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6 Home Improvement Projects to do Before the 4th of July

sparklerWith the 4th of July underway, you might be running around trying to figure out how to improve your home in readiness for the fun-filled holiday.

Home improvement doesn't mean a complete overhaul, but you can make your home look appealing and fun by changing small things.

First things first, no patriotic home is complete without a flag. Put your patriotic spirit on display by hanging up an American flag.

Keep in mind; if you're hosting friends and family for the holiday weekend you may want to do more than just hang a flag.

Get your home ready with simple improvements in preparation for your guests. Here are some quick fix home improvement projects that will wow your visitors.

Revamp Your Entry Point

The first thing that most people see is your entrance. It gives the first impression of your home, and it usually indicates how the inside of your home looks like. It welcomes your visitors to your home and creates a clear distinction between the outside and inside of your haven. For this reason, it makes a lot of sense to have it improved.

There are numerous ways of improving the front entrance of your home from fixing a door knob to painting the door. Splash bright and bold colors or put stylish step tiles to revamp the look.

Make the main entrance more inviting by creating a point of visual interest where the front walk meets the porch. Put built-in planters or pedestal urns to compliment the design of your landscape and house.

Add Curb Appeal

Adding curb appeal to your home gives your home a beautiful facelift and doesn’t have to be expensive. An excellent curb appeal should project a welcoming environment; it's more than tidying the exterior of your home. You may achieve curb appeal by doing the following:

• Front porch-Having a cozy and comfortable front porch shows that the homeowners enjoy relaxation. Make sure not to overdo it with the porch. Be guided by the size of your porch area. Throw in a few pillows to your seating area and add some potted flowers to enhance the look.

• Trim down any overgrown plants. Overgrown plants may hinder light from entering your home and can cause visual distractions.

• Create a path that leads guests to your main entrance. If your front walk stretches all the way from the door to the road, create a flare so that people can get out of their cars.

• Create an edge along the driveway. Use materials such as bricks or stones to give the edge an elegant look.

Clean the Deck

cleaning a deck jpgThe secret to maintaining a deck is as easy as 1, 2, 3…repair, clean and protect it.

• Making Repairs –Start by inspecting the entire deck. Look for bends, rusts, popped out nails or black spots that indicate there is moisture spreading to your home. To check for structural damage insert a screwdriver in a gap. If it sinks through it means there is rot, and it needs replacement.

• To clean it, first sweep away any dirt paying close attention to the spaces between the boards. Use a sharp object to scrape off dirt found in the gaps. Scrub the surface with a brush and a bleach agent or other cleaning products mixed with warm water.

• Once you’ve obtained a shiny look, protect the deck by applying a wood stain or a deck sealer that is waterproof to make the deck last for a long time. Use a pad or a foam roller to apply the sealer over the entire deck.

Check Your Outside Faucets

No one wants to start their holiday or invite guest over without being sure there will be no interruptions in the flow of water. If you have never checked your outside faucets, this could be the time. Locate the valves and test if they are working. Shut the main valve and then turn on a faucet inside the house. Water should not flow.

If it does, there is a problem that requires plumbing. Call in a professional plumber to make the repair as soon as possible and ensure that everything runs smoothly during your holiday.

Lawn Care Tips

Keep your lawn looking smooth, green and healthy with these simple tips:

lawn care tips• Remove the weeds –Remove the weeds by hand or using a hoe, ensuring that the roots have been removed entirely to prevent them from growing back. You can also use an herbicide and spray it directly onto the weed or the entire lawn area. For best results follow manufacturers advice on how to apply the herbicide.

• Check the yard for any signs of thatch. Thatch can cause open spaces on the lawn where weeds can grow.

• Aerate the lawn. Dig out a section of the lawn and assess the length of the roots. If they do not go 2 inches down, then the lawn needs to be aerated. Two days before aeration make sure the lawn has been watered. Aerate the lawn once and apply compost over the lawn.

• Water the lawn adequately, especially during hot days. Apply fertilizer occasionally throughout the year.

Create Space for Entertainment

Having an entertainment room is a good idea especially if you plan on entertaining your friends and family members. Customize the space by adding cozy furniture, warm colors and décor to give it a warm and welcoming experience.

For plumbing related home improvements in St. Michael, MN, call B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C at (763) 497-2290.