First impressions are important and the same holds true when you are showcasing your home for a potential sale. While larger home improvement projects are often necessary to catch the eye of someone in the market for a new home, they require a great deal of time and money. Sometimes simple cleaning and organization is all that is needed for your home to become more appealing to potential buyers.

Home staging expert and TLC host Lisa Lynch says giving the perception of clean home is of utmost importance for people looking to sell or rent their homes.

“Presenting a sparkling clean property gives the impression that it was well maintained,” says Lynch. “This gives potential buyers and renters a feeling of security. Often they will pay a premium for a place that has been well-maintained and has a clean appearance.”

Lynch offers these tips to impress your guests and convince potential buyers that you took outstanding care of your home:

Simplify

Begin by de-cluttering your home. By removing personal items that might distract prospective buyers, you’ll help them focus on how they think the home might look when they move in. You don’t want buyers to focus on possessions that you’ll be taking with you when you move.

Neutralize

When showing your home to others, it’s best to set your personal tastes aside by decorating in a way that will appeal to a broad range of people. Think about replacing strong patterns with solid colors on items like bedding, carpets and drapes. It might also be a good call to store that dramatic piece of art somewhere out of sight. You can show it off again when you move into your new house.

A photogenic home

Many potential buyers will make decisions on which homes they would like to look at by looking at photos posted online. Do whatever you can to make your home sparkle in the images you and your real estate agent select for your listing. Focus on glass and metal surfaces that will add shine to your photos. For other bathroom surfaces, a bath scrubber like Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber should be used to remove easy-to-spot and unappealing grime and scum from bathtubs and showers. Thoroughly cleaning these surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens can make your home look fresher and newer.

Areas that must sparkle

While it’s important to keep the entire home spotless, there are two rooms in particular that require special attention: the kitchen and the bathroom. In a recent survey, Mr. Clean asked consumers which room they would clean first if moving into a new home. Of the more than 1,000 participants, an impressive 41 percent responded the kitchen and 38 percent said the bathroom.

When selling your home, it is always important to make the extra effort in these two rooms; you’ll never know if it will be a make or break a deal.

Scent

Whether they know it or not, people entering your home will notice more than just appearances. Attractive scents can create good feelings. Candles, diffusers, potpourri and cookies all offer inviting and familiar aromas. Use a cleaner with a pleasant scent to keep your home smelling fresh.

Details matter

Eliminate any small imperfections that might cause uneasiness with potential buyers by replacing broken light bulbs, fixing loose doorknobs or getting your closet door moving smoothly on it tracks. Even something as minor as a little mess in the microwave could turn off a prospective renter or buyer, so make sure every place you can think of is squeaky clean.

Since first impressions are so important, having your home properly cleaned and staged will help you make a sale or rental more quickly and net the price you deserve.

Today, remodeling ideas and items that would once have taken hours – or even weeks – to obtain are now easily available, thanks to the magic of the Internet. Where once you would have had to locate and drive to a specialty store for items like custom blinds, slipcovers or lighting, you can now browse and purchase a staggering variety of options all from the comfort of your home PC.

Do-it-yourselfers will find plenty of inspiration and inventory online. Here are three interior decorating ideas that you can easily bring to life with the help of some Internet shopping:

1. Buying blinds

Perhaps you remember your mother or grandmother driving from store to store in search of the perfect window treatment. While most department stores have always offered window treatments, in the past the selection has been limited and often pricey. Online resources solve the inventory and pricing problem and spare you a trip to the home improvement store. Websites like Blinds.com offer thousands of cost-effective options, from wood, aluminum and vertical blinds to cell shades, shutters and draperies. Plus, shipping is free.

Changing window treatments is a great way to update the look of a room for a modest investment of cash. And replacing window treatments is one of the easiest DIY projects you can tackle. Online shopping also makes it easy to update your window treatments according to the season. As summer approaches, replace tired old blinds with cellular shades that block heat and ultraviolet rays but still allow light to filter through. When colder months arrive, add a layer of insulation at your windows with lined draperies.

2. Lovely linens

Sure you can find a big selection in terms of style at big box linen stores, but the variety of brands – not to mention lower-priced options – might be lacking. Need especially deep-pocketed sheets for your plush pillow-top mattress? You’ll probably find them in stores, but at a cost that may make you wish you’d bought an air mattress instead. Online, you can find options in every style, color and thread count imaginable – and often at prices that retailers can’t match.

A Google search for “linens” yields nearly 40 million results. Your biggest challenge will be deciding which online merchant to check out first. Some websites specialize in luxury linens, while others offer more basic and practically priced options. You may also find good deals by going directly to the website of a designer you like.

3. Simplifying slipcovers

Long gone are the days when “slipcover” mostly referred to that awful clear plastic covering your grandmother put on the couch to keep the kids and pets from staining it. Slipcovers aren’t just for sofas anymore, according to HGTV.com. You can find slipcovers for ottomans, armchairs, recliners, dining chairs and more – all online.

Modern slipcovers are a great way to change the look of a piece of furniture and the room in which it sits. Cheaper than reupholstering or buying new furniture, adding a slipcover can resurrect a treasured piece that may have worn upholstery but is still in good shape otherwise.

Whether you’re looking to update one room or a whole house, online resources have made redecorating easier than ever. A few clicks of a mouse button can help you quickly create a new look, so you can spend more time enjoying your new decor than you did shopping for it.

Aside from the obvious benefits of fresh flowers and produce, gardening provides low-impact, calorie-burning exercise. One hour of gardening burns about 375 calories. While love of gardening has not changed, methods continue to evolve – and one of the top trends is raised-bed gardening.

Tending a raised bed requires less bending and stooping, and is ideal for yards with poor soil. Rather than working to improve heavy clay soil or adding body to sandy soil, you’re starting with a clean slate. Raised beds are particularly useful for community gardens and urban gardens in areas with compacted or root-bound soil.

“Ninety percent of success is the prep work done ahead of planting,” says Mark Dwyer, director of horticulture at Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis.” This includes finding a location that gets six to eight hours of direct sun each day.

Once the site is chosen, determine the size of your garden. A first-timer should start small – don’t overwhelm yourself with a massive plot. Start with one or two raised garden beds measuring 4 feet by 8 feet. Select a location that offers room to grow, should you choose to expand your garden in subsequent years.

No matter what size raised bed you choose, the frame needs to be structurally sound and attractive. Helping to fill this niche is the durable, decorative M Brace raised garden bed bracket from Outdoor Essentials. The patented, corner bracket, sold in sets of four, lets you create an attractive, sturdy raised garden bed in just minutes using common 2-by-6 and 2-by-4 lumber and no tools. The M Brace’s sturdy, recycled metal frame keeps boards seated securely at the corners. It’s available in eight cut-out designs, and two finishes – steel that will rust gracefully over time, or powder-coated in an antique bronze finish.

Once the frame is in place, fill the raised box with quality soil. Garden centers offer bulk and bagged soil mixes. Or create your own blend, using equal parts peat moss, coarse-grade vermiculite and blended compost.

Create pathways to your garden or build an adjacent sitting area with Tiffany-style stepping-stones from Outdoor Essentials (www.OutdoorEssentialProducts.com).  Serpentine jade or handcrafted Tiffany-style jade stepping stones lend visual appeal to your garden and protect soil and plants from being trampled.

To keep deer, rabbits and other critters at bay, consider a decorative enclosure using end caps and lattice. Fence posts 4-by-4 inches or 6-by-6 inches are ideal. Once fence posts are set, enclose the garden with decorative lattice, leaving a narrow opening or a hinged gate for access.

Make your enclosed garden an eye-catching centerpiece by topping off the end posts with elegant Planter Post Caps. The decorative caps, available in two styles and colors, add dimension and color to the garden. Caps are available in square or round designs, with a black or copper finish. Plant colorful flowers or trailing vines in the post cap planters to create horizontal interest.

The key to a bountiful harvest – be it fruits, vegetables or flowers – is successful pollination. Brightly colored flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, as will fresh water. Add a luminous green birdbath in serpentine jade to attract birds all summer and to provide an architectural focal point inside your garden.

“Think outside the box,” says Dwyer. Add a few herbs – or anything you want – to make the garden uniquely yours. And don’t discount edible landscape ornamentals: “Many fresh herbs and vegetables can contribute their own charm to an informal border or container,” he adds.

Whether for a relaxing hobby or for the desire to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables for you and your neighbors, now is the perfect time to start a garden of your own.

One way to do this is to integrate Safer 3, an initiative of the Swim for Life Foundation, which calls for “Safer Water, Safer Kids and Safer Response.”

Swim lessons and supervision lead to safer kids. Having family members take classes in CPR and implementing measures like keeping a portable phone by the pool can help you make a safer response. To ensure safer water, install layers of protection between the home and the pool.

Parents watch their children, especially during the toddler stages, but it’s impossible to watch them every second of every day. There are times when a parent is distracted by cooking, doing laundry, checking email, showering or other activities. Many caregivers turn TV or a video on inside the house, and ensure children are watching. But kids get easily distracted, and water draws them like a magnet.

Water safety experts say that safer water is achieved by having layers of protection in place between your home and pool, to buy the time to re-establish contact after a momentary distraction. Studies in areas where isolation fencing is mandatory, such as Western Australia, have proven that isolation fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates saves lives. Isolation fencing separates the pool from the home, either surrounding the pool or enclosing all doors leading from the home, to prevent children who get out the door from traveling beyond the patio. For above-ground pools, a smaller fence and gate surrounding the steps or ladder can prevent toddler access.

“If a child gains unauthorized access to a pool and drowns, it’s a terrible tragedy,” says D&D Technologies’ Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. “It can also be a liability issue when the injured party is a visitor. You can improve the safety and security of your pool or spa with isolation fencing with self-closing, self-latching gate hardware.

“D&D’s MagnaLatch is the No. 1 selling child safety gate latch in the world,” Paterson adds. “Unlike common gravity latches, MagnaLatch has a built-in key lock, eliminating the need for a separate padlock. It won’t jam, is self-latching and vertically and horizontally adjustable. Our gate hardware is formed of super-strong engineering polymers with stainless steel components, so it won’t rust – ever, and it carries a limited lifetime warranty. With TruClose hinges, no external closing spring is required, and the homeowner can easily adjust hinge tension after installation with a screwdriver.”

Paterson notes that rust-free gate hardware is now available under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through select Lowe’s stores or online at www.lowes.com, and through other hardware retailers or fencing professionals. The hinges and latches are simple to install and most models offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to correct gate misalignment caused by ground movement, children swinging on gates or other factors.

Pool barrier codes require pool gates to be self-closing and self-latching, and to open away from the pool. D&D has two lockable MagnaLatch styles so the release can be mounted at the code-required height, typically 54 or 60 inches above the ground. Consult your building department for local regulations.

Pool safety advocacy groups like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) recommend that homeowners utilize several layers of protection so they can experience the pleasures of swimming pools and feel an added degree of assurance that their children, grandchildren and visitors will be safe.

The dangers of suction drain entrapment are also significant, and anti-entrapment drain covers should be in place. Pool professionals should be consulted to ensure the correct suction entrapment prevention devices are used.

Both the Safer 3 and the NDPA recommend that a “water watcher” be designated for safety when children are in the pool, to maintain eye-to-eye contact at all times.

Toys or floating chlorine dispensers that look like toys should never be left in the pool area.

“With isolation fencing and the Safer 3 in place, your family can look forward to years of relaxation and enjoyment of your pool,” Paterson says.

For more information, visit www.ddtechglobal.com or www.ndpa.org. For a free Pool Safety Kit call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292, or email info@ddtechusa.com.

Whether you intend to take the quintessential great American road trip, that once-in-a-lifetime journey to Europe, a mission trip to Latin America or Africa, or a fly-in fishing vacation to Canada, it’s important to plan ahead. Planning what to do and what to wear is essential, of course, but what many travelers don’t realize is that traveling today is often complicated by numerous rules, regulations and laws, according to Findlaw.com, the Internet’s top source for legal information.

One such example is the recently enacted requirement of a passport – even for U.S. citizens – to enter the United States. Enacted in the name of homeland security, it’s a change in the law that has profoundly altered traveling over the U.S.-Canada border. For decades, you only needed a current driver’s license to cross the border – no more.

To make sure your next big trip goes smoothly, take some extra time to review these tips from FindLaw.com to avoid being scammed and to increase your safety and security while traveling.

* Check the law. Before you cross the border into Canada, Mexico or another country, check the laws about entering another country. For example, if you intend to travel into Canada, you may not be allowed to enter if you’re asked and you admit to a charge of driving under the influence. And even though you’re an American, you now must present a passport to re-enter the United States. If you’re roadtripping across state lines, make sure you have proof of auto insurance and auto registration in your glovebox and make sure your driver’s license is current. You may also want to clear up any old speeding or parking tickets that you may have in the state to which you are traveling, otherwise, you might find your car impounded in the event that you’re stopped for a traffic violation. The last thing you want to have to do is find a lawyer to handle an emergency legal matter while you’re on vacation.

* Emergency contact information. Create a list of emergency contacts, such as relatives, next door neighbors, doctors, dentists, pharmacy, etc., that emergency personnel can contact if you’re involved in an accident and are unable to respond on your own. Always leave a travel itinerary with your emergency contacts at home in the event that they need to contact you while you’re traveling.

* Vital documents. Make photocopies of key documents (passport) and cards (driver’s license, credit cards, health insurance card) should your wallet or purse become lost or stolen. Keep photocopies in a secure place where you can access them in case of an emergency.

* Dress the part. It’s always important to dress comfortably when you travel, but it’s also important to dress appropriately. To go through airport security more quickly, wear slip-on shoes, remove all metal objects from clothes, avoid wearing jackets, and keep cell phones, pagers and other personal electronics in a bag or briefcase. Study the culture where you are going and dress as the locals to avoid sticking out and calling attention to pickpockets and street vendors. When traveling to some local countries, wearing some types of jewelry, especially jewelry that expresses a religious faith, can cause you to become a target.

* Security screening. If you are uncomfortable with the full-body scanning process that has recently been implemented in airports across the United States, you have the right to request an alternative screening – typically an   “enhanced pat down”by a Transportation Security Administration screener. If you’d like to record your experience through a security checkpoint, generally, the First Amendment allows you the right to do so. If you believe you’ve been treated unjustly and find it necessary to file a complaint against a TSA screener, the TSA has a Web form available to the public, along with organizations such as EPIC and ACLU, which collect body scanner incident reports.

* Avoid travel scams. As you’re making your travel plans, be leery of bargains that seem too good to be true – because 99 percent of the time, they are. It’s important to research a company’s background. How long has it been in business? Is the travel company affiliated with professional organizations such as the American Society of Travel Agents? Have other consumers filed complaints about the company with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s Attorney’s General office? Pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charges if the company does end up being fraudulent.

* Avoid these common scams. Whether you travel near or far, there are crooks whose goal is to part you from your money and belongings. The most common is the cab driver who takes the “scenic route.” Before you hop in the cab, know what route you want to take to your destination. Tell the driver and negotiate the price of the ride. Check with your hotel concierge about what a trip to a certain location typically will cost. Always avoid panhandlers and mobs of children – more often than not they’re well-trained in the art of pickpocketing.

* Cell phones: Many Americans would feel naked if they didn’t have their cell phones with them while traveling. If you plan to travel overseas or take a cruise outside the United States, check with your cell phone provider to see if your phone is capable of international calls. Instead of carrying their expensive cell phones, some travelers opt to rent cell phones overseas. And with the growing use of voice-over-Internet services like Skype, some travelers are checking in with family through computers that are readily available in hotels and cafes.

* Travel insurance. There are many types of travel insurance, and in many cases, you may already be covered. Call your health care insurance provider to see if you’re covered in the event of a medical emergency when traveling overseas. Contact your credit card company to see what travel-related benefits and insurance they offer. And contact your home and auto insurance provider about what your coverage is if you rent a car, or you experience a theft while traveling.

When discussing home value, “garden” means more than just flower beds. It includes your lawn, gathering spaces on your property, paths and walkways, in addition to the trees, shrubs and flowers that decorate the space. In a housing market where it’s still difficult to stand out, turning your attention and efforts to these areas might be just the thing that will attract buyers.

It’s a simple concept: A more attractive house is a more valuable house. And since your yard and garden are often what buyers see first, it’s your best opportunity to set the tone as they consider your property and what they’re willing to pay for it. In fact, well-designed landscaping was shown to raise perceived residential property value by as much as 18 percent, in a study recently released by Swedish power tool maker Husqvarna.

In terms of return on investment, maintaining an attractive lawn and garden was shown to return $1.80 per dollar spent. For those who want to improve their home’s value but can’t afford to hire contractors for major interior repairs, garden improvements can be an affordable alternative.

Armed with the right tools, most homeowners are capable of tackling garden projects that can improve their property value, and at a relatively low cost. To get a better understanding of what lawn and landscaping equipment would be most beneficial to your yard, visit an outdoor power manufacturer website like www.husqvarna.com. Simply edging your yard with a string trimmer helps create a clean, finished look outdoors and can be achieved for less than $200.

While many Americans are reluctant to spend much on their yards – some 65 percent of people spent less than $400 on it annually – keeping return on investment in mind can help you make better smarter decisions. If you want to call in the pros, consider projects that are highly sought-after, like in-ground irrigation systems.

Those not sure where to start can look to the wide variety of gardening websites, television programs and magazines for inspiration and practical tips.

Some of the top-ranked garden attributes for improving home value included:

• A well-maintained lawn
• An inviting social area
• Stone paths and walkways
• Decorative trees, bushes and shrubs
• Well-kept hedges
• Nicely designed flower beds

Gardening season and the high real estate season coincide for a reason: Houses look their best surrounded by growing plants and blooming flowers. As the warmer months progress, remember that not only can investing in your garden give you a good return, it could also be the deciding factor in drawing a buyer to your property.

“The grill you choose should be versatile, so it meets all your cooking needs,” says Leslie Segrete, home expert and former designer on “Trading Spaces” and “While You Were Out.” There are so many styles and models available these days that you’re sure to find something that will make your weekend meals – and even weekday dinners – everyday special.’”

Here Segrete cooks up some tips to help everyone find their perfect grill.

1. Think about the size of your space.

It’s an obvious factor in purchasing a grill, and should be a primary consideration. If you have a small deck or backyard, it would not only be inconvenient to bring home a massive grill – it could be dangerous. On the other hand, if you have plenty of space, it would be a shame to buy a grill with a cooking capacity of two burgers when you would prefer 40.

2. Consider how you are going to use the grill.

For those who love the smokiness and real outdoorsy feel of cooking with charcoal, there are multiple models from which to choose. If convenience and ease of use are your primary goals, then a gas grill will surely be your best bet. And for those who want the best of both worlds, there are combo grills, which are becoming more popular and are like two grills for the price of one. For example, if you are making mesquite-rubbed ribs, you can contain the woodsy smoke on the charcoal side and make lamb kebabs or roasted corn on the cob at the same time with the gas section. Or, if you host large barbecues and like to entertain, think about getting a grill with a large cooking surface and multiple burners.

3. Don’t forget added features.

An invaluable feature to consider is a side burner. Side burners are great because they turn your backyard into a variable kitchen. Rather than running back and forth from kitchen to grill and risk burning your food, you can use the side burners like a regular stovetop. They are ideal for preparing side dishes, from simple options like baked beans or boiled potatoes to more gourmet options like sesame soy green beans or pesto pasta salad. You can also keep side dishes warm on very low heat. If you want ultimate versatility, look for a grill with a steamer for quick and convenient preparation of a whole garden full of fresh veggies.

4. Think beyond black or stainless steel.

Many department stores, like Sears for example, have unique options in colors like copper and red, which can add a brilliant splash of color to your outdoor space. And red and orange tones are spot-on for summer’s hottest hues.

5. Don’t forget the accessories.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money at fancy cooking stores to get the accessories you need. Stores like Sears carry everything from cedar grilling planks and pizza stones to great quality grilling tools fit for any chef.

If you use these tips, you’re sure to find just the right grill so that when you “fire it up” you’ll have everything you need to prepare whole party menus, full family dinners or just a light snack for two.

The coming of spring is revealing a list of post-winter home repairs that need to be made. After being stuck inside for the past few months, getting outside now to assess home damage and tackle initial projects will help you get a jump-start on the season.

Begin with weekend projects that alleviate water damage, such as clearing out gutters and downspouts. Look at the roofing and siding of your home, and repair any broken or missing shingles or panels. These projects allow you to dust off your toolkit, organize your garage and make a list of what needs to be done in the coming months to improve the stability and comfort of your home.

This is also a good time of year to make sure your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is functioning properly and at its most efficient rate. While most HVAC maintenance requires the help of a professional contractor, American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers a few simple things homeowners can manage this time of year:

* Check the furnace filter. Cleaning or changing your furnace filter each month will help extend the life of your furnace and may help save on heating and cooling energy costs.

* Clean air ducts. Remove air ducts and return-air grille plates, and thoroughly clean with a rag, scrubbing brush or vacuum to prevent any irritants or dust from making their way into your home’s air.

* Inspect the outdoor air conditioning unit. Remove leaves, grass, dirt and other debris that may have built up around your outdoor air conditioning unit or heat pump to ensure nothing is obstructing the air flow.

* Listen for strange noises. Simply listening for loud or unfamiliar noises is good protocol for evaluating bigger issues that may be plaguing your home comfort system.

Easy troubleshooting tips for a variety of system problems are also available in American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning’s Symptom Checker guide, found online at www.americanstandardair.com.

If you have an old HVAC system, or you are simply wondering how well your current system is performing, take the time to schedule a routine maintenance checkup with an HVAC professional. He or she can advise you on ways to improve the safety and comfort of your home, and make sure your HVAC system is operating properly.

Additionally, ask your local dealer about what you can do to maintain greater control over energy costs and environmental impact, especially on hot days ahead. To locate an independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer near you, visit www.americanstandardair.com.

With these new improvements, your home will be looking and feeling as fresh as spring, and your cabin fever will be a thing of the past.

The applicator matters for your DIY painting project.

In today’s tight economy, freshening outdated home interiors can seem like a daunting, budget-breaking task. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot to remove eyesores such as unattractive paneling, too-dark cabinets or that not-so-charming “retro” fireplace mantel and surround.

Instead of living with these design disasters from another era, there’s an easy and inexpensive fix – paint. Quality interior coatings, applied with the proper applicators, can go a long way in giving those design debacles a quick and easy facelift for hundreds of dollars less than a full-scale renovation.

But before you start your paint project, it’s important to know the key to success is selecting not only a quality coating, but applying it with a quality painting applicator. If an inferior applicator is used, even the most outstanding paint may not provide the smooth finish you desire. Using superior applicators can streamline a variety of interior painting projects, saving you time and money, and ultimately helping you achieve a fabulous end result.

“Paint has long been considered one of the great budget boosters for decorating projects,” says Andrew Marsden, product manager for Purdy  applicators. “When you combine a first-rate paint with a quality painting applicator, you can transform a variety of surfaces – from outdated cabinetry to knotty pine paneling – giving any room in the house a fresh look.”

When to use a mini roller

Premium applicators come in a number of shapes and sizes; however one of today’s most popular choices is the mini roller. Purdy has a variety of innovative mini roller choices that are versatile, lightweight, can quickly and easily deliver a perfect finish with smooth rolling action and have the ability to reach tight spaces. These combined features make them the ideal applicator for an endless number of projects, from painting walls, doors and cabinets, to freshening up tables, chairs and even bedroom furniture.

When to use a brush

Even with all the advantages the mini roller offers, a paint brush is still the hero for most projects especially when trim work is needed. A quality brush is a must when you’re aiming to end up with a professional-looking appearance. Most consumers might not know it’s also important to use a brush that’s the appropriate size for your painting project. So, be certain to keep these tips in mind:

* Use 1- and 2-inch brushes for trim work, touch-ups and smaller projects such as window frames and moldings. Angular 1- and 2-inch brushes are great for painting around windows.

* Choose brushes measuring 2 1/2 and 3 inches for medium-size surfaces such as cabinets, baseboards, doors or steps.

* Paint larger surfaces, like walls, ceilings, and floors with brushes ranging in size from 3 1/2 inches to 6 inches.

“Whether you’re using a brush or mini roller, the right applicator can make or break any painting project,” Marsden says. “By paying as much attention to the size and quality of applicator used, in addition to the paint, you’re guaranteed to end up with a fantastic finished project that you’ll be able to admire and enjoy for years to come.”

Joe the Pro (Joe Sainz), a building expert with Bosch Power Tools and Accessories, suggests five DIY projects to add to your to-do list that will help improve the beauty of your home.

* Update flooring: If you just bought a home or you’re looking to update your current floor, you may face the task of removing old linoleum. To tackle the job, consider an oscillating multi-tool that includes a scraping blade accessory. Use the oscillating tool to scrape linoleum from the subfloor; use your free hand to peel back the old floor covering. Try to collect large strips.

* Add remodeling electrical boxes: The home theater room is a great place to gather the family. For a professional look with telecom or media wiring, outline and cut holes for remodeling boxes that can be placed in cabinets or walls and finished with an appropriate trim plate. To avoid studs, use a hammer to tap lightly on a wall to locate hollow areas between wall supports or use a high-quality stud finder.

* Remove trim, baseboards or molding: Removal of trim is a tough job if you want to save it for future use. The oscillating tool does a nice job removing caulk and old adhesive, then allows the user to slide a blade accessory between the trim and the wall to cut nails and remove trim intact.

* Replace broken tile: Broken tiles happen – in foyers, kitchens and bathrooms. Spring is a great time to finally remove these long-broken pieces to have complete, perfect alignment again. Use a grout saw to remove grout from around the chipped tile. From there, you can use a pry bar or chisel to remove the old tile. If you can’t remove it as a whole piece, put a towel over the chipped tile and use a hammer to break it up. Remove the old adhesive to ensure the new tile can be placed level with adjoining tiles. Use a quality adhesive to place the new tile and apply grout, being careful to match the original grout’s color and texture.

* Repaint exterior trim: Now that the snow and cold temperatures have receded, it’s time to clean up your window and door trim. Scrape and refurbish paint and stained surfaces, checking for any loose or missing nails, screws or splintered boards. In addition, use a power washer to remove dirt and debris from porches or concrete surfaces.

Joe the Pro always advises professionals and DIYers alike to use eye protection and leather or construction-grade gloves. He also reminds experienced and novice builders to use quality tools and accessories for better results. You only want to do the job once, so make sure your first effort is your best effort.

For more details about these projects and additional tips from Joe the Pro, visit his blog at bethepro.com and click on Idea Box. You can also visit his Facebook page at facebook.com/bethepro.