As the seasons change and our tastes become a little more defined, many people get tired of looking at the same-old-same-old in their homes. Not everyone is out to completely remodel their dwellings, but most are going to tackle a home improvement project or few. Make sure you’re doing it right by following the tips below.

One of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to improve your home is paint. Whether it is the outside or the inside, both areas will look new and transformed. Pick neutral shades and brighter trim colors. Plain white walls tend to make your home look like a rental and not owner occupied.

An over-the-range microwave is a great way to save space in an already cramped kitchen. An over-the-range microwave replaces the range hood. This type of microwave is available in many prices with a wide variety of options. Most of these units have a recirculating air filter rather than an actual vent, so they work best for people who do not require a kitchen vent.

If your house is low on usable space and you need an extra space, consider looking to your attic or basement for help. You can easily choose to turn your basement into a livable environment such as an office, man cave or recreation room. If your basement already has a staircase, a roof and separate walls, it can be a very cost effective way to improve your home.

Before you begin to paint the bookshelf in your living room, make sure to sand it down to it’s natural finish. After you sand it down, be sure to read the pros and cons of each paint choice. By doing this, you’ll end up with the bookshelf you imagined.

Keep all of the baby food jars you have, as they can be helpful. Screw the jar lids into the bottom of a shelf. Small things like nails and screws, beads or jewelry making supplies can be stored in these jars. Twist the jars into the lids back under the shelf. This is a very innovative way to store small items.

Add a bit more swing to your home run swings when playing baseball, by putting a little uppercut into them. When it’s a higher pitch, add a bit of a slight uppercut to your swing to really send that ball flying. That kind of swing relies more on powerful hip and midsection muscles to be successful, so you also get a great workout.

Don’t make the mistake of using doors that are of poor quality and look like it. Guests will see your door both coming and going. You may be losing a lot of the heat through a door that is not insulated. And if you’ve got older locks or frames, these could be a security risk.

What you have just learned from the tips above might not be as specific as you need for any one particular project, but you should get a good idea of how you need to prepare for a home improvement project. It’s not just something you should leap into. Use what you’ve learned here to act as your guide.