home improvement project. No matter how ambitious or how mild your project will be, the tips in this piece should come in handy.