Posts Tagged ‘Home Improvements’

Can you give Some Advice on Home’s Resell Price?

Home Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Resell Price
by: Nicolette Dial
One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is to use some of your home equity dollars to finance home improvements. Not only will the additions make your home more attractive and pleasant to live in, but certain projects will bring a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell your home. The following 5 projects have been proven to add extra dollars to the average home resell prices. The statistics are courtesy of “Remodeling Magazine.” ROI stands for “return on investment”

1. Minor Kitchen Remodeling: Average cost = $8,655. Average ROI = 88%.

A minor kitchen remodel usually includes replacing the cabinets and countertops with higher quality materials or increasing the total amount of cabinet storage and countertop surface area. It would also most likely include the addition or upgrade of appliances such as garbage disposals, built in microwaves, dishwashers, and higher quality refrigerators.

2. Bathroom Remodel: Average cost = $9,135. Average ROI = 81%

This project would include things such as installing attractive countertops such as stone, granite, or marble. The fixtures would need to be upgraded and the shower and bathtubs should be resurfaced. Also, any tiling would need to be grouted. Other things that could increase the value of a bathroom remodel would be adding an extra sink basin, converting a bathtub to a Jacuzzi, or installing additional showerheads.

3. Major Kitchen Remodel: Average cost = 31,090. Average ROI = 71%

The major kitchen remodel is very costly and will take much more work than the minor remodel. The major version will require all appliances to be replaced. Whenever possible, appliances should be made in stainless steel. The countertops should be made of stone or granite. The floors might be replaced with high quality laminate flooring. The addition of a kitchen island or a centrally located stove could work. For a major kitchen remodel, you should consult a contractor and possible an interior designer. This is definitely not a do it yourself project.

4. Outside Deck: Average cost = $8,022. Average ROI = 55%

The deck is self-explanatory. The larger the deck, the higher the return on investment will be. The deck should obviously be coated with a nice looking finish that matches the outside of your home, and needs to be treated with a high quality water seal.

5. Hardwood Flooring: Average cost = Varies. Average ROI = Varies

The cost and return on hardwood flooring varies greatly based upon the total amount of rooms and surface area is remodeled. Also, the choice in the variety of hardwood will impact the value. Certain woods like Oak and Cherry are more valuable than others. Also, it is very important to properly maintain your hardwood floors. Flooring that is scraped, scratched, dull, or water stained can actually decrease the value of your home. If you have active children, you might want to stick to carpeting.

About the author:
Nicollette Dial is a freelance author who comes from a family of contractors. She contributes to several home improvement websites, including http://www.allhardwoodflooring.info

Choosing Your Realtor?

With so many realtors competing for your business, how do you know which one to choose? Here are a few things to consider when choosing a realtor.

The most important decision you will make in the sale of your home is the Realtor you choose.

Some points to consider:

Find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don’t feel you can ask questions or go to your Realtor, you have the wrong Realtor.

Your Realtor should show you research to back up any recommendations. This includes information about recent sales, current listings and recent expired listings in your neighborhood.

Choose a local Realtor. He or she will know your area better than an outsider, will be seen as a source for people looking to relocate in your neighborhood, and will get better co-operation from other agents. It is likely that any amount you might save by having a friend or relative from outside the area serve as your Realtor, will be lost in their lack of knowledge about the very specific local market. Ask for references from the Realtor. He or she should be willing to give you names of previous clients.

Ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations, but make your final choice based on your needs.

Ask the Realtor to show you what will be done to market your home. Consider the office and company support available to him or her as well as the initiative and professionalism shown by the individual.

Look for a Realtor who tells you what he or she knows from experience in the market, and not what they think you want to hear. Flattery may sometimes get the listing, but it doesn’t sell the home!

About the author:
Leanna Meyer is a Realtor with Re/Max Cross Country and can help you find Lewisville Texas Real Estate. Find homes for sale and area information for Flower Mound Texas, Lantana, and Dallas, TX. Learn about the North Texas area at http://www.LeannaMeyer.com. Free buyer and seller reports are available as well as a mortgage calculator and other mortgage information. Visit http://www.home-improvement-sites.comfor Home Improvement.

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New incentives help homeowners and the environment

(NC)—It just got easier for Canadians to do their part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change thanks to a new federal incentive that provides extra motivation for improving the energy efficiency of your home.

Beginning this fall, homeowners who undertake renovations may be eligible for an incentive of up to $3,348 if they can demonstrate that the project has made their home more energy efficient. The incentive is part of the EnerGuide for Houses Program, launched by Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency in 1998 to help homeowners identify and undertake energy efficiency upgrades.

With the EnerGuide for Houses service, an independent energy advisor visits the home, performs a basement-to-attic energy evaluation, calculates an energy efficiency rating and recommends measures to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a healthy living environment. After the homeowner has completed some or all of the recommended upgrades, the advisor performs a follow-up evaluation and determines the new energy efficiency rating.

Among the more commonly recommended improvements are caulking and weatherstripping around doors and windows, upgrading insulation and replacing old, inefficient heating systems. In addition to reducing energy bills and increasing comfort, such measures are good for the environment – the less energy a home consumes, the fewer greenhouse gas emissions it produces.

Now, the Government of Canada has introduced an incentive that will allow eligible homeowners to recoup some of their investment when they implement improvements recommended by an EnerGuide for Houses advisor. The amount of the incentive is calculated based on the home’s rating before and after upgrades are completed – the greater the improvement, the larger the incentive.

The incentive is part of the government’s strategy for implementing the Kyoto Protocol, under which Canada is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 6 percent below 1990 levels by 2012. Homeowners who renovated after using the EnerGuide for Houses service achieve average energy savings of 32 percent and greenhouse gas reductions of 2.2 tonnes per year, putting these families well on their way to meeting the government’s challenge to Canadians to reduce their personal production of greenhouse gases by one tonne per year.

For more information about the incentive program or to locate a licensed EnerGuide for Houses agent in your area, visit energuideforhouses.gc.ca or call 1 800 387-2000 (toll-free) or 995-2943 in the National Capital Region.

About the author:
News Canada

How to Choose A Countertop That Is Right For You?

Choosing a kitchen counter material can be an overwhelming task in the midst of a huge kitchen makeover. Before you select a material, try to decide what look you are going for. Scour magazines and take a trip to your local home improvement center to get an idea how each type of material will effect the overall style of the kitchen.

Some materials for kitchen counter tops include:

Laminate – The least expensive and comes in a huge range of colors. You have to be careful not to cut or put anything hot on the surface, but it is easy to clean. It is not as durable as stone or Corian and doesn’t look as nice either!

Tiles – Tiles can range in price from very inexpensive to very expensive depending on your choice. In my opinion they make terrible counter tops because food and such tends to get caught in the grout lines. Even worse, if you use light colored grout it gets dirty very quickly and must be scrubbed all the time. Tiles can crack and chip easily.

Corian – A very durable counter that is seamless and has the look of granite. It comes in a myriad of colors and can scratch, but these can be sanded and repaired. Unlike stone, it will melt so no hot pots on the counter top. More expensive than laminate but a bit less than stone.

Granite – This material is a long time favorite and one of the most expensive. It is extremely durable and virtually scratch free and heat proof. It is porous, though so you will have to wipe up any spills quickly and be careful about what chemicals you put on it. These days, granite comes in a range shades in the gray – black – green and even dark blue colors. Granite must be sealed every year, but otherwise is quite easy to clean and care for.

Marble – Beautiful but very porous and is not really practical for a counter top. It will stain easily with normal food prep.

Slate – Slate has a nice warm earthy look without the shininess of granite. It is durable and easy to clean and unlike granite is nonporous. Scratches can be easily repaired.

Butcher Block – Wood kitchen counter top materials can give hour kitchen a warm look. Butcher block is good for cutting as the marks can be sanded out but it is not very resistant to bacteria or stains. Would need periodic conditioning.

Concrete – Fast becoming a favorite in modern kitchens that want an industrial look, concrete is a mid priced material that can be mixed to form any color and even can be mixed with little pieces of anything you want it it! It is durable and easy to clean but is very porous and should be sealed to avoid staining.

About the author:

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.home-improvement-solution.com
in addition to other sites. Visit the article database at http://www.home-improvement-solution.com/articles.htmlfor more on remodeling and home improvement.

What to Consider Before Buying Bathroom Vanities Online?

Bathroom vanity cabinets are an essential component of any bathroom and can add drama to your design and decor. Bathroom sink cabinets provide countertop space, a place for the sink and faucets and great storage below. It is amazing how often bathroom cabinets and storage are left out of the planning process. It is important to have a place for everything in your bathroom that is easily accessible to everyone. Bathroom vanity cabinets and storage provide home organization and reduce clutter. You never can have too much bathroom storage!

Here are some considerations before buying bathroom vanities online or in stores:

Bathroom vanity cabinets are available in widths of 18 inches up to 48 inches and in increments of 6 inches. When looking for bathroom vanities online or in stores, shop where you can find a wide variety of styles and sizes. From traditional to contemporary, you should be able to choose from vanity cabinets made of woods such as walnut, oak, maple, cherry and finished with high-gloss lacquer that showcases the natural wood finish.

Here are types of bathroom storage cabinets:

1. Cabinetry – bathroom vanity cabinets, wall cabinets, recessed cabinets and medicine cabinets.
2. Open shelving – recessed shelving, corner shelving and surface mounted shelves.
3. Over the toilet cabinets – cabinets that use the wall space over the toilet for storage cabinets.
4. Linen closets, towers with baskets, built-in closets and cabinets or freestanding bathroom sink cabinets that often extend from the floor to the ceiling and provide excellent bathroom storage for linens and other bathroom items.

You should be able to find bathroom vanity cabinets in these two styles:

1. Face-frame vanity cabinets. These bathroom cabinets will give your bathroom a more traditional and formal look. The frame and panel doors are designed to frame the cabinet box, and hinges can be either hidden from view or visible.

2. Frameless vanity cabinets or European style cabinets. These modern bathroom vanities will give your bathroom a more contemporary look. Frameless vanity cabinets will provide you with heavy-duty cabinet boxes and hinges that are hidden and easily adjustable.

When selecting bathroom sink cabinets and door hardware, make sure you match the period cabinets with period style knobs and pulls. You can sometimes find the antique type of knobs you may be looking for at flea markets. Knobs for your cabinets can be $3 to $5 each, and some can run $20 or more each, perhaps creating a problem for your budget.

For your bathroom vanity cabinets countertops, you have several options. You can choose from laminates, ceramic tile, wood, composite materials or solid surface materials such as stone, stainless steel or concrete. Laminates, composite materials, solid surface materials and stainless steel are more susceptible to scratches. However, composite or solid surface materials can be repaired and replaced very easily. Stone countertops are beautiful and durable, but they can stain easily and are expensive.

Ceramic tile is the most commonly used countertop surface. It is durable and you can select from a wide variety of sizes, colors and textures. However, the grout used between the tiles can stain and the tiles can have irregular surfaces. Wood surfaces are beautiful but can stain or mildew if not maintained well. Concrete is a durable and heat-resistant countertop surface, but it can discolor or crack.

Whether upgrading an existing bathroom or planning a new one, the bathroom is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. You, your family and guests will enjoy the bathrooms in your home every day. And should you ever sell your home, attractive and functional bathrooms add to the desirability and to the selling price of your home. Before you buy, read as much as you can on choosing the bathroom vanities online or in stores that will be the best for you and your bathroom. Learning as much as you can will be time well spent.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing

About the author:
David Buster is VP of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.yourdreamloghome.com- visit the website to learn more about home decorating and remodeling, home plans, kitchen and bathroom design and decor tips, home storage, outdoor decks, fireplaces, log cabin rentals and more

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What You Should Know About Hiring Someone For Your Home Improvements

If you are feeling as if it is time to update your home some, and make some home improvements, then chances are, you are looking for a contractor to do the job. Contractors that are familiar with home improvements should know exactly what you are wanting once it is explained to them. When you have your initial consultation with your contractor, be sure that you have some pictures available for him to look at, and so that he can give you an estimate that will be close.

Once you have found a contractor that you would like to hire and get your home improvements done for you, there are some important things that you should know. First of all, it is very important that the constrictor is insured and bonded. When the contractor is insured, this means that any mishaps that might occur while he is in your home working will be covered. Most contractors are insured. Just make it a point to double check that yours will be also.

Try to go with a contractor that someone that you trust has recommended to you. That way you know that they have done a good job before, and hopefully will do a good job on your home improvements as well. If your contractor was not recommended to you, you can always ask for references to make sure that he has finished jobs for others that are satisfactory. Asking your contractor to provide you with references is not a bad thing. The contractor should be more than willing to do so.

Other than the points above, make sure that you explain how important it is that your contractor is done by whatever date it is that you choose. This will give the contractor something to work forward to, and you can make sure you are both on the same page.

About the Author
Discover more About Hiring Someone For Your Home Improvement

by Stephanie Hetu

www.thehomeimprovements.com

How to Remodel your Bathroom?

(ARA) – These days, you can’t turn on the TV without viewing a new episode of home improvement shows like “Trading Spaces” or “Hometime.” A report issued this year by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies calls home improvement the new “great national pastime.” In 2001, Americans spent an estimated $214 billion on home improvements, maintenance and repairs. All indicators point to this remodeling-mania continuing for sometime.

Take a look around your own home. Is what you’ve been referring to as your “time-honored home décor” really just old fashioned? If so, maybe it’s time for you to join the remodeling parade. The good news is: there are lots of easy, low cost ways to give your home’s look a nice pick-me-up.

The bathroom is one of the most popular targets for home improvement. While any project involving plumbing tends to intimidate the average homeowner, there is a lot of new product technology designed with the do-it-yourselfer in mind.

One of the easiest and most cost efficient ways to spruce up a bathroom is to replace the faucets. “Improvements like this have a huge impact on the functional and aesthetic value of the space. You can create an entirely new theme for your bathroom — such as contemporary, old world, or European — based on the design of your faucet,” says Angie Coffman, director, Delta product marketing for Delta Faucet Company.

Before purchasing a new faucet, it’s a good idea to do some preliminary research. You may also want to consider a budget before beginning your search, as prices can vary widely. You will find that there are many different styles and designs in bathroom faucets. Consider ahead of time whether you want a single-handle or a double-handle faucet. Notice how the handles feel in the palm of your hand. Do you want something that is delicate or more heavy-duty? Explore different spout designs and finishes as well. Decide whether or not you want an escutcheon, the decorative plate beneath a faucet. An escutcheon will also cover extra holes that might be drilled in the sink.

Look for a faucet that installs easily — you may notice language like “quick connect ” or “no adjust,” indicating that minimal tools are required. Pay close attention to the existing hole configuration on your sink. How many are there and how far apart are they? Do you need a single-hole, 4-inch center-set, or a wall-mounted faucet? Your single-handle faucet may have three holes underneath, but you don’t necessarily have to replace it with another single-handle. There’s a design, called a “mini-widespread,” which provides flexibility for customers who have a single-handle faucet, but are looking to switch to a double handle, widespread look. The Victorian Mini-widespread from Delta is an example of a faucet that offers intricate, old-world styling in a smaller sink setting.

Make a Lasting Improvement

Look for a design that won’t soon be outdated and one that will complement the rest of your bathroom, “one that will stand out without sticking out,” according to Coffman. “Keep in mind that you will probably be using this new faucet for years, so choose something that is durable, versatile, and a brand that is considered reliable.”

Installing high quality products in a bathroom will result in a high return on your home remodeling investment. That is why it is important to choose a faucet that offers long-lasting, worry-free performance. You want to look for things like solid brass construction and a company that offers a lifetime limited warranty, along with customer support, in case you have questions while installing the faucet yourself.

Now that you are ready to give your bathroom the facelift it has been waiting for, have a few tools handy for the installation. A pair of adjustable pliers, along with an Allen wrench and basin wrench, will probably be necessary. Also pick up some silicone or caulk, and Teflon tape. Always double check the instructions on your faucet for any other tools or supplies needed.

If you are looking for additional support, try consulting your local home improvement store. Or, check out manufacturer Web sites, such as deltafaucet.com, for installation tips. As you join the millions of Americans remodeling their homes this year, choose your projects wisely and remember that even seemingly small changes, like a bathroom fixture upgrade, can add value to your home.

About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

A Primer on Selecting and Using the Right Table Saw?

Just imagine – the sharp, toothed blades of a table saw ripping through your stack of wood, cross cutting them with pinpoint accuracy on the marked line. Or consider this scenario: trimming little pieces of wood to create a straight cut catering to the dimensions of a life-size model dollhouse. Making accurate cuts cannot be stressed enough in the woodworking game. Marking and cutting precisely along the layout line may seem like a science, but it does not need to be. By realizing the intricacies of an adept table saw, you’ll work like a pro.
To begin with, table saws are very versatile pieces of cutting equipment. They have the capacity to tackle both thin and thick pieces of wood and adapt with different cutting methods like ripping, beveling (forming a cut angle other than a 90 degree angle) and mitering. The trademark home improvement tool, table saws have a less margin of error than widely misused circular saws that have a tendency to mis-cut from time to time. It all begins and ends with the type of blade used. Most standard table saws are equipped with a 10-inch carbide blade, excellent for general-purpose use. However, the introduction of new & improved blades into the market has created a variety of cutting options for the wood shopper. Replace carbide blades with the 12″ 60T (tooth) Tungsten Carbide Tipped Saw Blade and you can really notice a major difference in each cut.

Choosing the right table saw requires a bit of strategical thinking and an analysis of your current woodshop situation. Table saws for under $200 are for occasional-use suitable for fast ripping on small lengths of wood. $200 to $400 table saws are frequent use, mid-range machines excellent for taking care of most ripping jobs. Investing in a $400 plus table saw remains your best bet for extensive woodworking projects like carpentry and furniture making. They are powered by quieter motors and cover a large surface area with more cut depth, taking on the thickest slabs reserved for the most hardcore woodworkers.

If you frequently cover large, intensive projects – look for a table saw with more work-support surface. Many saws come with table extensions that allow them to cut more towards the center of the wood piece. However, the portable table saw is the No. 1 option for polished woodworkers today. It is more convenient than bulkier, heavier table saws and usually constructed with aluminum for easy transport. In addition, leg sets could be purchased to complement its use. Adjustments to different depth and range of cuts are done by simply raising and lowering the blade according to wood thickness. In addition, blades can be tilted to conquer bevel cuts. Whatever you do – make sure you install blade guards or have a locking fence come standard with it. Your fingers are for using, not for disposing carelessly. With the right table saw selecting mindset, you should be able to purchase the right table saw that you’ll use for years to come.

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Home Improvement Added Value

As we all know properties are always selling today. And since this fact is much evident nowadays, many experts claimed that home improvement added value.

For that issue, it is therefore not surprising that many of the resources always say that home improvement added value to a particular house or property. To support the claim that home improvement added value to the home, many resources are published today that greatly show that home improvement added value.

One of those notable resources stated that home improvement added value in the sense that home improvements not only make the house comfortable to live but will create a booming increase to the value of the home when the home owner will decide to give up such property. At this point, the true essence of how home improvement added value is much evident. It is noted that for just a single minor kitchen remodeling, the home value reached up to 90 percent of the total home improvement added value.

To further support the claim that home improvement added value, many of the experts noted that the home improvements will give you the return of what you spent for the home remodeling. In fact, the Remodeling Onlines latest Cost vs. Value reported, to support that home improvement added value, that those home owners who engaged in home improvements by updating their frequented rooms really achieve a great bang in their costs and really comment that home improvement added value. Aside from that, according to the Remodeling Onlines latest Cost vs. Value report, those home owners who made their homes spacious also enjoyed the biggest return for their costs and they also commented that home improvement added value.

On the findings of the Remodeling Online, the claim that home improvement added value to the home is really true for the fact the according to the survey made by the Remodeling Online, the kitchen and bath remodels along with family rooms, and master suite renovation were rated tops on the average nationwide. The claim that home improvement added value shows a great impression that a sense of freshness and spaciousness is the key to show that home improvement added value.

In line with that support for the claim that home improvement added value, the Remodeling Online to show that home improvement added value also noted of the projects that they examined, those that did not make the cut with a national value return of 75 percent or more include the master suite addition and exterior painting which are both 74 percent; bedroom attic remodeling and siding replacement are both 73 percent; basement refinishing is 69 percent; and much more.

Finally, most of the experts stated that home improvement added value for the fact that today the demands for homes greatly affect the value for improvements. So for that, they noted that the home improvement added value notion is much evident in a sellers market than in the buyers market. So if you want to feel that home improvement added value, you better engaged into some home improvements.

by A Walker

www.thehomeimprovements.com

Washington Home Improvement

Everyone wants their home to look clean and attractive. In certain climates however, this can require a constant stream of effort that would wear anybody out. Many areas of the Washington state area have climates, which are more prone to cause the weathering and corrosion of home exteriors. This article is designed to show you how simple Washington home improvement can be. You don’t have to work around the clock to maintain your home’s siding, paint job, windows or gutter systems—even if you live in Washington.

Siding in Washington
Washington home improvement, at least exterior Washington home improvement, starts with the right kind of siding. For most homes there are three types of siding that are recommendable.

Fiber Cement Siding
The first is Fiber Cement siding. Fiber Cement siding is beneficial if you are looking for a low initial cost. It doesn’t rot or burn and it resists insect damage.
However, on the down-side, Fiber cement siding does not help to resist extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot. Fiber cement siding is also very heavy, which adds additional weight to the foundation of your home. It is brittle, (which leads to chipping from nails), and is more subject to air gaps and porous defects. Before you purchase this type of siding you should ask yourself how long you plan to keep your home. If you plan to keep your home for a long period of time it is recommendable that you purchase a siding that is more durable.

Cedar Siding
Another type of siding is Cedar siding. Cedar siding increases the value of your home, beautifies your home with a natural look, increases the resell value of your home and resists heat loss or gain. On the down-side, cedar siding has a high initial cost, has very thin boards, and is becoming more scarce, (which means that the price of cedar siding is continually on the rise.

Swedish Siding
The last type of siding that we recommend to your consideration is Swedish siding. Swedish siding increases the value of a home and offers a beautiful natural look. In addition, it increases the resell value of a home and resists heat loss or gain. It is thicker than most siding and the trees that are used to make this type of siding are generally 100 yrs old—which makes for more durable siding. Unlike cedar siding, Swedish siding comes in abundant supply and only the select heartwood is used. Finding siding in Washington that will increase the value of your home and which will require less maintenance doesn’t have to be a difficult process if you do your research from the beginning. Washington home improvement does not have to be difficult.

Painting for Washington Home Improvement
Another aspect of Washington home improvement is the painting service that you choose for the exterior of your home. When looking for a painting service it is recommendable that you contact a Washington paint contractor that will ‘prep’ your home carefully before applying a paint job. A good ‘prep job’ includes water prep (i.e. pressure washing of the gutters, eaves, siding and house trim for the removal of loose dirt and old paint). A dry prep process is also recommended as are scraping, sanding, caulking and filling. For more information in regards to these Washington home improvement processes, please contact a professional Washington paint contractor in your area.

Windows for Washington Home Improvement
For additional Washington home improvement we also recommend bay area vinyl windows. These windows are gorgeous, they let in lots of light and in many cases they are usually amenable to customization. Finding replacement windows in Washington that really contribute to the aesthetic qualities of your home doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Consult with a bay area window expert if you have questions.

Gutter Systems Improvement
No one wants gutter leaks, unsightly nail-heads, downspouts or clogged gutters. Make sure you get durable gutters for your home. A less-than-quality gutter can lead to other problems on the exterior of your home so if gutters are the problem at your house, they should be taken care of as quickly as possible, especially if you plan to live in your home for a long period of time.

About the author:
Marci Crane is a Web Content Specialist for http://www.10xmarketing.com/in Orem, UT.

If you would like to learn more about siding in Washington, or replacement windows in Washington, visit http://www.bigswedepainting.com/index.html