Whether the projects of which you’re thinking are big or small, any home improvement can dramatically affect the look and feel of your home. It can make it more beautiful, more livable and even more valuable from a resale standpoint. Don’t be frightened to start a large home improvement project; most projects can be completed without construction expertise. Below, you will find some helpful hints and tips on how to achieve success in your home improvement endeavors.

When replacing your baseboards, try to use stained wood because it is a lot more appealing than painted baseboards. Natural wood has a look that is not only classic, but works in nearly every style of home. Stained backboards also serve the benefit of defending against stains and marks, which can increase its longevity. As an added bonus, there are dozens of different wood stains to choose from.

Bleach is a great tool for cleaning toilets. This may smell bad at first, but it will sanitize and clean your toilet. You can also used scented bleach to make sure the smell isn’t too bad.

If there are some cracks in the roof, buy a roll of tape made of aluminum. To use the tape, simply remove the paper backing from the tape and apply over the crack. This creates a waterproof barrier over these cracks.

Two-liter bottles can be used as containers in your kitchen. They are quite useful in that you can see through them and will hold up well when protecting sugar and flour or other dry goods. You can put them into a fridge, freezer or cabinet easily. When it’s time to use the contents, simply pour out what you need.

It is important to always shut off the water when you are beginning a project in your kitchen or bathroom. Whenever you are dealing with pipes, fittings, or fixtures, finding and turning the shutoff valve should be step number one. By doing this, you are making sure that you do not get a flood.

Use sandpaper when planning to stain or paint any wood surface, and then wipe using a damp rag. Use a fine grit of sandpaper for optimum smoothness. Using a wet rag to wipe off the item will eliminate dust and ensure the finish remains smooth.

Adding or replacing the weather stripping around windows and doors is a great way to improve the energy efficiency of your home. This is a cheap fix but can save you lots of money on heating and cooling costs for your home. You can also reduce the drafts you feel inside your home on windy, cold nights.

If you feel like your living room is just average and low key, throw a bold print in there to create an accent with some personality. Think about using a leopard or maybe zebra print in your living room, but only in small doses! A great way to use prints is through accessories, such as pillows or rugs.

These tips will help you to avoid unnecessary setbacks and unexpected expenses. Put on your tool belt today and start your next home improvement project with confidence.