What Home Improvement Mistakes Are You Making?

If you're considering making any repairs or improvements to your home this year, there are a few areas around the house that you may not want to overlook.  In fact, avoiding many of these these home repairs could prove more costly in the long run.  So what home improvement mistakes are you making?  Let's take a look.

What Home Improvement Mistakes Are You Making?

Leaving Problems Untreated

Misusing The Space

Spending money fixing issues around the home should always take priority over other large purchases you might make. While some issues can wait, others simply can’t. So, if an emergency plumber is needed for sudden leak, clog or burst pipe, it’s vital that you call one ASAP, even if it means putting off the buying the latest smart TV or the newest music system.  Other repairs you shouldn't avoid include:

• Gas leaks.  If you ever smell natural gas, call your 911 and gas company right away, and get yourself and your loved ones out of harm's way.  

• Electrical issues.  If you have frayed wires, if your circuit breaker constantly trips, or if your outlets look scorched, don't wait.  Call a reputable electrician to find and fix the issues before an electrical fire breaks out in your home.

Learning how to make do with the amount of space in our homes is something that many of us contend with. Storage space is at a premium in many older homes, and homeowners have to get creative.  Where can you find extra storage?

• Look up.  Extend shelves toward the ceiling and store off-season or out of the way items in attractive bins and baskets.
• Under the sink.  Under the sink cabinets can sometimes be a hot mess of a catch-all space.  Use wire baskets and bins to organize items in a meaningful way.

• Under furniture.  This goes beyond under the bed storage: think about storing under the sofa and accent tables, too.  Use woven straw baskets for things like throw pillows, extra blankets and other bedding. 

Forgetting To Add Character

Focusing Exclusively On The Inside

Overlooking Safety

Browsing showrooms and interior design websites to gain inspiration is always a great idea. Still, you mustn’t forget that you’re actively trying to create a home environment that’s specifically designed with your family's needs in mind. Whether it’s showing off family photos  or creating stylish vignettes around your home, you have to remember to inject your own style and taste, creating a home decor that's all your own.

Ensuring that the internal aspects of your home are in good working order is all well and good, but you also have to direct some of that focus on the outside as well. Repairing any damaged fencing or using a gutter cleaning service to help avoid clogged gutters and downspouts are two exterior home repairs you can definitely consider.  Also consider reseeding or re-sodding your lawn and upgrading your flower beds as well.

It’s the oldest cliché in the book, but a safe home is a happy home. Adding modern security features like a doorbell camera or security cameras that stream in real time to your smartphone will provide you with peace of mind. Alternatively, consider internal dangers around your home as well. Childproofing sharp edges and electrical outlets is vital for parents of young children, for example. Additionally, installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms add another layer of protection for your family.