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home renovation

5 Affordable Home Improvements to Add Major Value

July 28, 2023

Wondering what affordable home renovation ideas to do around your property?

There is a whole range of improvements you can make to your home that will not only raise its value but give you more value for your money. So what are the most affordable home improvements with a high-profit return wise?

Well, if you’ve got the money to invest in your property, this is the article for you. So read on and find out more, and you might be surprised at how much you can increase your property value.

1. Fresh Paint

You need to consider fresh paint for a home makeover. It is a great way to add color, vibrancy, character, and a modern touch to a room without spending a fortune on furniture, appliances, and other items. By adding a fresh coat of paint to the rooms, you will instantly create a classic look and refresh the feel of your home.

2. Landscaping

An inviting entryway, well-manicured lawns and gardens, attractive trees and bushes, and efficient irrigation systems can all give buyers the assurance they’re looking for in a home. Simple modifications like adding a few shrubs, trees, flowers, and conifers to your yard can make a major difference in how desirable the home appears.

Additionally, an efficient water and irrigation system can save money and resources over time as well. A carefully designed landscaping plan can be an economical way to add much-needed value to your home.

3. Insulation

Cellulose insulation is a great choice for adding insulation to your home. It is highly energy efficient which can save you money on energy bills. It can not only prolong the life of your home and preserve its value, but it can also increase its comfort for you and your family.

Cellulose is also more environmentally friendly than many other types of insulation as it is made from recycled paper and other natural materials making it an eco-friendly choice. It is also easier to install than most other insulation types. To learn more about the benefits of cellulose insulation, start your research today.

4. Redo the Lighting Fixtures

With only a modest investment, you can completely change the look and feel of a room or area. Quite often, old or outdated lighting fixtures can date home and be a real eyesore. But taking the time to upgrade them can give the room a much-needed lift like nothing else can.

Many great lighting fixtures are available online for great prices and are easy to install. This improvement could make kitchens, bathrooms, and other living areas look newer and have a more modern appeal.

5. Replacing the Front Door

Replacing the front door is an affordable home improvement that can add major value to your home. A new door can bring in more natural light and create a more inviting entryway.

A new door could also increase your home’s curb appeal, which is important for selling your home and attracting potential renters. You can replace the front door on a tight budget. It is an investment that will pay off in the long run and will provide an excellent return on your investment.

Level Up With These Affordable Home Improvements

Affordable home improvements can be a great way to level up your home. Simply look around, identify where some affordable improvements can be made, and plan for your project.

So why not start today? With a little research and effort, you can easily make your home more livable, comfortable, and valuable.

For more articles like this, check out our other posts.

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6 Home Improvements to Increase Your House’s Value

July 30, 2020

Home improvements are necessary. Whether you’re thinking of selling your home or just looking to clean it up, completing some basic home improvements can significantly increase its value. Not only will you be able to make a better sale, but you can take pride in all of your accomplishments. In this article, we’ll look at six home improvements that you can make to increase your house’s value. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!

Follow these 6 Home Improvements to increase your home’s value…

Paint, paint and more paint…

Yep, you guessed it! One of the easiest ways to maximize your house’s value is to give everything a fresh coat of paint. From the doors and walls to your front porch, it really can make a huge difference. Try and stick with neutral colors, as it gives any potential buyers freedom to make changes. It’s also best to hire a professional if you want everything done correctly, as they can make sure the right paint and techniques are used. Check out these exterior house paint color ideas for some inspiration!

Change up the landscape

Your garden and landscape are just as important as your home itself, so it’s a good idea to hire a professional to help clean things up. A Home Improvement Contractor can ensure that everything looks its best, and you don’t have to worry about the stress of doing it yourself. Try and keep things looking clean and tidy, but don’t be afraid to add in some gorgeous greenery. It really can make a difference!

Install extra storage

Nobody can ever get enough storage, so if you’re looking for another way to upgrade your home’s value, see where you can add in some extra cupboards. Even something as simple as installing a coat rack or kitchen hanger rack could make buyers even more interested. Have a look at these indoor storage ideas to help get you started.

Replace your heating and cooling systems

If your house was built more than a few years ago, chances are the heating and cooling systems has seen better days. Replacing it can significantly increase your home’s value, and you’ll quickly earn it back when your sale goes through. Try getting a reverse cycle air-conditioner so that everything is in the one unit. They are easy to use, efficient, and can also save you money on power.

Fix the little things

Do you have small odd jobs around the home that you never got around to? It could be a paint chip in your bedroom wall or a brick that needs replacing? Fixing all the little things plays an important part in selling your home. Potential buyers always look at what needs fixing, and the less there is, the more interested they will be. There are many DIY fixes for things around the house online; you just need to do some research.

Go green

Lastly, one of the best ways to increase your home’s value is to go green and make your home more eco-friendly. For example, installing solar power panels reduces your energy bill, and you can even put power back into the grid. You could also consider installing low flow faucets to save water. The options are endless, and while it might cost a little to set everything up, it will undoubtedly be worth it.

And that’s it! Even by just completing a few of these improvements, you’ll be able to get a better price offer on your home. Just remember always to hire professionals for any difficult job, and try and think about your home from a buyer’s point of view. Trust us when we say it can really help! Good luck.

SHOP HOME DECOR ACCESSORIES…

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BATHROOMS, home renovation

3 Plumbing Jobs You Should Never Attempt to Do Yourself

May 11, 2020

Plenty of homeowners have the knowledge and confidence required to fix leaky faucets or clogged traps. Licensed professional plumbers, of course, have skills that allow them to tackle far greater challenges.

It can easily make sense as a homeowner to do it yourself when a minor plumbing repair is needed. Try to take on the wrong type of job, and serious, unpleasant consequences will often follow.

There are a number of types of plumbing work where it is best to defer to experienced professionals. Arrange for plumbing services from United Plumbing or another highly regarded company in such cases, and you will always be better off. A look at three types of plumbing jobs you should never attempt yourself follows.

1. Clearing a Clogged Sewer Line

Working around sewage is rarely pleasant even for pros who have effective ways to deal with it. Most homeowners automatically call for professional help as soon as they realize that they have run into sewer line problems.

There are several reasons why it will always be best to have a professional plumber clear or fix a sewer line that needs attention. One of these is that a faulty repair can cause a formerly controlled problem to escalate. That can leave parts of a home flooded with sewage that will be costly and truly unpleasant to remove.

Another issue is that working with sewage can be dangerous, a fact that few homeowners realize. Potentially harmful gases and other noxious substances can build up within sewer lines to threatening levels.

When a sewer line needs to be fixed, the required work will often be quite involved, as well. That can mean needing specialized equipment that a homeowner is unlikely to have on hand, as well as equally unusual skills.

Finally, homeowners who make mistakes while working on sewer lines can find themselves becoming exposed to other sorts of problems. Should a botched repair job cause trouble downstream, municipal authorities might demand compensation.

2. Installing a Water Heater

High-quality water heaters can provide many years of service but will eventually need to be replaced. Installing a more efficient water heater can make sense even when an existing one still functions perfectly.

It will always be best to have a pro handle the required work, however. For one thing, electric water heaters need access to high-voltage electricity that is particularly dangerous to work with. For another, a mistake made while installing a water heater can subject a home to the risk of water damage.

3. Replacing Pipes

Minor plumbing leaks can often be fixed fairly easily using kits and products available at home improvement stores. In many cases, a permanent solution will require replacing a length of pipe that has deteriorated too much to remain reliable.

It will always be best to call a plumber in such situations, because any mistakes that get made can become quite costly. Replacing a piece of pipe might seem simple, but it takes quite a bit of know-how and preparation.

Fail to get everything just right and a new section of pipe will spring a small leak, in the best-case scenario. It can just as well fail catastrophically and unleash many gallons of water on a home before the problem gets resolved.

While there are plenty of other times when it will normally be best to call a plumber, these three situations always merit professional intervention. Even homeowners who are confident in their ability to fix minor plumbing problems should call professionals at such times.

SHOP BATHROOM…..

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REAL ESTATE

Top 5 maintenance tips for your roof

December 18, 2019

Buying a home for the first time can be a very stressful and time-consuming experience. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage loan and finding the right home is difficult. But what many don’t realize is that once you a home that you actually want to purchase, the real work will begin.

Without the right amount of maintenance, a home is bound to fall apart. For this reason, new homeowners need to focus on maintaining vital parts of their residence such as the roof. The following are some of the tasks a homeowner should undertake to keep their roof in good shape.

1. Keeping Tree Branches Trimmed is Important

Maintaining a high level of curb appeal is something most homeowners view as a priority. Having trees is pretty normal for homeowners in the United States. However, if these trees are not properly trimmed, they can do a lot of damage to a home’s roof.

The average homeowner will spend around $9,000 a year on maintenance and repairs. Using some of this maintenance budget to pay a professional tree service to trim the trees around a home is crucial. Allowing large and heavy branches to grow over the roof of the home is a recipe for disaster.

2. The Gutters Need to be Cleaned Regularly

A home’s roof has a number of important components. Perhaps the most important part of a roof is the gutter system attached to it. These gutters are designed to remove rainwater from both the roof and the home’s foundation.

As time goes by, these gutters will start to fill with leaves and small branches. If the gutters are full, they will be unable to do the job for which they were intended. This is why a homeowner needs to have their gutters cleaned two to four times a year. Be sure to check out https://www.erieconstruction.com/blog to find out more about the importance of gutter maintenance.

3. Inspect the Flashing on the Roof

Most homeowners have chimneys and HVAC vents coming out of the roof. In most cases, metal flashing is installed around these areas to reduce the chance of leaks occurring. The longer this flashing is in place, the higher the chance becomes of it rusting and malfunctioning.

This is why a homeowner needs to work with a roofing professional to get their flashing inspected. If this part of the roof needs to be replaced, professionals will have no problem getting this work done. Ignoring the need for new flashing will lead to leaks and mold issues, which is why getting it replaced is so important.

4. Pay Attention to the Roof Shingles

Another important part of a home’s roof are the asphalt shingles it has. These shingles are exposed to direct sunlight for multiple hours each day. As time goes by, this exposure will start to dry out the shingles and make them brittle.

A homeowner will need to inspect their shingles regularly to see if any of them are missing. If there are shingle pieces laying in the yard after a bad storm, contacting a roofing professional to come take a look is crucial.

5. Take a Look in the Attic

The attic in a home is where unused possessions are put. This means that most homeowners don’t go in their attic very often. Taking the time to inspect an attic can help a homeowner discover roofing leaks early on. As soon as signs of leaks surface, a homeowner needs to take swift action to fix them.

Roof Maintenance is Important

Maintaining a home’s roof may be time-consuming and expensive, but it is worth the investment. With the help of a knowledgeable professional, getting a roof repaired will be easy.

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HOME STAGING

Selling Your Home? 9 Tips to Increase the Value of Your Home

April 7, 2015

If you are considering selling your home in the near future – start prepping now! Don’t leave it to the last minute….to get your home in tip top shape that buyers are looking for – is a lot of work! It really is best to get a head start so that there isn’t as much to do closer to the time when you want to list your property.

It can be confusing to know where to spend you money, time and energy but here are the top tips to increase to value of your home

1 – Fix ALL repairs.

Not sure what’s wrong with your home? Perhaps hire a home inspector to inspect your home and take a look at his report. Leaky pipes, the roof, electrical panels etc…are the types of repairs that scare of buyers. But be sure to take acre of cosmetic repairs too like cracked tiles.

2 – Add a fresh coat of paint.

It’s worth it. The cost of pain is minimal and it makes every space look clean and bright. Stick to neutrals and a white trim

3 – Replace carpet.

If you have old wall to wall carpet remove it. Carpet is a big turn off for a lot of buyers as it get dusty and an old carpet doesn’t usually show well. Opt for hardwood or laminate (perfect for a family home). This improvement is what most buyers are looking for and it improves the quality of the air and it’s low maintenance

4 – Low maintenance landscaping.

Add some plants and perhaps some shrubs/trees. It improves the curb appeal and again, it is something that the buyer won’t have to do. If you want top dollar for your home, you need to do the work! Plus pull out that patio furniture (make sure to clean it) and set the scene –

5 – Enhance those kitchens and bathrooms.

You don’t need a total overhaul necessarily but pay attention to updating the bathroom. Make sure it’s clean, has white fixtures like tuns, toilets and sinks and chrome or brushed nickel accents. A simple and neutral bathroom always presents better than a dated one. for the kitchen, small updates like a new back splash in a neutral tile, updated hardware and lighting – make a huge differences. If you have older appliances that you can’t afford to replace make sure they are in good working condition and clean

6 – Other upgrades.

Lighting is huge – look for simple chrome or brushed nickel finishes. And make sure you are using maximum wattage so the home looks bright! If you can upgrade your cabinets- do it, remember light and neutral, you want mass appeal.

7 – Don’t forget the exterior.

Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint? How about those lights and mailbox, have they seen better days? Do you have an address plate? Does your grip set (door handle and key slot) work smoothly? – Don’t let real estate agents get frustrated by trying to enter your home for showings, not a good first impression!

8 – Let there be light!

Are there dark rooms in your home? Consider hiring an electrician to add some overhead lighting in darker rooms. In older homes, we don’t often see overhead lighting in family rooms, secondary bedrooms and living rooms – so stand out from the crowd.

9 – Stage your home.

Even if you are still living in the space with your furniture and accessories, hire a stager for a consultation. They can help you will ideas to be present your home, and they can give you some great tips to appeal to buyers. A home staging team can help you in the beginning too – buy selecting the right paint colours, lighting, hardware and other updates to improve the look and value of your home. they are a great resource for knowing what’s trending in the eyes of the buyer.

You want your home to look it’s best especially when it is up for sale. Start the process of prepping your home for the real sale market in advance to save your self some time, energy and stick to a budget.

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HOME STAGING

Top 10 Home Buyer Turn-Offs

February 27, 2015

Looking for the perfect home can be a lot like dating to find ‘the one’ to settle down with and build a full life together. And just like dating, buyers looking for the house that is ‘the one’ well they have turn-offs, too.

If you are selling your home, you will want to make sure your home doesn’t have any of these buyer turn offs.

1- Wacky paint colours

Some buyers can overlook strange decor choices and picture the house painted white or in tasteful neutrals, but many can’t. Furthermore, colour can have a strong effect on mood, both positively and negatively. Don’t take the chance.

2- Dirt

A house for sale should be as near to spotless as you can make it. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, grimy grout, stained counter tops, dishes in the sink and crunchy floors are definite turn-offs. Do at least a light cleaning before every showing and a more thorough clean each weekend before the open house.

3- Odd (or oppressive) smells

If you smoke, at least take it outside while the house is up for sale. In fact, any noticeable odours, whether pets, lingering cooking smells or even heavy perfume, can turn away a potential buyer. Use fabric refresher on upholstery and air fresheners or room scents where needed, but use a light hand.

4- Unkempt exterior

Curb appeal makes a very strong impression on a potential buyer, and so does lack of it. Make sure the landscaping is trimmed and the lawn mowed; plant a few annuals or cover your flowerbeds with a neat layer of mulch, staying away from the bright red colour and opting for the natural coloured mulch. If the front porch needs painting, paint it. Also, keep the outside of your home as tidy as the interior: remove kids’ toys from the backyard, and keep the porch steps swept.

5- Too many pets

It’s hard to believe that not everybody loves Fluffy, Fifi, and Rover as much as you do, but they don’t. A dog that comes barking fiercely to the door as soon as you ring the bell, or worse, a whole pack of them, is unnerving. One cat sleeping quietly in a chair might be fine; a noisy (and possibly smelly) menagerie isn’t. Try to find temporary homes for your friends, at least while the house is being shown. And if you have carpets, get them professionally cleaned to get rid of the ‘pet smells’

6 Wrong-headed renovations

This is on a slightly different scale than the other points mentioned here, but should be considered at the time of renovation if possible. A toilet off the kitchen; an open-concept reno that creates a vast, empty space; or an oddly configured hallway or room is viewed by a buyer as money they’ll have to spend to put things right. Try to modify your alterations to make them more universal, or better still, avoid wacky renovations in the first place.

7- Dark and dingy interiors

You can’t do much about the building two feet beyond your side windows, but you can do a lot to brighten the inside of your house. White or light walls and woodwork is a classic brightener; if you can afford to add windows, they’re a good investment in a dark house. Adding more lighting, whether by wiring overhead lights or just installing more
lamps, works too. At the very least, keep your windows clean, to let in as much natural light as possible.

8- Horrid basements

Again, this may or may not be under your control, but a dank, dingy basement, especially if the ceiling is very low, can be off-putting. If you have the option, painting the cement floor or installing low-cost carpeting can help cheer it up a little. Also, clear out all the junk, right to the walls, so that buyers can see how much space there is — even if
it’s only for their own junk.

9 -Dirty appliances

Even if the house is generally clean, don’t discount the possibility that people will be looking inside the appliances (they are part of the home). Keep your fridge clear of old take-out containers and aging leftovers, wipe down spills– and use the self-clean mode on your oven.

10- Swimming pool

It’s perhaps unfair to include a pool as a buyer turn-off, since for some people it’s a major attraction. But financially, pools rarely make back the money spent on them and can sometimes even lower a home’s value. Almost certainly, a pool will cut down the number of potential buyers interested in the house. But if you do have one, make it look it’s best !

You know what they say…you only have one chance to make a first impression,

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INTERIOR DECORATING TIPS

Surviving your renovation

October 26, 2009

I have not been posting on my blog lately because we have been very busy with the final stage of our renovations. We purchased our home almost 2 years ago and took care of some easy renovations in our first year of living in our new home. Paint throughout, new tiles floor, sand and stain the hardwood, new back splash and landscaping the front yard – it was a lot of work but worth it! So this summer we decided to take on the remaining projects in our home – new bathroom, new kitchen counter tops, paint the exterior and landscape the backyard – and our home will be the home we have been dreaming of!

Although the end result is worth it, the transformation is amazing to see but living through renovations can be messy and stressful –

here are some tips for surviving your renovation.

1 – Let your neighbours know what’s going on.

A dumpster can be an unpleasant sight but if your neighbours know you are doing home improvements they will appreciate your honesty and how your improvements will help increase the property values of the neighbourhood.

2 – Work with your contractor.

Remember you are a team. Check in daily on the progress and discuss issues and concerns you have with your renovation. It is easier to fix problems while they are occurring and much more costly after they have occurred.

3 – Have a timeline.

Make sure your contractor provides you with a timeline. There are situations which may put you behind time but at least there is a rough outline of what to expect and when.

4 – Plan ahead.

Make your tile, granite, cabinet selections even before the work starts (and do your best to stick with those choices) as materials can take time to order, deliver etc… and that can delay your renovation.

5 – Think of your family.

Renovations can disrupt family routines so try and keep everyone entertained and occupied, so not to frustrate everyone too much. Take your little ones to the park to play instead of the backyard, plan excursions while the demolition is taking place (that part is the messiest), visit your friends (and maybe your little ones can take an afternoon nap there) taking a break from the renovation is good for everyone.

6 – Get out.

If the renovation will have your life completely upside down for months, maybe look into the possibility of a short term furnished rental apartment for you and your family, it might be way more comfortable and stress free.

7 – Before and after.

Even though you may not be on a TV show or in a magazine, take some before, during and after photos so you can see the transformation – it’s pretty amazing and you don’t fully appreciate it while living in the construction zone!

Remember, renovations done between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010 are eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit. Check out this link for more details. http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Renovation are stressful but planning ahead and thinking ahead can help manage that stress…

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