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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 David Best, Turn your house into a home! Home Improvement Tips
(HouseHome)
Daily routines, the number of bathrooms, appliance use, and the type of system all affect how much hot water a family uses. A system that is too small can run out during busy periods, while an oversized system can increase energy costs.For a family of four, the right size depends on actual household demand. Storage capacity, recovery rate, and energy source should all be considered before installing or replacing a unit. Reviewing how and when your household uses hot water will help you choose a system with enough capacity without paying for more than you need.Why System Size Should Match Household DemandMost families use the most hot water in the morning and evening. Showers, dishwashing, and laundry can all happen within the same period. The right size depends on: Household size Number...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 4’ tall Avondale Under Curve Fence in White by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, adds timeless elegance with its distinctive curved design — creating a welcoming boundary that enhances curb appeal while offering lasting beauty and durability. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #AvondaleFence #WhiteFence #DecorativeFence #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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There's a specific kind of person who looks at a crumbling, neglected object and only sees potential. Whether you're walking through a Victorian house with peeling wallpaper or staring at a rusted 1960s coupe sitting in a barn, the urge to bring a piece of history back to life is an undeniable pull. While the tools might look a bit different, the journey of breathing new life into these relics is remarkably similar.If you've ever attempted to revive a classic vehicle, you probably realize it requires the same mindset as remodeling a century-old property. From the initial tear-down to the final coat of paint, the emotional highs and lows mirror each other perfectly. In fact, tackling a major home remodel feels a lot like managing a complex auto body repair project. Both demand patience, ...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Walking through a potential new home is thrilling. You start mentally placing your furniture and imagining weekend breakfasts in the kitchen, but beneath the fresh coat of paint and staged decor, serious issues might be hiding. Water is a home's worst enemy, and if the previous owners neglected a slow leak, you could be buying a financial nightmare. If you inherit these problems, you'll eventually need professional water damage restoration to tear out ruined materials and mitigate mold.To avoid spending your savings on repairs right after closing, you need to know exactly what to look for during the home inspection. Even if you hire a professional inspector, keeping your own eyes peeled for these specific warning signs will help you decide if the house is a wise investment or a money pi...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Upgrade your outdoor space with the timeless beauty of a classic white vinyl fence! The 6' Jackson Vinyl Fence offers lasting privacy, clean curb appeal, and low-maintenance durability that homeowners love. Professionally installed in 12 days or less, backed by a 3-year craftsmanship warranty, and proudly supporting the Wounded Warrior Project—it's a smart investment for both style and peace of mind. This 6' tall Jackson Vinyl Fence in White by Acreage Fences in Elkhorn, Nebraska, brings clean lines, lasting privacy, and effortless elegance to your outdoor space — delivering a low-maintenance solution that's as beautiful as it is durable. 🏡✨ 🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project #AcreageFences #J...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Jackson Vinyl Fence in White by Acreage Fences in Elkhorn, Nebraska, brings clean lines, lasting privacy, and effortless elegance to your outdoor space — delivering a low-maintenance solution that's as beautiful as it is durable. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #JacksonFence #WhiteVinylFence #ElkhornNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to improve comfort, increase property value, and create spaces that better fit your family's needs. Whether you are updating a single room or tackling a whole-house remodel, thoughtful planning can make the difference between a rewarding experience and a frustrating one. Before the first wall comes down or the first cabinet is removed, it helps to understand the key factors that contribute to a successful renovation. By keeping a few important considerations in mind, you can stay on budget, minimize stress, and enjoy results that will serve you well for years to come.Set Your BudgetHome renovation projects should always begin with a realistic budget that includes a financial cushion for unexpected expenses. Even well-planned remodels can u...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Choosing the right swimming pool contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make when adding a pool to your property. The company you hire influences the design, construction quality, timeline, communication, and long-term enjoyment of your investment. Taking time to compare professionals, verify credentials, and understand your options helps prevent costly surprises while creating a backyard retreat that fits your family's lifestyle, budget, and future maintenance expectations. Careful planning today often leads to greater satisfaction for many years after construction is complete and enjoyed daily.Swimming pool contractor selection begins with researching local companies that have established reputations for reliability and craftsmanship. Read customer reviews, ask nei...
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By Adam Scard, World traveler and lover of real estate trends
Your backyard should feel like an extension of your home, offering a comfortable place to relax, entertain guests, and spend quality time with family. Even if your outdoor space has become a little neglected, it doesn't take a complete overhaul to make it more attractive and enjoyable. A few thoughtful improvements can dramatically change the atmosphere while increasing your home's appeal and making it a place you'll want to use throughout the year. Whether your budget is modest or generous, there are plenty of practical upgrades that can transform an ordinary yard into an inviting outdoor retreat.Add a PoolA backyard pool is often the centerpiece of outdoor living, but they benefit from regular updates just like the rest of your landscape. If you have a pool, consider refreshing the su...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 4' tall Centurion Black Ornamental Steel Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, blends sleek, modern design with exceptional durability — creating a refined boundary that enhances security, curb appeal, and lasting value. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Protect your home and your budget this summer with a few simple maintenance checks. Inspect windows and doors for air leaks, clear gutters and downspouts, and prepare your home for Delaware's heat and storms. A little preventive care today can help you avoid expensive repairs and improve energy efficiency all season long. In New Castle County, summertime offers scorching days, a lot of air conditioning use, and the kind of unexpected pop-up storms that pass through Bear, Hockessin, and Pike Creek. This is a great moment to take a stroll around your house and inspect a few important areas because you are under a lot of stress. You can avoid a large repair fee later by investing a few minutes now.     Check Windows and Doors Start outside your external doors and windows. Check for worn we...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
In New Castle County, summertime offers scorching days, a lot of air conditioning use, and the kind of unexpected pop-up storms that pass through Bear, Hockessin, and Pike Creek. This is a great moment to take a stroll around your house and inspect a few important areas because you are under a lot of stress. You can avoid a large repair fee later by investing a few minutes now.  Check Windows and DoorsStart outside your external doors and windows. Check for worn weatherstripping or damaged caulking. Both allow moisture to enter and cool air to exit. During our hot Delaware summers, sealing these inefficient leaks will improve the comfort of your house and reduce your energy costs.Clear Your Gutters and DownspoutsNext, examine your downspouts and gutters. In Northern Delaware, summer sto...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
One of the most common requests I hear from homeowners in The Villages is, "How can I create more privacy in my backyard?" Whether you're relaxing on your lanai, enjoying your pool, or simply looking for a little separation from your neighbors, the right landscaping can make a big difference.Creating privacy in The Villages requires a balancing act. Most Community Development Districts (CDDs) have landscaping guidelines that regulate hedge heights. In my CDD, hedges generally cannot exceed four feet. However, there are creative ways to increase privacy while staying within the community standards.One option is to layer your landscaping. Instead of relying on a single hedge, consider planting Dwarf Sugar Palms behind lower shrubs. These attractive palms typically grow to around eight fee...
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By Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI 623-582-4444
(Level 4 Funding )
Here are some of the things that caused me to fail and lose money on my Fix and Flip PropertiesWhy I Nearly Went Broke Flipping Houses, Broken Into, Robbed, and UnsuredHere are some of the things that caused me to fail and lose money on my Fix and Flip Properties I didn’t check the back taxes. On one flip, I found out there was $20,000 in property taxes owed. That was a tough lesson. I underestimated how long it would take to fix up the property. I planned for 30 days, but it ended up taking 180. That hurt! I bought a house in a remote area called Sun City Festival. It was a nice place, but the nearest store was 25 miles away. It took 8 months to sell, and I just broke even. I trusted a contractor to do the job right, but he didn’t. He kept the money and even stole the appliances. I bou...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' Lakeview Semi-Private Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, offers the perfect balance of privacy and airflow — combining timeless style, lasting durability, and a welcoming design that enhances any outdoor space. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #LakeviewFence #SemiPrivateFence #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I love the heat... as long as I can leave it for some air conditioning. Our home is cooled by two small window air conditioners. During the last two days  the mercury has surpassed 100 degrees they have struggled to keep up. That being said, one of the 3 of us has felt as if they were freezing. Before I ramble off on a couple of tangents let me say my point for the post is:UnityWhen two or more people get together finding the best room temperature is always going to be debatable. Thank goodness there are always solutions at hand. When I am too hot I have a "Neck Cube" and a Neck Fan. When Carol is to cold she will put on a light sweater.     Certain circumstances bring about special challenges such as yesterday we went to worship and our church is not airconditioned. It was 80 degrees i...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Floors are one of the first things people notice when they walk into a home. Clean, well-maintained floors can make any space feel brighter, more inviting, and more valuable. The good news is that keeping floors looking new doesn’t require hours of scrubbing or expensive products. Small daily habits can prevent dirt buildup, reduce wear and tear, and extend the life of your flooring. Whether you have hardwood, tile, laminate, or vinyl, these simple cleaning practices can make a noticeable difference.1. Use Rugs in High-Traffic AreasOne of the easiest ways to protect floors is to place rugs in areas with heavy foot traffic. Entryways, hallways, and living rooms often collect the most dirt and debris, which can scratch and dull flooring surfaces over time.Rugs act as barriers, trapping du...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Walk through almost any newer home—or a recently remodeled one—and you'll notice one thing right away: LED lighting is everywhere. From recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet lighting to pendant fixtures and accent lighting, LEDs have become the standard. But is it just another design trend, or is it here to stay?In my opinion, LED lighting is much more than a fad. Homeowners appreciate the clean, bright appearance, but they also enjoy the practical benefits. LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, last much longer, and produce very little heat. That means lower utility bills, fewer bulb changes, and a more energy-efficient home. Another advantage is flexibility. Today's LED lights come in a variety of color temperatures, from warm white that...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I had a ringside seat the other day as the home behind us was getting a new roof.  I watched off and on and noticed them starting to take up sections of the Oriented Strand Board (OBS) which many of the homes in The Villages, Florida have for decking.  We do see plywood now and then, not picking sides which is better.  I watched as they removed a piece on the edge of the roof also one around a vent pipe.  The one around the vent pipe broke as they were removing and I could see the water damage that happened over the years.  The one on the edge also easy to see the damage.  From my vantage point it looked like not bad for a new roof, you can expect some damage to the decking.  I was involved in one home, not ours that had $8,000 worth of decking damage PLUS truss damage.  Never know unti...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
The other night Michelle and I invited another couple to our home for the first time.  As soon as they walked in one of them said “wow, love the natural light and the view.”  I explained that both Michelle and I enjoy the openness of our home and wanted as much glass as possible, and we have it.  The picture with this article was taken from just inside our front door, when I looked at the picture I thought we do have a lot of glass!During our remodels we decided we wanted more glass, over time a new 16’ slider and a 5’ slider were added.  Next was three stationery windows which are all glass, a 5’ and two 30” windows were installed.  According to code every room needs two points of egress, not a problem.  You might ask what about privacy, no problem, roller shades!Dick Betts, REALTOR® T...
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