Page 30 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • September 22, 2010 In this economy, homeowners are watching every penny. However, just because money is tight doesn’t mean every renovation plan has to be cast aside. Smaller projects can revitalize a room without a big investment. Homeowners who don’t have much to spend still don’t want to compromise quality with smaller improvements. Therefore, they’re often thinking of big appeal, albeit on a smaller scale. To get started, homeowners should look at the rooms they use the most and begin there. What’s the point of start- Home Improvement Small household projects add up to big appeal ing in a guest room or renovating the basement if those spaces are rarely used? Put available funds to work on the rooms that are seen. For example, the kitchen is a popular room in many homes. If budget doesn’t allow for a renovation of appliances or cabinetry, think about less expensive ways to modify the space. A new faucet can give the room a different look, as can replacing cabinet hardware and hinges. Revitalize the appearance of the room with new flooring, such as laminate that mimics the look of stone, wood, or other natural surfaces. Change the accessories in a china cabinet or hang some different artwork for an instant change. Bathroom makeovers are often high on the list of improvements. But many improvements can be budgetbusters. Think about improvements that change what is disliked. Maybe outdated wallpaper can be removed and replaced with paint. Clean up the grout around a bathtub to freshen the room. Bring in a new color scheme by replacing the towels, bath mat, and shower curtain. Living room re-dos can be achieved with some accessory changes and perhaps a new piece of furniture. Replace a glass coffee table with an earthy leather ottoman that can also store toys or throw pillows. A simple swap of window treatments can dramatically change the look of the room. If seating has seen better days, but a new set is not an option, consider form-fitted slipcovers as a quick, and generally low-cost, fix. Kids’ rooms often can be improved with some muchneeded storage space. Clear up clutter from the floor by installing a closet organizing system, which can hang Fall Improve Your Driveway’s Appearance And Protect It At The Same Time Driveway E-Z Stir Asphalt Filler/Sealer • Easy to stir • Fills surface cracks up to 1/8” • Dries to touch in 4 hours. Can be driven on in 24-48 hours under normal conditions • 4 year warranty Mon-Wed 7:30-6 Thurs & Fri 7:30-8, Sat 8-5 Put On A Winter Coat Today! clothes within reach for children. Older children may appreciate a room that reflects their maturity. Now is the time to change princess prints for bolder graphics or dump trucks for sophistication. All it often takes is a little paint and some new bed linens to achieve an updated look. For a dramatic change in a home with hardwood floors that are being hidden by carpet, take the weekend to pull up the carpet and reveal the floors beneath. In many cases, a little sanding and resealing is all it takes to bring out the beauty of the wood. That change will instantly provide value while increasing aesthetic appeal. Another simple and very inexpensive way to renovate a home is to remove clutter and items that are not being used. Reducing a home’s contents can breathe new life into spaces. Rearranging furniture is also an option. ����������������������������� ��������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������� ������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������� ������������ ����������������������������������������������������� ��������������� ������������������������������� �������������� ������������������������� ������������������� ������������ ��������������� ��������������������������������� ���������������� ����������������������� & FLOORING ���������� ���������������������� OPEN SUNDAY 9-3 Propane Filled 7 Days A Week 27 Franklin Tpke. • Waldwick • 201-652-5666 www.homehardwaresupply.com Serving All Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil & Gas Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available 24 Hour Air it n tion CondInsiollaing ta Sales, & Service ����������������������� 201-891-1000 Emergency Service Serving Northern New Jersey LICENSED BY THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LIC# 29703 MIDLAND PARK, NJ – 201.988.5428