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With the down economy, many people are taking on home improvement projects themselves rather than hiring someone to do it for them. This can save a lot of money if you know what you are doing. However, it requires some preparation and know-how. In this article, you'll find many helpful tips for taking on your home improvement projects.



Recycle old shoe boxes and turn them into storage. Take some left over wallpaper or fabric in various prints and cover your shoe boxes in a pleasing design. In addition to providing extra storage space, doing this can add some dramatic touches to your rooms.











If you have a squeaky floor, try using some construction glue. You'll need to apply the adhesive from the basement below or in a crawlspace. With a caulker, put some glue on all the floor joists, so that glue secures subfloor planks to each joist.



Before painting or staining a wooden object you should use sandpaper to smooth the surface of the wood and then wipe the object off with a damp rag. You will get a smooth finish by using fine-grit sandpaper to sand the item. Wiping the surface with the rag or tack cloth removes any remaining dust, which will ensure a smooth, even finish.



If you are unable to pick a paint color because you are not sure how the colors will look in your desired room, purchase a small amount of paint in different colors to test out on the wall. Having a larger color swatch to look at and evaluate in your room's lighting can help you to make a decision.



A coat rack mounted to the wall can be an elegant way to display your jewelry. You might want to exclude your valuable pieces from the display. Hanging up jewelry like this not only improves a room's appearance, it keeps your necklaces free of tangles, too. Keep a few pieces in an easy to access location.



When undertaking major landscaping home improvement projects, always consult with your neighbors about drainage before work begins. You want to drain as much water as you can off http://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/social-media-leading-burglars-to-your-home/ . However, you should avoid allowing drain off to run into your neighbor's property. Try to talk with your neighbors about drainage plans, and make sure you are on the same page.



If you are doing a total renovation of a room, work from the top down. If you start at the top and work downwards, falling debris and paint drips will not end up on a freshly renovated floor, but on a surface that you plan to remove anyway. This saves you significantly on time and effort.



By installing crown molding, you will be updating your home with a crisp and fresh look that is surprisingly high-impact. At just over a dollar per square foot, you can splurge on molding that complements your window trim, flooring and baseboards. This look is timeless and easily adds value to your home, even after many years.



No matter what room you are remodeling, try to make it as bright as possible. It is proven that visit the next site with a lot of light and color put a person in a better room. A lot of light is also attractive to potential buyers when you are selling your home.



Chandeliers might also be a nice touch. For a small amount of money, you are able to purchase a gorgeous chandelier and make it a focal point in any room. If you want your lighting fixture to sparkle and let off a lot of light, use 200 to 400 watt bulbs.



If you are building your home or having it built, remember that you can customize in many little ways. One thing you might want to think about is putting your wall outlets higher than the standard foot from the floor. If you have them higher, it will be easier to plug things in without having to crawl around behind your furniture!



Are you tired of looking at the worn down bushes in front of your house? Why not give them a new breath of life by trimming them down and shaping them. When you take the time to trim your bushes and shape them, they look much cleaner and add a nice touch to your home.






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Know your area. If your home is in a subdivision or small town, you do not want your home to stick out like a sore thumb. Look around before you decide to do any outer renovations, and try to fit in, at least a little. Homes that do not fit are homes that usually have a harder time should you ever choose to sell.



If you have an unfinished basement on your property, finish it. A finished basement can almost double your property value if you finish it the right way. Carefully consider the floor-plan before you begin work. If you cannot do it all at once, just build one room at a time according to the plan.



All too many homeowners dive into home improvement projects without the proper foresight and preparation; this makes it hard for them to achieve their goals. With the right information and attitude, home improvement does not have to be that hard. Apply what you've just learned, and it will be simple.