A home purchase is probably one of the biggest investments that an individual, or a family for that matter, would ever make in their lifetime. Some may settle for such an investment only once in their lives, conduct home renovation or home remodeling projects from time to time, then stick to the property for a very long time. Some people may be blessed more than others and would have more opportunities to upgrade their current abode to a bigger and much better unit or property. Others, such as entrepreneurs and investors, may consider buying and selling homes a lucrative business and would do this often and on a regular basis.
The current financial crisis has put a dent to the housing industry and has affected median home prices tremendously, whether you are located in California or in Boston, Massachusetts. The market is now more competitive than ever as a rash of foreclosure properties are also vying for positions in the market. The only option left to homeowners is to increase the value of their homes in order to compete in the market. The best way for them to have such an increase is through home renovation.
People looking for a new home are not only looking at the price tags prospective homes carry but on several other factors. Most would try to look at such factors and elements whenever they conduct ocular inspections on a prospective home, and most would simply be turned off and walk away if they see that the home they are looking at failed to satisfy their expectations.
The following home improvement tips focus on certain areas in the home that most home buyers would take into consideration in their home selection process.
Home Renovation Tips that Can Increase Your Home Value
* Curb appeal or what the external areas in your house would look like would be the first window that prospective homebuyers would look for in a home. Great landscaping and an awesome lawn never fails to catch the attention of people passing by and those seeking for a new home would definitely want to set foot inside a home with a great looking exterior such as the one you have.
* Part of the curb appeal that homes could give to prospective buyers would be the external sections of the house. An intrinsic part of your home renovation work should also focus on the exteriors of the house including walls, windows, terraces, etc. Home improvements may include repainting of surfaces or a complete change of exterior material including stone or marble.
* A big increase to your home value can be achieved by improving your roof. Investing on a totally new roof would not be such a bad idea if you have the finances for it. The quick returns in terms of raising the home value significantly may be well worth the investment.
* From the exteriors, your home remodeling project to increase the value of your home should now move to the interiors. Walls and other surfaces would be the first eye-catchers so you definitely have to invest in repainting, change of materials or enhancing surfaces and countertops.
* Home renovation would not be complete if there would be no significant change in the flooring. It would be wise to consider moving away from the use of carpets and linoleum as floor covering and move on to ceramic tiles, stone, laminated floors or the natural beauty of hardwood. Such changes would swell your home value significantly.
* Kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling are some focus areas that you would need to consider to drastically lift the value of your home and catapult it to the next level. Custom home builders can help you design and build such awesome changes in your home that can be competitive against most modern and stylish homes.
Home renovation will definitely cost the homeowners a significant amount for investment but the returns would be far more significant in terms of raising the value of the home to a much higher level.
Roger James Martin is a fully licensed General Contractor and Team Leader for Divisions Unlimited Inc, an environmentally conscious Custom Home Builder specializing in new custom home construction, custom home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and bathroom remodeling for residential or light commercial properties.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_James_Martin
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Kitchen Renovation Cost Estimate from Peter West
Want to improve your home’s value? A kitchen home improvement produces one of the top return on investments. It can add value to your home in the range of 112%. Although, a kitchen renovation can greatly increase your home value, the renovation can be quite costly ranging from $15,000 to $100,000.
A good way to manage these costs is to get a good kitchen renovation estimate. When setting out to renovate, there are often hidden costs that can creep up and sink your budget. A wise idea is to create your kitchen renovation cost estimate at 15% of your home value.
It can be difficult to stick to your budget and keep it under. Research, planning and a solid kitchen renovation estimate can help you to keep costs down. A good place to start is with a middle of the road estimate at about $45,000 for a $250,000 home. Adding 20% cushion to your kitchen renovation cost estimate will cover you if anything sudden arises. Items like kitchen cabinets, appliances and countertops are the highest priced in a renovation along with flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware. Electrical, plumbing and gas add to the costs, making the kitchen renovation a much pricier change than any other room in the house.
Your kitchen renovation estimate should be your guide. Everything else should be documented and added as things come up. Begin with your absolute necessities and things you cannot live without. Then move to your most desired items such as workflow in your kitchen meals when preparing meals or type of materials used for your countertops, cabinets and flooring. After that you can add in your “wish list” such as a television, computer, kitchen nook, bay window, etc. A kitchen renovation cost estimate can and should include everything at first with your cushion. Keep a separate spreadsheet of items you would like to add and add them if you can.
Another thing to take into consideration in your kitchen renovation estimate is your family size, your entertainment style, your frequent guests and your work station for food preparation. If you have a large family you will want to have enough space in the kitchen. If you entertain a lot, a big table with lots of counter space is nice. If you love to cook and cook a lot, design your kitchen with appliances that are strategically placed for optimum production.
A refrigerator all the way across the room from the sink or counter tops makes for repeated trips and unnecessary steps. It can be costly when moving appliances adding to plumbing and gas costs plus electricity, but it can be well worth it. The kitchen renovation cost estimate tracks all of this for you and makes it easy to see whether you really want those granite countertops versus stainless steel appliances, whether you want to move the refrigerator closer to the sink and counters, or whether you must have that television and couch in the kitchen. Whatever makes you happy and is cost effective is what you should do.
Article Tags: Kitchen Renovation Cost, Renovation Cost Estimate, Kitchen Renovation Estimate, Kitchen Renovation, Renovation Cost, Cost Estimate, Renovation Estimate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.
A good way to manage these costs is to get a good kitchen renovation estimate. When setting out to renovate, there are often hidden costs that can creep up and sink your budget. A wise idea is to create your kitchen renovation cost estimate at 15% of your home value.
It can be difficult to stick to your budget and keep it under. Research, planning and a solid kitchen renovation estimate can help you to keep costs down. A good place to start is with a middle of the road estimate at about $45,000 for a $250,000 home. Adding 20% cushion to your kitchen renovation cost estimate will cover you if anything sudden arises. Items like kitchen cabinets, appliances and countertops are the highest priced in a renovation along with flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware. Electrical, plumbing and gas add to the costs, making the kitchen renovation a much pricier change than any other room in the house.
Your kitchen renovation estimate should be your guide. Everything else should be documented and added as things come up. Begin with your absolute necessities and things you cannot live without. Then move to your most desired items such as workflow in your kitchen meals when preparing meals or type of materials used for your countertops, cabinets and flooring. After that you can add in your “wish list” such as a television, computer, kitchen nook, bay window, etc. A kitchen renovation cost estimate can and should include everything at first with your cushion. Keep a separate spreadsheet of items you would like to add and add them if you can.
Another thing to take into consideration in your kitchen renovation estimate is your family size, your entertainment style, your frequent guests and your work station for food preparation. If you have a large family you will want to have enough space in the kitchen. If you entertain a lot, a big table with lots of counter space is nice. If you love to cook and cook a lot, design your kitchen with appliances that are strategically placed for optimum production.
A refrigerator all the way across the room from the sink or counter tops makes for repeated trips and unnecessary steps. It can be costly when moving appliances adding to plumbing and gas costs plus electricity, but it can be well worth it. The kitchen renovation cost estimate tracks all of this for you and makes it easy to see whether you really want those granite countertops versus stainless steel appliances, whether you want to move the refrigerator closer to the sink and counters, or whether you must have that television and couch in the kitchen. Whatever makes you happy and is cost effective is what you should do.
Article Tags: Kitchen Renovation Cost, Renovation Cost Estimate, Kitchen Renovation Estimate, Kitchen Renovation, Renovation Cost, Cost Estimate, Renovation Estimate
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs - A Great Option For Many People
With high costs in our everyday lives it is no wonder that people are opting for do-it-yourself home repairs. It is amazing how much money you can save by doing this type of work yourself and not only the saving of money but you will also come away with great satisfaction that you have done the job yourself. With saying this I must stress that it does not suit everyone to take this option. There are some and always will be those that will never be the kind of individuals to do this but for most it can be achieved.
You only have to watch television and see how many of these programs exist today. They are on all the time showing you how to fix this and how to build that. Most of these shows also offer their information on their websites or in booklet form so you can follow their directions. They will give you advice on the best places to buy your supplies and what equipment that you should use. Before you do take on any job on your own you need to get yourself up to date on safety issues. It is amazing how many accidents happen in and around the home especially by someone that is participating in do-it-yourself home repairs.
If you are someone who is a capable handyman and can competently complete major jobs around the home then you must also realize that there are jobs that you should not be doing even though you think you can. I am speaking of anything electrical. You must use the services of a registered electrical contractor that can guarantee his work. This is of the utmost importance. This also goes for gas fittings; once again you need to use a professional to do this work safely.
Other than this you can do just about anything you wish. There are plenty of classes that are on offer to help you with particular work. Some of these maybe for building a timber deck, building a retaining wall for the garden, renovating the inside of your home including knocking out walls, replacing windows, re doing floors, renovating kitchens or bathrooms. The list is endless.
One important thing to remember is that you should only do one job at a time. So many people start one job then another before they finish the first one. Then it escalates and before they know it their house is a wreck with nothing finished. This is not only frustrating but it can become a very dangerous area to live in especially if there are children in the home as well.
So if you are someone intending to some do-it-yourself home repairs then think about what I have said before you start. Do some homework and plan what you are going to do. Think about your finances, lifestyle and what spare time you have to do it in. Then buy what you need including safety wear and make sure your tools are in good safe working order and go for it.
You only have to watch television and see how many of these programs exist today. They are on all the time showing you how to fix this and how to build that. Most of these shows also offer their information on their websites or in booklet form so you can follow their directions. They will give you advice on the best places to buy your supplies and what equipment that you should use. Before you do take on any job on your own you need to get yourself up to date on safety issues. It is amazing how many accidents happen in and around the home especially by someone that is participating in do-it-yourself home repairs.
If you are someone who is a capable handyman and can competently complete major jobs around the home then you must also realize that there are jobs that you should not be doing even though you think you can. I am speaking of anything electrical. You must use the services of a registered electrical contractor that can guarantee his work. This is of the utmost importance. This also goes for gas fittings; once again you need to use a professional to do this work safely.
Other than this you can do just about anything you wish. There are plenty of classes that are on offer to help you with particular work. Some of these maybe for building a timber deck, building a retaining wall for the garden, renovating the inside of your home including knocking out walls, replacing windows, re doing floors, renovating kitchens or bathrooms. The list is endless.
One important thing to remember is that you should only do one job at a time. So many people start one job then another before they finish the first one. Then it escalates and before they know it their house is a wreck with nothing finished. This is not only frustrating but it can become a very dangerous area to live in especially if there are children in the home as well.
So if you are someone intending to some do-it-yourself home repairs then think about what I have said before you start. Do some homework and plan what you are going to do. Think about your finances, lifestyle and what spare time you have to do it in. Then buy what you need including safety wear and make sure your tools are in good safe working order and go for it.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Decorating Country Style by DORIAN RAMSEY
When choosing a theme or style for decorating your home, there are many to choose from. One of the most popular decorating themes today is country home decorating. Perhaps it is the most popular because it provides an inviting atmosphere and overall friendly feeling. Country home decorating, because of its warm environment, is enjoyed by the people who live there as well as all those who visit.
As with any home decorating project, a homeowner must first decide where they want to use country home decorating. Some people choose to use this theme throughout their entire home while other decide to use country home decorating focusing on just one or two rooms, for example the kitchen and the living room. Because this style is meant for people who enjoy simplicity and the nature, some homeowners may decide to carry the country decorating theme through the entire living space.
Country home decorating combines colors which are clean and bright with country furniture and accessories. When choosing colors for country home decorating, light to medium shades of white, yellow, pink, green or brown are good choices. Colors should reflect a rustic feeling. To add to the painted walls, a homeowner or decorator may decide to use stencils with country character such as flowers or plants, fruits or vegetables. Wallpaper boarders are also often used in country home decorating. It is fine to use these additions but the rule of thumb is - to make sure the patterns do not clash.
In keeping with a rustic and simple theme, country home decorating uses wood - natural wood. When deciding on a material for a country floor, natural wood is a nice choice. Of course using natural wood throughout a large area can be costly. If looking for a less-expensive way to give floors a country look, a light shade of carpet might be considered or laminate flooring. These options would also work well with the country home decorating theme. Other suggestions for country floors are flagstone or tile. Some homeowners, if they're really creative, decorate their floors with stencils and create patterns. Another great way to jazz up a space is to use area rugs. In keeping with the country home decorating theme, those with an authentic look create a warm and cozy feeling. Hooked, quilted and braided rugs make beautiful additions to a country floor.
When choosing furniture to compliment country home decorating, light wood or wicker is suggested. Again, these materials reflect the beauty of nature. If a homeowner or decorator decides fabric would accent their furniture, such as cushions or slip covers, floral patterns or checkered fabrics add to the authentic look.
Accessorizing a space always adds to its beauty. When buying accessories to fit in with a country home decorating theme, it is good to keep in mind the type of atmosphere you are trying to create, a warm and inviting space. Simplicity goes a long way in country home decorating. It is recommended to never use too many decorations and choose accessories that family and friends will enjoy. Photos in simple wooden frames, plain mirrors, plants and scented candles dress up country home decorating. Window treatments should also be simple. Lace or shutters give a cozy country feel. Country home decorating can be interesting and fun. Perhaps the main detail to keep in mind is simplicity. Try not to over-decorate, remember too many patterns will clash. Too many decorations will eliminate the amount of space in a room. Country home decorating creates a relaxing and friendly environment, meant to be warm and cozy
As with any home decorating project, a homeowner must first decide where they want to use country home decorating. Some people choose to use this theme throughout their entire home while other decide to use country home decorating focusing on just one or two rooms, for example the kitchen and the living room. Because this style is meant for people who enjoy simplicity and the nature, some homeowners may decide to carry the country decorating theme through the entire living space.
Country home decorating combines colors which are clean and bright with country furniture and accessories. When choosing colors for country home decorating, light to medium shades of white, yellow, pink, green or brown are good choices. Colors should reflect a rustic feeling. To add to the painted walls, a homeowner or decorator may decide to use stencils with country character such as flowers or plants, fruits or vegetables. Wallpaper boarders are also often used in country home decorating. It is fine to use these additions but the rule of thumb is - to make sure the patterns do not clash.
In keeping with a rustic and simple theme, country home decorating uses wood - natural wood. When deciding on a material for a country floor, natural wood is a nice choice. Of course using natural wood throughout a large area can be costly. If looking for a less-expensive way to give floors a country look, a light shade of carpet might be considered or laminate flooring. These options would also work well with the country home decorating theme. Other suggestions for country floors are flagstone or tile. Some homeowners, if they're really creative, decorate their floors with stencils and create patterns. Another great way to jazz up a space is to use area rugs. In keeping with the country home decorating theme, those with an authentic look create a warm and cozy feeling. Hooked, quilted and braided rugs make beautiful additions to a country floor.
When choosing furniture to compliment country home decorating, light wood or wicker is suggested. Again, these materials reflect the beauty of nature. If a homeowner or decorator decides fabric would accent their furniture, such as cushions or slip covers, floral patterns or checkered fabrics add to the authentic look.
Accessorizing a space always adds to its beauty. When buying accessories to fit in with a country home decorating theme, it is good to keep in mind the type of atmosphere you are trying to create, a warm and inviting space. Simplicity goes a long way in country home decorating. It is recommended to never use too many decorations and choose accessories that family and friends will enjoy. Photos in simple wooden frames, plain mirrors, plants and scented candles dress up country home decorating. Window treatments should also be simple. Lace or shutters give a cozy country feel. Country home decorating can be interesting and fun. Perhaps the main detail to keep in mind is simplicity. Try not to over-decorate, remember too many patterns will clash. Too many decorations will eliminate the amount of space in a room. Country home decorating creates a relaxing and friendly environment, meant to be warm and cozy
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Renovating - Is it Fattening by Julie Ann Hind
For several years I renovated properties for profit. It started when we were about to start building our house and my husband said we should buy a small place and renovate it, instead of renting. After I picked myself up of the floor and restrained myself from laughing, I thought it was crazy but financially smart. So the renovating began and continued with several other properties. Of course, I would not recommend building and renovating at the same time to any sane person.
During those years of renovating I always found it strange that I would put on weight instead of losing weight. I was certainly exerting enough energy. When I say I was renovating it was not a case of directing the tradesmen, I did the majority of the work and only called in a tradesmen when necessary. So why the weight gain?
With all the energy being used I did increase my appetite substantially. I needed food to create some energy so I could get through the work. Of course, the favourite craving was for something sugary - something to give you that boost. I did eventually learn that protein was my friend and a chicken and salad sandwich for lunch was better than a peanut paste sandwich.
At the end of the day after renovating, checking on the new house and usually arguing with the building supervisor (whose favourite saying was "Can you live with it?" to which I would answer "I want what is on the plans and in the contract" - but I digress). So at the end of the day I was exhausted physically and thanks to the difficult building supervisor emotionally. And then there is dinner to be prepared. I must confess Dominoes Pizza knew our address very well - too well. But it is hard to cook for your family when you just want to sleep. And forget the idea of any additional exercise - you would think climbing up and down a ladder all day was enough.
Perhaps the final factor in the weight gain was simply stress. Renovating can be a very stressful experience. Your home is chaotic and messy, there are thousands of decisions to be made, tradesmen to deal with and so much work to do. And stress makes you put on weight. When stressed the body can increase the levels of cortisol and result in weight gain, especially around the abdomen. This sounds like a better excuse than too much pizza.
The most difficult room to renovate is the kitchen. Not only do you have all the difficulties already mentioned with renovating but now you have nowhere to cook, wash dishes, store your food and crockery etc. It is extremely inconvenient. Of course, it is the perfect excuse to eat out every night or have take way. You can see those inches being added to your waistline already.
So is the answer not to renovate? Absolutely not, creating a warm and comfortable home for your family is important. My solution hire tradesmen, preferably even a project manager and let deal with all the problems. It does not eliminate all the issues that can result in weight gain but it does mean your not going to be exhausted and asleep on the couch by 7.30pm.
Have you had a similar experience when renovating?
Join us at Decorating Forum. We would love to chat with you about your renovations, decorating and building your home.
http://www.decoratingforum.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Hind
During those years of renovating I always found it strange that I would put on weight instead of losing weight. I was certainly exerting enough energy. When I say I was renovating it was not a case of directing the tradesmen, I did the majority of the work and only called in a tradesmen when necessary. So why the weight gain?
With all the energy being used I did increase my appetite substantially. I needed food to create some energy so I could get through the work. Of course, the favourite craving was for something sugary - something to give you that boost. I did eventually learn that protein was my friend and a chicken and salad sandwich for lunch was better than a peanut paste sandwich.
At the end of the day after renovating, checking on the new house and usually arguing with the building supervisor (whose favourite saying was "Can you live with it?" to which I would answer "I want what is on the plans and in the contract" - but I digress). So at the end of the day I was exhausted physically and thanks to the difficult building supervisor emotionally. And then there is dinner to be prepared. I must confess Dominoes Pizza knew our address very well - too well. But it is hard to cook for your family when you just want to sleep. And forget the idea of any additional exercise - you would think climbing up and down a ladder all day was enough.
Perhaps the final factor in the weight gain was simply stress. Renovating can be a very stressful experience. Your home is chaotic and messy, there are thousands of decisions to be made, tradesmen to deal with and so much work to do. And stress makes you put on weight. When stressed the body can increase the levels of cortisol and result in weight gain, especially around the abdomen. This sounds like a better excuse than too much pizza.
The most difficult room to renovate is the kitchen. Not only do you have all the difficulties already mentioned with renovating but now you have nowhere to cook, wash dishes, store your food and crockery etc. It is extremely inconvenient. Of course, it is the perfect excuse to eat out every night or have take way. You can see those inches being added to your waistline already.
So is the answer not to renovate? Absolutely not, creating a warm and comfortable home for your family is important. My solution hire tradesmen, preferably even a project manager and let deal with all the problems. It does not eliminate all the issues that can result in weight gain but it does mean your not going to be exhausted and asleep on the couch by 7.30pm.
Have you had a similar experience when renovating?
Join us at Decorating Forum. We would love to chat with you about your renovations, decorating and building your home.
http://www.decoratingforum.com.au
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julie-Ann_Hind
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