Interior painting is one of those projects that can be accomplished by many people without too much training or experience. If you have the necessary ladders, drop cloths, and ability to prepare the surface, simple painting jobs are easy to execute and can be relaxing.
However, exterior painting, especially if your home's exterior is masonry, could be a job for a professional, since they need cleaning with special equipment for the best paint adherence. Some of the homes in the Raleigh area have raised ceiling plates or vaulted ceilings that can be difficult and even dangerous to reach. The pros know how to stop paint spatters and accidental spills that could damage your walls or flooring. Painting professionals also know when to suspect lead paint, especially in older homes. Disturbing the surface of lead paint emits lead into the environment, a significant hazard for families with young children.
Another home improvement project for the professionals is installing new staircase railings. Many people like the look of wrought iron railings because they offer degrees of elegance while providing a safe barrier around staircases or balconies. Having an experienced installer put these in does cost more, but you can save money on the project by using hollow-core aluminum pickets. These look just like wrought iron without the expense or weight. Having a professional install them assures you that the rail will be as sturdy and stable as local building codes require.
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Updating the kitchen tops the list for remodeling or redecorating projects that have a higher return on investment, especially if you're planning to sell your home in the next few years. The latest trend in kitchen counters is stone. However, stone is expensive and heavy. Your base cabinets may not be able to handle the weight.
The alternative is to consider countertop refinishing. Paint and finishing materials are available that closely imitate the look of stone, but not necessarily the durability. A kitchen or bathroom counter gets a lot of abuse, and countertop refinishing is one of those projects best left to a professional. The results will look authentic and the material will be able to withstand the heavy use that counter tops receive. Don't forget the new stick-on or magnetic facings available to change colors or add texture your refrigerator, stove or other appliances.
Next to kitchen remodels, refreshing your bathrooms goes a long way toward getting a fresh look at home. Instead of an expensive bathtub or shower replacement, think about bathtub reglazing. This is another project that falls outside the realm of the do-it-yourselfer, since the process is complex. Experience with the cleaning and application of the chemicals goes a long way in giving you the new look you want. Not only do reglazers know how to get a perfect finish, they also know how to avoid the hazards of the materials used in the process. In fact, there are green tub and tile refinishers that are certified in the use of a safe, non-hazardous technique. The cost is a fraction of the cost to replace the tub, tile or counter tops.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection report on the hazards of these chemicals. Without special ventilation and breathing apparatuses, people who refinish tubs on their own put themselves and their families and pets at risk working with hazardous chemicals.
Redecorating projects that pack a lot of impact include updating window coverings throughout the house. When considering new window coverings, choose thermal window coverings that look good and prevent heat gain or loss through your windows. Thermal or Energy Star windows are an expensive remodeling project, but changing your window treatments to those that can block heat transfer is much more affordable and gives your home a whole new look. Over time, you'll recoup your investment in lower energy bills, saving money and resources. Changing your accessories to the new window coverings can be done at the same time, or you can do it over a period as your budget allows. Choosing neutral colors and patterns for the window coverings may help extend the amount of time you need to complete the redecorating project. Going with the thermal window treatments first stops the energy drain on your budget, helping you set aside more funds for your decorating budget in the future.
Improving your home's curb appeal is a good investment for the value of your home as well as your neighborhood. Talk to a professional landscaper about what you can do to improve the lawn and landscaping without incurring huge monthly upkeep expenses. There are easy-care plants, shrubs and other ornamental ideas that are suited to your particular climate. If you have a large yard you might consider keeping a smaller lawn for entertaining, children or pets, and turning another portion back to nature.
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