This content was published: March 19, 2019. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Homeowner Tips from PCC – Going Green, Installing Floors, Organization and more!
PCC Community Education
As a homeowner, one of the greatest feelings is being able to transform your abode into what you’ve envisioned it to be. This includes having the knowledge, skills and experience to fix issues around the house, which helps save money on home improvement costs. If you prefer to forego the middle man and tackle simple projects on your own, here are a few home improvement projects you may be able to complete:
Going Green
When going green, you’ll be replacing old items with more energy-efficient ones. Homes that meet LEED standards, for example, use 20% to 30% less energy and water, which results in lower utility bills. Switching out your windows for double-pane options, installing energy-efficient appliances, and considering solar panels for your lighting can add more savings to your pocket.
There are additional benefits to going green, such as increasing the value of your home. Some energy-efficient improvements – like double-paned windows, enhanced attic insulation and efficient appliances – can significantly increase home value and attract energy-conscious buyers. Going green also increases comfort and efficiency in a sustainable way.
Flooring
You can completely change the look of your home by swapping out flooring. Floors add dimension to a room, and tile is one of the most popular options available. When choosing tile, there are a number of options, including ceramic, natural stone, porcelain, cement and more. Knowing how to layout, install, and seal tile can save you lots of money. It could be an opportunity for a side gig, too!
Another popular option is hardwood floors. Knowing how to install new floors, refurbish your existing hardwood or tile floors by sanding and finishing or repair damaged floors are skills that will always come in handy as a homeowner.
Home Organization
Home organization is a skill, and taking a course on how to simplify your life and add more space to existing areas can bring a peace of mind you didn’t know existed. After all, organization is key to a clutter-free life, right? At PCC, we offer courses that will help you think and design outside the box, repurpose unused space, and create organization from underused spaces. Couldn’t most of us use a little more space where we can do more?
There’s nothing better than learning new skills that can help you upgrade and enhance your home, whether you are in it for the long haul or just doing something different to increase the value and prep it for sale. Knowing you can do these things is not only useful, but adds a sense of pride to your work once it’s finished. Some projects are easier than others, but it’s always worth the time and effort, especially if you can save a lot of money in the process.
For more information on acquiring these skills, check out our home improvement courses at Portland Community College and see how you can put those skills to good use. Enroll in one of our classes today – just type “Home Improvement” into the search bar to see our latest offerings.