Tackling home-improvement projects that need to be done can be both exciting and rewarding. But going at it the wrong way can be a big disappointment and a source of a lot of stress. The best success is had when you plan ahead well and you pick the right time for doing the project. Here are some very important do it yourself home improvement tips to help every project be a success.
1. Almost any interior home-improvement project is going to make a mess, and that means that your home will be in disarray while the project is going on. For many, this is the most frustrating part of the entire project. So if you know that a particular room or area of the house is going to need some repairs, why not plan in advance and try to accomplish as much as you can in that area at one time?
If you don’t want dirt and debris flying all over your furniture in that area you will need to prepare your home in advance, usually by covering them with bedsheets or plastic sheeting. So it’s much easier to do this in one entire section of the house at a time, instead of having to recover everything over and over again.
2. Even if you plan on doing all the work yourself, it’s always a good idea to have the phone numbers of local professionals available in case you run into a major problem. When remodeling, there is just no telling what kind of problems you may encounter. Some of it you may be able to handle on your own, and some you may not. Butt having the phone numbers of experts in that field handy can keep the project moving forward even when difficult situations are encountered.
3. If you have a family, keep in mind that small children and power tools just don’t mix. Of course, they will probably want to be with you and maybe even join in and help you. But for safety’s sake, be sure to keep them completely away from any power tools or equipment that could cause harm.
4. It doesn’t matter what project you get involved in, or how organized you are in planning it, you are always going to find something that you need right away in order to finish. It’s just Murphy’s Law. So try not to start any major remodeling projects at a time when supply stores and tool rental shops are not open. When you need something for the project, and you definitely will, it’s a real relief to be able to just run down and get it right away without causing much work delay.
5. If you have to work around any of the home appliances or electrical and plumbing, be sure that you know for certain where and how to turn off all of the water, gas and electricity services to your home. If an emergency situation arises, you don’t want to have to find the shutoffs at the last minute.
Although improving your home can be a lot of fun, you need to be smart about how you do it as well. Following the tips given above should at least help you get your home improvement projects off to the right start.
midwestmushroomcloud
March 23, 2010 at 10:27 am
good advice you might know your stuff. dont waste water!
What's Next?
March 23, 2010 at 10:28 am
A simple answer would be to turn off the offending appliance. I for one am happy the government is acknowledging energy efficiency.
Samann
March 23, 2010 at 11:19 am
all you need for this is a small amount of olive oil, add a small drop to the joints of the bed and it will stop squeaking. Just remember to put an old rag under the part you are oiling so it does´t drip on your floor or carpet
miss genuis
March 25, 2010 at 1:31 am
I quickly glanced over the sites you listed..I think the second one would be most helpful for the average person and the first and third are useless…the last one..well..you can get this advice here from people..I don't think looking for a site that offers both home improvement and decorating is realistic as these are two very different subjects. If you want professional advice, then hire a professional..you get what you pay for. Being a freelance writer, I think you should be able to draw upon your own views.
smokewizzle44
March 25, 2010 at 3:54 am
Just be honest. Tell your supervisor you feel like you've earned an increase in pay. If you need to, offer to take on added responsibilities or move to a different job position that comes with an increase in pay. Good luck!!!!!
Okie
March 25, 2010 at 4:20 am
1) Box up anything smaller than a football you don't absolutely, positively have to use on a day to day basis.
Remove window screens that aren't needed daily to flood your rooms with natural light. Update lampshades and bulbs to make your rooms shine even brighter.
2) Replace worn, dated flooring. Including carpeting and linoleum. Buyer's can not imagine what it will look like, they need to see what it IS like, right now.
3) PAINT everything a neutral color. A lot of buyer's are turned off if their furnishings don't go with the paint colors you have right now. Not to mention, fresh paint kills any odors that you might not even realize you have in the house.
4) Pull up area rugs!! They break up the space, draw too much attention, and make buyer's wonder what you're hiding.
5) Update old lighting fixtures. They will help your house compete with newer homes on the market and they are a cheap and easy do-it-yourself fix.
6) Edit your furnishings down to only what you absolutely need. Arrange furniture at least 8 inches from the walls and angle some for visual interst.
7) Keep in mind, buyer's walk through most listings in about 10 minutes the first time around, so make sure the features of your home come into focus as soon as they walk in the door. That means accessorizing to draw the eye directly to them without overpowering them. IE: Bright greenery on top of a mantel with a couple of shiny candlesticks will serve you better than some eye-popping artwork.
9) Make sure the house is HOSPITAL CLEAN, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Just avoid the hospital smell. Fresh citrus cleaners are better than pine-based solutions.
10) Fresh mulch can boost your curb appeal 100%!! Makes your place look freshly landscaped.
11) Paint your front door a glossy fresh color! Add a bright brass kick plate for added sass. And a bright pot of mature annuals is always a welcoming touch.
salexos
March 25, 2010 at 10:05 pm
To Learn more about Kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling visit http://www.renuremodeling.com/ it has some good information even if it is out of your area.
What's Next?
March 26, 2010 at 3:55 am
I thought he was shilling for Lowes.
Staying Quiet
March 26, 2010 at 5:20 am
Everything, try ans do with every thing, it will pay of.
Eric A
March 26, 2010 at 7:08 am
Just buy them some donuts and coffee every now and then. Let the contractor handle the money. Tipping is not usually associated with construction.
And why start something that can get out of control. You can at the end of construction have a wrap party.
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