Your roof may not be the most exciting part of your home, but it obviously plays a critical role in your comfort. As spring rolls in, it’s time to look at your roofing to make sure it weathered well during the winter and is ready for the rain or wind ahead. This way, you’ll know if a few home improvement projects lay ahead.

The Roofing Inspection

Start your roofing inspection by walking around on the ground. (We’ll get to ladders shortly!) Look for areas where the roofing material has come off or is otherwise out of kilter. Worn or damaged shingles should be replaced.

If you’re getting leaks in certain rooms, focus on those areas first. Also examine the following for leaks, cracks and chips:

• Windows–you may need re-caulking or to repair the trim or glass.
• Gutters–make sure they are securely fastened, free of debris, and extend out from the house.
• Downspouts–they should help funnel water away from the house. If water is pooling around your foundation, try extenders to direct water further away from the sides of your home.
• Flashing–this metal secures the roof around windows and other openings. Here’s a diagram on this critical roofing component.

When to Call a Roofing Contractor

If your home has a high pitched roof or is particularly tall–or you just don’t like heights–consider calling a roofing contractor or handyman to examine the roofing. Many companies charge a flat fee to take a look and recommend any repairs or bigger home improvement fixes. Just make sure any contractor you use carries liability insurance.

Also, keep this checklist from Grace Construction Products handy. It’ll make a good reference as you do your inspections.

If you could clear your calendar for a week, what type of home improvement projects would you do?

If you’re like most of us, you try to fit in home improvement around work, kid’s schedules, and everything else. What if your calendar was clear and you had seven full days of home improvement? What could you accomplish?

Home Improvement Planning

It might be tempting to try for eight projects in a week, but let’s be realistic. If you’re lucky, you’ll finish two or three small projects. Here are some suggestions:

• Cabinet Refacing–This is a great way to transform your kitchen in a short amount of time. You’ll meet with a contractor, select the door style and wood species you want, and they replace the doors and drawers with new fronts. Cabinet refacing usually takes just a few days.
• Painting Your Space–Painting is a quick and inexpensive way to revitalize your space. Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline for doing two or three rooms. When selecting colors, try this paint viewer from Benjamin Moore.
• Cabinet Hardware–Try a few porcelain or stone knobs or whimsical knives and forks to dress up your cabinet. You don’t need a contractor, as hardware–like these from My Knobs.com–is easy to install yourself in an hour or two.
• Window Treatments–New blinds or drapes can spruce up a family room or master bedroom. Look for colorful florals or sleek white mini blinds, depending on your tastes. You might need a contractor, but some are DIY friendly.
• Tile–Consider sprucing up your backsplash, your bathroom floor, or wall.
• Lighting–Key spots include the kitchen island, over the bathroom sink, or in the foyer.

Once the week is over, you’ve got a newly painted house with fresh looking cabinets, lighting, tile and great hardware. Not bad for seven days of work.

Many people think of home improvement additions as enclosed rooms, but there also are ways to use your remodeling funds to enhance your outdoor living space. As dining under the stars has become a big trend, so has the outdoor kitchen.

An Economical Outdoor Kitchen Design

There are many ways to add an outdoor kitchen, and some are pretty cost effective. On the high end ($10,000 to $25,000), you can have a contractor do a built in stainless steel grill, beverage station, and island seating area. In these economic times, however, more people are going for an outdoor kitchen design in the $600 to $5,000 range. Try:

• A nice grill with a side panel that lifts up for storage of utensils, plates, seasonings.
• A portable “island” made of stainless steel that gives you counter top space.
• A portable refrigerator for beverages.
• Comfy chairs with soft cushions to put near the grill. This lets the guests relax while you do all the work!

On the frugal end, try this design from Apartment Therapy. You won’t need a contractor, but watch out for the rain.

Outdoor Kitchen Design Challenges

There are many design and logistical issues to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen, such as:

• Will you need electricity or a gas line? The gas line can be tricky if you already have a patio. Put your money toward a fancier grill that runs on propane instead.
• Proximity to the food supply. If you don’t have an outdoor refrigerator, design your outdoor kitchen for optimal traffic flow from the indoors.
• What size grill? This tip sheet from Keidel Bath & Plumbing has all the details.
• Do you need shelter? A roof over the kitchen is great if you have a bigger remodeling budget. Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet offers a few tips for sheltering your patio oasis.
  

Summer is coming, so rev up your grill, get outside, and enjoy!

Big remodeling projects can be intimidating because they are, well, big. They are necessary, however, if you want to carve out that perfect kitchen or revamp the basement.

Here’s how to approach a big home improvement project and gain some peace of mind.

1. Break it down. Look at the overall project and make a list of the major steps. Interview contractors. Call references. Select a contractor. Meet to discuss layout and timeline. Check online sources, such as the National Association of Realtors remodeling section. Once it’s in the planning stages, it seems a little less intimidating.
2. Take control. Realize that you can control lots of things about remodeling (except for the old wiring in the walls and the uneven floor under the linoleum). If you’re worried about the project going on and on, then put a variable timeline on your plan. We think it will take 6 weeks, but we’ll allow for 10. See, you’re controlling it.
3. Hire the right contractor. Find someone with the right skills and a good attitude about facing challenges. When you find a few surprises, like these noted in the Chicago Tribune, you want someone who can handle them gracefully.
4. Get your finances in order. Whether you are taking out a loan or using savings, make sure funds are ready when you want to start your kitchen or basement remodeling. Here’s more from Better Homes and Gardens on the financing options.
5. Let go of some of the control. If you hire the right contractor, you can relax and just step in and out for the major decisions.

Big remodeling projects can be a challenge, but they don’t have to overwhelm you. Just think about the major transformation that lies ahead. In the end, all your work will be well worth it.

If you’re looking for easy home design upgrades, focus on your windows. This is one area where you can make an impact pretty quickly, using nice fabric or sleek window blinds to boost the look throughout the house.

This type of home improvement project can be confusing, however, as there are so many styles to consider. Do you want full length drapes or roman shades or a combination of several styles? Here’s how to decide.

Window Treatment Styles

Start by looking at online sources to see what kinds of window treatments are available. Ask yourself which fits your style and budget:

• Full-length drapes with a thick lining that puddles at the floor for added drama
• Vertical blinds for a sliding glass door
• Wooden shutters for the windows around your breakfast table
• Pull-down shades for a child’s room

Window Treatments: It’s All in the Material

You’ll want to consider the material (wispy or heavy?), the width of the slats on any blinds (thick or thin?), and how much privacy you need. If the window treatments are for a bedroom window you’ll want to block the morning sun and create a private retreat. In a den overlooking a wooded lot, you might not need much.

If you have unusual window shapes, turn to the experts for tips. In a bay window, for example, forget the flowing fabric and think shutters, like these from Hunter Douglas.

Selecting window treatments can be lots of fun, but it is work. Start this type of home improvement project when you’ve got some time to shop around. You also can save money by looking for ready-made window treatments instead of custom-made ones. That’s one way to have your home improvement dollars go a little further.

If you own an older house, you’re probably aware of the dangers of lead paint, but you may not know how widespread it is or how to work around it if you need to. According to the EPA, over two-thirds of homes built before 1960 have lead paint. That covers a wide range of houses, so it’s important to consider whether you have lead before moving ahead with remodeling.

This is National Poison Prevention Week, so it’s a natural time to focus on the potential risks of lead poisoning. Start by finding out where the lead might be lurking and what you can do to protect your family.

Remodeling with Lead Paint in Mind

Lead paint doesn’t have to mean the end to your remodeling dreams, however. We have lead in our house and there are many ways to do remodeling around it. Here are a few tips from HUD that can help you get in the know:

• If you have young children, avoid sanding, scraping, and moving any dust throughout the house.
• If the paint is in decent shape, paint over it. This adds another buffer layer before the lead can chip off.
• Don’t eat or drink in the room you’re remodeling in.

What Contractors Should Know

When hiring a contractor, make sure he or she knows how to work with lead paint. Ask the contractor for details on how he or she plans to work around potential lead paint threats. According to Oregon’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, you should seal the room, keep all debris contained, and avoid any unnecessary scraping and sanding. Wearing eye masks, rubber gloves, and washing your work clothes separately can also help prevent unintentional transfer.

Lead paint doesn’t have to derail your home improvement plans–but it should definitely impact how you approach your remodel.

If you’re expecting a few visitors to your house this year, why not do a little remodeling and create a nice haven for them? A well appointed guest suite can enhance your home design and add much needed privacy for your guests.

The best part of this type of remodeling is that you can do it using existing space. Converting an unused office or empty bedroom into a guest room doesn’t require major structural changes. If you have to do a any bathroom remodeling, that will impact your budget. Just keep your overall home design goals and budget in mind.

Here’s how to approach the remodeling. You’ll need:

• A bedroom and, preferably, a connecting bathroom. (Again, you may have to do a little bathroom remodeling to bring it up to par.) Depending on your home design, you might want a soaking tub. If space is limited, try a fancy shower stall .
• A place away from the crowds. This is tricky, but look for a guest room that is close enough to the stairs or kitchen, yet has a little privacy built in.
• Comfy bedding, pillows, and a few good books to read add the final homey touches. Better Homes and Gardens offers great tips for making your guests feel cozy.

Remodeling and Space Planning

Space planning is the key, as you’ll want the room to be accessible without being in the way. One popular option is a first floor master suite along one back hallway. This is ideal for older guests who might have physical limitations.

Add a cozy guest room is a great remodeling project for spring. With a little creativity, you can add a room that really shines for your guests.

If you’re looking to spruce up your yard for the spring, realize that many jobs can be spread out over time. Landscaping in stages has become a common practice, with many people doing a three to five year plan.

Live With Your House Before Major Landscaping

This type of approach allows you to live with the house a little before committing to large sections of roses or cutting down trees to add a new deck.

After you’ve been in the house for awhile, you’ll know about sun and shade patterns and street noise. You’ll learn that your neighbor’s large deck parties are a little loud or that you want to block the nearby convenience store. That’s what home improvement is all about.

When adding landscaping in stages, it’s important to start with a plan, like this one from the University of Missouri Extension Service. You’ll want to include:

• Sun and shade patterns
• Flowerbeds
• Backyard play equipment
• Future plans for a pond or hot tub

Start Landscaping With Hardscapes

The first phase of any landscaping plan should be patio, sidewalk and other hardscapes. These areas are difficult to change later, regardless the home improvement budget.

The next stage is adding large trees and shrubs. Large plantings are important focal points in the yard, as they provide screening and add height and texture.

Finally, you can scope out ideal sites for a flower or vegetable garden, and start adding all those little touches.

Landscaping and Your Finances

There also are many financial reasons for planting in phases. A slow approach helps you spread out the costs with the contractor and possibly save money by doing some of the work yourself.

While it’s easy to go, go, go with landscaping, a better approach is to slow down. Landscape in stages. work with your contractor on timing. You’ll be glad you did.

If your hall bathroom has been taken over by the kids, why not have a little fun with it? A kid’s themed bathroom can bring out your imagination and create a fun focal point on the second floor.

Kid’s bathrooms include everything from polka dot wall tiles to dinosaur murals to seascape shower curtains. Here’s how to pick a theme and get the ball rolling.

• Define your audience: Your approach will change depending on the number of children, whether they are boys or girls, and their ages.
• Select a theme: Four-year-old twin girls might be delighted with a pink Princess theme while an 8-year-old boy obviously won’t.
• Plan colors: You don’t have to do the traditional pink or blue and if you have a girl and a boy, you’ll be better off with greens and yellows anyway.
• Find a contractor with a little creativity. A few wall niches or kid sized storage units can add nice finishing touches.

Bathroom Remodeling Reminders

As you figure out plans for the bathroom remodeling, remember that kids don’t stay young forever. Heed advice from HGTV and don’t drastically change structural items. A pink bathtub will be a disaster when you try to sell the house one day, while cute pink wall tile can be removed (by you or the contractor) in a few years. Also focus on:

• Paint
• Towels and accessories
• Storage baskets
• A fun mirror
• A fun toilet seat, like this one from Amazon.com.

And, if you get so carried away with the bathroom remodeling that you want to extend the child’s theme, try these ideas from Better Homes & Gardens.

Designing a kid’s bathroom can be lots of fun, so relax and let your creativity shine through. Look for a contractor who knows how to have a little fun, too.