Renovate for Comfort or for Resale?

Are you trying to spruce up your home while adding some value to it? Many homeowners have accepted that they will not be able to sell their homes anytime soon, thanks to record high levels of unemployment and equally low home prices. This does not mean that you will never be able to sell your house or condo, though, so while you are contemplating making improvements to your home to make it more comfortable during the time that you live there, make sure that they are also investments that will, at the very least, not reduce the value of your home.

Before you take out of your checkbook and place an order for a Roman tub in your master bathroom or a marble parquet style floor in your kitchen, remember that while your goal is to make your improvement one that adds value to your home, you are unlikely to recover the full cost of the renovations when you sell your home. Your home’s value, as reflected in its sale price, may go up as a result of the work that you put into it, but be prepared to consider the enjoyment that you get out of living in your remodeled home as part of the return on your investment.

Making changes to your home to add trendy or unpopular improvements can actually reduce the value of your property. Although you may find an expanded master bathroom to be luxurious, for example, many potential home buyers will find it odd that a five bedroom home has only one full bathroom instead of the two that it did before your renovation. Items that you may find unique, like purple granite kitchen counter tops, orange marble bathroom floors and other expensive and difficult-to-remove improvements turn into liabilities when you try to sell your home. You can, of course, still move forward with your dream, aqua blue-tiled foyer floor, inlaid with your family’s initials in fuchsia, but do so at your own financial peril.

Some ways that you can enjoy upgrades to your home while making it easier to sell in the future include adding popular features, like granite counter tops in neutral colors and stainless steel appliances. Upgraded appliances, including washing machines and driers in your laundry room, are all great ways to add appeal to your home when you sell it. Similar to the reduced value of brightly colored flooring and counter tops discussed above, you should bypass the aisle of the store offering weirdly colored laundry machines.

Adding space to your home can be a great way to make your current house work for your family until the economic downturn passes while adding increased appeal to home buyers in the future. Of course, it all depends on where you decide to add that space. If you are trying to save money on your renovation by turning your garage into a spare bedroom for relatives who have moved in, you should know that losing a garage can cut your home’s selling price significantly when the time comes to put out the ‘for sale’ sign on the property.

Post by Holly Adams, a writer for CouponCroc.co.uk, visit us for all of the latest discount codes and vouchers on everything from furniture, appliances, and even home insurance.

Funding A Home Improvement Project

Despite these turbulent economic times, most people still consider their homes to be their castle and their most viable investments for the future. While the housing market remains stagnant and few people are moving house, home improvements continue to be popular, perhaps now even more so as many people are unable to move up the housing ladder.

There are a number of financing options available to those looking to make home improvements and the variety of choices can become easily confusing. Try looking on moneysupermarket.com for an unbiased comparison the financing options in order to find the best one for you.

Remortgaging

You can fund home improvements by securing a loan against your house, although be aware that you may put your home at risk by doing so. One advantage of this is that you can benefit from lower interest rates.

Remortgaging is a good way of borrowing larger amounts over a longer term and is generally the cheapest way to borrow. Remember, though, that the lender can ultimately repossess your home if you can’t keep up the monthly repayments.

By carrying out home improvements you should also be increasing the value of your home, which will help to increase your equity in it.

Loans and Credit Cards

Another option is to take out a personal loan or use credit cards. However, these come with much higher interest rates compared to remortgaging. One way to cut the cost of borrowing on a credit card is to take out a credit card with a 0% interest introductory offer.

Be careful with your repayments, though, because as soon as the 0% interest period ends you will be charged interest at the current standard rate.

One way to bypass this hurdle is to look for balance-transfer offers but you cannot always be sure of what might be on offer and whether you will be eligible.

An unsecured loan may be a more tempting option as most lenders will offer up to £25,000 of unsecured finance, although it will be at a higher interest rate than a secured loan.

It is often cheaper to borrow larger sums with an unsecured loan, as interest rates can be higher for smaller loans.

Borrowing on a credit card may make you less disciplined about clearing the balance, whereas a fixed-term unsecured loan will ensure that you make regular payments of a predetermined amount to clear the balance in a set time frame.

Conclusion

All forms of finance for home improvement projects have their advantages and disadvantages. The right kind of loan for you will depend on your circumstances. It is worth investigating every option before going ahead but be careful not to commit yourself to something that you cannot afford. In particular, be aware that remortgages and secured loans can put your home at risk of repossession.

This article was contributed by Sam, a UK based financial expert.

Three easy ways Contractors can Promote Green Building

As contractors learn more about the positive effects of successful green building, they realize how much their work impacts the environment. In today’s constantly changing construction industry, being informed about new policies, products and building practices is the first step to developing comprehensive green building strategies. Contractors can then use this knowledge to make informed decisions when developing new projects. To effectively promote green building strategies, contractors should reflect on these three easy suggestions every day.

1. Research green building policies.

Contractors must continually educate themselves so they can develop informed opinions on policies that could change they way they build. Then they should engage in discussions about these changes with other construction professionals. Keeping track of pending legislation is especially important because politicians dictate the environmental laws contractors must follow at the federal, state and local levels.

For example, construction professionals joined forces with the surety industry to point out a major flaw in Washington D.C.’s controversial 2006 green building act. As written, the law required contractors to purchase green performance bonds, a contract bond type that was nonexistent within the surety industry, and thus virtually impossible to obtain. The discussion prompted legislators to reconsider the law they had passed ill-advisedly.

2. Look for programs and organizations that support green building.

There’s strength in numbers, and the green building movement will only become stronger as more programs support environmentally conscious contractors. To help contractors and environmentalists track green building progress, the U.S. Green Building Council publishes an annual list that recognizes states with the best Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified space per person. Contractors can check the list to find other professionals who share similar building ideologies when it comes to environmental responsibility.

3. Consider where and how structures will be built.

Today’s construction market gives contractors a number of different options that encourage green building. When working on projects, contractors should consider

• taking advantage of a building’s geographic location
• stabilizing the building with optimum value engineering, stack framing or engineered studs
• installing solar power units such as solar roof shingles
• setting up geothermal heat pumps and tankless water heaters
• using properly sized HVAC and other water heaters
• furnishing bamboo and finished concrete floors as durable, sustainable alternatives to hardwood

Sometimes it’s up to homeowners and business owners to decide what products are installed in their homes or offices. However, contractors should always have a thorough understanding of all eco-friendly building products so they can effectively answer any questions a project owner might have about their building’s efficiency.

Staying up-to-date on green building developments might seem like a dauting task, but today’s eco-concious contractors are up to the challenge. Now more than ever, they know just how significant the construction industry’s impact is on the envirnoment.

Kevin Kaiser is the VP of Bonding Education for SuretyBonds.com, an online surety bond agency that issues surety bonds nationwide. As a part of the company’s educational outreach program, Kevin writes informational articles that help construction professionals better understand contractor bonding and other emerging green building practices.

3 Tips for Finding Quality Trees At Your Tree Nursery

If planting new trees is part of your green construction plans, then you’ll surely want to do everything you can to ensure that they grow healthy and strong. In landscaping, few things are worse than having your newly purchased trees wither and die within a few months of planting. One thing that is often overlooked is the fact that not all trees at the nursery are created equal. In fact, the first step in helping your trees thrive when planted on your property, is selecting the right tree in the first place. Below are 3 tips to help you inspect the trees at your nursery before purchase to make sure that your trees have the best odds of living past their infant years.

Inspect The Roots
There are many factors that can affect the roots of the trees. Depending on the type and size of the tree, the root ball may be small or rather large. Your nursery staff can help you with this, but just make sure that the tree doesn’t have a very small root ball if it’s a very large tree. You do not want a root that is kinked as that can slow growth and cause the tree to have a premature death. Also, circling roots are not a good sign as that means that the tree was in a pot for too long and the roots were not able to properly develop. This too can cause slow growth, defects, or premature death of the tree. This can be somewhat difficult to judge if the tree is still in a pot at the nursery, but be aware of this as you take it home. If the tree is limber, the root is good; if the tree is stiff and does not have any give, the root is likely not a good pick.

Check Trunk Form And Branch Structure
The trunk form can affect the branch structure. You want to look for a tree with a solid trunk all the way up with alternating branches coming off of the main trunk. Trees that are poor quality will have large branches growing upward and coming off of the main trunk. This is not a good sign. You want the branches to be horizontal and to come off of the main trunk. The branches and the trunk should not touch on a quality, healthy tree. Trees with one dominant trunk will be much better quality and be able to withstand stronger winds and weather conditions.

Look at Leaf Fullness
Leaf fullness, while not critical, is another important quality to look for when choosing a tree. Finding a tree that has uniform leaves without holes and defects is a good sign of a properly pruned and grown tree. The leaves can show signs of proper care.

So, when sifting through the many trees at your local nursery, keep these 3 quick tips in mind. A little time spent being selective could pay large dividends down the road when you have a healthier and stronger tree. And remember, if you get your tree home and notice some adverse conditions after you’ve taken the tree out of the pot and done some better inspecting, some nurseries will work with you and allow you to return the tree for another. Good luck planting!

Carter B. is an outdoor and plant enthusiast who is helping a great wholesale tree nursery spread the word about landscape design, tree selection, and the benefits of healthy trees.

Whirlpool Baths As An Investment And Luxury

Renovating a bathroom is an effective way to increase the value of your property as well as making it more pleasurable to live in, especially bathing and relaxing. When it comes to choosing new fixtures, many homeowners are considering the installation of a whirlpool bath. These attractive tubs have benefits that surpass the traditional bathtub, both to the user and as an investment. Nothing is more relaxing than kicking back in a warm whirlpool bath after a long day of work and letting the tension melt away. Massaging you and improving your skin and circulation, they offer a pampering experience that will make you happy and act as a real wow feature for potential buyers. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, consider these tips when shopping for your new tub. 

The types of whilrpool bath available

Consumers have a variety of designs to choose from and the best will depend on who will be using the tub, budget size and space available for installation. Here are the various options to review when seeking a whirlpool bath.:

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy tubs are the most popular with modern homeowners. A pump delivers water to a series of jets placed in various locations in the tub. This type of tub works well for decreasing tension and relaxing muscles but is not advised for use in households with elderly inhabitants or small children because it can be a safety hazard. 

Thermal air

A thermal air model delivers warm air bubbles and the water is expelled with less force than a hydrotherapy model. This makes it safe for everyone to use regardless of age. The user has control over how fast the air bubbles are expelled. An adjustable thermostat also allows the user to control the temperature to avoid injury. This is another effective option for achieving total relaxation at the end of the day. 

Combinations

Homeowners who are having a difficult time choosing between the two styles can choose a combination unit that offers the features of both a hydrotherapy tub and a thermal tub.

Jet placement

The number of jets that are in the tub, as well as how they are positioned (although the jets are directional and you can move them according to your preference before your bath) can be altered, enabling you to create the configuration that best suits you.

Whirlpool baths are an attractive investment

Regardless of which style is chosen, installing an affordable whirlpool bath is an effective way to increase aesthetics and quality of life.

Emma Cub is an interior designer who writes for Liberty Bathrooms, who have a range of whirlpool baths.

Creating Your Dream New Bathroom

Whether you are creating a new on from scratch, converting an extra space into one or renovating one, planning a new bathroom can be a real challenge. You will have to choose everything from the wall color to the position of the bath and furniture to whether or not to add a new shower. You will even have to decide if ceramic tiles are a good choice for you. Keep reading for some helpful tips on improving the look of your bathroom, while making sure that you have all the space that you are going to need. 

The importance of lighting.

If you are looking to make your bathroom feel bigger, then consider your choice of lighting. Recessed bathroom lights on the ceiling will give you a natural light. They will not be to bright or hurt your eyes in any way. You can also choose to get a vanity or shaving mirror with a backlight on it. It will give the illusion of your bathroom being more spacious thanks to the added light. Another good way to add light into your room is by windows. You should remove your curtains and have frosted pane glass windows if possible. 

Creating a focal point for your bathroom.

You should choose one master piece that will make your bathroom stand out. You might want to choose a big mirror that covers the entire length of the bathroom. You might be interested in choosing dark ceramic tiles to compliment and define your room. Having one nice piece will give your room character and help you to feel relaxed in it as well. Pedestals are another nice touch. They can hide ugly pipes that are hiding underneath your sink. Choosing to purchase new door handles and taps will give your bathroom a nice and modern touch too. Having new decorative and useful items like this will give your room a peaceful and calming feeling. You can enjoy the little touches that come together to make your bathroom special. 

Remove clutter within the bathroom.

Another good idea is to get built in storage cupboards. They can reduce any clutter in your room, and help you to get organized. Clutter can make a bathroom look dirty. It creates a negative environment. Built in products are more expensive than non built in storage units, but they are worth the extra money. A glass surface on top of the storage cupboards is another great option. It can really compliment your room, and allow you to place items on top of it. It is not necessary though. It will jut look good and compliment your unit and the cupboards.

Emma Cub is an expert in bathroom design and renovation, writing for Liberty Bathrooms who have everything you need to create a new bathroom.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Single vs Double Basin Kitchen Sinks

A well designed kitchen will allow you to cook and prepare food without hindering you. You shouldn’t have to give moving about and working in the kitchen a second thought. A well designed kitchen will allow you to move effortlessly throughout the space.

A well functioning kitchen is the product of making lots of small choices that combine to be much greater than the sum of their parts. Sink options are often not given enough consideration in the design of the kitchen.

Advantages Of A Double Basin Sink

If you don’t have a dishwasher, you should give more consideration to a double basin sink that has two basins that are about the same size. They are designed for multi tasking, allowing you to fill up one side of the sink with hot water to wash dishes so that you can rinse them in the other.

Each basin is smaller that you would get with a single basin sink but you’ll appreciate the convenience of being able to perform two tasks at the same time.

You’ll also see double basins that have two different size basins. The smaller side is a prep sink for preparing food for cooking and the larger side is for stacking dishes, filling pots, washing large pans, etc. If you have a dishwasher, but don’t have room for a prep sink, which usually located on an island, get a double basin with a large and a small basin.

Remember, that with a double basin you have to add the plumbing for two drains, adding to the cost of the installation.

Advantages Of A Single Basin Sink

Single basin sinks have an overall footprint that is usually smaller a double basin, but you’ll have a lot more room to work with.

The extra room comes in handy, and there will definitely be time that you’ll appreciate it. If you have a dishwasher and don’t feel the need for a prep sink then I would opt for a single basin with a removable wire basket that can be used for rinsing fruit and vegetables.

If you have an island and the room in your budget, then I would put the prep sink in the island, directly across from the main sink. Having your prep area just out of the way, but within reach of the tasks you carry out in your regular sink will make your kitchen work much better.

Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer free sinks with a countertop purchase. They usually give you three or four free options, or they let you choose to apply the value of the free sink to any sink you want. Most people choose a free sink, but those sinks are free for a reason. They’re usually low quality and should be avoided. Step it up a bit and get a sink that is going to make your life easier in the kitchen.

The author of this article has has worn a spot into the couch where he sits with his laptop, sharing his knowledge of home improvement. His name is Lucas Jenkins and he recently wrote about finding dishwasher sales as well as hiring a reliable custom deck contractor.

How to Hire the Best Roofing Contractor

If you are contemplating having your roof repaired or replaced, the first step is to find a reputable roofing contractor. Relying on a professional can help guarantee that you choose the best materials for your home, and have them installed on your property safely and effectively. According to brochures released by The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), there are a number of things to consider before choosing a qualified roofing contractor. The following guide elaborates on these tips and shows you how to make an informed decision.

Get Multiple Estimates

Typically, homeowners should seek out at least three estimates to ensure they get the best price. However, price should not be the only determining factor in your choice. Credibility should be of the utmost concern, and you seek out references and ask questions about the qualifications of the contractor. Previous clients will offer honest opinions on their experiences. However, as any references will likely be chosen to cast a contractor in the best possible light, it may be wise to scan the internet for forums and rating lists that provide a more accurate depiction on a contractor’s overall body of work. Many websites provide this service and can narrow the field down to contractors in your area.

At the very least, make sure the contractor has a permanent address and company phone number. Scam artists will market themselves door to door as qualified repairmen, then quickly disappear after receiving a down payment. As most specialists will provide an estimate that falls within a specific range, be wary of any contractor that offers a price wildly below or above this range.

Verify Licenses, Credentials, and Insurance

Before agreeing to a contract, check the company’s licensing, certifications, and insurance bonding. The insurance should reflect the current date and provide a telephone number with which you can confirm the information. As documents can be easily altered, always call the organizations listed or check their websites to verify their legitimacy, as well as to see what the accreditation qualifies the contractor to do. Find out who will supervise the work and who will actually perform it. The contractor may be extremely qualified, but it means little if the subcontractors are substandard and the contractor does not supervise their work. Some homeowners prefer to go with contractors who have their own staff of employees for whom they can vouch for.

Moreover, some roof types require contractors that specialize in certain types of work. People who own a slate, steel, or clay tile roof should confirm that a roofer has the experience and expertise to work with such materials. Usually they will possess some sort of certification or credentials as proof of their training. Organizations such as the Slate Roofing Contractors Association of North America supply such certificates to qualified contractors.

Get a Written Estimate

A written estimate provides added security and lets you analyze the scope of the project. If the project requires more time and money than originally planned, request a written, detailed explanation of the reasoning behind the work. There may be legitimate reasons for such additional measures, as assessing the condition of a roof can be difficult before the process begins. However, it is still important to get these things in writing. Ask about any warranties that apply and whether they are comprehensive in their coverage.

John Hill writes on behalf of PublicLiabilityInsurance.org an online resource for business owners providing public liability insurance for roofers.

Maintenance Tips for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular floor coverings on the market. It’s easy to understand why.  Wood flooring is prized for its rich, warm look, its durability, its easy-care maintenance, its allergy-free surface, and its wide range of tree species, finishes, styles, and looks. Whether it’s built from standard, 2 ½ inch wide boards, or from 10 inch wide custom planks, there is a hardwood floor to fit every style of home, from country to formal.

One aspect of wood flooring that many potential customers seem unsure about is how to care for and maintain a hardwood floor. People who have not lived with a wood floor often assume it involves tasks like regular waxing, specialized washing, and so on. In fact, it involves nothing of the sort. For today’s typical wood flooring, installed with a finish that according to one flooring professional you could rollerskate on, the maintainence is ridiculously easy, and certainly far less hassle than vacuuming wall-to-wall carpeting once a week.

Here are some do’s and don’ts for hardwood floor maintenance. And in fact, it’s often more about the “don’ts” than anything else, when it comes to properly caring for your hardwood floor.

1. Vacuum, or dry dustmop your floor once a week. The vacuum brush should be soft, such as bristle or felt.
2. Never wet mop a wood floor and just leave it to dry. Water is wood’s worst enemy.
3. If you spill something on the floor, wipe it up immediately, before it can stain or soak in. Wet paper towels are great for this purpose, then dry the floor off.
4. If you want to use a floor cleaning product, only use one that is recommended by your installer. Never use products designed for other floor coverings, such as detergents, abrasive soaps, tile cleaner or vinyl floor cleaners.
5. Avoid acrylic wax polishes. They can become slippery, and anyway they often fade quickly.
6. Prevention is key with wood floors. Keep doormats at entrances, to prevent gritty dirt getting onto the floor and scratching it.
7. If you have a dog, keep its claws trimmed. This helps prevent scratches.
8. When you use area rugs, make sure the fabric “breathes.” You don’t want to create moisture buildup beneath your rugs. This is especially true if you have a wood floor in your kitchen. It’s good to place a mat next to the sink, but make sure it doesn’t trap water beneath it.
9. Use floor protectors beneath furniture legs. Felt protectors are ideal. Don’t roll heavy furniture across a wood floor. Use a roller instead.
10. Don’t walk across your floor in high heeled shoes. The pressure from a skinny heel can dent the wood.

Follow these simple suggestions, and your wood floor will give you many years of easy-care satisfaction. This article was written by Tomas Rodzicki. His favorite source for wide-plank flooring is Kellogg Hardwoods Lumber, of Bethel, Connecticut.

Five Fantastic Projects to Increase the Value of your Home

 Getting the most out of your home’s value is all about selecting the perfect project. The following are winners that will improve your living space and increase your home property value when it comes time to sell. 

1. Attics and Lofts:
An attic or loft transformation is an excellent way to add more room to your dwelling, especially in city areas where space is limited. Plus they are inexpensive alternatives to upsizing. A simple loft transformation can begin at around £15,000, with prices varying due to the region. 

The property value increase is dependent on the location, but should average a profit of around £60,000. Loft conversions are especially popular in London and the South East areas. 

2. Basement:
Unlike attic and loft transformations, remodeling your basement lets you design a whole level worth of space. You can alter the area into an assortment of rooms, some of which could be used as rental property. 

It is definitely a more challenging and timely project and may also include structural changes to the dwelling, which a knowledgeable professional could oversee. If your home already has a cellar, a basement remodel could cost around £200-£250 per square foot. If there is nothing to go on, you will probably pay around £250-£350 per square foot.

Basement transformations are quite popular with buyers in London and the South East. Profits are not as easy to predict on basement conversions however, depending on the size of the property and what the local market is dictating at the time. You may be looking at a profit of around £50,000 and up. 

3. Gardens:
Garden space is a valuable commodity and updating yours is an excellent way to increase the value of your home. 
Beautifying your garden area can be as easy as putting down a new lawn, planting flowers or vegetation. You could even hire a professional landscaper to give your garden a makeover.

According to the Halifax, approximately 50% of homeowner’s, would give up an extra bedroom or bathroom, for outdoor garden space. However, extra’s like a swimming pool or decking, can decrease your property value if it’s not up to the standards of your targeted demographic. By thoroughly researching and developing a tasteful plan, this is one of the simplest ways to increase the value of your home. 

4. Open-plan Living:
An open-plan mode of living, entertaining, sleeping and eating is a favourite among the contemporary Britain’s nowadays. An open-plan concept is also an effective way to conquer limited space.

Once you’ve decided this is the right project to undertake, seek out a knowledgeable professional, who can give you sound advice on what walls are safe to knock down. Also keep in mind that you’re decreasing the amount of rooms in your home. 

The first time home buyer or purchaser in their 20’s would make this the perfect investment and allow you to make a hefty profit, on such a low cost project. 

5. Period Characteristics:
An enduring attraction for buyers is historical features, which not only gives your home character, but it adds a bit of history to the structure also. A few favourite selling points would include restored fireplaces and authentic wood flooring. 

Restoration doesn’t come at a small price and can easily run a homeowner into thousands of pounds, especially if you have to hire a professional to help in the process. However, good quality workmanship will help give your home an authentic environment, perfect for the family-free purchaser in their 20’s and 30’s. 

Written by FirespinJay a Property Site owner and Writer. If you’re considering selling a check out My Online Estate Agent, one the UK’s leading online estate agents. You will find a range if useful tools and guides such as which estate agents advertise on Rightmove to assist you in the sale of your property.