Any time you undertake a home improvement project, you want it to yield double the investment’s worth. If you get new countertops, you want a material that not only looks good, but is also durable. If you invest in hardwood flooring, you will want a very durable wood that looks good and is easy to…
Read MoreDream Remodel, Real-Life Budget
Just because your remodeling budget is small doesn’t mean you have to give up your big remodeling ideas. You can still have the perfect new kitchen, bathroom, or basement–you just have to choose your options carefully. Follow these insider tips to realize a dream remodel or addition on a realistic budget. 1. Use laminate flooring…
Read MoreLifestyle Investments Drive Kitchen and Bath Remodeling
Remodeling is on the rise, and consumers are now tackling larger kitchen and bathroom renovations than in previous years. Whole-room remodels are the kinds of discretionary (as opposed to immediately-necessary) projects that typically get put off when the economy is soft. Now that the lingering effects of the recession have mostly faded, homeowners are feeling…
Read MoreA Quick Guide to Home Improvement Financing
There’s no place like home. But how much better would it be with that addition, or with a new kitchen? Once you have created a vision for your home, you’re going to need some money to get the job done. How do you get from here to there? Well, that depends on your financing options….
Read MoreSecond Houses and Investment Properties
Second homes are a great choice whether you’re looking for a summer retreat or an investment property. There is a laundry list of considerations to think about before making such a huge investment, however. Make sure you’re informed about all your options before you buy. A Smart Purchase There are two reasons most homeowners buy…
Read MoreFurnace Prices: How Much Should You Spend?
There’s no simple way to tell you how much you should spend on a furnace unit, until there is an evaluation of your specific situation, including where you live, the size of your home, and your financial resources. That’s why it’s best to talk to a local contractor before you make any decisions. The best…
Read MoreKitchen Repairs: HomeAdvisor Reveals Most Popular Service Requests, Average Costs
Ever wish you could know exactly what to expect from homeowners needing your services — and how much you might expect to charge? According to HomeAdvisor service request data, there’s a good chance your next call will have something to do with kitchen repairs — specifically those addressing water damage or cabinet, flooring, grout and sink…
Read MoreEasy Financing Essentials for Remodeling
More homeowners are deciding that the best way to improve their lifestyles and their personal balance sheets is to invest in their single biggest asset: their home. Home remodeling and improvements are not only a winning investment because they increase property values, but also because they can help a home’s occupants enjoy life. Knowing how…
Read MoreEnergy Efficient Home Improvements Made Affordable
Replacing your inefficient home heating & cooling equipment, upgrading your home windows, insulating your home, installing a solar energy system or planning a general remodeling project, is a daunting task for most homeowners. The age old question facing homeowners is “Where Do I Get The Money” needed to make these and other necessary home improvements….
Read MoreReal Estate Affordability Across America – How Does Your City Stack Up?
May, 2016 Real estate prices are not only a key indicator of the health of the American economy, they’re also the gatekeepers to a key piece of the American dream: Owning our own homes. Interestingly, real estate prices vary greatly across the nation. This infographic offers a snapshot of the price-per-square-foot cost of real estate…
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