Article by-Duke Willis

So you want to try your hand at home improvement, huh? Do you know anything about this kind of work? Do you know about all of the different kinds of tools and safety regulations? Do you know what entails a good job? If these questions raise more questions than you can answer, try looking at the tips below.

find more is wise to trim any branches that are overhanging your roof. In a storm they may break off, fall and spear your roof. In a snowstorm they will dump their load of snow, which may accumulate as ice. Also, falling leaves from these branches may accumulate and cause dampness on the roof, and clog the gutters.

Always keep the big picture in mind when embarking on a long term home improvement project. Your budget may dictate that you break up a project into several smaller, more manageable pieces, but take care that the finished product doesn't look like a hodgepodge of unrelated, poorly thought out elements.

If you are suffering the wrath of owning a small bedroom, you can create an optical illusion making it seem larger than it is. Repainting your room in light green or blue can create a feeling of more "space". You can also incorporate colors such as off white or beige, but they won't feel as comfortable or warm as the other colors would.

Once you've checked the flapper valve, if the toilet is still running, check the chain. If the length of the chain linking the arm lever to the flapper valve is too short, water will keep running from the tank, as there would be no seal. To remedy this, simply remove the old chain and attach a longer one from a hardware store.





Try to keep the amount of pictures you nail to your wall to a minimum. Many people seem to get carried away with dozens of photographs and prints hanging on the wall. Add about 4 to 5 pictures to your wall, arranged in nice frames, to create a dramatic, but uncluttered look.

Sometimes laying down new hardwood floors is not your only option, so make sure to consult a professional about your existing flooring first. Sometimes you may have beautiful, natural hardwood hiding underneath layers of carpet or linoleum that is just waiting to be refinished. When you can refinish existing floors instead of laying down new hardwood flooring, you still have higher quality flooring, but without the higher price tag.

If your living room is dark even though you have a lot of windows, there are ways to ensure that light will get through. Installing skylights is a great way to save on energy bills because it cuts down on the use of lamps, and it will ensure that natural lighting comes through. Choosing to paint your living room warm and inviting colors such as orange, yellow, or light brown can create a feeling of warmth and light. Make sure to decorate with light wood colored furniture instead of dark and heavy oaks.

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When you are painting your home be sure to use drop cloths or some other type of fabric to catch the paint. If there are paint drips all over floors then it will give buyers a reason to ask for a lower price or prompt them to choose another property.

Exterior lighting will give you peace of mind at night, and add beauty to your landscaping. Consider motion sensor lighting, as this will reduce the amount of energy used when the outdoors are not occupied, and can also frighten away unwanted animals or even prowlers. Install the lights in strategic places, such as the exact area visible to you from a window, and the path from your vehicle to the front door.

Splash a fresh coat of paint on your home's entrance and replace your old, faded welcome mat. The entrance is the first impression that guests make of your house. A few nice touches, such as an attractive plant or a charming welcome mat, serve to make a great impression on people coming to your home.

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Most people don't think of their circuit breakers until they lose power unexpectedly. One of the best things you can do to improve the safety and efficiency of your home is to regularly test your breakers by switching them on and off at least once yearly. This clears the breaker contacts of any built-up corrosion and allows them to work more efficiently and safely. If your breakers frequently trip, this may indicate potential safety issues that require an electrician.

Use up-lighting behind large pieces of furniture to light up a dark corner. It is a dramatic and beautiful way to make the room seem larger than what it is. It is quick, easy and inexpensive and will make the room look as if it is a much larger and brighter space than what it really is.

When making a major renovation to your home, check into what kind of return for investment that you can get from it. The reason for this is that certain updates can be a bit of an overkill depending on what neighborhood you live in. This is especially important if you might be planning on selling your home within a couple of years of doing this renovation. If you do too much, you might not get your money's worth out of it.

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Cabinets need to be attached to studs. Find and mark all the studs in the wall before you begin installation so you'll know where to put the screws. You can buy a cheap stud finder from a hardware store to make this go more quickly.

Proper insulation is a foremost concern when it comes time to update or replace your home siding. Your energy bills will decrease while your home's value will increase. You can save a lot of money this way.

Keep your balance at all times. Get rid of the annoying noise unbalanced fan blades make. A noisy ceiling fan often needs balance help. Sometimes, all that is necessary is simple adjustment of the screws that hold the blades onto the blade holders. Also, tighten any screws that hold the blade holders to the motor. Make sure you clean your fan thoroughly. Dust on the blade can unbalance it.

Keep your interior decorating timeless and classic. Forgo trendy colors and use white on your trims to ensure you will never have to rummage through the paint shed for just the right shade again. Better yet, your rooms will keep a theme throughout the house, making your interior decorating look cohesive.

While home improvement may feel complicated, it doesn't need to be. It does not have to be as much work as it may seem. Smaller home improvement jobs can be done also. After reading the above article, you should be able to complete many home improvement projects.