6 Easy And Affordable Home Improvement Projects New Homebuyers Should Do Before Moving In

6 affordable repair or restoration projects to consider before your move-in date.

Removal of any carpets you might wish to never see again and get them to quote you a price to either repair and finish the floors or get a price to replace the carpets.

Get a quote for any Wall papers that need to be removed, walls to be skim coated and then a professional paint job.

While you are at it, get an estimate to add some crown moldings, new window and door trim molding or even a new base molding to create a finished look. You would be amazed at the variety of available options out in the market today that would instantly redefine your interiors. Wainscoting is always a great option in the Dining and Living rooms or even around the staircase.

Small items that you might never think of updating are the most important and sometimes more visible such as all the worn out door knobs, painted over door hinges or even old style electric switch plates. Always go for a sleek look and get an estimate on Replacing the switch plates with screw-less covers and add a dimmer or two in to the mix for ambient and mood control.

Take your contractors in to your bathrooms and ask them what they can do for under $1,000 to give each room an improved look. You will be amazed of what you would be able to do for a grand.

If your kitchen is in … Read More

What To Look For In A Home Improvement Contractor

You love your home, the location, and the secure feeling of relaxing in a place where you feel safe. As years go by, however, you will find that your home will be in need of repair or renovation. Perhaps you are not as enamored with the current look of your bathrooms or kitchen, and wish to update fixtures, appliances, and decor. Rather than do it yourself, you look for a contractor to handle the job.

Hiring a contractor who specializes in home improvement and renovation is a smart move, yet one that requires much thought and research. You may hear stories of people being “ripped off” or dissatisfied with the end result, so how do you know the people you choose for your home project are good enough?

Here are a few tips to consider when researching potential contractors to renovate or add on to your home:

Communication: Is the contractor easy to find? Are they listed in the Yellow Pages or other classifieds? Does the company have a website with detailed information on their services?

Estimate: Does the contractor or company offer a free estimate on the job you want done? Will the contractor itemize the estimate so you will know exactly what you are paying for?

Staff: Does the contractor have a set staff of electricians, construction workers, plumbers, and other tradesmen? Do they hire temporary workers instead?

Samples/Testimonials: Have you contacted anybody who has used their services before? Is the contractor willing or … Read More

Ideas for Redecorating Your Home

Redecorating a home doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of your time. It can be pretty easy to do. Remember, your home should reflect you and your family’s unique personality and sense of style. A hint – redecorate your home one room at a time. Think outside the box when redecorating and have fun and enjoy it – you can even make it into a family activity.

First, you can switch your furniture and accessories around at least twice a year during spring/summer and once again during fall/winter. This can include pillows, throws, window treatments and even lighting fixtures and lamps. This allows you to have alternative styles and can change a classy room to a contemporary room to a traditional room to a rustic room.

Also, you can bring the outside into your house. Get a nice plant or flower and place it in a ceramic pot next to a coffee table, end table, sofa table or bedside table or even in a hallway and switch out every so often. Place framed pictures, candles and even small ornaments on the mantle of your fireplace and add a small accent light. Rotate these around every so often also.

You can also place furniture in unanticipated places adding functionality and an architectural touch to your home décor. You can put that antique table in the foyer with pictures of your family and an antique style light. You can place that bedroom floor trunk in your … Read More