Remodelling
Useful Remodeling Ideas - BEFORE You Get Started!
By: Michael Johnson
Home remodeling can be done for function or just because the house needs a
new look, or a combination of the two. The focus of home remodeling for most
homeowners is usually the kitchen or the bathrooms because those are the rooms
that add the most value to a home and can become outdated more quickly. Just as
in fashion, home décor goes through fads, and typically if bathrooms and
kitchens have not been remodeled for ten years or more, it's obvious!
How many times have we heard the jokes about the ambitious do-it-yourself
homeowner who starts project after project, only to stop in the middle and not
finish any one of them? Usually the weekend warrior runs out of time, or perhaps
money, or maybe he or she realizes that much more has been bitten off than can
possibly be chewed. The results are evident - half-finished paintjobs that leave
some walls in one color while others sport another; flooring has been exposed
but never finished; kitchen cabinets are leaning against the wall yet will not
be anchored in for weeks or perhaps months. Sadly, many a homeowner neglected to
receive some sound remodeling tips prior to embarking on their tasks. To this
end, here are some tips and tricks that will you to get off to a good start,
before you actually pick up your checkbook or your tools!
One of the first remodeling tips that are usually neglected is the fact that it
should have a general appeal. Granted, this may be common sense, yet it is
astounding how many homeowners add or take away from their homes in such a way
that a future sale is compromised. While the homeowner may think that a purple
bathroom with yellow handprints is just darling, the potential buyer who tours
the house two years down the line will probably wrinkle his nose at this décor
faux pas. In the same way, if you decide to add on to your home, do it with an
eye on the investment potential. In other words, do not do a half-fast job
yourself, but instead pull the proper permits and hire licensed contractors to
at least take a look before the building inspector stops by.
Experts have a tool box full of different small bathroom remodeling ideas, but
most can be grouped into two categories: creating light and creating visual
space. The illusions of space and light complement each other and expand a small
space. Anyone who has tried to apply makeup in a small dark room knows how
important light is, and it's created in a variety of ways, both natural and
artificial. Natural light comes from windows, skylights, and any other opening
that allows sun into the space. Whenever possible, windows should be left
uncovered or only lightly covered by a filmy white or light-colored window
covering. Paint colors from the cool end of the color spectrum reflect and
enhance natural light, as do mirrors and light-colored flooring. Even a light-colored,
inexpensive rug used to cover a dark floor can brighten up a space. Artificial
light, originating from ceiling lights, wall sconces or lamps, can also brighten
a space when employed artfully. Recessed lighting, which creates the illusion of
space as well as light, could also be a viable option for you. Just be sure to
use artificial light that is bright without being oppressive. Look in your home
and garden store for special bulbs that can be used to effectively diffuse the
light.
Other remodeling tips include the popularity versus functionality of a desired
item, as well as value for the items. For example, just because recessed
lighting is the latest fad, it may not be the lighting of choice for the
bathroom where it may create dark spots and shade in undesirable areas. In
addition to the foregoing, the value of the items purchased should remain
intact, thus adding value to the home rather than simply costing money.
Thereafter it is a smart idea to do a bit of research to see where home
decorating trends are headed. Some old time favorites, such as ceiling tiles or
even marble counter tops, are becoming a thing of the past, and if you are
wondering about adding value to your home it is best to decorate with the market
in mind. Naturally, not all homeowners will look to sell their properties within
the next few years or until after the next remodel, yet this rule of thumb is
certain to add value to the biggest investment you will ever make rather than
just drain the bank account.
Hopefully these remodeling tips have added a little bit of common sense to the
mix of weekend projects and large undertakings, and the next time you
contemplate a project, please be sure to think it through from beginning to end
before your jump into the car to head to the local big box store for supplies!
Author Bio
About the Author:
M. Johnsona operates a variety of collectible websites and newsletters. Visit
the website for many coin collecting tips. www.remodelingtipcenter.com
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If you are looking to sell your home quickly but are on a limited budget, there are dozens of easy ways to improve the look and feel of your home to increase your chances of a quick sale. You can do most of this work yourself over the period of a couple of weeks, and since you are in charge, you can give your home the look you want to make sure it sells as quickly as possible.
1. Give every room a fresh coat of paint. This is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to give your home a brand new look. You can hire someone to do the job, or if you are skilled in this area, you can do the work yourself. Dont feel you have to stick with colors you have used in the past. Choose colors that brighten up your home but are not too bold. You will want to create a space that is inviting and warm but not overbearing. Choose colors that will stand the test of time: subtle beiges, yellows, and sages are always good choices. Visit your local library or bookstore, where you can find books that offer innovative painting and finishing techniques that will bring new life to your home.
2. Install new flooring. If your old carpet or wood flooring has seen better days, consider installing new flooring. Choose durable yet affordable materials for your flooring. Cheap carpet and wood flooring will only make your home look cheap. If your carpet is stained but still in good shape, all you may need is a thorough steam cleaning. You can hire someone for the job or you can rent a steam cleaner and do the work yourself. If your wood floors are scratched, you may not need to replace them. Instead, consider hiring someone to buff and wax them. Shiny wood floors can enliven any home and increase your chances of a quick sale.
3. Install new lighting fixtures and/or ceiling fans. Replacing your out-of-style lighting fixtures or adding new ones is a relatively inexpensive way to update the look and feel of your home. Choose affordable, quality fixtures that provide warm, soft glows and make the space feel homey and comfortable. In rooms without air conditioning or good ventilation, consider adding ceiling fans. Many quality ceiling fans can be purchased for less than $100. Classic styles are always your best bet, as you will want to choose fixtures that appeal to the broadest possible range of homebuyer. If in doubt, check out the lighting fixtures and ceiling fans in the homes of your friends and relatives. Take note of what you like and dont like and what will make the interior of your home look the most appealing to potential buyers.
4. Add storm doors. While many homeowners believe storm doors will make their house less beautiful, these days storm doors come in so many styles and patterns that it is nearly mind-boggling. In fact, adding an attractive storm door to your home can actually improve your homes curb appeal. You can choose from a wide range of materials and frames and even add decorative or etched glass to your storm door. The addition of a quality storm door can greatly reduce a homes energy efficiency, and a storm door usually costs about one-fourth of the price of adding a new entry door to a home.
5. Weather strip doors and windows. Most homeowners can weather strip their entire home in less than a day. Usually it is just a matter of adding self-adhesive foam and/or sweeps to your windows and doors. Weather stripping just one door can reduce a homes energy consumption by up to 15% and is an extremely affordable way to increase your chances of selling your home in a timely manner.
6. Spruce up the place. You may have heard or read about firms that update the furnishings in a home to create certain looks or feels, thereby increasing the homes chance of selling quickly. If you cant afford to hire a firm to do this, or would rather not spend the money, talk to friends or relatives to see if you can borrow furnishings, framed paintings, or other household objects to use during the time you are trying to sell your home. Your friends may have beautiful pieces in storage that they never use, and they will probably be more than happy to lend these items to you. Often just some good-looking, quality furniture and decorative items are all you need to make your home look and feel comfortable and warm. Think of your home as a stage you must set; the items you borrow from friends and family members are the props that will bring new life to your home and help you make a timely sale.
Devin Hansen - Suburban Construction, Inc. was founded in Bettendorf, Iowa in 1985.
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