August 31, 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 15, 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 28, 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Replace outdated kitchen appliances with new ones - Many real estate professionals believe [...]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 8, 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 18, 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 29, 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 12, 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 9, 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 [...]
January 31, 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 [...]
January 4, 2010
- 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 [...]
September 7, 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 24, 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 [...]
June 9, 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 [...]
February 25, 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 [...]
December 29, 2008
- 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 [...]
November 7, 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 [...]
October 10, 2008
- Remodeling? Five Questions to Ask
Remodeling? Five Questions to Ask
Before making any big changes to your home you should ask yourself these big questions:
How long do I plan to stay in my house after the renovations? The longer you plan to live there, the more creative you can be. But if you're planning on selling the house in the next [...]
August 27, 2008
- Tankless Water Heaters: Are They Right For You?
Tankless Water Heaters: Are They Right For You?
If you're in the market to replace a water heater, now may be a good time to consider a tankless variety.
After getting over the initial phobia of not having hot water sitting in a tank waiting for you to use (and wasting a lot of electricity at the [...]
August 16, 2008
- Housing Upgrades That Don't Pay
Housing Upgrades That Don't Pay
Before you dive into a major renovation project to give a house your special signature, consider how long you're likely to stay in the house.
A lot of people get into trouble by going into a home they're only going to be in for a relatively short period of time, and they [...]
July 23, 2008
- Biggest Water Wasters
Biggest Water Wasters
Are you flushing water (and money) down the toilet every month? You may not think you're a water waster, but maybe you should find out:
Stacy Johnson has more in this short 1:31 video…
So how much water are you wasting every month? Any other ideas for saving water and/or electricity? Tell us about them… [...]
