Home Improvement: Increase The Value Of Your Home

If you have some home improvement projects to do, you might be wondering if the cost will be less if you do some of the work yourself. Of course you can, but you should know your limits and start small. This article can help you do it by yourself and when you should call the professionals.

A common occurrence in many homes is a leaky shower head. This is caused by a defective or damaged O-ring inside of the head. To stop the leak, simply apply tape to the head, and twist the head off with a pipe wrench. Find an O-ring that fits your head and place it in. Place pipe sealer around the pipe threads and screw the head back on, with a final tightening from the pipe wrench. Then test the head for any further leaks.

Windows and doors make a perfect home improvement project. You can add an indoor window box or change out your old patio doors for French doors. It is often possible to find good deals on these types of materials at the home improvement store. You won't have to spend a lot of money to make a dramatic change.

Make your life easier by having a timed sprinkler system installed. If you can't afford the expense of professional landscaping, you can buy a timer at your local home improvement store to attach to a hose and sprinkler. This will automatically water your lawn, garden, or other plants at a set time each day.

Match your fire extinguisher to the room where it is being used. The color will be the same old red but fire extinguishers are classed according to function. Class B's are most appropriate for the kitchen but Class A's would probably work well in the rest of the house.

If you are renovating your bathroom, consider installing a steam shower. Steam showers have many health benefits, as well as being more comfortable to use than a standard shower. Steam showers are great after exercise, to soothe tired muscles, or for people with asthma and other breathing difficulties. There are even steam shower products that can be added to your current shower unit.

When a home improvement project includes landscaping working, attention should be given to drainage in order to avoid standing water anywhere on the property. Standing water looks bad, hurts grass and can even pose a health hazard if it attracts insects. Every point on a property should either be sloped for good drainage or equipped with alternative drains.

Homes that are built in warmer parts of the country often lack proper insulation for the brief periods of cold temperatures. Instead of wrapping your water pipes with rags or pieces of cloth, spend just a few dollars to purchase a flexible, foam pipe covering from the hardware store. This is a permanent solution that will keep your pipes from bursting during an unexpected freeze.

Face it - not everyone needs ten cabinets for their dishes. If your small kitchen is in need of some extra space, consider removing the top row of cabinets. This frees up the wall space for artwork or decorative wall covering and gives you more room to be creative with your cooking surfaces.

Use analogous color schemes in tranquil parts of the home. Analogous colors are those that are next to one another on the color wheel. This scheme is also more peaceful and tranquil, yielding a wonderful home environment.

You can show a bit of yourself in home improvement. You'll find that you can do some amazing things as home improvement projects that won't break your bank account. But, sometimes experts are needed. This article will help you figure out what you can do on your own and what needs the help of an expert.