With entire television networks and multiple magazines dedicated to home improvement, it’s easy to see why home renovations are quickly becoming the fastest growing trend in North America.
Giant, big-box stores and smaller, specialty retailers are popping up all over and they all have their own catalogs. Whether you’re planning a one-room design idea, pricing tile or working on an estimate for a total house overhaul, free home improvement catalogs are a great way to get inspiration and price points for every project. Keep reading for five tips on how to find the best home improvement catalogs and how you can use them to help plan your next project.
1. Call your favorite manufacturers.
If you love your best friend’s new kitchen tile, ask who made it and call that company to request a copy of their latest catalog. They’ll gladly send it out to you along with the contact information for a local sales representative.
2. Ask at your local hardware store.
Because company reps visit home renovation retailers, they often drop off piles of free catalogs that are chock full of product information, prices and design ideas. Simply ask your local store clerk if they have any catalogs that you could take home to browse through. They’re happy to distribute them.
3. Search online.
Most manufacturers either make their full catalog available to browse online or they provide a simple order form that lets you request a mail-order copy of their free catalog right from your home office. You can also use the web to hunt down new companies and look for products you wouldn’t normally try. Check home improvement and design blogs for ideas on manufacturers to investigate.
4. Attend a home improvement “show.”
Attending a home improvement show or exposition is the best way to see a lot of products in one place and pick up hundreds of free home improvement catalogs. Most manufacturers set up booths with sales reps who can not only demo their available products, but also answer your questions. Their sales reps are happy to give out full catalogs along with their contact information for future sales.
5. Don’t forget the specialists.
Some companies do absolutely everything. Others are highly specialized and may only make designer faucets or unique drawer pulls. When building your home improvement catalog collection, remember to include the specialists. Take the time to at least glance through a few home improvement catalogs. They are packed with great ideas they may sway your ultimate do-it-yourself project decision.
By: John Rutledge
Posts Tagged ‘Home Renovation’
How to Find Great Free Home Improvement Catalogs
February 28th, 2010Which Home Improvements Add the Most Value?
January 3rd, 2010
Each cent spent on home improvement should be worth it. You need to be well planned about each improvement you make on your home. According to a statistical survey, for every US dollar you spend on home improvement, the value of your property appreciates by 70 cents.
When you have given work to a contractor, never pay the entire amount upfront. Pay the contractor in phases as the phase of a designated job gets completed. This way you will not be cheated when you go for a home improvement or remodeling task.
There are many home renovation options available. The most preferred ones are those which give the investor more returns on their investments. These area upscale siding replacement, addition of wooden deck, kitchen remodeling, replacement of windows, bathroom remodeling (mid range), remodeling attic into a bedroom, finishing work for basement, adding a second room, construction of garage, etc.
The renovation work on your home can be classified into minor, mid-range, and major investments depending on the cost of the task. Changing the flooring, tiling work, shower doors, etc would come into minor renovation works. When you are remodeling the bathroom, this could be called a mid-range renovation. Renovation that makes a style statement, like building a pool and outdoor kitchen or a fire space, goes under the category of major renovations. The important thing that you have to keep in mind while having home improvement is to make your home more energy efficient, beautiful, and comfortable. Make sure that your way of living in your house is a more lively and enjoyable.
If your home improvement idea revolves around the idea of a resale, take into consideration your neighborhood when you go for a major remodeling idea. Unless you live in neighborhood of million dollar houses, you want to rein your ideas for a 6 figure remodeling. An investment that increases the square area of your home is a good investment on price. Such kind of investments adds value to your home.
Remember, when you build a pool, it is just the beginning of the many additional expenses. Add the maintenance cost of each addition into your budget and take into consideration the cost of labor, the price of materials, etc.; when you are preparing budget for a remodeling idea. You can create a budget based on room by room or job by job.
Renovation experts suggest that fuel efficiency and energy savings should be on top of the agenda when you are deciding on home renovation. This is a good way to reduce your energy bills. The other idea that most people include is the security measures. This is a necessity and provides good return on an investment.
Stop yourself from exotic decorations on your home. If you are planning to move away or relocate in a few years, say a year or so, don’t go for big budget renovations; instead invest small amounts to keep the property looking new and well maintained. Garden improvement is the improvement which attracted the least amount from home owners statistically.
If you are planning for a home renovation, there are various lenders who will provide you with the money for home improvement. Check with a host of lenders to know various rates of interest and amounts before you zero in on one.
By: Mary Deoquino