5 Home Improvement Projects for January January 1, 2019 "Kitchen Home Renovation" - Photo Credit: Entrepreneur.com The new year is here! Stick to your resolution and finish what you’ve started! Want a new look that's easy to achieve? We have the tools to get the job done. Want to add some additional functionality to your space? We have the knowledge to help you tackle that project! Need to prepare for extreme winter weather? We have the tips to get you prepared! We here at Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park have been studing up on of some of the best ways you can develop the look and value of your home. So with that said, let's take a quick look. Modern Design Kitchen with an exotic lighting fixture. #1 Renew those lighting fixturesHome impressions Crawford Bath Light Bar We’re not just talking about making the switch from incandescent to LED, but changing your home’s lighting fixtures. A quick lighting fixture swap can make a area appear decades newer. help you to attain a much higher value assessment on your next estate appraisal! Generac® External Home Standby Generator #2 Get Ready for the worst with a new Electric GeneratorWhether it’s portable or not, a generator could be just the thing you need in cases of extreme emergencies. If you would just remember back, home generators and portable generators alike were in short supply due to severe weather such as blizzards. If you are landlocked keep in mind that severe wind and rain could be the difference between heating or cooling your home during an emergency. Or in some cases, just producing enough energy to run your refrigerator could make a world of a difference. However, here is a downside. A external home generator can be quite an expensive purchase Pro tip: find one that fits your basic needs without breaking the bank. Generac® Portable/Recreational Generator #3 Replace Old Windows and Doors New Floor to Ceiling Window Installation. Intrested in a quick way to save money How about replacing those outdated windows? Have a draft problem? A quick door swap can help. These are some of the easiest ways to improve the heating and cooling functionality and look of any home. While it may not be the low-cost recommendation, they can help you to save thousands in energy costs for both heating and cooling. As an added bonus, if you want your home to feel newer, the technology that have gone into newer windows can improve the mood of any room. As an added bonus, this is also a great investment that will increase the value of your home. #4 Organize that Garage, Basement, or Tool Shed January is the month for new beginnings. In our overloaded lives, any fresh start should include removing the chaos that has been of taking over our homes—and lives. Then there’s those over cluttered basements, garages, and sheds. While this winter hasn't been too crazy, it’s not hard to imagine that the storms are holding off only until we forget about them. Take this opportunity to declutter. Storage solutions from your local Schauer's Hardware are just a short drive away. Reduce the clutter by organizing what you truly want. And who knows, you just might be able to make some cash by letting go of the things you no longer need. This easy rule can be applied to all the spaces that need a change. Take that crawl space for example, there may not be a need for the older items you have stored there as well. #5 Quickly Refresh the Kitchen or Bathroom Oh No! We’ve said a bad word! RENOVATE! It might not seem like the quickest fix for the new year, but infact, it can be quick and effortless. Narrow the job to something simple. A fresh coat of paint, new fixtures, or a simple sink upgrade can make a new look quick to achieve. You will be bewildered how quickly a homes look can be altered just by adding bright color to a bathroom or kitchen. Pastel and matte paints are stylish! Just ask one of our friendly staff at Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park for assistance, and we will be happy to help.For more of the best tips and tricks on how to refresh your home, check out our blog or be sure to visit us at Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park! Electrical, Lawn, Garden, & Outdoor, Lighting, Paint, Best Look / Color Solutions, Smart Home, Tools Back To Schauer's Tidbits