As any owner is aware, it is expensive to own a home and it takes a lot of work! On average, homeowners spend between 1 and 3 percent of their home’s value on repairs and improvement. However, there are ways to cut back on cost, so here are some tips to help you save money and still be able to improve and upkeep the home you love.
When you have to have your roof redone, use light colored substances or white tile. The lighter color will reflect the suns rays instead of absorbing them, reducing the heat build up in your attic. You can save a substantial amount on your monthly heating and cooling bill.
If you are installing new baseboards, think about using stained wood baseboards opposed to painted baseboards. This gives your baseboards that look of real wood that blends very well with a modern or classic home. Stained baseboards also do a better job of hiding scuffs and scratches. As an added bonus, there are dozens of different wood stains to choose from.
If you have little cracks in the roof of your home, just get a 3 inch roll of aluminum tape to fix it up. Apply the tape to a dry and clean surface but remember to peel off the backing first. This creates a surface that is waterproof covering for those cracks.
Aluminum Foil
Use aluminum foil to cover electrical outlets prior to painting. It is far easier to use aluminum foil than tape, and your covers will be shielded from possible splatters. It is also easier to clean up. Just let all of the paint dry prior to removing the foil, then recycle it.
A way to stop bugs from getting into your home, and saving money while you’re at it, is to simply seal openings or cracks. Seal any holes around windows, baseboards and other areas using caulk. Once the caulk is dry, air will have difficulty getting out, and bugs and other pests will have difficulty getting in.
To keep your yard lit after dark and still save on electricity, switch out your regular light for one with a motion sensor. You will still be able to turn the light on, and many models allow you to select different sensitivity thresholds.
Consider turning an old used luggage rack into a side table. Take the glass from a large picture frame and secure it to the luggage rack with permanent adhesive. Stack a few books and a lamp, and you have yourself a nice side table.
A simple and affordable home improvement to make is to install peepholes in your doors. You should know who is at your door before you open it! It’s easy and inexpensive to install a peephole in your door. You just need a drill and an hour or so out of your day. Along with the added sense of security you’ll gain from this, a peephole also makes the door look more attractive.
When you use the information for home improvement provided by this article, you will find any future trips to your local home improvement store will not break the bank. You will be able to complete the desired home improvement projects while saving money.
If you’re out of space in the kitchen, try a microwave which goes over the stove range. Installed in place of your stove’s range hood, these microwaves come in many different prices and feature configurations. Most of these units have a recirculating air filter rather than an actual vent, so they work best for people who do not require a kitchen vent.
There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where you can make the most impact on improving your community.