Planning your project

Home improvements

Talk with a real estate agent about what makes the most sense and what will command the most dollars from prospective buyers. Other ways to improve your home’s efficiency and value include replacing old, leaky windows, installing energy-efficient home appliances and adding insulation to your home. Keep in mind, though, that new windows and new appliances will be a much more expensive project. Homeowners considering major home improvements should think about their own comfort and needs first, and the value of the home second. “Talk to local pros before starting a new project to ensure you aren’t accidentally decreasing your home value, especially if you’re thinking about selling,” Fisher advises. You might also get advice from acquaintances in the residential real estate industry, who have firsthand experience with trends and preferences.

That’s pretty impressive, considering a can of paint typically costs less than $100. Knobs are pretty inexpensive and easy to replace, making them an ideal home improvement project for renovators of all experience levels. They might just add the extra layer of polish and personal touch your house needs to truly feel like a home.

“You can label them by task and can close them up and carry them.” Older adults who gardened for two months during the COVID-19 lockdown reported much better health than those who did not, according to a study. Keep things growing by sprucing up your planting areas for many seasons of delicious returns. “Nothing feels better than slowing down, getting outside for sunshine and watching those vegetables grow,” says Leanne Ford, who with her brother, Steve, hosts HGTV’s Home Again With the Fords.

If you have a backyard or courtyard, why not build your own firepit or buy one and create a designation zone where friends and family can sit comfortably and enjoy the warmth and company. To see your home in a new light, sometimes all you need to do is set the mood. Fragrance is a powerful thing and can make you feel energised, relaxed or inspired. There are so many ways to make your home smell amazing, from DIY room sprays to essential oil diffusers.

  • One way is to make your sink multipurpose, DIY a chopping board that fits across your sink.
  • A bathroom refresh can be as simple as replacing a vanity, mirror, shower head or faucet.
  • These days “home improvement” spans a gamut of possibilities.

But these easy-peasy rules (wake and make!) will make you feel like they do. According to the IRS, capital improvements have to last for more than one year and add value to your home, prolong its life, or adapt it to new uses. Stick to a budget and work with a realtor to figure out where to start as you prepare your property for sale.

“They’re great for either a casual dinner or casino night, depending on how things roll,” she says. You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. Go see their past work for yourself and look at recently completed projects and something from at least 18 months ago.

Easy Hors d’oeuvres

It is true you could hire someone to do this task, but if you have ever gotten it priced out you were probably surprised by the cost. I have a video showing how to conect a recessed House & Home Improvement light to a switch but usually most people want more than one light on a switch. So this article will explain the easiest way to connect multiple light fixtures to one switch.

Houses in multiple occupation

Hundreds of previous shows are in our archive so you can enjoy feeling of time travel as you watch & listen. Thanks for reading and your support of Mighty House Home Improvement Show. You can do these upgrades anytime, but everything is easier to get to in an empty room. If you’re moving into an older home, especially one built in the mid-‘90s or before, consider installing extra electrical outlets or upgrading the existing ones.

Other times the heating and air conditioning system fails unexpectedly. Maybe someone has to give you the bad news you have incurred major structural damage to your home that needs immediate attention. You can address the urgent needs of your home and sleep knowing you have a solution for you and your family.

Never underestimate a tidy, clean room and pay special attention to high-impact rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. You should also consider whether there’s too much furniture in each room as it can make the property feel smaller. Before you start thinking about putting your house on the market, it’s worth taking stock and making any alterations that would give you a better chance of achieving your asking price. Whatever you choose to do, it is a good idea to speak to a local estate agent about the sort of features that make the most difference when selling in your area. Hardwood floors are timeless and always a great investment because it’s what home buyers are looking for. Remortgaging for home improvements could be a great solution for homeowners who need to borrow a large amount.