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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 Dee Toohey, Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro
(Innovative Realty Solutions Group)
Here are some helpful hints about maintaining plumbing in your new home.Additionally, if you notice cracking caulk in wet areas, replace it or have it replaced. Sometimes, when caulk is cracked, the water intrudes to the walls and causes damages that can be minor or extensive. I've personally seen bathroom shower caulk damaged at the floor require a complete dry wall replacement along with tile replacement! Don't let this happen in your home!Proper routine maintenance will save you money in the long run. Moving into a new home? Let’s discuss the benefits of regular inspections and maintenance on a few household plumbing items.  Faucets, garbage disposals, water heaters, and shut off valves are critical to maintaining the efficiency of your home. Not only does preventative maintenance ke...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Discover the Advantages of Asphalt Shingles for Your RoofAre you tired of dealing with frequent roof repairs, high maintenance costs, and a lackluster appearance of your house?Asphalt shingle roof might be the solution to your roofing needs.Asphalt shingles are crafted from a base of fiberglass or organic materials and coated with asphalt to enhance water resistance and durability. The top layer often includes granules that provide UV protection and add color.Known for durability, affordability, and aesthetic versatility, asphalt shingles offer an ideal roofing option that provides better protection to your home and increases its curb appeal.Types of Asphalt Shingles Asphalt Shingle Type Durability Aesthetics Budget-friendly Ideal For Three-tab Shingles ✘ ✘ ✔ Budget-conscious homeowners...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
So many homes in The Villages, Florida have either islands or open counter space meaning no cabinets above.  I am seeing a trend of changing from the flush mount contractor grade lights to designer almost art hanging lights.  Different colors, designs, LED and dimmable and they really add to the home.  With most homes in The Villages have 10’ ceilings and countertops being either 36” or 44” high you have plenty of room for some type of hanging fixture.I just looked on Amazon and they have 7 pages with 100’s of options of counter lights, that is where we bought ours.  We bought the teardrop crystal pendant lights with mini-LED lights with the metal rods so you could pick and choose the height you wanted them.  One benefit we didn’t expect is the lighted circles on our bar height counter ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog highlights the importance of regular plumbing maintenance perfectly! Ignoring plumbing issues can lead to costly repairs and inconveniences. Thanks for sharing these crucial reminders and tips to keep our plumbing systems in top shape! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP  It is the landlord's responsibility to ensure that the residential property is maintained in a habitable condition, including the proper upkeep of the plumbing system. Neglecting preventative maintenance can lead to expensive repairs in the future. Check out these tips to avoid those costly repairs: Routine Checks: Check for visible leaks or signs of water damage. If you see any wet spots or water stains on the walls and ceiling, chances are you have a leak. Also, inspect your water pressure...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog does an excellent job explaining the common types of commercial roof drainage systems! Understanding the different options, from internal drains to scuppers and gutters, can help property owners make informed decisions to protect their buildings. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a trusted full-service roofing contractor in Columbia, MD, is highlighting the significance of commercial roof drainage systems and its various types to property owners and managers in the area. Ridgeline Roofers Columbia provides professional repair, maintenance and installation services for commercial roof drainage systems. Commercial roof drainage systems are infrastructure designed to manage rainwater and ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers fantastic guidance on finding the best roof maintenance service in your area! It emphasizes the importance of researching credentials, reading reviews, and obtaining multiple quotes to ensure quality service. Thanks for sharing these practical tips to help homeowners make informed decisions! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Ridgeline Roofers Columbia shares insights on how to find the best roof maintenance service in the Columbia, MD, and Howard County area. As a full-service roofing contractor, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia offers expert advice to help homeowners choose reliable and professional roof maintenance providers. This guidance ensures that local residents receive high-quality service for their roofing needs. Regular roof maintenance is impor...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog provides an essential guide for structural home repairs! Understanding how to identify and address structural issues can save homeowners time and money in the long run. Thanks for sharing these detailed and practical tips to help maintain the integrity of our homes.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP To guarantee your home's safety, longevity, and overall worth, you must maintain its structural integrity. Wet winters and dry summers in Salem, Oregon, can have a big effect on house structures and result in expensive structural home repairs. Water damage, foundation movement, and wall and ceiling cracking can result from these situations. The reputable local authority in structural home repairs, 3Rs Construction & Remodeling, is available to assist homeowners i...
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By Sam Thomas, When it's important; hire a professional.
(Providence Group Realty)
When it comes to increasing your home's resale value, strategic DIY projects can make a significant impact. According to the US-based National Association of Realtors, refinishing your wood floors tops the list, offering an impressive average ROI of 147%. If your floors are looking worn or dated, a refresh can make a huge difference. Here are some tips if you plan to tackle this project yourself:1. Refinish Your Wood FloorsRefinishing wood floors is a tried-and-true method for enhancing a home's appeal and value. Follow these guidelines for a successful project:Rent Professional-Grade Equipment: Investing in quality tools can make the job easier and more efficient. Consider renting a drum sander and an edge sander to ensure a smooth finish.Block Off Enough Time: This project isn't a qui...
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By Denise Gentile, REALTOR , Riverside County
(Coldwell Banker Associated Brokers Realty)
Tips on How to Fire-Harden Your HomeDid you know embers are the most dangerous part of a wildfire? Carried by the wind, they can land directly on your house and ignite it, even when the full blaze seems to be a safe distance away.That means when it comes to fire safety, you have to consider every inch of your house as a potential vulnerability. But there are steps you can take today to protect your home and your family to make sure each and every part of your home is “hardened”in preparation....ADDRESS THESE VULNERABILITIES: 1. Consider re-roofing a roof built with shingles or wood.2. Inspect for and cover up any gaps in the roof to prevent embers from entering in the house.3. Consider remodeling wooden walls  with stucco.4. Cover up rain gutters with screens to prevent leaves from accu...
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By Nelson Huggins, Rooter Man to the Rescue
(Rooter Man )
Moving into a new home? Let’s discuss the benefits of regular inspections and maintenance on a few household plumbing items.  Faucets, garbage disposals, water heaters, and shut off valves are critical to maintaining the efficiency of your home. Not only does preventative maintenance keep these items running, it helps prevent accidents and potential hazards from occurring.Garbage disposals make doing dishes a little easier. They collect waste from food and grind it up before it goes down the sink. Without regular use, garbage disposals can corrode and rust. You should be inspecting it periodically, making sure there are no clogs or leaks. They can last 25 years or longer with proper maintenance. Remember to never put grease, oil, bones, and starchy foods into a garbage disposal. You sho...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
## Space Savers: Maximizing Every Inch of Your HomeLiving in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style or functionality. With clever tricks and smart furniture choices, you can maximize your home. Here are the best space-saving ideas to help you make the most of your living area.### Multifunctional FurnitureFurniture that serves multiple purposes is key. Consider a sofa bed, coffee table with storage, or a dining table that doubles as a desk. These pieces save space and money.### Vertical StorageWhen floor space is limited, think vertical. Use shelves, hanging racks, and wall-mounted cabinets to store items off the ground. This frees up space and makes the room feel larger.### Hidden StorageMaximize storage by using hidden spaces. Under-bed storage boxes, ottomans with hidden compart...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Attention Investors - Changes to the Way We Do Business By now I am sure you have all heard about the lawsuit that NAR and many real estate companies have been involved in.  As a result, there will be a lot of changes happening in the way we transact business and no one will be affected more than investors. Sure our forms will all change and the verbiage will change and we will all have to be more transparent in the way we do business.Investors used to be able to just call up an agent and they would go and show them a property and no documents were ever signed until a contract was written.  Moving forward buyer's agency agreements will need to be signed before an agent even shows a house and Brightmls is going to enforce this by contacting brokers to get copies of the agency agreements....
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
This makes so much sense!  So many times, I am involved with estate sales as sudden changes happen and a family member in another state is responsible for preparing the home for sale which includes an estate sale.  At the end of the estate sale is high quality cherry, walnut and other hardwood furniture left over that nobody wants.  The items end up being donate which is much better chance of finding a home then a landfill.  This is where Shabby Chic comes in, Shabby Chic often features furniture with a distressed or weathered look, as well as vintage, handmade, or antique furniture pieces. This can also be achieved through techniques like sanding, painting, and intentionally aging the wood or metal to give the pieces an old-world appearance.  The lighter shades make it more popular for...
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By John Turner-McClelland, Real estate agent serving Greensboro
(Century 21 Total Real Estate Solutions)
Do overflowing basements, cluttered garages, or mountains of yard waste have you down? Junk removal companies can be your knight in shining armor, hauling away unwanted items and leaving your home or business clean and organized.Check out our handy Google map of Triad North Carolina junk removal companies. 
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
As the summer sun blazes down, your pool becomes the ultimate backyard oasis, providing a refreshing escape from the heat. However, to keep your pool in top condition throughout the season, regular maintenance is crucial. Proper pool care ensures that the water stays clean, clear, and safe for swimming. Here are some essential tips for maintaining your pool during the summer months. 1. Regular Skimming and Cleaning Debris like leaves, insects, and dirt can quickly accumulate in your pool, especially during summer. Skim the surface of the pool daily to remove floating debris. Use a pool net or skimmer to keep the water clean. Additionally, clean the pool walls and floor at least once a week with a pool brush and vacuum to prevent algae buildup. 2. Check and Maintain Chemical Levels Balan...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia shares insights on how to find the best roof maintenance service in the Columbia, MD, and Howard County area. As a full-service roofing contractor, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia offers expert advice to help homeowners choose reliable and professional roof maintenance providers. This guidance ensures that local residents receive high-quality service for their roofing needs.Regular roof maintenance is important for homeowners and businesses to prevent costly damage and ensure structural integrity. Neglecting roof maintenance can lead to leaks, mold growth, and even structural damage, which may require extensive and expensive repairs.Ernest Krebs, owner of Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, explains, "When people need roof maintenance, it's important to find a service with...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a trusted roofing company in Columbia, MD, is highlighting the benefits of roof sealants to address increasing inquiries from homeowners about effective roof protection and maintenance.Roof sealants are substances applied to the surface of roofs to prevent leaks and damage. They create a protective layer that helps keep out water, debris, and other elements that can cause wear and tear. Roof sealants are essential for roof repairs and maintenance because they provide a barrier that helps maintain the integrity of the roof structure. By sealing cracks and gaps, they help prevent water from seeping in, which can lead to mold, rot, and structural damage.Roof sealants help enhance the durability and longevity of roofs by protecting them from harsh weather conditi...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a roofing company based in Columbia, MD, is helping homeowners understand the advantages of insulated vinyl siding. In their recent blog post, they explain how this siding option can make homes more energy-efficient and durable, especially in different climates. With sustainability in mind and energy prices on the rise, insulated vinyl siding offers an affordable and eco-friendly way to boost insulation and enhance a home's appearance.The blog post explains how this type of siding keeps homes warmer or cooler, saves money on energy bills, and shields against weather damage. Ridgeline Roofers Columbia aims to inform readers about the practical advantages of choosing insulated vinyl siding for their homes. Better thermal performance means improved comfort and r...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a leading residential and commercial roofing contractor based in Columbia, MD, is providing dependable roof repair services in Howard County.Ernest Krebs, owner of Ridgeline Roofers, says, "When it comes to dealing with roof repair issues, homeowners often face challenges that need immediate attention. Things like leaks, damaged shingles, or structural weaknesses can really mess with a home's integrity, and that can lead to even more problems like water damage and mold growth. Good roof repair means finding the main issue and fixing it properly to make sure it lasts a long time. Hiring a professional roofing contractor is the best way to get a thorough inspection, quick fixes, and the use of top-notch materials. This helps the roof last longer and keeps the p...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a trusted full-service roofing contractor in Columbia, MD, is highlighting the significance of commercial roof drainage systems and its various types to property owners and managers in the area. Ridgeline Roofers Columbia provides professional repair, maintenance and installation services for commercial roof drainage systems.Commercial roof drainage systems are infrastructure designed to manage rainwater and prevent it from accumulating on the roofs of commercial buildings. These systems typically consist of gutters, downspouts, and drains that channel water away from the roof's surface and direct it towards appropriate drainage points. Ernest Krebs, founder of Ridgeline Roofers, says, "The primary purpose of commercial roof drainage systems is to protect the...
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