1. Small Changes Can Add Up. These Ideas Will Improve Your
Home Value
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You can make holes of all sizes for different screws, and you can drill in the screws using
various bits. To meet most of your work requirements, your best bet is a battery-powered drill
packing 9 volts or more. For bits and attachments, make sure you have drivers for screws
(both Phillips and flat-head) and drill bits in one-quarter, one-eighth, one-sixteenth, and one-
thirty-second inch.
Look at the exterior of your home with an eye towards seeing it as others see it. Keeping a
nice and attractive yard is where you should start. Choose landscaping that you'll be able to
maintain easily, but still looks good. Also, renovate your deck and patio to give your home
additional aesthetic appeal.
Check with your local zoning board to determine what permits are required before
undertaking any home improvement project. If you aren't aware of the regulations in your
area concerning structural changes to your property, it would be best to get a professional to
help you. It may save you money and prevent you from making mistakes.
If you plan to install new exterior lights, think about adding motion detectors. Motion detecting
lighting senses movement, and will turn on when necessary. In addition, you will decrease
the amount of energy you use outdoors, which will help save money.
If you're going to replace the siding on the outside of your house, you must remember
insulation. It is sure to increase your home's value and reduce your energy costs. This also
helps keep more cash in your bank account.
If you are the owner of a deck, see if it is water resistant by putting a few drops of water on it
at the end of a sunny day. If the wood totally soaks in the water, it's time to place on more
repellent. And be sure to reseal that deck prior to wintertime. If you don't, there can be some
serious long-term damage.
Many of the normal home improvement jobs can be done by you. However, there are times
when hiring a professional may be warranted. You usually do not need a professional for
painting, drywall, and easy plumbing fixes. Do the work yourself and save some money.
Add some curb appeal by adding a couple coats of some high-gloss paint to the shutters and
front door of your home. Consult a color wheel and choose a contrasting color for your
home's trim for the most dramatic effect.
Replacing old drapes, curtains or shades can refresh any room. You don't have to invest a lot
of money in window treatments, and they really dress up and add character to a room. You
can even customize the look by season by selecting fabrics in colors that reflect the seasons,
such as light colors for spring and summer and richer colors for autumn and winter.
You can reduce your home owner's insurance premiums by installing smoke alarms and

2. checking them regularly. This works out best on older homes because the insurance
companies know that modern homes are usually built using materials that are more fire-
resistant. Not only do they save you some money, but they can also save your life.