September 3, 2010
- 4 Things to Consider Before You Remodel
Home remodeling is on the rise. And no wonder. Owners having trouble selling their homes in this sluggish real estate market want to give them as much buyer appeal as they can afford.
Others are deciding if they can't move, they might as well make the most of the house they may be calling home for [...]
August 22, 2010
- Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Living Space
Decks and patios not only provide a space for outdoor entertaining, they can also increase your home’s curb or external appeal. But before you start construction, spend some time thinking about what you're looking for in an outdoor space. The wrong deck or patio can become unused space and an eyesore. The good news is, [...]
August 13, 2010
- Designing a Eco-Friendly Kitchen
Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Many remodelers are going green. Here are some ideas you might want to consider for your eco-friendly kitchen.
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July 19, 2010
- Home Improvements: Projects To Help Raise Property Values
Home Improvements: Projects To Help Raise Property Values
Some improvements you make in your home add value, others simply add enjoyment value. Here are a few projects that will help raise the actual appraised value of your home when the time comes to sell.
Replace outdated kitchen appliances with new ones - Many real estate professionals believe [...]
June 10, 2010
- 7 Home Improvements NOT to Make
7 Home Improvements NOT to Make
Many homeowners buy a home with renovations in mind. Before you start knocking down walls, make sure you are aware of the renovation’s return on investment. Every situation is different, but here are 7 renovations that may not pay you back when it’s time to sell:Home Office Remodel – According [...]
May 12, 2010
- Homeowners Spending More on Home Improvements
Homeowners Spending More on Home Improvements
Home improvement projects are starting to make a comeback after frugal consumers pulled the plug on remodeling and renovation work during the downturn.
With the economy showing signs of stabilizing and retailers and contractors continuing to offer good deals, homeowners are sprucing up their homes’ appearance and value by repainting their [...]
March 30, 2010
- Keep Your Home Lead-Safe
Keep Your Home Lead-Safe
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is making homeowners aware of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulations that will take effect April 22, 2010, requiring remodelers working in homes built before 1978 to follow practices designed to minimize the exposure of residents to lead [...]
March 3, 2010
- Ways to Save on Home Remodeling
Ways to Save on Home Remodeling
Here are some simple tips to help you save money when remodelng your home.Have any other interesting ways to save money on home remodeling costs? Share them with our readers by leaving us a comment below. We'd love to hear your ideas.
February 12, 2010
- Make Sure Remodeling Pays Off
Make Sure Remodeling Pays Off
Just a few years ago you could count on getting the bulk of your money back for almost any home-improvement project you took on. Today merely replacing a toilet seat can feel like throwing caution, and cash, to the wind. According to a study from Remodeling magazine, the average return on [...]
February 2, 2010
- Home Improvements on a Budget
Home Improvements on a Budget
There are many first time homeowners these days, due in part to the first time homebuyer tax credits. And for most new homeowners, home improvements are not something you might have a lot of experience in. Chances are your first home isn't perfect, which means you may be considering making some [...]
December 22, 2009
- Remodeling: Costs Are Up, Returns Are Down
Remodeling: Costs Are Up, Returns Are Down
Home remodelers are getting less bang for their bucks. For the fourth straight year, renovation jobs have added less to resale values relative to their costs, according to an annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report released recently by the National Association of Realtors.
One common renovation, a mid-priced bath remodel, for [...]
October 5, 2009
- Home Repairs That Actually Add Value
Home Repairs That Actually Add Value
Even if home repair jobs add value to your house, only a few get back the money spent to do them.
It is the highly visible repairs that will help most. Unfortunately, the less obvious ones don't attract much attention.
New energy-saving doors and windows are not likely to [...]
August 28, 2009
- Primary Home Upgrades Qualify for Tax Credit
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Primary Home Upgrades Qualify for Tax Credit
Federal tax credits are available for homeowners making energy efficiency improvements to their existing primary homes as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Tax credits of up to $1,500 are available for existing homes in 2009 and 2010 for windows [...]
July 31, 2009
- Money-Saving Tips for Adding Value to Your Home
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Money-Saving Tips for Adding Value to Your Home
Inexpensive projects like these can add a whole lot of value and efficiency to your most important asset – your home.
1 - Unplug: Plugged in toasters, coffee-makers, TVs and other electronic devices in your home actually use a small amount of electricity [...]
July 3, 2009
- 5 Cheap Do-It-Yourself Repairs
5 Cheap Do-It-Yourself Repairs
In today's economy, everyone is looking for ways to save money. Here are 5 cheap home repairs you can make today that will save money tomorrow. (Video runs 1:29)Have questions or comments? Use the comment link below. Your email address will never be published with your comment for your privacy and protection.
June 17, 2009
- How to Haggle With a Contractor
How to Haggle With a Contractor
When it comes to home improvement, haggling on price can be risky. Even if contractors are more willing to lower their prices nowadays, they're still liable to get angry and cut corners on the job.
So how can you haggle with your contractor and not sacrifice on the quality of the [...]
March 22, 2009
- Is Now the Time to Remodel?
Is Now the Time to Remodel?
While selling your home may be tough, remodeling it has gotten easier and adds value… which then makes it easier to sell. But be careful, there are some rip-off artists out there waiting to take your home improvement project on… (video runs 1:33)…We'd love to hear your feedback. Planning to [...]
February 28, 2009
- Remodeling: Which Area is Best?
Remodeling: Which Area is Best?
Thinking of remodeling your home? Trends and times have changed. It used to be that the best place to invest your remodeling dollars was in the kitchen or bathroom updating. But to make your renovation dollar go furthest, focus on the part of the house everyone sees first.
Replace or repair your [...]
January 8, 2009
- Appliances: When to Repair - When to Replace
Appliances: When to Repair - When to Replace
The hot water is no more, or the furnace makes you pull out the blankets. Perhaps your washing machine just spun it's final load.
The question becomes, Fix it, or junk it?
If an electronic device cost less than $200, junk it without further thought. Repairing a relatively inexpensive item [...]
October 28, 2008
- True Costs of Home Improvements
True Costs of Home Improvements
How do you decide when hiring a contractor is the right way to go versus doing it yourself?
Money Editor Stacy Johnson looks at this question in this short video (runs 1:34)…Any comments about doing it yourself versus hiring a contractor? We'd love to hear your thoughts. Just click the comment link [...]
