By Mark J. Donovan
Whether or not you are planning to sell your home or just want to improve the overall look of it, investing in your home’s curb appeal always makes great financial sense.
If the front yard of your home looks like a barren wasteland or you have trouble seeing your house from the road due to overgrown shrubs, you should seriously consider investing in your home’s curb appeal.
Particularly if you are planning to sell your home, it is important to invest some money and time into your home’s front yard. Your home’s curb appeal is what generates the first impression to prospective home buyers. It could literally prevent a prospective buyer from looking any further at the home. “If this is what the outside looks like, what’s the point of seeing the rest of the house”, is frequently the thought that runs through a buyers mind when seeing a home without any curb appeal.
Adding curb appeal to your home doesn’t necessarily have to involve breaking your banking account. Listed below are some basic steps you can take to improve your home’s curb appeal.
1) Make sure the yard is free from clutter, e.g. lawn toys, patio equipment, unregistered cars and trailers.
2) Dispose of any old / broken lawn furniture or toys.
3) Make sure the yard is mowed, trimmed and raked.
4) If there are patches of dead grass, remove them and get some grass seed.
5) Make sure the gutters are in good working order and not hanging off the home.
6) Clean the gutters if they are not working properly.
7) If there are overgrown shrubs, prune them so the home can be seen from the road.
8) Add mulch around the shrubs to dress up the shrub area.
9) If the home is lacking shrubs plant some small inexpensive ones around the home’s foundation, and again apply mulch around the base of them.
10) Add a fresh coat of paint to the home if the home has either faded or cracking paint.
11) If the paint looks in good shape, then at least give it a power washing to get off the dirt and grime, and to brighten up the home.
12) Fix anything that is broken on the outside of the home, lights, gutters, shutters, door bells, etc.
13) Add some flowers to the front walkways and entrances.
14) Finally, make sure the yard is kept clean and neat.
With these basic steps your can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank. Most of these suggestions take only a little time and effort.
Readmore »»
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Right Way To Secure Your Home Improvement Loans
Because the money you spend on home improvement usually translates directly into a bigger asking price for your home when you go to sell it, banks are usually amenable to making loans for home improvement. No one wants to lend money that he or she will never see a return on, but home improvement tends to be a good investment. Not only will you be able to reap the benefits of your renovations while you own your home, but you will also be able to raise the value of your house, so you can cash out more when you sell it.
When most people buy their first house, there are some improvements to be made. Perhaps you know what the house needs as far as renovations when you buy the house and perhaps you do not. Who wants to buy a house with a leaky roof or bad plumbing? But then again, if you can get a great deal on a home, then it might be worth the money that you foresee putting into it down the line. However, remodeling a home takes cash upfront because you must pay your contractors and builders and designers. How do you come up with all that money? One great way to do it is to apply for a loan. Before giving you a loan, banks take all kinds of precautions. The first is that they must prove that you own your home. You cannot take out a home improvement loan if you are just renting. Second, they must prove how much you own your home. Many loans demand that you have equity of twenty percent or more.
When securing a loan, you must tell the bank in detail what you plan on doing to your house. Installing a hot tub or spa does not qualify you for a home improvement loan, because these are considered luxuries. However remodeling your kitchen or bathroom will probably qualify you. Any sure, renovation investment will be likely to secure your loan. These home improvement loans are typically low interest, and you might have ten to fifteen years to pay them off. These loose parameters help homeowners rehabilitate their houses without all the stress of having to come up with the money.
Readmore »»Home Improvement Loans
There are some factors which are taken into account when you search for a lender to get the best home improvement loan from. Before you start a deal, make it sure that your credit score is as good as it can probably be. Try to search for the one with a low rate. Such improvement loan comes in fixed and variable rates. Fixed rates do not change throughout the tenure of loan though there is fluctuation in the money market. Variable rates tend to change quite often and thus cost people more money in the end. Also, when searching for home improvement, cull out the ones that will get you the cash when you need it. There are some lenders who take an awfully long time to grant you the fund you ask for.
To get a great rate for your loan is not a big deal. You can get it by comparing different loan quotes from several home improvement lenders. Before speaking to any lender, it is better for you to have your home improvement project planned out. It means you may have already spoken to your contractor to find out the actual costs of the improvement. You know that any project can bring up unexpected snag or expense. So it is an excellent idea to keep a check and balance before you request for a loan.
Since the loan is secured, the loan length can be extended almost as a home loan. Usually, such loan repayment program is lasted for 10years. You can obtain the longer repayment programs to suit your needs and your budget. Though longer the repayment period, the more you will have to pay in the name of interest rates. There is no denying fact that the loan instalments will be determined by length of the loan and the interest rate charged. In case, if you can not afford high monthly instalments, you need not worry since you can always extend the tenure of the loan.
Finally, when looking for a home improvement loan, search for the ones with the best possible loan deal. Some lenders offer no appraisal fees and no lender fees. This will in turn save you a bit of money. You can subscribe the loan online and offline as per your convenience. Though, online application is preferred and sort out readily. In doing so, a great amount of time and energy can be saved. And later, through the online process, your required fund is approved instantly.
Readmore »»
To get a great rate for your loan is not a big deal. You can get it by comparing different loan quotes from several home improvement lenders. Before speaking to any lender, it is better for you to have your home improvement project planned out. It means you may have already spoken to your contractor to find out the actual costs of the improvement. You know that any project can bring up unexpected snag or expense. So it is an excellent idea to keep a check and balance before you request for a loan.
Since the loan is secured, the loan length can be extended almost as a home loan. Usually, such loan repayment program is lasted for 10years. You can obtain the longer repayment programs to suit your needs and your budget. Though longer the repayment period, the more you will have to pay in the name of interest rates. There is no denying fact that the loan instalments will be determined by length of the loan and the interest rate charged. In case, if you can not afford high monthly instalments, you need not worry since you can always extend the tenure of the loan.
Finally, when looking for a home improvement loan, search for the ones with the best possible loan deal. Some lenders offer no appraisal fees and no lender fees. This will in turn save you a bit of money. You can subscribe the loan online and offline as per your convenience. Though, online application is preferred and sort out readily. In doing so, a great amount of time and energy can be saved. And later, through the online process, your required fund is approved instantly.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Removing The Old Roof
If you decide to install a new roof, removing the old roof will be one of your first priorities. This, obviously, is a big job. Before you begin ripping off the old roof, there are a few factors to consider.
Rain
What will you do if it rains before you get the new roof on? Well, this is a problem, even for professionals. One way to limit the effects of rain is with tarpaulins. Many professionals will work the roof in sections. They will remove and rebuild sections of the roof, rather than stripping off the whole roof and trying to replace it before rain comes. At night, the pros often cover the unprotected roof sections with waterproof tarps.
Safety Bracing
Safety bracing should be installed before the old roof covering is removed. A simple way to accomplish this is by nailing two-by-fours horizontally, across the rafters or trusses. Ideally, you should run this bracing across the rafters or trusses at the bottom, center, and near the top. This ties the roof members together to provide strength when the roof sheathing is removed. The bracing should extend from on end of the roof to the other and on both sides of the attic. Without this bracing, the roof members may have little to no support once the roof sheathing is removed. Readmore »»
Rain
What will you do if it rains before you get the new roof on? Well, this is a problem, even for professionals. One way to limit the effects of rain is with tarpaulins. Many professionals will work the roof in sections. They will remove and rebuild sections of the roof, rather than stripping off the whole roof and trying to replace it before rain comes. At night, the pros often cover the unprotected roof sections with waterproof tarps.
Safety Bracing
Safety bracing should be installed before the old roof covering is removed. A simple way to accomplish this is by nailing two-by-fours horizontally, across the rafters or trusses. Ideally, you should run this bracing across the rafters or trusses at the bottom, center, and near the top. This ties the roof members together to provide strength when the roof sheathing is removed. The bracing should extend from on end of the roof to the other and on both sides of the attic. Without this bracing, the roof members may have little to no support once the roof sheathing is removed. Readmore »»
Contemplating a Basement Ceiling - Consider the Industrial Look
By Mark J. Donovan
When it comes to basement ceilings, we normally think of two alternatives, drywall or dropped ceiling tiles. However there is another alternative. The industrial look is also an alternative for basement ceilings. The industrial look basement ceiling involves simply painting the basement ceiling as is, floor joists, first floor subfloor, pipes, ductwork, wiring included.
The Industrial look is ideal for the basement ceiling situation where there is limited ceiling height and budget to add either a dropped ceiling or drywall basement ceiling.
The industrial ceiling look is regularly used in the reclamation of older industrial buildings. Frequently you will find upscale restaurants and office space in these reclaimed buildings with industrial ceilings.
If you want to consider an industrial look basement ceiling, check first with a building inspector or home inspector to see what can be painted and what can not. In some cases, some utilities (e.g. heated duct work) may not be able to be painted.
Once you know what can and can not be painted, simply give the as-is basement ceiling a good cleaning, being careful to remove all of the dust. It is important that anything that is to be painted should be free of dust; else the paint will not stick.
Once the as-is basement ceiling is clean, spray on a primer, followed by one or two coats of finished paint. Lighter colors will give the room a brighter look and the perception that the ceiling height is higher than it really is. Readmore »»
When it comes to basement ceilings, we normally think of two alternatives, drywall or dropped ceiling tiles. However there is another alternative. The industrial look is also an alternative for basement ceilings. The industrial look basement ceiling involves simply painting the basement ceiling as is, floor joists, first floor subfloor, pipes, ductwork, wiring included.
The Industrial look is ideal for the basement ceiling situation where there is limited ceiling height and budget to add either a dropped ceiling or drywall basement ceiling.
The industrial ceiling look is regularly used in the reclamation of older industrial buildings. Frequently you will find upscale restaurants and office space in these reclaimed buildings with industrial ceilings.
If you want to consider an industrial look basement ceiling, check first with a building inspector or home inspector to see what can be painted and what can not. In some cases, some utilities (e.g. heated duct work) may not be able to be painted.
Once you know what can and can not be painted, simply give the as-is basement ceiling a good cleaning, being careful to remove all of the dust. It is important that anything that is to be painted should be free of dust; else the paint will not stick.
Once the as-is basement ceiling is clean, spray on a primer, followed by one or two coats of finished paint. Lighter colors will give the room a brighter look and the perception that the ceiling height is higher than it really is. Readmore »»
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Money Saving Tips (Updated)
Tip #1
Modern plumbing system rely on plastic or PVC pipes to distribute water and to collect waste. Plastic pipes are not only less expensive than metal pipes, they are also easier to install and so are
used in most modern homes. Even if your home now has copper or other metal popes, you can use plastic pipes for most remodeling jobs.
Tips #2
Call an electrician to inspect your home before remodeling. Even if you're not adding electrical service, remodeling your home may give you a good opportunity to upgrade your electrical service. You can save money by planning smart.
Tips #3
If possible, plan to replace as much plumbing as possible with plastic pipes and safer fixtures. If, while testing, you also learn that your home's walls or ceilings have asbestos, consider having it removed by a licensed professional. The easiest and least costly time to do these replacements is while you are remodeling your home.
Tips #4
If you are considering replacing an old furnace with a new energy-efficient unit, first ask local utility companies about your options. Some utilities will even help you purchase a more efficient unit. Readmore »»
Modern plumbing system rely on plastic or PVC pipes to distribute water and to collect waste. Plastic pipes are not only less expensive than metal pipes, they are also easier to install and so are
used in most modern homes. Even if your home now has copper or other metal popes, you can use plastic pipes for most remodeling jobs.
Tips #2
Call an electrician to inspect your home before remodeling. Even if you're not adding electrical service, remodeling your home may give you a good opportunity to upgrade your electrical service. You can save money by planning smart.
Tips #3
If possible, plan to replace as much plumbing as possible with plastic pipes and safer fixtures. If, while testing, you also learn that your home's walls or ceilings have asbestos, consider having it removed by a licensed professional. The easiest and least costly time to do these replacements is while you are remodeling your home.
Tips #4
If you are considering replacing an old furnace with a new energy-efficient unit, first ask local utility companies about your options. Some utilities will even help you purchase a more efficient unit. Readmore »»
10 Steps To Successful Home Remodeling
You can remodel your home with ease if you have a good step-by-step home remodeling plans. The home is often the largest investment a person or family will make. The decision to alter that investment by paying out more money isn't easy - but it can be worth it. Whether you are remodeling to sell the home or just to make it more comfortable for the coming years, remodeling can be a good decision. It's one that requires planning and patience. Remodeling professionals suggest the following ten-step program when considering any home remodeling plans.
Step 1: Asses your current situation
Do you have the funds, time, and patience to remodel your home? Does it make sense to remodel or simply move into a larger home? According to the American Homeowner Foundation, moving can be extremely expensive, typically involving a 6 percent commission on the sale of the current home, plus another 2 to 4 percent for closing, moving, and other costs. This organization suggests that if you like your present neighborhood, you should instead look into what improvements you could make for 8 to 10 percent of your current home's value before you seriously consider moving as an alternative to remodeling.
Step 2: Decide how long you intend to stay in your present home
Are you remodeling so you can sell faster or get a higher sale price? Or are you remodeling to create a more comfortable environment for a long-term situation? The answers to those questions will determine how much money you should spend and the scope of the remodeling project you should realistically undertake.
Step 3: Start defining the areas of the home that you want to change.
You should have some idea of what the remodeling project will entail before you call a contractor. Cut pictures out of magazines. Make a list of rooms that need to be altered and the reasons for those changes. This information will help speed the design phase of your remodel.
Step 4: Clear plenty of time on your calendar for the project.
It's unrealistic to attempt to remodel your entire kitchen the month before Thanksgiving! You should establish a realistic timetable with your contractor that allows for delays due to weather, supply shortages, or other glitches that may occur.
Step 5: Find a reputable contractor
The only way to protect yourself during a remodeling project is to hire a professional contractor. Make sure that you choose a contractor who is insured, licensed, and a member of a professional trade association.
Step 6: Create a budget
Decide how much you can realistically to sell, your budget should not exceed any projected increase in market value of the home that is the result of remodeling. If you plan on staying in the home for a lengthy amount of time, you should spend a little more to get what you want.
Step 7: Request a comprehensive proposal from your contractor
The proposal should tell you how much the project is going to cost and what types of products will be used. If you proposal comes in above your budget limit, talk to your contractor about other options. Sometimes you can accomplish the same look with other products or design techniques.
Step 8: Get a complete, written contract before the work begins
The contract should cover the description of the project, timetable, payment schedule, types of products, etc., with provisions for the responsibilities of the contractor, subcontractors, change order procedures, warranties, and alternative dispute settlement clauses.
Step 9: The payments to work stage
Be very wary of any contractor who wants a large amount of money up front. Normal contracts split payments by decreasing percentages of total cost and are tied to significant work stages in the project. Please note, however, that a large amount of money is usually required at the start of kitchen remodels to cover the costs of ordering appliances.
Step 10: Take a deep breath and keep your perspective
Remodeling can be noisy, time consuming, and disruptive to the normal home environment. It's important to keep your sense of humor and stay focused on the end result, not the process that takes you there. Readmore »»
Step 1: Asses your current situation
Do you have the funds, time, and patience to remodel your home? Does it make sense to remodel or simply move into a larger home? According to the American Homeowner Foundation, moving can be extremely expensive, typically involving a 6 percent commission on the sale of the current home, plus another 2 to 4 percent for closing, moving, and other costs. This organization suggests that if you like your present neighborhood, you should instead look into what improvements you could make for 8 to 10 percent of your current home's value before you seriously consider moving as an alternative to remodeling.
Step 2: Decide how long you intend to stay in your present home
Are you remodeling so you can sell faster or get a higher sale price? Or are you remodeling to create a more comfortable environment for a long-term situation? The answers to those questions will determine how much money you should spend and the scope of the remodeling project you should realistically undertake.
Step 3: Start defining the areas of the home that you want to change.
You should have some idea of what the remodeling project will entail before you call a contractor. Cut pictures out of magazines. Make a list of rooms that need to be altered and the reasons for those changes. This information will help speed the design phase of your remodel.
Step 4: Clear plenty of time on your calendar for the project.
It's unrealistic to attempt to remodel your entire kitchen the month before Thanksgiving! You should establish a realistic timetable with your contractor that allows for delays due to weather, supply shortages, or other glitches that may occur.
Step 5: Find a reputable contractor
The only way to protect yourself during a remodeling project is to hire a professional contractor. Make sure that you choose a contractor who is insured, licensed, and a member of a professional trade association.
Step 6: Create a budget
Decide how much you can realistically to sell, your budget should not exceed any projected increase in market value of the home that is the result of remodeling. If you plan on staying in the home for a lengthy amount of time, you should spend a little more to get what you want.
Step 7: Request a comprehensive proposal from your contractor
The proposal should tell you how much the project is going to cost and what types of products will be used. If you proposal comes in above your budget limit, talk to your contractor about other options. Sometimes you can accomplish the same look with other products or design techniques.
Step 8: Get a complete, written contract before the work begins
The contract should cover the description of the project, timetable, payment schedule, types of products, etc., with provisions for the responsibilities of the contractor, subcontractors, change order procedures, warranties, and alternative dispute settlement clauses.
Step 9: The payments to work stage
Be very wary of any contractor who wants a large amount of money up front. Normal contracts split payments by decreasing percentages of total cost and are tied to significant work stages in the project. Please note, however, that a large amount of money is usually required at the start of kitchen remodels to cover the costs of ordering appliances.
Step 10: Take a deep breath and keep your perspective
Remodeling can be noisy, time consuming, and disruptive to the normal home environment. It's important to keep your sense of humor and stay focused on the end result, not the process that takes you there. Readmore »»
Security And ADA Remodeling
Security Remodeling
In this world of increasing crime, many people opt to remodel their homes for increased security. Beside the obvious - installing an alarm system - there are many things homeowners can do to remodel for increased security and safety.
Security remodeling projects include replacing existing doors with security of fire doors, moving windows to a minimum of 18 inches from entryways, installing quality lock sets, installing exterior security lighting, and building a large dog house.
The cost of security remodeling varies. However, it may be an investment, as some homeowner insurance policies offer discounts for security remodeling. Check with your agent.
ADA Remodeling
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) increased the public's awareness of the number of peole in this nation with disabilities. While the act doesn't affect private residences, it does make sense to consider "universal design" when remodeling your home.
Universal design simply means designing your home for access and use by anyone - short, tall, narrow, wide, or wheeled. Most of it is simply common sense. Minimize or eliminate steps and uneven floors where possible. Make kitchen countertops of multipe heights. Make doorways wider. install curbless showers. You get the picture. Readmore »»
In this world of increasing crime, many people opt to remodel their homes for increased security. Beside the obvious - installing an alarm system - there are many things homeowners can do to remodel for increased security and safety.
Security remodeling projects include replacing existing doors with security of fire doors, moving windows to a minimum of 18 inches from entryways, installing quality lock sets, installing exterior security lighting, and building a large dog house.
The cost of security remodeling varies. However, it may be an investment, as some homeowner insurance policies offer discounts for security remodeling. Check with your agent.
ADA Remodeling
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) increased the public's awareness of the number of peole in this nation with disabilities. While the act doesn't affect private residences, it does make sense to consider "universal design" when remodeling your home.
Universal design simply means designing your home for access and use by anyone - short, tall, narrow, wide, or wheeled. Most of it is simply common sense. Minimize or eliminate steps and uneven floors where possible. Make kitchen countertops of multipe heights. Make doorways wider. install curbless showers. You get the picture. Readmore »»
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Room Addition Plans
Room additions are the best remodeling option where space is at a premium. For example, many families who have new children or older parents to care for opt to add a room to their existing home rather than move to a larger home. Others purchase their home with an eye on how it can be remodeled later with a room addition.
The most popular room addition is the expansion of a short attic into a full or partial second story. In some cases, this is less expensive than building a new room adjacent to a first-floor room. In other cases, there isn't enough room on the first floor to extend the house.
How much will a room addition cost? The range can be from about $40 to $80 a square foot or more. So, a 10*12 foot room can cost about $5,000 to $10,000. Much depends on what structural changes must be made to the existing home. Readmore »»
The most popular room addition is the expansion of a short attic into a full or partial second story. In some cases, this is less expensive than building a new room adjacent to a first-floor room. In other cases, there isn't enough room on the first floor to extend the house.
How much will a room addition cost? The range can be from about $40 to $80 a square foot or more. So, a 10*12 foot room can cost about $5,000 to $10,000. Much depends on what structural changes must be made to the existing home. Readmore »»
Bathroom Remodeling Plans
In some households, remodeling a bathroom isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. This is especially true if everyone's day stars at about the same time. The door outside the room becomes the waiting room. People who later in the day love each other see each other as "the enemy who hogs the bathroom."
For other homes, the bathroom isn't ground zero for World War III. It's simply tired. It needs a major face lift with new flooring, fixtures, and lighting. The most popular remodeling projects are those that add functions to an existing bathroom or add an additional bathroom to the home. For example, a 1 1/2-bath home is upgraded to include a tub. Or a utility room is converted into a second or even third bathroom. Alternately, a new room added to the home is also built to include a bathroom.
Easier remodeling jobs include replacing a bathroom cabinet and sink or adding linen storage. Many people opt to replace a tired tub with a modern tub-and-shower combination. How much will a bathroom remodeling job cost? That depends on whether you are adding a bathroom or simply upgrading the bathroom you have. A new bathroom can eat up $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on how easy it is to add the room and needed utilities. Upgrading cabinets and fixtures can be done for $1,000 to $5,000. A shower unit can be installed above an existing tub for less than $500. Readmore »»
For other homes, the bathroom isn't ground zero for World War III. It's simply tired. It needs a major face lift with new flooring, fixtures, and lighting. The most popular remodeling projects are those that add functions to an existing bathroom or add an additional bathroom to the home. For example, a 1 1/2-bath home is upgraded to include a tub. Or a utility room is converted into a second or even third bathroom. Alternately, a new room added to the home is also built to include a bathroom.
Easier remodeling jobs include replacing a bathroom cabinet and sink or adding linen storage. Many people opt to replace a tired tub with a modern tub-and-shower combination. How much will a bathroom remodeling job cost? That depends on whether you are adding a bathroom or simply upgrading the bathroom you have. A new bathroom can eat up $5,000 to $15,000 or more depending on how easy it is to add the room and needed utilities. Upgrading cabinets and fixtures can be done for $1,000 to $5,000. A shower unit can be installed above an existing tub for less than $500. Readmore »»
Kitchen Remodeling Plans
Over 20 percent of remodeling projects involve the kitchen. They range from replacing the flooring to a complete replacement of all kitchen components. Why remodel the kitchen? Even in the day of the microwave, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house. It is here that people prepare and share food. It may be to simply add milk to boxed cereal or to reheat a meal, but it is still important.
For some families, the kitchen is where impromptu meetings are held to discuss the day or the morrow. For others, the kitchen is the room that offers the greatest efficiency in the home. If the living room is the head of the house, the kitchen is the stomach.
Which kitchen remodeling projects are most popular? Because of the change in cooking and eating habits in most homes - from stove to microwave and from dining room to TV trays - the kitchen has also changed. It is now the place where people go during commercial breaks. In those few minutes, a quick meal or snack can be prepared - or at least moved from the freezer to the microwave and started. SO popular kitchen remodeling projects are often those that make the room more convenient and more attractive.
Leading the list of kitchen remodeling projects is changing cabinetry to hold a built-in microwave. Another is the installation or upgrading of a dishwasher and garbage disposal in an older home. Countertop replacement is also near the top of the remodeling list. So is cabinet replacement or refinishing.
Kitchen remodeling can be as expensive or as inexpensive as your budget allows. Adding shelving or replacing a flooring can cost less than $500. A full kitchen remodel with new cabinets and appliances can approach or surpass $10,000. Enhancing lighting can range from $200 to $1,000. Resurfacing existing cabinets and countertops will cost $1,000 to $4,000. Readmore »»
For some families, the kitchen is where impromptu meetings are held to discuss the day or the morrow. For others, the kitchen is the room that offers the greatest efficiency in the home. If the living room is the head of the house, the kitchen is the stomach.
Which kitchen remodeling projects are most popular? Because of the change in cooking and eating habits in most homes - from stove to microwave and from dining room to TV trays - the kitchen has also changed. It is now the place where people go during commercial breaks. In those few minutes, a quick meal or snack can be prepared - or at least moved from the freezer to the microwave and started. SO popular kitchen remodeling projects are often those that make the room more convenient and more attractive.
Leading the list of kitchen remodeling projects is changing cabinetry to hold a built-in microwave. Another is the installation or upgrading of a dishwasher and garbage disposal in an older home. Countertop replacement is also near the top of the remodeling list. So is cabinet replacement or refinishing.
Kitchen remodeling can be as expensive or as inexpensive as your budget allows. Adding shelving or replacing a flooring can cost less than $500. A full kitchen remodel with new cabinets and appliances can approach or surpass $10,000. Enhancing lighting can range from $200 to $1,000. Resurfacing existing cabinets and countertops will cost $1,000 to $4,000. Readmore »»
Reasons To Remodel
Why should you consider changing the function of your home? There are probably as many reasons as there are homes. However, the reasons to remodel can be categorized into three broad groups. Your reasons will fall into one or more of them, but probably be in one group more than another. Defining the reason for your remodel will help you set your remodeling goal and ensure that you reach it efficiently.
Increasing Living Space
One of the most popular reasons for remodeling a home is to increase the living space within it. The space may be needed for additional family members or additional functions (storage, business, hobbies).
Where does this new living space come from? It can be an unfinished attic that will be finished off into one or more rooms. It can be a basement that must now become a bedroom or other living area. It can be a garage that is remodeled into an extra bedroom or a heated work space. It can be one or more rooms added to the house. It can even be a second story added above the home or an attached garage. Where this space comes from depends on the layout of the home and property as well as the intended function of the new living space.
Improving Living Space
Another popular reason for remodeling is improving the living space you have. In this case, space isn't increased, it is enhanced. For example, a kitchen is modernized with new cabinets, plumbing, electrical service, and maybe even an upgraded floor. A skylight might be added. The size of the room is the same, but its livability is improved.
There are many projects you can plan to improve living space in your home. You can enhance a bathroom, make a closet into a more efficient storage area, refinish a dining room floor, install an ornate banister on stairs, add a solarium wall to the breakfast nook, install French doors to the patio, or enhance the lighting system throughout your home.
Investment Opportunities
Remodeling can also be an investment. Some people buy remodel, and profitably sell homes in their community, making a very good living doing so. Of course, they know which improvements are profitable and which are not. They also know what sells best in their area and how to find a diamond in the rough.
You don't have to be a professional homeowner to make a profit with your remodeling job. You can learn techniques from those that do, then apply those tips to your own home to increase the investment opportunities. This website will show you how. Readmore »»
Increasing Living Space
One of the most popular reasons for remodeling a home is to increase the living space within it. The space may be needed for additional family members or additional functions (storage, business, hobbies).
Where does this new living space come from? It can be an unfinished attic that will be finished off into one or more rooms. It can be a basement that must now become a bedroom or other living area. It can be a garage that is remodeled into an extra bedroom or a heated work space. It can be one or more rooms added to the house. It can even be a second story added above the home or an attached garage. Where this space comes from depends on the layout of the home and property as well as the intended function of the new living space.
Improving Living Space
Another popular reason for remodeling is improving the living space you have. In this case, space isn't increased, it is enhanced. For example, a kitchen is modernized with new cabinets, plumbing, electrical service, and maybe even an upgraded floor. A skylight might be added. The size of the room is the same, but its livability is improved.
There are many projects you can plan to improve living space in your home. You can enhance a bathroom, make a closet into a more efficient storage area, refinish a dining room floor, install an ornate banister on stairs, add a solarium wall to the breakfast nook, install French doors to the patio, or enhance the lighting system throughout your home.
Investment Opportunities
Remodeling can also be an investment. Some people buy remodel, and profitably sell homes in their community, making a very good living doing so. Of course, they know which improvements are profitable and which are not. They also know what sells best in their area and how to find a diamond in the rough.
You don't have to be a professional homeowner to make a profit with your remodeling job. You can learn techniques from those that do, then apply those tips to your own home to increase the investment opportunities. This website will show you how. Readmore »»
Different Between Home Remodeling, Renovation, And Repair
Before you can begin to make your home remodeling plan, you should the difference between remodeling, renovation, repair and maintenance before you decide which one is right for your needs. So, let's get out our dictionary and consider the terms of home remodeling.
Remodeling
Home remodeling is the functional restoration of one or more housing systems. When built, the systems were modeled, therefore changing them is remodeling. The systems include structural(walls, floors, ceilings); plumbing; electrical; heating/cooling; etc. Remodeling changes or improves your home's functions. Remodeling modernizes both the function and appearance of the home.
Renovation
Renovation is slightly different. Renovation is the historical restoration of one or more housing systems. For example, a renovation of a kitchen returns it to the look, but maybe not the function, that the house had when new. Renovation restores. It may use modern plumbing and electrical components, but they will probably look like those available at the home's initial construction.
Repair
Repair is the functional restoration of a component within the home. For example, repairing a sink is neither a remodel nor a renovation. A repair simply makes the sink functions as it did when new. A repair renews the function of the component, in this case the sink.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the preventive replacement of components within a home. Maintenance preserves the functions of a component by replacing parts before they wear out. For example, maintenance to a floor means treating it with a wax or finish to minimize wear. It certainly isn't remodeling, renovation, or even repair. It is simply maintenance. Readmore »»
Remodeling
Home remodeling is the functional restoration of one or more housing systems. When built, the systems were modeled, therefore changing them is remodeling. The systems include structural(walls, floors, ceilings); plumbing; electrical; heating/cooling; etc. Remodeling changes or improves your home's functions. Remodeling modernizes both the function and appearance of the home.
Renovation
Renovation is slightly different. Renovation is the historical restoration of one or more housing systems. For example, a renovation of a kitchen returns it to the look, but maybe not the function, that the house had when new. Renovation restores. It may use modern plumbing and electrical components, but they will probably look like those available at the home's initial construction.
Repair
Repair is the functional restoration of a component within the home. For example, repairing a sink is neither a remodel nor a renovation. A repair simply makes the sink functions as it did when new. A repair renews the function of the component, in this case the sink.
Maintenance
Maintenance is the preventive replacement of components within a home. Maintenance preserves the functions of a component by replacing parts before they wear out. For example, maintenance to a floor means treating it with a wax or finish to minimize wear. It certainly isn't remodeling, renovation, or even repair. It is simply maintenance. Readmore »»
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Remodeling: Should You Do It?
You have 2 choices if you are committed to improving your home and lifestyles: First, tear your home down and start all over. Second, remodel or rehab part of the entire home. If you own a home with a good foundation or room to expand, the tear-down option could be an ideal solution. There can be complications, however:
Here are some of the issues renovating your current home may present:
- You have to move out and find temporary housing, at great expense and inconvenience.
- It will take at least 1 year to build a new home, assuming everything goes smoothly.
- The costs can be enormous - certainly $300 to $350 per square foot for new construction
- You lose the charm of the original home.
- There is the stress and hassle of being your own general contractor or hiring a full-service construction company.
- Finally, there are so many decisions to make; it can almost become a full-time job
Here are some of the issues renovating your current home may present:
- How much do you need or want to do and when? Do you bite the bullet and get it done at the same time?
- What are the physical limitations of the remodeling? You own only much land on which to build and the zoning laws might not allow a third story, restrict how much land coverage you can have, or enforce strict feet to area ratio.
- Do you really need all that you want done? It is possible to do too much and make the house too expensive for the neighborhood.
- Do you and your spouse agree on the priorities and the budget?
- Do you have to move our during the construction or can you live reasonably and safely while work is in progress?
- Can you manage more stress in your life?
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