subject: Home Improvement Help You Need To Succeed [print this page] If you are interested in home improvement but don't know where to start, don't worry. There are lots of great resources available no matter what kind of project you are considering. Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet or completely remodeling your home, this article can give you tips to help you on your way.
Don't enter into a large home improvement project without getting the necessary permits. Any large project, such as building an addition, converting a garage into a living space, building a deck or demolishing part of a permanent structure, requires proper permits from the city. Make sure that the permit is prominently displayed at the work site, so that a visiting inspector will be able to check that the work is being done properly.
If you live in an apartment, then you may believe that there is nothing you can do to improve the value of where you live. If you are the owner of the apartment, this is not true. There are many floorplans that you can use to easily add value to your apartment.
When considering what home improvement project to do, stay away from home repairs unless they are absolutely necessary. Things like painting the interior or exterior of your home have no impact on the value of your residence. Spend your time on other projects that will give you a better return for the money you spend.
When remodeling your kitchen, decide whether you really need enclosed cabinetry. Cabinets are often one of the most expensive pieces of kitchen remodeling, and you can save money by choosing open shelving instead. Shelves give you instant access to your cooking utensils, serving dishes, and ingredients. It's a great idea for casual kitchens that get a lot of use.
If you are doing any kind of a home remodeling project, it is a good idea to protect the areas that are not going to be remodeled properly. Take down the wall hangings, cover the floors with some sort of protection, cover any fixtures that cannot be moved and pack away and store all valuables.
A basic handyman's toolbox should contain the following things: hammer, nails, adjustable wrench, vice grips, one interchangeable head screwdriver, a set of Alan wrenches, 3 and 1/2 inch screws, a drill, glue or epoxy putty, a metal file and/or sandpaper, and a handyman belt. These essentials will get you through most basic jobs.
When comparing quotes from contractors for home improvement, don't just look at the dollar amount. There are many factors which should also be compared, like warranties, time lines, labor costs, and how often they are contracted to be on site. You want to balance the cost of the project with how much it will affect your life.
Even the simplest home improvement projects can seem overwhelming at first if you don't have a good grasp of the basics. Once you know what you're doing, though, any project is manageable. Just apply what you've learned from this article, and before you know it, you'll be one step closer to turning your house into your dream home.
