1. Go Green.

Installing energy efficient appliances is perhaps the easiest way to increase the value of your home. Look for the Energy Star label since you may be eligible for special cash back rewards. These new appliances are remarkably different from older models and many of the new refrigerators will use about the same amount of energy as a light bulb.

There are many other ways to go green with your home. Try installing a new “green” flooring system, such as bamboo or cork. These floors will add beauty to your home and you’ll feel good about your choice. You can also install energy efficient windows and more to your home to save on your energy bills.

2. Landscape Your Yard.

One of the best ways to installing increase your curb appeal is by landscaping your yard. Whether it’s a single shade tree or an elaborate garden, landscaping gives you the opportunity to have fun and improve your yard. Anyone can landscape, and with the right tools, you’ll get professional results.

3. Refresh Your Kitchen.

The kitchen is the heart of your home and for many DIY’ers, this is the place to start. From replacing cabinet doors, to adding new fixtures, there are many ways that you can make that old kitchen look brand new. If you’ve got the budget, you can tear out your old cabinets and completely overhaul the space.

Today’s kitchens are more efficient and easier to keep up, thanks to new materials and designs that make the most out of the space in your kitchen.

4. Add a Room.

Whether it’s a brand new addition, or a new way to use an old space, there are plenty of ways that you can get more out of your home and make it worth more money. Building on to your home is a great way to save money and get more space, without having to purchase a new house. Your new addition can even be something as simple as a converted garage or basement.

5. Add a Deck, or Screen in a Porch.

Looking to take advantage of outdoor space? Adding on a deck or a patio gives you a whole other room and plenty of chances for fun. Anyone with basic building experience can make a deck, and this is a great addition to any home.

A screened in porch can also be very useful, especially as a three season room. If you’re not quite ready to build on, but you still need some extra space, this is a great solution and it’s easy to do!

These are just a few ways that you can add to the value of your home and get more use out of it.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-09-11 05:58:24. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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As is the case with most maintenance tasks, proper deck maintenance starts with cleaning. The question is what exactly is the best way to clean a deck? There are lots of different ways to go about it. You could break out a bucket and scrub brush and do the whole thing by hand, or you could use a pressure washer to speed up the job. You’ve also go to choose what kind of cleaner to use.

Ultimately, there is no one single answer that is best for every deck out there. However, one big concern is that a pressure washer may be too harsh for many types of wood. If you are going to go the pressure washer route, then you want to choose a relatively low powered model or you could end up totally destroying the texture of your deck. You’re probably better off just not risking it. It may be slow, but doing it by hand is the safest path to good deck maintenance.

Most modern deck cleaning products are both effective and safe for the deck and the environment. Just be sure to avoid cleaners that are heavy on bleach as they can remove the color from the wood or even harm nearby plants. While you’re cleaning the deck, another point of deck maintenance you can take care of is sanding down and part of the wood that is jutting out so that the deck’s surface is smooth and uniform.

Once you start cleaning your deck, make sure that you’re thorough. There’s not much point to cleaning if you’re just going to barely scrub the surface. Pay special attention to the crevices between the planks that make up your deck. Debris such as fallen leaves can get inside these crevices and lead to mold problems down the road. Use whatever tool you have at hand to make sure that you completely clean these areas of your deck.

In order to fully protect your deck against the elements, you need to apply a sealant. Sealants prevent moisture from getting into the wood, which helps to prevent them from getting fungal infestations that can destroy them. In addition, sealants can also protect the deck from the sun’s rays, which can cause the wood to become bleached. It’s especially vital to give your deck a thorough cleaning before applying sealant, because you don’t want to seal in any dirt or debris. Note that the wood will only soak up the sealant when it’s dry, so find a nice clear day to perform this part of the deck maintenance procedure.

Photo Credits: sgtgary

Originally posted 2009-09-20 03:25:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Installing Technologies that are "Green" or Eco Friendly

Because everyone is looking to save money right now, and as a result of the increased awareness on the need for us to make steps to save our environment, one of the best home improvements is to install green technology in your home, which is a process that is known as going green. There are a number of best home improvements that you can implement along this line of thinking including installing solar panels, installing power generating windmills, using cleaners that are environmentally friendly, heating options that are energy efficient and even simply light bulbs designed to save energy.

Installing Thermostats Capable of being Programmed

This is a very simple improvement which is what makes it one of the best home improvements that you can use. Installing a thermostat that is programmable is going to help you save money on your monthly electric bill by only turning the heat or the air condition on when the house temperature is too cold or too hot based on a specific temperature that you specify beforehand. This is going to save you money by preventing the AC system from running when it is unnecessary.

Re-Insulating Your Home

Your home should be well insulated if you want to spend money on your monthly electric bills. This is because a home that is well insulated is one of the best home improvements that you can achieve, and will keep cool air in during the summer and keeping warm air in during the winter. This will also make it harder for unwanted air to get in.

Painting or Decorating Your Living Space

This is one of the best home improvements despite being so simple. It is truly effective. Choose soothing colors and soothing accents when painting and redecorating your rooms and you will be able to relax and better take advantage of your home.

Installing a Patio

Another one of the best home improvements, but also the most expensive one, is to put in a patio or a deck in your yard. This is going to give you an opportunity to soak up the sun and relax in your backyard space and it will add a significant amount of value to your home as well.

No matter which of these best home improvements you decide to make use of, the payoff is going to be well worthwhile.

Photo Credits: luv is max

Originally posted 2009-09-18 12:02:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Whether your deck is brand new or aged, these tips can make a big difference in the amount of work you do throughout the year on your deck. They will require a weekend, or maybe more time depending on your schedule, to complete. However, once you are done, you should not have to do much to your deck throughout the rest of the year, besides washing it occasionally.

Let’s get started!

1. Power wash the entire deck.

This is a vital step and will impact the finished results. Take the time to make sure that the deck is really clean, even in between the boards. A power washer will make short work of this chore, but you can also do the same thing with a hose and a pressure sprayer.

2. Sand the whole surface.

After the deck is completely dry, it’s time to sand down any damage, imperfections or snags. A power sander is recommended for this task, and will save you a lot of time and effort. Do at least one pass on all of the boards and make sure that they are completely smooth.

3. Sweep the deck.

Once you’re done power sanding, there will be some detritus left behind so it’s now time to completely sweep away all of your shavings. Take the time to make sure you get it all to avoid common cosmetic issues that we’ll talk about in our next step.

4. To seal or stain?

This step will depend on your personal preference. If the wood is already the right color or in good shape, sealing it should be sufficient. If not, you may need to stain it first. This can take up to 3 to 4 coats, depending on the depth and intensity of the desired finished color. Decide which method is right for you, and then double check to make sure that all of the shavings are gone.

Failing to do this will cause bubbles in the finish and may impact the overall effectiveness of your weatherization preparation. Make sure that your family knows they cannot walk on the deck until this process is completely done. It may take up to two coats of sealant, depending on the brand and how bad your wood is.

5. Make a note of the date.

You will probably need to redo this in about five years, so make sure you mark down in your home improvement journal when you finished weatherproofing the deck. By keeping your maintenance up to date, you can be assured that your deck will beautify your home for many years to come.

Photo Credit: 1

Originally posted 2008-09-04 05:30:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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1. Outlet covers.

The first place to start is your outlets. They are right at infant/toddler level and electrocution is devastating. You can simply cap outlets to prevent children from sticking their fingers inside. There are also plug protectors available that will prevent children from unplugging a device and getting hurt.

2. Installing cabinet locks.

While it may not be feasible to remove all dangerous cleaning products, medicine and other dangerous items from your home, it is easy enough to install cabinet locks. We highly recommend these for any home with children and they can easily divert a disaster.

3. Sharp edges.

If you have tables, counters, or anything with a sharp edge, it is vital to either replace them, or purchase end covers that will provide a softer surface. Kids fall, especially when they are learning to walk, and a sharp edge may cause a head trauma. In a pinch, foam tape on these corners will work wonders.

4. Child safety gates.

These are very important, especially for children that are able to crawl or just starting to walk. They should be placed in doorways to rooms where children should not enter, and at the top and bottom of stairs. We highly recommend adding one to kitchens since this is an area where injuries frequently occur.

5. Securing decks.

Your deck may look safe to you, but imagine if you are only a few feet tall. Could you get your head stuck between the railings, or worse, fall through? Purchase sturdy lattice that can be nailed in or consider adding a steel mesh around these areas to prevent these accidents from occurring.

6. Curtain and Blind cords.

Every year, thousands of children die as a result of improperly secured curtain and blind cords. It is absolutely vital to make sure that they cannot reach these cords. Remove them from reach and secure them so that there is not enough cord for a child to play with.

There are also a few other considerations to think about. One accident that is unfortunately highly common is a problem with countertop fryers. If they are placed to close to an edge, or a cord is hanging down, it is all too easy for a child to pull it down on themselves. By taking steps to avoid a tragedy, you can rest assured that your children are protected.

Photo Credits: 1

Originally posted 2008-09-25 05:32:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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