home buying: Delaying home projects could cost more in the long run
- 02/28/11 03:51 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Been to the grocery store lately? Filled up your vehicle with gas in the last week? It's not your imagination - many of the items you use most often are getting more expensive. And near the top of the list of price increases are the building materials that go into remodeling projects and new home construction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the new home that cost $85,000 to build in 2003 would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $113,000 to build now, due to residential construction costs jumping 33 percent since 2003. "We've … (0 comments)
home buying: Tired kitchen? Bland bath? Quick facelift tips
- 02/12/11 03:41 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The winter months often mean gatherings and guests ... and much more time indoors. So, why not give the two rooms that you spend the most time in - the kitchen and bath - a function and fashion facelift? Luckily, minor updates that are easy, quick and inexpensive can make a major impact. Try some of these simple suggestions from real do-it-yourselfers, and you can make your kitchen and bath more stylish, safe, organized and enjoyable - all in eight, easy steps. 1. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make over … (4 comments)
home buying: Is your home-renovation project really worth doing?
- 02/10/11 04:14 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Maybe you've watched one too many home improvement shows. Perhaps you're still stinging from that holiday guest's comment about how your kitchen countertop has seen better days. Or maybe you're just really tired of the same old, same old every day. Whatever the reason the remodeling itch has settled into your brain, before you bring in a contractor - or pick up a hammer - you should consider two important questions: How will you fund your project? And will it be worth it in the end? A little research and credit self-assessment can answer … (2 comments)
home buying: DIY-challenged? Three easy tricks for floor to ceiling
- 02/09/11 03:22 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - If you're among the millions of American homeowners who've decided sprucing up the home you have is more cost-effective than moving into something newer or bigger, you may be looking for some easy ways to improve your living space. If you're not a seasoned do-it-yourselfer, you could consider calling in the pros - but that would fly in the face of your efforts at frugality. Transforming a room from floor-to-ceiling isn't as hard as it may sound, even if you're DIY-challenged. The job can be simple if you start from the ground and work … (0 comments)
home buying: Cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal
- 02/07/11 05:45 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Anyone who's ever bought, sold or even just looked at a house can tell you first impressions matter. A house can be filled to the rafters with luxury touches, but if it lacks curb appeal, few potential buyers will ever step in the door to see what's inside. With real estate sales still sluggish across the country, curb appeal is taking on a new meaning for many homeowners. While an attractive home exterior can still boost potential resale value, homeowners are also looking at curb appeal as a way to enhance the enjoyment of … (1 comments)
home buying: The master suite: a haven within your home
- 02/06/11 06:54 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The master bedroom has evolved into far more than a place where you hit the pillow and grab a few hours of sleep each night. Today, it's almost a misnomer to call these modern, multi-functional rooms bedrooms. If you're looking to renovate, expand or build a new master bedroom, think "master suite" instead. Don't just create a cozy room meant for sleeping, because in recent years it really has turned into so much more. The growing trend of making the master suite one of your immediate family's choice gathering spots stems from a flagging … (0 comments)
home buying: A big and small energy saver for each room of your house
- 02/04/11 10:05 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Saving the environment can be an overwhelming task. With everything in the news about how to make your home more energy efficient, it's easy to become bewildered when thinking about all the improvements you could make. But there's no need to worry, as you don't have to make your home into a model for green living all at once. In fact, if everyone did just a few little things, the earth would see a gigantic benefit, so you can still do your part even if it doesn't mean retrofitting your entire home. And a … (0 comments)
home buying: Ten things to keep in mind when renting a home or apartment. Now is the time to buy your home and pay less than RENT!!!
- 02/03/11 11:01 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Rent vs. own? More Americans are wrestling with that question as the economy continues its slow recovery. Even though homes are selling at record lows, many Americans are choosing to rent instead, maintaining their mobility and financial flexibility until the economy, as well as their job prospects, improve. More than 38 million people currently rent their primary residence, which represents about one-third of total U.S. residences, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With the recent downturn in the economy and the spike in foreclosures, the demand for apartments and homes to rent has grown … (0 comments)
home buying: Must-do bathroom upgrades for baby boomers aging in place
- 02/02/11 03:28 AM
LIVEIN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The bathroom is an oasis for many of us, a place where we not only take care of personal needs, but also relax and decompress after a hectic day. But as people grow older and less mobile, the bathroom can become a risky place. Falls are a leading cause of hospitalization among aging Americans, and most at-home falls occur in the bathroom. By upgrading their bath with some products designed to facilitate aging in place, baby boomers and mature homeowners can continue to enjoy their bathrooms, with less concern over possible safety risks. "Good design … (1 comments)
home buying: Top 10 innovative products for do-it-yourselfers to kick off 2011
- 02/01/11 12:44 AM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Do-it-yourselfers range from experts to novices, ambitious renovators to weekend handypersons, but one thing they all share is the drive to find products and tools that can make their home improvement projects easy, successful and fast. "Do-it-yourselfers appreciate home improvement products that are new and innovative," says Patti Price, senior vice president of merchandising for Lowe's. "They're looking for products and tools that make projects easier, improve the functionality and efficiency of their homes, solve an old problem in a new way, and are unique and original." Lowe's polled a panel of DIYers recently … (0 comments)
home buying: Spare bedroom, hobby studio or man cave? Create a dream basement
- 01/31/11 06:06 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - It's no longer a dark, gloomy place to stash holiday supplies, store neglected exercise equipment or hide out-of-date furniture. Basements are becoming "dream spaces" for many baby boomers and their loved ones. Whether it's a private living suite to accommodate a child or grandchild who's moved back home, a cheerful craft studio or a fully loaded man cave, basement renovations are popular home improvement options. "Today many baby boomers are remodeling their homes instead of building or moving to a new one," says Pella Windows & Doors spokesperson, Kathy Krafka Harkema. "Kitchens and bathrooms … (1 comments)
home buying: Home transformation: Revamping your home with ceramic tile
- 01/29/11 07:21 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Transforming the look of the home does not need to be a costly, complicated process. And with an increasing focus on sustainability, homeowners are more concerned with using durable products that will keep their beauty and functionality for years to come. Revamping your home with ceramic tile is a great way to establish a contemporary look that will last. The technical specifications and aesthetic applications that ceramic offers are affordable and do not necessarily involve major work. Ceramic tile is easy to clean and maintain, durable and resistant to most common forms of wear. … (4 comments)
home buying: Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood
- 01/12/11 03:06 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - What is it about "going green" that is so appealing? Even if it's not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs. You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home. If the cost of a project is holding you back, … (0 comments)
home buying: Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
- 01/11/11 03:29 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue. While typically the refrain for most brides, this adage holds equally true for the top home decorating trends for the coming year. What's old is new again Whether they're genuine period pieces being repurposed or home furnishings reproduced from popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, vintage will be hot next year, according to Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Ltd. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland … (4 comments)
home buying: Selling your home in 2011-Tips to add value during winter months
- 01/10/11 03:00 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL Major home renovations can be overwhelming, but there are a few fundamental repairs that can update your home's appearance and increase its value. If you're planning to sell your home in 2011, take advantage of the colder winter months to prepare your home for a spring sale by focusing on a few key projects: Make a first impression. The entryway is the first up-close encounter a potential homebuyer will have with your home. Manicure your front yard and update or even replace your front door to complement your home's exterior. Select a rich, dark stained wood … (0 comments)
home buying: Cold weather offers perfect opportunity to work on these projects
- 01/06/11 04:54 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Although spring and summer are typically the seasons we focus on home improvement projects, there's no reason to put off projects or planning throughout colder months. If anything, it's the perfect way to spend time while hibernating indoors. From winterizing windows to laying new flooring, there are plenty of ways to keep improving your home year round. When the seasons change, one of the best things a homeowner can do is an energy audit. Though it's nice to keep the windows open all summer, drafty doors and windows can amount to hundreds of dollars … (5 comments)
home buying: How to cut more than $1,500 from your utility bill
- 12/27/10 04:38 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - In today's challenging economy, homeowners are looking for a few extra bucks to help pay their monthly utility bills and other household expenses, but there's no need to resort to searching for spare change in the sofa cushions. You can find plenty of extra cash throughout the house by making some simple and smart energy-efficient home improvements. "The average household spends approximately $2,200 every year on energy bills, but there are definite ways to save," says Bill Cunningham, an energy efficiency expert with home heating and cooling equipment manufacturer Lennox Industries. "In fact, homeowners … (4 comments)
home buying: TIME IS RUNNING OUT...Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year.
- 12/15/10 12:03 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - Putting off that home improvement project? Waiting too long could be detrimental to your wallet. On Dec. 31, the federal tax credit worth up to $1,500 for energy-efficient home improvements will expire, leaving procrastinating homeowners out in the cold - or at least chilly from their old, drafty windows. In addition to tax credit savings, many window sellers are offering savings on qualifying windows during October, which happens to be National Energy Awareness month. "The timing couldn't be better for value shoppers to make the investment into new energy efficient windows for their homes," … (0 comments)
home buying: Tips to get your house guest-ready in no time
- 12/14/10 02:59 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - The holiday season is fast approaching, which means - among other things - your home will soon be filled with family and other out-of-towners. Lifestyle expert, TV personality and mother-of-seven Hannah Keeley offers the following tips to ensure your home is guest-ready. * Get the whole family involved. Let's be honest, no one actually enjoys cleaning the house in preparation for guests. Make the often daunting task more manageable by assigning cleaning responsibilities to everyone in the family. Create and assign zones to each family member so, when you are expecting a guest, everyone … (0 comments)
home buying: Get your home ready for the new year
- 12/13/10 12:27 PM
LIVE IN TARPON SPRINGS, FL (ARA) - For many, the new year means a fresh start and there is no better place to begin than inside the home. Your home is meant to last, but over time, simple wear and tear can result in inefficient systems and less-than-perfect conditions. To keep your home looking and operating like the day you purchased it, Ace Hardware's home expert, Lou Manfredini, suggests a few easy maintenance projects that will make a big impact in the end. Give your baseboards the protection they need While adding a new coat of paint to your walls is … (0 comments)
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