Ken's Top 10 Home Improvement Tips From Mike Holmes | News

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Your home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make, yet we make mistakes when it comes to repairs or remodeling. Here are ten home improvement tips from HGTV's Mike Holmes who was at the International Homebuilders Show in Orlando.

Number Ten:

Before you start the project, define the purpose of it.

"What you have to look at is it's a job. It is a job and you need to know more about what's involved, educate yourself," said Holmes.

Number Nine:

You need to calculate the costs.

"I call it the dating game when it comes to talking to contractors; people need to spend money smartly," he said.

Number Eight:

Before you hire a contractor do your due diligence.

"You could start off by talking to family, neighbors, your friends ask if they had someone that seems to be good that doesn't runaway with the money, this is just the beginning, you have a lot of work to do from there," said Holmes.

Number Seven:

When doing an addition or remodeling it can get very challenging, you may want to hire a project manager.

"I don't think your average homeowner should manage a project, you need to find someone, a general contractor that knows what he's doing. He knows all about the electrical, plumbing, structure everything that he can coordinate everyone," said Holmes

Number Six:

Projects can be very messy.  Be prepared for the inconvenience.

"I call it divorce dust. Don't live in the house if you're doing a major renovation," he said. "But be there as much as you can."

Number Five:

Always get an inspection.

"Thats something I want you to be involved with, you want to be part so you can hear what the inspector is saying," said Holmes.

Number Four:

This is your chance to think green as in energy savings.

"Thinking green means many different facts, using green products," said Holmes.

Number Three:

Keep track of your expenses to avoid cost overruns.

Number Two:

The budget for repairs is generally much smaller than that of a room addition, even so you have to pay close attention to the project to be sure it is on schedule.

Number One:

Create a good maintenance scheduled for your home and stick to it.

"Don't think you can wait ten, twenty years and not do anything to your home, it is going to cost you money," said Holmes.

Those are Ken's top ten home improvement tips from America's number one contractor Mike Holmes.