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The Do's And Don'ts Of Home Remodeling

Today, there are many good and bad ideas that can substantially increase or decrease your home's attractiveness. These can easily improve or decrease your overall quality of life. To enjoy the benefits, you must begin work on them now. If you decide to go green, you'll guarantee yourself a huge return on the investment as soon as your project is complete. Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind while planning a home remodel project.  

The Do's  

1. Give Your Home A Kitchen Overhaul   

Because of the kitchen being the heart of a home, updates can easily pay off in the long run. Homeowners have seen a 60%-120% of investment return just by remodeling their kitchen, but make sure you don't overdo it, though. You never want your kitchen to look a lot better than any other part of your home.  

Why A Deluxe Kitchen Is A Bad Idea  

If you invest in a deluxe kitchen and plan to sell the home in five years, keep the prospective buyers in mind. Most buyers won't even show interest if the kitchen outweighs other home features or even the age of the home itself. A prospective buyer needs to have an interest in the entire home, not just the kitchen and they won't care if you paid $60,000 for the remodel.  

Try A Little Paint  

You'd be surprised to find out how much a little paint can help a lot. With the price of kitchen remodels soaring, a little paint will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Look into modern colors, these will add a lasting effect towards your kitchens look. Besides that, paint is not too expensive either.  

Energy Saving Appliances  

Replacing old appliances with energy-efficient appliances will save you a substantial amount of money. Plus, appliances that have an Energy Star rating are more environmentally friendly. This is a plus if you sell your home because potential buyers are always looking to save money. 

 2. Adding A Bathroom  

 For the one bathroom homes out there, you can easily see an 80%-130% return on your investment by adding another one. Simple as that.  Looking for a good place for an extra bathroom might seem tricky but just look at all of your unused space or any extra rooms like closets. For half-baths, you will need at least 18 square feet. For a full bath with shower, 30 square feet is required and for a bathtub, you need a minimum of 35 square feet.  Just like all other projects, a bathroom addition depends largely on the type you want as well as the additions cost. If you want your costs to be lower then periodically checking your home improvement stores for sales on toilets and sinks that were once floor models. Besides your home improvement stores, Habitat for Humanity's ReStore is sure to have great prices on all toilets, fixtures, tubs and doors.  

3. Adding Much Needed Space 

 If you're looking to add square footage, keep in mind of the extravagant expense it includes. So, although you will get a return of about 50%-80%, the project could easily get out of control. You can easily see it happen on the home improvement shows where the price starts at around $10,000 and the next thing you see is it now costing $25,000 or more because of problems.  

If your home has a basement, you can easily transform it into another room or your attic into another bedroom. If your garage is big enough you can add an apartment on top which can easily give you an extra room to rent.  

So, before you begin tearing down walls, think about how you or any future buyers could use the extra space. Many reasons for an extra room could include:  

Creating versatility to give beautiful appeal.

Your basement can become a "man cave." What man doesn't like that?

 If you love crafts, the attic can be perfect for this or a game room for the kids.

4. Replace Those Single-Pane Windows  

Every home buyer has energy efficiency on their mind and seeing single-pane windows is not what they want to see when buying a home. It's a fact that energy efficient windows save you up to $500 in heating costs all simply by installing energy efficient windows.  

Just by replacing those old single-pane windows, you will see a return of 60%-90% of the costs. Along with the energy savings, you'll also receive a 10% green energy tax credit. That's a nice chunk of change to receive just by installing Energy Star-rated windows.   

According to Energy Star, the average window replacement costs anywhere between $7,500-$10,000. So if you make the investment, your yearly savings and tax credit will easily make the cost $0.  

5. The Advantage Of A Deck  

Not only is a deck going to add value to your home, but it is also more desirable to have an outdoor living space. This has become true for the fact that more people are starting to stay home while on vacation. If your deck and backyard look appealing to you and your family, then chances are that it will be appealing to prospective buyers as well.  

Prices for a deck can vary and everything depends on the deck's size, and any added features like built-in flower pots, seats or stairs. Your new deck costs could average anywhere between $1,200 and $10,000. 

 If you are able to build the deck yourself, you can easily save at least half of the cost. But keep in mind that it might not be as simple as you think. But if you have all of the necessary tools then you should have no problem pulling it off. But if you don't have the needed tools like a bandsaw, then you can add the cost of the tools to your project, especially if you only use them one time.

If a contractor sounds like a better bet, make sure you shop around and don't just hire the first one you come across. Do your homework about them, and check references prior to any work contract. The last thing you want to be is another home improvement scam victim. So make sure to check the BBB or Angie's List to ensure the remodeling contractors phoenix az is reputable.  

6. Make Sure Your Insulation Insulates 

 Adding Energy-Efficient Insulation is practically a requirement these days especially when looking to buy a home. Nobody wants to buy a home that will cost more to live in if this wasn't included.  

If you update your home to save energy then you'll see that you won't have to worry about the high energy costs. This can be very appealing to buyers especially when you inform them of the amount of savings per year. Who wouldn't like to save at least $2,500 per year by making simple improvements?  

The areas that need more insulation or are most prone to leaks include:  

Door and window seals 

Recessed lighting areas 

The basement 

Electrical sockets or light switches  

Sealing cracks around your home can put extra money back in your pocket and make your home more energy efficient. The best time to check for seals is during the winter. If you feel a draft or cold spots then chances are there is a leak in the area. Purchasing a thermal leak detector can show you exactly where all your leaks are. After finding the leaks you can proceed to caulk or add insulation to the area.  

Using CFL light bulbs in your light fixtures will save you at least $40 throughout the life of the light bulb. They use 75% less energy and last longer than traditional light bulbs. You will also save money on cooling costs because of the CFLs ability to emit 75% less heat and if you add up a number of light fixtures you have you can calculate your savings. So the less heat being emitted, the more money you'll have in your pocket.  

Another method of saving is to install programmable thermostats. With most buyers expecting to see this, it is a given to add one plus, they will save you money. So installing a programmable thermostat will save you $180 per year. 

 Adding a high-efficiency water heater may mean spending extra, but this is another feature savvy home buyers look for these days. Anything that trims the bill is always a plus. The amount you save depends on the amount of water you use. For example, if you use 40 gallons of water a day you will look at saving between 24% and 34% in heating costs.  

7. Simple Upkeep  

Simple upkeep's like adding fresh paint can easily add value. Also, make sure to keep an eye on your roof when it starts to leak and fix when appropriate and replace any wood that is rotting or molding right away. These repairs may look like chores but it will make the difference between your home being sold or not. I never met a buyer that didn't want a healthy home that was safe to live in. 

 Another good selling point is that potential buyers will see that the home was well cared for. So they will know that any improvements that were made will last for a while before having any new improvement or repairs done again.   

The Don'ts Of Home Improvements  

Are you planning to keep your home for only a few years? Then you should know that making these home improvements will unlikely increase your home's resale value. A few of these bad home improvement ideas may shock you, they include:   

1. Avoid The Swimming Pool  

Adding a swimming pool not only can be expensive, it can also be a bad idea. It can make it very difficult to find a buyer. A lot of families with children, find a pool undesirable. This eliminates the number of home buyers that are looking for a family home. Having a pool also increases your costs of energy and your homeowner's insurance will be higher because of a pool. Besides the cost, a pool requires maintenance and this is not seen as cheap. 

 The area in which you live determines if a swimming pool will be a positive selling point. These areas include Southern California and the Southwest. You could see a 30%-50% investment return for a pool. All other areas could have a negative impact on your home's value, mainly because of the expensive costs to operate one.  

But the good thing is that an investment in a pool is good if you plan to use it often for several years. 

 2. Rethink About That Gourmet Kitchen 

 If your dream is to have a commercial stove costing $10,000, you may want to rethink it because, in the end, they don't really pay off while trying to sell. If moving is in your future then investing in a quality appliance that will appeal to many will be sufficient. Many buyers don't want to see too much customization in a potential home.  Keep up with trends by talking to your neighbors. Having expensive appliances will make your house look like the most expensive. Doing a kitchen remodel is a great idea, but making it an expensive one can be a potential turnoff to any buyers.  If your home is located in an upscale area, then it might be beneficial to upgrade to “gourmet” status. Buyers in these areas expect a gourmet kitchen especially if your neighbors also have them. But don't expect that to mean you will see a return on investment.  

3. Skip The Whirlpool Bath  

Sure, a whirlpool bath sounds relaxing and can relieve a lot of stress from the day, but a lot of buyers won't pay for a whirlpool bath that someone else installed. The costs of operating and installing one can be unfavorable too. What many homeowners don't realize is that they will also need to install a hot water tank that will support the tub. They also need to keep in mind of the higher energy consumption and maintenance required.  That's why you need to make sure to think twice before you install your whirlpool bath. The project cost alone can run into the thousands, and if a problem occurs you can expect a much higher cost.  

4. Avoid A Sun Room 

 As good as it may sound, a sun room adds very little to your home's resale value. The monetary return isn't even $500 after you spend around $1,000 for its construction. This is only around 49$-59% of your investment. Please remember that glass isn't a very good insulator either, so your winter and summer energy costs may skyrocket and when they do you'll know why.  If you live in a part of the country where you enjoy the sun daily like the South or have a beach house, then having a sunroom would make sense. If you do add a sunroom, it could actually give you an advantage in selling your home. It could create a more attractive look for certain buyers.  

5. No Need For Extravagant Landscaping  

There is no need to go overboard with your landscaping. Although this may make your home more appealing to buyers, it won't add value to an asking price. But, it can improve your quality of life if you plan to live in it for many years. Being able to enjoy the landscaping during the warmer months will be the only value that you'll see if you plan to sell.  An alternative to expensive landscaping, try adding curb appeal to your existing lawn. You can “Wow” your future buyers by showing that your lawn is well-kept because using some beautiful shrubbery or trees can increase overall value. These lawn projects can make a little more profit, depending on what type of changes you make. I would suggest going with a classy but subtle look to help your home stand out in the crowd.  

6. Creating More Rooms  

Creating another room can be an expensive project and the cost could run in the thousands. If you remodel the master suite your investment return will be around 65%. If a family room is added then you'll see 60%. These low investment returns are because home buyers don't want to heat 3,000 square feet when they are happy with 2,000 square feet.  The only exception to this rule is the addition of a bedroom. The addition of a bedroom increases appeals to many groups of buyers. If you have a huge space, dividing it with a wall to create a room will save money for the renovation. Don't forget to add a window and a closet so it qualifies as a room. Then you can add interior design ideas to it once complete.  If you need help understanding building codes, your builder can educate you on the requirements of an added room. If you're unable to list your home mentioning the added bedroom, you can list it as having a bonus room. 

 7. No Need For A Home Office 

 Do you really need a home office? Chances are, you don't need that luxury. Outside of not needing it, the cost of renovating for one can be around $25,000. This will only give an investment return of around 46%. It's more of a financial loss than a gain. This loss is also due to the constant replacing of outdated technology so you won't see any additional profits by the time your home sells.  The majority of people who have a home office really only need adequate lighting, and a desk with chair.  

8. Forget About The Roof 

Trying to increase the selling price after adding a new roof will get you nowhere. Your new roof will only be listed as a feature so trying to include it in your asking price will give you nothing more than a good visual for home buyers.   

Although roof replacement will eventually occur, and repairs can be costly if you wait too long, experts say that your investment return is only around 55%-60% at the time of sale. On the other hand, if your roof is damaged or old it may turn prospective buyers away. So having a new roof will keep your home competitive in the market and attract any and all new buyers.

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Kitchen and Bath Remodeling

It is important that you look for kitchen remodeling ideas before you get started on a project. You will want to know that you are doing what is right in your home, and that your kitchen will turn out looking amazing. And in order for you to know both of those things, you are going to have to do your research and to get everything ready to go beforehand. You should look at all of the inspiration that you can find, and then you should put together a list of the features that you would like to see in your kitchen.

Consider the appliances that you would like to have put in. Are stainless steel appliances a must, or would you rather go with something different? What color counter tops would you like to see put in there? Are you someone who loves tile flooring, or would you rather go with something else? There are so many decisions for you to make for your kitchen, and every one of them is important. From the bigger choices to the smaller ones, such as what kinds of knobs you would like to have on your cabinets, you are going to need to know that you are making all of the right choices.Take a look at as many different kitchens as you can. Look online and put together a collection of photos that you find inspiration from. Do whatever it takes to gather some inspiration for yourself, and then get started figuring out what you really love. Another good thing for you to do beyond looking at photos of other kitchens is to talk with your friends and family members. See what they like most in their own kitchens, and what they wish that they had. By talking with others  like Signature Kitchen and Bath | Arizona's Premier Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Company , you will be able to make some good decisions for your kitchen.

A kitchen remodel is such a big deal, and you are going to want to go into this feeling fully prepared for all that you will be doing. You will want to know what you will be doing for everything that needs to take place, so that the kitchen can turn out looking just as good as you want it to. You will want to figure out all of the details before you have someone come in to work on things for you, so that everything can get done as quickly as possible. There are many advantages to figuring everything out ahead of time.

Wouldn't you be in kitchen and bath heaven if your family and visitors saw your newest home remodeling idea and offered a rather loud oohs and aahs shoutout? Of course you would. Well, its not beyond the reality of any homeowner if you put your mind to it and draw a wheelbarrow full of inspiration from locations and other cultures around the world. In this day and age, any homeowner is surely aware that the bathrooms and kitchen areas are the most visited places in any home. The kitchen is the hangout place and the bathroom needs no introduction to any person with a dab of common sense. Okay, now that you are in step with the fact that the case has been made about the kitchen being the so called "heart" of the home for more reasons than one, let's set aside the obvious suspects in the kitchen that most folks attack first when it comes to a kitchen remodeling. You know items like shelves, cupboards, knobs, colors, tile, flooring and so on. 

All that said what most people fail to consider in a remodel is the one place that, for the most part, gets no respect - the SINK! Ergo, that brings up another serious question which is: "what do you know or need to know about the kitchen sink?" Well, to begin with, the sink is where most people prepare foods, clean their hands, for sure scrub dishes and other "hard to clean" objects. Also, for some homeowners, your sink can be the one item that needs updating in any kitchen remodeling project. Especially if you haven't installed a new sink in your kitchen since George Bush was president, here is how you can really improve and refresh your kitchen and start getting some oohs and aahs.

Oh, another thing to keep in mind is when it comes to style, a traditional sink is still the most popular for a family. On the other hand, if the kids have left the scene leaving just the older adults, you might want to consider a more contemporary style sink. So, here is the good and not so good about new kitchen sinks:

* The top-mount sink is the easiest to install but cleaning can often be a challenge.

* The under-mount sink is great and cleans easily, but a pain to take out and replace.

* If you wash a lot of large dishes and pots the single-bowl works, but uses a lot of water.

* A double-bowl gets most of the applause (one bowl to wash and one for drying) but it takes more water, too.

* Don't forget your kitchen "butcher block." It not only adds charm to your kitchen but they are actually quite functional. Plus they clean easily just using a dab of water and soap. 

A Bathroom Remodel Takes The Center Stage!

The kitchen may be the spot where most friends and families congregate, but the bathroom is a necessity. Kids and dad may be able to survive with just one bath, but the lady or ladies of the house, prefer at the very minimum, two bathrooms. Two or more bathrooms are also an excellent sales pitch when selling your home. The usual suspects in most homes would be a small bathroom near a hallway that kids and visitors use, and the master bathroom is for the older adults. However, when planning a small bathroom remodel the question before the house of common sense is where to put everything that's needed; especially the sink and toilet. Most thoughts of homeowners is they have two options. A pedestal sink or a more European design where the sink and cabinet attaches to the wall. You won't have any trouble finding what you want because manufacturers design these sink and cabinet combinations especially for smaller bathrooms.

The pedestal sink can be attractive plus free up space. On the other hand these type of sinks eat up a lot of space and loose a lot of storage options. Of course, you could always shop around at some unique stores in town where you can buy some small baskets or build some clever shelves or cabinets in the bathroom to help eliminate the space conundrum. Another option and popular style for small bathrooms is adding a vanity. These days vanity cabinets are available in marble, granite and even custom wood designs that don't cost an arm and leg. One other place to find more space in a small bathroom is, of course, the bathroom wall; yikes - bet you never thought of that, huh!

Continuing on the subject of small bathrooms, in your remodeling process, would be the bathtub and door. Ergo, maybe it's time to dump the tub and simply make the shower area look like in arrived from outer space. Look, folks, the fact is most kids don't take baths and neither will any visitors. Unless it's in the master bathrooms, a small bathroom tub is a total waste of space. Let your contractor frame and tile the shower area (think: walls) and while the contractor is at it, have them build a shelf or small bench in the shower. Oh, don't forget some new lighting. A recessed light over the shower and a "three-bulb" light fixture to hang over your new vanity.

A Master Bath For 2015 And Beyond!

If you're a homeowner interested in the latest trends this section of kitchen & Bath remodeling will be right up your alley. The remedy of a master bath in your home will allow you to understand what the "top trends" are and by incorporating them into your own ideas, you can quickly increase your home's comfort, style and best of all, the value of your home. Speaking of value, several years ago a realtor in a major city wrote an article on why some home's never sell for months on end, while other homes are swept into the "sold" category in less than a month or two. The article targeted two things in your home: kitchen and bathrooms. It was said that in an "open house" the chances of a woman visiting the home was 95 percent; a man registered the remaining five percent. Also, if the home registers a plus from a street view, she will enter the home for a look. Guess where the first place she will investigate is located? Yep, the kitchen. The second place will be the bathroom(s). While making her quick inspection of those two places, if she likes what she sees, you have a sale working in your favor. If the bathrooms and kitchen area and appliances are dated from the 1950's, she will be gone in less than five minutes.

Most folks who own a home want modern designs in the bathrooms and kitchen areas if they can afford it. A cold or calculated master bath should not be on your agenda, but the remedy doesn't need to be expensive if you give it some thought. Renovated master baths are currently not only a hot item, they're in demand. And if your remodel approach is on the right path, a renovated master bath can provide one of the highest rates of return on investment. It has also been suggested that just a midrange remodel job recoups upwards of over 71 percent during a resale. One of the latest trends in a master bath is making it into a "spa-like" retreat with modern technology like allowing programmable water features and designing with organic textures like bamboo, cotton and marble. Yet, even after all these items that have been mentioned, one classic option is still trending: modern subway tiles. These tiles come in various colors like cobalt blue, slate gray and winter white. Caution: this type of master bath remodeling may have the users (msn or woman) tied up for hours; maybe longer if they bring a portable TV with them.

Surprise! Clever Decorative Lighting Really Helps!

Since the kitchen is many times a very busy place in a home, lighting in your remodeling chore can be crucial. But you should be careful in your lighting choices since some people use the kitchen to socialize with friends and loved ones, so you might want to consider both ambient and task lighting. For ambient lighting consider a chandelier. Simply hang it over the dining area or, if you have one, the kitchen island. Task lighting should be brighter, so using pendants and recessed lights over areas you use a lot like counter-tops, the sink and stove. With just a few additions and tips from a source you trust, you'll soon have that elegant kitchen you've been thinking of.

In the master bath nothing will open up a space like new lighting. It's true that most old homes left a lot to be desired when it comes to lighting. For those of you who can remember, most all old homes never had a built-in light in the shower. Yes, we know that when your Uncle Fred finds out you plan to shine a light over the shower space, he might be quick to tell you he never had one. Yet, shining a light over that space can actually add depth to the bathroom and give the illusion it looks larger. Whether it's the master bath or that small bathroom down the hall, when it comes to lighting, you should also consider the wall color and tile selection; especially in a small bathroom. Classic subway tiles or ones that are oriented horizontally will work particularly in the shower.

Finally, when considering a total kitchen and bath remodeling job it might be worth your while to plan to do your homework before starting your project. You should also take pictures of your bathroom(s) and kitchen just the way they look when you leave for your appointment. Here is a checklist of what to do first BEFORE talking with any contractor:

* Be realistic about your budget. Two years ago the average cost of a bath remodel was about $18,500; kitchens were priced higher.

* Go online and check websites as well as magazines for designs and ideas. If you live in a city with showrooms and large retail outlets spend some time looking and pricing.

* Talk with any neighbors, family members or friends who have recently completed a remodel on their bathrooms and/or kitchen. Also, inquire on what contractor they used and if their project was finished on time, delayed and how the contractor handled any requested changes you needed.

* Get at least three "written" estimates that clearly define your project and ask what materials will be used.

* Make sure the contractor is accessible when needed.

* This question is important! Make sure the contractor you choose has the appropriate licenses and is properly bonded and insured - and make them prove it. Bathroom remodeling work often requires electrical and plumbing work which are two of the most often regulated trades. You certainly don't want your home to burn down or flood because a worker didn't know what he was doing.

* Always get multiple bids then check or ask for references. 

Note: The following information is about as close as possible but should be considered. For most all bathroom remodeling jobs, you can expect to pay a little over 10 percent or more of the total project amount as a deposit. However, never pay more than one third of the total cost as a down payment, and never, ever pay the deposit in CASH! Use a check or credit card. You should also be aware that when dealing with bathroom remodeling, some contractors will frequently find "hidden" problems that need to be addressed before the contractor can move forward. If you have a family member or friend who knows anything about this particular problem, ask them to take a look to verify what the contractor is talking about. This could add an additional 10 percent to 20 percent to the project budget. Under these circumstances, there is not a whole lot you, the homeowner, can do about it since these headaches will surely pop up now and then - like it or not. 

In closing this kitchen and bathroom remodeling project article, any homeowner who has never experienced a project of this size should take into consideration what they can expect in terms of stress and having to move to a local motel along with family members and pets or moving in with mom and dad until the project is completed. The inconvenience time put on your family will certainly change any daily and evening routine everyone was used to; especially the bathrooms. You should also make plans for storing your own personal stuff and also know where the contractor will be storing his material. If you have a double garage, you can help the matter by parking cars on the street or at some neighbor's driveway and let the contractor use the garage facility for storage. If both the kitchen and bathrooms remodeling are started at the same time, you certainly won't be able to cook, use any bathroom facilities or sleep. So once you find out how long this imposition could possibly last, you can make plans in advance to east the strain and stress, and make things a bit more comfortable for all concerned. It might also be wise to know what the working hours of the construction crew are and if they will have a Portable Potty parked in the driveway. Most working crews begin in the early hours and end when the day is done.