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 Jon Sanborn, Real Estate is a Team Sport
(Brotherly Love Real Estate)
A beautiful, well-designed landscape adds value to your home just by the aesthetics. But it also helps lower electric bills, and even protects your foundation. A poorly planned landscape can have the opposite effect, wrecking your foundation over time.Get Grading RightThe most critical part of a landscape is also the least visible: grading. This is where the landscape slopes away from your home, keeping your foundation clear of standing water. This is important when you consider flower beds are often situated right alongside the house. A proper slope should give you two to three inches of a downward slope for every 10 horizontal feet. You can measure your slope by running a string line with a line level, pulled tight, from a high point to a low point. Hold the string level and measure f...
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By Pierre Raymond, Quant investing and risk management
Use This Advice To Save On Your Next Remodeling Project Home renovation projects during the last several years have outpaced industry projections, as several sources reveal that existing and new homeowners are actively updating their homes despite building costs rising on the back of higher borrowing rates. The ongoing volatile real estate market and surging interest rates have seen a growing number of homeowners choosing to renovate their living spaces, rather than selling or searching for a new home. In a study by Today’s Homeowners, more than half of homeowners - 55% - reported renovating a part of their home in the last year or so. Aggressive interest rate hikes throughout much of last year and 2023, have meant that the average 30-year mortgage rate is now standing at 6.79% by early...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Ball bearings are essential components of many mechanical devices, including home appliances, automobiles, and industrial machines. These tiny metal balls are responsible for reducing friction and facilitating smooth movement, making them crucial for the proper functioning of many everyday devices. As a homeowner, it's essential to understand what ball bearings are and how they work to ensure that your appliances and machinery are running smoothly and efficiently.What are ball bearings?Ball bearings are small spherical balls made from steel or ceramic materials. They are designed to reduce friction and improve the movement of rotating shafts or other mechanical components. They consist of an inner and outer race, which holds the balls in place and allows them to move freely in a circula...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Have you been in your current home for more than a decade and need to update the interior? Maybe you're moving into a fixer-upper where the majority of the rooms will need to be remodeled. Most people simply do not have the funds to remodel every room at once, so you must choose which room to renovate first. Whatever you believe should be your first priority, there are a few other factors to consider before deciding which room to remodel first. Which Room Remodel Will Increase the Value of Your Home?   Who knows what will happen while you are remodeling one room to another? If you have to choose which room to remodel first, go with the one that will recoup your r...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Have you been in your current home for more than a decade and need to update the interior? Maybe you're moving into a fixer-upper where the majority of the rooms will need to be remodeled. Most people simply do not have the funds to remodel every room at once, so you must choose which room to renovate first. Whatever you believe should be your first priority, there are a few other factors to consider before deciding which room to remodel first.Which Room Remodel Will Increase the Value of Your Home? Who knows what will happen while you are remodeling one room to another? If you have to choose which room to remodel first, go with the one that will recoup your remodeling costs and generate actual equity. This is why experts agree that remodeling your kitchen or bathroom first is usually t...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Some people enjoy the laborious task of lawn and garden maintenance. The rest of us, on the other hand, would rather relax and let that little piece of heaven take care of itself. Find simple ways to make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood ahead. Hardscaping Less lawn equals less work. The use of pavers, brick, or decorative stone is the best argument for hardscaping. Whether you choose a patio or garden paths, you'll have a long-lasting surface that doesn't require weeding or watering, though you may want to sweep it occasionally. There are numerous options available, ranging from neat grids to a patchwork effect—great low-maintenance front yard lan...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Some people enjoy the laborious task of lawn and garden maintenance. The rest of us, on the other hand, would rather relax and let that little piece of heaven take care of itself. Find simple ways to make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood ahead. HardscapingLess lawn equals less work. The use of pavers, brick, or decorative stone is the best argument for hardscaping. Whether you choose a patio or garden paths, you'll have a long-lasting surface that doesn't require weeding or watering, though you may want to sweep it occasionally. There are numerous options available, ranging from neat grids to a patchwork effect—great low-maintenance front yard landscaping is just a stone's throw away. One and DoneUnlike annuals, which must be planted every year, perennials are a gift that...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP A fairly recent trend is to create a bunk room to add extra sleeping space. Many short-term rental properties have found bunk rooms to help add additional heads in beds for a higher revenue generator. As these spaces have become more popular, homeowners are also finding ways to incorporate these cool bunk spaces. My husband and I are building a new home and decided to build out an area over the garage as a large, dormitory room to house our six grandchildren when they visit. We know it will be a fun space for them to have their own kid-friendly place in the house. I can already hear the giggling now. Some great areas to incorporate a bunk room would be an open, l...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
A fairly recent trend is to create a bunk room to add extra sleeping space. Many short-term rental properties have found bunk rooms to help add additional heads in beds for a higher revenue generator. As these spaces have become more popular, homeowners are also finding ways to incorporate these cool bunk spaces.My husband and I are building a new home and decided to build out an area over the garage as a large, dormitory room to house our six grandchildren when they visit. We know it will be a fun space for them to have their own kid-friendly place in the house. I can already hear the giggling now.Some great areas to incorporate a bunk room would be an open, loft area, a converted attic space, or even an unused bedroom. The design of these beds can be as simple or elaborate as you desi...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
In need of Drywall Install or Repair? #RLS8GUY Approved Contractor List.As I have mentioned in other blogs, I am in the final stages of building an addition for my Daughter and her son (Little Man). We hired a contractor (Ezekiel Gonzales) DON'T USE Him. You see his name, RUN. We filed a complaint with the ROC once he "stopped working" and the ROC did nothing and will do nothing because, get this, we continued to work on the addition.Had we stopped and filed a complaint, then they (ROC) would force him to finish, since we kept moving along, he walks away, no harm, no foul.That all being said, if you need a Drywall Guy, I got one for you, He's busy, cause he does good work and is priced great. His motto, his work is something he'd do on his own house. He did a great job for us, thus the ...
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By Chris Dunham, The Real Estate Guy™
(Brokers Hub Realty)
Need a Handyman? Jake Hoy to the Rescue. 480-338-6749Finding a reliable handyman, or let's face it, ANYONE who's reliable when it comes to "contracted work" is next to impossible to find. In my quest to complete the addition I've been building since Dec 2022, once the General Contractor bailed and failed to complete the job, I reached out to a friend who has a handful of "guys" he refers out, this is one of those guys.I have been generating a "Contractor list" for some time now, as I know how hard it is to find a solid person. Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, as it grows weekly with new content and I am constantly looking for more connections to share with the world. As with anyone I send out or refer, if you give Jake a shot, please drop my name as the one you guided you t...
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By Justin Robins, Come for the houses, stay for the savings!
(Realtypath)
Did you know that staged homes sell 73% faster than non-staged ones? With such a significant difference, it's no wonder why homeowners are turning to home staging to get their property sold quickly. One popular trend in home decor and staging is the farmhouse style. This cozy and rustic design can add charm and appeal to any space, making it an ideal choice for those looking to stage their home.If you're considering using farmhouse decor in your home staging, here are ten ideas to help you achieve that perfect look. From adding shiplap walls to incorporating vintage finds, these tips will have your potential buyers feeling right at home from the moment they walk through the door. So, let's dive into the world of farmhouse decor and see how it can transform your space into a welcoming oa...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Scratched hardwood floors in historic buildings add character and depth. However, if your hardwood floors are scratched, you may become dissatisfied with the appearance. Dog claw marks, furniture leg gouges, and hairline scratches can stand out against otherwise flawless wood. Isolating and repairing scratches in wood flooring is a simpler, less expensive option than sanding the entire floor, and it will help keep your hardwood floors in good condition for years to come. Assess the Flooring and ScratchesSite-finished hardwood flooring is easier to repair than pre-finished hardwood flooring because it is installed unfinished and then finished in place. The protective coating on site-finished wood flooring is relatively easy to sand. The multiple urethane and aluminum oxide layers of pre-...
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By Jeanne Dufort, Madison and Lake Oconee GA
(Coldwell Banker Lake Country)
Working on a project now that is bringing back memories...Current project is a 1980's vintage ranch, estate sale, inhabited by smokers and dogs with less than perfect potty training.On a spectacular 2.25 acre home site, with towering oaks and views across neighboring farms.With time and money (and the right contractor), the home will be transformed into a place worthy of the land.About 10 years ago, one of my clients embarked on a similar venture. When we first encountered it, the home has been on the market for more than a year, with multiple price reductions. What made the project intriguing, however, was the setting: 25 pastoral acres with a gorgeous spring fed pond. That ugly duckling home was on the absolute best building site, overlooking the pond.My client had the vision and the ...
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By Christy Dawn, New Home Sales & Design Specialist Extraordinaire
(Home Decor Christy)
Selecting the best kitchen sinks for your countertops goes beyond just having a good eye for aesthetics. I recently heard from a homeowner (her experience inspired this post) who swapped her builder-grade 50/50 kitchen sink for a trendy fireclay porcelain sink, like the one Joanna Gaines has in her stunning farmhouse kitchen.Imagine her shock when, after giving her toddler a bath, she returned to find the sink had fallen through the cabinet! Talk about almost throwing the baby out with the bathwater.It turns out certain countertops work better with specific sink types, and some sink materials require additional support due to their weight - like fireclay sinks.In this post, we'll explore the importance of choosing the right kitchen sink and the factors to consider when pairing a sink wi...
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By Lisa Carroll, Real Estate Team serving the Greater Tampa Area
(Team TLC - Mihara & Associates, Inc)
There are so many pros to living in Tampa, Florida: no state taxes, amazing weather, world-class beaches. But one downfall is we don't have basements. I grew up in Michigan and our basement was a catch-all for everything: holiday decor, sports equipment, extra groceries. Even the laundry room was tucked down there.In Tampa, where square footage is at a premium, the garage becomes your storage space.It’s spring and that means it's time to clean out the garage. Uncluttering the garage is usually a big task as it becomes a catch-all for cases of water, sports equipment, seasonal items and lawn equipment.Let’s break it down so you can get your garage organized.StorageFirst up: storage. You need to corral the chaos and make the most of this valuable space. A garage in Florida acts as a basem...
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Calamonsi/Calamondin:  These little citrus fruits are just the right size for individual servings... in a cocktail, or on a plate with some fish/seafood.  The calamonsi fruit is the perfect size for you Calamonsi/Calamondin:  These little citrus fruits are just the right size for individual servings... in a cocktail, or on a plate with some fish/seafood.  Native to the Philippines, you'll find them in many Hawai'i gardens, and if you're lucky they bear fruit all year round, like the tree pictured above.  You might also try growing them in your climate, if you bring the potted plant indoors for the winter months.  You can pick them while still green, for a tart flavor, or wait until they ripen to orange for a delicious sweet/sour burst.  They also make a refreshing drink if you add some ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP It is important to take the necessary steps to ensure that your home is properly secured. One of the most effective methods of protecting your home is by upgrading your locks. Upgrading your locks can provide a range of benefits that can help to keep your home and its occupants safe. In this guide, we will discuss why you should upgrade your locks and the advantages that come with doing so. Advantages of Upgrading Your Locks Upgrading your locks can provide a range of advantages that can help to keep your home and its occupants safe. Here are just a few of the benefits that come with upgrading your locks. 1. Increased Security One of the primary reasons to upgrad...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
#thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #relestate #realtor #realestateagent #homereno #hometips #happyhome #homerenovations #realtornearme #realtorspartanburgNo matter what your budget is, the cost of renovations can add up quickly. Use these money-saving tips to get the most bang for your buck.
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
No matter what your budget is, the cost of renovations can add up quickly. Use these money-saving tips to get the most bang for your buck. #thehelpfulagent #home #houseexpert #house #listreports #homeowner #relestate #realtor #realestateagent #homereno #hometips #happyhome #homerenovations #realtornearme #realtorspartanburg
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