Home Improvement Resolutions Everyone Should Make

A new year gives us a sense of revival and of great things to come. Consequently, people find themselves making resolutions for themselves. Some make resolutions about their health while others plan for professional goals.

This year, take your resolutions a step further and see what you can do around the house. After all, people aren't the only things that need some renewal. Homes especially often find themselves in need or repairs, renovations, or updates.

Home Improvement Resolution #1: Save Energy.

Nowadays, if you aren't making your home energy efficient, you are not only harming the planet we live on, you are also wasting precious resources and money. In 2011, make it a point to assess your home 's energy use. You can do an assessment yourself using some simple online tools from Energy Star or you can hire a professional energy auditor.

Once you have got a handle on where your home needs improvement, visit Energy Star or your local home improvement store for projects. Common home improvements in terms on energy efficiency include insulation, weatherization, and appliances.

Home Improvement Resolution #2: Stay Safe.

The New Year is as good a time as any to check all your alarm systems. Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good condition and replace the batteries. Furthermore, make sure you have fire extinguishers that are functioning and easy to reach.

Home Improvement Resolution #3: Go Green.

Going green in your home is an extension of saving energy. This year make an effort to start using eco-friendly cleaning products, save water by installing low-flow faucets and fixing running toilets, or use no-VOC paints in your spaces. You can also set up a recycling system, reduce waste by making simpler meals, and start growing food in your very own organic garden.

Home Improvement Resolution #4: Home Maintenance

Now is as good a time as any to take a survey of your house and see what needs maintenance. Naturally, you probably won't be able to tackle all these projects at once, but you can at least start planning out what needs to be upgraded and take it month by month. Common maintenance improvements include replacing air filters and cleaning your gutters.

Home Improvement Resolution #5: Upgrade Your Landscaping.

Most people don't realize that the great outdoors is actually a part of their home. This year, upgrade your yards to your liking so that you can spend more time outdoors. You can find some great ideas for fixing up your landscaping at DIY Network.

In 2011 set out to improve your home with some of the aforementioned. If you achieve some of these goals then maybe next year you can move on to renovations and design.

Sources:

Danny Lipford

DIY Network