Is this the first time you are doing any home improvement? Choosing which home improvements to do and organizing the job takes some attention and consideration. Home improvement can be more than a little overwhelming. By following the home improvement tips presented here, you will have an easy time of it.

If you are considering a renovation on your home that adds a personalized aspect, think about the value and return that the investment will make. By nature, a design feature that is personal to you is less likely to feel personal for someone else, and therefore, it may deter interested parties from buying your home.

Keep your air conditioner’s filter clean. If the filter gets clogged up, the air conditioning unit will have to work harder to cool your house, using up more energy. This could lead to longer than necessary running time and costs. Change out your filters monthly to avoid buildup.

If you need to patch some small cracks in your roof, a roll of three-inch wide aluminum tape can take care of the job. Apply the tape to a dry and clean surface but remember to peel off the backing first. You will now have a waterproof seal to keep out the rain.

If you don’t have much counter space in the kitchen, think about a microwave over your range. Microwaves that replace the range hood come in different prices, and some of them have special features, like convection cooking. As most units just have recirculating filters, it’s a good idea if strong venting isn’t required.

It is possible to add a great deal of value to your home if you add a second bathroom. An additional bathroom is definitely desirable, especially if each bathroom is on a different floor. It is very likely that multiple household members will need access to the bathroom simultaneously.

To keep cooled or heated air from escaping around windows and door, purchase some weather stripping. Draft excluders go under the door and keep air from going out or coming in. Sealant strips can fit around frames of doors and do something similar. You can easily find these things in most hardware stores.

Create a shopping list when you plan to go to the store to get supplies. A list of everything you will need will keep you from taking multiple trips. It will also keep you better organized.

Take advantage of your outdoor space. Extend your living space by designating a section of your backyard. It is the perfect area for barbecuing or simply relaxing after a long day at work.

Re-purpose unlikely items for interesting home improvements. For example, a luggage rack can be reused as a side table. Use some glass from a big frame and glue it to the rack to be used as a surface. Then, by simply stacking a lamp and some books, you have created a sophisticated side table for your living room.

More than ever, people are discovering hidden dangers associated with home improvement. Avoid the purchase of Chinese manufactured drywall. Since 2005, much of the dry wall used here has come from China. Chinese drywall yields poor quality, which can be a detriment towards your renovation project. Drywall manufactured in China can expel toxic fumes, that in turn can lead to corrosion of wires in the wall.

To get a better looking basement, try staining its floors. This is affordable and looks amazing. Staining adds durability to the floor and keeps it easy to clean. Choose your stain carefully: select a nice color and make sure you are purchasing a stain that is easy to apply. Your floors will look more pricy than they really are.

Insurance Status

Before you let a contractor loose on your home, check his insurance status. If they damage your home and have no insurance, your only recourse may be to take them to court in order to obtain the repair money. To verify a contractor’s insurance status, you just need to demand proof that he is insured.

Gutter guards installed in all the gutters around your home will save you from having to get up on the roof and clean out the gutters. As the seasons change and weather bombards the home, the gutters bear the brunt with all the filth. You will likely still need to sweep the exterior of these free of debris occasionally; however, there will be no more scooping of pounds of decomposing leaves out of the actual gutters.

Are you looking to do some home improvement? See if some of your existing artwork can be used, which will save you money as you personalize your home. Purchase neat frames that coordinate with your decor.

Some people believe that high ticket items like radiant heating under the floors or central vacuum systems will add value to their homes. They let this distract them from doing more important things, like painting the exterior or replacing shutters. Buyers will register these things and think the home is a fixer-upper. The first impression your buyers get is very important.

Raffic Areas

Reconsider adding carpet to your high-traffic areas. This can often result in unnecessary spending. The accelerated wear and tear that your carpets suffer in higher-traffic areas will be apparent after just a season or two of rainy, muddy weather. You will also find that replacements are needed far more frequently. Consider using ceramic tile or wood flooring for durability and because they can be cleaned easily.

Taping the trim is essential during painting projects. Paint can run no matter how much care you take. Taping off all of the trim will make sure you don’t get paint all over it. Once the paint reaches the trim, you’ll have to paint over it.

Clearly, home improvement is not the terrifying ordeal you may have anticipated. Not only do home improvement provide many benefits to your living space, some, such as replacement windows, can save you money in energy bills.