Author: Margaret Martin

Upgrading your house doesn’t have to involve a lot of money or contractors. In fact, there are many simple diy house upgrades that can be done by any homeowner. These projects can be completed in a weekend or less. And, most importantly, they will increase the value of your home for any future buyers or simply enhance the style of your space. But before attempting any home improvement project, it is important to think through the steps and consider how much time you want to invest in the task and whether or not you have all the tools necessary to do the job correctly. Some tasks, like tiling a shower, may look easier than they actually are and require an artisan to do properly. Other tasks, like a simple interior entryway upgrade, are fairly easy for most homeowners to do.

Amid the many laugh-out-loud moments on the hit sitcom Home Improvement, Tim Allen’s character often relied on his next-door neighbor Wilson for some unconventional wisdom and perspective. In the real world, you can rely on a team of experts like Allan Homes to help turn your house into the perfect home for your family. From kitchen remodels and screened in porches to building custom homes, we have the experience to tackle any of your home improvement needs.

Whether it’s repairing an existing kitchen or designing and building a new home addition to meet your family’s growing needs, we offer full-service design and construction. Our attention to detail and production management allow us to meet and exceed the high expectations of our clients. Allan Homes is the premier choice for residential builders and remodeling contractors in Howard County, Maryland and surrounding areas.

The company was founded by experienced home builder and home remodeling contractor Richard Karn, who also played Tim Taylor’s sidekick Al Borland. Over the years, he has worked on a number of movies and television shows, including Air Bud, Ctrl, and most recently, the History Channel home workshop series Assembly Required. He’s even reunited with former Home Improvement co-stars, including Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Zachery Ty Bryan.

But Richardson doesn’t think there could ever be a Home Improvement spinoff, and she says Allen has been “lying to people” about the possibility. In an interview with a podcast, the actress plainly states that she has no interest in returning to her Emmy-nominated role.

Whether you’re a homeowner or professional interior designer, chances are that you’ve used the internet to gather insights on home improvement projects at some point. The amount of information on the internet is overwhelming, but you can find some of the best guides and tips with a little bit of research.

Here are some of the most popular and well-known resources for home improvement advice:

Apartment Therapy – This is an excellent resource for people who live in small apartments, condos or houses. They have lots of ideas and projects for both interior and exterior remodeling, gardening, cleaning, and decorating. Their design and style sections are also very helpful.

CostHelper – This website is all about helping homeowners save money on their home improvement projects. It gives complete instructions on how to make a project cheaper, including lists of necessary supplies and materials, as well as explains how much the project is likely to cost in total.

DIY Network – This is a great resource for those who want to learn how to do some of the more advanced home improvement projects. The website has videos, articles, and tutorials on everything from painting to building a shed or installing a backsplash. The site is easy to navigate, and there are lots of useful tips for newbies.

Bob Vila – This is another good resource for anyone who needs help with their home. They have a lot of articles on everything from gardening to cooking to remodeling and repairing your home. They even have a section for things like painting and picking out the perfect color of paint. The website also has a newsletter that discusses current styling trends.

If you’re a fan of those 60-minute home improvement shows on TV, then you might feel inspired to give your house a little refresh or upgrade. While hiring a professional contractor can certainly improve your chances of successful results, it’s also important to know which projects are quick and easy for the DIY homeowner, and which ones will boost style or functionality.

Unlike an in-depth remodel, which requires the purchase and installation of new materials, quick renovations don’t require as much up-front investment. And since they’re often cosmetic changes, they won’t detract from the value of your property when you decide to sell.

Paint

Few things change a room as quickly and inexpensively as a fresh coat of paint. Add an accent wall to your living space or bedroom; create a bold statement with your kitchen cabinets; or touch up areas where paint is chipping or peeling.

Add storage

Installing extra storage is a smart home improvement idea that can make your household more functional, and it’s a project you can complete yourself. Installing shelves on an empty wall, for example, is an easy way to keep cookbooks or frequently used dishes close at hand. Or, you could convert a closet into a dedicated home office. Providing extra storage can help you stay organized, and it’s a low-cost way to boost the value of your home. Plus, doing the work yourself will give you valuable new skills.

Home repair websites help homeowners learn how to do simple home improvement projects and connect with professional service providers. They often feature instructional videos and pictures, which can be especially helpful for visual learners. Many of them also offer a free estimate tool for finding costs and scheduling. These sites may also provide tips and tricks to save money or time on a project.

The most popular home repair websites have tutorials on all sorts of topics, from painting to plumbing and electrical work. Some of them focus on specific areas, such as kitchen, bath and storage solutions. Others, such as Mister Sparky, specialize in helping people with electrical safety issues.

Some of these sites are designed to be mobile-friendly, which can make them easier for homeowners to access on the go. They also have an FAQ section to address common questions about their services.

Another good resource is a site that allows people to rate contractors based on their performance and honesty. These sites can be useful if you’re not happy with your contractor’s work or want to avoid working with one again.

Some of the best home repair sites have extensive services available nationwide. They also have easy-to-navigate website designs with detailed visuals and a clear breakdown of what each service entails. They also prioritize customer satisfaction by providing guarantees and quality workmanship. They also emphasize transparency by displaying customer testimonials and providing a client portal for streamlined service management.

Home improvement projects can add value to your home and improve the overall look of your living space. They also have the added benefit of raising neighborhood standards, creating jobs and growing markets for materials and home products. While whole-home renovations can cost big money, there are many affordable DIY projects that you can tackle to improve your home, such as painting or power washing the outside.

Even if you’re not thinking about selling your home anytime soon, it’s important to maintain your home to keep it looking its best. Upgrading the appearance of your home can attract potential buyers if you do decide to put it on the market, and it can also make your living space more comfortable for you and your family.

One of the easiest ways to brighten up a room is with a fresh coat of paint, but it can be easy for novices to make mistakes that can leave their new painting project less than perfect. From choosing the right paint to using quality tools, these expert tips will help you paint like a pro.

1. Keep a wet edge

Professional painters always work with a wet edge, says Nick Slavik, a professional painter for 29 years who hosts Ask a Painter Live on social media and has a rigorous apprentice program. Working with a wet edge gives your walls an even, professional finish and prevents “hatbanding,” “picture framing” and “flashing” — where the cut edges of wall paint dry first, leaving visible borders around the edges of the room.

Homeowners who want to add value to their property can choose from a variety of projects. Some, like replacing windows and doors, offer the best chance of recouping their costs when they sell. Others, such as refinishing hardwood floors or painting rooms can be completed at a lower cost.

Before you start your diy house remodel, consider the scope of the work and how it will impact your daily life. It is important to remember that renovations can be disruptive, especially if you have kids or pets in the home. It’s important to plan for your family and come up with a strategy to keep them safe while the renovation is underway. For example, if you need to take your children to school during construction, make arrangements for them ahead of time or arrange for childcare. Having a lockbox that contractors can use to access your home is another way you can streamline the remodeling process and avoid unwanted interruptions in your daily routine.

You should also research your project and determine whether a permit is required for your renovation. This may be a necessity, particularly for projects that change the structure or layout of your home, like moving walls. If you need a permit, the process can be lengthy and costly, so it’s wise to plan accordingly. To mitigate unexpected costs, be sure to get multiple estimates from reputable contractors and negotiate a payment schedule. You should also make a list of all materials and tools needed for the project to help you stay on budget.

Home improvement products are the backbone of any renovation project, from refinishing a table to painting a room. From a product standpoint, the industry is well positioned to grow as consumers seek more convenient ways to purchase and receive DIY supplies.

To gain a competitive advantage, marketers can leverage e-commerce marketplaces to streamline their e-commerce operations and scale their reach. For example, by leveraging B2B platforms that facilitate order management and offer greater levels of security, brands can increase efficiencies and build brand loyalty amongst their buyers.

Additionally, brands can also leverage e-commerce marketplaces to gain access to the most sought after home improvement products while minimizing inventory risks. The demand for certain products can vary based on season, making it critical to identify these seasonal trends in advance and adapt accordingly.

In addition to e-commerce, consumers turn to a variety of other outlets when buying home improvement products. For example, many consumers visit their local hardware stores for personalized advice and to browse a broad selection of products. Others opt to shop online, where they can find competitive prices and reviews. Meanwhile, some people prefer to visit ReStores or salvage shops for affordable options that support a good cause.

In a crowded digital marketplace, brands can differentiate themselves by offering educational content that educates potential buyers on how to use specific products. For instance, bedding and bath brand Parachute uses UGC in its marketing mix to showcase how real customers are styling and using its products at home. This approach helps buyers build confidence and increases conversion rates.

Home upgrades don’t need to cost a fortune or involve contractors to be effective. In fact, it’s often the small but meaningful design details that have a big impact on a room and boost value for resale.

One of the most popular quick home upgrades involves replacing dated light fixtures. It’s a simple DIY project that costs a few hundred dollars and can make an instant impact. Other easy and affordable DIY updates include updating bathroom fixtures, painting trim and doors, and adding a window box of blooms to the front of your house.

If your kitchen is lacking storage, a breakfast bar may be the perfect solution. This upgrade will give you a place to prep food, entertain guests and more! Plus, it’s a great way to add some extra style to an otherwise plain space.

Replacing old carpet with laminate flooring is another simple upgrade that’s both affordable and quick to install. It’s resistant to stains and cleans up easily so it’ll keep your home looking like new for years to come.

Adding smart home devices is an easy upgrade that will help your home stand out for future buyers. It’s also a feature that’s growing in popularity among homebuyers for convenience and security. A smart doorbell, thermostat and leak detector can all be added to your home for less than $1,500!

When planning a home improvement project, make sure to get a few quotes. Ask friends and family who have recently had work done on their homes for contractor recommendations. Look at contractors’ websites to see pictures of previous projects and read client reviews.

It’s also important to consider how the changes will affect your property taxes. If you make structural, roof or plumbing changes, you may be required to get a permit. Your contractor should know what is needed for your particular home and be able to help you obtain the necessary paperwork.

Another thing to consider is how long a local or national remodeling company has been in business in your area. A company that has a long history in your community is likely to have a better understanding of the local climate and geography, which can impact what products are best for your home.

If you are considering a home improvement project that will require a permit, be wary of non-local “storm chasers” who show up at your door after a storm or other natural disaster and offer to repair damage to your house for cheap, usually with promises that the cost can be reimbursed through your homeowners’ insurance. These companies are often difficult to track down if they perform poor work or disappear after receiving payment. Licensed contractors have proper insurance to cover workers’ compensation and property damage during construction. Many counties in New York State require a license for remodeling contractors, but not all do. If you are not sure whether a contractor is properly insured, contact the New York State Department of Labor to find out if they are licensed.