Saving Money on Home Renovations

Who isn't looking to improve their house without spending a fortune? Well, I have some ideas for you.

1. If you love the look of a granite countertop, but you think there's no way to afford it, consider granite tiles. You get the same look and durability at a fraction of the cost.

2. If you want to update the kitchen or bathroom look at the least expensive alternatives first, changing out the hardware on cabinetry can give a room a whole new look with minimal investment.

3. The same goes for lighting fixtures. New fixtures can get pricey. Can your fixtures be updated? Metal fixtures can easily be spray-painted. Remove the fixtures, tape off the electrical components and spray paint for a great new look. Be careful when you're working with electricity, and make sure you turn the power off at the source. Leave a big danger sign on the door to let people know what you're doing. Better yet, lock the bathroom door if you can.

4. Buy furniture in simple classic colors and textures and then brighten with pillows and fabrics. The investment is a fraction of what it takes to replace outdated furniture down the road.

Time for Spring Cleaning

It's that time of year - spring-cleaning. And if the thought of it has you wishing that it were winter again; well I have some easy tips to get you through spring-cleaning in a breeze.

1. As always start from the top down. This way dirt from ceilings and the tops of doors and windows fall to a dirty floor, not a clean one.

2. A great tool that is easily adaptable to spring cleanup is a long handled paint roller. Slip the length of nylon stocking over a regular paint roller and then use it to reach those high spots that are so tricky. It will pull dust and cobwebs with ease. This tool is also great for reaching under and behind hard to move furniture pull apart your furniture.

3. Sure, we all surface clean upholstery but how often do you get the crevices? Take off the pillows and the cushions and use the crevice tool on your vacuum to really get into all those spots that hold the dust and dirt.

4. Toss throw pillows in the dryer and set it on air or fluff with some tennis balls to freshen and dust in one step.

5. Use barely damp micro fiber cloths to clean everything from painted woodwork, to glass fixtures to carved wood. The fibers grab all the dust and dirt and eliminate the need to use a lot of cleaners all at once.