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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 Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog beautifully explores how natural patterns and textures can transform a space, creating a calming and organic feel. Thanks for sharing such inspiring ideas on how to embrace nature and enhance home interiors with these subtle yet impactful touches!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Create a Soothing Atmosphere That Enhances Your Well-Being The Power of Nature in Design Have you ever noticed how a walk in the woods instantly calms your mind? Nature has a unique ability to soothe your mental state. By integrating natural shapes and textures in your living space, you can bring that calming effect indoors. Consequently, your home can become a refuge of tranquility where you feel more relaxed and focused.  Natural Shapes: Evoking Peace and Balance When you incorpo...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers valuable tips on how to safely trim trees and bushes near your home. By following these guidelines, homeowners can maintain their landscape while preventing damage or injury. Thanks for providing such practical and safety-conscious advice!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Maintaining the trees and bushes around your home isn't just about enhancing curb appeal—it’s also crucial for safety, home protection, and overall yard health. Trimming is more than just a cosmetic chore; it helps prevent damage to your house, improves plant health, and keeps unwanted pests at bay. But how do you go about it safely? Let's explore why it's important and how to get started. Why Trimming is Essential Safety First: Overgrown branches can pose a significant hazard durin...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog provides great insights into using fans effectively to boost energy efficiency at home. It’s a practical guide for maintaining comfort while saving on energy bills. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, fans are an often-overlooked but incredibly effective tool for energy efficiency. While most people rely on air conditioning for temperature control, strategically using fans can reduce your reliance on AC, cut down your energy consumption, and still keep your home feeling fresh and cool. Plus, they’re a lot easier on the wallet! Let’s explore how using fans—ceiling fans, floor fans, and even bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans—can help you create a more energy-efficient home. 1. ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article offers practical and effective tips for making your home more energy efficient. The strategies outlined are easy to implement and can make a significant difference in both comfort and cost savings. Thanks for providing such accessible and actionable advice for creating a more energy-efficient home!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP In a world where sustainability and cost-saving have become essential, making your home energy efficient is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Whether you're looking to reduce your utility bills, shrink your carbon footprint, or simply enjoy a more comfortable living space, energy efficiency is the way to go. Plus, the steps aren’t as daunting as you might think! Let’s dive into how you can transform your home into...
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By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
As the vibrant colors of autumn surround your seasonal home, it's important to prepare your property for the change in seasons. To help you transition smoothly into fall and maintain your cozy retreat, we've put together a list of essential fall home maintenance tips: Heating System Inspection: Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it's in peak condition for the colder months ahead. Replace filters and consider a furnace tune-up. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your home's exterior for gaps and cracks that may allow drafts. Seal them to improve energy efficiency and keep the warmth in. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Remove fallen leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage. Consider installing gutter guards. Lawn and Garden ...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
When it comes to keeping your home comfortable, fans are an often-overlooked but incredibly effective tool for energy efficiency. While most people rely on air conditioning for temperature control, strategically using fans can reduce your reliance on AC, cut down your energy consumption, and still keep your home feeling fresh and cool. Plus, they’re a lot easier on the wallet!Let’s explore how using fans—ceiling fans, floor fans, and even bathroom or kitchen exhaust fans—can help you create a more energy-efficient home.1. Ceiling Fans: The Unsung Heroes of Temperature Regulation Ceiling fans are a game-changer when used correctly. They don’t cool the air in the room but instead help circulate it, making the air feel cooler on your skin by creating a wind-chill effect. This allows you to...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
In a world where sustainability and cost-saving have become essential, making your home energy efficient is one of the most impactful changes you can make. Whether you're looking to reduce your utility bills, shrink your carbon footprint, or simply enjoy a more comfortable living space, energy efficiency is the way to go. Plus, the steps aren’t as daunting as you might think! Let’s dive into how you can transform your home into a more energy-efficient haven without breaking the bank.1. Start with an Energy Audit Before making any changes, it's important to know where your home stands. A home energy audit is like a health check-up for your house. It identifies where energy is being wasted and what improvements will save the most. You can hire a professional for a comprehensive audit, or ...
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
Imagine this: you stand in front of your walk-in closet every morning, rummaging through clothing that seem to pile up eternally, crammed shelves, and dark nooks. It's a daily source of annoyance, not just a closet. You're not the only homeowner in Salem who wishes their walk-in closet was more roomy, elegantly constructed, and well-organized. Imagine turning this disorganized area into a specially created haven where everything has a place, the lighting creates the ideal ambience, and the use of eco-friendly materials calms the mind. Remodeling your walk-in closet may make a mundane task into something you enjoy, whether you're thinking about a luxurious improvement or a more straightforward makeover.My Goal is to Renovate My Walk-In Closet. How Should I Begin?Although redesigning a wa...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article offers fantastic suggestions for homeowners looking to boost both curb appeal and property value. These improvements not only increase the home's aesthetic appeal but can also significantly impact its marketability. Thanks for sharing these practical and impactful ideas to help homeowners maximize their home's potential!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When it comes to investing, we usually think of stocks, bonds, or real estate. But one of the most rewarding investments is right in front of us: our homes. On average, home remodeling projects provide a 70% return on investment (ROI) nationwide, making them an essential consideration for homeowners looking to boost property value. One of the most critical factors when selling or enhancing your home's val...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article offers fantastic insights into how strategic landscaping can dramatically boost curb appeal when selling a home. First impressions matter, and thoughtful landscaping can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. Thanks for sharing these valuable ideas to help homeowners enhance their property's curb appeal!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   When you're preparing your home for sale, curb appeal is everything. First impressions matter, and the landscaping around your home can make or break a potential buyer’s opinion before entering the front door. A well-landscaped yard not only boosts the aesthetics of your property but can also increase its value, making it one of the best investments you can make before selling. This guide’ll explo...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article serves as an excellent guide for anyone looking to transform their kitchen with a backsplash. Whether going for a modern, classic, or bold look, a backsplash can be a game-changer in kitchen design. Thanks for offering such detailed and practical advice to help readers elevate their kitchens!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Transform Your Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Installing Backsplashes Ready to give your kitchen a fresh, modern look? Installing a backsplash is a fantastic way to enhance your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality. A well-chosen backsplash can add color, texture, and personality to your space, while also protecting your walls from splashes and stains. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or considering hiring a professional, he...
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By Denise Gentile, REALTOR , Riverside County
(Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty)
Here are some Helpful tips to Avoid Termite infestation!I just recently had a listing in Menifee that had active infestation of termites in the attic.  Home is 2100 sf., built in 1994.  Tenting cost was $3,700.  If you would like to be pro-active, and try to keep the termites away from your home ONE of the first things you should do is Regularly check for signs of termites in, and around the home, and Eliminate all food sources.  Did you know that termites like moisture, and standing water like mosquitoes?Its true!  I would recommend that you make sure to eliminate all sources of standing water. This will require proper drainage. Keeping your plants and vegetable gardens away from the home, and you should eliminate the need for irrigation near your property.  Be sure to also fix any lea...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
When furnishing your home, be sure to take a few simple design rules into account. Ensure your rugs fit the space, furniture is comfortable and has the necessary support, and measure your space before filling it! With these tips in mind, your home will be a haven of both comfort and style.#realestate #realestateagent #buying #selling #listreports #realestateexpert #fhm913 #financehub #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome 
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
 When you're preparing your home for sale, curb appeal is everything. First impressions matter, and the landscaping around your home can make or break a potential buyer’s opinion before entering the front door. A well-landscaped yard not only boosts the aesthetics of your property but can also increase its value, making it one of the best investments you can make before selling.This guide’ll explore how to effectively landscape your yard to attract buyers without breaking the bank or getting in over your head.Why Landscaping MattersBefore we dive into the tips, it’s essential to understand why landscaping is such a powerful tool when selling a home. The outside of your home is the first thing potential buyers see. If the lawn is overgrown, the flowerbeds are bare, or the bushes are unke...
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By Tina D Saporito, Your Dedicated Palm Desert, CA Realtor Since 2005, Call (760)799-8460. www.JustListedinPalmDesert.com
(Ronald Christopher & Associates. Proudly serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage, & Palm Springs.)
Top Trends in Real Estate Interior Design for 2024The world of interior design is always changing because of new ideas in culture, technology, and how people like to live. As we move into 2024, some important ideas are influencing how we decorate our homes. These trends look good and are useful, showing what people today value.Biophilic Design: Bringing Nature IndoorsBiophilic design is an idea that aims to link people with nature, and it has become very popular lately. In 2024, this trend is expected to grow stronger. Bringing in natural things like plants, wood, and stone into rooms can make people feel calm, lower stress, and improve their well-being. Indoor Gardens: Adding green plants or big houseplants can really make a room feel nicer. Natural Materials: Using things like wood, b...
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By Matt Helganz
(Meridian Capital Real Estate)
When it comes to investing, we usually think of stocks, bonds, or real estate. But one of the most rewarding investments is right in front of us: our homes. On average, home remodeling projects provide a 70% return on investment (ROI) nationwide, making them an essential consideration for homeowners looking to boost property value.One of the most critical factors when selling or enhancing your home's value is curb appeal, and in a sought-after location like Pasadena, California, it's even more important. Known for its picturesque neighborhoods and competitive real estate market, Pasadena is a place where first impressions count. To help you make the most of your home's exterior, Matt Helganz, an experienced real estate agent with extensive knowledge of homes in Pasadena, shares twelve h...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article beautifully highlights the power of nature-inspired art in transforming living spaces. The concept of biophilia, which connects us with the natural world, can bring a sense of calm and rejuvenation to any home. From earthy tones to organic shapes, your suggestions on incorporating natural elements through art are both creative and inspiring. Thanks for showing how biophilic design can enhance our living environments and promote well-being!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Discover How Nature-Infused Artwork Can Elevate Your Home Decor   Bringing Nature Indoors   Incorporating nature-inspired art into your living space can significantly enhance the ambiance of your home. This trend, often referred to as biophilia, revolves around a human connection to nat...
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Trimming trees and bushes around your home doesn’t just protect your property, it keeps your landscape healthy and vibrant.    Maintaining the trees and bushes around your home isn't just about enhancing curb appeal—it’s also crucial for safety, home protection, and overall yard health. Trimming is more than just a cosmetic chore; it helps prevent damage to your house, improves plant health, and keeps unwanted pests at bay. But how do you go about it safely? Let's explore why it's important and how to get started. Why Trimming is Essential Safety First: Overgrown branches can pose a significant hazard during storms. If they’re too close to your roof or windows, strong winds could turn them into potential projectiles. Regular pruning prevents these risks, especially in regions prone to h...
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By Charles Ross - eXp Realty LLC, Love To Help People
(eXp Realty LLC Salina Group)
Maintaining the trees and bushes around your home isn't just about enhancing curb appeal—it’s also crucial for safety, home protection, and overall yard health. Trimming is more than just a cosmetic chore; it helps prevent damage to your house, improves plant health, and keeps unwanted pests at bay. But how do you go about it safely? Let's explore why it's important and how to get started.Why Trimming is Essential Safety First: Overgrown branches can pose a significant hazard during storms. If they’re too close to your roof or windows, strong winds could turn them into potential projectiles. Regular pruning prevents these risks, especially in regions prone to hurricanes, storms, or heavy winds. Preventing Property Damage: It’s not just about flying branches. Branches that constantly bru...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This article is packed with excellent renovation ideas to help homeowners maximize their home’s value before selling. It's a helpful guide for anyone looking to make smart investments in their property before putting it on the market. Thanks for sharing these practical and impactful tips!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP First impressions matter when preparing your home to sell. Buyers are looking for that perfect balance of move-in readiness and potential for personal touches. To help you make the most of your home’s value, here are the top 10 renovation ideas that could make all the difference when you're ready to put your home on the market. 1. Fresh Paint: The Ultimate Quick Fix A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable and impactful updates you can mak...
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