Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
10 Tips for effective remodels
1.Stick to Your Home's Style
Any addition that complements the architecture of your home adds value. When renovating a traditional-style house, opt for classic styles like wooden banisters. These timeless details will blend in seamlessly, as if they've always been a part of the home.
2. Don't Overlook the Details
If you're thinking about resale, spend the time and money it takes to finish the trim work and molding in your home. Potential homebuyers will see a fixer-upper if these details are missing, so completing these projects is key if you want to sell your home for its full value.
3. Plan Your Project in Advance
It might be tempting to do a project in phases if you want to save money or just take it slow. But if you haven't planned the entire project ahead of time, you may do something that you'll have to go back and change later, which will cost you more money in the long run.
4. Work With What You Have
If your cabinets need an update, consider refacing or resurfacing them rather than replacing them. They're probably good quality if you live in an older home, and getting brand-new cabinets of the same quality can be costly. Refurbish what's already there, and you'll get a whole new look while saving a bundle.
5. Plan Your Demo
While it may be tempting to just grab a hammer and let loose during demolition, it's important to plan your demo just like every other phase of the project. As you're tearing things apart, know what's going and what's staying. If you just start ripping things down without a plan, you might trash something that you could have reused.
6.Save Cash With Reclaimed Materials
Repurposing old building materials and cabinetry is a great way to save a ton of money when remodeling. After a fresh coat of paint and new beadboard paneling, this reclaimed cabinet makes a great entryway bench – for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new, store-bought one. You can find great deals on materials at stores that sell reclaimed or surplus building materials.
7. Weigh Your Options on Energy Efficient Updates
Adding energy efficient features to your home is a great investment, but don't assume you have to make major upgrades to cut energy costs. New windows, for instance, can take up to 20 years to recoup the cost from energy savings, so it may be smarter to simply fill in air leaks around your existing windows. Consider how long you're going to live in the house to decide what will work best for you in the long run.
8.Add Storage on a BudgetStorage is a huge buzz word today – you can never have too much. If you want to increase your storage space but don't have a lot to spend, consider buying a customized storage system online. The systems are usually fairly inexpensive and are completely tailored to fit your space and your needs.
9. Remodel by the Rules
If you live in a condominium, the types of remodeling projects you can tackle might be limited. For instance, you may only be able to install a hardwood floor if you live on the lower level. Before you start remodeling, check with your condo association so you don't make any updates you'll have to replace in the long run. And no matter what type of home you live in, be sure to adhere to local building codes.
10.When in Doubt, Hire a Pro
DIY projects are a great way to save money, but if you find yourself guessing your way through your renovation, stop and hire a pro to do it. You'll save yourself the trouble and expense of having to hire someone to fix your mistakes in the long run.
Any addition that complements the architecture of your home adds value. When renovating a traditional-style house, opt for classic styles like wooden banisters. These timeless details will blend in seamlessly, as if they've always been a part of the home.
2. Don't Overlook the Details
If you're thinking about resale, spend the time and money it takes to finish the trim work and molding in your home. Potential homebuyers will see a fixer-upper if these details are missing, so completing these projects is key if you want to sell your home for its full value.
3. Plan Your Project in Advance
It might be tempting to do a project in phases if you want to save money or just take it slow. But if you haven't planned the entire project ahead of time, you may do something that you'll have to go back and change later, which will cost you more money in the long run.
4. Work With What You Have
If your cabinets need an update, consider refacing or resurfacing them rather than replacing them. They're probably good quality if you live in an older home, and getting brand-new cabinets of the same quality can be costly. Refurbish what's already there, and you'll get a whole new look while saving a bundle.
5. Plan Your Demo
While it may be tempting to just grab a hammer and let loose during demolition, it's important to plan your demo just like every other phase of the project. As you're tearing things apart, know what's going and what's staying. If you just start ripping things down without a plan, you might trash something that you could have reused.
6.Save Cash With Reclaimed Materials
Repurposing old building materials and cabinetry is a great way to save a ton of money when remodeling. After a fresh coat of paint and new beadboard paneling, this reclaimed cabinet makes a great entryway bench – for a fraction of the cost of a brand-new, store-bought one. You can find great deals on materials at stores that sell reclaimed or surplus building materials.
7. Weigh Your Options on Energy Efficient Updates
Adding energy efficient features to your home is a great investment, but don't assume you have to make major upgrades to cut energy costs. New windows, for instance, can take up to 20 years to recoup the cost from energy savings, so it may be smarter to simply fill in air leaks around your existing windows. Consider how long you're going to live in the house to decide what will work best for you in the long run.
8.Add Storage on a BudgetStorage is a huge buzz word today – you can never have too much. If you want to increase your storage space but don't have a lot to spend, consider buying a customized storage system online. The systems are usually fairly inexpensive and are completely tailored to fit your space and your needs.
9. Remodel by the Rules
If you live in a condominium, the types of remodeling projects you can tackle might be limited. For instance, you may only be able to install a hardwood floor if you live on the lower level. Before you start remodeling, check with your condo association so you don't make any updates you'll have to replace in the long run. And no matter what type of home you live in, be sure to adhere to local building codes.
10.When in Doubt, Hire a Pro
DIY projects are a great way to save money, but if you find yourself guessing your way through your renovation, stop and hire a pro to do it. You'll save yourself the trouble and expense of having to hire someone to fix your mistakes in the long run.
Friday, July 8, 2011
5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market
1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.
2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.
3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.
4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.
5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Poll: 9 in 10 Americans Value Home Ownership
While nearly one-quarter of home owners owe more on their home than it’s currently worth, Americans still see the value in home ownership and still consider it part of the American dream.
Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home ownership is an important part of the American dream, according to the latest New York Times and CBS News poll conducted June 24-28 of 979 adults.
Overall, the majority of Americans polled also said the government should do more to help improve the housing market, and they mostly blame financial institutions for the sluggish housing market.
Here are some of the findings from the poll:
▪ 54 percent of those polled say the government should be doing more to improve the housing market. Only 16 percent say the government should be doing less. In fact, support for helping people who are facing financial distress from housing is higher than support for helping those who have been unemployed for several months.
53 percent say the government should help in providing financial assistance to those who are having trouble paying their mortgages.
▪ Nearly no one surveyed was in favor of discontinuing the mortgage interest tax deduction, which government leaders have been eyeing as part of budget cuts. (Learn more.)
▪ 42 percent of respondents blame lenders and 29 percent blame regulators for the housing crash.
▪ About 66 percent of Americans say strategic default — that is, when underwater home owners stop making payments on their mortgage even though they have the means to keep paying — is not justified. Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed say strategic default is justified.
Source: “Despite Fears, Owning Home Retains Allure, Poll Shows,” The New York Times (June 29, 2011)
Nearly nine in 10 Americans say home ownership is an important part of the American dream, according to the latest New York Times and CBS News poll conducted June 24-28 of 979 adults.
Overall, the majority of Americans polled also said the government should do more to help improve the housing market, and they mostly blame financial institutions for the sluggish housing market.
Here are some of the findings from the poll:
▪ 54 percent of those polled say the government should be doing more to improve the housing market. Only 16 percent say the government should be doing less. In fact, support for helping people who are facing financial distress from housing is higher than support for helping those who have been unemployed for several months.
53 percent say the government should help in providing financial assistance to those who are having trouble paying their mortgages.
▪ Nearly no one surveyed was in favor of discontinuing the mortgage interest tax deduction, which government leaders have been eyeing as part of budget cuts. (Learn more.)
▪ 42 percent of respondents blame lenders and 29 percent blame regulators for the housing crash.
▪ About 66 percent of Americans say strategic default — that is, when underwater home owners stop making payments on their mortgage even though they have the means to keep paying — is not justified. Nearly 30 percent of those surveyed say strategic default is justified.
Source: “Despite Fears, Owning Home Retains Allure, Poll Shows,” The New York Times (June 29, 2011)
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