Label your Electrical Circuit Panel
Electrical Code now requires that circuit panels be traced and labeled.  A labeled panel is not only a convenience when there is a power issue, but also an important safety measure. 

If your circuit panel is not traced and labeled, this is something you should do yourself.  It's helpful to have at least two people for this project, one at the panel itself and another providing feedback on closed or open circuits.

If you are working alone, the items needed for this project are a drop light with long cord, or a radio without batteries and a multimeter, available at most home improvement stores.

First turn on all the lights in the house.   Then use the drop light or radio by plugging it into an outlet. Now set the light up so you see it from the panel, or turn the radio on loud enough so you can hear it. Go through all the breakers until the light or the radio goes out. After it goes out, go to that room where you had the light/radio plugged into and check to see what else went out. Use the multimeter on outlets that you do not have something plugged into to see if it still has power.

• Single pole breakers
• Double Pole Breakers
• Furnace
• A/C System
• Washer (Laundry)
• Dryer (Laundry)
• Dishwasher
• Electric Water Heater
• Garbage Disposal
• Range (Oven/Cooktop)
• Whole House Fan
• 2 for the Kitchen Counter Outlets

Broken Light Bulb (in Socket)  How frustrating it is when the light bulb breaks off in the light socket. First always turn off the power to the light fixture from the panel--your panel should be clearly and accurately labeled (see above!). Remember, just because the switch is off doesn't always mean there isn't any power on the light fixture. Also, always wear goggles to protect your eyes from broken or falling glass. Now, either try using a potato half by placing it onto the broken bulb and unscrewing it. Or, carefully insert a pair of needle-nosed pliers into the broken bulb with the pliers closed, then open the pliers so the tips press against the sides of the bulb and turn to unscrew the bulb. Do not attempt to grip the side of bulb with the pliers as it could grip the socket and damage it, thereby making it necessary to replace the socket or entire fixture.

Some easy and cheap ways to get ideas is to look in the home improvement magazines. Also, check out your friends homes to see what they have done. You can have an interior designer come to your home and give you some pointers as to what to do and where to start, but be sure to ask to see their portfolio to make sure that they have done projects similar to your style.