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hefty price tag

Ten Ideas for DIY Savings Around the House

June 17, 2009

in Personal Finance

Unless you’ve just moved into a brand new house, home improvement is a never-ending job. When one project is complete, we always find something else that needs work. The improvements add value to our homes, but they come with a hefty price tag.

Many homeowners feel that they must have a professional come in for each job. But if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, you can make many improvements on your own. And since you won’t have to pay for labor, you could save hundreds to thousands of dollars on each project.

Here are some common home improvements that we can often do ourselves.

1. Painting ? You don’t have to be an artist to paint the inside or outside of a house. With the right materials, just about anyone can do it. If you have no idea where to start, enlist the help of a friend or family member who has painted his own home. And if you’re really apprehensive, start with one wall to prove to yourself that you can do it.

2. Wallpapering ? Wallpapering isn’t as simple as pasting paper onto the wall, but it’s not terribly difficult, either. You’ll need to prepare the wall, do some measuring and cutting and carefully paste it on so that is even and free of bubbles. It takes some time and patience, but the end result is well worth it.

3. Air conditioning ? Installing an air conditioner is easy enough that most homeowners do not need outside assistance. If you buy the right size, it will fit right into an existing window. All you’ll need to do is install some brackets, slide the unit in, make sure that it can drain to the outside of your house and caulk around it.

4. Flooring ? There are many types of flooring available, and some are easier to install than others. Stick-on tile is cheap and can give a room a new look in no time, but it’s not very durable. Other types of tile are more durable but take longer to install. Carpeting and hardwood flooring are a bit more complicated. Laminate is a popular choice, because it offers the look of hardwood but is easier to install and care for.

5. Insulation ? A properly insulated home offers greater energy efficiency. While insulation of exterior walls is best left to a qualified contractor, homeowners can often successfully insulate attics and crawl spaces on their own. DIY books and websites offer advice on how to properly install insulation.

6. Water heaters ? If your water heater has seen better days, you can probably replace it yourself. With the instruction manual and a few tools, installing a water heater is a cinch. Consider an energy-efficient model and save on your electric bill.

7. Plumbing ? Plumbers have to go to school to become certified, but there are some simple plumbing tasks that the average Joe can handle. These include installing faucets, taking drain pipes apart to retrieve lost items, and installing toilet kits.

8. Accents ? Small details can make a big difference in your home, and you can usually implement them with little guidance. Try changing your cabinet knobs, adding baseboards or changing your crown molding.

9. Siding ? Replacing your home’s siding can give it a whole new look. Vinyl siding is easy to install with the right tools, and it’s very easy to maintain.

10. Decks ? Building a deck is no small task. But if you know a little about construction, you can do it on your own. You will, however, need a building permit, and you’ll have to adhere to building codes.

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Free Alternatives to Expensive Outings

May 30, 2009

in Personal Finance

We all need to get out and do something different every now and then. Whether it’s summer vacation or just a weekend adventure, a break from the norm does us worlds of good. But it can also be very expensive.

The most popular entertainment destinations usually come with a hefty price tag. Admission to amusement parks and zoos, accommodations and travel expenses can add up in a hurry, especially when you take the kids along. Even less expensive pursuits can cost us more than we realize over time. But with a little imagination, we can find free alternatives to these activities. Here are a few examples.

The Zoo

Kids love going to the zoo. It’s not often that they get to see all those exotic animals up close. But it takes a lot of money to take care of those animals, and the expenses are certainly reflected in the ticket prices. Fortunately, there are ways to get your animal fix for free.

One way is to visit the pet shop. It doesn’t cost anything to look, and most have some rather unusual creatures. Kids can see the animals up close, and can even pet some of them. The biggest drawback is that they may want to take one (or more) home. Instead of shelling out the money on the spot, keep it in mind for a birthday or holiday gift.

If you’re lucky, there may be a zoo in your area that offers free admission. Some large zoos operate with money received from memberships and donations. Smaller petting zoos that are associated with other businesses may also let you in for free. Check a local visitor’s guide or search online to see if there are any free zoos in your area.

Amusement Parks

Amusement parks are among the most popular vacation destinations for children, and they have plenty to offer for adults as well. But ticket prices are often prohibitive, especially for large families. If you’re on a budget, a trip to a local park is a less expensive option.

City parks usually have lots of playground equipment for kids to choose from. You won’t find wild roller coasters there, but you won’t have to worry about long lines or motion sickness, either. Packing a picnic lunch and making a day of it will keep the children happy without a lot of expense.

Nature parks are a good option for the whole family. Some have lakes or rivers that kids can play in, and most have hiking trails. And there are picnic areas where you can stop to eat.

The Bookstore

If you love to read, a trip to the bookstore can get very expensive. It doesn’t cost anything to browse, but avid readers have a hard time resisting that new release from a favorite author. Going to the library eliminates the temptation factor, and if you see a book you like, you can borrow it for free.

Libraries also keep magazines and newspapers. So if you’re interested in something that’s in the latest edition but don’t want to spend the money to buy the whole thing, stop by the library. You can read it there without spending a dime.

Having fun can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Free activities give us the opportunity to do something different without putting a strain on the budget.

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