If you have a little bit of cash sitting around, why not invest it in your home? Even $1,000 can go a long way on the home improvement front. Try the following projects on for size:

1. Paintingis always a great budget remodeling project, and its one that you can do yourself. Just remember that a good paint job will pay for itself, so don’t skimp on the paint quality or the prep work. The cost? A hundred dollars or less for materials if you DIY; $300 to $500 per room if you hire a painter.
2. Plumbing fixtures are inexpensive and relatively easy to install. In the kitchen, spend a little more to make sure the faucet can withstand all the wear and tear. The cost? $75 to $150 per bathroom faucet and $150 to $300 per kitchen faucet. Add $100 to $300 for installation.
3. Ask a friend to help, says HGTV. This can save hundreds on labor costs and build camaraderie… or at least add to your list of war stories. Just make sure your friend has some skills! The last thing you want is a messy painter or a sloppy tile installer.
4. Buy second hand from resale shops, thrift stores or websites, such as Ebay or Craigslist. Just make sure to measure carefully and inspect the product for defects.
5. Make window treatments yourself. You have lots of “no sew” options for making window treatments. Look for remnants, and save on the materials. Or, try this idea from Bargainhoot.com, and put your old table cloth to use.
6. Change your color scheme with a few well placed new accessories. Here are some ideas from thenester.com.

When doing several small projects, look for places where you will see the impact. A new faucet in the kitchen will make cleanup much more enjoyable. Floor tile in the powder room will help with entertaining. Spread the money around, and it will go much further!

Bathrooms are not known for their expansive space or over-sized closets. This is particularly true in older homes where a 5-foot by 7-foot bathroom is a luxury. If you’re struggling with how to organize your bathroom, try these five home improvement tricks:

1. Use the medicine cabinet: That’s right. A radical idea. Clean out what you don’t need, and use the cabinet to store all the aftershave, toothpaste and deodorant you need. This removes clutter from your countertop. When planning a home improvement project, try a recessed medicine cabinet to make the most use of your space. Here’s more from HGTV.
2. Add recessed shelving: When installing a shower or bathtub or doing general bathroom remodeling, make use of those wall cavities before the drywall goes on. The vertical space between the framing lumber is ideal for creating niches that can hold soap, shampoo, razors and other bathroom necessities.
3. Think vertical with home improvement:In a small space, you have to use vertical space to maximize storage. Try shelving on the walls, a tall linen closet or a row of shelves near the ceiling for storing knick knacks.
4. Add a vanity instead of a pedestal sink: While pedestal sinks look great, they add no storage to the equation. A vanity with two drawers and a larger opening under the sink is the answer to your bathroom organization issues. Kohler Co. has some good ideas on this topic.
5. Steal space where you can: Sometimes, we have to face the cold, hard reality of our space limitations. If you can “steal” three to four feet of space from an adjacent bedroom or a hallway linen closet, why not? The result will be a larger bathroom with some closet space and room to do more bathroom organization. Try this bathroom remodeling checklist for more.

Now that’s a home improvement plan to live by!

As spring tries to peek through in many parts of the country, now is a good time to think about your landscaping. Even if you have snow on the ground, you can make an assessment and start the planning process. Many spring landscaping projects, such as patios, decks and yard remodeling projects take at least two weeks to plan–and sometimes longer.

Here are a few popular spring landscaping projects to consider:

Spring lawn care

If your lawn was filled with weeds, bare spots and uneven sections last year, spring is the perfect time to start fresh. Consider tackling the following tasks:

• Regrade to get the right slope
• Aerate the lawn
• Reseed or put down sod

Also, talk with a landscaping contractor about a regular weed control plan. Here’s more on lawn care.

Installing a patio or deck

Patios and decks are a great ways to embrace the outdoors while still feeling connected to your home. Look for a spot that close to your kitchen or family room with enough sun for growing plants, but enough shade to make for a comfortable resting spot.

While some people install their own decks, check out these step by step instructions from Hometime.com before attempting it. As you’ll see, much experience, measuring and cutting are involved. Just make sure the contractor does these things:

• Takes out a permit
• Submits a detailed contract that includes the type of lumber and the size and shape of the deck
• Prepares the footings to account for frost heaving (in colder climates)

If you already have a deck, it probably needs a good washing. Here’s a look at this important remodeling project.

Make your list today and narrow down your priorities. With any luck, you’ll be on your way to planning some dramatic changes in the next two to four weeks.

Wondering whether to keep your windows or invest in replacement windows? Here’s how to decide. Think about the following:

• The condition of the window frames, sashes and interiors: Is there warping, missing parts or sections where your window is chipping?
• The look: Do your windows have the style you want? Can you get that style by adding new wood trim? Or, are replacement windows a better option?
• The energy efficiency level: Often, it’s the rush of air coming through the windows (and around the sides) that prompts people to buy replacement windows. If you have single pane windows, chances are, you’re dealing with heating/cooling loss. Here’s a good overview from Energystar.gov

Whether you’re buying new or just trying to keep your existing windows working properly, consider how to make replacement windows last. Contractors know that maintenance is the key, particularly if you have wood windows. Always keep the following in mind:

• Keep water away from the window. Add an overhang on the outside, and ensure you have adequate roof drainage that funnels water away from the windows. Here’s more from weather.com on protecting your home from water damage.
• Paint windows every four to five years to keep the surface protected.
• Clean windows regularly – clean the glass and exterior at least twice a year.
• Fill caulk holes quickly before water can infiltrate.

Check sun patterns for replacement windows

And, don’t forget about the sun. Those warm rays can damage the insides of windows, fading stain and causing inconsistent coloration. Spend a little on good window treatments to help resolve this problem.

Your kitchen layout can be the source of much frustration, particularly if it’s long and narrow with little room for maneuvering. This type of kitchen has cabinets on each side and is often called a galley kitchen.

Unless you have the space and the budget for a redesign, you’ll have to learn some coping skills. Here’s how to make the most out of your galley kitchen:

• Get efficient with your kitchen cabinets. This is key, as you can’t afford to waste an inch. If your ceiling allows, go with 42-inch high wall cabinets. Also try deeper base cabinets for storing pots, pans and dishes. Add in vertical organizer racks to maximize the interior space for storing cups, plates etc.
• If space allows, add a pantry in an adjacent breakfast room or hallway. Move canned and boxed goods there to free space in the main kitchen cabinets.
• Use kitchen design tricks to create the illusion of space. Try:
  • An “clipped” or angled countertop corner near a doorway
  • A few glass kitchen cabinet doors for light reflection and depth
  • Light colored cabinets, paint, wall tile and flooring
• Be creative with appliances. Dishwashers come in narrow sizes or in drawer designs that take-up less space. Ranges and refrigerators vary in width and depth, making it easier to mix a smaller refrigerator with a refrigerated drawer nearby. Here are some good tips from KMIR TV in Palm Springs on finding the right refrigerator for your needs.
• Add a wall cutout to open the space to an adjacent room, leaving the base cabinets for storage, says KraftMaid Cabinetry.

A galley kitchen can be a challenge for any cook. The trick is to maximize the kitchen design as much as possible, but realize you’ll probably be cooking alone. You just don’t have a lot of room to maneuver in a galley kitchen.

Budgets aren’t always fun, but they can be lifesavers for many homeowners. Just watch a few Saturday afternoon home and garden shows, and you’ll realize how easy it is to spend money on home improvement.

Before going crazy with bathroom tile, underfloor heating and designer light fixtures, follow these tips from MSN Real Estate on keeping your spending in check:

• Make your remodeling budget, and keep it. Don’t be tempted to change the numbers around or eliminate the contingency fund. (As if nothing will go wrong?) Instead, assume that the contractor will find a few extra emergencies for which you’ll have to pay.
• Keep track of remodeling budget costs as you go.
• Use the “add and subtract” method. If you have to “add” a surprise expense, “subtract” the same amount somewhere else. Painful, yes, but it keeps your financial health in check.

Making your remodeling budget

As you prepare your remodeling budget, account for every cost category, from the contractor to the delivery fees. In a kitchen remodeling, for example, you’ll have:

• Cabinets
• Countertop
• Appliances
• Sink, faucet and garbage disposal
• Flooring
• Lighting
• Labor, including demolition, electrical, plumbing, drywall and painting

Then, there’s the “surprises” category. It’s a good idea to add in ten to 15 percent of the cost as a contingency. This will likely cover any problems that occur along the way. You might find:

• Faulty electrical wiring
• Problems venting the range through the wall
• Subfloor issues, such as uneven surfaces or hidden support issues

Here’s a good home improvement cost estimator from HGTV. While estimates are just ballpark figures, they can provide a good idea of what costs lie ahead.

When to replace? That can be a difficult question, as you juggle your budget and desire for brand new products (or products that work properly). Ideally, you want to stretch-out the lifespan of appliances and building products without wearing them too thin. Here’s how to find that balance.

Lifespan of Household Appliances

Here’s one scenario: the dishwasher isn’t rinsing properly, and you’ve tried adding a rinse aid in the water. Do you call a repair person or buy a new appliance? The answer depends on:

• The severity of the problem–how often and how much does it affect your daily life?
• The age of the appliance
• Your budget

If it’s a two-year-old dishwashe,r and you spend $100 on a repair, it’s probably worth the repair bill. If it’s an eight-year-old dishwasher (and they typically last ten years), it’s time to buy a new one.

Home Improvement Products: What’s the Lifespan?

To help you decide if a product is nearing the end of its lifespan, here’s a look at how long household products typically last. For example:

• Gas range: 19 years
• Refrigerator: 17 years
• Kitchen cabinets: 15 to 20 years
• Laminate countertop: 10 to 15 years

Next, look at major building systems, such as the windows, furnace or exterior siding. Focus on how they function and how much maintenance is involved. If you have real wood siding, for example, here are some signs from Amazing Siding that it might be nearing the end of the road:

• The boards near the ground have rotted
• There is mold or fungus growing, a common occurrence in shaded areas
• Boards are warped or bowed

For windows, try this guide from Simonton Windows.

To replace or not to replace–that is the question. Now, you know the answer!

Kitchen cabinets can take the brunt of abuse in the kitchen and sometimes just look worn. The tricky thing is…how do you update them without tearing apart the whole kitchen? That’s where kitchen cabinet refacing comes in. In a few days, a contractor can remove the cabinet doors and drawers and install new ones with a modern, updated look.

The process is relatively easy and financially painless, but it’s typically best when done through a contractor. Before trying the DIY route, make sure you understand the cabinet refacing process.

Once you decide to tackle a cabinet refacing project, the big question centers around the style. Here’s a look at popular kitchen cabinet styles:

• Old World: This style is timeless and often includes French or Italian influences. Consider adding an ornate dresser in the kitchen for storing dishes or a glaze to your kitchen cabinets. Rustic faucet finishes complete the design.
• Arts and Crafts: Named after this early 1900s architectural style, the look is elegant, but understated–not too fussy, but not too simple. The cabinets may have recessed front panels and just a touch of molding. Copper was big back then, so pull that in with your cabinet knobs.
• Country kitchen: Try knotty pine cabinets or muted white. Add in open shelving and plenty of country décor. Check out this kitchen cabinet layout for ideas.
• Contemporary kitchen: The look is sleek, bold and unpretentious. Try white laminate cabinets or stainless steel. No molding or detailing allowed!

The beauty of kitchen cabinet refacing is that it brings a dramatic transformation with only a moderate amount of time and effort. Select the right style, and the whole room will come together quickly.