We all want to start making home improvements as we approach spring. The cold and harsh weather of winter has finally dissipated, making it the perfect time to clean the house and make some much needed repairs and improvements. In addition, spring is also a great time to start planning a new home improvement project. Here are some ways to get started. These are some suggestions. Let's begin!
Check the attic and basement for leaks, bugs, and mold growth. Even though the basement is naturally warmer, make sure to check for water damage and mold infestation. If the area is damp, you can install a humidifier. Check for signs of pests and other problems. You may also want to install a dehumidifier to eliminate moisture-related problems. Check your basement for roaches or other insects if it has been neglected.
A few simple home improvements can make a big difference in the quality of your home and increase the overall appeal. One of the easiest and quickest projects to complete is painting the exterior of your home. The exterior can be given a fresh look and enhance the beauty of your home by applying a coat of paint. A new roof can be installed as well. In spring you have the option of either traditional or trendy painting. A contrasting color can be used for the front to give your house a unique look.
Your spring home improvement projects can be about improving your living spaces. Paint your interior to achieve this. Bold and bright colors are in this year, so consider painting your walls with a vibrant color. A fresh coat can make your home more welcoming for young children. The old carpet can be replaced as another option to modernize your home's interior. Using bold colors will create a new look for your home and add some life.
You can use a leaf blower if you have a large leafy garden to get rid of all the leaves and debris. You can clean the entire property depending on how big your yard is. To avoid any injuries, wear rubber-soled shoes while cleaning your roof. You should fix any leaks in your gutters if you have a steep roof. Gutter screws can replace loose spikes and make your gutters more secure.
Spring is the best time to renew your outdoor space. It will be more enjoyable to spend time outdoors with the warmer weather. It is important to ensure your patio or deck has a solid base. You want your deck to be a place you enjoy entertaining and relaxing, no matter whether it is made of stone or wooden. Keep the foundation of the stone patio or deck in great condition to make your life easier.
FAQ
What room should you remodel first?
The heart of any home is the kitchen. It's where most people spend their time cooking, entertaining and relaxing. Start looking for ways that you can make your kitchen functional and more attractive.
It is also an important component of any home. It offers privacy and comfort for daily chores such as washing your hair, brushing your teeth, shaving, or getting ready to go to bed. If you want to improve the functionality and appearance of these rooms, consider adding storage space, installing a shower instead of a tub, and replacing old fixtures with modern ones.
How do I select a competent contractor?
Ask your family and friends for recommendations when choosing a contractor. Look online reviews as well. Make sure that the contractor you choose has experience in the area of construction that you are interested in. Request references and make sure to verify them.
Do you prefer to do walls or floors first?
It's important to know what you want to accomplish before you start any project. It is important to consider how you will use the space, who it will be used for and why. This will help you decide if you should go for flooring or wall coverings.
You may want to lay flooring before you create an open-plan kitchen/living space. Wall coverings are an option if you prefer to keep this space private.
Can I do the whole renovation myself?
Why pay someone to do it for you when you can do it yourself?
No matter how much DIY you love, there will be times when it is impossible to do it yourself. It may be impossible to control the many variables.
An example: If your house is older than you think, it might be that the wiring is unsafe. You will need an electrician to inspect and make sure that your system is reliable and safe.
Also, you should consider that some structural damage may not be possible during renovations.
It is possible that you don't have the right tools or the knowledge to do the job correctly. A plumber's snake is an instrument that can be used to unclog pipes.
There are also plumbing codes that require you to have a licensed plumber working on your project.
Let's just say that you must know what you can do before you undertake such a daunting task.
Ask for assistance from family and friends who have completed similar tasks before if you are uncertain.
They can give you advice on what steps you need to take and where you can go to learn more about the subject.
Is it more cost-effective to hire a subcontractor or a general contractor?
Hiring a general contractor is usually more expensive than hiring a subcontractor. General contractors often have many employees and charge clients high labor costs. A subcontractor on the other side only employs one person, so he/she charges less per-hour.
Statistics
- Most lenders will lend you up to 75% or 80% of the appraised value of your home, but some will go higher. (kiplinger.com)
- Design-builders may ask for a down payment of up to 25% or 33% of the job cost, says the NARI. (kiplinger.com)
- The average fixed rate for a home-equity loan was recently 5.27%, and the average variable rate for a HELOC was 5.49%, according to Bankrate.com. (kiplinger.com)
- Rather, allot 10% to 15% for a contingency fund to pay for unexpected construction issues. (kiplinger.com)
- ‘The potential added value of a loft conversion, which could create an extra bedroom and ensuite, could be as much as 20 per cent and 15 per cent for a garage conversion.' (realhomes.com)
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How To
Do you prefer renovating exterior or interior?
Which one should i do first?
There are many factors you need to consider when choosing which project you want to work on. The most important thing to consider when deciding which project to start is whether the structure is old or new. There are many factors to consider if the building is older, such as its roof, condition, windows, doors and flooring. You should also consider the design, location, size, number and style of the building.
If your building is very old, you should first look at its roof. If your roof seems like it is about to fall apart, then you should get on with the renovation. Next, you can check if your roof is okay. Next, examine the windows. If they are broken or dirty, then you might want them replaced before doing much else. Next, clean the doors and ensure that they are free of debris. Then, if everything seems okay, you can begin working on the floors. It is important that your flooring is strong and stable so that it will not give way no matter what you do. Now you can start to add the walls. Take a look at the walls to see if any cracks or damage are present. If the wall is fine, then you should proceed to the next step. The ceiling can be finished after the walls have been examined. Make sure the ceiling is sturdy enough to withstand whatever weight you place on it. If everything checks out, then you can move forward with your renovation.
If the building was newly built, you'd probably start with its exterior. The exterior of the home should be examined first. Is it clean? Are there cracks anywhere? Does it look good? If your exterior isn't looking great, you should make some changes. You don’t want to make your home look bad. Next, examine the foundation. Repairing the foundation is a good idea if it appears weak. Also, check the driveway. It should be straight and level. If it's not, it should be fixed. Check the sidewalk as well. If it's uneven, then you should probably replace it.
Once you've checked all these areas, it is time to move on the inside. The kitchen is the first thing you should inspect. Is it clean and well-maintained? If it is dirty or messy, you need to clean it up. Next, make sure to inspect the appliances. You should make sure that they are in working order and in good condition. If they aren’t, you need to either get new ones or fix them. You can then inspect the cabinets. You should paint them if they are damaged or stained. If they are in good shape, then you can move to the bathroom. You should inspect the toilet here. If it leaks then it's time to replace it. If the surface is just dirty, it should be washed. Next, make sure you inspect all the fixtures. You should make sure they are clean. If they are filthy, clean them immediately. You should also inspect the countertops. If the countertops are cracked or chipped, you might want to repaint them. You should seal them if they are shiny and smooth.
The last step is to check the furniture. Check that nothing is damaged or missing. If something is missing, then you should probably find it. You should repair anything that is damaged. After you've checked everything, it is possible to move outside and complete the job.