Home improvement projects have the potential to make or break your wallet, your investment and your resale value. This article will give you lots of great advice on how you can protect the investment you've made, get the best bang for your buck and not go broke in the process. Before beginning home improvements apply for the appropriate building permits. Any home improvement that involves plumbing, electricity, or structural changes can require a permit. Check your local laws. If you proceed without a permit then you can be fined or it could make the house harder to sell in the future. Use aluminum foil to cover your outlet covers and switch plates before you paint. Aluminum foil is a lot easier to use than tape, and it will protect the covers from unintentional splatters. And it makes cleaning up a breeze. Before you take the foil off, the paint should be dry. Having a small kitchen doesn't have to be all bad. Since you have limited surfaces and space to work with, make sure t...