With the down economy, many people are taking on home improvement projects themselves rather than hiring someone to do it for them. This can save a lot of money if you know what you are doing. However, it requires some preparation and know-how. In this article, you’ll find many helpful tips for taking on your home improvement projects.

Protect yourself when you change the blades in your utility knife. While changing the blade, wrap tape around the old blade before tossing it in the trash. By doing this, the sharp edges of the blade will be covered. When taking out the trash, or packing down the trash, the sharp edges will not be able to hurt anyone with the tape wrapped around them.

Install large corner shelves in your bedroom just below the ceiling. These shelves can easily be constructed using just a sheet of plywood and a couple of pieces of molding. Cut the shelf large enough that it can be used to hold large comforters and other items that you need to keep up and out of the way.

Your house can look more chic by adding a little garden area in the front. First decide what kinds of plants are able to grow in your climate and purchase them from a store. Plant them in a nice design near your porch or doorstep. For a nicer and cleaner finish, add some small fencing around your garden area to fully define the space.

You should have exhaust fans in bathrooms, your kitchen and even your laundry room. By getting rid of moist or humid air, you’re lowering the chance that mildew or mold will form where you live. Not only does it do that, it also doesn’t allow condensation to become trapped within walls and that keeps them from rotting.

If you are starting to redo your bathroom or kitchen you have to ensure your water valve is off so you do not flood the room! It seems common sense, however many homeowners often make the error of overlooking this step and end up with major flooding, which actually requires more renovations.

If you feel your home is too small, consider a basement renovation. In many cases, a basement can be turned into a second living room or climate-controlled storage space. If your basement has exterior access, you could even renovate it into an apartment for rental income or a mother-in-law suite for family members and other visitors.

If you travel frequently and leave your house unattended, consider installing timer lights in your home. These lights come on according to a programmed schedule – giving the appearance that the home is occupied – even when it is not. This is an effective deterrent for would-be burglars who look for unoccupied homes when hunting for potential targets.

Using the home improvement tips described in this article, you will be capable of completing your home improvement projects in a cost-effective and timely manner. Keep these helpful tips in mind, and you will be on your way to creating the living space and home you have always desired.