Every homeowner knows that owning a home takes work and can be expensive. Typically, a homeowner should expect to spend one to three percent of the home’s value on home improvements. However, you can always cut costs; let’s look at some smart ways you can save money while you maintain and improve your dream home.

Spend some time in your prospective neighborhood driving and walking through. You should have some idea about the kind of maintenance your new neighbors apply to their homes. If the area seems run down with overgrown yards and untidy homes, you will want to rethink moving into the area.

When designing a renovation for your home, consider the specific circumstances of your house. There are many renovations you could do to your home that wouldn’t fit given the weather conditions or other environmental factors of your area. Make sure the changes you want to make don’t rely on a change in the local climate as well.

When renovating your home, you should always stay close to the home’s original character. If your street is lined with Victorian-era tudors and you choose to turn your home into a glass-fronted homage to modern architecture, it will stick out uncomfortably and annoy your neighbors. Also, the more you differ from the home’s original structure, the higher the cost of the renovation and the less your chance of getting a return on investment.

If your rooms are looking rough because of nicks and dents in your wall, then you should try putting toothpaste in the hole to patch it up. Toothpaste can fill small nicks easily and can keep your room looking great. This is a cheap alternative and a quick fix.

Work with construction adhesive and remove the squeaks from your floors. You may have to work your way into the basement or a crawlspace, but it is worth the effort. Use a caulk gun and apply glue on both sides of each floor joist.

If you don’t want to invest money into buying a slipcover for your chair, you can make your own from a bed sheet. Buy a twin or queen-size bed sheet from cotton in the color of your choice. Drape it over your chair, and affix it with safety pins in a fashion that isn’t noticeable.

Replacing a roof can be one of a homeowner’s biggest expenses. Be sure to speak with a minimum of three roofing businesses and ask for their references. There are many different styles of roofing materials available today, from lightweight tiles to traditional shingles. A knowledgeable roofer or contractor can help you find the right choice for your home.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas that you can’t taste or smell. If you inhale too much of it, however, it could be fatal. Young children are particularly susceptible to the poison. Don’t take the chance! These detectors are cheap and easily installed.

Now you should know at least a little more about home improvement. By keeping your expenses down, and avoiding the common pitfalls, your next home project should turn out to be a big success.