Home improvements can be a great way to update the look of your home. You may choose a home improvement project in order to increase the home’s sales appeal, make over an outdated look, or just renew your interest in your dwelling.
Some home improvement projects, such as room additions, kitchen remodels and furniture replacement, can consume a large amount of time as well as money. Many of us cannot afford to do major renovations, but would still like to do something to spark a new interest as well as a new look in the old style. Here are some ways you can improve the look of your home, even if you are doing it on a tight budget.
New Paint Can Do Wonders
One of the least expensive major improvements you can accomplish on a small budget is re-painting your home. New paint offers the biggest bang for your buck, and can make your entire house look and smell like new. If you can wield a paintbrush, roller and some masking tape, you can do the job yourself, and save a bundle. To save even more, visit a local home improvement center, and look for paint that has been returned unopened, or priced for clearance. You can create interesting new looks by painting a whole room, or just one wall. Try using stencils, or even try your hand at an abstract design. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
Portrait Wall
You can create an eye-catching wall design by displaying portraits of family members and friends. Look at the local dollar store to find interesting, inexpensive frames to complement your photos. You can add embellishments, such as beads, stones or seashells to plain frames, or add personal touches, such as text, with craft paint or glitter pens. Try antiquing paint from a craft store to age frames for old black and white photos. Then, arrange your “family wall” in an attractive way.
Thrift Store Savvy
Thrift stores are all the rage these days. You can find bargains galore while perusing the aisles of your local second-hand store. Unique furniture items can be bought for a fraction of the cost of new, and are brought back to life with a little paint, stain or a few door handles and drawer pulls. Look for nice linens, tableware or bedding that will look new in your home.
Overhaul a Bathroom
A bathroom is a small room that has a huge impact on a home. You may not be able to replace expensive fixtures, or lighting, but with a little creativity, you can change the look for very little money. Start with a cheery new paint job. Some good color combinations are blue and yellow, or lavender with mint green. Use one color for the walls, and the other for accents. Find inexpensive towels either on sale, or at a thrift shop. Add a shower curtain, some candles and a second-hand light fixture, and you won’t recognize your bathroom!
The opportunities for inexpensive home improvements are endless. These are just a few suggestions, and with a little creativity, you can think of more ways to create a pleasant, new atmosphere without breaking the bank!
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Home Improvement Projects: Reinventing the Garage Floor
Many homeowners eager to do some type of home improvement project around the house should consider reinventing their garage floor. There are many types of products that can be used on the garage floor to enhance its functionality, and decrease the amount of slush and debris that is often tracked through the house.
The floor of the garage can be one of the filthiest places in the home. There is often times debris, mildew, mold and dirt brought in from the outside that harbors on the floor of the porous concrete. While it is a strong a durable product, it does need to be protected by having some kind of component applied to its surface. There are a variety of solutions that work well as a weekend home improvement project for the excited do-it-yourselfer that wants to increase equity in the home.
Removing the debris from the porous concrete of the garage floor can be a challenge. However, there are many products available that are easily applied including garage floor paint, and epoxy solutions that can add a hard surface that is both waterproof, and easy to clean.
Additionally, rubber tiles can be added to the garage floor in a variety of colors that can add a decorative sprucing up of the area. The installed rubber tires are highly resistant to stains and offer a slip proof environment that works well on rainy days. This resilient surface also doubles as an effective noise buffer and makes it easy to walk on. The installation process of rubber tiles is extremely easy. Every tile simply snaps with another, allowing the homeowner to choose the size and area that will be covered with the rubber coating.
Using epoxy-based coating is the ideal way to maximize the durability of a garage floor. This type of product is highly resistant to oil and stains, and is available in a variety of colors, or can be mixed to specifically match or complement an existing color. While these types of coatings are expensive, they are simple to lay down, especially when following the directions. For any handy do-it-yourselfer, this is an easy project that can transform the garage floor over a weekend.
Having some type of waterproof system applied over the existing is an easy way to keep clean. With a simple washing of soap and water, the surface of a painted garage floor or one that has installed epoxy coatings can easily be maintained. It can add a beautiful aesthetically pleasing appearance to the interior of the garage, while improving its functionality.
Once the new flooring has been laid down, consider all the other options of using the area. The unused space in the garage can easily be transformed into a workshop, man space, or an effective storage area. With a little forethought, and creative planning, it is easy to take unused space inside the room, and create something that is fully functional and will add equity to the home.
With a few simple products, any do-it-yourself homeowner can reinvent their garage floor, and maximize its efficiency.