We all know that moving into a new house is stressful, and the last thing you probably want to do is add more things to your to-do list. However, it’s actually best to tackle some home improvement projects before all the boxes and furniture get in the way. So if you want to save money, time, and hassle down the road, here are 10 home improvement ideas to consider before making the big move.
- Unless you’re a structural engineer, you’ll want to consult with a professional to confirm the wall you’re removing is indeed non-load-bearing.
- Each episode takes a deep dive into DIY or contractor-performed home improvement projects, choosing to focus on a single installation rather than the renovation of the entire home.
- Many older homes don’t have the electrical capacity for the number of electronics and powerful devices that many people use today.
Besides the “ick” factor, these animals can be very destructive to your house, creating holes in the walls or roof, ripping out insulation, and leaving disease-causing droppings. Even if you don’t see bugs, mice, or other pests in your home, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there or that they won’t decide to move in. You can prevent ants, roaches, and other insects from making your home theirs by bringing in a professional pest control company.
Look for windows labeled low-emissivity (low-E) or spectrally selective—they have a coating that reduces thermal heat transfer. These weather-resistant lights are perfect to light up your patio or deck for outdoor dining and relaxing. Attach the lights with screw eyes and carabiners so they’re just as easy to put up as they are to take down. With this easy method, string lights remain sturdy throughout the year, so you don’t have to worry about plastic hooks and other temporary solutions that won’t last after the season.
A common DIY home-improvement mistake, especially when finishing a basement, is making access to essential plumbing valves difficult. When you remodel, leave space or an access door to the main water valve, exterior spigot valves, water heater valves and any others your home may have. It’s probably less expensive and certainly more convenient to install a backyard shed or hire a handyperson to create access to hidden places in your house than renting space long-term. Home appliances and home mechanical systems are expensive enough. Set enough easily-available emergency money aside, even if you’re sure that nothing will ever break, to cover the costs. Having to buy whatever is available in an emergency, and paying financing charges and interest on top, will only drive up the cost of stuff you already don’t want to buy.
UK government issues warning over cost
The choice between buying a home and renting one is among the biggest financial decisions that many adults make. If you live in a condominium or cooperative building or a community with homeowners’ association fees, some of your monthly charges and many of your special assessments may also count. Ask the managing agent about this, and require the building or community’s accountant to offer this per capita figure each year in a format that allows you to file it away and keep it. If you plan to carry out any home improvements, you should tell us before the work is carried out.
Silence Floor Squeaks
This show had millions of viewers everywhere daydreaming of downsizing their homes. This mother-daughter duo has taken the world of home renovation by storm with their super popular HGTV show. Their ability to remodel rundown homes into jaw-dropping works of art is unmatched. Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford.
To keep your family comfortable and energy costs low, set your fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. The clockwise motion in the winter makes cool air rise and redistributes warm air. For many homeowners with low incomes, however, keeping up with mortgage payments—let alone home maintenance—was especially challenging last year.