DIY

Found 169 blog entries about DIY.

 

It’s a truism that renovations are always delayed and over budget. In fact, homeowners may be more anxious about the budgeting aspect of a renovation than they are about living through the construction itself. Despite the inherent unpredictability of any type of construction, it’s possible to learn how to set a home renovation budget that will protect your savings account.

Practice Frugality

While there’s nothing wrong with splurging on a few items during your renovation, it’s unwise to choose the very best you can afford in every category. Stretching a budget too thin by packing in too many splurges is, in fact, the most common reason that remodeling efforts are shelved before they’re completed.

Include 20% for Overages

It’s important to

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Major home renovations are often intended to benefit the homeowners directly. When it comes time to sell your home, however, the scale and intent of upgrades can be much different. The good news is, you don’t have to stretch your budget to the limit to create impactful changes. In this article, we’ll outline easy updates to quickly sell your home. Whether your home needs work on the interior or exterior, we’ve got the projects that will give you an excellent ROI.

Updates to Your Home’s Exterior

The impact of your home’s curb appeal cannot be overstated. Buyers will often judge your home before they have even stepped out of their car; updates to your home’s exterior may encourage buyers to approach the rest of your home with confidence and

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Many Americans will put plenty of hours into beautifying their lawns and gardens. However, it’s not always easy to do so, and it’s certainly not always cheap. With that in mind, here are 12 tips that will help you save money while still making sure your yard looks its best all summer long, without breaking the bank:

1.) Stay on the lookout for weeds

Weeds are a problem for your lawn or garden simply because they consume nutrients your preferred plants also need, according to Wisebread. Consequently, you will need to be vigilant about what you planted and if anything growing on your lawn or in your garden shouldn’t be there. As long as you pull the weeds out roots and all, you should be safe from the issue, but if some are being particularly

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When it comes to energy -saving, planet-helping home changes; little things add up. Not only do the little things add up in energy savings for your own home, but for the environment, as well. Let’s all do our part (and save some money in the meantime!), and think about implementing some of the energy tactics below:

Filters, and More Filters

Not only does changing filters mean healthier air and water, but changing air filters can reduce the energy it takes to heat and cool your house, as well. A win-win.

Lighting

Check each light bulb to make sure they are the correct wattage for the fixture, replace burned out bulbs, and think about converting to LED for reduced energy and heat. Bonus: Don’t forget to use natural light when possible – no

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When your home is short on square footage, decorating can be challenging. It may seem more practical to focus on making your home fully functional, but in the long run, you’ll be happier living in your home if it’s cleverly decorated. Our 10 tips for making a small space feel big will transform your small home.

1.) Choose light, neutral hues.

It is a generally accepted rule that lighter colors contribute to an open, airy feel. By contrast, dark colors tend to absorb light, creating a close, cozy feel.

To fully benefit from this wizardry, decorate in soft, off-white and neutral hues. Lighter, brighter walls will recede from the contrast of your furnishings, making your room feel instantly larger.

Installing soft, light flooring will further

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It seems like the 4th of July is one of those holidays that sneaks up on us well before we’re ready for it. The moment summer arrives, it’s time to host or attend a party, but it can be difficult to make a year memorable with only a week (or a few days, we won’t judge!) to plan.

If you find yourself in this unenviable position this year, don’t panic. Our list of Last Minute 4th of July Party Ideas will have you feeling just as ready for your party as you are proud to be an American.

Last Minute Additional Seating on a Dime

Unless some poorly-timed rain is headed your way, why not bring some of your more casual indoor furniture out in the sun? If you’re hosting in your backyard (and you don’t have time to pick up some hay bales), scrub down

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With Memorial Day almost here– giving way to the fast approaching summer – homeowners are encouraged to make preparations were necessary to ensure their homes are ready for the hot weather.

Here are five tips to make sure your home and family will be in the best shape possible:

1) A/C Check and Maintenance

Whether your home has a central air conditioning system or window units you’ll install when the weather gets a little hotter, you have to make sure they’re in good shape, according to Insurance Hub. After all, if they’re going to get dozens of hours of use every week for the next several months, having them in good working condition is a must not just so they work properly, but also so they’re safe.

You’ll also need to check and

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If you’re already doing spring cleaning, it might be wise to get out the toolbox and do some home improvement projects as well. A little maintenance can go a long way after the tough winter months.

Here are some crucial tips to making sure your home is ready for the warm weather.

1) Fix the roof

There’s probably no part of your home that takes as much of a beating every winter as the roof, according to BobVila.com. After all, it not only deals with snow, sleet, and rain, but also harsh winds, cold weather, water runoff and bearing the weight of snow and ice that builds up over the course of a few months.

With that in mind, it’s quite common for shingles or tiles to crack, loosen or fall off during the winter. When the spring thaw hits, going

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Renovations. Weekend Warrior Projects. Pinterest Craft? Whether a big scale or small scale – home improvement can always feel daunting. That’s why we’re talking about projects that boost your home’s resale value. Improve your home for yourself, but also, do so in a smart way that directly contributes to a higher resale value. Not planning on selling your house soon? Think about making these improvements to enjoy your home before you sell. Don’t find yourself down the road wishing you had done it sooner!

Update Kitchen & Bathrooms

Yes, kitchen and bathroom updates may not be what you’re wanting to hear – but as the high use, high traffic areas of your house, and a proven rise in home value: it’s worth the number one spot. However, keep in mind

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When you’re planning to put your home on the market, you naturally want to get the best possible offer(s) from potential buyers. While having a spare $100,000 to spend on remodeling is probably out of the question, we’ve created a list of high-impact updates ranging from $100 to $1,500 that will add value to moderately priced homes in TN.

We recommend completing as many of these upgrades as possible before placing your home on the market, however, if you can only afford a few, you’re still sure to see financial benefit for your efforts.

Target Budget: $100 – $400

Manicure all Outdoor Areas

An untamed, neglected outdoor space will give buyers the impression that you’ve neglected your home in its entirety. This problem is easy to remedy,

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