The decision to purchase your very own home, is one of the largest investments you will ever make. It makes sense then, that you would want to do everything you can to make sure your investment maintains its value. This article will provide you with some tips and advice on home improvement and what you can do to keep your property looking its absolute best.

One way to lower your electric bill is to install a motion sensor on your outdoor lights. This way, the bright spotlights only come on when someone is outside and needs the light and then, turn off when not needed, saving on energy. Also, motion-detector outdoor lights can act as a deterrent against theft.

If you’re tired of running out of hot water, consider getting a tankless water heater. Tankless heaters give you hot water only as you need it, without having to have a holding tank. By only heating the water you’ll immediately use, you can also save money on energy. They also take up much less room than traditional tank heaters.

A way you can rid yourself from insects is to caulk holes and cracks. Apply the caulk around windows, baseboards and doorways to seal any cracks. After your caulk is dry, bugs will not longer be able to get in, and your home will also be better insulated.

When hiring someone to perform home improvement work on your residence, do not pay cash. Always pay by either check or credit card; you will have a documented trail showing that your contractor has been paid. If you pay cash, it could become your word against his word, and you won’t have any proof that you followed through with payment.

It is important to develop a plan before beginning any home improvement project. Leaving important decisions unmade until the day the work gets done is a recipe for disaster. You could make the wrong choices, or delay your project by not making any decisions at all. When you plan well in advance, your work will be accomplished with much greater ease and efficiency.

If you would like your living room or dorm to have a contemporary clean feel to it, opt to buy a sofa with minimal cushioning and long, lean lines. Choose the sofa in a bold color such as black, red, or beige to make a statement in your area. You can dress it up with some zebra print or striped decorative pillows.

Shut the toilet lid! No, it’s not a girl boy thing! Toddlers can topple into an open toilet and drown! Why take the chance of such a horrible thing happening when all you have to do is shut the lid. Keeping the bathroom door closed is another good practice when small children are in the house.

Your home is one of the most valuable resources that you have. It is important to take the time to research and perform updates on your property to maintain its value. Following the advice provided in this article can save you from a lot of frustration, as well as, costly mistakes.