Home improvement

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If your radiator has gone cold, you may need to bleed it. Simply switch off the boiler and locate the bleed key. Turn the key counterclockwise and air will begin to escape and make a hissing sound. When the sound stops and a little water leaks, turn the bleed key clockwise to close it.

Few realise just how easy it is to instal a new light fixture in homes that were built within the last ten years ago. Most overhead lights now include all the wires and screws needed; in most cases the only wiring required is to connect the circuit box of the new fixture to the wires in your ceiling. Look for everything-included kits, which are designed for the average homeowner and include useful resources to help you through the process.

When considering what home improvement project to do, stay away from home repairs unless they are absolutely necessary. Things like painting the interior or exterior of your home have no impact on the value of your residence. Spend your time on other projects that will give you a better return for the money you spend.

If your home has more closets than you need, consider converting one or more into another functional space, such as an office, a home bar, or a small library. By removing the doors and adding shelves, a desk, a chair or other furnishings, you can utilise the storage space you don't need as extra living space.

Replace old and outdated sliding glass patio doors with french doors. The look is bold and modern, something that new buyers will really appreciate. It's the kind of small touch that is quick, easy, and inexpensive but will give you the most bang for your hard earn buck.

If your old bed set is looking a bit old and you are an ambitious person, you should try building your own bed furniture. While this is a difficult task, if you take your time and work hard at it, you can create furniture that is beautiful and fully customised to your liking.

Make sure your home is properly insulated through the use of weather stripping on your home's doors and windows. This helps eliminate and reduce air leaks and improves your heating or cooling system's efficiency. For your efforts, you will enjoy lower electric bills and a home that is cooler in warmer weather and warmer in colder weather.

If you act without knowing what you're doing, it's not good for you or your home.

If you take on the task of staining your deck yourself be sure to protect yourself. Stains are full of harsh chemicals so it is a good idea to wear eye protection, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirts and pants that cover your legs, and shoes that will protect your feet.

If you have a leaky roof, some of the first places you should look for the culprit would be skylights, around the chimney, wall step flashings, and low spots. The next place to look would be the gutters! Damaged gutters are often the cause of a leaky roof because the water will run directly down the exterior of the house.

In northern climates where heavy snow covers the ground all winter, you may lose track of where the borders of pathways are. To avoid this it is a good idea to put a 4' X 4' lumber bordering the paths. Then, when you are shoveling snow, you will know exactly where the edge of the path should be.

If you would like to move but can't thanks to the economy, view it as an opportunity to create a home you love through renovations and updates. Not only will many upgrades add value to your home when you are ready to sell, but you will be happier surrounded by the colors, patterns, and other design components you love.

Live with your new home's flaws for a few days, or even weeks, in order to avoid making changes you may come to regret later. Give yourself time to see what works and what doesn't in the home's spaces. In fact, what you initially perceived as a flaw, may end up being the very thing that gives character to your new home.

Tie a t-shirt around your face! Don't have a dust mask when you're sanding? Shame on you! If you're in a pinch though you can improvise with any close weave natural fiber. It isn't the best solution but it certainly beats having no protection for your respiratory system whatsoever!

If you realize that your heating costs are a bit more than you expected to be paying, you should have someone install some better insulation to your home. While this may be a bit pricey, it is much less than you would have to pay for inflated utility bills, over time.

Reading books on home improvement won't make you an expert, but actually completing a project will. It's great to have some knowledge on the ins and outs of any work you plan on doing, but spend only 20% of your time learning and 80% of your time actually completing the renovations.

Remember, home improvement does not have to be a daunting task! The right information can help you to make sound decisions. Whether you do-it-yourself or hire out the work, enjoy your "new look" ... a little effort goes a long way!