Being a homeowner comes with many projects, maintenance tasks, and chores. Luckily, we’ve compiled some helpful home improvement hacks and tips. Discover which projects make the most financial sense and learn some cleaning hacks to accomplish more in less time.

Consider your return on investment

Some home improvement projects are worth the expense because they’ll result in a higher return on investment. Check out these home improvement projects that add value to your home instantly. Consider converting your HVAC system from gas to electric (with the expertise of a professional). Or, here in the Pacific Northwest, siding replacement can be beneficial to protect your home against the wet weather we face much of the year.

Two types of doors in your home also have a high return on investment: your entry door and garage door. Check out this article for more detailed information about deciding if a new garage door is right for you. In addition, a new front door can add tremendously to a home’s curb appeal. In particular, replacing a wood door with a steel door can quickly add value to your home. Steel doors offer a sleek, modern style as well as long-term value for their durability.

Monitor for issues and make needed repairs ASAP

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In homeownership, this underscores the greatest tip of all: monitor the house. These are home repairs you should not put off. Watch out for signs of water damage, electrical issues, pests, or a gas leak. Check your roof for leaks or missing shingles, and keep all gutters clear. If you find your lights flickering or outlets feeling warm (especially if it’s an older home) call a professional electrician to examine it. Similarly, any signs of rodents or pests should be handled immediately and, if required, professionally. If your home runs appliances on natural gas and the tell-tale rotten-egg smell begins, exit the home immediately and contact your gas company. The smell could mean there is a gas leak. Additionally, this maintenance checklist is also handy to consult. Get in the habit of inspecting and repairing home features in the fall and spring to prevent large, expensive repairs down the road.

Buy gently-used home décor

If you’re looking to decorate your home with statement pieces or to add accents, consider purchasing them secondhand. Often, thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces offer home items at a discounted rate. This might make sense for seasonal décor for the holidays or furniture for children that they will quickly outgrow. There is also a growing movement to upcycle furniture. It’s amazing what a coat of paint, elbow grease, and new hardware can do, giving a desk or dresser a whole new look.

Use tech to visualize a space

Thanks to augmented reality, there are many ways to visualize a space before you make any home improvements. You scan a room with your phone’s camera. Then, you digitally move items around to play with the space (and save your back!). Many apps let you change wall colors and shop for furniture. Here are some popular home furniture layout apps. If you want to compare interior design apps, here’s a comprehensive guide that compares the pros and cons of over 25 interior design apps.

Now that we’ve reviewed some of the biggest home improvement tips, let’s examine some easy cleaning hacks to make your home sparkle.

Employ the power of decluttering

Often overlooked in the home-cleaning process, decluttering can naturally make a room appear cleaner. There are also other benefits to decluttering. First and foremost, you will have fewer items to clean, and then it will be easier to find items when you need them. Also, some people find it helps them focus and reduces anxiety caused by visual clutter.

While it can feel overwhelming before you begin, starting with just one room can simplify the process. Or, get one small box for donations and another for keepsakes to store, and simply stop when you’ve filled those two boxes. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you have a focused approach. If you have many special mementos that fill tabletops and shelves, consider picking a handful of them to display and then rotating through them every few months. You’ll appreciate that select group even more when they aren’t overcrowded. The same concept applies to kids’ artwork if that’s something you have a lot of in your home. Also, check out these kid art displays and storage ideas.

Speed-clean with the best of them

A decluttered space will also allow you to benefit from speed cleaning. Do you have guests coming over but don’t have the bandwidth to clean the entire house? Check out some of the best ways to clean high-traffic areas in an hour or less. By deliberately focusing on areas where people congregate, such as the kitchen, living room, and guest bathroom, you will be ready for your guests in no time. This speed cleaning video also showcases how to quickly get your home ready for visitors. Set a timer for yourself, put on some fun music, and get moving.

Discover new uses for baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar are two highly used, natural cleaning products that work great for many surfaces. Place baking soda on a sponge and gently scrub away dirt and grime around the kitchen. It can even be used to help absorb oil stains on a carpet. For mineral buildup, take a bag of vinegar, wrap it around your showerhead, and secure it in place overnight. In the morning, all that buildup will be gone. Baking soda and/or vinegar can also be used to clean tough grime or burnt food on pots and pans.

Want even more ideas? Try these additional cleaning hacks.

Deodorize your pet-filled home

One of the first things guests notice in a home is the smell. If you have furry loved ones, you can take steps to ensure their scent isn’t the first thing they encounter.

1. Keep your pet(s) groomed to prevent excess shedding.
2. Invest in a good hand-held vacuum and/or robot vacuum to make upkeep a breeze.
3. Rub dryer sheets against your baseboards to pick up dirt and pet hair, and to prevent future build-up.
4. Keep pet food and litter boxes out of the main living spaces.
5. Open windows to air out your home.
6. Light one of your favorite scented candles.

We hope these home improvement projects and cleaning hacks help you maintain and enhance your home so you can spend more time enjoying it today, and for years to come.