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 Jayson Gibson
(NewHomesSection.com)
When monsoon season hits the Metro Phoenix area, it brings a unique set of challenges for homeowners, particularly regarding roof damage. High winds, heavy rains, and hail can all wreak havoc on your roof, leading to leaks, structural damage, and in severe cases, complete roof failure.Understanding how to handle roof repairs after these storms is crucial to protect your home from further damage and ensure its occupants' safety.Thanks to a Phoenix expert in roofing, I'll help you address roof damage after a monsoon or intense storm.I spoke with Zac Payne last week to ask for expert advice. His company, Icon Roofing, has a team of experts with years of experience helping homeowners repair and replace roofs after severe storms. We talked about some of the things homeowners can do to prepar...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Potential benefits of making environmentally conscious upgrades to your property while simultaneously reducing inflation's impact on your household expenses. From energy-efficient appliances and insulation to solar solutions, explore how these improvements can enhance your home's value, lower your utility bills, and contribute to a greener future. Stay ahead of the curve and reap the rewards of a more efficient and cost-effective home through the provisions of the Inflation Reduction ActHave a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP If you've improved or planning to improve your home and reduce your energy bills this year (2023), save those receipts!   Tax credits and rebates are available to you by utility companies and now with the Inflation Reduction Act.  If you've been consi...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Essential tips and preventive measures to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your pipes, fixtures, and drains. From proper maintenance practices and addressing leaks promptly to avoiding clogs and knowing when to call a professional, this guide empowers you to take proactive steps in maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Don't wait for plumbing issues to arise – discover how to protect your investment and enjoy a smoothly running plumbing system for years to come Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Protect Your Plumbing Homeowners: do you know how to protect your home from serious plumbing issues? There are preventative measures you can take to reduce your chances of having to hire a plumber—find out more in this recent #GTK post. No matter what home maintenance q...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
If you've improved or planning to improve your home and reduce your energy bills this year (2023), save those receipts!   Tax credits and rebates are available to you by utility companies and now with the Inflation Reduction Act.  If you've been considering swapping out your HVAC, roof, insulation, and/or appliances.  The deduction available for the Inflation Reduction Act might apply for you!  The credits will vary by state and income levels.  The program will be administered by each state for their portion of the program, so search in your state for what's available to you.   In the meantime, visit Dsireusa.org for a current state by state guide for rebates and incentives available to you.  Also verify with your utility website for any local state credits for adding energy or water ef...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Not everything you do for your house must have resale value in mind. Some of the happiest outdoor improvements homeowners made were adding pools, fire features, and patios. What's something you wish you could do to your outdoor space? #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #huse #listreports #homeowner #realestate #rwaltor #realestateagent #investment #roi #happyhomeowners
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
My advice to those moving to The Villages, sell your furniture otherwise your big cherry hutch and heavy wood furniture could end up at one of the local used furniture or consignments shops.  Recently I went to visit my estate sale buddy about an upcoming sale he doing for my client.  In the dining room was a beautiful solid wood large table with 8 chairs, hutch and credenza.  It filled the formal dining room, it was the last day of the sale so everything was 50% off.  I noticed the price $1,000 which would be $500 on the last day, I commented to him and he said look at this, the original bill of sale from 2013, $4,000, he finally sold it for $400.  Wonder how much it cost to move it here from up north?Think about your new Florida home, bright, airy, open concept, maybe white cabinets e...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Common pitfalls that can hinder your renovation journey, from underestimating the budget and overlooking functionality to neglecting proper planning. Learn how to sidestep these mistakes and ensure a successful bathroom transformation that enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or hiring a professional, these insights will guide you towards a bathroom remodel that exceeds your expectations. Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Three Bathroom Remodeling Mistakes to Avoid Looking to keep costs down on your bathroom remodeling project? That can be tricky, but by following the tips in this recent #GTK post, you’ll know what mistakes to avoid in order to minimize your expenditure. And if you have any questions after reading, just let me k...
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By Bion Grady, Douglas County Real Estate Specialist
(Keller Williams West Atlanta)
As soon as Powder Springs homeowners query the web for anything that has to do with home improvements, they quickly learn that the home improvement industry is quick to notice. They’ll do their promotional best to send along the ads they think are likely to get a click. Since “home improvements” is a broad field, lots of ads can be expected.That may have been responsible for an article from March of 2021 that recently popped into local screens, bearing the bold (and improbable) headline:“10 Home Improvements You Must Tackle This Summer.”Really! Who would be cheeky enough to propose that there are no fewer than 10 must-do home improvements that every Powder Springs homeowner MUST tackle in a single season? That proposition was silly enough to provoke many a click…but for those who took t...
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By Bion Grady, Douglas County Real Estate Specialist
(Keller Williams West Atlanta)
One major way to enhance the curb appeal of any Douglasville house is to freshen it with a new coat of paint in an attractive color scheme that adds life and beauty. However, when the weather turns really hot, it’s best to hold off on painting the exterior of your Douglasville house. When paint dries too quickly, it creates all sorts of problems you can avoid by just waiting for a cooler spell. Excessive heat can cause paint to lift, crack, or discolor when it cures too rapidly. But if ‘right now’ isn’t right, it can be an excellent time to get all your ducks in a row for the coming efforts. Before visiting your preferred Douglasville paint outlets, some research is in order. Bob Vila has long been a media mainstay for do-it-yourselfers, so reading his site’s “Do’s and Don’ts” essay bef...
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By Bill Gassett, Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate
(RE/MAX Executive Realty)
Installing solar panels at your home involves essential considerations. Understand how solar panels work, the types available, and their efficiency. Assess your home's potential for solar energy, evaluate costs, and explore financial incentives.Choose a reputable solar installer based on research and reviews. Learn about the installation process, maintenance, and performance monitoring. Explore additional solar energy options like battery storage and net metering.Make an informed decision by weighing the pros and cons and considering the return on investment. Seek guidance from solar energy professionals. There you have it. These are all of the vital things we will be examining.Let's review everything you need to know, including the cost of solar panels. When you're done reading, you'll...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
Okay, that is NOT how I lost my hair. It's hereditary. If your mothers brother is bald there is a very good chance you will be as well.Lawns do not inherit hereditary baldness.You can usually blame Fido or even more likely Fidoette.There is no use in replanting the entire lawn, at least not as long as you are keeping the dog. The good news however is there are products to patch and repair your damaged lawn. Here are a couple of cures and preventative products to help.For years I lived next to a professional groundskeeper and I strove to keep up but never really getting close. Still today I like to do my best but with a female dog and often drought like conditions it's been tough. In fact, since the big flood (destroyed 1/3 of the homes in Minot) the weeds have taken over much of the law...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953Selling Real Estate On Treasure Coast Since 2000.
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Discover simple and effective DIY recipes using common household ingredients to achieve streak-free and sparkling windows. From vinegar-based solutions to eco-friendly options, this guide provides step-by-step instructions to create your very own window cleaner. Say goodbye to chemical-laden products and hello to a natural and budget-friendly way to achieve crystal-clear windows. Get ready to let the sunlight in and enjoy the views like never before! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Whip up a DIY product that cleans your windows without the chemicals. Whether your windows are covered with a filmy residue or kids’ fingerprints, marks on windows can be quite the eyesore. Yet many commercial glass cleaners are loaded with toxic chemicals and therefore aren’t the greene...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Embrace the revolution of cord-cutting as we explore the latest streaming options, on-demand services, and digital solutions that have transformed how we consume media. Say goodbye to cable clutter and hello to personalized, flexible content experiences. Join us on this journey to a wire-free world and discover how to stay connected to your favorite shows and movies in the digital age.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP  We bought a home built in the 1990’s in The Villages, Florida and you ask why when there are new homes.  Location, convenience, mature landscaping and the list goes on and each person needs to decide what is best.  I tell you this because I want to share a story, on wires and cables.  When we bought this place, we dropped 5 walls plus much more but wan...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
We bought a home built in the 1990’s in The Villages, Florida and you ask why when there are new homes.  Location, convenience, mature landscaping and the list goes on and each person needs to decide what is best.  I tell you this because I want to share a story, on wires and cables.  When we bought this place, we dropped 5 walls plus much more but want to talk about what we found in the walls, telephone wires to most rooms.  Removed them, even when painting the house removed the outside box and threw it away, no need.  Next, we didn’t have any but Cat 5 Ethernet boxes, if they were here they would have been gone as well!  This weekend took another step cable wall jacks will be gone as soon as we replace those boxes with drywall before painting.  No, we didn’t get rid of our TV’s, lapto...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
Use this guide to learn more about Smart Lighting:EXTERIOR LIGHTING  The easiest method for lighting entryways and parking areas is using motion-sensor lights. Solar-charged lights can be installed almost anywhere, giving endless options for lighting many areas as you enter your home.  In some instances, installing new fixtures is not an option, so add smart light bulbs! Depending on your budget, you can purchase bulbs with programming capabilities for changing color, dimness, and off/on times.  Smart pathway lights are usually solar-powered, and many offer the same control options as smart light bulbs, and installation is a cinch–push their posts in the ground along walkways, and they are ready to go!  For outdoor lighting that requires an outlet, use outdoor smart plugs. Just like int...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
The past 4 articles I hope I helped some of you with services you need, disclaimer some of the people I listed are my 2nd or 3rd person I have used and maybe in a year my list will change.  I had a great handyman and one day he packed up and left for South Florida, I had a painter that disappeared after a crappy job leaving me to fix it.  If you have a tradesman that is responsive, fair with charges and delivers what they promise take care of them, give them a tip now and then, if it’s the end of the day offer them a beer.A good handyman can do electrical, plumbing and all sorts of repair to existing systems.  Leaky plumbing, tripped breaker they can do, running new service does require a licensed person.   My guy does about everything from installing LVP flooring to painting and recent...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Painting vinyl siding can be a game-changer when it comes to refreshing the look of your home. Your blog provides valuable insights and tips on tackling this project the right way, from choosing the right paint to ensuring proper preparation. It's essential to be aware of the manufacturer's guidelines and potential warranty implications. With your expert advice, readers can confidently take on this DIY endeavor or opt for professional help. A fantastic read for anyone considering a vinyl siding makeover! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Can You Paint Vinyl Siding? Has your vinyl siding become worn, or do you no longer like the color? Are you wondering if you can paint over it instead of replacing it? The good news is you can paint vinyl siding; however, you will nee...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
 Discover all you need to know about furnace replacement costs and more with our comprehensive blog post. Unveil the factors that influence furnace replacement expenses, from furnace type and efficiency to installation charges and additional considerations. Whether you're upgrading for improved energy efficiency or replacing an aging unit, this guide will equip you with valuable insights to make informed decisions about your home's heating system. Stay warm and budget-wise with our furnace replacement insights! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP As the chilly winds of winter approach, a dependable furnace becomes the heart of every home, providing warmth and comfort to its inhabitants. However, like all appliances, furnaces have a finite lifespan, and there comes a ti...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
I started this list 3 days ago, from first article:  After a 10-year remodel of our own home, helping investors with more than a dozen properties, working with flippers and needing repairs made for clients new to the area I have a Guy for that list.  You can use the magnifying glass on this page and search for whatever guy you might need.  I tell these guys I am putting my reputation on the line along with theirs.  When I use them I remind them I pay the same as others and do not want anything special other than take care of those I send you.  Granite, Quartz Guy, Ultimate Granite it is a company not a guy.  Excellent work as I have been around them countless times due to homebuyers and flippers.  Had them at my home yesterday for one of my projects.Granite, Quartz Guy Ultimate Granite ...
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