Showing posts with label Home improvement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home improvement. Show all posts

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Home Repair Budget: How to Save for Needed Expenses


Maintaining a home is often expensive. From repairing the roof to trimming the trees, there are all sorts of jobs that require professional assistance. In order to keep up with all this necessary work, you need to account for home maintenance in your budget. Here’s how you can save up for essential home repairs.

Create a Separate Account


It’s often easier to save money for a specific purpose when you set it aside in its own account. That way, you’re not as tempted to dip into your savings for other purposes. 

Try making a “home improvement” account, and put a certain portion of every paycheck into it. This physical separation of your savings will help you maintain a sense of discipline.


Eliminate Wasteful Spending


If you’re going to save up for home repairs, then you’ll need to eliminate all those needless expenses that chip away at your monthly earnings. To really bring your budgeting game to the next level, write down all your typical expenses. 

This will give you a chance to understand where your money is actually going. You’ll probably be shocked by how much of your weekly paycheck goes toward frivolous purchases. 



If you really want to pay for necessary home repairs, you’ll need to change your lifestyle and cut out these wasteful expenses.

Separate Necessary Repairs From Optional Upgrades


When you’re working on a tight budget, then you need to differentiate between home improvement projects you’d like to do and home repairs that are absolutely necessary. 

After your shingles have been damaged by a storm, an appointment with an interior designer isn’t nearly as important as a visit from residential roofers. Responsible homeownership calls for getting your priorities in order.

Plan Your Projects in Advance


It’s tough to maintain a healthy budget when you’re constantly flying by the seat of your pants. Home repairs are often expensive, so it’s easier for your budget to absorb them when you prepare for them in advance. 

Plot out potential projects for the coming year, and plan your monthly budget around these foreseen expenses. This foresight will also save you money in the long term since it’s almost always cheaper to prevent an issue than to solve it after it occurs.

No matter how nice your home is, it’s going to require repairs. Take the steps above to make sure you can afford to maintain your home.



Monday, November 2, 2020

4 Reasons a New Roof is a Wise Investment




If you’re like most people, you’re not particularly concerned with the roof over your head—until it starts leaking. Placing pots on your floors to catch water is not fun, and water damage is quite costly. Don’t ignore your roof until an emergency occurs. The time to check your roof for damage, and even replace your roof is now.

Even if your roof hasn’t sprung a leak, you might be wondering why you would reach out to roofing contractors to replace your roof. Just because there aren’t any active leaks in your roof doesn’t mean there isn’t damage which can be compounded in the event of a storm or other natural disaster

Preventative actions are much more cost-effective than trying to recuperate from the unexpected. In this article, we will discuss four ways a new roof can save you money in the long term. Keep reading to learn more.

A Good Return on Your Investment


It’s important not to balk at hiring roofing contractors to replace your roof. In fact, your return on investment is approximately 70 percent. Therefore, replacing your roof is not as costly as you imagine. In addition, if you ever plan on selling your home, a new roof will help to increase your home’s overall value. 



As a result, you will profit from your wise investment. Moreover, a new and high-quality roof can have a lifespan of up to 30 years with continued maintenance. By then, you will have certainly realized the return on your investment.

Cut Down on Energy Costs


Invariably, energy costs skyrocket during the excruciatingly hot summers and bitterly cold winters. Thus, energy-efficient homes are on-trend right now. Again, if you are planning to sell your home, it helps to have marketable components such as a new, energy-saving roof. 

No one wants to pay an astronomical utility bill every month. Further, energy bills are not going to go down on their own. Not only will a new roof help to cut down on energy costs, but it will also enhance the temperature and comfort of your home.

Add to your curb appeal


Many homeowners view their houses as an investment. The objective is to invest in a good home, with a solid infrastructure, in the hopes it will rise in value. In fact, the easiest way to increase your net worth is by investing in the right home. 

As a result, a new roof can become a major boon to the curb appeal of your home. If this is a starter home or a flip, the roof can make a significant difference in the value of your home.

Create a safe environment


The longer you wait to replace a damaged roof, the more dangerous and unstable it becomes. For instance, it would be much more expensive to have to leave your home due to a damaged roof than to replace it before an emergency happens. 

If your roof were to cave in, imagine the damage it would cause to your furnishings and infrastructure. What if this happened during a storm? Water would start flooding your home causing countless issues and expenses whether or not you have insurance. A new roof offers a safe environment, and peace of mind during natural disasters.



Thursday, July 19, 2018

7 Home Improvement Projects to Leave to the Pros




When we’re trying to live on a fixed income, and cut back on expenses, most of us opt to handle things around the house ourselves. After all, what’s so hard about fixing a cupboard door? However, some of the time it really doesn’t pay to do it yourself. 

If we’re out of our depth, it could create more damage that will be more expensive to fix down the road. In fact, sometimes it can be downright dangerous. Here are a few projects that are usually best when left to the pros!

Electrical problems


Unless you’re an electrician, electrical problems are something that should be left to a licensed electrician! This is because of a few different reasons. Not only is messing with electricity dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, but it also means that all of your electrical work won’t be covered by insurance if something goes wrong. 


If you accidentally burn your entire house down because of an electrical project you did yourself, insurance won’t cover any of it.

Some more major plumbing


Can you unclog a toilet by yourself? Yeah, probably. But what if you need to replace a bunch of complicated piping or your toddler flushed a bath toy down the toilet drain and it’s far enough back that you’ll need a snake or other plumbing tool to get it out? 

In these situations, and similar situations, you may want to call a plumber! Your consequences if something goes wrong isn’t quite as dire as an electrical situation, so it really depends on how confident you feel about the situation. 

If you feel out of your depth and hopeless, then a professional may be valuable to you, even if just for the relief and sense of peace of mind.

Asbestos


Didn’t know that asbestos still existed? It does, and it can be horrific. If there is asbestos in your ceiling, call a professional to clean it up. When it becomes airborne, it can get stuck in your lungs, and lead to both lung cancer and major scarring in your lungs. Not worth the risk, honestly.


Waterproofing the foundation of your home


If you’re hoping to waterproof the foundation of your house, it’s going to be a much more difficult job than just digging around your house and installing a membrane. It’s a relatively big undertaking. 


There will need to be weeping tile at the bottom, and a sump pump is usually necessary for proper drainage. This project won’t be cheap, but it should come with at least a 15 year warranty. 

Often, this is a project that you should try to get accomplished before you move in, and you can coordinate it simultaneously while coordinating the move with your movers, since you won’t want to have to deal with it once you’ve already moved in.

Roofing


Way too many people fall from their roof while trying to make repairs up there. It’s easy to lose your balance, or make a simple misstep, and then cause such serious injuries that it can result in death. And that’s just not worth the risk. Call a professional, who will not only be experienced and get the job done quickly, but will be insured. 

Digging out a basement


If you think digging yourself a basement will be an easy job done over the course of a few days with a few handy friends and some shovels, you are sorely mistaken. Digging a basement requires a lot of foundational work, to make sure that your existing home stays safe and structurally sound, as well as taking a lot longer than a few days. 


Calling a professional to dig out your basement will cost you over $30,000 probably, but it’s worth it to not do yourself and risk the foundational integrity of your home.

Installing a skylight


Maybe you’re confident with installing windows or doors. But that doesn’t mean that you’re qualified to install a skylight. In fact, skylights are the most common cause of leaks in homes. This is because of poor installation and improper sealing. Hiring a professional will eliminate the risk for these issues, as well as often come with some sort of warranty.


Monday, March 12, 2018

4 Hacks to Save Money and Make Your Home Look Nicer than It Is



Making your home look nicer than it is presently does not necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many home improvement and DYI projects you can take up to make things look better around your home. 

In fact, you may have most of the materials on hand already: making these home beautifying projects even more cost effective. The following are four hacks you can use to make your home look better and save money in the process.


Creating Shelves


A shelf or two can improve the look of your home by providing a whole new level of organization to a room. You may have the wood from an old bed to use in this project. Or, you might have a pile of wood in your garage that needs repurposing. 


With a little shaping from a saw, some sanding and paint, you can produce shelves that will be a great addition to any room.


Create an Entertainment Stand


Another use for old wood in your garage that can make your living room look better is to create your own entertainment stand. This will not only organize your television, stereo, game console and help to hide a plethora of wires, but you can customize it any way you like to add to the aesthetic appeal of your living room too. 




Adding a sliding door to a cabinet style entertainment stand is a nice modern touch that can serve as a protective measure for your electronic gear when not in use.

Replacing Your Windows


When it comes to replacing the windows in your home, you want to obtain windows that are rated to save energy. Many windows today are energy inefficient, and this ends up costing you huge in heating and cooling bills over the life of these windows. 


By upgrading your windows to ones that are durable and energy efficient, like those offered by Unique Home Solutions, this helps to significantly reduce those higher energy costs. That translates to more money staying in your pocket.

A Visible Address


A lot of times people have difficulty finding your home, because they cannot see your address. This is especially a problem at night. You can often find ornate looking carved wood or other similar ornately shaped materials to use as a base for an outdoor address plaque at your local Goodwill or other thrift store for cheap.

When you find a base that you like, simply carve the numbers out of wood for your address that you want to attach to the base. Alternatively, you can purchase premanufactured numbers to save time. 


Glue the numbers to the ornate looking base with gorilla glue and let dry. Then hang your new address plaque outside your home in a highly visible spot. This can be a nice touch near the front door or next to the entryway of your porch.

Conclusion


There are a lot of little projects you can partake in to improve the look of your home. Small improvements do not have to be expensive either. Often all it takes is some creative thinking on your part to come up with the aesthetic improvements you want to add to your dwelling.


Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Sensational Summer: 4 Investments You Won't Regret This Season

One of the most highly anticipated times of the year is summer. During the summer months, many people try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

To ensure that you can enjoy your summer as much as possible, there are four different investments that you should consider making that you will never regret.

Vacation


The first investment that you will not regret this summer is investing in a vacation. Over the past decade, the amount of extra vacation time people do not take advantage of has increased dramatically.




While people may do this to avoid the cost of vacation or due to a demanding job schedule, it can be a huge mistake. It would be a very good idea to instead invest in a vacation.

Taking a vacation at Jumby Bay island
 has a wide range of health benefits. It can help you relax and can help make your life way less stressful when you get back. Everyone needs a break sometimes.

Summer is the perfect time of year to party and play. To enjoy this season as much as possible, some investments are well worth making.

All you have to decide is what you want to invest in to be the life of the party. Once you find something that you love, you definitely won’t regret it.

Outdoor Living Set


One investment to consider in your home is an outdoor living set. One of the best parts of summer is being able to spend time outside and throw parties.




To fully enjoy this time of year, you should consider purchasing a full outdoor living set, including a patio set, a new grill, outdoor speakers, and even some fun outdoor games. This can make your home the perfect place for parties and fun during the warmer months.

New Pool


During the summer months, one of the most enjoyable things to do is to lounge in and outside of a pool. Getting a new pool, such as those by places like Legacy Pools, can allow you to do this.

There are a wide range of above and below-ground pools that you can choose from, which will help to ensure that you find one within your budget and could make a great long-term investment.

Improved Air Conditioning


Another investment that you should consider making for your home is the installation of a new air conditioner. Having a quality air conditioner in your home will help you feel much more comfortable and may even help you sleep better.

If you have an older air conditioner it may no longer have the ability to cool your entire home especially after the long winter months. By replacing it with a new air conditioner, with modern amenities, you will have far more control over the temperature in all areas of your home.

Furthermore, it will run more efficiently which can help reduce your energy bills during the summer months.


Thursday, April 13, 2017

6 Improvements You Must Do Before Selling Your House



 With the current housing market booming, now is the time to sell. Whether you are moving to a new home or apartment, getting the best price for your home is important. 

The easiest way to increase the value of your house is fixing the small issues that you have become used to over the years. With the small problems out of the way, sprucing the place up can increase its value to potential customers with a minimal outlay of time and money.

Upgrade Doors and Windows


Sticky windows or doors that jam from the house settling are minor issues to you. You have had years to get used to your home’s quirks, but for potential buyers these nuisances can lead to worry about how well the house has been maintained. 




As the seller, it is a clever idea to put your buyer’s minds at ease. One of the easiest ways to do that is to make sure that the doors and windows open easily and completely.


Get Rid of the Carpet


Carpet that is more than a few years old is already dated. Add to that the years of ground in dirt, it is easier to replace carpet than try to get it completely clean. 

Pulling the carpet yourself and replacing it with hardwood floorboards or a modern flooring can increase the amount you get for your house. The potential buyers don’t have to factor in the cost of carpet removal and replacement, leaving more money to spend on the house. 

If the cost of replacement is too high, of course, or the floors leave a bit to be desired make sure you get a thorough cleaning of all carpets in your house.

Update the Bathroom and Kitchen


Bathrooms and kitchens can be easily overlooked by sellers since they are used to seeing them daily. A new set of eyes, however, can see a completely different room than what you are used to. 

Lighting, appliances and fixtures can all be changed out relatively inexpensively and will improve the value of your home.

Clean the House Up


Although it should go without saying, potential buyers are going to poke through everything if they can. 

With good reason, of course, they are dropping a great deal of money on a house that they intend to live in for years. Neither the buyer or the seller want to find surprises during these inspections. 

Clean everything from carpets to drapes and furniture (even if the furniture is going to be removed) to closets and the insides of cabinets. Dirt and grime will devalue your home quicker than shabby carpet.

Spruce Up the Yard


A little landscaping goes a long way and shows that you cared for your home. Mow the grass, trim the hedges and update lighting along drives and walkways. Remove any junk from the yard and garage before potential buyers come to visit the house. 


Learn More - Dirtiest Places in Your Home and How to Kill Germs -


Look at the hedges and plants and replace the mulch or ground cover. Trim drooping limbs on trees and ensure that nothing blocks the view of your house or the view from the house.

Slap a Fresh Coat of Paint on Everything


A fresh coat of paint makes everything look better. Interior design has trends and paint that was trendy a few years ago may not be now. This is also an appropriate time to paint the interior with neutral colors. 

According to experts behind ASAP painters Sydney, “avoid white interior paint, but neutral colors can be a tremendous selling point as they add character to a room.”

You don’t want to ignore the outside of the house, either. Since the first look potential buyers have is the exterior, making sure it looks good is an easy and inexpensive way to add value and appeal to your home.

When it comes to selling your home, you should put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and take an honest look at the house you are selling. 

Anything that bothers you about it will most likely bother the buyer, fix those small issues and selling your home will not only be easier, but more lucrative as well.

Author bio: Steven Clarke is a business consultant and a DIY enthusiast. In his spare time he likes to write about his ideas and share them with the world. Steven is a regular contributor to several websites.



Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Tight Budget? How you can Save Money on DIY Home Improvement Projects

No one wants to break the bank when it comes to remodeling or upgrading their home, but a quick look at even some basic DIY projects will have many homeowners shying away. 

One of the main benefits of DIY is saving some extra cash, and here is a look at a few simple tips and tricks that you can use to keep your next project on time and under budget. 


Rent Specialty Equipment


Anyone that plans on becoming a DIY expert is going to need a good set of basic tools, but there may be some specialty equipment that isn't quite practical to purchase right away. Many hardware and home improvement stores offer tool rentals by the hour, day, or week. 

As long as the rental rates are reasonable, then you may want to plan on renting unless you will use that specific tool at least a few times per year. Some commonly rented tools include industrial air blowers, cement mixers, winches, and power saws.


Keep Trim Colors Identical Throughout the Home


Many homeowners want to make every room as unique as possible when it comes to the paint scheme, but this can be prohibitively expensive. Even purchasing enough paint for simple touch ups may be overwhelming, and one simple way to cut down on costs is to keep the trim color consistent throughout the house. 

Everything from windowsills to baseboards can be painted with an off-white tone which matches practically any accent colors on the walls. 


Buy in Bulk Whenever Possible


English: Small community shopkeeping in Whitin...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
From the moment that you know which supplies you will be using a lot of, start looking around for sales on bulk purchases. 

Materials such as flooring and wood paneling should be kept within a close margin of how much you will be using, but other items such as bolts, nuts, and washers from companies like http://www.wholesalebolts.com/ will be much more affordable when larger amounts are purchased. 

This will also save you from taking multiple trips to the hardware store to buy box after box. 


Time Your Projects Wisely


Many homeowners tend to consider spring as the best time for home remodeling due to the weather, but the popularity of projects during this season often means that supplies and professional services will be slightly more expensive. 

It may not be as fun to remodel in the dead of winter or the hottest months of summer, but trying to steer clear of popular remodeling seasons could save you hundreds. Almost any services involving your plumbing system, roof, insulation, and HVAC system will be less when done off-season. 


Repurpose Material


If you are looking to save some serious money, then it may be time to consider using repurposed items. Repurposing and up cycling is a relatively new trend for home improvements in which old supplies and materials are adapted to fit a new project. 

Cheap supplies such as wooden pallets can be sanded, treated, and then painted or stained to match almost any dĂ©cor. In addition to being cheap, they are also extremely easy to find and can be used anywhere in the home. 


Explore Home Improvement Credit Cards


Anyone that is good with credit cards or their finances in general may benefit from a credit card directly through their local home improvement company. These companies often offer huge savings such as cash back rewards and blanket discounts on any purchases made with that card. 

Anyone that is struggling with current debt or not quite comfortable with a credit card should probably steer clear of accumulating more debt and stick to the other tips.

Breaking the budget is often the biggest fear that homeowners have when it comes to their remodeling project. These simple tips will help you cut costs without reducing the quality of the finished product.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Six Ways You Can Save Money By Building Your Own Home

If you have a dream home in mind, why not take the project into your own hands? Not only is this option ideal for overly meticulous homeowners, but it can also a money-saving solution. Building your own home from the ground up can save tremendous amounts of cash that can later be used to purchase other necessities for the new abode like furniture and appliances. 

Avoiding Overhead Costs


An apparent way you save money from building your own home is you remove a third-party contractor. A typical rate charged by contractors range from 18 to 20 percent of the total expenses of construction and land. Furthermore, realtor fees can add 5 to 7 percent on your bill, depending on the total price of the house. By building your own home, you can easily cut the expenses by 30 percent. 

Exactly How You Want It


The only person who knows what you want is you. Sometimes, contractors are simply unable to make your home the way you want it to look inside out. When this happens, remodeling is usually necessary to alter the details. This leads to more costs for additional materials and labor work. Instead of a general contractor, you can hire professionals who specialize in certain areas that will work to make your home exactly the way you envisioned. 

Choice of Materials


Some contractors tend to use unnecessarily expensive brands for paint, wood, concrete, etc. Even worse, they can skimp on quality material to save a few bucks, meaning more repairs and replacements for you down the road. For example, for roofing, choose a company that offers quality material so you won't have leaks or problems in the future. Professionals can take care of the hard work for you, making it cost-effective for years to come.

Learn New Skills


If you stumble on something you don't know, you will likely learn the skill and eventually master it. This can save you money later on when similar problems occur, such as a leaking pipeline or replacing a filter. You can also save a ton of money when you complete do-it-yourself projects around the home, instead of hiring a professional to take care of the task each time. Who knows, you can even sell your newly found skills to neighbors who need help with their home's inner workings.

Energy Efficient


Being the contractor of your own housing project gives you the power to choose what appliances you'll be integrating into the structure. You can get long-term savings by using appliances with the Energy Star seal, which is a symbol of high energy efficiency standards. From windows and doors to kitchen appliances and energy-efficient washers or dryers, there many ways you can save money. Having these things will greatly reduce or utility bills. Aside from saving you money, you get to do your part in saving the environment as well. 

At Your Own Pace


If you have lots of time but are riding on a tight budget, you can choose to gradually build your home as you make the money for it. You can avoid steep interest rates on mortgages while seeing your hard earned investment slowly turn into your dream house. Things like the basement are a great place to remodel or finish at a later time. You can also add on rooms or bathrooms in the future when you find more need for them.

While building your own home has it's own unique costs, in the end, it can be a cheaper option for many. With these tips in mind, you can have the home of your dreams without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

Informational credit to Century Roofing Ltd.


Monday, June 30, 2014

4 Ways Hiring a Cleaning Service Can Save Your Household Money this Summer



Some people are hesitant to hire a cleaning service because they believe they cannot afford it. To them, hiring a company to clean their home seems like an extra expense that can be avoided by simply performing the cleaning themselves. However, you may be surprised to learn that hiring a cleaning service can actually save your household money

Here are four reasons why this is the case. 

It Will Save You Time


Hiring a cleaning service means that you don't have to devote part of your day to tidy up your home. 
Apartment cleaning Chicago gives you the extra time and extra chance to be more productive with other home improvement projects, taking care of your kids, going to the gym, or whatever might be pressing on your agenda that you might need or want to accomplish. 

Besides, the cleaning service personnel will likely be able to finish the job faster than you would have if you had done it yourself. This is especially true if you work at home. You can use that saved time to complete a project faster and find more work. The increase in business can more than compensate for the cost of hiring an affordable cleaning service. 

It Will Improve Your Health and Energy Level


Businesses lose countless dollars each year when employees are unable to work due to illness, and the employees themselves often suffer lost wages. They are also forced to spend extra money on medicines and doctor visits. 




Hiring a cleaning service can lead to extra rest and relaxation. You will be spared from the strenuous work of keeping each room in your house clean. This will significantly reduce the odds of becoming sick and missing work. 

Making Items Easier To Find


The clutter of a messy home often leads to difficulties finding items. Many people simply give up and rush to the store to buy the product that they think that they have lost, only to find the original item later. The same people also have problems finding important documents like bills or they have trouble finding other important items like their checkbook. 


With a clean and well-organized home you will have no trouble finding the things that are most important that allow your daily life to function. Therefore, a well-organized house, it will be much easier to find things, saving you money on replacements, hassle, and stress. 

It Inspires You


Having a clean home gives many people an emotional boost. Many of us take great pride in having a beautiful home. It reduces stress and helps them become more productive. This can translate to increased productivity and extra income. For example, if you are a writer or an artist by hobby or profession, a clean and well-organized home will allow you to be inspired with new and improved ideas. 


This might even allow you to come up with your own personal masterpiece. Perhaps that masterpiece you came up with will cause a change in the world around you. Just keep in mind that the most successful and brightest people out there have one thing in common, they all have a well-organized, clean home or environment around them.

Conclusion


Make sure to do diligent research before hiring a cleaning company. You should check out each company's website to see what they have to offer. Make sure to contact them for more information about their services and hourly rates. However, above all else, make sure the hiring a cleaning service right for you and make sure you hire the right cleaning service for your needs.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

How To Save Money When Customizing Your Home

Customizing your home can be a challenge. If you’re on a budget the challenges can seem overwhelming. The great thing is that it doesn’t have to be. You can customize your home with a little creativity and planning. Using a few strategies you can make your overall cost low and your home project less stressful. 

Do It Yourself


Do it yourself or DIY projects can save a lot of money. Many projects are as simple as adding a flower bed to your front yard or changing out your old mailbox to add curb appeal. You can also use inexpensive items to create custom art pieces inside of your home. These little details can make a huge statement without costing a lot. Because you do the work yourself, the only cost to you is materials and time. 

Add Little Details


Updating the outside of your home can make customization seem daunting. But small changes can have a big impact. Adding something new like custom plantation shutters or a new door can make your home seem new for very little. If your budget doesn’t allow for new shutters or a new door, painting can have the same impact. 

Yard Sale Finds


The old saying that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure is true. Yard sales are a great way to find new furniture or art for less money than you would pay anywhere else. A brand new wooden bedroom set could cost thousands of dollars to buy in a retail store. Buying one at a yard sale may cost you less than one hundred dollars. That savings can be used in other parts of your home. 

Repurposing


If you have items that you don’t use they can be made into something new. An old dresser can be turned into a TV stand or a storage cabinet by removing the drawers and adding decorative baskets. An old wardrobe cabinet can be turned into a desk by adding a sliding shelf. These pieces can add a lot of character to your home without costing much. By using an old piece in a new way, it creates a uniqueness to your home’s dĂ©cor. 

Painting


One of the best ways to have your personality show in your home is through color. Similar to the idea of painting your door or shutters for the outside of your home, you can make the same changes on the inside. Choosing a color that is unique to you can change a room from boring to beautiful. Many paint companies will help you to customize your paint color to better suit your vision. 

Small Changes


Little things inside your home can make customization fun. Items like drawer and cabinet handles can be changed out for newer ones. By changing them out, you can make a statement of your personality. You can use new hardware on your doors to make your home more formal or more casual, depending on your personal choices. Using paint or wallpaper on your light switch panels or outlets can have the same effect. Putting a decorative charm on the chains of ceiling fans can also add a unique touch.

Home customizing doesn't have to break your budget. By doing some planning and a little extra homework, you can help make your vision into a reality. Not being afraid of doing things differently will keep money in your pocket. That extra money can be spent on more customization. Making your home a statement of your personality can be easy, fun and very rewarding. Using your imagination, you can make your home more beautiful than you may have thought possible.

Friday, March 7, 2014

Six Simple Ways to Beautify Your Home on a Budget

Every family wants to make improvements to their home, but most families run into their monthly budget when they begin to make improvements. Therefore, the family must consider what they do to make their home look beautiful without spending too much money. Some of these suggestions are services, but others are permanent changes that simply do not cost much money to complete.

1. Pressure Washing


Many homeowners may look up at their home and wish that they could make the siding or brick look better. Some families may have even looked at getting the house painted and realized that they simply cannot afford it. Often, a pressure washer can gently wash the exterior of the home and give the entire house new life for a few hundred dollars rather than a few thousand dollars. Plus, you can recruit the help of your children. After-all, what did doesn't like to spray water from a hose?

2. Sinks and Fixtures


Many families may want to remodel their whole bathroom or kitchen. However, projects of this magnitude could cost so much money that the family would never consider them. Forget redoing your entire kitchen or bathroom. Simple fixes can result in amazing results. Therefore, doing something smaller is a better choice. The sinks and fixtures in a bathroom or kitchen can be easily changed to make the room look more modern and fresh without spending a ton of money on making the changes. 

3. Ceiling Fans


Every ceiling fan in the house will eventually look outdated. While it would be nice to change everything in the house, getting new ceiling fans can help to make a room look more up-to-date without spending a ton of money on the project. Plus, newer ceiling fans make less noise and use less energy than their older counterparts. 

4. Paint The Rooms


When the family wants to make a major impression on their guests, they should consider painting the walls in their kitchen, guest bathroom and living room. These painting jobs can be done by the homeowners relatively quickly, and they will bring new life to a room that may have looked drab in the past. This change only requires a few cans of paint, a brush and some time. It is also much cheaper than installing wallpaper, doing faux finishes or adding architectural additions to the rooms.

5. Change The Kitchen Cabinet Doors


The kitchen cabinets are the most obvious parts of the kitchen that are not the appliances. Plus, the entire cabinet does not need to be changed in order to make the whole room look different. Homeowners can change the door on their kitchen cabinets to give the room a new look without doing a remodel of the entire room.

Plus, kitchen cabinet hardware and knobs can be changed to make the doors look different. Because these are easily seen by anyone who comes into the house, they are a big change that doesn't cost much money.

Every homeowner who wants to make changes to their home on a budget should locations that involve home remodeling in order to learn how to make changes to the house that are inexpensive. Doing so can save the family money and make their home look brand new. 

6. Add flowers and plants


Adding flowers and houseplants to your living area lends an unmistakable beauty to your living space. Not only do plants and flowers add color to your home, but fresh cut flowers smell great and make your home welcoming for any guest. Try adding an array of plants and flowers to your home. You will notice your home becomes immediately more beautiful. Visit this site for more information on outfitting your home with beautiful fresh cut flowers.

Author Bio
Karleia is a freelance blogger. Away from work she enjoys spending time with her family.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

6 Eye-Catching Apartment Add-Ons that Won't Cost You Your Deposit

So you’re moving back into an apartment. The only problem is that it's a little outdated and those white walls and basic carpets aren't as stylish as you had hoped. Don't worry, there are still plenty of ways you can make your apartment your own, and you won't have to worry about making your landlord mad or losing your security deposit.

There are several ways you can turn your plain and boring apartment into a decorative and modern abode without making any permanent changes. These ideas are simple, inexpensive and best of all: temporary.

Area and Throw Rugs


You might not think that rugs can make a big difference in an apartment, but the right patterns and colors can change the entire mood of a room or an entire apartment. Consider the shape and side of each room in the apartment and choose a rug shape, pattern and color that will highlight the accent furniture and wall decor in the room.

Tired of hardwood or laminate flooring? Cut large rugs to the precise measurements of a room and use heavy furniture to help hold it in place. A dramatic or colorful rug or carpet will draw attention to the center of the room and pull the entire look together.

Curtains and Window Treatments


Never underestimate the power of a great set of curtains. If you have large windows in your room or apartment, your curtain choices are that much more important. A person's eyes are naturally drawn to the windows in a room because of the light they bring in.

Choose curtains that are bold enough to be eye catching but subtle enough to not take your attention away from the rest of the decor and furniture. Consider bright or bold, solid colors that compliment your furniture, rugs and window moldings. Floor-to-ceiling models add depth to the room, and even offer the illusion that the celing is taller than it is. Blinds and shutters are another option that will help improve the look of an apartment.

Bedding, Throw Pillows, and Accents


Bedding and throw pillows can brighten and set the color scheme or theme for any room. Patterned pillows and bedding are a great way to bring several colors together in a room. Choose throw pillows in fun shapes that match your decor and don't be afraid to toss a couple of throw blankets on the back of your couch or chairs. Not only will they be convenient for yourself or guests who might get chilly while visiting, but they will also add a nice splash of color to whichever room they are in.

You can add a flash of color and your own personal style to any room through accents. Look for unique shower curtains at JCP to spice up your bathroom, and unique decorative trinkets to complete the look.

Finishings


Adding new finishings to kitchen cabinets, furniture or sinks is a great way to update permanent furniture and fixtures. In most cases, the landlord won't mind or even notice the changes and you can always keep the old ones and switch them back when and if you move out of the apartment. Finishings are inexpensive and easy to install, they are also available in thousands of different styles, colors and materials.

Accent Furniture


After moving into a new apartment, paying a deposit and other moving expenses, few people have the money to shop for all new furniture. A few pieces of accent furniture can be inexpensive, change the look and feel of a room and even make you appreciate your other furniture. Small tables, stands, lamps, stools and even chests add personality to a room and can be moved around and repositioned as needed.

Wall and Shelf Decor


Choosing what to hang on your walls and place on your shelves can be difficult. Too little decor and your apartment will look boring and drab. Too much and your risk creating a tacky or gawdy apartment. Choose your decor wisely and start with a wall hanging added to the center of focus point of the room. Choose a few other small wall hanging or shelf decorations that will compliment the focus point and pull the entire apartment together to create a harmony of patterns and colors.

Living in an apartment that is plain or boring can prevent you from ever feeling like you are truly at home. Just because you can't make permanent changes to the apartment doesn't mean you can't make it your own with some unique, fun and temporary updates and changes. Have fun and enjoy making your apartment into a home you will love and feel comfortable in.

Author Bio: Calvin Sellers is a freelance writer from Tampa, FL. Follow him on Twitter @CalvinTheScribe.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Looking To Update? 5 High Return Upgrades For Your Home

The one question that many homeowners ask themselves is if the renovation project that they are choosing to complete will give them a big return on the value of their home. In the event that you one day choose to put your home on the market, you'll want to make upgrades that will increase the value of your home rather than to decrease it or simply keep it the same. High return upgrades for your home may even cost less to install and complete than the huge return that you'll see when selling your house. Major upgrades may even help your home to sell faster than others homes on the market that simply do not have everything that you are offering. From improving the overall curb appeal to renovating rooms on the inside of your house, these top 5 upgrades are sure to increase your homes value in no time.


Home Security Systems


One thing that many people want, but don't want to take the time to install themselves is a home security system. By choosing to upgrade your house with services from a local home security company, you will see the value and return price on your house increase immediately. Vivint home automation not only provides you with a safer place to call your home, but also enables you to easily control different aspects of your house with ease such as the lighting, temperature, door locks and much more.


Kitchen Renovations


One of the first rooms in your home that you should to renovate for a high return value is the kitchen. Kitchens are one of the first rooms that potential home buyers look at. When undertaking a kitchen project, it is important to not go overboard. You do not want to have an extremely expensive kitchen in a neighborhood with average priced homes. Choose small upgrades to give your kitchen a face lift such as granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and new lighting fixtures.


Attic Bedrooms


Turn your attic into a bedroom for a 73 percent return of your investment. This adds additional square footage to your home and may be a great option for those who are looking for more bedrooms than you previously had to offer.


Bathroom Remodels


Typically, a bathroom remodel project yields an average of a 62 percent return. Many potential home buyers are looking for large, updated master bathrooms that include double sinks, a large soaking tub, walk-in shower and good lighting. Updating your bathroom by installing these features and adding to the space can be a huge plus to buyers.


Outdoor Space


While a swimming pool may not increase the overall value of your home as this is not something that everyone is looking for, simply updating the outside of your house to increase the curb appeal can give you a high return percentage. Give your home a fresh coat of paint, plant shrubbery and beautiful flowers and even opt to give your backyard a deck or patio where you can enjoy spending the day outdoors.

With these great tips on updating your home, you sure to see a high return value if you ever choose to sell. Other great update options include second floor additions, home office space and sun rooms.


Brionna Kennedy is native to the Pacific Northwest, growing up in Washington, then moving down to Oregon for college. She enjoys writing on fashion and business, but any subject will do, she loves to learn about new topics. When she isn't writing, she lives for the outdoors. Oregon has been the perfect setting to indulge her love of kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking.

Re-designing your Home on a Budget



For many individuals, the years of retirement are a welcome time to begin exploring hobbies and accomplishing goals that have long been put-off. It is also a time of great change in life and habits, often manifested in the desire to re-design all or part of a home’s interior. However, a retiree’s available budget may present difficulties.

Many older people believe they must be limited to fresh paint or new furniture pieces or window treatments, rather than the larger-scale decorating they would like to do. 


By following a few tips, keeping an eye open for deals and discounts, and embracing budget-friendly design styles; a home can be attractively and practically re-designed with minimal expenditure.


Money-saving re-design tips


One of the best money-saving tips for any home re-design is to plan carefully the changes that will be made. Start with an ideas board; professional designers always have a book that they present to prospective clients featuring ideas and designs for a variety of rooms. 


Search out images in magazines, online and through image pinning sites, pulling designs suitable for the room or rooms being refurbished.

When it comes to renovating the basics of a room, namely the floors and walls, the cost of carpeting and paint can be substantial. Carpet remnants are a good way to go, particularly if more than one room needs to be carpeted. 




Many carpet remnants are quite large and the purchase will not break the bank. As for paint, one of the best ways to keep costs low is to take advantage of mixing errors at local paint stores. 

Mis-tints, as they are known, are slight variations from a standard mixed color. Purchasing mis-tints in similar colors to those desired and blending them to create a unique paint color can cut the cost of painting multiple rooms by as much as 80 percent.

When it comes to purchasing other types of flooring, such as tiles, parquet or wood planking, taking advantage of clearances and purchasing in volume are the way to go. 


Clearance items may be limited but they will definitely be cheap, and a little flexibility in design may make it easy to blend several different woods or tiles together seamlessly. 

Many flooring stores and discount outlets will offer deals to anyone purchasing flooring by volume, so keep that in mind as well when selecting flooring.


Energy-efficient updates


Saving money on a redesign is not just about the look of a room, although that is certainly the biggest part of it. Redesign should also be about improving a room or rooms overall, and that means making them more energy-efficient. 


This may be obvious in kitchens or bathrooms, where energy-efficient appliances and water-saving units take center-stage. However, windows are a major location where energy-efficiency is decreased, usually due to poor insulation. 

Any draft gaps should be sealed and consideration should be given to fitting some form of double-glazing. Updating window treatments can take many forms, including new draperies or curtains, but a money-saving update growing in popularity is the addition of interior or exterior shutters.

Stylish shutters are available for both the exterior and interior of the home in a variety of styles. Exterior shutters offer the greatest amount of insulating protection, keeping the weather away from windows when closed and preventing thermal shock. They also add an additional level of security.

Solid shutters offer the best protection from heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, but they do not allow for ventilation the way that louvered shutters do. 


However, if the shutters are combined with other insulating window treatments such as draperies, than louvered shutters are an attractive and flexible way to go. They can either cover the entire window area or only the lower half, as does the café-style shutter.



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