Sometimes it’s just a matter of turning a decorating “don’t” into a “do” to make close quarters feel a whole lot bigger. Here, top designers and HGTV stars share their favorite insider tricks.
Tag Archives: improvements
2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value: Less Is More
Smaller replacement projects, particularly those that enhance curb appeal, remain the most cost effective way for sellers to improve value.
With home price gains slowing in most parts of the country, sellers will be looking for ways to get top dollar for their listing. Cleaning and staging make a big difference. But for some sellers—such as investors seeking to bring a property up to neighborhood standards before the sale—remodeling work may be the ticket.
As the 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report makes clear, large-scale jobs aren’t likely to return sellers their full cost. But there are improvements worth doing in anticipation of an upcoming sale. Some will return almost 100 percent of their cost. Others may not have as great a payback, but they can improve the market position of the property in relation to the competition. (Think about the impact of beautiful kitchen photos on online home shoppers.) In addition, several pricier projects can provide owners with a few years of enjoyment while still offering a decent payback down the road.
More Home Owners Are Remodeling Again
A housing index that measures activity in the remodeling market reached a record-high in the final quarter of 2014, showing that home owners are once again sprucing up their homes following a large slowdown in remodeling activity in the years following the Great Recession.
The National Association of Home Builders’ Remodeling Market Index rose to 60 in the fourth quarter of 2014. Any reading above 50 indicates more remodelers are reporting higher market activity than those who say they are experiencing less activity.
21 Hot Housing Trends for 2015
Everyone wants to be hip, and the latest trends in design can help distinguish one home from another. And it’s not all flash; many new home fads are geared to pare maintenance and energy use and deliver information faster. Here’s a look at what’s coming…
10 Easy Paint Projects That Will Make a Big Impact
Color is one of the most important decorating decisions, and paint plays a big part of this. These affordable ideas can transform your space in just one weekend.
5 Best Values for Your Home Improvement Dollar
If you’re considering having some remodeling done, it pays to know what will add the most value to your house. Here are some of the best ways to spend your hard-earned home improvement dollars…
5 Front Yard Landscaping Tips that will WOW Buyers
Your front yard is the red carpet inviting buyers into the beauty that is your home. If it’s rugged, messy and unkempt, buyers will take one look and then keep on driving to the next property on their list. Don’t let that happen by making your front yard luscious and as amazing as the inside of your home.
What areas should you focus on in your front yard? Where do you start? To help you break down the revitalization of your front yard, here are the steps you should take…
Choosing the Right Surface Material for Your Patio
A patio can enhance the time you spend outdoors, add value to your home and save you money on landscaping maintenance. Just the thought of a patio evokes images of sun-drenched afternoons, relaxing evenings, cocktails and fireflies. In almost every case, a patio is a very attainable DIY project, as long as you plan well and choose wisely. The task is made more difficult, however, by the huge range of available materials, colors and patterns. Before you start a patio building project, it’s important to research your options and determine which material best suits your needs and abilities.
A Kitchen Clean Up Pays When Selling Your Home
When it comes to selling a home, a kitchen clean up pays. You don’t have to do an expensive remodel to make your kitchen appealing to buyers. If you’re starting with a good kitchen space, then making a few inexpensive modifications can help you get your home noticed and sell for more money.
Choosing a New Hot Water Heater
Save energy and avoid the risk of leaks by replacing your hot water heater. With new technology and tax credits on efficient models, now is the time!
Managing The Real Estate Details 