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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 Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
You want to create your own oasis surrounding your pool or lanai and enjoy the privacy the answer is landscaping.  You have plenty of choices of fast-growing bushes and types of Palms to accomplish that in Central Florida.  Many times, when I am showing homes I share some simple landscaping can afford you the privacy you desire.  We planted Viburnum bushes across our back-property line which we bought 20 of them at Walmart for $5 a piece, they were so small we could bring them home in a car.  Viburnum grow at a rate of one to two feet a year and ours we planted about 3’ apart and have spread together.  Once well-established they do well in dry spells and we have them trimmed by a landscaper about 3 times a year.               The other plant I like is the Sugar Palm, please know I am no...
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Cabinets represent the single biggest line item in most Phoenix kitchen remodels. Spend less on cabinets without sacrificing quality, and you'll have more budget left for everything else. That simple math explains why more Phoenix homeowners and contractors now buy from wholesale cabinet suppliers instead of retail showrooms. Wholesale pricing can cut cabinet costs by 30% or more compared to big-box stores, and many Phoenix-area wholesale sources offer the same all-wood construction and modern features you'd find at twice the price. Local suppliers let you inspect finishes in person, pick up orders the same week, and skip the long freight delays that come with ordering from out-of-state vendors. Choosing the right supplier means matching their business model to your project. Some specia...
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The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is one of the most active residential roofing markets in the United States. With approximately 4,000 roofing contractors operating in the DFW area and a regional roofing industry valued at around $5 billion, homeowners across Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Plano, TX, Arlington, TX, McKinney, TX, and dozens of surrounding communities have extensive options when it comes to roof repair, roof replacement, and roof installation services.Yet the scale of the DFW roofing market also creates challenges. Roofing companies across North Texas range widely in quality, credentials, and customer service standards. Finding a residential roofing contractor DFW homeowners can rely on requires understanding what separates reliable roofing companies from less reputable operat...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Uncovering the Hidden Dirt: Cleaning Tips for Bathrooms and Kitchens Dirt and grime can hide in some unexpected places around your home (we see you, dishwasher filters!). But if you overlook these areas for too long, they can become a hotbed for germs and bacteria, dust, and even mold. “There are lots of hidden places that get dirty that we don’t notice until it’s out of control,” says Debbie Sardone, owner of SpeedCleaning.com and a coach and speaker on home cleaning. Cleaning the floors and scrubbing the counters and toilets may be standard cleaning chores, but are there other things you’re forgetting to clean in your house? Studies have found that many of the germiest places in a home may not be considered prime problem areas. And they may not be part of a typical cleaning routine. S...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
How to Get Rid of Hard-to-Discard Items When Decluttering Your Home or Prepping for a Move Discarding household items used to be simple. Your options were mainly to hold a yard sale, donate to charitable organizations with plenty of space, or fill up your outdoor trash containers. Today, whether a stager has advised you to declutter your home before listing it or you’re planning a move, the way you dispose of problem household items can be a lot more complicated. Before you start pouring that expired rubbing alcohol down the drain, find out what experts advise about how to declutter your home of unwanted stuff. The Biggest Disposal Challenges in Decluttering and Moving The heaviest lift is discarding or donating the “big, bulky stuff — things like old couches, mattresses, refrigerators,...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Home Cleaning Tips: Love Them or Lose Them? Home cleaning tips move from questionable opinions to rules more quickly than you can say pumice stone. But here’s the dirt: Not all cleaning hacks are safe, and your floors, appliances, and countertops may be more vulnerable to damage than you think. Trendy Home Cleaning Tips and What the Pros Say We asked the experts about whether they love or recommend losing these seven popular home cleaning tips, from the vinegar cure-all to the pumice stones some homeowners swear by. Pumice Stones Are Good for Almost Any Deep-Cleaning Job Love them: For toilets, ovens, and porcelain tubs Lose them: For stone countertops, glass, fiberglass, and stainless steel Pumice stones can scratch or dull countertops, acrylic tubs, nonstick cookware, and stainless st...
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By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
Home Tips: Have You Completed Your Spring Cleaning?  Are you sure??Ahhhh Spring weather. It’s the time of year when we take our planting seriously! If you live in a colder climate, you haul out your grills and patio furniture. And…don’t forget Spring Cleaning! You’ve done that, you say?  Or like many here (you know who you are), you keep it up all year. So, for those who think you’re done, here are some areas to recheck!Areas that quietly collect dust-Ceiling fan blades and light fixtures-Baseboards and doorframes-Windowsills-Light bulbs and lampshades-Those high areas, such as the tops of cabinets and your refrigerator Appliances-Microwaves and dishwashersClean inside and out.  Don’t forget the turntable of the microwave. For both, place a bowl of vinegar in them and run the machines. ...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Summer vacations are great, but the packing, traveling, and expenses can easily overshadow the relaxation you were aiming for in the first place. What if you could capture that resort feeling just by stepping out your back door? Transforming your outdoor space is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it is a direct investment in your daily quality of life.Whether you want a place to cool off during sweltering July afternoons or a serene spot to enjoy your morning coffee, adding a backyard pool instantly changes how you experience your home. It creates a personal retreat where convenience meets luxury. Let's look at why taking the plunge and building your own aquatic escape offers returns that go way beyond just having a place to swim.A Private Center for Health and WellnessFinding the mo...
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
When people hear the word “hospitality,” they often picture elaborate dinner parties, perfectly styled tables, and hours of preparation. But in real life—especially here in Montgomery, Alabama—hospitality doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.In fact, the most memorable moments usually come from the simplest gestures.🏡As real estate agents, we spend a lot of time helping people find not just a house, but a place where life happens—where friendships grow, families gather, and everyday moments become lasting memories. And one thing we’ve learned is this: the homes people love most aren’t always the fanciest—they’re the ones where they feel comfortable, welcomed, and at ease.❤️ Hospitality Is About People, Not PerfectionLet’s take the pressure off right away—your home does not ne...
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Painted brick appeals to buyers wanting a clean, updated look, but can raise questions about maintenance. Whitewashed brick tends to feel more timeless and lower maintenance, especially in older or rustic-style homes.  There’s a real difference—and it matters for maintenance, cost, and long-term flexibility. Painting brick Applies a solid, opaque coating that completely covers the brick. Creates a uniform, finished look (modern, clean). Seals the surface, which can trap moisture if the brick is not properly prepped. Requires ongoing maintenance—peeling, chipping, and repainting every 5–10 years. Difficult to reverse once done. Whitewashing (or limewashing) brick Uses a thinned paint or lime-based mixture that soaks into the brick. Allows the natural texture and some color variation to ...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
A well-functioning plumbing system is something most homeowners take for granted—until something goes wrong. From dripping faucets to clogged drains or even burst pipes, plumbing issues can quickly disrupt your day and lead to costly repairs. The good news is that there are several proactive steps you can take as a homeowner to keep your plumbing in good condition. At the same time, it’s important to recognize when a situation requires the expertise of a licensed plumber. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.Many everyday plumbing tasks fall within the realm of simple maintenance that homeowners can manage on their own. Regularly checking for leaks under sinks, around toilets, and near appliances like dishwashers or washing machines is a good place to ...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Home security systems are not what they used to be. As technology advances, so have the security systems, and they can do more for you than their predecessors ever could. Even so, a smart home security system is a large investment, and often comes with a decent learning curve. This may deter some from investing in one, but the benefits severely outweigh the cost and learning curve that you’ll experience.Deters CriminalsThe mere existence of a home security system is often enough to deter criminals from attempting to break into your home. Visible outdoor cameras, motion sensors, and loud alarms both allow you to protect your home’s perimeter and serve as a warning for potential intruders who are scoping out your home as their next target. They are going to focus on homes that have no sec...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6’ tall Washington Fence by Acreage Fences in Bennington, NE brings clean lines, lasting durability, and dependable privacy — creating a polished outdoor upgrade that enhances both comfort and curb appeal. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #WashingtonFence #VinylFence #BenningtonNebraska #NebraskaHomes #OutdoorElegance #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518, Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.
(Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc)
There’s a real difference—and it matters for maintenance, cost, and long-term flexibility.Painting brick Applies a solid, opaque coating that completely covers the brick. Creates a uniform, finished look (modern, clean). Seals the surface, which can trap moisture if the brick is not properly prepped. Requires ongoing maintenance—peeling, chipping, and repainting every 5–10 years. Difficult to reverse once done. Whitewashing (or limewashing) brick Uses a thinned paint or lime-based mixture that soaks into the brick. Allows the natural texture and some color variation to show through. Breathable—moisture can escape, which is better for older brick. Ages naturally with a softer, weathered look rather than peeling. More forgiving and easier to touch up. Simple way to think about it Paint = ...
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By John Pusa
On March 20, 2026, Anna Baluch published very good helpful interesting report on Realtor.com about Spring cleaning.1. Psychological benefits of seeing the 'blank slate’,2. How to execute a 'chaos' session,3. Focus on one particular area of your home,     a. Sort efficiently,     b. Distract yourself,     c. Set a designated stopping place and time,4. Transitioning from the chaos phase to a deep clean,Perhaps there might be other helpful list of tips for Spring cleaning.For complete more detailed information about Anna Baluch’s report for list of tips for Spring cleaning, please click HERE
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
Yesterday, I wrote a post about the importance of general landscaping. This caused me to think about the question, "Does Landscaping Improve Home Value?" While there are many factors that increase a property's value, there is an ongoing discussion around the features of a home that truly do bring up the value.Home values are important, especially when you decide that it is time to sell. During a listing appointment, a common discussion often lands on the things that will help the homeowner command top dollar in the market. It is important to understand the things buyers are looking for and the features that really do bring value.So, does a good landscape design add value to your home? And of course, this conversation is referring to most single-family residences. And my first, quick res...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
I've always likened landscaping to adding the finishing touches to an outfit. Basically, putting on the jewelry to accent and enhance the outfit. Also, a well-planned landscaping effort softens the hard edges of our structures.Depending on where you live in the country certainly affects the type of landscaping plants you will choose. With this in mind, however, there are still some very basic landscaping guidelines that are important to consider.🪴 SOIL - The type of soil around a home is essential to understand. Many homes were built on a slab with a high-clay content beneath that slab. While this is important to the stability of the structure, it isn't ideal for most plants. This is why so many plants fail to thrive in your landscape that are near the exterior walls of a home. You can ...
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By Jerry Newman, Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation
(Brown Realty, 210-789-4216,)
Embrace Smart Home Technology Integrating smart home features can significantly enhance your home's appeal to tech-savvy millennials. Installing programmable thermostats that adjust temperature settings based on occupancy and habits, using smart bulbs and lighting systems that can be controlled remotely via smartphone or voice commands, and implementing smart security cameras and systems for remote monitoring and enhanced safety are all beneficial. Open Floor Plans and Flexible Spaces Create an inviting and adaptable living environment by embracing open floor plans and flexible spaces. Designating multi-functional rooms that can serve multiple purposes, such as a home office doubling as a guest room or a dining area easily converting into an entertainment space, enhances the versatilit...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Times have changed with screens, trim and framework, we don’t want to see them and span larger areas. When we were designing our lanai I had to learn what was the latest in screens. Our goal was as few pillars as possible for maximum air flow and view, we ended up with 12’ between pillars. I did some research and here are the specs: Patio, Porch & Pool Insect Screen is a Heavy-Duty Fiberglass Screen Mesh designed for use in pool, patio, porch, and sunroom enclosures. It's increased diameter strand is ideal for larger openings where extra strength is needed on wide spans of screen. Charcoal color is the most requested as it has the best outward visibility. Available in Charcoal and Silver Gray colors. Mesh: 18 x 14, Diameter: .013.Next maintenance, I pressure wash them from the inside ev...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Surviving a hurricane is an exhausting ordeal. Once the heavy winds finally die down and the rain stops pounding against the glass, you are left to step outside and assess the damage. For many homeowners, the sight is completely overwhelming. Between the scattered debris, the missing shingles, and the pooling water, knowing exactly where to start the cleanup process feels impossible.Trying to tackle major storm damage by yourself with a shop vacuum and a few garbage bags is not just ineffective; it can be incredibly dangerous. When a severe weather event compromises the safety of your property, bringing in a professional home restoration company is the smartest first move you can make. These specialized crews have the heavy equipment and the training required to stabilize your house and...
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