Admin

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 The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Roosevelt Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, NE offers timeless beauty and dependable privacy — creating a warm, welcoming, and durable addition to any outdoor space. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #RooseveltFence #PrivacyFence #VinylFence #OmahaNebraska #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
Comments 0
By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
  ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ALERT The 48-Hour Clock: Summertime Mold Risks in Basements How high humidity can trigger a "bloom" faster than you think. While summer brings sunshine and curb appeal, it also brings a hidden threat to real estate transactions: excessive humidity. At NextDay Inspect, we see it every year—a perfectly clean basement suddenly develops a musty odor in the blink of an eye. The "Science of the Bloom" Mold doesn't need weeks to take over. If indoor relative humidity climbs above 60%, you are officially in the "Danger Zone." Under these conditions, mold spores can germinate and become a visible colony in just 24 to 48 hours. The Most Vulnerable Areas CrawlspacesExposed earth and stagnant air create a natural greenhouse for spores. Finished BasementsDrywall and carpeting...
Comments 2
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
In 2008 I moved to Florida from the Pennsylvania Maryland area and the place I rented had an orange tree.  It was quite a thrill to just walk outside and pick an orange.  We have fruit trees all over The Villages, Florida and maybe you will want to plant fruit trees.  But what to plant?  Here is what we can grow here:  Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, tangerines, tangelos, kumquats, bananas, avocados, apples, blackberries, blueberries, carambola, figs, lychees/logans, loquats, mangos, mulberries, muscadine grapes, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, pineapple, pomegranate, Barbados cherries, carissa/natal plum, miracle fruit, passion fruit, jaboticaba, and pineapple guava.Just don’t become one of those people that your yard looks like a jungle.  Maybe start small with one orange tree, ...
Comments 4
By Tom Gilliam | RE/MAX Classic, Your Trusted Oakland County REALTOR — 24 Years — 7
(RE/MAX Classic)
  🏡 Buying or Selling a Green Home in Oakland County Michigan? Tom Gilliam at RE/MAX Classic has 24 years of experience helping Oakland County buyers and sellers navigate energy efficient homes, green upgrades, and local incentive programs. Free consultation. No pressure. Just honest local expertise. Talk to Tom Today → TL;DR — Quick Summary Green homes in Oakland County can lower energy bills by 15 to 20% with the right upgrades — older homes often exceed that benchmark. Oakland SAVES, MiHER rebates up to $20,000, and Oakland County interest-free loans up to $23,000 make eco-friendly upgrades more accessible than ever in 2026. Buyers in Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills increasingly filter for documented energy performance — green features accelerate sales and sup...
Comments 2
By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Centurion Ornamental Steel Fence in Black by Acreage Fences in Bennington, NE delivers powerful durability wrapped in a sleek, timeless design — adding security, style, and standout curb appeal to any home. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #BenningtonNebraska #PremiumCraftsmanship #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
Comments 2
Home repairs and renovations in the United States can be expensive. Whether you need a new roof, safer electrical wiring, accessibility upgrades, insulation, or emergency repairs, there are federal, state, and local programs that may help cover part — or even all — of the cost.Many homeowners wrongly assume grants are only available after disasters. In reality, there are dozens of programs designed to help seniors, low-income households, veterans, rural homeowners, and families improve the safety and energy efficiency of their homes.Here’s a practical guide to the best home improvement grants and assistance programs available in the USA.What Are Home Improvement Grants?Home improvement grants are funds provided by government agencies or nonprofit organizations to help homeowners repair,...
Comments 2
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
We took the leap and bought a Blackstone Griddle recently, we feel we got a deal at $224.00 at Walmart on 466 on the west side of The Villages, Florida.  Never had a griddle top but was interested after friends telling me how much they enjoy theirs.  I have had charcoal grills, LP gas grills, smokers and when we bought the Blackstone we had none of them. This is when Michelle mentioned Walmart had them for $224 and thought what the heck let’s get one.  That is when our education process began, YouTube videos, reading articles learning from experts how to season the top, tricks using the griddle top and what we don’t want to do. Now our grocery shopping includes what can we make on the Blackstone, and we are having fun doing it.  Something about a man standing over a grill with a beer in...
Comments 2
By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like the lighting was off? Maybe it’s too harsh, too dim, or somehow, both at the same time. The truth is that lighting has a bigger impact on your home than almost anything else, and most people don’t realize it until they change it.You don’t need a full redesign or a massive budget to fix it. A few simple tweaks can completely shift the mood of your space, making it feel warmer, brighter, and more inviting almost instantly. Even something as small as switching to smart light bulbs can give you more control and flexibility.1. Start With Smarter Bulbs If you do one thing, make it this: upgrade your bulbs. Smart light bulbs are the easiest, most beginner-friendly way to level up your lighting. They let you control brightness, color, and even timi...
Comments 0
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I am sure you have read or heard the headlines: “As of April 2026, The Villages and Sumter County are experiencing significant drought conditions, classified under a Phase II Severe Water Shortage.”  We are allowed one day a week to water our lawns based on your house number.  What if rains the day you are to water, what if we have a rainy season pop up?  Is your controller going to help you?Mine will and you can do the same thing.  You are a snowbird or an investor, leave The Villages for a month or two in the summer, what about your irrigation system?  Do you trust it to do the right thing?  In most cases no!   You might need a $200 Smart Controller.Our Hunter/Hydrawise irrigation system, I set up our zones, days, how long to water and turned on some features like when it rains or has...
Comments 3
By Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI, Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell
(HomeSmart Real Estate)
OK, as your GREAT Buyer's REALTOR, I just helped you find a beautiful home at a great price. However, the backyard needs SOMETHING, but what. Was I crazy to recommend this home? NO, you got a great price remember, so you can do the backyard your way? Maybe it has grass that has to be watered and mowed or it has dirt and weeds. You don't like either. (Photo Grass: David Kirhsot, Pixabay)So, you just moved in? Shall you head to Home Depot and start buying shrubs and drip irrigation? Maybe you should map out a new retaining wall or put in a pond or a fountain, maybe a pool?What is the very first thing that I should do?House Logic says, DO NOTHING!You can learn a lot by DOING NOTHING but observe.Sit down, sip some iced tea, watch the grass grow and observe. You can learn a lot by doing noth...
Comments 3
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Many homeowners watch TV shows on remodeling and think we can do that; some succeed other not so much.  While showing homes I now and then see great examples of when a professional should have been hired.  Problem if you see one “Do It Yourself” project that didn’t quite turn out right now you are questioning is there more in the home! Years ago, a friend of mine wanted to do changes to the slopes in his yard in North Carolina so he rented a backhoe.  His wife said do you know how to operate a backhoe, his response was “How Hard Can It Be.”  He ended up mowing down the swing set and crashed it through a fence.  I am sure his wife was very proud of him!Michelle and I have taken on many projects in this home over the years BUT I also know when to bring in the professionals.Dick Betts, REA...
Comments 6
By Associate Broker Falmouth MA Cape Cod Heath Coker, Heath Coker Berkshire Hathaway HS Robert Paul Prop
(https://teamcoker.robertpaul.com)
Broadband, Remote Work, and the Future of Suburban LivingRemote work has changed what many people look for in a home. Instead of staying close to a downtown office, they can choose places that fit their lifestyle. But this freedom comes with one non‑negotiable: strong broadband. Without it, video calls freeze, files stall, and work becomes stressful.Lawmakers are paying more attention to this need. New broadband policies aim to expand high‑speed access, improve coordination among agencies, and set clear tracking for project progress. There is also a focus on making sure providers that accept public support meet strict standards and deliver on time. All of this helps reduce risk for communities and buyers who are planning for the long term.For suburban and semi‑rural areas, these upgrade...
Comments 1
By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Centurion Ornamental Steel Fence in Black by Acreage Fences in Bennington, NE combines unmatched strength with a sleek, classic design — creating a secure and stylish upgrade that elevates any property. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #BenningtonNebraska #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
Comments 0
By Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner, Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!
 It is springtime, and the garden shops are very busy with homeowners working on landscaping projects.    Many homeowners have made plans to build their own raised garden beds to grow their own veggies.   Houzz has a DIY article to assist you with this plan.     This DIY Houzz article will guide you through the purchase of the type of wood, positioning, how large it should be, and all materials needed to create the garden you have dreamed of.    Houzz has thought of everything; there are hoops included just in case you have to cover the garden in a hail storm or an overnight freeze.   Here is a great article for harvesting your veggies.  Later this summer, you will be harvesting your own fresh veggies to prepare summer meals.   Raised garden beds are becoming very popular when buyers ar...
Comments 25
By Renee Hahn, Top Real Estate Agent Serving Naples Florida Area
(Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert (Alfred Robbins Realty Group))
When an appliance breaks down, it’s rarely convenient - and it often sparks a bigger question than expected: Do you fix it, or do you replace it? While this decision may seem purely practical, it can have broader implications for your home’s comfort, efficiency, and even its market appeal. In a market like Naples, where buyers value both lifestyle and move-in readiness, appliance choices can quietly influence how a home is perceived.This is not about chasing trends or overspending. It’s about making smart, strategic decisions that align with how people live in Southwest Florida and what today’s buyers notice most.Appliance Decisions Repair vs. Replace: The Real Decision FrameworkA common guideline homeowners hear is the “half-the-cost rule”: if a repair costs more than half the price of...
Comments 5
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
 🏡 Myth vs. Fact: What Today’s Buyers Actually Want PUT Charles In Charge™ | Stallions Real Estate GroupMyth: “I need to make big, expensive upgrades before I sell.” Fact: Buyers prefer equity potential over costly renovations.Across Pensacola, Pace, and Gulf Breeze, homeowners are often told they must remodel kitchens, replace floors, or overhaul bathrooms to attract buyers. But in today’s market — especially in the $200K–$400K range — that advice is outdated and expensive.Here’s the truth: most buyers don’t want your upgrades. They want their opportunity.They want the chance to build equity with light cosmetic updates. They want a home they can personalize without paying a premium for someone else’s taste. And with rising insurance costs and tighter budgets, buyers are prioritizing va...
Comments 3
By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Follow the link to check out more recipes: https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/fine/real/estate/recipes/custom/RECIPES--From-My-Family-To-Yours Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
Comments 7
By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 4' tall Centurion Ornamental Steel Fence in Black by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska delivers reliable durability with a modern, refined look — the perfect balance of security and curb appeal for any outdoor space. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #OmahaNebraska #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
Comments 0
By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Home saunas used to feel like something reserved for luxury builds and Scandinavian vacation rentals. But they've quietly become one of the most popular wellness additions homeowners are making, and the range of options available means you don't need a full renovation to make it happen.Whether you're drawn to the idea for muscle recovery, stress relief, better sleep, or just the ritual of slowing down at the end of the day, peer-to-peer secondhand marketplaces like Commonplace are making it easier than ever to bring that experience home. The real question isn't whether you can install a sauna in your house, but which type fits your space, lifestyle, and comfort level with the process.Here's what to know before you get started.Decide What Type of Sauna You WantThis is the first fork in t...
Comments 0
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I asked AI about outdoor furniture in Florida and here was the answer:To protect outdoor furniture in Florida's harsh sun, high humidity, and salt air, focus on durable materials like powder-coated aluminum, teak, synthetic wicker, or marine-grade polymers. Prioritize UV-resistant fabrics (e.g., Sunbrella) for cushions, use protective covers, and clean items monthly with mild soap to prevent mildew and rust.Let me add my take on this after living here 18 years and being a outdoor living loving person.  If you have cushions make sure it is something like Sunbrella, I learned the hard way most fabrics can’t handle Florida.  Armrest I highly recommend synthetic wicker, they get dirty and fabric will show it as the wicker doesn’t.  Finally, hurricane season is coming be sure you can move it...
Comments 1
Back to Top