August 29, 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 20, 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 26, 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Replace outdated kitchen appliances with new ones - Many real estate professionals believe [...]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 6, 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 17, 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 28, 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 9, 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 8, 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 30, 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 2, 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 30, 2009
- Home Repairs That Actually Add Value
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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 [...]
September 5, 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 25, 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 12, 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 16, 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 [...]
May 24, 2009
- 3 Ways to Reduce Property Repair Costs
3 Ways to Reduce Property Repair Costs
One of the best ways to keep costs down on real estate repairs is to do the work and maintenance yourself. That works … unless you don't have the time or necessary skills. In those cases, you'll have to hire someone to do the work.
Here's how to do it [...]
February 24, 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 7, 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 [...]
November 4, 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 6, 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 [...]
