Most homeowners can attest to the fact that owning your home can be costly and requires work. Statistically, homeowners spend about 1 to 3% of their home’s value each year on home repairs. However, you can always cut costs; let’s look at some smart ways you can save money while you maintain and improve your dream home.

Make sure that your home is well insulated. Insulation is important in keeping the temperature of your home consistent, regardless of the temperature outside of your home. This is helpful in keeping down the cost of your energy bill in the heating and cooling of your house. Insulation is also effective in reducing the noise coming from outside. Furthermore, it adds to the value of your home (be sure to keep all receipts and invoices so that you can prove what work was done).

Not all floors and walls are perfectly even. You may need to use shims when installing your lower level of cabinets to keep them in a straight line. Make sure to purchase these ahead of time in varying thickness’ so that you don’t have to run out in the middle of install to get them.

For a beautiful addition to your home, consider turning two windows that are close together into sliding glass or french doors. With glass doors, you are allowing the light to come in as well as the beauty of the world outside your door. Being able to look out at nature while having your first cup of coffee will make the investment worthwhile.

A great thing about home decor is that oftentimes it doesn’t have to match. You can buy a great dining room table and mix and match chairs. This is great for cottage and country-styled homes. Buying a table second hand and adding chairs from different places actually creates a great design element, as well as a sense of accomplishment. Give those used chairs a chance to shine!

Landscaping can easily add value to your home by creating curb appeal. Shrubs and hedges are generally affordable and easy to maintain. Trees, on the other hand, are not recommended for many reasons. Foremost, immature trees do little to enhance the attractiveness of a yard, while mature trees are often very expensive.

Don’t be frightened of large open spaces because you can easily divide them. Divide large spaces with a ceiling mounted shade or curtain that you are able to pull down. It can cost effectively divide a large area and you can just pull your divider back up when you’re having a large gathering or party.

Do you want to make your rooms more tranquil? Choose light colors like light green or light purple. Use the light fabrics, such as linen or cotton, rather than dark brocades and heavy fabrics. Potpourri on the coffee table and a scented candle can also add serenity.

Now that you have read the tips in this piece, you should be ready to realize significant savings when you buy materials for your next project. You can keep your wallet happy yet still enjoy the new look of your home.