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Very minor home improvements can dramatically increase your home's value. Simple updates can increase the resale value of your home by thousands. Continue reading to learn some great home improvement advice.

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Your air conditioning filters should always be kept clean. Clogged filters make your unit more inefficient which ends up costing you more money and energy. It also means that the unit runs longer than it really needs to. Change your filter on a regular basis; monthly is ideal.

Insulation is something worth investing in. Use weather-stripping on all windows and doors. Since you will stop a lot of air from coming in, your cooling and heating systems will work better. This will help you keep your bills down.

Most basements have little natural lighting. Be sure you make your basement more livable by placing artificial lighting in good positions there. You may actually have tall walls that come up from the ground. If so, you may be able to install windows that bring in natural lighting.

If you are going to buy some furniture make sure they are simply colored. Purchasing items that have distinct patterns such as floral or geometric shapes prevents you from being creative with your other decor. Purchase furniture in solid colors and use accessories to add interest. Add pillows and throw blankets in a variety of patterns and colors for an interesting mix and match effect.

Paint your shutters and front door. Light-red brick or vinyl looks great with blue or bright red paint. Darker exteriors look lovely with deeper, cooler colors like jade green or eggplant.

If you have leftover baby food jars, don't dispose of them. Instead, utilize them for organizational purposes. Screw lids to the shelf. Put smaller items in the jars, including parts, nails and screws. Then twist the jars back into place under the shelf. This is a good way to use your wall shelf and recycle the jars you might not use otherwise.

When choosing a contractor for your home improvement needs, you must be sure they have insurance. This insurance will cover any damages they may do. Simply ask the contractor for insurance proof.

If you are thinking of replacing your cabinets, consider using wood cabinets. They are quite durable and will last a long time. Wood that is often used in cabinetry is maple, oak, or cherry. To add a personal touch, you can stain any of these woods in one of dozens of gorgeous colors.

Are brightness and heat making your home uncomfortable? If it is, consider tinting your windows. You can probably manage this easy project on your own. You'll save on your energy bill by tinting your windows, too.

In summary, home improvement doesn't have to be difficult. If you take your time and plan your work, you can make things go a lot more smoothly. Take these ideas to heart and begin working on your house.