When our homes are ignored, problems start to arise and once functional items will begin to fail. While almost every home is likely to have some kind of problem that needs to be fixed, there are things that can be done to solve and sometimes prevent these problems. Take a look at the following home improvement tips, as they will keep your home looking good and save you money in the long run.
Periodically examine your roof for any problems. Make a note of areas where shingles are broken or missing, as well as tiles that flap due to blowing wind. All of these are signs that your roof needs to be repaired immediately in order to protect your home from the weather. Choose replacement tiles that can withstand damage from hail impact and fire. Slate, shake, and polymer roofing tiles are the best options.
Over time, algae and dirt can accumulate on siding, making it look old and unclean. Use detergents and pressure washers to clean any unsightly areas of siding, making sure to carefully go over areas where a lot of buildup is present. Don’t use pressure washers on windows or trim, as the high pressure can easily cause damage to these areas. During the cleaning process, look for any changes that may have occurred from the year before, such paint peeling, warping, insect damage, or bucking.
Clean gutters are able to redirect rain away from the base of the home. Check the gutters on a regular basis to see if there are any clogs, cracks, or holes that may be preventing proper drainage. The gutters should be properly sloped and attached to the home as well. Be certain that the water that drains from the gutters isn’t damaging any of the surrounding landscape or property.
Air leaks and condensation may be a sign that your windows need replacing. Vinyl framed windows are a good replacement option, as they are durable, look visually appealing, and are more energy efficient than other windows. Since these widnows require little maintenance, there is no need to worry about repainting, scraping, and frame rot. Try choosing a window that is built with multiple chambers and fusion welded corners.
An average homes has many doors, all of which can require maintenance. Check for any light or air that may be leaking through the doors. Warped doors and visible gaps need to be fixed, as they can leave your home using more energy to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Some gaps can be fixed with an application of sealent, but for more drastic cases, the installation of a new door may be required. A high insulation fiber glass door does a good job of keeping air from escaping while looking good.
As you can see, when you fail to take care of your home, things can go awry. Don’t wait till it’s too late to take care of your home. Remember the tips and your home will never let you down.
Garage Remodeling Home Improvement Ideas
One of the quickest ways to add additional storage and room to the interior of the home is to utilize space that is not currently used. Nearly every home has unused space in the garage that can expand the area that is utilized for storage. Through an effective garage remodeling, every homeowner can provide a place for more organization, while using space that was not being utilized for anything.
Remodeling the Garage
Many homeowners understand the garage provides the ideal environment for creating a home office, a workshop, or studio. Because it already has a roof and the floor, it is very easy to convert into quality space they can be used for a variety of reasons. With the simple addition of heating and cooling, and possibly plumbing, it is easy to quickly transform a portion of the garage into usable interior space.
Just because the homeowner is using a portion of the garage does not mean they will need to sacrifice the area used for storage. Consider using the area higher up, near the ceiling, to add additional shelving or storage in unused space. In addition, a small shed can be positioned outdoors, to contain many of the items that were originally stored inside the garage, such as lawn equipment and items for landscaping.
Expanding the Laundry Room
If you realize that your laundry room is positioned right next to the garage, you may have the opportunity to do something with the unused space. The unused space inside the garage might provide the perfect opportunity to take a portion of the garage and increase the size of the laundry room. By simply building an additional wall or two and adding a door the area can be instantly transformed into an expansive laundry room.
Adding a Mud Room
Most homes do not have mud rooms, where the family can remove their outer clothing and dirty boots without tracking debris and dirt throughout the home. Taking a portion of the garage and transforming it into a mud room is an ideal solution for keeping the interior of the home clean. If possible, consider installing a sink and cabinet to make the process of cleaning up much easier. This is a smart solution for a serious problem.
Creating a Home Office
As more individuals are learning to telecommute, work from home, or beginning their own home business, they need their own home office. Instead of taking up one of the bedrooms, it is easy to create a home office within the existing garage structure. Taking just a small portion of the interior space, two walls, a bit of lighting, and access to the HVAC system is all that is required to transform unused space into an effective and usable home office area.
There are phenomenal garage remodeling home improvement ideas that can transform unused space into something worthwhile to add equity to the home, and increase its functionality. With a little creativity, and thinking outside the box, any homeowner can realize that they already have unused space that can be transformed into a beautiful addition to the interior of the home.