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

Most people will find that when making home repairs and overall improvements, the process never exactly meets the planning. You may think something will only take a day and a little effort, but you're likely to find that things get a bit more complicated. Work to streamline the improvement process by reading these tips.



For an energy efficient upgrade, replace your hot water heater with a tank-less model. The new tank-less heaters only heat the water as it is needed as opposed to keeping 50 gallons or more heated at all times. This change will help your utility bills and the environment.











Be careful to what degree you personalize your home improvement projects. What appeals to you now may not appeal to potential buyers down the road. The more specialized and substantial your project is, the smaller return on investment you can expect to receive when you sell your home in the future.



One way to save money and energy is to buy a programmable thermostat if you don't already have one. A programmable thermostat will allow you to specify what temperature you want your house to be at any given time or day throughout the week, even when you are away from home.



Homes with a great view may sell for more than houses like it on the market. But remember that any improvements you make to the curb appeal may only increase your viewing pleasure, rather than acting as an investment. The view may change or may not be as appealing to the next buyer.



When replacing flooring, think about the kind of foot-traffic that will be in the room. Stone and ceramic floors are perfect for high traffic areas such as the foyer and bathroom. Areas in your home that have low traffic, such as personal bedrooms, are better suited for flooring that is more attractive but harder to clean.



Before investing in new hardwood floors, check with a professional, about looking at the current floors in your home. Sometimes, you may have beautiful, natural hardwood hiding underneath layers of carpet or linoleum, that is just waiting to be refinished. You will wind up with a nicer looking, higher quality floor for less money.



When planning a home renovation, be prepared for changes in the schedule. Renovations don't always go exactly according to plan. There can be delays in receiving the materials, in getting building permits or in workers coming in to do the work. If you are prepared to be flexible, the renovation project will go much more smoothly.



Remove the clutter from your home and it will give Click In this article of a new room without the expense of remodeling it. If you have broken or unused items around the home, get rid of it. There is no need to hold onto things that you do not use or need.



If you notice any rust and mold in your home, regardless of how small, you shouldn't neglect it. These problems are common in older houses and can easily spread. The smaller the problem is when you tackle it, the easier it is to deal with. If you put it off, you'll spend a lot more time and money fixing a much bigger problem. A bit of bleach can take care of minor mold issues, Sanding works on minor rust problems.




<img src="http://feelthehome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DIY-Home-Improvement-Projects.jpg" />



If you're looking to build some recreational fun into your home, keep in mind that anything that poses as a potential hazard can raise your home insurance premiums. Adding a swimming pool or trampoline for the kids can increase your yearly premiums as much as 10 percent. Make moved here to take this into consideration prior to purchasing to determine if the benefits outweigh the additional insurance costs.



If you have a dark colored kitchen it would be in your best interest to lighten things up. Many people do not want to buy homes that have kitchens with dark colors. If you are worried about selling you home at some point them you need to keep that in mind.



Put up some new trim and art to update your bathroom. Wallpaper trim is a very affordable choice and there are so many options that any home decor design can easily be complemented. Installation is a breeze. If you buy some cheap artwork you can add a great and different look to your bathroom.



There are many home improvement projects that are inexpensive, but yield high savings. Try putting in Energy Star light bulbs, which decrease carbon emissions and only use 25% of the energy that your regular incandescent bulbs use. Heat, energy and money can be conserved by insulating your water heater.



So, 'that wall has got to go' on that home improvement project! Stop! Before you demolish something double check the existing structure! It is easy to just tear down a wall and not know what is inside of it. There may be electrical components that need to be in tact that you may want to keep.



As you have seen in the above tips, there is a lot of knowledge you can acquire before you start a home improvement job and it's this knowledge that can help you with improving your home properly. Do everything you must to find out what you need to complete your jobs correctly and safely. Hopefully you will enjoy the next project.