Fall is a great time of the year to do some weekend projects that renovate and rejuvenate your home. With so many resources available nowadays, from websites to television programs, it’s easy to get some ideas and step-by-step details on what projects work for your budget and lifestyle. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

Get some help online with user-submitted ideas and how-to videos:

A great resource is eHow.com, a website with an expansive library of reference articles on every conceivable topic related to your home such as “How to Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger,” “How to Re-Caulk a Shower,” and “How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Living Space.” And the video portion of the site offers more in-depth instruction that walks you through the minor and major details of do-it-yourself projects.

Ask for advice from your local hardware store:

People like to share their knowledge and the staff at your local hardware store has all sorts of advice to tap into. Instead of trying to figure out things on your own, ask lots of questions: what screws are best for outdoor projects? What are the essential tools I need to remodel my basement? What are cost-effective ways to create a new look in my bathroom? Chances are, you’ll get some great insight and develop a solid relationship with the store.

Find the right contractor with a solid reputation:

If your project requires professional help, a great website to use is AngiesList.com. It provides unbiased reports and reviews about local service companies. Just search by what type of service you are looking for—plumber, roofer, electrician, or landscaper—and you will receive a list of user reviews that help you make a smart decision. A one-year subscription for access to listings in the Denver area costs around $60.

Improve your home with energy-efficient appliances:

One of the easiest steps to upgrading the value of your home is replacing worn-out appliances. If the time has come to get rid of your old refrigerator or washer/dryer, make sure you look into getting an Energy-Star certified appliance as its new replacement. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. As an added bonus, these products are designed to help you save big bucks on your utility costs. A product that’s green and saves you green? Sounds great to us. Check out the website, www.energystar.gov, for more information and a search tool to find retailers that carry Energy-Star products near you.