Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

stratco outback



There are quite a few home improvement ideas that the average person may not be so familiar with. Life demands a lot from each and every one of us and it can be difficult to keep up with everything you need to do. On a positive note, life is full of idiosyncrasies that are fun to come across. Expensive projects that we could do are usually not within the scope of our monthly budget. Do not be discouraged because a little creativity and reading will reveal so much you can do on your budget. The following is a list of three home-improvement ideas that you can do for a lot less.



Many people like to start with their basement. If they do this, the electrical receptacles should always be placed higher. Placing the outlets higher up on the walls is done in the event your basement may ever flood.



Depending upon where you live in the world, this problem may not affect you. If you live where it is dry, your basement will more than likely never flood. You may want to place them a foot off the ground, but not 6 feet or anything that looks absolutely ludicrous. Your best bet is to talk to an electrician that can help you figure out what you need to do. If you live in an area that is generally wet or prone to receiving a lot of rainfall, then make sure your property is adequately drained. It is essential that the slope leading away from your house drains the water satisfactorily. An underground drainage system can also help with this problem. By simply digging a trench and putting in PVC tubing, with holes predrilled, and piling rocks on the top, your problem will be solved. The tubing you attach will lead away from your house. This is not fancy but it is effective and will help ensure more water drains away from your home.



Infrared scans cost a lot of money, but if you have the cash, you can do this for your home to find out about your insulation. People that own the cameras that are used for the scan charge a high price for using their equipment. You can take these pictures during the winter, spring, summer, or fall - you can even have this process done with your heater or air conditioner on. To get the best pictures, wait till it's dark. If you don't have time at night, daytime imagery can be taken. Using the latest infrared technology, thermal imagery will show you where the leaks in your house are in regard to heat. If you really want your residence to be safe and secure, you'll follow these three suggestions in regard to improving your home. After you have lived in your house for years, you can be sure there are some things that will need to be done. Making a list of potential repairs to complete is a great idea. It will keep you on track! Computer users should also use their calendar and schedule the jobs that need to be done.