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Home Improvement

Thinking of remodeling? Have you stopped to consider how transforming a bedroom into a home office might impact the value of the home? One of the most common questions homeowners have when thinking of remodeling is how much the work will add or detract from the value of the home. You'll find answers to those questions and more in this section of ActiveRain.


Everything you need to know – the answers to all your burning questions – about energy efficiency, green homes, landscaping, home maintenance, staging, landscaping and more is right here at your fingertips.


With over 300,000 real estate professionals, including stagers, contractors, landscapers and others, there is no better place to find the information you need than ActiveRain.


While you'll find a ton of helpful ideas and hints within these pages, you'll want to bookmark the site so that you can check back for the hundreds of daily updates from authors who spend their days actually performing the tasks you have questions about.


Put the hammer down and the glasses on and read on.

Recent blogs on Home Improvement
By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Joanna Gaines, the design icon and co-star of the very popular show "Fixer Upper" has her signature interior decor style. It's a blend of contemporary, industrial, farmhouse, and chic all rolled into one.   She has a way of blending rustic charm with modern elegance and has successfully mastered creating spaces that feel both cozy and sophisticated.  Theres no doubt that she is extremely talented as well as very successful.If you wanted to create a similar look, here are a few tips that I would suggest to create a similar style, but also to make it uniquely your own.    Embrace Neutral hues One hallmark of Joanna Gaines' style is her use of neutral tones throughout her designs. From soft whites and creams to warm grays and beiges, neutral colors create a calming and inviting atmosphere....
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By Joseph Lorenzo, Your Law And Order Realtor
(Frank Rubi Real Estate LLC)
Hey there, handy homeowners! Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, grab your toolbox, and embark on a DIY adventure that'll have your property looking like a million bucks? Well, dust off those overalls and cue the power tools, because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of home improvement – with a side of humor and a sprinkle of expert advice, of course!Curb Appeal: The Ultimate First ImpressionThey say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to real estate, first impressions are everything! Sprucing up your curb appeal doesn't have to break the bank – a fresh coat of paint on the front door, some colorful flowers in the garden, and maybe even a quirky garden gnome or two (because who can resist a gnome?) can work wonders for your home's exterior charm.Upg...
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By David Best, Turn your house into a home! Home Improvement Tips
(HouseHome)
When we talk about home aesthetics, indoor lighting often takes a back seat to elements like color schemes and furniture. Yet, the impact of well-chosen lighting can transform a room from mundane to magical. It's not just about the brightness; the style, placement, and type of lighting all play pivotal roles in creating ambiance, functionality, and enhancing the overall design of your indoor spaces. Let's embark on a journey through the world of indoor lighting styles, where light not only serves as a utility but as a central component of home decor.Lighting styles are as diverse as interior design itself, ranging from modern minimalism to rustic charm. Each style carries its unique signature, capable of altering the mood and perception of space. The right lighting can elevate your home...
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
Among the worst experiences a homeowner may have is dealing with a house fire. You have to cope not just with the fear of getting your loved ones out of danger and with the expense of replacing lost or treasured belongings, but also with the odor of a horrific event: smoke damage. This brings us to a frequently asked question by our clients: does smoke damage get covered by insurance? One common and frequently overlooked effect of fires is smoke damage, which can have a long-lasting impact on your house. We're here to share our knowledge of smoke damage as specialists, including how home insurance usually handles these kinds of claims and what to anticipate from the restoration process.Recognizing Smoke Damage Under Homeowner's PoliciesAfter a fire, smoke damage is a frequent but compli...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Such elegant design ideas! From minimalist to luxurious, these modern master bedroom ideas offer great inspiration for creating a stylish and relaxing space. Thanks for sharing!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Creating a stunning modern master bedroom that epitomizes comfort and style is an aspiration for many homeowners. The key to achieving this lies in blending contemporary style with personal taste. To start with, consider the architectural elements of your space. A rustic modern aesthetic can be captivating, bringing in natural wood and stone elements to create a serene, grounded atmosphere. This can complement sleek furniture and the latest technology to form a harmonious balance. The primary bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep; it should serve a...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Practical advice! Finding the right living arrangement during a home renovation can be challenging but crucial for a smooth process. Thanks for the helpful guide!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Imagine this: your home, a center of memories and comfort, is about to transform. While the excitement of upgrading your living space is palpable, there's a practical challenge to tackle first. Specifically, you must focus on finding the ideal living arrangement during home renovation. That isn’t just about finding a temporary roof over your head; it’s also about ensuring your life runs smoothly during this transitional period. As you embark on this adventure, let’s explore eight tips to secure the perfect temporary living arrangement. 1. Customize Your Temporary Space In yo...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
This time of year folks begin to get outdoors to do more around their homes because it is nice and warm outside.   It’s also a good time to do a bit of work outside the house and make your outdoor space more inviting and fun for family and friends.   Below is a list of ways in which you can accomplish this. If you already have landscape lighting, why not purchase a few fun colored lights to use in them for different holidays.  This will defiantly make your outdoor space a lot more fun. If you are getting tired of mowing your grass then you may want to replace your grass with a garden. You might want to add a garden of flowers or a garden of vegetables or even put in a koi pond.  Any of these ideas will help to keep you from spending your summer evenings mowing the grass all the time, th...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
De-cluttering any room in your house can sometimes feel like a huge job to take on but for some reason de-cluttering the bathroom can seem to take on a whole life of its own.    Truth is there are many items in our bathrooms that we no longer use.   Take an hour or so to go through your bathroom with this list of tips for de-cluttering. The first tip to de-cluttering your bathroom   is to do what was just mentioned, take the time to go through your entire bathroom looking for items you no longer use.  If you haven’t used an item in the past week you should consider either getting rid of the item or at least finding a spot for it that will help to cut down on clutter in the bathroom. Another tip for de-cluttering your bathroom is to throw out old toothbrushes. Some folks may not know thi...
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By Peter Mohylsky, Destin BeachPro, Call me at 850-517-7098
(PMI. Destin)
Aside from increased efficiency and eco-friendly upgrades, what other changes are you expecting to see in home trends this year?Trends are very dependent on your families actually needs.  I know what I like.  What do you like?Here is my list.1.  Efficient kitchen.  I want the hood over the stove to be vented outside.  2.  The main living are needs to include the areas where you spend the majority of your time.  It should be connected  to the kitchen. 3.  I like to spend time outside when the weather permits.  So the main living area should be connected to an exterior living area.  4.  Smart homes are good but I am not completely sold on what constitutes a smart home.  5.  The mast bedroom needs to be distanced from the other bedrooms.  Preferable down stairs. 6.  Eco friendly also needs...
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By Jaymie Carroll, Realtor Marketing, Sales & Goal Achievement
(Real Estate Spice)
Creating a stunning modern master bedroom that epitomizes comfort and style is an aspiration for many homeowners. The key to achieving this lies in blending contemporary style with personal taste.To start with, consider the architectural elements of your space. A rustic modern aesthetic can be captivating, bringing in natural wood and stone elements to create a serene, grounded atmosphere. This can complement sleek furniture and the latest technology to form a harmonious balance.The primary bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep; it should serve as a personal sanctuary that reflects your unique style and needs.Regarding furnishings, opting for a transitional bedroom design allows for flexibility and elegance. Transitional spaces merge the warmth of traditional design with the...
Comments 4
By Jerry Newman, Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation
(Brown Realty, 210-789-4216,)
Imagine this: your home, a center of memories and comfort, is about to transform. While the excitement of upgrading your living space is palpable, there's a practical challenge to tackle first. Specifically, you must focus on finding the ideal living arrangement during home renovation. That isn’t just about finding a temporary roof over your head; it’s also about ensuring your life runs smoothly during this transitional period. As you embark on this adventure, let’s explore eight tips to secure the perfect temporary living arrangement.1. Customize Your Temporary SpaceIn your quest for a temporary home during renovations, you must zero in on a place that aligns with your daily lifestyle. Ask yourself: What are my non-negotiables? For some, it might be a pet-friendly environment, while fo...
Comments 25
By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
So much of my content for blogs and articles is driven my those reading them and asking questions.  As you ride around The Villages, Florida you see plenty of the older style pavers, the one on the left of photo.  Most people today are using the pavers on the right side of the photo.  I have both at my house and wanted to share a few things about them.   The pavers we just installed are the new brick type which are designed for driveways.  Our paver patio on the side of our home has the style that was used in the past and you see so many cracking and moving.  They are fine for a patio but cannot with stand the weight of a car.  Somebody brought up weeds growing between the pavers, the style I used for my patio I do have grass and weeds trying to gown but I have a solution.  One gallon o...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
We have been shopping for a mattress in the big stores, and now we are looking online at Amazon and all the other Internet sites. Some Big Box stores even promise to remove your old mattress. The warranties are exceptional; some even let you try them for almost a year. Many of these Bed in a Box require you to install the mattress onto the bed. I may have gone for it if I was younger, but at my age, sorry, it's not happening. I will say many of these Beds in a Box brands I saw in the big stores. I did have the opportunity to see them and try them out, which I was thankful for. Some of the brands were Purple and Nectar. Now, they might install the mattress for you. I did not ask. I was surprised to see how many Bed in a Box brands were available but were not shown as a Bed in a Box. They...
Comments 19
By Toby Barnett, Toby Barnett
(KW North Sound)
It has been crazy to say the least. Monday was a really big day in the shop build progression.Monday, Ford Crane came to the house and boomed a 16x16 playhouse approximately 120ft across the back yard. I had to dig out the playhouse foundation to make way for steal i-beam supports - they can be seen in the video. Then the crane company setup spreader bars and started moving - a longer video is in the works. It took 2 picks to move and set the playhouse into its new home.One YT commenter asked "but why?". A fair question. The playhouse is 16'x16' (256sf) and was situated where the new shop is to be built. The playhouse is sided with hardi-board, has vinyl windows, sheetrock, tongue and grove ceiling, and flooring so it was far cheaper to move than replace.It went so smooth and the playho...
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By Bill Salvatore - East Valley, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
I won't lay in bed and waste away Friday March 1st as it is the first day of the Minot Home Builders Home and Garden Show. I love Fridays anyway as it is date night and my wife and I meet friends for drinks and pizza. Home & Garden Show 2024: Friday, March 1st | 12:00pm – 7:00pmSaturday, March 2nd | 10:00am – 4:00pm LOCATION: North Dakota State Fair Center | Magic Place Room The MAB Home and Garden Show is the ultimate resource when planning your next home project in Western North Dakota. Whether you are building a new home, considering a kitchen remodel, or installing your dream outdoor living space, the MAB Home and Garden Show is the ideal venue for inspiration with over a hundred exhibits featuring landscape design, lawn and garden equipment, interior design, windows and window tre...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
I want to announce my new paver guy, Derek Atwood of Jireh Custom Landscaping.  I had three different companies give me quotes, answered my questions and Derek wasn’t the cheapest or the most expensive.  If you ever worked with me or if you scroll back through my articles you will see I have a guy for most everything.  Derek impressed me with how he handled my project and he didn’t know about my blogs and articles when I signed the contract.  We met on Wednesday and I had two problems with the driveway, one was the house number which some of you pointed out and how it looked at my front door, they are redoing both and will share the results of the rework.Derek’s information is included on the video but wanted to share it here.  His cell number is 352-272-1699 and his email is Derek.Jire...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I won't lay in bed and waste away Friday March 1st as it is the first day of the Minot Home Builders Home and Garden Show. I love Fridays anyway as it is date night and my wife and I meet friends for drinks and pizza.Home & Garden Show 2024:Friday, March 1st | 12:00pm – 7:00pmSaturday, March 2nd | 10:00am – 4:00pmLOCATION: North Dakota State Fair Center | Magic Place RoomThe MAB Home and Garden Show is the ultimate resource when planning your next home project in Western North Dakota. Whether you are building a new home, considering a kitchen remodel, or installing your dream outdoor living space, the MAB Home and Garden Show is the ideal venue for inspiration with over a hundred exhibits featuring landscape design, lawn and garden equipment, interior design, windows and window treatmen...
Comments 14
By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Love these upgrade ideas! From luxurious showers to stylish vanities, these tips can truly transform a master bathroom into a spa-like retreat. Thanks for the inspiration!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Your home's master bathroom serves as more than simply a practical area—it's a private haven where peace and relaxation are prioritized. Having a wonderful bathroom to retreat to, whether you need to take a long, dark bubble bath after a long day or just want to spend some time away from the kids, may have a big impact on your life. However, not everyone in the past placed the same value on comfort and relaxation as we do now. This could imply that your current bathroom is functional but has to be renovated to become the luxurious master bathroom of your dreams. Thi...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Great tips! Maximizing storage and using multi-functional furniture are key strategies for making the most of a smaller bedroom. Thanks for sharing! Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Whether you are a homeowner looking to make the most of your space, or a home-seller wanting to show your home in its best light, employ tips to maximize your area. There are numerous visual techniques you can employ to create the illusion of a more spacious environment. Smart placement of furniture, optimal lighting, and directing attention upward are some simple ways to enhance the space you have. Here are some tips:1.    Hang window curtains high to help elongate the walls visually.2.    Choose light-colored bedding and a painting palette to enhance brightness.3.    Opt for a tall hea...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a trusted roofing company in Columbia, MD, is pleased to announce their comprehensive drip edge flashing services now available in Howard County. The company takes pride in offering reliable and professional drip edge installation services to protect homes and businesses against potential issues like rot, mold, and other water-related damages.Positioned along the edges of a roof, drip edge flashing consists of a metal strip that overhangs both the eaves and gables. The primary purpose of drip edge flashing is twofold: first, it helps direct rainwater away from the fascia and prevent it from seeping into the underlying structure, thereby protecting the roof's integrity. Second, it aids in channeling water into the gutters, minimizing the risk of water-related ...
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