Do it yourself with these home improvement tips

Some jobs are easy for a properly trained homeowner to handle, but some require expert assistance. Read this article to find out when to call a professional and when you can do it yourself.

Take the time to make each project your own, instead of just copying what someone else has done. Including your own personal touch can make any project special.

Use a porch light with a motion sensor to lower your electric bill. These types of lights can be turned on manually and the sensitivity can be adjusted as well.

Sort your tools by project, in multiple toolboxes. For example, have a toolbox specifically for plumbing projects, containing various pipe fittings, a pipe wrench, and PVC glue. Make another box for your electrical tools and supplies. By doing this, you will be able to locate specific tools when you need them.

One way to increase the value of your home is to upgrade your kitchen appliances. Even if you don’t plan to sell, updated appliances are a great idea to easily improve your home.

Gutters clogged with leaves or other debris can cause serious drainage problems in the rainy season. One of the main causes of leaky footings is clogged storm gutters that divert rainwater through a home’s siding. Regularly clean your gutters to avoid this problem.

If your walls have built-in corners or small alcoves, you can make these areas pop with accent colors and well-placed wallpaper. If you paint them, you may be able to get by with just a small container of paint instead of a full gallon.

Anytime you’re working on any kind of heavier project, you want to make sure you have all the safety gear you need. If you are lifting heavy objects, be sure to wear a brace. Hard hats are also good if there is a risk of dropping an object.

Replacing the wall planks with a waterproof version is a great update to any kitchen or bathroom makeover. Waterproof wallboard is called “green board” by the construction industry and will hold up to moisture much better than standard wallboard. Also, most brands have special treatments to prevent mold growth.

If you are taking on a large project, hire a trusted professional. Professionals like architects, designers, and contractors are in business for a reason. The work is complicated, and they are professionals in their field. It can be tempting to try to do the job on your own. But giving a professional the chance to do the job will give you the peace of mind that it was done properly and safely.

Mounting a coat rack can be a pretty way to display and store your bracelets and necklaces. Of course, never hang your most valuable jewelry, but hanging costume jewelry is a great way to organize jewelry and add interest to a room. Hanging your jewelry enhances a room’s décor and has the added benefit of preventing tangling. Make sure your most frequently worn jewelry is still on hand.

Are you sick of an old chest of drawers in your bedroom? You don’t need a new dresser, why not update the one you have? Not only will you instantly bring an old item back to life, but you will have saved all the money you would spend buying a replacement. There are a variety of stain options available for any type of furniture.

Before hiring any contractor, make sure they are licensed and insured in your state. This information can be found online from your state government or through a phone call. If a contractor does not have a license, it is likely that he is incompetent, a scammer, or unable to obtain a license for some reason (convicted felon, illegal immigrant).

Consider buying a washer/dryer combo unit if you live in a small space. They take up about the same amount of space as your dishwasher. A washer and dryer combo unit does both jobs.

Use wallpaper to decorate a bookcase. Make sure you choose a wallpaper that is visually striking and different. Apply the wallpaper to the back of your bookshelf and when you stack your books, the design will peek out from behind your books. This can really bring the room together and create a very aesthetically pleasing look.

Make sure your contractor listens to you. It is important to hire a contractor who is honest, but you should know if he is listening to any of your concerns. Some contractors are very competent but want to do things their way, minus your input. Your contractor should be available to listen to everything he has to say.

Landscaping is a very durable home improvement. When planning a landscaping project, consider using a variety of textures in your design. Adding attractive landscaping to your home will not only increase the value of your home, it will also make the neighbors jealous.

Almost all supplies used in home improvement related projects are targets for a thief. He should keep building materials locked up when he’s not working. Building materials can be safely stored inside the house, as long as lockable doors and windows are already installed. If the house is not insured, you have the option of storing them in a lockable storage unit.

Cover your important surfaces, like floors and countertops, to give them a layer of protection. This is important if your job involves painting, demolition, or any other project that may damage delicate surfaces. By protecting these surfaces, you can ensure that you don’t suffer any damage that will cost you more to repair. Cover surfaces to protect from paint splatters and flying debris.

In conclusion, sometimes it’s best to call in a professional to tackle your home improvement project if you feel like it’s in over your head. Keep this tip in mind to make sure you don’t lose your mind and waste a lot of time and money.