Home improvement is not solely for a house. You can improve condos, apartments, fixer-uppers, and much more. Anytime you get a place of your own, you definitely get the desire to improve it, or at least patch up any foreseeable issues and perform routine maintenance. Here are some tips to help homeowners become masters of home improvement.
1. Aim To Add The Most Value
Home improvement is by no means cheap. This means you want to choose projects that are going to return your investment, especially if you don’t plan on staying in your current home until the end of time. Certain projects are bound to add more value to your home than others, so if you are having difficulty deciding on what to do first, choose those projects first. Some examples include adding insulation, removing carpets and adding laminated or tile flooring, removing popcorn ceilings, adding energy-efficient fixtures and appliances, upgrading the water heater, or even just adding a fresh coat of paint.
2. Get The Right Tools
If you insist on DIYing your home improvement projects, you are going to need to prepare. You can’t do much without the proper tools. Get yourself a toolbox with things like basic plumbing tools, hammers, wrenches, pliers, duct tape, screwdrivers, tape measure, levels, utility knives, flashlights, and an electric drill. Of course, there could be other items you need for the project you have in mind, so do your research.
3. Choose The Correct Contractor
Now, let’s say you don’t DIY. Then you need to locate a trustworthy contractor. You don’t want to choose the cheapest quote or the person who promises to do it all for less, because this is likely a scam that could cost you thousands. Here are some tips to choosing the correct contractor:
- Look online for local contractors
- Look for contractors with high ratings
- Ask friends and family for recommendations
- Learn about the licenses and permits local contractors need to work on your home
- Set up a phone or face-to-face interview
- Don’t settle on the first contractor you find. Compare multiple services and the quotes
- Check out the before and after pictures on their website, if they have one
4. Tackle Quick Projects First
Depending on the season and what needs to be done, you should always select urgent projects in head of those for cosmetics or vanity. After all, attending to glaringly obvious problems first is going to save you money, because the longer you ignore the issue, the more costly it is going to get. Sometimes, it takes less than 10 minutes to fix a problem, such as changing light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones or fixing cracks in the ceiling.
5. Always Have a Plan
One of the biggest mistakes you could make is overlooking how crucial the planning process is. Without knowing your time frame, what you need to complete the job, how much money you have set aside, or who to hire, you will have trouble getting anything done. Nothing is worse than running out of money or time. Conceptualize your project using design tools, like free design apps or speak with a contractor. Then, come up with a budget. These 5 quick tips for home improvement will improve your success with your next project, guaranteed. Remember that you need to think everything through before you begin, because nothing sets back a renovation like an overlooked step or missing equipment.
