Archive for February, 2010

6 Great Home Improvement Projects For Less Than $1000

February 23rd, 2010



Amid the difficult conditions and the volatility of real estate markets, investing on major home improvement projects may not be the right way to go for most homeowners. However, notwithstanding the conditions that prevail in the market, you still need to keep your home at its finest shape and form if you want to gain the upper hand in a market where competition among sellers is fierce. For the ordinary home sellers, they have their work cut out for them. The good thing is that if you are inclined to perform common DIY home improvement task and have minimal amount of funds, there are several tasks that you can perform to significantly add value to your home.

Here is a 6-point home improvement project that is worth under $1000.

1. Replace your old kitchen countertops

Conjure up a new look that will surely blow you away by starting work on a new and modern kitchen countertop. There are a plethora of low-priced but sleek and elegant materials that are available in the market. Your choices shall include terrazzo composites and solid surfacing, cast concrete, stainless steel and other green variants. You can complete the makeover by blending your brand new and contemporary countertops with new hardware for your cupboards, drawers and shelves.

2. Invest on modern bathroom accessories for added safety and comfort

If you are planning of staying in your present home for at least 5 years, then now is the best time for you to consider some serious improvement in one of the most important part of your home – the bathroom. One of your major concerns when doing your bathroom improvement projects are the appropriate changes that contribute to the easy access of members of the household regardless of current abilities and age.

When assessing the current condition of your bath, you must always focus on those aspects that need improvement for added comfort and safety. You may have to consider installing a new entry door with a wider configuration. Other practical changes that you might consider include the installation of easy-to-hold doors and cabinet accessories, grab bars, and shower accessories that come with a modern hand-held shower head.

3. Paint up for a fresh new look

A fresh coat of paint is your best option when it comes to transformative home makeover. Thus, it is easily your best go-to alternative if you are looking for the updating technique that can make a BIG difference.

4. Refurbish the outer zones

Your leisure area during warm weather conditions becomes more enjoyable if you will work on the improvement of outer rooms and make it as one of the focal points of your home. You can invest for an expansion to add a small patio or deck made of brick, cement pavers or natural stone materials. This is one great way of expanding and extending the function of your current living space.

5. Focus on the curb appeal

Your front yard is the first thing that can be seen from street. It is just but logical that you put in your best efforts to provide this part of your home the kind of updating it truly deserves. Assess the welcome quotient of the entry point to your property. One great improvement option is the installation of a door that has the requisite elegant look and balanced with the toughness and reliability so that it can withstand the effects of the exterior environment.

6. Work on your home’s energy efficiency

This is one home improvement aspect which can deliver significant returns in an instant. Those simple home improvement tasks that are geared towards improving the energy efficiency of your home will turn in significant gains in the form of reduced energy consumption. For instance, you can reduce domestic energy loss and raise the level of comfort in your home by simply sealing the ducts of your HVAC system.

By: Laurel R. Lindsay

Dealing With Home Improvement Questions

February 22nd, 2010



Home improvements are a great way to turn a house into a home. In addition to making your house a better place to live in, home improvements also raise the value of your home. If investment is what is on top of your mind, and you cannot purchase yet another house just yet, home improvement could be a great option. This is much cheaper than actually buying another house. In addition, this would have far more tangible value than investing in shares or bonds. After all, you would be able to see and experience the improvements once they are done.

Getting home improvement loans is not too much of a problem. You can use the property as collateral as you go in for a secured loan to fund your home improvement needs. If you are not keen to put your property at risk, you could go in for an unsecured loan. But remember, an unsecured loan is usually a good deal costlier than a secured one. If you are still repaying mortgage, you could release the equity value of you home and avail of a home equity loan. This would be a great way to make use of the equity which would otherwise just lie around.

However, just getting the loan will not help you with your home improvements. You also have the hassle of hiring a contractor. Now, unless you know of people who have recently carried out major home improvements, getting a great contractor may not be the easiest thing in the world. But with a little persistence, you should be able to find one that is efficient, qualified, and affordable. Make sure that you do your own research before you talk to him though. That way, you will be able to tell him how exactly you would like the improvements to be carried out.

Also, do not just choose the first contractor that you come across. Even if his credentials seem sound, make sure you run a background check first. In case your contractor is the type who tends to not pay his workers and suppliers, you would not want to be landed with huge bills that you have already paid for. Also make sure that you check to see if he has insurance. If not, you might end up being liable for any injuries that may occur on your premises. Thus, before you even start home improvements in your home, make sure you do your research. Only then will you be able to get the best deals.

By: Ajeet Khurana

Make Your Home Secure

February 22nd, 2010



The following list offers some inexpensive ways to make your home secure:

* Do not leave a ladder outside of your home. A thief could easily, and they do, gain entrance to a second story window.

* Always ask for ID when service men come to your home. Do not let your children answer the door. Don’t be afraid to call the company for verification BEFORE you let them inside your home.

* Do not keep excess cash around your house. Keep it in a safety deposit box at your bank. If you must keep cash at home, hide it NOT in the kitchen or your bedroom, as that is the first place a thief will look.

* Take pictures of your heirlooms and personal items for identification at some later time.

* Mark all electronic equipment with a permanent etching of your name and drivers license number or social security number.
This process makes it hard for the thief to sell your property, and easy for you to identify and get returned to you.

* Never leave notes on your front door announcing your absence. This may seem incredible, but people do this all of the time. You might as well put up a neon sign giving your time of return also.

* Keep an eye out for a strange vehicle on your block. It could be a thief checking out the whereabouts of you or your neighbors. Write down the vehicle description and the license number. Don’t be ashamed to call the Police to report a suspicious vehicle.

* Purchase a timer that will turn on your lights automatically and light up your house when you are away.

* If you are going on vacation, arrange to have your lawn mowed, your paper picked-up, leaves raked and snow shoveled. Make it look like you are home.

* Have the post office hold your mail until you return.

* Leave your furnace or central air on low so that people can hear it start up once in a while. This tells burglars that you won’t begone for long.

* If you ever arrive home, and your door is open, or you see obvious signs of forced entry, DO NOT GO INSIDE, call the Police. Don’t be a hero!

By: Robert Nelson