You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Home Improvement’ category.
Home improvements, upgrades and changes are a part of life. After a while, aspects of every home, from the kitchen to the bathroom, need updating and improving. For some owners, it is a need to upgrade a few items to promote a faster home sale. For others, the intent might be just to spruce up a room that looks drab and dreary. Whatever the purpose, here are five high-impact home improvements every homeowner can perform — even on a shoestring budget.
Paint
A fresh coat of paint livens up any room. Virtually any room in your house can be primed and painted for around $100 including paint and supplies. In addition, painting worn out cabinets in kitchens or bathrooms or purchasing a do-it-yourself refinishing kit is a project that can be done in a day or two, adding appeal and value to any room.
Hardware
Changing out door hardware throughout the interior of your home, or making some changes to an external doorknob or fixture improves the look of eye level door knobs without breaking the bank. You can buy new hardware from websites like Overstock.com for an entire home for around $100, or new outdoor hardware for around $50. While it may not seem like much, the little things can add substantial value and appeal.
Light fixtures
Light fixtures come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and designs. Upgrading and updating light fixtures is another great home improvement that pays off without costing a lot of money. You can buy a single light fixture for under $100 and still have money left over for energy efficient bulbs.
Knobs and Pulls
Nothing breathes live into a tired kitchen or bath like new knobs and pulls on drawers and cabinet faces. The best news is that this is a simple do it yourself project, completed in about an hour and requiring only a tape measure, screwdriver and power drill.
Mirrors
Dress up bathrooms with new mirrors. Wall mounted mirrors with Hollywood bulbs can seem cheap, since they are often are builder stock items. Purchase a new mirror with a pretty frame, and hang it in any bathroom needing a facelift. Most large mirrors will cost between $75 and $100, making these a cost-effective upgrade.
It is no secret. 2010 was a hard year for home values. According to Zillow.com, homes were expected to lose $1.7 trillion in value. This is an even greater loss than what was seen in 2009.
They report that “the bulk of the total value lost during 2010 was in the second half of the year. From January to June, the housing market lost $680 billion. From June to December, Zillow projects residential home value losses will top $1 trillion.”
Some of the largest losses in value were seen in the West. Los Angeles’ values fell by $38,000 over the course of 2010. And they are down a whopping $676,000 from the peak in the second quarter of 2006. Phoenix, Arizona, saw values falls by $36,000 in 2010. This is down $222,000 from peak times.
There were exceptions to this loss trend. The Boston metropolitan statistical area (MSA) gained $10.8 billion in value, while the San Diego MSA gained $10.2 billion.
Now, while you cannot protect yourself against market corrections such as these, you can take small steps to help increase your home’s value and make it more marketable. The following tips are meant to inspire and motivate you to treat your home like the investment it was meant to be.
1. Make Repairs: Homes require regular maintenance and repairs are a necessary component of homeownership. Procrastination gets you nowhere when it comes to home value. Stay on top of repairs as they are needed. And be sure to address large projects before placing your home on the market. For example, roofs are expensive to replace or repair. Many buyers will pass up your otherwise wonderful home when faced with roof issues.
2. Curb Appeal: Curb appeal is about first impressions. It is also about neighborhood values. Drive down a street lined with manicured lawns and well-maintained homes and the values are sure to reflect the care their owners take. On the other hand, streets with overgrown trees, junky yards, and chipped and faded paint are fighting an uphill battle in the values game.
3. Community Involvement: The classic quote from Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu says, “A journey of 1,00 miles begins with a single step.” This is especially true for improving the health and wealth of a community. Change starts with yourself. By becoming an active member of your community, you can inspire the change you desire. Family, friends, and neighbors will follow your lead of civic duty. How can you get involved? Run for city council, join the PTA, volunteer, and help organize fund raisers and events that inspire community togetherness.
4. Updated Kitchen: Kitchens are a real selling point. Outdated cabinets, counters, and appliances will stick out like a sore thumb to buyers. Be sure, however, that you research your comparables before beginning a remodel. You don’t want to price yourself out of the running. This means if while you love granite and travertine, other homes in your area are selling with laminate, you will probably not be able to ask for a drastically higher price that covers the price of the granite.
5. Updated Bath: Bathrooms also hold much of a home’s value. New low-flush toilets cost as little as $100. And tubs and showers can be easily replaced or resurfaced. Be sure, above all else, that your bathrooms are clean for showings.
6. Energy Savers: Buyers are looking for homes that are energy efficient. Low-flush toilets, solar panels, water filtrations systems, and insulated windows are all inexpensive fixes for energy zappers.
Consider these simple tips and decide for yourself what may help your home retain its value.
Cable basics
Drop the pricey packages.
Don’t pay for dozens of TV channels you don’t watch. Go basic and save big. Although cable packages and prices vary by region, most providers offer a bare-bones plan. Verizon’s FiOS TV Local Digital, for instance, delivers local channels for $13 a month. And rather than pay for premium channels, sign up for Netflix’s streaming service. For $8 a month, you can watch unlimited movies and TV shows (albeit not always the latest offerings) via your home Internet connection.
ANNUAL SAVINGS: $648 (basic cable plus Netflix versus average digital cable bill of $75 a month)
Shrink your utility bills in ways big and small.
Energy costs — which average $1,900 annually — are a budget buster for many U.S. households. In Ithaca, N.Y., Jon Harrod, president of Snug Planet, an energy-auditing and retrofit firm, says these ideas can save big.
Quick payback. Start with the easy changes that cost nothing. These include switching off lights and electronics when not in use and turning down the thermostat (or properly setting your programmable thermostat). Put compact fluorescent light bulbs in your five most-used light fixtures, and swap out your showerhead for a next-gen, very-low-flow model. (More suggestions at www.energystar.gov and www.energysavers.gov.)
SAVINGS: $454.
Long-term payback. Replace an older refrigerator with a new one (you’ll save $100 on energy annually by replacing a 20-year-old fridge with a new, Energy Star-rated one). If you’re doing lots of laundry, replace an older washer (save $135 a year when you retire one that’s at least ten years old).
SAVINGS: $235.
Air leakage through the exterior shell and interior ductwork is a big issue. Also, attics, basements and crawl spaces often lack sufficient insulation. Sealing your home’s gaps and adding insulation may cost in the range of $2,500, says Harrod, but these measures can cut heating and cooling bills 20% to 50%.
SAVINGS: $300.
TOTAL ANNUAL SAVINGS: $989
Get fit at home
Set up your own gym.
The average gym membership will set you back $40 to $70 per month. With a budget of about $1,500, it’s easy to build a state-of-the-art gym at home.
For cardio, pick up an elliptical machine, such as the Schwinn 420 Elliptical ($600). And for strength training, get a total-body machine, such as a Classic Bowflex ($650). Fill out the rest of your gym with resistance bands (three for $30), a stability ball ($40) and a few sets of dumbbells ($50).
ANNUAL SAVINGS: $600 (savings on a $50-a-month gym membership after initial investment)
Winter weather can be relentless. Ice, snow, and sleet in their many forms mean homeowners can find themselves homebound.
Outlined below are ten easy steps that can help your family make it through a winter snow-in.
1. Keep warm: Temperatures can drop well below zero during major winter storms. If your electricity fails, do you have a backup plan to keep warm? Blankets, warm clothing, and firewood are all great things to have on hand.
2. Water: We can survive on limited food, but we and our pets must have water. Have bottled or jugged water on hand in the case of emergency.
3. Non-perishable food: If you go without electricity, you may find yourself being unable to store food. Stock up on non-perishables before a big storm. And then buy plenty of fruits and vegetables that can keep without refrigeration.
4. Crank radio: You may need to listen to emergency announcements. Crank and battery-powered radios are an essential.
5. First-aid kit: Alcohol, bandages, anti-bacterial ointment, burn salve, and basic pain killers (aspirin and acetaminophen) are staples of a well-stocked first-aid kit. Also be sure that prescriptions have been filled prior to any big storm system.
6. Sidewalks: Be sure to have a snow shovel and a bag of sand on hand before any big storm. You’ll need to clear your driveway as well as sand your walkways. There is nothing worse than taking a spill on ice.
7. Candles and lighter/matches: If lights are out, you’ll still need candles or a flashlight to find your way around. Plus, candles offer a great ambiance, even when you’re stuck inside!
8. Entertainment: Movies, cards, board games, and books can all make the time pass quickly.
9. Sleds: Okay, this isn’t a necessity. But nothing brings out the wish for a sled more than a perfectly snow covered hill. Plan ahead and you’ll be ready for some great family bonding.
10. Travel: If you must venture out, be sure you have a full tank of gas, a blanket/sleeping bag, water, and kitty litter. Why kitty litter? If you get stuck, kitty litter may offer enough grit for tires to gain traction.
Use these simple tips to make your next snow day successful. And above all else, be sure to stay off icy roads and inside your home when weather is bad.
Last winter’s “Snowmageddon” is not expected to do a repeat performance on the East Coast this year. That’s the good news for anyone who pays their own heating bills. But the bad news is that most fuel rates have risen.
The resulting bottom line is this: Most people will pay roughly the same amount for heat this winter as they did last winter, the Energy Department predicted on Tuesday. The average household heating costs between October 1 and March 31 will be $962, the Department said. That’s just $11 more than last year’s total.
As usual, people in the Northeast and who use oil or propane to heat their homes will pay the most. The average winter heating bill for oil customers there will be $2,225 this year, up 14.5 percent from last year, the department said in its latest projections. Northeastern propane customers will pay the most: some $2,685 between October 1 and March 31.
There are ways to minimize that, and here are a few:
Make Small Improvements
Homeowners have until December 31 to winterize their homes and get tax credits for it, the IRS has said. Items like high-efficiency heaters, water heaters and stoves all qualify for a 30 percent tax credit, up to $1,500. The catch is that the $1,500 ceiling is for 2009 and 2010 combined. If you used it up last year, you’re done.
Make Big Improvements
There is a second tax credit that expires at the end of this year. You can also take a 30 percent tax credit if you install a solar electric system, hot water heater, geothermal pump, wind turbine or fuel-cell system. There’s no cap on that credit, so it could be a good time to make a long-term investment in saving energy.
Call Your Utility
Many local utilities also offer deals that can cut heating bills. Some give away free programmable thermostats or offer home energy audits. Others offer discounts and rebates on efficient heaters and other appliances.
Get a Space Heater and Use It
Keep your house cool, and use the space heater in the room you’re hanging out in. Annual savings? $1,023 if you use electric heat, according to the energy-saving calculator at MichaelBlueJay.com, a website that offers electricity-savings advice.
Consider Switching Suppliers
Enter your zip code at WhiteFence.com to see if there is another energy supplier in your area that charges less, or would cost less overall.
Finally, Make All of Those Tried-and-True Little Moves
Use heavy curtains or shades, close them at night and open them in the morning. Keep the house cool and wear sweaters. Seal windows and doors. Close off rooms not being used. Program the thermostat, or remember to turn it down when you go to bed and when you leave the house in the morning.
Pay Your Heating Bill With a Cash-Back Credit Card
If you are going to spend $1,000 this year, you might as well squeeze an extra $10 out of it for yourself. That assumes your card offers a 1 percent bonus, and that you pay off your card every month. You can use that $10 to buy some nice hot cocoa, sip it while you daydream about spring, and see if it warms you up.
New year, new list of remodeling projects to start around the house. At least that’s what remodelers and contractors are hoping.
So, what remodeling projects are on top of everyone’s list?
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for us and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around your home.
Call it the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011: Tackling small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list.
Here are 12 top remodeling trends to welcome in the “aught teens”:
1. Save Money: Remodel Your Bathroom. Old tile getting a little grungy? It looks like 2011 is the year for a bathroom update. Dennis D. Gehman, president of Gehman Custom Remodeling says, “Bathrooms are the hottest project, we think it’s due to the economy. Baths cost less than a kitchen or addition and most houses have more than one bath, so there are more available to be remodeled.”
2. Must-Do Remodeling Projects. Rather than going through major renovations, next year people will continue to only complete the projects that need to be done, like repairs to siding or roof leaks. Mitch Speck of Specktacular Home Remodeling says he is seeing a trend of people doing “‘have-to’ projects instead of ‘want-to’ projects.”
3. Warming Up The House. Warmer tiles and colors are coming back. People tend to be moving away from minimalist, white designs in favor of cozier, earth tones. The trend, however, is not rustic. Instead, it’s a mash-up of earthiness and modern design. Judy Mozen, president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc., says she is seeing people favor rooms that are more contemporary and calming, but are “still not totally contemporary.”
4. Getting Decked Out. George Christiansen of Pequot Remodeling Corporation says his clients are building outdoor spaces for themselves. “It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently. Many pools are also being built in the neighborhood.”
5. Hiring A Great Contractor. Darius Baker of D & J Kitchens and Baths, Inc. says that “consumer diligence” is on the rise. “Folks are finally getting the message that it is important to look closer at the companies they are considering for their project. They are asking the questions we have been telling them to ask for years.”
6. Paying in Cash. Rather than taking out loans for renovation projects, homeowners are using cash for projects. Steve Klitsch of Creative Concepts Remodeling, Inc. says homeowners are giving themselves a budget and picking and choosing what projects they can do with the money. One way to save money is by updating features, like cabinets, but not remodel an entire room.
7. Opening Up Rooms: “Open floor plans are in, so we’re removing interior walls and opening up the spaces in older houses to modernize them,” says Gehman. Open floor plans help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.
8.Bronze Age. Along the with warmer tones in homes are warmer tones in metallic features. Kathy Adams of J&C Adams Co., Inc. says “oil rubbed bronze, aged bronze, or distressed hardware” will be big in the coming year.
9. Going Green. Bamboo floors, grass thatched roofs, and bark siding may sound like something from “Jungle Book,” but they are just a few of the newest green home products. In addition, people are getting energy efficiency upgrades. Adams says upgrades on glass will be continue to be big, and adds that “people are even asking for tri-pane (windows)!”
10. Industrial Flair. Exposed beams will continue to be popular, but so will “stainless steel cable and architectural products,” says Michell Milestone, director of sales and marketing at JG Development, Inc. With so many people working from home, home will take on more of an industrial or commercial look to enforce business credability.
11. Creating Relaxation Space: With home values still falling in some areas, homeowners are more stressed than ever. So it’s no surprise that when they are developing new spaces, tranquility comes to mind. Mozen says people are asking for “zen-like” bathrooms. “The bathrooms don’t have to be big-but they have to be relaxing and soothing. They seem to prefer showers with the works-steam, seats, body sprays, etc.”
12. Planning ahead: “We are seeing many clients thinking about their retirement years,” says Jillian Renner of Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, Inc. Her clients-even those far from retirement-are putting in easy-opening cabinetry, hand-held showers, and more accessible kitchens and baths. Renner adds, “Even though the clients don’t need those things right now, they are planning for when they might find them needed.”
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/12-biggest-remodeling-trends-for-2011.html
(MONEY Magazine) — Ask any homeowner who has done an improvement on the cheap: You get what you pay for. Second-rate materials don’t last and contractors who make low-ball bids rarely deliver fine craftsmanship.
Fortunately, there are a few effective ways to get good quality for less. One is simply to renovate during an economic slump like this one: Contractors who are eager for work tend to be more willing to cut deals. Here are five other time-tested strategies.
Think off season:
Doing a project when other homeowners aren’t may save you about 10%, says Robert Wilkos, who runs an HVAC and plumbing business in Panama City, Fla. In autumn, for example, put in a new patio or lawn irrigation system; in winter, finish the basement or install central air. Wait till summer, if you can, to replace your old furnace or install a gas fireplace. Get the bids during the busy season, then say, “If I’m willing to wait, will you give me a discount?”
Look for a mom-and-pop contractor
You have a choice between large outfits (where the boss or a salesman bids on the job, then sends a crew to work) and small, family-run ones (where the boss is the lead laborer). Because the latter have leaner operations and lower overhead, says Kermit Baker of Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, they can charge less than the big guys. You might save 5% to 20%.
Combine small jobs
To make a minor task, such as replacing a faucet or installing a ceiling fan, worth his time, a pro typically charges extra: a four-hour minimum, for example, or a $75 service charge, says Todd Recknagel, CEO of the Mr. Handyman chain. Get more work for your money by saving up your odd jobs and hiring someone to do them all at once.
Get a tax deduction
Give your demolition castoffs — sinks, paneling, doors, and the like — to a building product reuse center. Call your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore (find it at habitat.org), which will send a truck to collect the stuff. Get a receipt and you can deduct the value of the items as a charitable donation.
Put in some sweat equity
Take on some simple projects yourself, such as sealing your new fencing or staining the deck. Or pay your teenager a modest amount to do it. Who knows? If the kid’s good, the contractor might even give him a job next summer.
http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/08/real_estate/remodel_for_less.moneymag/index.htm
Homeowners worried about trading up in an uncertain market can always consider remodeling or expanding to make a home more livable. Unfortunately, the latest data shows the money-losing nature of most home improvements is getting worse because of the poor housing market, not better.
In 2005, the average project boosted the home’s resale price by 86.7 of the job’s cost, according to an annual survey by Remodeling magazine. After years of unbroken decline, that figure fell to 63.6% in the 2009-2010 survey, with the average project costing $50,908 and adding only $32,497 at the sale.
“Falling home prices pushed the value of remodeling down for the fourth consecutive year, buts small-scale projects and replacements may be leading the way to recovery,” the magazine reported.
Most surprising, the study reports, was the finding that project costs have increased. It said anecdotal evidence has suggested that contractors have been cutting prices.
The most valuable projects, in terms of percentage of cost recouped at sale, are exterior work that enhances curb appeal, the magazine says. Many of these, such as door and window replacements, are also among the cheapest projects.
Another surprise, said the magazine, is the benefits of adding an attic bedroom. Though this is an expensive project, costing nearly $50,000, it is one of the cheapest ways to add living space.
The magazine blames the usual suspects for the falling value-to-cost ratio: the effect of foreclosures, which drove down appraisals, tight credit making it hard for buyers to bid up prices and underwater mortgages undermining home values.
Among the 21 “mid-range” projects of relatively modest cost, the only one to turn a profit was entry door replacement, a $1,172 job that returned 128% of its cost. The attic bedroom returned 83.1% of its cost, the wood deck, 80.6%, vinyl siding, 79.9%, minor kitchen remodeling, 78.3%, and wood window replacements 77.3%.
The biggest money losers were home office remodeling, which recouped just 48.1% of its cost, sunroom additions, which garnered 50.7%, backup power generators, which retrieved 58.9%, bathroom additions, which recouped 59.5% and garage additions, 62.2%.
The survey also found that none of the dozen “upscale” projects observed produced a profit. Still, the improvement faring the best was the fiber-cement siding replacement, which recouped 83.6% of its cost. The worst, meanwhile, was the master-suite addition, which recovered just 55.7% of its cost. That was also the most expensive project, averaging $225,995.
Money, of course, isn’t everything. If an improvement makes a home a nicer place to live, that may be reason enough to do it. And even a money-losing improvement can be cheaper than selling a house at a loss and shelling out thousands in closing costs for a new home that may not appreciate very fast, either.
Also, the magazine’s survey only covers work done by contractors. Do-it-yourselfers may turn a profit if they don’t count the cost of their own labor. Additionally, painting and minor landscaping may pay for themselves as they make a home more appealing to buyers.
1. A Nice Entryway
Impress buyers right off the bat with a beautiful entrance. I always recommend sellers put a fresh coat of paint on the front door. And if you don’t have an entrance at all, make one. This problem, more common in condos and apartments, is solved by cleverly placing furniture to create more of an entryway. A console table or demilune chest of drawers with something over it creates a welcoming vignette.
2. Hardwood Floors
Realtors agree that most buyers are hunting for hardwood. You can bet that, of all types of flooring, hardwood floors will have the most longevity and will never go out of style..
A synthetic wood floor, like Pergo is always a good option for those who can’t afford hardwood . But know that a laminate floor won’t fool everyone – it has a hollow thud when you walk on it and it doesn’t look the same but it does show crisp and clean and today’s buyer is looking for “move-in-ready”.
3. Fabulous Fixtures
Fixtures says designer Linda Applewhite, “are the jewelry of the house.” Only the extremely detail-oriented among us will stop to inspect doorknobs, faucets and cabinet knobs, but designers and real estate agents argue that we’ll prefer the look of a place that has coordinated fixtures that are a cut above standard developer grade.
Replacing knobs and drawer pulls is the quickest way to make over a bathroom or kitchen. And when it comes to faucets, for $60 or $70 dollars you can buy something infinitely better than what you likely already have.
4. Beautiful Baths
According to real estate agents, marble counters, whirlpool baths and steam showers up the attractiveness of any bathroom. But if you don’t have these luxury items, it may be more practical to address the unattractive aspects of your existing bath.
Rip out that big sheet mirror and those globe lights that look like you’re in a theater dressing room. Replace them with an elegant framed mirror (don’t be afraid to look outside the bathroom section) and sconce lighting on either side.
This lighting scheme is also more flattering to the face and making buyers feel pretty will pay off!
5. Countertop Considerations
You’ve probably heard that granite is the secret to a contemporary kitchen, but that’s not necessarily what buyers are after. It’s really about the slab. Buyers don’t want to see grout lines on their counters. So, when it comes to slab countertops, granite is the top pick because it’s hard, nonporous and easy to care for. But then again, so is Corian; so are composite stone surfaces such as Silestone and, she notes, with the help of today’s sophisticated sealants, so are concrete, limestone, soapstone and marble.
Even butcher-block, which is much less expensive than stone, can be a more appealing alternative to tile or laminate countertops. When it gets funky, you can sand it and oil it and it looks good agains.
Already have granite? Make it cutting edge. A lot of people are honing their granite now….. What that does is knock it down and make it more matte, so it looks warmer and more inviting. Shiny surfaces can look very cold.
6. Steel This Idea
Why do buyers go bananas for stainless-steel appliances? It’s the power of suggestion. A kitchen with stainless appliances looks like a commercial kitchen. It makes people think that they’re great cooks, but because the finish shows fingerprints, it’s not for everyone.
As far as other alternatives go, the designers agree that in general, black fixtures can look dated, while white is okay for a country kitchen. And some people are making appliances blend in beautifully by ordering front panels to match their cabinetry.
7. Pre-Organized Closets
Just as stainless appliances convince buyers that they are better cooks, closet organizers make buyers believe that they are better homemakers. If your closets are unadorned, don’t underestimate the importance of this easy addition.
They make you feel secure and calm and people need that. And while you don’t need to use high-end organizers, make sure that the materials are up-to-date. Twenty years ago, closet organizers meant wire shelves. You can’t slide anything over a wire shelf. You can’t even put a hanger in some of them. Today’s ideal would be melamine shelves, in bone or white, with some drawers and metal rods to maximize storage.
This organization shouldn’t stop in the closet – make sure your kitchen cabinets are orderly, too. If they open up a door and see a big pantry, but it’s not organized properly, it won’t be as exciting as something already organized with a place for everything.
8. Light Up
Floor lamps just don’t cut it these days. If your home doesn’t get a lot of natural light, consider installing recessed lighting or new sconces, or both, so the buyer won’t struggle to figure out how to brighten up the space.
Lighting is probably the most overlooked, yet the most important aspect of interior decoration……In newer construction, you don’t have sufficient lighting. The reality is that everyone needs three types – task, ambient and decorative lighting – which allow you to change the mood of the room.
When it comes to recessed lighting, know that the smaller the fixture, the more updated it is. We used to have six-inch apertures, now we have four-inch openings. And using halogen bulbs gives a cleaner, more modern look.
9. Built-In Bonus
Many buyers view built-ins as “free furniture.” Well-crafted bookshelves, china cabinets and entertainment units can “make a home stand out as quality.”
On the other hand it can be a catch-22 because some people would rather organize their own furniture. Sometimes it’s better to have freestanding pieces that look like built-ins, that you can give the buyer the option to purchase.
10. Grass Is Greener
Are the homebuyers in your area families with young children? If so, they’ll be drawn to spaces with a flat, open lawn.
Were you thinking of putting in a concrete patio or rock garden? Don’t bother if you’re putting your home on the market. A flat yard is a real plus. Spend some money and put in the grass. It’s a good seller; green is good.
Bonus Tip: Furnish That house!
Think you’re ready for the open house? Consider this: Architecturally interesting homes in immaculate shape can be shown empty.
But, in general, “people look for a homey kind of a feel” . And that’s homey, not homely. If the bulk of your furniture isn’t attractive, don’t hesitate to have it staged (propped with attractive rental furniture). We’re even seeing that done in the inexpensive condo market and it makes a huge difference to your bottom line…. The way you list your home is very different than the way you live!
What Do I Do Now?
Too bad a house doesn’t come with an owner’s manual. And a week-long seminar where you learn what every button, switch, and wire is for. Alas, the keys to the castle come with no troubleshooting guide to dog-ear—and, we’re betting, no wise master to unlock the mysteries of the place you call home.
Then again, that’s what we’re here for: to provide fast fix-it advice when it’s time for you to do your homeowning duty. Because at some point, you’re going to have to know how to change out a light fixture without zapping yourself to kingdom come. Or paint a double-hung without gumming up the works. Or stem the flood when the toilet overflows. And you’re going to want to do things right. The first time.
So consider these 47 tips a crash course in homeowner self-confidence. And study them well. ‘Cause owning a house means you’re going to have questions. Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers.
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,20434090_20863159,00.html
