The Allstate Blog » Home Improvement

Spring is Here: Get Your Home Ready!

Melissa — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 11:00:32 +0000

Spring weather was a little late in arriving in many parts of the country this year. Chances are, by now, you're probably seeing some daffodils and tulips and hearing birds singing in the budding trees. The arrival of spring brings thoughts of spring cleaning -- and getting some maintenance projects under way before summer means you'll be able to relax and enjoy your home by the time spring gives way to summer. Here are some home maintenance tips to help you welcome the arrival of spring weather.

Weatherstripping

The U.S. Department of Energy says weatherstripping the windows on your home is an easy and effective way to save money on your energy bill. Weatherstripping is a material you can apply around your window and door frames to ensure there's a good seal. During the harsh winter months, it can help keep the warm air inside the house, and the cold drafts out. In the spring and summer, weatherstripping works the opposite way, helping to keep the cool air inside and the warm air out. If you didn't install weatherstripping before the winter cold set in, you may want to take this opportunity to seal your windows before you have to turn on the air conditioner -- which could help save you money on your energy bills year-round. In the summer, if the cool air is contained inside, then the AC will not have to work as hard, and that may help you save money on your energy bill. The same can be true of your furnace when winter rolls back around. Thinking about installing weatherstripping? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that you apply weatherstripping to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures above 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Click here for more information.

Indoor Maintenance

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to sweep the cobwebs from your home, clear out the dust that accumulated during the winter and let the sunshine in. While you’re up to your elbows in soap, washing the windows, defrosting the refrigerator and tackling what seems to be a never-ending list of spring cleaning chores, you might as well make a maintenance checklist, too. On those warmer days, you may want to do the following: Test and clean ceiling fans. According to the the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, an efficient ceiling fan in each room you want to cool can help allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without reducing your comfort level. Ceiling fans are not only a good way to air out the house and generate a cross-breeze, but they have the potential to help you save money on your energy bill. With ceiling fans keeping the house cool, you may not have to turn up the AC as high. So, now might be a good time to make sure your fans are clean and ready to start cooling you off this spring. Replace your AC filter. While the warm weather is still technically several weeks away, you want to make sure your air conditioner is prepared and ready to go. The National Center for Healthy Housing recommends you replace the filters in the air conditioner in the spring. A new filter will optimize the efficiency of the unit. Replace torn or damaged window screens. If you don't have an air conditioner, or if you simply like to keep the windows open in the spring and summer, it's a good idea to make sure your screens are in good shape -- you don't want to let flies in with all that fresh air! Winter storms and wind can damage window screens, so it may be a good idea to assess any damage and replace what needs to be fixed. Exterior Upkeep Your window screens aren't the only parts of your home that can fall victim to nasty winter weather, so you may want to take stock of your home's condition. The National Center for Healthy Housing suggests that in the springtime, you may want consider these outdoor maintenance projects: Check your roof shingles. This should be done by a licensed professional, as working on the roof can be dangerous without the proper training. You should ask the roofing professional to make sure the shingles are not curling or clawing. If they are, they are susceptible to leaks and may need to be replaced. Replace rotten siding or trim. Make sure your home's siding and trim aren't damaged from windy, icy conditions. If your home is made of brick or stucco, look for any crumbling or deteriorated mortar. If you find a problem, contact a professional for help with repairing or replacing the damaged materials. Clean gutters and downspouts. You're making sure the inside of your home is clean; why not make sure your gutters are, as well? Get rid of any leaves of other debris that accumulated during the winter to make sure your gutters and downspouts are ready to take on those April showers. This job, too, is best left to a professional, as climbing on a ladder is required. So, now's the time to get those spring maintenance projects under way. By the time those May flowers start to bloom, you will be able to enjoy them with the peace of mind of knowing your home maintenance is up-to-date. If you need a reminder to perform maintenance tasks at your home, click here to sign up for the Allstate Maintenance Reminder tool.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Make Your Life Easier

Quicken Loans Guest Blogger — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:00:42 +0000

Despite the chill that still lingers in the air, spring is here. Whenever I hear the word spring I almost always associate it with cleaning. And as much as I really despise cleaning, dusting off the dirt and polishing things up puts a smile on my face. For many, it means it’s time for a fresh start. Spring cleaning is no small task, though. In fact, it can often turn into a huge beast of a project that some of us may give up on. To make your spring cleaning adventure a little less painful, I’ll share a few tips that always help me tackle my dirty house.

Make a list of what needs to be cleaned in each room.

Lists help me stay organized – especially if I have a huge project, like spring cleaning, on my plate. Before I even get started, I walk through each room and write down what needs to get done. Writing a list out also helps me make sure I have all the cleaning materials I need before I get started, saving me tons of time later. It’s a pain in the butt when you have to stop everything to run out and buy more carpet cleaning solution.

Make your playlist.

I have a cleaning playlist that includes the Black Keys, Boston and the Rolling Stones. Listening to music while I clean just seems to make things go by faster. Of course, you don’t have to make a playlist; you could always just turn the radio on to your favorite station.

Get a trash and donate box/bag.

As you go through each room, make sure to declutter. Throw away old magazines and papers from the previous year. Put items you no longer use or need, like that book you bought 10 years ago but never read, in the donate box. Once you’re done cleaning your whole house, itemize your donate pile because you may be able to deduct those donations on your taxes.

Work on one room at a time.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you want to clean your entire home all at once. Try writing down all the rooms in your home on a piece of paper and checking each one off as you go. If you can work on at least two or three rooms each weekend, you’ll get a lot more done and still have free time on the side.

Set an amount of time to work on each room.

I know I can get easily distracted, looking at items I'd forgotten or old photographs, and before I know it I’ve spent the entire day cleaning just one single room. Set a timer so you don't fall into this trap. You can also use the timer to give yourself a little break here and there. Much like a list, it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get easily distracted.

Get some help.

Don’t do all the cleaning yourself. Recruit your kids, significant other or roommates to help you out. I know that when my roommates and I pitch in together to clean the kitchen, it takes about half the amount of time that it takes when I do it myself. To be honest, if those who live there make the mess, they should also help clean it.

Start from the top and work your way down.

This is just the law of gravity – clean from the top of the ceiling to the floor. Knock all the dusty cobwebs from the corner, wash the curtains, clean the windows, dust the furniture, vacuum the furniture and finally vacuum the floor.

Use natural cleaners.

Many chemical-based cleaners emit hazardous fumes. Some cleaners when mixed together can even emit toxic fumes that can seriously hurt you. Vinegar is a great substitute to use in your bathroom or kitchen and as a general household cleaning solution. Although it sounds crazy, vodka can also substitute for chemical cleaners. My grandmother had sworn off “newfangled” chemical cleaners some years ago. She only cleans with vodka and vinegar. It makes sense, though, because the acidity of vinegar is extremely high at a pH level of 2. A study in the Journal of Environmental Health found that vinegar is comparable to bleach when killing harmful bacteria like E. coli.

Be patient.

My dad always told me to work smarter, not harder. Take your time and let grimy surfaces, like the ones in your bathroom and kitchen, soak in your cleaning solution. Work on something else on your list while your cleaner does the hard work.

Reward yourself at the end.

For me, having something to look forward to at the end of a long day of cleaning sure makes things go a lot faster. Plus, you worked hard and deserve it. Treat yourself. OK, so these ideas won’t make all the dirt magically disappear, but the tips above can make the process a little less agonizing. Just remember to pace yourself. You don’t have to do everything in one day. Want more spring cleaning inspiration for your home? Check out these helpful tips for cleaning up the outside of your home. What kinds of things do you do around the house to get ready for spring? Share what you do with other readers! Krissy Schwab is a writer at Quicken Loans, focusing on sustainable living, home, money and life for the Quicken Loans Zing Blog.

How to Approach Home Sellers About Repairs

Lindsay Listanski, Coldwell Banker — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 11:20:23 +0000

When looking for a new home, it's important to see beyond paint colors and decor that may not be your taste and, instead, focus on the floor plan, structural design and other physical elements of the house. Replacing carpets or changing light fixtures are typically simple and affordable changes you can make once you move in. But if certain areas of the residence require repairs, like the foundation or the roof, purchasing a property could become costly. Don’t let the fear of having to pay for repairs deter you from buying a house, though. In some cases, home sellers may be willing to pay for repairs if it will help them close the deal and sell their property. Here's how to make the ask:

Reasonable Requests

There are certain types of fixes that are generally OK for home buyers to request sellers make before they agree to purchase the home. Getting a home inspection is a must. Once this is complete and specific parts of the home have been identified by an inspector as needing essential upgrades (electrical wiring, for instance), you can approach the sellers to see if they would be willing to pay for the repairs. Conversely, it is not acceptable for home buyers to make non-essential requests for fixes in a home for sale. This might include painting the house simply because you prefer a different color, or making other aesthetic alterations.

Timely Requests

In addition to making appropriate repair requests, it is also important for home buyers to petition fixes in a timely fashion. Making requests days before closing may halt a home sale altogether, as the sellers may not be willing to alter their agreement at the last second. This means you will want to ask the sellers to upgrade certain parts of their home early on in the negotiating process. In certain circumstances, home sellers may be willing to pay for home repairs after the sale is complete. To ensure the sellers follow through on their intent to do so, you might want to hire a lawyer to draw up a contract stating the seller’s intention to make the fixes within a predetermined period.

Decide What You Can Live With

There is a chance that a home seller may be unwilling to pay for repairs. According to Inman News columnist Barry Stone, you should determine how willing you would be accept the home as-is, without repairs paid for by the sellers. If the majority of the home is in quality shape (make sure the defects won't impact your ability to get insurance on the property) and you like most features, you just might want to worry about making fixes after the sale goes through. The key to approaching home sellers about repairs? Communication. For more home buyer tips, check out the coldwellbanker.com learn section. Guest blogger Lindsay Listanski is the social media manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate , a leader in full service real estate sales. Recommended by the editors:

5 Things to Consider Before Taking a Loan for Home Repairs

Linden Garcia, Credit Sesame — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:00:25 +0000

The National Association of Home Builders reports that the Remodeling Market Index, an important indicator of remodeling robustness, climbed 5 points in the third quarter of 2012 (up over second-quarter numbers). In fact, the index is at its highest point since 2005—before the economic downturn. So how can we interpret this index? Activity was particularly strong when it came to owner-occupied homes. This may mean that homeowners are interested in investing in remodels as home prices begin to stabilize and the ability to sell at a better price becomes a possibility. So, do you fall in that group? Are you thinking about making your own improvements? A good remodel can boost the value of your home (not to mention give you something pretty to look at). But, of course, not all home remodels are good remodels. Pick your projects—or the way you’re paying for them—wrong and you could be in a world of financial hurt. Here are some things you should consider before tackling any project: When you’re making repairs, are you planning to put in upgrades? If so, make sure you’re not “overdoing” it for the neighborhood. You don’t want those upgrades to price your home out of its current neighborhood. While it might be nice to have the largest, most expensive home on the block, it could make the home much harder to sell. It may also make it more difficult to get the home appraised at its proper value, since comparisons are generally drawn from nearby homes that have recently sold. Consider updating the areas of your home that have the greatest return-on-investment. While the statistics vary, in general, updating your kitchen and bathrooms will have the highest return, adding 80 to 90 percent of their cost to the home’s value. Be realistic about what your budget can achieve. You probably can’t remodel your entire house for a budget of $10,000 (unless your home is very small). Be realistic about what your budget can get you. If you’re unsure, talk to a few contractors and budget out how much the materials to do the updates would cost you. Select your contractor carefully. You can consult your local Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, the State Attorney General or your Local Consumer Protection Agency to identify any red flags on projects a prospective contractor has done in the past. Talk with people your contractor has done work with before. And be sure you receive a contract (read it carefully) before starting a job. Many people have been swindled by “contractors” who say they can do the work, but bail midway through a project. Without a contract, the homeowner has little recourse. Finalize your plans before you start remodeling. Changing up your plans after the remodeling is under way can break your budget. It may cost additional hours in labor for your contractor or cause a delay in how quickly the work is completed if you suddenly decide on an item that will take two weeks to ship. If you plan on remodeling, talk to your agent about your property coverage limits. An improvement to your home can add to its value and, as a result, you may need to increase your limits. This post comes courtesy of the editors at Credit Sesame. Credit Sesame is the best way to see your free monthly credit score and find out how you can save on your credit, loans and mortgage. Using a proprietary algorithm, only Credit Sesame shows you the best ways that you can stop overpaying on your credit and loans and start saving

Adapt Your Home for Elderly Parents with a Home Safety Checklist

Sue — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 12:00:55 +0000

Earlier this year, my 84-year-old mother slipped and fell. Her accidental fall left her with a broken pelvis – and me with the realization that my aging mother could simply no longer care for herself at home. When we made the tough decision for her to move in with my family, I knew that our current home – with its second-floor guest bedroom and narrow stairs – would need to be changed. According to Caregiver.org, about 44 million Americans provide 37 billion hours of unpaid, "informal" care each year for adult family members and friends. While everyone’s situation is different, we all face a shared challenge of adapting our homes for an elderly parent. If you are preparing to care for an elderly parent in your home, you may need to modify your house to meet her mobility needs and to reduce her risk of falling. Consider the following safety checklist to help adapt your home to senior-specific home safety. Main Entrance

Install a threshold ramp and chair railings to make it easier to leave and enter the home.
Repair cracked sidewalks or uneven pavers that pose a tripping hazard.

Bathroom Safety

Install grab-bars by the toilet and in your bathtub or shower.
Add a no-slip rubber mat to the bottom of your bathtub or shower to prevent slipping.
Add a shower chair or bench for enhanced stability and ease of bathing.
Use a nightlight in the bathroom and hallway to illuminate the path from the bedroom to the bathroom at night.

Stair Safety

Reinforce handrails. An adult should be able to securely wrap his or her hands around the entire handrail with ease.
Add a second handrail on the opposite wall, if possible.
Increase lighting on stairs. Use a two-way switch so the light can easily be turned on and off from both upstairs and downstairs.
Remove rugs from the top and bottom of stairs.
If possible, convert a downstairs room into a bedroom to reduce stair use.

Living Space Safety

Remove throw rugs and runners or use double-sided tape and a non-slip backing to securely hold them in place.
Secure extension cords against the baseboards and out of high-traffic areas.
Reduce clutter. Remind children to keep toys and books off the floor.

Kitchen Safety

If your elderly parent will be cooking or preparing meals, place pots and pans at waist level for easy access.
If your elderly parent should not be cooking due to impairment, consider disconnecting the stove when you're not be home to prevent him or her from turning it on.
Place a microwave on the counter (rather than over the stove) to reduce bending and stretching while preparing food.

Caring for an elderly parent at home? Tell us -- how did you prepare your house for your parent’s arrival? Recommended by the Editor:

Top 10 Home Repairs to Make Before Winter [SLIDESHOW]

Melissa — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 12:00:27 +0000

With all the barbecues, baseball games and road trips that go on during the summer months, home maintenance projects may not seem very appealing. But, before Old Man Winter bears down on your area, there are a few projects you should consider completing. Here is a list of things you might want to take care of before the mercury starts to fall. [slideshow]

Keep Home Security in Mind When Hiring a Contractor

Frank Rivera, ADT — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:31:53 +0000

Homeowners know all too well that appliances break, pipes leak, and sometimes home upgrades and repairs are a necessity. While we all wish we had a neighbor like Bob Vila, the reality is sometimes we need to hire the help of a home contractor to do the work for us. But giving a stranger free access to your home can sometimes be a cause for concern. With the proper preparations and some basic home security tips, though, hiring a reputable home improvement contractor doesn't have to be an intimidating task.

Know what to look for in a home contractor

Asking around for a contractor is easier now, thanks in part to the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List, which are excellent online resources for checking contractors' customer service ratings. When the contractor arrives, he should be in full uniform, in a marked van or truck, and able to provide proper identification with all the necessary permits and insurance documents. Quality assurance is important when having any work done. Ask ahead of time for some pictures of recently completed work or for a list of places in the area where they have done business. This will help give you a better idea of the quality of work you can expect from this contractor. Contractors work hand in hand with suppliers and subcontractors. It’s a good idea to ask the contractor how he vets the suppliers and subcontractors he works with. It can also be helpful speak to those suppliers and subcontractors, as well. Make sure they are being paid and are comfortable working with the contractor.

Preparation can make the experience smoother

Because a contractor frequently needs to go in and out of the house, you should direct the contractor to use a specific entrance, and explain what rooms are off limits. If you know the home repair contractor will be working in one room specifically, make sure it’s easily accessible. Avoid damage by putting away any valuables that may be accidentally knocked over or broken. And, be aware of what you’re asking for. For example, if you are having a home alarm system installed, tell the contractor where you want the main console. It’s easier for the home contractor to do his or her job when you express exactly what your expectations are. If you know what kind of materials or appliances you want used, do your research and give that information to your contractor. Another great tip is to ask questions and ultimately sign off on a written proposal before any work is started. Set up a pay schedule that assures you aren’t paying everything up front and never make the final payment until you receive a signed lien-waiver releasing you from any potential third-party claims. In any economy, the hiring of a good home contractor can save you a lot of time and money. Knowing the right questions to ask and going the extra mile to prepare for their arrival will make screening a home repair contractor a worthwhile experience

Frank Rivera is the director of digital marketing for ADT Security Systems.

Buying a Foreclosure: 5 Dos to Start Off on the Right Foot

Mary Boone, Zillow — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:00:25 +0000

At first glance, foreclosed properties appear to be the kind of bargains you simply can’t pass up. For some, it’s true: Buying a foreclosure can be a terrific investment opportunity. But beware; there often are a number of challenges along the way. These five "dos" should get you on the right track as you begin your buying quest: 1. Do your homework. Read everything you can get your hands on, attend seminars and seek the advice of foreclosure investors. Learning the lingo and understanding the basics of the process will better prepare you for the journey. Additionally, you need to research neighborhoods before you buy a home. What are the schools like? What about crime rates? What have other properties in your desired neighborhood sold for? 2. Do keep an open mind. The current real estate market is certainly chock-full of competitively priced foreclosures. But the same can be said of traditional listings. Traditional sellers may be more flexible about taking care of repairs or negotiating price, and you likely won’t have to assume the previous owner’s overdue debts or liens. Plus, by narrowing your search to foreclosure homes only, you may not end up in your dream neighborhood or your favorite style of house. Being open to many options will ensure you end up with the best house for your money. 3. Do find an experienced agent and attorney. The foreclosure market is complex. Whether you’re looking at a pre-foreclosure, short sale or bank-owned property, you’re going to need the guidance of a professional who has experience buying and selling these types of properties. That doesn’t mean someone who has read about the process. You want to work with someone who has gone through it and knows what can go wrong. Besides, a real estate agent who specializes in foreclosures likely will have long-term relationships with area lenders, so they’ll hear about properties that haven’t yet been officially listed. Foreclosure laws and regulations are tricky, and they vary from state to state. A real estate agent can help you locate properties and make offers, but – unless he is also a practicing attorney – you cannot rely on him for legal advice. Be prepared to consult with a local real estate attorney who understands how these purchases work. 4. Do get prequalified. It doesn’t make sense to fall in love with a home that’s twice what you can afford. If you’re serious about buying, go talk to your lender before you even begin your search so you know how much you can afford to borrow to buy a home and exactly which price point you should be targeting. Even better: Get preapproved. That way, you can move quickly when you decide you’re ready to buy. 5. Do think beyond today It’s best to approach any real estate transaction with a long-term perspective. If your plan is to flip the property and quickly resell it, you need to ask yourself: What happens if it doesn’t sell for six months or a year or longer? Do the math: How long can you afford to carry this property before all your profit goes down the drain? If you plan to live in the house, do some math and determine what it will cost you to remodel and repair the property. Often, lenders are willing to loan money for the property but not the repairs. Can you afford to make this property your dream home? Can you handle the work yourself, or do you need to hire someone to do the repairs? Do you have a realistic idea about these costs? Do the math or you may suffer long-term financial repercussions.

Mary Boone is a writer for Zillow, a home and real estate marketplace dedicated to helping homeowners, buyers, sellers, renters, real estate agents, mortgage professionals, landlords and property managers find and share vital information about homes, real estate and mortgages.

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Your Robot Home Is (Nearly) Ready

Brendan — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 11:00:22 +0000

Hello, Science? I was led to believe that this far past 2001, I would have my own personal space odyssey featuring a homicidal red-eyed computer, a hoverboard and fem-bots. Don't get me wrong -- I love my flying-saucer-shaped vacuum cleaner, my video phone and especially my talking car. But this just isn't future-y enough for me. What'd make me happy? How about a robot house? Oh, you say I have one already? In an article in Science Magazine, super-genius professor Diane J. Cook runs down the many ways in which mini-computers have wormed their way into unexpected corners of our homes, "making our environments more intelligent and responsive to our needs." The coffee maker with a timer, the thermostat that only turns on when the temperature dips below 63 degrees, the dryer that shuts off when your clothes are dry rather than running a full 70-minute cycle -- those are all tiny microprocessor versions of Rosey, the robot on the Jetsons. According to Cook, the automations available in homes are getting steadily more sophisticated. As more and more items within the home are designed to gather data, artificial intelligence is brought into play, using that information to predict what we'll want next — whether it's a third cup of coffee, a reading light, or even a doctor's appointment.

Robo-Energy

Keeping homes energy-efficient is the most obvious (and perhaps least potentially creepy) use of this Rosie-the-Ranch-House technology. Imagine never having to nag the kids to turn off the light — the house does that by itself! No need to worry about whether you turned off the stove — you can check on that from the road. Utility companies like PG&E have started using "smart meters" to help people identify spikes in use of electricity, water, or natural gas, making it easier for them to curb their use (and therefore their bills). Several studies have explored the use of these potential android A-frames as giant health-monitoring devices. Many of us already use health-monitoring apps such as FitBits to keep track of our blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and exercise. Professor Cook says we can use the data collected at home to alert family members (or ourselves) to behavior changes that could possibly signal dementia or autism. Of course, that makes you wonder: what other behaviors would such a system monitor? Yikes!

The Social Home

The most far-out use of a Bionic bungalow — yet one that is probably nearer than we think — is in the murky area of social interaction and marketing. It's unclear exactly how this would work, but Cook suggests that our behavior at home could be used to suggest or influence our shopping decisions. It may sound like a bit much, but then, most of us happily log on to Facebook, which does something similar. As with any new technology, there'll be those who think it's awesome and those who warm up to it much more slowly. (Remember those outliers who refused to carry cell phones?). Then again, the recent passing of the great science fiction writer Ray Bradbury brings to mind two short stories: "There Will Come Soft Rains," in which an automated house gamely continues to care for inhabitants long destroyed by a mysterious war, and "The Veldt," in which a Holodeck-style nursery gets hacked by evil, spoiled brats. I'm not too worried about that, though. Hand those evil kids an iPhone with Angry Birds going and they'll be disarmed for good. Then I can get back to swimming laps in my bathtub pool. Thanks, future!

Check out more home-related topics on Allstate.com.

5 Best Home Renovations for Under $5,000

Brendan — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Regardless if you own or rent, your home is at the center of your universe. It's where you eat, sleep, socialize and store all the things that matter most. So why does it look like such a mess? I'm guessing two reasons: time and money, or the lack thereof. In other words, your busy life keeps you from taking the time to be organized and implementing the latest interior design trends, and the plethora of other demands on your wallet prevent you from hiring someone to do the job for you. Fret not, because we've compiled a list of five efficient ways to spruce up your home without breaking the bank.

1. Paint it out

It's easy to take the small things for granted. Applying a fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to take an old room from drab to fab... provided that your new coat's color is indeed fab. If you're not blessed with an eye for color coordination, snap some pictures of the rooms you want to repaint, take them to a local home improvement store and ask for some help. There's no shame in admitting you don't want your dining room to have the color palette of a Warhol painting and need assistance to avoid that fate.

2. Get some light

Dimness is great for romantic dinners... but not so much for cooking, doing laundry, taking showers and all the other things you do at home most days. Practical matters aside, low light also makes everything look kind of dingy. So brighten up your life! It'll change everything, and with a $5,000 budget, a half-day's worth of time and a trip to an affordable retailer, you'll be able to outfit your entire home, no sweat. Important: Remember to treat lights like furniture. They should be functional and fashionable. The monstrosities you had in your college dorm won't work anymore.

3. Caulk and tile

Bathroom renovation can seem awfully unappealing, especially if you only have one. The prospect of navigating around a demolition zone every time you want to brush your teeth or take a shower isn't something anyone wants to think about, but with a little planning, your worst washroom fears can be easily avoided. Start by re-caulking around sinks, showers, toilets and tubs to get rid of unsightly grime. Then pick out some affordable new tiles for the floor, and you'll be in business. Sure, new sinks and toilets are great — and probably within range for a $5,000 budget (provided you didn't go with marble flooring) — but caulk and tile is probably all you'll need to make an impact. Unless you've got plenty of experience, though, hire a professional to do the job. It may be relatively cheap, but it sure ain't easy.

4. Clean up your act

Simple and free. The perfect combo. Yes, all you'll need to do to clean up your house is...clean up your house. Set aside a weekend and collect all the useless items cluttering up your abode. (You probably don't need any electronic device made before 2000, and that cargo-pocket phase you went through? Mistake.) Throw out the junk, sell anything that might yield more than $5 at a yard sale or on Craigslist, and revel in the newfound order you've created.

5. Knobs, pulls, and counters

Kitchen renovations and panic attacks usually go hand in hand, but it doesn't have to be that way. The most expensive part of doing your kitchen over is replacing astronomically priced appliances — a superfluous expense as long as they're clean and functional. New cabinet knobs, drawer pulls and countertops can all be installed on a very reasonable budget, and will rejuvenate even the stalest of kitchens, panic-free.

What DIY projects will you implement this fall?

For more tips on home improvement, home maintenance and protecting your home, visit Allstate.com.