Organizing the home maximizes efficiencies

Not all home improvement projects need to be a significant investment of time and resources. No matter how old your home is, a few little updates can result in a new and improved appearance. Whether you opt to do it yourself or hire a handyman, paying attention to a couple of details around the house can make a difference.

"Sprucing up your home, even in seemingly small ways, can add significant value to your property," says Bruce McKenzie, President  Handyman Connection in Canada. "Even if you’re not putting your home on the market, little projects that can be completed in less than a day can improve the look of your home and give you tremendous satisfaction."

McKenzie offers some suggestions for places to look for relatively quick updates.

• What’s up? Check out the overhead lighting fixtures around the house. Many styles and options are available to put the room in a new light. Old, worn-out ceiling fans can be replaced with newer, more efficient models.
• Noticeable accents: Interior design elements such as crown molding, trim, or a chair rail can add decorative accents to a room with a minimal amount of effort and investment. Small shelves can provide space to display items and complement the décor in the rest of the room.
• Bathroom options: Replacing the sink or faucet can provide a completely new look for a bathroom. Even simple changes like a new showerhead or cabinet hardware can give you a sense of satisfaction.
• Look out: The outside of your home may need some attention. A new front door or storm door can increase energy efficiency and provide an upgraded look. Replacement windows are a more expensive consideration, but many products can offer significant energy savings to counter-balance the cost.

These kinds of projects are a good fit for homeowners who have to do their home repairs over the weekend. Once you’ve done some planning and obtained the materials, projects like these can often be finished in a day or less. Or, consult with a local professionally licensed handyman to discuss details and receive a cost estimate.

"The benefits of these ‘little things’ are psychological as well as financial," adds McKenzie. "You’ll be justifiably proud of the improvements to your home, and you’ll gain a sense of satisfaction from the successful completion of a project."