Home tips

Southern Living, Spring 2001 by Martin, Robert

Money Savers

Turn up your air conditioner or turn down your heat when not at home. Programmable thermostats are an easy way to do this.

Keep Those Receipts

Hold on to repair receipts and warranty information for maior aDt)liantes. If buying a house, get all records on appliances from the previous owners to determine if warranties are still in effect.

General

Improvements

Don't be intimidated to try projects that might be within your ability to perform. If the end result is not quite what you expected, chances are it can be repaired.

Select Good Sources

If you choose to take on a homeimprovement project yourself, collect enough useful information on the subject to ensure success. There are a variety of instructional books and magazines on the market that are specifically written for many tasks.

Generate a List

Whether or not your homeimprovement efforts include the help of contractors and architects, develop a list of budget constraints, special requirements such as extra space or change of life needs, and the objectives you want to accomplish.

Adding On

Consider the following concerns when you're thinking about enlarging your home:

What room or rooms do I want to increase in size or create? Do my current property setback lines allow for such an addition, or do I need a variance from the zoning board? Will I recover the cost in the potential resale value of my home?

Architectural Services

Whether you're planning to build a new house or simply to renovate the one you have, the experience and expertise of an architect can result in a better final product. A professional can blend your needs, the restrictions of site and budget, and the requirements of building codes into a design personalized for you and your family.