Ice Dam Prevention

Times are tough but that’s no reason for your home not to look it’s best. There are several small home improvements that can make a big difference and make your home look like you invested big money. Here are just a few….

DOORS

This is an easy DIY project that can can improve your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency and security. Try painting it a bright color to really draw the eye! Add a wreath or decoration to cozy it up.

LIGHTS

There are so many ways to add light to your home. Lighted stepping stone or solar lights along walkways. What about a spotlight on something or a rope light under your eves? Even a new lamp post at the end of your driveway could add a lot of curb appeal. Lights on a home always draw the eye.

STAIRCASE

Try adding a new railing or remove the runner to expose wood. You can update your balusters for little money and add finials to make an even more grand statement. If those don’t work for you. try painting the risers. Maybe a bold color or paint you favorite quotes or words. Make it your own.

FIREPLACE

Painting your fireplace is the easiest. There are a variety of paints that have stone/brick textures. Also try painting the mantle. Don’t have a mantle. No worries. Create one. Check out second hand shops for materials or even Habitat for Humanity! You can add a mantle, some tiles and a fireplace screen with some candles behind it an no one will ever know it’s not real!

KITCHEN

A complete overhaul can cost more than I care to tell you but there are some small things that you can do to make it look like you went all out. Try changing the wall color. Change the faucets or cabinet hardware. Lighting under the cabinets. If your cabinetry is old, you can give it a face lift with some paint. There are many techniques out there that can give you the illusion of new, upgraded cabinets. They other thing you can do is your floor. Just doing that makes a world of difference. Depending on how much you want to spend, there are a variety of materials to accomplish this too.

BATHROOM

Home improvement stores now carry these vanity in a box things that come with everything from sink to faucet. Some even include mirrors! As with anything, they range in cost. If that’s too much, try just replacing the faucet and maybe painting the vanity. Paint the walls. Add a newer toilet. At the very least, replace the shower head with a nice one. That way you at least get the feel of a brand new bathroom!

ATTIC/BASEMENT

Try making these spaces more user friendly by making them into bonus rooms. You can go as far as you want with these. Maybe just add a little insulation and some furniture for the kids to hang out or add walls and carpet and make a retreat for yourself. Go all out. At least if you can’t afford the house of your dreams, you have someplace to escape and pretend you can!

CLOSETS

Organization is the key. They sell a variety of units to organize your closets, most with the “do it yourself-er” in mind.  They have units to hang or ones that sit on the floor. The possibilities are endless. Of course you could always add hardware, hampers, drawers, baskets and other accessories. Have you been to the Container Store? If you haven’t. be forewarned! When all else fails, hire an organizer. Just keeping it that way may be enough work.

So there you have it. Some little ways to spruce up your house on a variety of budgets. Don’t forget, home remodeling can be stressful so have fun with it. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Good luck!

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