Save Money when Remodeling

As those income tax refunds start rolling in many homeowners will be tackling remodeling projects. One of the primary things to consider is your budget. Many jobs have to be farmed out to local contractors and service companies due to licensing and code requirements. Learn more.  But the good news is that there are many parts of the job that you can do yourself. Here's a few.

Drywall texturing is a good example. This need not be a difficult or expensive job. In fact, for some techniques you don't even need specialized equipment like a compressor and a hopper. Perhaps the simplest method only requires a paint pan and paint roller. Which brings us to our next topic.

Be your own painting contractor. Many people find painting (both interior and exterior) to be a tedious business but it doesn't have to be. Straightforward painting is typically what you get with most remodels and new construction. But did you know that it's easy to do specialty finishes like faux finishes for a fraction of the cost that a contractor would charge?

Some flooring projects are well within the reach of the average DIY enthusiast. It's easy enough to pull up old carpeting and padding. It's usually a dusty job but hey, if you're saving money, what's not to like?

Probably the easiest kind of new flooring to install is laminate flooring that simply snaps together. Layout is very easy. Next up on the difficulty scale is tile. Layout is a bit more difficult and one specialty tool you'll need is a wet saw. You might never need it again but you can rent one on a daily basis.

For more information on these and many more home improvement topics and projects, please check out I Can Fix Up My Home. Not only will you learn how to complete projects yourself but you can learn about what is involved on those parts of the job you are hiring a contractor for. Prior knowledge before getting a bid is always a good thing.

Relocating? Use a Professional Mover!

The real estate market is in flux, but that doesn't mean that people aren't changing homes. Companies relocate employees and some folks are taking advantage of lower priced homes on the real estate market just now.

The last time I moved, I did it all myself. I didn't realize I had so much stuff. Especially stuff that I didn't need. What a hassle! The next time I'm going to let the professional movers do the heavy lifting for me. Especially my table saw and other assorted power tools.

I've been known to pinch a penny or two, so you can be sure I'll shop around for removal quotes. Not only do I not want to pack and move my stuff, I don't want to carry it up the stairs at the new place, either!

Of course, one of the first thing (and most necessary one) is to shop around for mortgage quotes. The rates are still quite low and the rumors have it that the Fed is going to cut the prime rate again, which will free up more credit in the US, which will ripple across to the UK and the rest of Europe. Such is the effect of a global economy, as we recently found out.

Along with free mortgage quotes, there's the weather to think about. Planning and keeping an eye on the weather reports is crutial when relocating. Just last weekend I saw a poor slob driving along with his pick up truck loaded up with his furniture, electronics, etc. when the skies opened up, poured down the rain, and totally ruined his day. Or month. Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed...

Just another reason to use an insured professional moving company.

The great thing about moving to a new place is that if you plan it right, there's always a window of opportunity, before you move in, to get some serious DIY work done before all your belongings are in the way. Painting, installing new kitchen cabinets, and installing a new laminate floor come to mind.

These are a few things I prefer to do myself!

Real Estate Downturn? Remodel Your Bathroom!

With the real estate slumping and the market flooded with foreclosed homes, it's no time to sell. Smart homeowners are turning this into an opportunity to remodel and add to their property's equity.

Money is not Being Spent on Summer Vacations

It's true! Most people are avoiding visiting the gasoline pump. Fuel is just too expensive, prompting folks to take "staycations". It makes for a golden opportunity to do some work around the house. Bathroom remodeling is particularly popular.

Floors can be a challenge. Laminate flooring like Pergo or Armstrong is not a good choice - it doesn't do well around water. Regular carpeting has the same problem. So are you stuck with tile? Nope. I read an article not long ago where a woman put in seagrass.

Seagrass Carpet Flooring?

I'd never heard of the stuff. But I found that because it comes from the water, it does well around water. Plus, it's a green building material and will be a sustainable resource as long as the oceans are around.

Walls? Paint or Wallpaper

These are the usual options. In one bathroom remodel I recently did, I removed wallpaper, floated the walls, used a knockdown drywall texture, and then painted.

So if you're looking for something to do as summer winds down, hang out at home and add to the value of your property.