You do not want your home to have shoddy work done to it. That is the reason it is essential to know exactly what you are doing before starting a home improvement project. Follow the ideas presented here to become a good, all around general handyman.

Keep your air conditioning filter as clean as possible. When the filter is clogged, your house uses more energy. This could lead to longer than necessary running time and costs. Change your filter on a regular basis; monthly is ideal.

Instead of laminate floors, consider real wood. Laminate floors may look like real wood and be easier to clean, however they cannot be refinished. The floor will have to be replaced in the future, either by you or a different owner.

Make a bookcase unique by applying some wallpaper to it. Choose a vibrant graphic design. By attaching the wallpaper in back behind the shelf, you will get a nice looking design that is seen behind your books. This will improve the appearance of the bookcase and add a unique focal point to whatever room it is in.

When employing a contractor for your project, it’s important to maintain your own records. Avoid thinking the contractor will do that for you. Keep a folder with all contracts and invoices relevant to the project you are doing. That way, you can keep tabs on the progress of the job.

See to it that all the spaces in your house have a defined purpose when you’re selling your home. Rooms such as the office and family room need the proper furniture to accompany them. Potential buyers will be able to see themselves living there and come up with ideas for the space. Spaces such as a fine living room add to the value of a home.

Padding sharp furniture is another great way to improve your home and keep your children safe from harm. Corner protectors or foam can cover sharp corners and are available at your local department store. Don’t forget to tape down any loose wires. This way you protect your children from potential hazards like accidental strangling while playing.

You could drastically hurt your home if you don’t know what you’re doing regarding repairs and home improvements. You have to use what you’ve read here to be prepared to do a great job.

There are tremendous opportunities for small businesses and social entrepreneurs to support their communities through community foundations, donor advised funds and other means of giving back. Find the neighborhoods in Santa Clara County where you can make the most impact on civic engagement in the community.