Do you enjoy a theater quality experience from the comfort of your own home? Does your kitchen resemble that of the finest restaurants? If you answered “yes” then you’re among the growing number of discerning consumers who consider themselves “prosumers.”
As cooler temperatures approach, more homeowners are turning to value-driven renovation projects that will warm up their space and withstand the test of time. Refreshing your outdoor siding not only adds curb appeal but overall home value.
Smart sellers know that taking extra steps to care for and present a home’s exterior is a worthwhile investment, particularly during the real estate off-season. There is one improvement you can make that will help boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.
The beginning of the year is a great time to make positive changes in your home. While many will wait until March to embrace “spring cleaning” season and make home improvements, a few simple changes can be made now to help you conserve energy and start saving money right away. Here are some steps that can help lower energy consumption – and associated costs – in your home this month and throughout the year.
With cold temperatures requiring more time spent indoors, homeowners may wonder whether they have enough space to accommodate their families, pets and guests all winter long. Additions can be notoriously time-consuming and costly, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel cramped in your current space. To add livable square footage to your existing home, look to a space you may not be using to its full potential: the basement.
Weekend warriors rule as 2013 is proving to be the year that the do-it-yourself trend reaches full momentum. If you have a weekend to spare, you have plenty of time to make some home improvements that add value and curb appeal. The key is to choose projects that have a big impact, but only take a few days to complete.
It seems consumers want to customize just about everything these days. Why? Because they can. Advances in online capabilities and a growing desire to make life’s experiences uniquely our own are changing the way we shop, cook and eat.
Driven by a growing senior population, soldiers returning home injured from war and the ongoing obesity epidemic, mobility and home accessibility issues are becoming more commonplace in America. In response, companies today are creating innovative home solutions that focus on both improved form and function, and serve to create welcome alternatives to traditional solutions for homeowners with mobility and home access challenges.
To design a kitchen that meets the multiple needs of today’s modern family, including standing up to its daily wear and tear without breaking the bank, homeowners can transform their kitchens with a few tips and tricks from interior design experts and companies that have created more durable and affordable yet equally beautiful products.
Across the country, cypress siding is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who are looking to add value, durability, and a lifetime of good looks to their homes.
It’s most likely one of the top reasons you’ve been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel – you’re not sure where to begin. What should the decor be like? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will you incorporate any water-saving faucets or fixtures? And, with all the decisions to make, will it all look good together and still perform well?
The average winter temperature in 25 U.S. states is below freezing, according to the National Climatic Data Center, and that can be very harmful to concrete surfaces left unprotected by homeowners. The repeated freezing and thawing that occurs due to changes in daytime and nighttime temperatures during the winter can cause concrete to crack and flake. Homeowners should repair and protect surfaces now to avoid costly projects in the spring.
Year after year, no matter the state of the housing market, kitchen remodeling remains a good idea. The project perennially tops lists of value-for-your-money home improvements and almost every buyer will be attracted to a kitchen that’s updated and move-in ready. If you’ve put off dreams of a new kitchen because you think it’s unaffordable, you might want to reconsider the changes you can make with your own two hands.
That time of year is almost here – pro football championship Sunday. According to the National Chicken Council’s 2012 Wing Report, the big game is the second biggest eating holiday after Thanksgiving. With the big game comes big prep and cleanup. Here are some must-know tips about cutting through the mess in just minutes.
For many people, the shower is an escape from reality … perhaps the only “me time” in an otherwise hectic day. But if your current shower isn’t living up to your relaxing expectations, it may be time for a facelift. Don’t think you have the time or money? Don’t throw in the towel just yet – an improved shower is within your reach. Simply follow these four quick and easy fixes that will make an amazing improvement to the everyday enjoyment of your shower.
Even during a challenging economy, the outdoor living trend remains popular as homeowners seek to add lasting value and functional living space under the sky and stars. Whether it’s a do-it-yourself patio or a professionally installed outdoor kitchen, the beauty, usefulness, value and ease of maintenance in outdoor living space is limitless.
As temperatures increase, your thoughts may wander to spending time outside sharing conversation, drinks and meals with friends and family. For many homeowners, that can mean renovating an existing gathering spot or replacing it with a new deck. A well-planned deck can increase a home’s value and usable space.
Spring is drawing nearer and, for homeowners, now is the time to shrug off the winter chill and think about home improvement plans. Building industry experts say that it’s an ideal time to carefully consider and prioritize your plans – both cosmetic and structural.
The routine you follow in the shower is a personal one and studies show it can serve a number of different purposes. From getting clean to warming up, from relieving pain to simply relaxing, we shower for many reasons. These simple and cost-effective tips can help you make the most of your shower experience.
Did you know spring is the best time to sell your home? And now that the housing market is bouncing back, there’s never been a better time to do it. But even if you’re planning to stay put for the long haul, chances are there are some much-needed touch-ups you could be doing to keep your home in tip-top shape. And you don’t have to break your back, or the bank, to do it. In fact, adding a new coat of paint is a quick, affordable, and possibly the most impactful, way to get your project done.
If you want the maintenance-free benefits of a vinyl fence but are intimidated by the price tag, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are initially surprised at the cost of a vinyl fence, particularly since the installation costs are generally as much as the materials. Recent trends show that more and more homeowners are saving money by installing their own vinyl fencing.
You’re only as old as you feel, which is great news for today’s baby boomers, as 61 percent report they feel younger than their true age. But despite feeling great, the reality is that adults may need to make minor changes to their homes and lifestyles to ensure they can continue to enjoy safe, healthy and independent lives.
Sure, kitchen and bath renovations get all the glamour and credit for offering high returns on your investment when it’s time to sell your home. But a host of other, often-overlooked improvements can also offer great ROI – while completely changing the look of your home at a fraction of the cost of bigger projects.
As America’s 77 million-strong baby boomers reach retirement age, one thing is absolutely clear — they are not going to quietly retreat into their golden years. The most active generation in America’s history wants homes that will support their active lifestyles, and homes that will accommodate the challenges boomers will face, from bad knees, to working from home, to taking on grandchildren.
If all is working well, most homeowners put little thought into their water heater. But when this critical appliance fails, it can be a nightmare that halts a home’s productivity completely. With no hot water for washing dishes and clothes – let alone for bathing – homeowners are left scrambling to find a new water heater as fast as possible. Here’s what you need to know about your water heater options so you can choose the best one for your home.
It is that time of year again: time to wage war against the pests seeking entry into your home. So check for small openings around the outside of your house, trim bushes and vegetation, and do any other small repairs, because when temperatures drop, pests start looking for ways inside.
If there’s one room in the house that cries out for fresh air, it’s the kitchen. And if there’s a second room that can benefit from Mother Nature’s sweet breath, it’s the bathroom. Fortunately, from venting skylights to high-tech exhaust fans, there are plenty of ways to ensure ventilation in the kitchen and bath without sacrificing a comfortable atmosphere.
You can enjoy the rich, natural beauty and timeless appeal of stone or slate flooring anywhere in your home. The inspiring looks and touchable textures of stone and slate are actually available in an affordable, comfortable-to-walk-on, easy-care floor. The look is so natural, so real that it’ll take more than a first or second glance to reveal that these luxurious floors are, in fact, premium vinyl tile.
It’s a wonderful feeling to come inside on a cold day and warm your hands by the fireplace. But let’s face it: most people simply don’t use the traditional wood-burning fireplaces of old. The next generation of fireplaces is about energy-efficiency and convenience. It’s about fireplace inserts.
Remodeling and refreshing the home is a great way to keep cabin fever at bay during long winter months. Designing a bathroom remodel to incorporate innovative style, comfort and efficiency helps to speed the winter months along, and your family will certainly enjoy the rest of the season with a beautiful new bathroom.
