Have you had plans all winter long to sell your house and move into a new one and when you sat down and worked out the financial cost, you just couldn’t afford it? You can still do it, a year later, after making some minimal changes in the house you currently live in. You may even elect to stay on once you see what a slap of paint and a renovated kitchen and bathroom can do. But painting isn’t just running the roller or paint brush over the wall. Clean the wall first. Remove all nails from picture frames and wipe the wall down with a damp cloth before starting to paint. Making small changes doesn’t mean the job has to be slap dash.

Tips on transforming your home

• Have you ever walked into someone’s house and it is dark because the shades are down and the curtains are drawn? Immediately you feel uncomfortable and want to get out. Light is important in a home. If your house is constantly dark except for one or two hours of the day, invest in a solar panel for the roof of the house which will throw light over a large area.

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According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2010 Cost vs. Value Report, when it comes to home improvements that add value and enjoyment to your house, it’s hard to top the power of a great deck. In fact, a deck is a great feature and can return nearly 73% of your initial investment when you sell your home. Here are some great tips to upgrade and spruce up an existing deck.

1. - Start the summer by ensuring that your existing deck is in good condition. Check for damaged boards after the winter and replace them with the appropriate decking material. Tighten fasteners or replace them. Check for splinters on surfaces, especially along handrails and steps, and smooth with sandpaper.

2. - Brighten the deck’s appearance with a fresh coat of deck stain and keep it looking new longer by resisting water, mildew, and preventing fading in high-traffic areas. Clean and stain the deck in a single day.

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