Rosemary L. Hall

Work from the inside out when improving your home. These projects often require you to work with wires or pipes inside your walls; finish these repairs before you tackle any other jobs. If you already have your walls opened up for other repairs, why not take care of plumbing and wiring at the same time?

An air conditioner is a necessary evil in many locations. Trellises or lattices are some nice ways to disguise your air conditioner to look more aesthetic. You can also try planting ornamental grasses, such as pampas grass, in the area, as long as you maintain 12 inches between the unit and the roots.

If you have any doors that squeak upon open or closing, try using a little lubricant. Apply a small amount of commercial lubricant to the door hinge and open and close the door to allow it to enter the crevices. You can also try this with cooking oil, though the results may not last as long as a commercially available lubricant.

Interestingly, an attractive front door can add as much as 10 percent to the market value of a home. The finishing touches on the door also improve the look. A variety of locks and knobs are available.

The upgrades you want to add to your home depend on the climate you live in. If you live in a warm climate you may want to put in air conditioning instead of a fireplace. And, while a swimming pool might be enjoyed in a warm area, it might not be appropriate for states with colder climates.

Take safety precautions prior to doing a home improvement job. When you take safety precautions, you can be relatively certain that you will not be hurt and your home will not be harmed. Read the instructions that come with your tools and look up tutorials if you need to. Be sure to use water resistant dry wall in areas that harbor moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. “Green board”, as it is known in the trade, is water resistant. It will also resist any moisture better than regular boards so is a great choice for this type of use.