Author: Sarah Martinez

Home improvement remodeling is more than just updating a few rooms with new paint or carpet. It’s about enhancing your home to make it more comfortable and functional for you and your family. In addition, it can be a great way to add to the value of your home. But it’s important to understand what renovation projects will add the most value to your home, and which ones may not be worth the investment. Evaluate your motivations, budget, and livability needs before beginning any home improvement project.

It’s important to choose materials that will stand the test of time and not be outdated in a few years. Trendy designs and colors can quickly go out of style, so choosing classic finishes like natural wood or stone can give your home a timeless look that will last for years to come. It’s also a good idea to plan for unexpected expenses that may arise during your renovation, such as unforeseen plumbing or electrical issues. Having a budget in place can help you avoid going overboard with your spending, and it will ensure that the work stays within your timeline and budget.

Many people choose to renovate their homes because they want to improve their living experience. For example, if you have a small dining room and kitchen that can’t accommodate a large crowd of people, it may make sense to do a major remodel to open up your space. Likewise, if your living room is dark and uninviting, you might be motivated to update it with new lighting or furniture.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in the future, it’s a good idea to talk to a real estate agent or appraiser about what projects will boost your resale value and which might actually detract from it. You can also ask neighbors about their renovation experiences to get a better idea of what types of upgrades are popular in your area.

Before you start any home renovation project, it’s important to make sure that your contractors are licensed and insured. This will protect you from any problems that may arise during the project and can ensure that the work is done to code. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to be familiar with building, plumbing, and electrical codes so that they can recognize when something isn’t right.

Finally, it’s a good idea to have a plan for dealing with kids and pets during the renovation process. Having a safe space for them away from the active construction site will keep them out of harm’s way, and it can also save you money by avoiding the need to hire someone else to care for them during the renovation. You might even be able to find a neighbor or friend willing to take in your kids and pets during the construction phase, which can be an affordable option. If you can’t, you might need to board them with a trusted pet service during the renovation.

Amy Ryan is a Tony-nominated stage veteran and television star who has carved out a niche as a gifted supporting actress. She’s a master of characters who seem lived-in and ordinary, whether she’s playing Beadie Russell on HBO’s gritty series The Wire or Holly Flax on the NBC sitcom The Office. She also has appeared in a number of movies, including You Can Count on Me, Capote, and Changeling. Her latest film, Abundant Acreage Available, is a drama about a tobacco farmer mourning her father’s death and grappling with the future of her family’s land.

Ryan has a snarky sense of humor that’s often displayed in the show’s guest appearances. She’s been known to troll her co-star Tim Allen, poke fun at his klutzish tendencies, and call out the show for its sexist attitudes towards women.

Originally from Queens, New York, Ryan trained at the High School of the Performing Arts and at the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center before landing her first acting role in a national tour of Neil Simon’s play Biloxi Blues. She would go on to have recurring roles in several TV shows, including The Office and the comedy-drama series In Treatment, before gaining notice for her performance as Helene, a troubled single mother, in Gone Baby Gone (2007). The film earned her a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She’s also starred as Mari Gilbert in the Netflix series Lost Girls (2022) and Jan Bellows on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building (2019-present).

In addition to her acting career, Ryan serves on several local community boards and commissions. She’s currently the president of the Chapel Hill Board of Trustees and has chaired the Morgan Creek Greenway Committee and the Sustainable Community Visioning Task Force. She’s also served on various advisory councils and committees, including the Town’s Land Planning Commission, the Central West Focus Area Steering Committee, and the Community Design Commission. In her own home, she injects pops of color into her Newtown residence with a fresh take on modern farmhouse style. See how she did it, in the gallery below.

A home improvement is any change you make to your house, either inside or out. It can include remodeling or renovating a room, adding a deck or patio, painting or replacing the roof. However, it also can include simple projects like reorganizing your garage, creating an outdoor living space or adding storage to a closet. The key to a successful home improvement is identifying projects that add value, while serving the needs of the homeowner.

If you’re planning to sell in the future, it’s important to think about how your home improvements will impact resale value. While few projects recoup 100% of their costs, the right ones can increase the odds of selling at or above your asking price. In addition, certain home improvements can qualify for tax credits if they meet specific criteria. Courtney Klosterman, a home insight expert at the home insurance company Hippo, walks us through the specifics of which upgrades are eligible for tax deductions.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or you just want your home to look better, there are plenty of budget-friendly home improvement ideas you can try. Start with small projects, such as reorganizing your garage or installing a new front door, that will make a big impact on curb appeal. Then, move on to larger projects that will add functionality and appeal, such as a kitchen remodel or building an attic extension.

You can also consider ways to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, which will save you money in the long run. Replace old appliances with more efficient models and install solar panels to lower your utility bills. If you need help determining which project(s) will add the most value to your home, consult with a RamseyTrusted real estate agent. These local professionals are vetted to ensure that they’ll provide you with top-notch service and can help you decide which upgrades will make the most sense for your unique situation.

When it comes to home improvments, few things are more appealing than a well-maintained lawn and beautiful landscaping. Keep the grass mowed and shrubbery neatly pruned, and add colorful plants, such as geraniums, to your garden. You can also spruce up your entryway with details like house numbers, lighting and a letterbox.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of a clean and organized home. Keeping clutter to a minimum will not only make your home look bigger, but it can also boost resale value. Store supplies in a bin or cabinet, and use repurposed items like mason jars to hold pesky smaller tools and parts.

Home renovations can make a big difference in how your house feels and functions, but they don’t have to break the bank. Using simple DIY projects, savvy shopping and creative repurposing, homeowners can make their home feel refreshed without blowing the budget.

Before beginning any work, it’s important to get a clear idea of the cost involved. Getting multiple contractor quotes and doing plenty of research can help set a realistic budget. This will also help you avoid the most common renovation pitfalls, such as running over time or spending more than you planned.

A good rule of thumb is to plan on 10 percent more than the initial estimate to account for unforeseen expenses. For instance, if your project involves opening up walls and re-wiring, there’s a risk of unexpected issues that will require more expensive materials or labor. Similarly, it’s not always possible to know how much new light fixtures or appliances will cost until you get the estimates.

Another way to stay on track is to make a list of what each part of the project will cost and compare that to your total renovation budget. It’s important to consider all the costs involved, including hidden costs like paint and materials that might seem insignificant at the time but will add up.

It’s also a good idea to keep in mind that there may be some parts of your home that don’t need renovating or that can wait until later. These can include areas that don’t see a lot of use, such as an unfinished basement or unused garage. Incorporating some of these areas into a future expansion can save money and time in the long run.

One of the easiest ways to make your home feel more modern is with a fresh coat of paint. This is one of the most affordable home renovations you can do and it’ll give your home a clean, bright look.

When it comes to budget-friendly home renovations, shop secondhand and look for sales on items that you need. This can be a great way to find bargains on things like kitchen cabinets or bathroom furniture.

It’s also worth considering repurposed or recycled materials when renovating. Using pallets, tiles and salvaged wood can reduce your overall renovation costs and help the environment. Likewise, installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can be a cheap way to improve your home’s green credentials.

Finally, try to pay for as much of the renovations in cash as possible. This will help you avoid costly interest payments and will also make it easier to stay on track with your budget.

A good renovation can increase your home’s resale value and add a sense of style and functionality to an outdated space. The key is proper planning and saving, so you don’t end up overstretching yourself financially. If you’re unsure how to get started, consult with an expert. They’ll be able to guide you through the process and help you reach your renovation goals.

Home improvement projects are a great way to add value to your property. Adding living space such as conversions from attics or basements, building extensions, and creating landscaping features can increase your home’s appeal to potential buyers and boost your property’s value. However, some home improvements may decrease a property’s value, such as excessively personalised renovations or high-end upgrades in a modest property, and projects that reduce the number of bedrooms.

Find and compare the best home improvement builders near you. Read reviews and get quotes from quality professionals. Use Rated People to connect with a network of homeowners looking for professional tradespeople. Our simple process allows you to review and hire high-quality professionals quickly and easily.

Licensed to work in New York City, this highly recommended team specialises in kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects and complete home renovation projects. Its services include closet & storage systems, floor installation and refinishing, painting, custom wood-work, molding and home automation installations. They also undertake insurance projects and commercial and residential restoration. They are known for their streamlined services, attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Investing in home improvements is a great way to upgrade your property and increase its value. But it’s important to avoid over-improving your home, as some projects can actually decrease its resale value. These projects are often too personalized or go over the top in style. They also may be too expensive for prospective buyers.

Luckily, there are plenty of low-cost home improvement projects that can significantly boost your property’s resale value and curb appeal. From installing a new front door to refinishing old cabinets, these small changes can make a big impact on the look and feel of your home.

A kitchen backsplash is a popular home renovation that adds a fresh and updated touch to your kitchen. It can also protect your walls from spills and splatters and makes cleaning a breeze. You can find tile and sticky peel kitchen backsplashes at most hardware stores for an affordable price.

The addition of a garden or yard can have a positive effect on your property’s resale, especially if you use it to grow fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers. You can also get a great return on investment by planting a fruit tree or even just putting up some raised planters.

Another home improvement project with a high ROI is a wood deck or patio. If you’re planning to build a deck, however, it’s best to have a professional construct it. Not only will this ensure that the deck is safe and secure, but it will also help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Installing a sunroom is an expensive home improvement that typically has a low return on investment. Not only do you have to pay for the materials and installation, but you’ll also spend a lot of time maintaining it. It’s best to save up the money for this project and opt for a more cost-effective alternative like a covered porch or screened in deck.

There are several financing options available for home renovations. A personal loan is an unsecured option with competitive rates, while a mortgage cash-out refinance allows you to tap into the equity in your home to cover the costs of the remodel. Using a credit card with a 0% introductory APR can also be a smart choice, as you’ll earn rewards while paying down your debt.

The best way to determine the lowest home improvement for your property is to consult a real estate agent. They’ll be able to tell you what types of upgrades are most popular in your area and give you ideas for projects that will attract prospective buyers. They’ll also be able to recommend contractors who offer competitive prices. You can also search for a home improvement or repair grant program online. These programs are available for low and moderate income households, and are administered by local governments. They’re usually located under the social services, housing, or community development departments on a county by county basis.

Whether you want to boost your home’s resale value or simply freshen up the interior, do-it-yourself projects are a great way to make quick changes. However, it can be difficult to know which projects will provide the best return on your time and money investment. Over-improving your property can actually decrease its resale value, so it’s important to focus on improvements that bring your home in line with similar homes on the market in your area.

If you are new to DIY renovations, it is a good idea to start with some simple upgrades and work your way up to more complex projects as you gain the skills and confidence to complete them. This way, you can see how well a project goes and get a feel for what kind of DIYs you enjoy.

One of the most cost-effective ways to improve a room is to refresh its color scheme with a coat of paint. It’s an easy project that can be completed in just a day and doesn’t require any extensive tools or professional help.

Other easy and effective home improvement projects include replacing outdated hardware such as door knobs or cabinet pulls. It’s a cheap and easy way to modernize an entire room in just an afternoon. Another budget-friendly update is adding more storage space to a room. For example, a kitchen pantry is an excellent upgrade that can hold canned goods and other frequently used items. Or, a blank wall can be transformed into a handy shelving unit that can hold books, bins and other decorative items.

In addition to a more stylish and functional living space, these projects will boost your mood by giving you the satisfaction of an accomplishment in just a day. These projects are especially helpful for homeowners who struggle to find the time and resources to keep up with basic home maintenance tasks.

Home improvement is a popular way for homeowners to improve their living environment. It can involve making repairs or renovating existing structures or additions to the property. Some of the most common home improvements include painting, landscaping and remodeling rooms. Other improvements may include installing a pool, adding a deck or upgrading a kitchen or bathroom.

Choosing the right home improvement project is not always easy. There are many factors to consider, including how much the project will cost and whether or not it will add value to the home. While it is nice to make a profit on your investment, it is important to keep in mind that there are some projects that will not increase your home’s value and may even decrease it.

It’s a good idea to talk with a professional before starting any home improvement projects. This can help to prevent costly mistakes and ensure that the project is completed properly. A professional will be able to provide advice on the best type of project for your home and recommend quality products. They can also assist you with the permitting process. They will be able to give you an estimate on the project’s cost and provide recommendations on how to save money during the renovation process.

The average homeowner will undertake several home improvement projects each year, according to HIRI’s 2023 Quarterly Homeowner Project Activity and Sentiment Tracker. The most frequent project type is remodeling the kitchen or bath, followed by painting projects and upgrading the home’s electrical and plumbing systems. The majority of homeowners report that they plan to complete at least one of these projects in the next 12 months.

When selecting a contractor to work on your home, be sure to check that they have a valid license and insurance coverage. It is also a good idea to ask for references and check the business’s reputation before hiring them. There are also a number of websites that act as aggregators for home improvement services and can offer you quotes from multiple contractors at once.

If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, it’s a good idea to focus on home improvement projects that will appeal to prospective buyers. Conventional wisdom holds that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes, so these are some of the most popular upgrades to consider. However, be careful not to go overboard — there’s a fine line between adding value and going over the top with the design.

In the end, home improvement projects should be about improving your family’s comfort and enjoyment of the house. However, if you’re looking to maximize your return on investment, be sure to consider the potential return on a new roof or major kitchen or bathroom remodel. With a little research, you can select the right projects to meet your specific needs and achieve your desired look.

As homeowners plan remodeling projects that will transform their houses, they may need the help of local home improvement contractors. Choosing a contractor is similar to hiring a new employee for a business, so it’s important that the homeowner carefully narrows down candidates and uses tried-and-true methods to do so. This includes examining portfolios, checking licensing and listening to referrals. Using contractor review websites is another great way to find information about contractors and the quality of their work, pricing and customer service.

Local contractors may be able to offer lower prices due to their industry connections. They can also ensure the construction project meets all building and codes requirements. Additionally, a good general contractor can provide a network of professionals for specific tasks like plumbing and electrical work.

Before interviewing potential contractors, a homeowner should prepare a wish list that is clear and thorough. This will make it easier to compare quotes and prevent misunderstandings between the homeowner and contractor. It can also help weed out unscrupulous contractors who try to convince the homeowner to have additional work done that isn’t necessary or desirable. In addition, the list should include any materials and finishes that are desired.

Once the homeowner has a shortlist of potential contractors, it’s time to start checking references. Homeowners should ask for a list of 10 or more jobs with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the customers. They should also check that the contractors have proper licensing and insurance. Licensing laws vary by state and locality, so the homeowner should call their state or local consumer protection office to learn what credentials are required in their area.

The next step is to ask each contractor for a written estimate that includes a description of the work to be done, the estimated completion date, and the price. The homeowner should ask for explanations of any discrepancies between estimates. They should also inquire about any extra charges, such as debris removal or permits, that are not included in the original quote.

Homeowners should also ask each contractor for a copy of their current liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies. This will ensure that the contractor and any subcontractors are covered in case they get injured or property is damaged during the project. The homeowner should cross off any contractor that can’t or won’t provide proof of insurance, as well as those who stall or seem hesitant when asked for it.

When choosing a local contractor, it’s important to choose one with a positive reputation. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help by providing a list of accredited companies in the local area. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. The BBB also recommends visiting a company’s website to learn about their services, history and customer feedback.

The final step is to compare quotes and select a contractor. The homeowner should also discuss expectations for the job with the contractor, including payment terms and a detailed schedule. The contractor should also explain what types of permits and inspections will be needed.

If you’re planning a major renovation project for your home, it’s crucial to get all the details in writing. A well-written contract between you and the contractor can prevent misunderstandings, disputes and expensive surprises down the road. A construction lawyer can help you make sure the contract includes key sections, such as a detailed description of work to be performed, payment schedules and how changes will be handled.

The first section of a home renovation contract should detail the work to be done, including what will be demolished or constructed, the type and color of materials and fixtures to be used, any additional fees and the total price of the project. This should also include the estimated completion date, as well as a process for addressing any changes in scope of work.

This section should also clearly state who is responsible for obtaining necessary licenses and permits, if required. This is important because large-scale renovations often uncover hidden problems that need to be addressed before the job can proceed. This could involve obtaining new building permits or addressing structural issues. It’s also important to determine who will remove and dispose of the debris from the job site.

In this section you should specify the terms for how the contractor will be paid, including whether a payment plan is available and what completed milestones should warrant an installment payment. For example, a common practice is to have payments pegged to city inspections and approvals for early project milestones like foundation and framing, as well as later milestones such as rough plumbing and electrical work, drywall and carpentry. The final payment should always be at least 10 percent of the total cost and should only be made when the “punch list” is complete and to your satisfaction.

Insurance and Liability: This section specifies any required insurance coverage, such as general liability and workers’ compensation, as well as any exemptions or limitations to these requirements. It should also specify the extent to which the contractor’s work will be guaranteed or warrantied, and how any claims or disputes are to be resolved.

There are many other components to a home renovation contract, but these three are particularly critical. If you’re not comfortable reading and interpreting this kind of legal document, or if a dispute arises during or after the project, a construction litigation attorney can represent your interests in a lawsuit or other resolution to the issue. These attorneys have extensive experience in negotiating and litigating construction and renovation projects, and can provide you with the information you need to protect your rights. Contact us for a free consultation today.