Home Improvement

Thinking of remodeling? Have you stopped to consider how transforming a bedroom into a home office might impact the value of the home? One of the most common questions homeowners have when thinking of remodeling is how much the work will add or detract from the value of the home. You'll find answers to those questions and more in this section of ActiveRain.


Everything you need to know – the answers to all your burning questions – about energy efficiency, green homes, landscaping, home maintenance, staging, landscaping and more is right here at your fingertips.


With over 300,000 real estate professionals, including stagers, contractors, landscapers and others, there is no better place to find the information you need than ActiveRain.


While you'll find a ton of helpful ideas and hints within these pages, you'll want to bookmark the site so that you can check back for the hundreds of daily updates from authors who spend their days actually performing the tasks you have questions about.


Put the hammer down and the glasses on and read on.

Recent blogs on Home Improvement
By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
A passion of mine is design! I enjoy helping clients stage their current homes or, we may completely start from scratch with a new and fresh design. I spend time finding out what colors make them happy and what their lifestyle is like. From there, we begin determining a style that will bring joy and beauty into their homes.Another aspect of my design work includes finding beautiful furnishings, fixtures, and accents that won't break the bank. There are many ways to create a beautiful space without absolutely destroying the bank account. I will scour my resources high and low to find the best deals. (That's the really fun part!)In this post, however, I am going to share a favorite design style I have perfected that I call, Country French with a Texas Twist. Country French has always had ...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When you've cleaned everything you can in your home, it's time to clean your tools. They work hard too. What's the strangest thing you've had to clean? #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #springcleaning #happyhome #springtime #realestate #happyhomeowners #realestateagent #realtor
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
Update lighting: Upgrade old lighting fixtures to brighten your space and create a more modern look. Consider installing dimmer switches for added flexibility. Paint walls and trim: A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room. Choose a color that complements your furniture and decor, and consider painting the trim for an extra polished look. Add crown molding: Crown molding can add a touch of elegance to any room. Choose a style that complements the architecture of your home and install it yourself or hire a professional. Install new flooring: Update old or worn-out flooring with new material, such as hardwood, tile, or laminate. This can improve the appearance of your space and increase its value. Upgrade kitchen and bathroom fixtures: Replace old or outdated faucets, sinks, and s...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Refinishing furniture can be a great way to give old furniture new life while also sprucing up your property.. It's also a relatively simple DIY project. You only need a few supplies, and the rest is just plain old elbow grease. Gather Your MaterialsFinishing wood furniture necessitates some preliminary preparation. Begin by gathering your materials. Dish soap, rags, a towel, paintbrushes, a paint stripper, sealant, and something to sand the furniture are all required. If you have a power sander, this will make your job easiest — especially if you’re working on a larger piece of furniture. If not, sandpaper or a handheld sanding block will suffice. Clean The Furniture ThoroughlyIf it's an older piece of furniture, it's probably accumulated some dust, dirt, and grime. First and foremost,...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Furniture styles evolve over time and in response to specific artistic and design movements that are prevalent at the time. Learning to define the major furniture style movements will help you become a more informed consumer. It will also assist you in defining your own design taste and learning how to incorporate new furniture styles into your home.  Farmhouse Style  Farmhouse design is one of the most popular design trends of the 2000s. This is a modern take on the country's casual, cozy, and simple style. The majority of farmhouse-style furniture has a rustic design that incorporates reclaimed or textured wood, distressed paint, and vintage styles. This furnit...
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By Bill Kennedy, Homes For Sale Greenville SC
(Keller Williams Greenville Upstate)
Tree trimming is an important practice in maintaining the health and safety of trees. It involves cutting off tree branches and limbs that may pose a threat to the tree, its surroundings, or its inhabitants. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of keeping tree limbs trimmed.One of the primary reasons for trimming tree limbs is to maintain the tree's health. Overgrown or dead branches can cause harm to the tree by taking up valuable nutrients and water that the tree needs to grow and thrive. They can also be a breeding ground for pests and diseases that can infect the entire tree. By removing these branches, the tree can redirect its resources to healthier parts, which can promote growth and overall health.Trimming tree limbs can also improve the safety of the tree and its s...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Furniture styles evolve over time and in response to specific artistic and design movements that are prevalent at the time. Learning to define the major furniture style movements will help you become a more informed consumer. It will also assist you in defining your own design taste and learning how to incorporate new furniture styles into your home.  Farmhouse Style Farmhouse design is one of the most popular design trends of the 2000s. This is a modern take on the country's casual, cozy, and simple style. The majority of farmhouse-style furniture has a rustic design that incorporates reclaimed or textured wood, distressed paint, and vintage styles. This furniture has a sturdy, lived-in appearance. This means you can host large gatherings of family and friends without worrying about yo...
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
When it comes to their potential uses, kitchen cupboards are quite flexible. With the appropriate hues, patterns, and embellishments, they can also improve the look of your kitchen. However, after some time, you might determine that your kitchen cabinets could use some updating. You spend a lot of time in your kitchen, and after a while you get tired of staring at the same dull cabinets that contrast with the rest of the décor. If you've just bought a new house, you might decide to start fresh by installing new kitchen cabinets, or you might even decide to change the kitchen's entire theme. We'll highlight some doable suggestions to improve the look of your kitchen cupboards. These ideas are simple to put into practice and will make your cupboards a beautiful feature in your kitchen. 1...
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
The hub of the home for social interaction, speaking with family or visitors, and eating is the kitchen. Family meetings revolve around it as treasured memories are created over traditional foods that celebrate significant events and holidays. Therefore, when it comes to Salem home remodels, along with the bathroom, the kitchen is the space most frequently renovated. More than 10 million kitchens are renovated by homeowners each year or roughly one in every ten homes.  Kitchen renovations can increase the worth of your house significantly. When the time comes to market your house, you might be able to recoup as much as 70% of the costs associated with your kitchen renovation. 3Rs Construction & Remodeling is here to make upgrading your kitchen easy! We are your team of experts for gene...
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By Justin Robins, Come for the houses, stay for the savings!
(Realtypath)
Resources for finding the perfect home and growing zones:Houses For Sale In Cache Valley, UtahHouses For Sale In Northern UtahUSDA Growing ZonesCan You Grow a Home Garden in Utah? Gardening is a popular pastime for people who want to establish an outdoor environment where they can relax, cultivate their own food and flowers, and connect with nature. Home gardeners who wish to take advantage of the state's sunny environment and good soil have numerous options in Utah. This article will discuss the best gardening strategies for Utah, including basic advice as well as climate and terrain-specific factors. Throughout the growing season, gardening requires careful planning and monitoring, but the rewards are substantial. Not only are home gardens aesthetically beautiful, but they also supply...
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By Charles Ross - (785)-819-6944, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel. There are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, but inventory is still historically low. So, if a house has been sitting on the market for a while, that’s a sign it may not be hitting the mark for potential buyers. But here’s the thing. Right now, homes that are updated and priced at market value are still selling fast. Today, homes with curb appeal that are presented well are still selling quickly, and sometimes over asking price. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com: “In a market where costs are still high and buyers can be a little choosier, it makes sense they’re going to really zero in on the homes...
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By Nick Marr, Promoting real estate internationally
(HOMESGOFAST)
Picking out a fence for your front yard can be difficult. Often, it is easier to pick out a fence for the backyard, as appearances are more for your own enjoyment than anything. Something tall and protective, such as a thick wood fence or something to keep in the dog, like a chain-link fence, is fine.But in the front yard, you may want something softer that enhances the curb appeal. A wooden or chain-link fence may send the wrong message or hide some of the efforts you put into your front yard decorations and gardens.Thankfully, there are plenty of different kinds of fences out there which can still put a barrier between you and the sidewalk, while also matching your front yard’s style. HedgesIf you have a green thumb, hedges are always a great option. You can get a thick hedge that dou...
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By Dagmar Sands, International Real Estate Agent, CIPS, FIPC, ABR
(Real Estate International, Inc.)
I have to share this incredible "Customer Service" I have received and want to share with all my friends on Facebook. Robbie Sanders with Sanders Smart Home LLC has installed security cameras, TV's, Ring Doorbell and lighting for me at my home and I want to share it with all of my friends what incredible service he offers. He even followed up with me when I had questions immediately and he truly gives great service. If you are looking for any Security Cameras, TV's to be installed, IT, Wifi, Ethernet, Lighting or Speakers call Robbie at 404-884-8078 sanderssmarthomellc@gmail.com - I have already referred him to one of my builders and everyone seems to pleased with his knowledge, service and great work.
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
Imagine thousands of bees living directly beneath your house. Some manage to squeeze through the gaps in your base. You still have a good chance of avoiding being struck. However, the longer you remain in their vicinity, the greater the likelihood that you will be bitten. Always keep in mind that more are arriving daily. Imagine for a moment that those bees are silent and undetectable. You can't just dismiss them. Is that worrisome to you? It should be. It is not the same as getting an accidental sting when it comes to radon. Death and lung disease are your enemies. There is a possibility that you won't have any health problems, but what about your loved ones, your pets, and your visitors? Little radon leaks can lead to serious issues. Each year, thousands of individuals are killed by ...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
While tiny homes and studio apartments make living in smaller spaces more appealing, organizing a small apartment or home can still be difficult if your space lacks dedicated storage. The best way to get rid of this annoyance is to use a variety of tips and tricks to create an organizational plan that works for you. Continue reading to learn more about several creative storage solutions that can help make living in a small space more enjoyable. Reduce your possessions and declutter them.The thought of downsizing one's possessions can be intimidating. However, there are probably a few items in your closets and dresser drawers that you haven't touched in years. If these items have no sentimental or monetary value to you, you should consider getting rid of them. Instead of trying to downsi...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Earth-friendly features are more popular than ever, they help keep utility bills low and can be a great selling feature. It's good for the planet and good for you. What upgrades do you have your eye on? #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #realestate #earth #earthfriendly #ecofriendly #happyhome #happyplanet #happyhomeowners #realestateagent #realtor
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
The prospect of finally getting their hands in the soil excites every gardener. The satisfaction of finally seeing the flower garden come together in spring is an unforgettable experience. The key to success, however, begins before the first plant even enters the garden.  Make an outline of your flower bed.The best way to start preparing this type of bed is to outline the bed in the fall. Using a garden hose to determine the outline of the bed can be useful at times. A garden hose can be moved and reshaped until it is the exact shape and size that you require for your bed. Get rid of any existing vegetation.When preparing a new bed, the existing vegetation must be removed. If the material is woody, you will need pruners or even a saw. You will have an easier time if the existing weeds a...
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By Cara Marcelle Mancuso, Call a Marana neighbor, I'm THERE!
(Golden Girls with SW Desert Homes)
I was reading an online article today about three ways to jumpstart my spring cleaning, and I decided to amend it a bit.Number One was to change our central heating filters.  I don't know about you, but every professional I have spoken to always says "Buy the cheap ones, because the air flow is good, and change them every time you pay your utility bill".  So if you haven't changed your filters since the weather turned cold...perhaps you might want to make a new, new years resolution!  Change often!!!And on the subject of filters -- did you know they should be changed at least every 6 months.  (Not a year)  Think about how skanky your pet waterers get if you don't clean them out!Number Two: Test smoke alarms.  Good call.  Don't wait for the chirp.Number Three:  They say to wipe down wall...
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
Does growing a lush and vibrant lawn seem out of reach for you? Don’t worry! The grass CAN be greener on your side of the fence. With spring imminent, now is the perfect time to start working on a thick carpet of grass for your yard.Here are some tips for growing and maintaining a lawn that will have your neighbors GREEN with envy: Start by reseeding and fertilizing. If you have bare spots in your grass, taking the time to reseed now will pay off this spring. Make sure you fertilize for optimal growth and keep the area moist until you see new growth. If you don’t have time to do this yourself, think about hiring someone to do it. You will be glad you did! Look for problems that will hinder growth. Steep slopes and shady trees can potentially keep grass from growing. You may want to cons...
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By Brian Petruzzelli, LA and Las Vegas Homes For Sale
(LA and Las Vegas Real Estate)
The lifespan of your home’s features and appliances is an important consideration when it comes to building, renovating, or furnishing your property. From roofs and insulation to windows and floors, the longevity of these features can depend on various factors such as materials used, weather conditions, and proper maintenance. Understanding the average lifespan of these features can help you make informed decisions that can save you money in the long run. For instance, slate, copper, and tile roofs are the most durable, lasting up to 50 years, but can also be the most expensive. Asphalt roofs tend to be more cost-efficient but have a shorter lifespan of around 15 years. Insulation can last as long as the house itself but can become less efficient due to mold or leaks. Fiberglass is the ...
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