Home Improvement News Archives - Page 3 of 5

Paint Colors Taking Over in 2024

Blue is about to have a major year in 2024! We’ll also see dark hues and warm tones as a favorite among the big paint companies.

1. Blue Nova by Benjamin Moore

- Blue Nova is a medium-dark shade with purple undertones. This color works best if you need to visually cool off a space. I’d use this color a bit more sparingly since it’s rather dark, but it would be lovely for a front door or as an accent in a bedroom or bathroom.

2. Upward by Sherwin-Williams

- Taking inspiration from the sky above, Sherwin-Williams has selected this breezy, tranquil light blue as its selection for 2024 Color of the Year. Upward has a touch of gray in it, which makes it a sophisticated alternative to a more pastel baby blue. This is an excellent blue paint if you’re looking to add color but want to keep your space light and bright. For instance, while dark navy blues have been popular recently for kitchen cabinets, this lighter shade might be a better option if your kitchen is on the smaller side or lacks abundant natural light. I can also see this color working well as a haint blue option for a porch ceiling.

3. Cracked Pepper by Behr

- Cracked Pepper is a neutral dark gray that sits on the color spectrum just a tiny hair from black. In fact, you can use it in place of pure black, as the latter can often appear too harsh or intense in and on a home. Cracked Pepper is a true neutral in that it has neither warm nor cool undertones, so it can work well as an accent or trim color along with any other color or colors.

4. Persimmon by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

- While warmer shades might be in the minority in this list, Persimmon really stands out to for its soft yet spicy quality. It is a lightened shade of earthy terra cotta, shown here on bathroom vanities. It’s an appetizing hue that lends itself well for use in a kitchen, dining room or other spaces in your home where you regularly gather for meals and conversation with family and friends.

5. Thermal by C2

- Here’s another pretty, soft blue, but this one a touch darker than Sherwin-Williams’ Upward. As you can see, it works really well on kitchen cabinetry. It infuses color into the space but remains soft and tranquil. This color would also work well in a bathroom, whether on the walls or for cabinetry. Or you could consider using it as an accent color on just the ceiling. It’s a trick that can visually enlarge and open up a room, especially if it has low ceilings, as the color mimics the sky on a clear, sunny day.

6. Renew Blue by Valspar

- Watery blues are a great go-to hue when you want to inject vibrant color into a home. It has a tropical “on vacation” vibe that plays well with warm or cool neutrals. This brings up an important point: While you might enjoy checking out all of the “Color of the Year” announcements, you shouldn’t feel as though it’s a call to redecorate using these colors. Rather, if you see something here that you like, you can look forward to that color being featured more prominently in decorative materials and housewares in the coming year, should you want to add the hue to your home.

7. Limitless by PPG and Glidden

- For those looking to infuse their homes with warmer hues, PPG and Glidden’s selection of Limitless might be more to your liking. This soft champagne hue works well as a backdrop to darker wood tones, as well as warm metallics. Sunny shades such as Limitless can be called upon to help lighten and brighten a space, so if you have a dark, cramped room in the house that needs an infusion of luminous warmth, this could be the hue for you.

8. Skipping Stones by Dunn-Edwards

- This medium blue shade reminds me of summer afternoons spent at the pool. It’s a cool blue, so it’s a great color choice for those residing in hotter climates. It can bring a soothing, cooling vibe to a bathroom, bedroom or sunroom. Dunn-Edwards’ Skipping Stones would also make a terrific front door color for those residing in any climate.

9. Ironside by Dutch Boy

- Dutch Boy also went for a deep and moody hue, this one a dark olive green with ashy brown undertones. This is a shade I’m seeing more and more of lately, typically used on cabinetry and millwork. It gives a cozy, intimate vibe to a space, making it a great choice for bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.

10. Bay Blue by Minwax

- Here’s a darker watery blue option that’s actually a wood stain. And the great thing about a wood stain, versus paint, is that it allows the beautiful grain and texture of the wood to show through while adding a fun, vibrant color.

Which was your favorite color? Let me know in the comments.
Until next month! Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Resources: Houzz

October Home Maintenance Checklist

Get your home October ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Rake Leaves

- The leaves are already starting to fall! To make quicker work of collecting leaves from a large lawn, rake the fallen foliage onto a large plastic tarp. Then bag it or add it to your compost pile.

2. Decorate for Halloween

- If you’re planning to participate in Halloween festivities, whether you’re working on an elaborate lawn display or simple door decor, it helps to get an early start on shopping or crafting.

3. Keep Seasonal Decorating Low-Key with Natural Finds

- Pumpkins, gourds, fresh heirloom apples, quinces, pomegranates, figs and fall foliage make wonderfully simple decor. Bring in cut branches from your yard, stop by a pick-your-own farm, or scoop up fall’s bounty at a farm stand.

4. Neaten Up Your Mudroom/Entry

- The flurry of activity this time of year can leave your mudroom or entry looking a little worse for the wear. Sort through papers/mail and put away stray summer items. Clean the floors and invest in a new doormat if needed. Keep a recycling basket near the entrance to make sorting mail and school papers easier, and dedicate a tote or bin for items that need to go out.

5. Vacuum Radiators, Baseboard Heaters & Heating Grates

- Prepare for heating season by vacuuming up dust from radiators, baseboard heaters and heating grates. If you have radiators with covers, remove the covers and vacuum beneath them before replacing.

6. Cover/Put Away Outdoor Furniture & Grills

- If you plan to leave your patio furniture or grill outside through the fall and winter, cover them well and stow them beneath an overhang that will protect them from rain and snow. Even if you live in a mild climate, covering your grill between uses is a good idea to preserve the finish.

7. Shut Off Exterior Faucets & Store Hoses for Winter

- Disconnect, drain and roll hoses before storing them for the winter. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets to prevent frozen pipes.

8. Clean Gutters & Downspouts

- Wait until most of the leaves have fallen to schedule a rain gutter cleaning. Inspect gutters and downspouts for cracks and loose parts, and make repairs as needed.

9. Check Safety Devices

- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the house, replacing batteries as needed. Check the expiration date on the kitchen fire extinguisher and replace it if needed.

10. Start a Gift List

- It may seem as though the holidays are a long way off, but that’s why it pays to start getting organized now. Start a list of everyone you plan to give gifts to this year, and as ideas strike, jot them down on your list. You can also use your list to keep track of a holiday gifting budget. And if you want to make any gifts by hand, October is a great time to get started — handmade gifts always seem to take longer to make than expected.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your September! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Big Impact & Low Cost Home Renovations

Ready for a big change but not a big price tag? Here are some home renovations to get you started that won’t break the bank. Where would you start? Comment below!

1. Replace Doors

- Replacing your garage door or front door can make a big difference when it comes to curb appeal. For an even less expensive renovation, consider painting your front door instead. Make sure the color you choose speaks to your home’s style. A bold, unusual hue, like the lime green on the home in the photo below is a nod to its modern exterior. But don’t be afraid to break the rules. Using an unexpected color can add personality and liven up a traditional facade.

2. Update Bathroom Vanity and Countertop

- Finding a pre-made vanity set couldn’t be easier: Double-sink vanities, floating vanities and even corner vanities are regularly sold in a variety of styles, materials and sizes. A basic understanding of plumbing and some good old-fashioned elbow grease is required for assembly, but if the thought of messing with your pipes alarms you, a professional installation average around $1,500 and can be as low as $300. If replacing your vanity or countertop is out of the budget, consider countertop refinishing. There are tons of options out there when it comes to refinishing your bathroom countertop, like an epoxy option.

3. Change Kitchen Countertop or Mismatched Appliances

- Replacing countertops is a common kitchen renovation. Ceramic and porcelain tile are the most cost-effective and are an easy DIY, if you don’t mind taking the time to install and maintain them. Laminate countertops are slightly more expensive, but offer a diverse range of colors and styles. Essential kitchen appliances like refrigerators, stoves and dishwashers can all be replaced surprisingly inexpensively. Depending on the brand, it’s possible to spend less than $500 per large appliance (not counting any additional fees). Don’t forget to ask a retailer about package offers or discounts if you are buying multiple appliances, which can save you up to $1,500.

4. Deep Cleaning

- Sounds simple enough, but nothing can refresh a home more than a good deep clean. Consider hiring a cleaning company to come and do a massive deep clean of your home. Rent a power washer or hire a professional to power wash the exterior of your home.

5. Redo or Install Kitchen Backsplash

- Redoing the backsplash is both a surprisingly easy DIY and a classic way to bring creativity and personal flair into an otherwise standard kitchen. Inexpensive materials are easy to find, from peel-and-stick patterns to painted planks, mark-down tiles and stencil designs.

6. Incorporate an Interior Design Theme

- Often, making a house feel brand new can be as simple as changing up the furniture and style. Consider theming certain rooms of your house around a certain color, pattern or style and getting rid of, or refurbishing and upcycling, any furniture that no longer matches. It also simplifies the shopping process: you can save money by buying wholesale and taking advantage of cheaper prices on themed sets of dishware, linens and accessories. By unifying your house or a room with an appealing aesthetic, you can make it look like you’re an expert in interior design. And if you have some furniture that you can’t bear to part with, but it doesn’t quite fit anywhere–go ahead and give that one room a cozy, eclectic vibe.

Until next month!

Resources: Forbes

10 Ways to Enjoy Your Backyard More This Summer

Here are 10 ideas to make the most of these months, including ways to spend more time outdoors and easy garden updates with immediate rewards.

1. Plant a Fruit, Veggie or Herb You’ve Never Grown Before

- Whether you plant ‘Green Globe’ artichokes, heirloom tomatoes, purple beans, alpine strawberries or hot peppers, try growing something new this season. Most likely, you’ll be surprised, even delighted, by how it grows and tastes — and inspired to use the new produce in summer meals. Kitchen garden already maxed out on space? Pot up a few containers with unusual herbs such as Thai basil, shiso, lemongrass, Vietnamese coriander, chocolate mint, chervil or lemon verbena and have them inspire your recipes.

2. Celebrate in the Backyard

- With a few easy, inexpensive updates, your garden can feel like a new festive spot. Try putting up lights, hanging a paper garland or traditional bunting, bringing out some colorful throw pillows, or investing in a movable fire pit.

3. Switch Up Your Morning Routine

- Even if you have only five minutes, bring your cup of coffee and slice of toast outside to enjoy in the yard. Perhaps you want to take this time to practice mindfulness, or you may just want to sit back, relax and watch the birds flit among the garden beds. If you’re off to work, you may notice that you feel more calm and centered by starting your day in nature.

4. Refresh Window Boxes

- These pint-size gardens are a great way to add color to your home without bothering with larger garden tools. Plant the boxes with long-blooming summer annuals and perennials, such as sun-loving lavender, geranium, lobelia and trailing bacopa.

5. Grow Garnishes for Your Favorite Summer Drinks

- Instead of buying those short-lived supermarket bunches of herbs, plant a few of your go-to varieties for cocktail garnishes. Start with basil, mint, cilantro, or all three, and get creative with others, such as lavender or lemongrass. If you have room in your garden and a Mediterranean climate, consider adding one or two fruit trees with standout cocktail possibilities, such as Meyer lemon, pomegranate and lime.

6. String Up a Hammock

- Summer evenings are for lounging, and what’s better than swinging from a hammock? Hang one between two trees in your backyard, between the beams of a sturdy pergola or from the rails of an interior courtyard. Don’t have the perfect spot for hanging? Invest in a hammock that comes with its own frame — you’ll have the benefit of being able to choose the most inviting spot in the backyard to place it.

7. Jazz Up Your Planting Beds

- Plants with interesting foliage often need less tending than those planted primarily for their flowers — you’ll be able to skip deadheading, at least. To make a primarily foliage-based bed just as stunning as one with flowers, choose foliage plants with high color and texture contrast, and plant them close together.

8. Roll Out an Outdoor Rug

- Make your deck or patio that much more inviting by laying down an outdoor rug for the season. Most outdoor rugs are made of durable nylon, polyester or polypropylene (often from recycled sources), and many are treated to resist fading from exposure to sun. Those made of bamboo, jute and other natural fibers are less weather-resistant and best used on a covered patio or deck.

9. Give Birds and Bees a Water Source

- If you live in a dry-summer climate, the months between rains can be tough for native birds, insects and other wildlife, particularly in areas where development has taken away their natural water sources. Try setting up a simple fountain, or just fill an empty pot saucer with water, and see what stops by for a drink. Remember to keep the water feature consistently filled and clean, as these small creatures learn to depend on it as a water source.

10. Install an Outdoor Shower

- Making that dream of a rinse under the sky a reality can be easier than it looks. If you have a water hookup close by — the outdoor wall of an indoor bathroom is a great bet — all it takes to install an outdoor shower is mounting basic plumbing and shower fixtures, and creating a path away from the home for water drainage. Perhaps this is the summer you make it happen.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your July! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Sought After Home Designs for 2023

1. Industrial Style Kitchens

- If you want a kitchen that’s easy to clean, durable and stylish, just look to restaurant kitchens for inspiration. Online searches for “industrial kitchen” were up 41% year over year, along with associated features like easy-to-wipe stainless steel countertops (up 113%) and copper backsplashes (up 14%). Not-too-precious materials like concrete countertops (up 28%) and brick walls (up 93%) help create a durable industrial look.

2. Entertainer’s Kitchen

- During a party, many people naturally congregate near the food and drinks. And that typically means the kitchen. To facilitate a communal atmosphere, many homeowners are looking for ways to create a kitchen fit for entertaining. In fact, 3 in 5 homeowners use their kitchen for entertaining following a renovation (57%). Homeowners are intending to design entertaining kitchens, including “large kitchen island with seating” (up 187%), “open concept kitchen to family room” (up 76%), “beverage station” (up 71%) and “island cooktops” (up 48%), which allow the cook to face guests. Meanwhile, online searches for “walk-in kitchen pantry,” a useful feature for storing extra supplies for large parties as well as hiding small appliances, were up a whopping 2,636%. And searches for “scullery kitchen” were up 38%. A scullery kitchen, also known as a butler’s pantry, may feature prep areas, a sink, storage cabinets and some appliances and give homeowners the flexibility to keep messy food prep out of view of guests.

3. Finished Basements

- When looking to expand a home’s usable space, backyards and additions offer plenty of opportunity. But people with basements know a world of possibility sits below the surface.
  A finished basement is great for creating spaces that might be considered less formal than the main areas of a home. And many search terms relating to fun basement features reflect an increase in interest in building these spaces out.

4. Spanish Colonial Style

- Spanish Colonial homes, known for their white stucco exteriors, red tile roofs and rustic elements, are common in the South and California. And many homeowners with this type of home hire pros to update the spaces while honoring the roots of the architecture. But even people who own a home in a different style find the breezy Mediterranean look appealing. And all that might explain an increase in online searches for things like “Spanish Colonial living room” (up 1,470%), “Spanish Colonial kitchen” (up 207%) and “Spanish Colonial exterior” (up 163%), among other relevant topics.

5. Ceiling Vibes

- Designers often refer to the ceiling as the “fifth wall,” a reminder to give the overhead surface some love. Stained wood beams help break up the lines and work with the fireplace mantel and stone facing to create a stylish coastal look.

6. Open Concepts

- Open concepts offer many benefits in a home. But sometimes a little separation is needed to add privacy, mitigate noise or create some visual delineation of purpose in an open area that combines multiple functions. Rising online searches show a few solutions: “living room divider” (up 446%), “Shoji screen” (up 60%) and “partition wall” (up 41%). A wood slat divider creates visual and physical separation between the entryway and sunken living room. The divider also establishes an arrival sequence, forcing guests to pause, turn to the right and experience the pull of the view through the living area.

7. Bathroom Accessibility

- For people with mobility issues, some common bathroom elements like curbed showers, tight layouts and hard-to-reach fixtures can be difficult to navigate. So improving safe accessibility is a major concern for many homeowners looking to stay in their homes well into their retirement years. And online searches for spaces and features that assist with those adaptations are rising. Searches for “aging-in-place bathrooms” and “handicap-accessible bathrooms” each more than doubled in the first quarter of this year compared with the same period last year. And features like “handheld shower head,” “ADA compliant bathroom vanities” and “curbless showers” also grew.

8. Small and Outdoors

- Small spaces call for small design solutions. So homeowners with modestly sized outdoor areas are on the hunt for things like “small screened-in porch ideas” (up 522%), “small plunge pool” (up 375%), “small backyard patio” (up 30%) and “small front porch” (up 28%). Blue shingle siding, stone flooring, white trim, a wood ceiling treatment and a pair of wood rocking chairs bring major curb appeal and a sofa offers a spot for catching breezes — or a nap.

9. Rooftop Terraces

- No space should go to waste, and that includes a rooftop. Increasingly, many homeowners, especially those in metropolitan areas, are looking for ways to transform rooftop areas into welcoming outdoor living spaces. Online searches for “outdoor rooftop terrace” shot up more than 1,500% year over year. Likewise, searches jumped for rooftop decks (up 90%) and rooftop patios (up 40%).

Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Get Your Home Summer Ready!

Summer is around the corner! Get your home warm weather ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Check Outdoor Lighting

- Make sure all outdoor lights are in working order, including porch lights, landscape lighting and motion-sensing security lights. Replace bulbs or schedule repairs as needed.

2. Keep Cooling Systems Running Smoothly

- Take the time before hot weather sets in to dust ceiling fans, install window air-conditioning units and schedule maintenance for a whole-house cooling system.

3. Reorganize Your Kitchen

- The change in seasons is a good time to rethink how you have things arranged in the kitchen. If there are small appliances you use more in the warmer months (a blender for smoothies, perhaps, or an ice cream maker), move them to a more accessible spot, and you will be more likely to use them. Stations devoted to a certain purpose can also do wonders. If you have children on summer vacation, create a self-help station stocked with healthy snacks. Or create an iced-coffee bar or smoothie-making station for yourself with all needed supplies within reach.

4. Hang a Clothesline for Summer Energy Savings

- While the weather is nice and warm, consider skipping the dryer and hanging your clothes to dry in the fresh air instead. It may not always be possible, but even occasionally putting a clothesline or drying rack to work will save energy. If hang-drying isn’t an option, you can still reduce your energy bill by washing in cold water, cleaning the lint trap and having your dryer vent serviced to increase airflow..

5. Empty Standing Water Regularly

- The best way to keep mosquito populations down is by regularly checking your property for standing water and emptying it. Even a saucer of water can become a mosquito nursery, so leave no pot unturned!

6. Organize Your Summer Calendar

- Beach days, lemonade on the porch, pick-your-own fruit farms — with so much to look forward to in summer, don’t let it zip by in the blink of an eye. Be sure you are making the most of your season by creating a list of your personal must-dos and posting it where you can see it. A big chalkboard or family bulletin board would be ideal.

7. Check Safety Devices

- Test those smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors! It’s also a good idea to check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace if need be.

8. Check Play Equipment for Safety

- Over time, wood, ropes and fastenings can degrade, making outdoor play equipment potentially unsafe. Check swings, zip lines, slides and other structures for safety; repair or replace as needed.

9. Lighten Up Decor

- Roll up heavy rugs, put crisp percale or cooling linen sheets on the beds and bring in accents in lighter hues for the warmer months ahead. Breezy white curtains look delightfully cool in summer, but if the weather gets quite hot where you live, you may want to leave heavy window coverings in place. Closing the shades during the heat of the day can actually help keep your house cooler.

10. Get Seasonal Gear Ready

- What with camping and beach trips, summertime activities come with a lot of gear. Get it cleaned up and ready now, so you’re not surprised by a leaky tent or blown-out beach umbrella when it’s too late to replace them. And if you plan to waterproof anything (tents or outdoor tablecloths, for example), now is the time.

Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

10 Bathroom Design Features Pros Always Recommend

Here are the 10 bathroom details that came up again and again. Use these cherished design elements and you’re almost guaranteed to end up with a bathroom you love.

1. The Right Lighting

- Attention to lighting is also high on bathroom remodeling pros’ recommendation lists. They encourage a layered approach with overhead lights, accent lights like sconces and decorative lighting like chandeliers. If you get up frequently during the night, don’t forget to include a nightlight (at the toe kick or underside of a floating vanity are popular areas). If possible, a skylight over the shower, preferably operable for ventilation, is something you’ll never regret.

2. Heated Floors

- “Most people would assume the must-have bathroom amenity is a giant tiled shower or a freestanding tub,” says home builder Stephen Alexander. “We do recommend those, but the one feature that’s always overlooked is the cold tile floor that can diminish the spa experience. So we always specify heated floors.” Many pros say the feature is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Shower Niche

- Few pros these days design and build showers without dedicated space for shampoo bottles and other products and a niche recessed into a shower wall is by far the most popular solution. Make sure the dimensions can accommodate the height and amount of products you typically keep in the shower, and maybe a little extra room for overflow. A niche also offers an opportunity to introduce some extra style into the shower with a contrasting accent tile or other material.

4. In-Drawer Outlets

- Most of us use some sort of plug-in gadget in the bathroom. Hiding an outlet in a drawer or cabinet helps keep those hair dryers and other items off the countertop and can prevent them from encountering pooled water and creating a hazard. Pros recommend storage with outlets in it for electric toothbrushes and razors. That way they are off the counter and hidden. It can be a medicine cabinet that has been designed with outlets, or even a plug strip inside a vanity cabinet. This approach also keeps unsightly outlets from diminishing the look of a backsplash or other feature.

5. Natural Materials

- Many people feel, either consciously or subconsciously, that natural materials have an inherent quality that’s hard to put into words. They provide a feel-good something that seems absent in synthetic materials. Bathrooms can represent rest, relaxation, and self care. Pros recommend using natural materials whenever possible — real stone, wood, plants, etc. The earthy elements balance out the water element, and together they create that spa-like feel that is so nourishing for our mind, body and souls.” Consider wood vanities, natural woven elements or, many pros’ favorite, marble.

6. Storage, Storage, Storage

- A bathroom can’t function without proper storage. And most pros recommend a mix of open, closed, drawer, cabinet, niche or any other necessary solutions. “You always need a lot of storage for towels and other bathroom accessories, and there are so many ways to include bathroom storage in a beautiful and functional way with gorgeous cabinetry,” says designer Christie Veres of CDV Interiors.

7. Quality Plumbing

- Don’t judge faucets and other plumbing fixtures on looks alone. The inner components are vital to how these pieces function and how long they will last. Poorly made fixtures often have plastic gaskets and other pieces inside that quickly break down, affecting water flow and other performance features.

8. Handheld Sprayer

- A handheld sprayer might seem like a small detail, but its inclusion can have an enormous effect on the shower experience. They are great for rinsing shaved legs, cleaning shower walls and more. Pros recommend adding a handheld in the shower because it makes cleaning pets, kids or the walls so much easier.

9. Shower Controls Near Entrance

- Nobody likes getting sprayed with cold water when reaching in to turn on the shower. Placing the controls on the opposite side of the shower head will add some extra expense to a renovation, but it’s a feature you will appreciate every day.

10. A “Wow” Moment

- Every space needs a focal point or feature that makes you smile or say “wow” every time you see it. It could be a wall treatment, a decorative light fixture, a graphic floor tile, a standout vanity or anything else that keeps things interesting. Try wallpaper or a funky light fixture. This keeps the room fresh and brings in a little flair.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your April! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

April Home Maintenance Checklist

Get your home Spring ready with this list of 10 to-dos.

1. Get Rid of Dust & Clutter

- Start with clearing out any cluttered areas because the less stuff is in your way, the easier it will be to clean surfaces. Be sure to remove items you don’t want from your home! If you don’t, it’s highly likely that these items will find a way of working themselves back into your closets, cupboards, and drawers. Have old furniture, kitchenware, or clothing? See if a local charitable organization is accepting items and will do a pickup. Having a pickup scheduled can be a good way to get motivated to get the work done.

2. Clean the Exterior & Inspect Your Window Screens

- One extremely way to increase your home’s curb appeal is as easy as turning on the hose (or pressure washer if you have one!) and giving your siding a quick blast to remove unwanted dirt and debris. While you’re at it, inspect your window screens and see if you can find any small tears that need replacing to avoid letting bugs in. Warmer weather is around the corner and you’ll want to open those windows!

3. Simplify Your Living Room

- Take a look around your living room and consider reducing the amount of books and media to create a more relaxing space. Donate used books, movies and music to your local library or sell them. Organize what’s left, hiding anything unsightly (like gaming equipment) behind closed doors. There is even this modern Ikea hack to help hid your router: click here.

4. Deep Clean the Kitchen

- Give your kitchen a fresh spring start with a thorough cleaning. In addition to your usual cobweb clearing and floor mopping, wipe down walls and doors and vacuum behind the fridge and stove. Encourage seasonal eating by cleaning out the fridge and pantry, and stocking the space with items from your local farmers market. Check the expiration dates on your spices and toss/repurchase as necessary.

5. Clean Ceiling Fans & Overhead Lighting

- Time to bust out a tall ladder and carefully get to work! Use a duster or microfiber rags to remove dust from fans and light fixtures. Be careful not to use wet rags; it will only make the dust harder to remove. For caked-on grime, start with a dry duster or microfiber cloth and then move on to a fresh damp cloth if needed.

6. Streamline Your Files

- Tax Day is quickly approaching. Since you’ll likely be digging through your paperwork and files as you prepare taxes, take some additional time to shred/recycle junk as you come across it rather than stuffing it back into your files. A slimmed down file drawer will make it much easier to find what you need so it’s worth the extra effort now.

7. Freshen Patios & Porches

- The longer days always tend to draw people outdoors onto porches, patios, and decks to soak up some sunshine. Make sure your outdoor spaces are ready for the season by cleaning away cobwebs and leaves, washing floors and refreshing outdoor furniture.

8. Refresh Your Textiles

- If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your rugs or upholstery, this could be the right focus for you. Start by laundering small washable items, like shower curtains, cotton rugs and washable slipcovers, at home. When laundering slipcovers, try putting them back on while they’re still barely damp for a better fit.

9. Check Safety Devices

- Test batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing them as needed. It’s also a good idea to periodically check for recalls of your home safety products; you can find up-to-date listings at Recalls.gov.

10. Clean Out the Garage

- Can you park your car in your garage? If not (or if it’s a tight fit), it may be time to make some more space. Clear out the junk, and schedule time to take unused paint, motor oil and other hazardous items to a recycling center that accepts them. (If you’re not sure where to go, search Earth911 to find a center near you.) Once your garage is cleaned out, consider adding wall-mounted storage to keep things neat and off the floor.

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of your March! Until next month!

Resources: Houzz.com

Home Improvements That Help Build Equity

Usually homeowners remodel or renovate their homes to better fit their needs and wants, but did you know that many home improvements can add value and help build equity? Below is a list of home improvements that give you the most bang for your buck while building equity.

1. Energy Efficiency Improvements

- A home inspector will note if your home lacks solid insulation or has drafty doors and windows. All of this leads to higher energy use, which costs the homeowner. You can start with small updates, such as adding extra insulation to your attic. Seal cracks around doors, windows, light switches and electrical sockets to prevent energy losses.
  Drafty, single pane windows may turn off potential buyers. Installing Energy Star-rated windows can help save money on heating and cooling costs. Upgrading to Energy Star-rated also qualifies you for a green energy tax credit.
  
  Since buyers expect windows to be in good condition before they buy, replacing them might not significantly add to your asking price. But not replacing them could decrease it.

2. Landscaping

- Ask any homebuyer what they look for in a home, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t place value on curb appeal. After all, you can have the best interior in the world but without attractive landscaping and front exterior, few buyers (if any) will be charmed. Even a simple, well-maintained lawn can go a long way in building equity in your home. However, many warns that going overboard with landscaping (i.e. adding fountains, expensive plants, etc) will not necessarily add value to a home. Instead, the website encourages homeowners to “wow potential buyers with a well-kept lawn, and some well-laced shrubbery or small trees.” These front yard house changes tend to recoup a decent percentage.

3. Kitchen Remodel

- Kitchen remodels can either be extremely expensive or fairly affordable, depending on the finishes and appliances chosen. While it’s certainly never cheap to redo a kitchen, it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Those that choose high-end, luxury finishes, such as marble countertops, custom cabinets and designer backsplashes, could end up paying upwards of $100,000 or more. However, those that choose less luxurious finishes can easily redo a kitchen for $40,000 or less. For many homebuyers, having a spacious, practical and updated kitchen is at the top of their list of needs, making this improvement a must.

4. Updated Appliances

- If your appliances don’t match, consider ordering new doors and face panels from the manufacturer. This will give your kitchen a more cohesive look without the high costs of replacing the appliances.
  Consider replacing older appliances with new energy-efficient models, which are better for the environment and use less energy. Potential buyers are often looking for ways to save money when shopping for a new home.

5. Outdoor Deck Additions

- Everyone (especially a homebuyer) loves having an outdoor deck for lounging, eating and grilling. Adding a wood deck addition to your home can yield a return of more than 75 percent. The cost of adding a deck varies widely depending on materials and size, however, most decks cost anywhere from $1,200 to $10,000 or more. Though pricey, these decks will ensure you have plenty of outdoor space to enjoy while also building equity in your home.

6. Bathroom Remodel

- Bathroom remodels will recoup 87.7 to 93.5 percent of your investment, according to the Cost vs. Value Report. Like the kitchen, don’t go crazy. Install new fixtures, brighten the room with paint, and re-grout the bathtub. A new mirror and light fixtures can easily transform the look of a bathroom.

7. Updated Flooring

- Believe it or not, buyers are looking at your floors. They’re looking to see what condition they’re in. They want to know how hard it is to maintain them and what types of flooring you have. Most homeowners find about a seventy percent ROI on new floors when they go to sell their house. New floors can add a lot of value to your home if done right.

8. Finished Basement/Attic Spaces

- Adding square footage to your home can quickly escalate and end up costing more than originally budgeted. Instead of trying to add on, renovate the existing space in your home. Imagine the attic as another bedroom or a workout area. Convert the basement into a family room. The more versatile the room, the more appeal to potential buyers who can personalize the space.

Sources: iBuyer.com, Moving.com, SeattleCU.com

Make Your Remodel More Sustainable!

Remodeling or doing a complete new build in a sustainable way is not only earth conscious, but can also help out your wallet as well!

1. Research, Research, and RESEARCH

- Thoroughly research your existing or building site so you have a complete understanding of which elements can be reused or retained. You might find that it’ll reduce waste/costs and minimize your demolition. Orientation of your build could also lower utility costs based on ventilation and how much natural sunlight your space receives. Find ways to utilizes hydronic radiant heating, solar panels, natural daylighting and an energy recovery ventilator system.

2. Salvage What You Can

- Anything reused saves new materials from being taken from the earth, eliminates transport costs and reduces your contribution to landfill, plus you get the pleasure of having something original and characterful in your home!

3. Think Small

- First step to building more lightly on the earth? Embrace a “less is more” philosophy. The most effective way to make your renovation more sustainable is to minimize the size of the new works or the amount of alterations. In essence, go for quality over quantity.

4. Avoid Demolishing

- Before you pick up the sledgehammer, ask yourself: Do you really need to knock down your existing structure and start from the ground up or can you get the same or similar results by upgrading what you’ve got? Renovating may end up costing the same as building from scratch, but you will save an awful lot on materials and transport, which is far better for the environment.

5. Design for Longevity

- Consider whether you can adapt spaces for different purposes, such as a home office or an extra bedroom that can double as a TV nook or music room. Build and design with quality finishes that aren’t going to break down or require replacement or ongoing maintenance.

6. Shop Locally

- Choosing locally sourced and made materials and products is not only environmentally responsible, it’s also socially responsible. It reduces transportation emissions and helps create jobs and support local industry.

Resource: houzz.com

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