Home improvment ideas: A guide to simple home renovation

Want to start on your next home improvement project? Home renovation is a great way to liven up your living space. The project can be inexpensive and can greatly improve the aesthetic and feel of your home. Try these home improvement ideas for your next remodeling projects.  Enhance a floor with vinyl tile Your flooring sets the tone of your home. One way to update your flooring is with vinyl tile. This tile is easy to install as it simply needs to be peeled off and applied to a surface. This type of flooring is user-friendly and typically inexpensive.  Using vinyl tile is great if you don’t want to commit to the aesthetic for long. The tiling also comes in a plethora of designs. Perhaps you would like the appeal of hardwood floors, or you want a more flashy design. This versatility can be accomplished with vinyl title.  Update the trim & paint Renew your walls with a fresh coat and trim. This is great for two-toned wall combinations. If you’re going for a simplistic ambience, try painting your walls and trim in variations of shades of white.  When painting your trim, be mindful of the sheen. The sheen should be a grade above the paint of the wall. If the wall has flat paint, a satin or glossy sheen finish helps to make the contrast pop. Do note glossy sheen can potentially highlight scratches on the trim.  Simple DIY window trim If you enjoy DIY projects, DIY window trim may be for you. This project can be finished in just a few hours, and simple steps for easy installation can be found online.  Updating your window trim helps to give the whole room a refreshed feel.  Drain out your water heater Water can deposit sediment. This settles at the bottom of a water heater and pushes it to work more than it should, which can lead to potential leaks. Once every three months, drain a fourth of a gallon of the water. This draining helps release sediment build up.  Set up a programmable thermostat If a home has an older dial thermostat, it may be time to upgrade the system. Check out programmable thermostats. These newer thermostat models allow for automatic temperature control throughout the home. You can schedule when you would like AC or heating to turn on.  They can also help save money on your energy bill. The installation process is usually easy, and there are digital and  electromechanical options available. If you want a simple system,  electromechanical thermostats are easy to program and usually utilize sliding bars. Digital thermostats provide a greater variety of options.  Add weatherstripping Adding weatherstripping aids in saving energy. In the winter time, your furnace won’t have to be pushed as hard to heat your home. Add weather stripping to your front door and windows that are opened frequently.  DIY home improvement projects are an outstanding means to energize a space. Trying out these home improvement ideas is a great way to start your home renovation without breaking the bank.     

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Fencing basics: Choosing the right fencing materials for your property

Property owners install fences for a wide range of reasons, including privacy, aesthetic enhancement and designating a secure space for loved one to enjoy. Choosing the right fence to achieve the desired effect requires some due diligence, however . By understanding a few basics about fencing materials and how they play into your goals, homeowners can choose their perfect fence. What fence material makes sense for your home? Let's frame this discussion around the traditional six-foot privacy fence employed in backyards. While local building outlets produce a variety of attractive products, it's essential to understand the following about different materials: Cedar: This natural wood fencing material offers superior aesthetic beauty and long-lasting value. Its tight grain and attractive red ambiance make it a backyard darling. While cedar resists shrinkage, it may decay after several years unless treated regularly. Chain Link: Metal fencing materials generally do not improve privacy. They do last an exceedingly long time and can be repainted with relative ease. Composite: Similar to the flooring materials made from wood fibers and plastics, composite fencing appears natural in many ways. This manufactured material resists pest infestations and decay. Composite fencing can cost more than some others in its class and usually requires professional installation. Redwood or Teak: Ranked among the more expensive fence materials, the natural wood delivers rare luster and beauty. Both types of lumber remain resistant to insects, shrinkage and decay. Homeowners can maintain redwood and teak fence integrity by applying a sealant once or twice annually.   Treated Wood: Pressure- and chemically-treated wood resists pests and decay for decades. Property owners may weigh these benefits against issues such as significant shrinkage and its gray appearance after drying. Treated lumber often comes moist and homeowners may have to wait upwards of a year before it can be effectively stained or painted. Vinyl: This manufactured material continues to grow in popularity as newly-minted products reduce the tendency to crack or suffer discoloration. Homeowners may be best served to identify thick gauge "virgin" vinyl, which is more likely to stand the test of time. By understanding the strengths and limitations of fencing materials, you can better make informed decisions about how to invest in your property. 

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