A To-Do List You Can’t Clean Without: How to Make Spring Cleaning a Success

Whether you love winter or you try to stay indoors between the months of November and February, those first few days of spring always seem to signify a new start. Making use of those feelings of newness and motivation to clean and re-organize your home can help you start off the summer with a great attitude and a great place to entertain. However, spring cleaning can quickly get overwhelming if you don’t have an easy-to-follow strategy–a strategy that starts with a to-do list. Although a to-do list may be only your first step to a spring cleaning success, taking the time to write it well can help you keep on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Get Comfortable

If you’re like most, looking at a messy house can get you frustrated faster than several feet of snow. And starting a cleaning job frustrated usually just makes you more frustrated by the time it’s over, which doesn’t typically lend to good work. The first step to writing a good cleaning to-do list, then, is to get comfortable and to get into a good frame of mind . If you need to, leave your house, or go to the place that always makes you feel most comfortable in your home.

Write a “Rough Draft”

Your to-do list isn’t a senior thesis, but you can gain a lot from writing a rough draft, or a first copy on which you list everything you want to do–from refinishing the basement to dusting behind the fridge. Don’t worry about listing things in a particular order, but just write everything you think of as it comes to mind. You’ll have to narrow this down eventually, but it can be cathartic for you to get it all out on paper. It can also help you to organize your tasks and make reasonable goals for projects that you want to do immediately and those you need would like to do in the long run.

Prioritize

There are some tasks that you need to do right away–the ones that threaten the safety of those living in the home and those that potentially put the home at risk. For instance, if you have a very messy home and you have small children, figuring out how you can clean and organize it is necessary, as your children might trip otherwise. Similarly, if you are having a new baby or will be asking an elderly relative to move into your home, you should probably take care of the cleaning and organizing tasks that need to be done before these events happen before you tackle less necessary chores, like reorganizing your kitchen cupboards.

Determine Prerequisites

In some cases, you won’t be able to complete some of the tasks on your list until you get some other work done. For instance, if you want to organize or clean an unfinished basement, you probably need the carpentry finished first. Similarly, if you’re planning on installing new floors, in your bathroom and kitchen, you’ll need to do this before you change the layout of these rooms, as you’ll have to move many of your appliances and decorative items anyway to do the flooring. It’s a good idea to reach this stage in your planning well before you actual want to start spring cleaning, so you can take the time to call the right professional and work out viable deadlines so that the professional can have the prerequisite work done before you want to get started on your spring cleaning.

Set Reasonable Goals

After you’ve determined the prerequisites, it’s time to begin to determine what you actually want to get done and when you want to get it done. Consider establishing time categories before you do this. For instance, you might label categories “spring cleaning,” “summer,” and “before Christmas.” Then, you can organize jobs into these categories. Label categories in a way that’s meaningful to you. If you have an event coming up, like a wedding, you might want pre and post event categories. Next, be sure you assign tasks to categories in a reasonable way. Don’t put huge projects in categories with closely approaching deadlines. If you try to be too ambitious, and you don’t meet your deadlines , you’ll just feel disappointed and unmotivated to continue.

Spring cleaning can be a great way to get you in the “everything’s new” mindset, but spring cleaning without proper planning can be just as frustrating as living in a messy house. To give yourself the best chance at being able to clean, organize, and spruce up your house for summer, you need a to-do list that’s really going to motivate you and help you get organized. Following the guidelines above can help you get that to-do list in order, and getting started quickly on your goals can help you achieve them. Good luck!

A Like-New Home May Be Just a Tax Refund Away

If you’ve been waiting for a windfall to remodel your home, spring can offer the perfect opportunity. Whether your tax refund is for $300 or $3,000, you can certainly put that money toward a number of home remodeling projects that can improve the look, value, and function of your home. Indeed, if you choose to combine tax time and spring cleaning into full-blown remodeling, you can also make your refund go a little further. Around tax time, many hardware, furniture, and home stores offer discounts or additional bonuses for those who choose to spend their tax money there. In fact, if you bring your government check  straight to the store, some home improvement or interiors stores will load it onto a gift card with no fee and then tack on a certain amount or percentage of extra funds. Some stores will go up to 10% for this reward, which can really give you some spending power of your tax refund is over $1,000.

How to Get the Most Reward for Your Refund

Holding a tax refund, especially a large one, in your hand and looking at all the projects you have to do around the house can be an interesting experience. On the one hand, you might feel a rush of excitement as you look around and envision the changes you would like to make around the home. On the other hand, you may feel overwhelmed as you wonder where you should start, worry about getting quality materials, and try to put together a complete vision for your newly remodeled home. If decide to use your tax refund for remodeling and home improvement, there are some steps you should follow.

1. Determine whether there are any necessary projects that you must complete to ensure your home’s safety and durability. Although you can begin with a self home inspection , it’s important to get a professional home inspection done before you complete any home improvement job. Why? Because there may be hidden problems within your home, problems that threaten the safety of your family or the longevity of your home. If you spend your tax refund on making superficial changes, you’ll just end up having to complete structural repairs later.

2. Address the biggest problems first. If your home inspection reveals some serious issues, repair them first to make sure your home is stable. Though there are some serious issues that you can repair on your own, for the most crucial tasks, like writing and electrical problems, you should consult a professional.

3. Choose to only undertake projects that you can finish. Call or visit home improvement or interiors stores, talk with professional contractors, and read how-to articles to determine the length and money required for the projects you want to complete. If you can’t reasonably do it in that amount of time or with the refund money you’ve allotted, do something smaller. Otherwise, you’ll have a half finished project on your hands that could stick around for months or even years.

Hiring a Professional With Your Refund

Before you take on a home improvement job funded by your tax refund, consider the pros and cons behind hiring a professional to do that same job. Though you will definitely want to go with a professional if your job requires electrical or plumbing work, or if it is dangerous or requires an expert skill, like carpentry, some so-called do-it-yourself jobs are done much better by a professional. And in many cases, hiring a professional ends up being just a bit more than it would cost you to do the project on your own, once you figure in time, fuel spent buying materials, equipment rental, etc. Plus, as the spring weather gets better and better, you might look less favorably on spending a lot of time indoors.

Wire Color Codes: Making Sense of the Electric Wiring Rainbow

If you’re thinking about doing some wiring, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of electrical wires are multi-colored or feature multi-colored nuts. No, this isn’t just to satisfy the contractor’s creative streak. Multi-colored wires and nuts are actually an important part of electrical safety, as they help future contractors understand how the wires work into the electrical system of the building. If you’re thinking about doing some electrical wiring yourself, then, it’s important that you understand the rainbow of electrical wiring so you can make safe and educated decisions as you do it yourself.

Standard Coloring

According to About.Com, some wire colors are standard across buildings throughout the United States. For instance, black, red, blue and yellow wires are always used to denote “hot” wires, or wires that are connected to electricity. Green and copper wires, also called bare wires, however, are used for grounding, so they don’t have a charge. Finally, according to  eHow (http://www.ehow.com/how_2378765_which-wire-hot-household-wiring.html), white wires are “neutral” wires that just help to complete an electrical circuit.

Color and Safety

Building codes require certain wire colors for safety reasons. By coloring wires in a standard way, contractors reduce the number of accidents that occur when professionals and DIY-ers accidentally cut the wrong wire. However, colored wiring doesn’t completely remove the danger in electrical work. According to About.Com, the color rules above are broken with some appliance and three-way connections. In addition, some building codes may not have mandated standard color coding, and some contractors may have just put the wiring in wrong. Although most building codes dictate that wires be clearly marked, you can’t guarantee that they have indeed been marked clearly, or even that they’ve been marked at all.

DIY Electrical Wiring and Safety

Because you can’t guarantee that the electrical wiring rainbow will be accurate, you need to take extreme safety measures each time you work with electrical wiring. Always double check to be sure all power has been turned off, and always use caution when working with wires. In other words, don’t be hasty, and make sure you’re working with someone who you can trust. In addition, because all electrical jobs are somewhat dangerous, many choose to hire a professional rather than attempting to do electrical work on their own. Though some electrical jobs seem self explanatory, you need to consider whether you think you know enough about electrical wiring to prevent danger and to handle danger should it occur. If you think you can, plenty of manuals exist to help you brush up on safety measures before you get started. But if you think hiring a professional is the safer option, time-tested home services companies like Castino can provide you with a worker who’s ready to handle everything from your smallest light fixture to your largest electrical outage.

Curb Appeal: Three Reasons to Paint Your Home’s Exterior

Because you spend more time instead your house than staring at it, you might not think that your home’s exterior is really something that needs attention. However, having curb appeal is about more than just increasing the value of your home. A re-painted home exterior can get you to spend more time outside and protect your home from the elements. Whether you choose to paint your own home or you hire a professional, a completely re-painted home exterior can provide you with a house that looks like new.

Home Value

One of the biggest reasons to paint your home’s exterior is the fact that a home that looks good from the outside is likely to earn more money when it’s put on the market. Painting the exterior of your home is less costly than some remodels, like installing new appliances or adding rooms, and This Old House  notes that properly-applied paint jobs can last up to 15 years, so one small investment can improve the value of your home for years.

Aesthetics

Sick of staring at your ugly house while spending time outside? A new coat of paint can beautify your home and make it a more attractive centerpiece to your yard. A beautiful home will not only make you feel good, but it will likely get out outside more, as you feel comfortable in your space. A new coat of paint can make a house go from drab to fab in the amount of time that it takes to slather the house with paint and let it dry. That means you’ll have a new-looking home in no time flat, something that you can be proud of and enjoy viewing as you relax or exercise outside.

Preservation

According to This Old House, a new coat of paint can also help you protect your home. The resin and pigment in the paint helps to shield your home from the elements, like wind, rain and sun. This Old House  notes that when the paint begins to peel, a new coat is needed to keep the home protected. But since you should have over a decade before a newly applied goat of paint shows signs of age, this home preservation agent is not difficult to maintain. No matter why you choose to paint your home’s exterior, you need to make decisions that will help you benefit your home. Choose colors based on your preferences, style trends and type of home. Also, decide whether you will hire a professional or paint your home by yourself. Calling a professional may cost a bit more, but it ensures that you will be provided with a high quality service and that you won’t have to take the time to paint your house yourself.

Picking the Porcelain Throne: Choosing Your Perfect Toilet

It’s not a conversation piece or your most comfortable sofa, and even though you might not do a lot of thinking about your toilet, it’s an important part of your home. And if you have a toilet that doesn’t work for you, you will be thinking about your toilet quite a bit as you deal with the frustrations it causes. When you choose a toilet for your bathroom, you need to think about size, style, and technology.

Size

You need to think about two sizes when it comes to choosing a toilet. First, you have to measure the distance from the bathroom wall to the center of the sewer drain. In most bathrooms, that size is 12 inches, according to HGTV  However, some bathrooms may vary slightly. If yours does, you have to realize that you’re going to have fewer options when you choose a toilet because there just aren’t as many toilets available for non-standard bathroom sizes.

The other size you have to consider when choosing a toilet is its height. According to HGTV , taller people might find slightly-larger-than-most toilets to be a bit more comfortable. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, you might also need a smaller toilet if you live in an older home. Measure your bathroom thoroughly and try out several toilet heights before you narrow down the styles available by the sizes you require and prefer.

Style

Like any other home furnishing, toilets are available in a variety of styles, including numerous colors and shapes, as well as seat styles. According to HGTV,  most people find oval-shaped seats more comfortable than round seats. Though some homes may require round seats because of a smaller space, it’s important to try out different seat styles before you buy to make sure you can deal with the toilet you choose.

Style also has to do with how the toilet is cleaned and its price, in addition to how it will look in the bathroom. The U.S. Building Council’s Green Home Guide  notes that toilets that are made out of two pieces–a separate tank and seat–are more traditional and more affordable than one-piece toilets. However, the web site argues that the latter are a bit easier to clean.

Of course, you must consider the rest of the room when thinking about a toilet’s style. According to Do It Yourself.Com, you should also think about the future. For instance, you might not want to purchase a colored toilet seat because you may want to change the color scheme of your bathroom in the future. However, a toilet should match its accompanying appliances and accessories in a bathroom.

Technology

According to the Green Home Guide , the most important thing about a toilet is not how it looks, but how it performs. And that means how it flushes. According to the web site, toilets are tested using plastic balls to see how much they can remove in a single flush. You want the best flushers on the market, but you also want a toilet that’s eco-friendly. The Green Home Guide mentions that you can buy a high efficiency toilet that saves water by flushing less powerfully.

There are a lot of factors that go into buying a the right toilet for you. In the end, it comes down to research, much of it slightly unpleasant, as no one really likes sitting on toilets in hardware stores. However, doing the research will ensure you get a product that you can use for years to come.

Tired of a cramped, ugly bedroom but don’t have a lot to spend? There’s no need to worry. With just a few dollars, you can transform an ordinary bedroom into an extraordinary piece of art. But while you won’t need a lot of cash, you will need a lot of creativity. But while it’s important to personalize your bedroom and make it your own (otherwise you won’t be comfortable in it), these ideas can help you get started down the right track.

Black and White

HGTV names as one of its top ten bedrooms on a budget an artistic black and white. What’s wonderful about black and white is that it has the power to look classy, artsy, contemporary, or traditional depending on the paining styles, furniture, and accents that you use. Another benefit to black and white is the fact that, if you maximize the white and minimize the black, you can make your room look bigger and brighter. However, the black takes away the sterility that we often associate with purely white rooms. If you’re thinking about doing a room in black and white but aren’t sure what design to use, consider consulting an interior designer or your favorite home interiors magazine. A professional paint job can also help you if you’re sure you want to use black and white but stuck on what you should do with it.

Accessories

Accessories can be quite inexpensive. From the garage sale to the flea market to the clearance rack, you can get a whole host of fun decorating items that show off your personality for next to nothing. In fact, iVillage  notes that $10 throw pillows and fabrics in different colors can help you revitalize your room. If you’re not looking to get into anything heavy duty like paint or floors, accessories are a great way to go. However, it’s important to understand that new accessories won’t hide problems that exist in your bedroom flooring or paint job. If there are issues–like peeling paint or scraped floors–it’s best to get those taken care of before you revamp your room. Then, you can make sure you’re happy with the results. No matter what budget you have, you have the power to create a beautiful bedroom in which you’re comfortable. A little sprucing and a little reorganization can really make a difference.

Remodeling for Value: How a Few Changes can Boost the Worth of Your Home

If you put a few dollars in, you might get a few more out. No, we’re not talking slot machines; we’re talking about your home, and just a few additions to your home can go a long way to not only make it a beautiful place that you can enjoy but also turn it into an investment that can improve your financial status. However, not all improvements increase the value of your home. The following are just a few that are sure to succeed.

Bathrooms & Kitchens

Who wants to deal with old plumbing in the bathroom or a cramped kitchen? Not many. As the most functional rooms of your home, the bathroom and kitchen matter more than many other spaces in your house, and when you improve them, you increase your home’s value. Having spacious, modern bathrooms and kitchens that employ solid, beautiful and long-lasting flooring can make home buyers bid more. Indeed, Bank Rate  suggests ceramic or wood over linoleum. Counter space is also important, especially in kitchens, because most homeowners prefer a place to set out their numerous food preparation devices. In the bathroom too, try to maximize space by including cabinets, shelving and counter space. However, be careful to make sure these additions save and do not seize space. Too many cabinets, shelves and counters can make a room look crowded and unpleasant.

Function & Design

According to HGTV , you can improve the value of your home for $100 or under by consulting a professional. Whether you want to hire a designer, electrician or plumber, a professional can give you specific tips regarding how to change remodel or improve your home in order to increase its value. Little changes, like paint colors, furniture placements and flooring changes can significantly increase the value of your home, as can the look of your home from the street. And little electrical and plumbing problems can significantly decrease its value, so having a professional check to make sure your home is working order can put you on the right road to increasing the value of your home.

No matter the condition of your home, you can make improvements that will help you get a bigger return whether you plan to sell next week or next decade. Some jobs may be DIY tasks that you can complete as a hobby in your space time, while other jobs may require a professional. Luckily, you can choose what you want to do and what you would rather leave up the the professionals, coming up with a plan that will leave you with a beautiful, valuable home.