(WHAS11) -- If you're planning on making improvements to your home this year a simple paint job may be the cheapest way to make the biggest impact.
Once you decide it's time give your home a facelift with either an external or an internal paint job. You should next decide how you plan to pay for it - with your time, or with your money.
According to the Angie's List 2012 project poll 57 percent of respondents are planning a home improvement this year, and the most popular project by far is painting.
And if you do the work yourself the cost is minimal. But even if you hire someone, there are ways to save money.
Choosing the right color, finish and kind of paint is crucial to making sure you're satisfied with the job for years to come.
If you're doing an exterior job on vinyl siding only specific paints will work, and even with them you need to do research.
And if your home was built before 1978 you'll need to hire someone certified to safely remove the lead paint you're replacing. Lead dust is a serious danger, especially to young children.
If you have a consumer tip for Andy...he wants to hear from you...send him an email to consumerwatch@whas11.com.
