Making Entertaining Easy

5 Easy Upgrades

Upgrading your home has never been easier. Even small individual upgrades can pay huge dividends in both style and efficiency. Here are 5 easy upgrades for your home DIY style.

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  Install a Hot Water Dispenser

  Would you wait for hot water in your kitchen if you didn't have to? A hot water dispenser provides hot water in an instant, and is perfect for a quick cup of tea or mixing up a bowl of oatmeal. Installing the water dispenser itself is pretty straightforward. It's the heating tank, filter, and tubing that will take most of the time. Don't worry, though, in around 40 minutes, you'll be enjoying that tea.

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  Install Pendant Lighting

  Versatility defines this type of lighting. Do you prefer a bowl or mini pendant? And does your living space need up- or down-lighting? Since a pendant typically isn't too big and heavy, you most likely won't need to worry about a junction box. You'll just need a few tools and roughly 20 minutes of install time to totally rejuvenate a room with a new pendant light.

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  Install an Electronic Deadbolt

  Electronic door hardware is definitely the wave of the future. Using a code of your choosing, an electronic deadbolt eliminates the need to carry around a key and gives you the freedom to grant entry to anyone who has the code. Sound simple? Wait until you see the installation. You're about 30 minutes away from having secure electronic protection. A screwdriver is all you'll need.

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  Install a Thermostat

  Programmable thermostats are the easiest and most effective way of maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. And replacing an older, less efficient thermostat with a new, efficient one is just as easy. Have a screwdriver lying around? Because that's the only tool you'll need for this super-quick install that only takes around 20 minutes.

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  Install a Toilet

  Quick! How efficient is your toilet? If it uses more than 2 gallons per flush, it's time for a newer, more efficient model. Toilets are more powerful and use less water per flush than ever, and performance hasn't taken a hit, either. Of all the upgrades on this list, this 60-minute install is the most challenging. Be sure to have an extra set of hands available, though. Toilets are heavy and unforgiving if they fall to the ground.