In today’s fast-moving, highly scheduled society, it seems there are never enough hours in the day. And for homeowners who are trying to improve and add value to their home, a lengthy remodeling project may deter them from taking it on. But there are some projects that won’t take months to complete. In fact, there are some that can be done in a few hours or over a weekend. Here are five easy projects that can improve your home’s look, feel and even value. 1. New …

Until recently, contractors, homeowners, and the general public in the U.S. had little knowledge of the dangers around them as they worked on older buildings. Many historic restorationists who focused on buildings from the 19th and early 20th century knew that the lead commonly used as a binder and colorant in old paint could poison them. In 1971, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development agency (HUD) enacted laws to reduce lead in house dust in federally-assisted housing. It wasn’t until 1978 that the US outlawed the manufacture and application of lead-based paint. Most European countries had done so decades before.

Hand-held power tools have become an indispensable part of the modern handyman’s and contractors’ toolbox. Power drills are the most commonly purchased hand-held power tool. You can spend from $30 – $400 for a tool that meets your needs. With that dollar range in mind, you may want to ask yourself a few simple questions before you go shopping. These same questions will also apply to most power tool purchases.