Lee Morof's Real Estate Blog

Owning a home comes with a lot of joy and responsibility. Many homeowners are looking for improvement projects that they can do themselves. There are a few options that rise to the surface. Take a look at some of the fun projects that most homeowners can do at home!

Perform Routine Maintenance on the HVAC System

One of the top projects that homeowners can perform involves routine HVAC maintenance. In order to make sure the HVAC system is running appropriately, it is important to service it regularly. Even though there are a few tasks that have to be left to those with the right training, there are other tasks that the homeowners can do themselves. This includes wiping off the breaker, cleaning the exterior, and even cleaning the blower with a vacuum.

Seal Home Areas Contributing To A Draft

Another key project to consider involving sealing areas that might be leading to drafts. Some of the most common drafts come from the doors and windows. If there is a draft coming into the home, then this could lead to higher utility bills. Applying foam to fill in areas around the frames of windows and doors to prevent heat and air from escaping to the outdoors. This could help homeowners save a large amount of money on their electric bills.

Eliminate Entry Areas For Certain Pests

Some of the most common pests that homeowners have to deal with include ants, cockroaches, and termites. By taking the time to look for entry points under the cabinets, floorboards, and doors, homeowners can make sure these nuisances are problems of the past. Foam and steel wool works well for deterring the invasive natures of these insects. Make sure to remove dust and debris from the area to ensure that all gaps are filled.

Improve The Home During The Offseason

These are just a few of the top home improvement projects that homeowners might want to consider during the offseason. It is a smart idea to try to tackle these projects before the weather gets too cold. That way, homeowners will be prepared for the temperature to drop and can run their heaters without having to worry about their utility bills rising too much.

If you live in a home with a basement, you may have already started finishing it, or you may have big plans to convert the space into something more usable and practical. When it comes to basement renovations, few projects add as much value and opportunity for entertainment as adding in a basement bar.

A bar is an easy home improvement project to complete, and you can use it for entertaining family and friends. Here’s a quick guide to installing a bar in your basement and turning that dank, dreary room into a great space for making new memories.

Preparing For The Bar Addition

First, you need to select the space that is best-suited for the bar. The ideal space will be an open area near the corner of the room or even near an entryway. The space should allow for seating for at least two or three bars stools, but you may desire a larger bar area.

Most bar areas will have water and electricity features, and it will be easier and less expensive if you choose an area of the room that has these services running through the walls. If water and electricity are easily accessible, you simply have to build a wall and add a counter top to the area. If you cannot complete this work on your own, you can hire a contractor for assistance.

Hiring Contractors For Special Tasks

A fully functional bar area may have overhead cabinetry for storage as well as a small sink to rinse out glasses and to wash hands. In addition, it may have electricity for lighting mounted under the cabinets or for display lights over the seating areas.

While some individuals may have the skills to complete this work on their own, you may consider outsourcing these special tasks to a contractor. This will ensure that the work is completed to code, and it also means the work might be completed sooner than if you tried to do it yourself.

Once you’ve built the bar and hooked up the water and electricity, you simply have to add a few bar stools, stock up on glasses and liquor, and start enjoying the space. A new bar addition will be a welcome feature in your home’s basement, and you can easily get started working on this project today. For more fun and trendy basement renovation ideas, contact a real estate professional in your community today.