Simple Advice For Being Your Own Handyman (or Handywoman)

TIP! If you are considering a renovation on your home that adds a personalized aspect, think about the value and return that the investment will make. If you make a very personalized renovation to your home, then it will probably decrease your home’s value because another person will not like this style and won’t be willing to pay for the home and any extra renovations they must make.

Many homeowners decide to take on a home-improvement project at one point or another. Just because a homeowner has planned a project doesn’t mean he actually succeeded in completing that project, especially if he wasn’t an accomplished handyman. The following tips will ensure the completion of any home improvement project, so read them.

TIP! A washer and dryer combo unit should be considered if space is limited at your home. A combo unit is usually 36 inches wide.

If you’d like some extra storage for your rooms, try recycling your old shoe boxes. Take leftover fabric or wallpaper and cover the shoe boxes in order to get a pleasing design. This is a wonderful way to give yourself extra storage or just add simple visual drama to a room.

TIP! You just need two tips to make your ceiling seem higher. Add a funky lamp to your room or paint your walls in more than one color.

When replacing a floor, consider using vinyl to save money. In most cases, installing vinyl is easy thanks to pre-applied adhesive; the resulting floor surface is durable, strong, and resists water and wear. As an added convenience, vinyl tiling is available in sheets or sets, depending on the size of the area you need to cover.

TIP! If your door is constantly squeaking, try replacing the hinge. Your local hardware store will carry what you need.

There is no need to get rid of worn doors. Remove them, and sand them down to the bare wood. You can apply a clean, attractive coat of oil-based paint in whatever shade you desire using an ordinary roller. For doors that you want to look new, try getting doorknobs that look fancier.

TIP! Over time, tiles can dull and fade. Mixing together vinegar and water may create a solution that is safe for some floors.

A little wallpaper can add appeal and distinction to your bookcase. Choose a design that is different and eye catching. Paper the back of the bookcase with the wallpaper, and then you’ll be able to see it behind the books. This will give your bookcase a good design and it will also act as a focal point in your room.

TIP! Sand and wipe off any wood surface that you will be staining or painting. Using fine sandpaper to sand the item will provide it with a smoother finish.

Any home improvement project will be hard work. Take a moment to create a list of all of the tasks involved. You may also want to get an additional opinion to ensure you didn’t miss anything during your assessment. A clear understanding of the tasks ahead will save you money in the long term.

TIP! The quality of a great door cannot be underestimated. The door will be seen by every visitor you have.

A home’s basement typically has very little natural light, if any at all. Be sure you make your basement more livable by placing artificial lighting in good positions there. Many basements are located only partially underground. If this is the case, putting in windows might be an option.

TIP! Consider the “age-in-place” method when making a major renovation. This refers to the design philosophy that homeowners are going to age while they are in their home.

If you want to make a room feel more tranquil, use cool, pale shades of purple, green or blue. Instead of heavy or dark fabrics, choose cotton or linen fabric. You can also place a scented candle or potpourri in the room for a nice, tranquil scent.

TIP! Whenever you’re doing home improvement work in your bathrooms or your kitchen, you must remember to turn off the water feeds before going anywhere near the pipes or fixtures. It seems common sense, however many homeowners often make the error of overlooking this step and end up with major flooding, which actually requires more renovations.

The average home can lose air through their windows, which causes higher utility bills. With a simple, second glaze application to larger windows, your monthly energy cost will be reduced. You will also enjoy a more temperate environment during weather extremes.

TIP! You can draw attention to the best elements of your lawn or walkway with some accent lighting. This light can be nestled in trees to mimic dark, but natural, lighting.

As you can probably see, first-timers can find it difficult to plan and execute a home renovation project. Anyone who isn’t sure of what they’re doing should bring in a professional when it is needed. It’s wise, then, to use these tips to help you succeed in any project you take on.