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Planning your own home improvement project and carrying it out can be as fun as it is rewarding. Obviously some things cost more in terms of both time and money, but after the initial pain is gone then you are always glad you did it. It's always a good idea to se your projects from many different sides of the coin - even the expensive projects. You can't see this as a simple expense; instead, view it as a major investment in your home's value. This is an investment that is most often recovered when the home sells. Here are a few home improvement suggestions for you to consider for the next project.

Consider investing in double pane windows for your home if you plan to live there for a while. But this isn't an all locations solution. Anyone who has weather extremes for heat and cold or a solid mix of the two might find this to be an excellent idea. These windows provide excellent insulation from weather extremes and sound alike. With varying distances between the two panes of glass these windows can be purchased with a distance of anywhere from one inch to one quarter of an inch. Typically the space is filled with an inert gas such as argon.

Redoing the kitchen countertops can give your home more value depending on the materials you pick out and how it looks in the end. If you plan on keeping your countertops for a long time and want them to be stylish and elegant, then think about utilizing marble, granite or tile. Another thing you should consider is how you will treat your countertops under normal circumstances.

Tile, marble and granite all have different things about them that will cause them not to behave the same during normal use. Yes, they might be more expensive, but they are very attractive, stylish and will last a long time if you care for them correctly.

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If you have a septic tank but do not know the last time it was inspected, then it is a great idea to have it done. It's a good idea to establish a specific baseline and then re-check every 3 to 5 years for signs of trouble. You can use this opportunity to inspect the tank for signs of build-up. If the depth of the material is more than half the depth of the water then your tank will need to be properly cleaned. Of course this is a job for professionals as they have the proper equipment and know what to look for. Plus, they will be able to check for any other possible issues with the tank and associated plumbing, etc. No matter why you are planning your project it will go much better if you plan ahead. Start planning now to avoid costly mistakes and endless frustration.