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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 Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo Credit: Arrowhvacsc.comIt’s more than a minor inconvenience when HVAC systems break down, especially in a climate like Anderson, SC, where summer heat and winter chills demand year-round comfort. Here’s a guide to the most common HVAC repair issues and practical solutions to keep heating and cooling running smoothly.1. Thermostat MalfunctionsAn HVAC system is only as good as its thermostat. If the thermostat is misreading temperatures or won’t respond, it can throw off the entire system. Solution: Check the battery. Many thermostats have replaceable batteries; a simple swap can solve the problem. Recalibrate Settings: Reset the thermostat to default settings or recalibrate it for accurate readings. Professional Assessment: A technician can recalibrate or upgrade the thermostat for...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Your porch can be transformed with just a few decor updates, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the season. This often-overlooked space is the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style and enhance your home's curb appeal. Whether you're aiming for rustic fall vibes or a fresh summer look, here are some versatile ideas to make your porch inviting all year long.1. Add Seasonal AccentsSeasonal accents are one of the simplest ways to update your porch decor quickly. In the fall, warm hues like burnt orange, deep red, and golden yellow can evoke a sense of comfort. Incorporate cozy blankets draped over rocking chairs and rustic lanterns that flicker softly as the sun sets. Consider adding seasonal plants, like ornamental pumpkins or colorful chrysanthemums, to c...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo credit: Samuelsiteservice.comWhen it comes to land preparation, hiring the right grading contractor is crucial to ensuring a smooth project from start to finish. Grading involves reshaping the land to create a level surface, improve drainage, and prevent future problems like erosion or flooding. In Florida, where the weather and terrain pose unique challenges, selecting the right contractor becomes even more critical. So, what should you consider when hiring a grading contractor? Below are key factors and solutions to ensure you hire the best land grading contractors for your project.1. Experience with Florida TerrainWhy it matters:Florida’s diverse terrain, from sandy soils to flood-prone areas, demands a contractor with specific experience. Inexperienced grading contractors may ...
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By Kathy Hyatt ~Plantation, Davie, Sunrise REALTOR, Broward Realtor Selling Plantation,Davie & Sunrise
(Remax Services)
7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property ValueWhether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don’t have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement.   Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price.From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value. Freshen Your Front DoorIs your front door looking a little tired? A new coat of paint can make your home more inviting to today’s guests and tomorrow’s buyers.But before you grab that paintbrush, think carefully about your choice of hue. According to a recent study, the color...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo credit: Blastek Concrete Designs When selecting the right flooring for commercial spaces, polished concrete is one of the most durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing options. It offers a sleek, modern look and can be customized to meet the unique needs of different businesses in Spartanburg, SC. Blastek Concrete Designs has mastered the art of polished concrete flooring, offering a range of finishes to help business owners elevate the appearance of their spaces while ensuring practicality.1. Matte vs. High-Gloss FinishesConsiderations: Matte Finish: Ideal for businesses that want a subtle, clean look. A matte finish provides a smooth, modern appeal without overwhelming the space with reflectivity. High-Gloss Finish: For those looking to make a bold statement, a high-glos...
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By Shaun Bannon, Home Inspectors Serving NC & SC
(Bannon Home Inspections )
For homeowners relying on private wells, maintaining water quality is essential to safeguard health. Bannon Home Inspections provides thorough well water testing services, analyzing for harmful contaminants often found in well water. Unlike municipal water supplies, well water isn’t routinely tested or treated, making regular, comprehensive testing a critical component of home safety. Bannon’s testing evaluates for common contaminants, including Total Coliform and E. Coli, both of which can indicate bacterial contamination from external sources such as animal waste or septic leaks. Detecting these bacteria early helps prevent waterborne illnesses and ensures that corrective actions can be taken promptly. The testing also includes other key indicators like nitrate and nitrite levels, wh...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Thinking about a home remodel can be exciting and overwhelming. Whether you want to update your kitchen, living room, or backyard, small changes can make a big impact without costing a fortune. Here are some inspiring home remodel ideas that can breathe new life into your space.1. Open Up Your Living Space One of the most popular trends is creating an open floor plan. Knocking down a non-load-bearing wall between your living room and kitchen can make both areas feel more spacious and connected. An open layout is perfect for those who love entertaining or want to keep an eye on the kids while cooking dinner. If knocking down walls isn’t feasible, try using light, neutral colors to make rooms feel bigger.2. Update Your Kitchen Cabinets Kitchen remodels can be expensive, but you don’t need...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog clarifies that listing agents have no control over the appraisal process, as appraisals are independently conducted to provide an unbiased home value assessment for lenders.  Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Practical Tips for Stylish, Space-Saving Solutions in North Carolina In North Carolina, where the tiny home movement has taken off, one question remains: how do you decorate a compact space without creating clutter? For many, a small home means embracing a more straightforward, clutter-free lifestyle without sacrificing style. Here are some expert-backed tips to help homeowners make the most of every square inch. Maximize Vertical Space: Walls as Storage One of the easiest ways to keep the floor clear is by moving up—using vertical space for storage. T...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo credit: Nanostead LLCPractical Tips for Stylish, Space-Saving Solutions in North CarolinaIn North Carolina, where the tiny home movement has taken off, one question remains: how do you decorate a compact space without creating clutter? For many, a small home means embracing a more straightforward, clutter-free lifestyle without sacrificing style. Here are some expert-backed tips to help homeowners make the most of every square inch.Maximize Vertical Space: Walls as StorageOne of the easiest ways to keep the floor clear is by moving up—using vertical space for storage. Tiny homes can take full advantage of walls with intelligent storage solutions, from floating shelves to wall-mounted racks and hooks. Lifting storage off the floor gives homeowners a more open feel, a must in smalle...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
This past weekend we added Smart Outlets to our lanai which my handyman suggested.  Let me describe what I was doing and why I needed them, our lanai is under roof and screened in and we have columns every 10’.  The columns have a flat area on top so if we wanted we can install temporary lighting features for different events or holidays.  We didn’t want to use extension cords and did not want a switch, the answer Smart Outlets.  We had three of them installed and I loaded the app on my phone to control them.The outlets came from Home Depot and before they were mounted I numbered the outlets #1, #2 and 3# so on my phone I can see the three outlets and control them separately.  One of the features is while I am converting my dumb house to a smart house slowly the outlets work with either...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo credit: Penobscot Drain Solutions For businesses in Bangor and Penobscot County, commercial drain cleaning is not just about keeping pipes clear—it’s about maintaining a professional environment, protecting investments, and keeping operations running smoothly. Clogged drains are a common issue that can disrupt business operations, damage infrastructure, and even cause health code violations. Here’s why regular commercial drain cleaning is a wise investment for Bangor businesses.1. Preventing Costly BlockagesClogs in commercial drains can cause far more than a minor inconvenience. They can halt operations, lead to expensive repairs, and cause significant downtime. Avoid Expensive Repairs: Small clogs often become severe blockages requiring heavy-duty repairs or pipe replacement whe...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Creating a beautiful garden doesn’t always require an expensive overhaul or professional help. With some creativity and strategic planning, anyone can transform their outdoor space into a relaxing, enjoyable garden. Here are a few simple landscape ideas to inspire your next project.1. Start with a Focal PointEvery well-designed garden needs a focal point. Whether it’s a fountain, a garden sculpture, or a cozy seating area, a focal point draws the eye and gives your space character. Choose something that reflects your personality and complements the overall theme of your garden.2. Incorporate PathwaysPathways are a functional and aesthetic addition to any garden. Gravel, stepping stones, or brick paths can help guide visitors through your yard while adding structure. They also break up t...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
Photo credit: Topemdropemsolutions.com Tree removal can be costly, and it’s easy to wonder what drives the price up or down. For homeowners in Sanford, FL, the cost of removing a tree depends on several factors, each impacting the overall investment. Here’s a breakdown of the main cost drivers and innovative ways to save while ensuring quality results and safety.1. Tree Size and Height Cost Impact:One of the first things any tree removal professional will consider is the tree's size and height. More significantly, taller trees require more time, effort, and specialized equipment. A smaller tree, under 20 feet, can often be handled in hours, while more giant trees, towering over 50 feet, can take much longer and require cranes, cherry pickers, or even an additional crew. Money-Saving Tip...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog provides practical tips for starting a patio garden, such as choosing the right containers, selecting plants suited to your climate, and making the most of vertical space with shelving or trellises.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Gardening on a patio is a great way to enjoy nature, even if you're short on space. Whether you're living in an apartment or just want to maximize your outdoor area, patio gardening can bring a burst of greenery and life to any environment. Here are some practical tips to help you get started and create your perfect little garden oasis. 1. Choose the Right Plants When gardening on a patio, it's essential to choose plants that thrive in containers. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint are excellent for small spaces, and they add f...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
The blog also mentions the importance of open communication to ensure specific needs are met, making the cleaning experience customized and satisfying for each client. Thank you for sharing  this blog.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP When you schedule your first visit with My House Cleaner The Woodlands, you're setting the stage for a personalized approach to maintaining your home. Expect an initial consultation where the team listens to your specific cleaning preferences. They'll tour your space, ensuring they understand your needs while respecting your privacy. Meeting the team and discussing a tailored plan creates a sense of trust and professionalism. But what happens next? How does this process translate into a service that aligns with your expectations and off...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers creative ways to transition Halloween decorations into Thanksgiving decor, helping you save time and money. These simple updates can give your home a fresh, festive look that smoothly bridges Halloween and Thanksgiving.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP As Halloween ends and the excitement of Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to think about transitioning your spooky decor into festive fall and Thanksgiving-themed decorations. The great news is that many Halloween items can be repurposed with a little creativity, allowing you to keep your home looking festive throughout November without starting from scratch. Here are some simple tips on how to repurpose pumpkins, fall foliage, and other seasonal decor to create a warm and inviting space for Thanksgiv...
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By Mike Young, FHA 203k Consultant 916-758-1809 cell direct
(203kOnLine.com, covering the USA)
Need a list of contractors to help you find one for your project?I get requests for a list of contractors for either general construction FHA 203k loan projects or, often, from new consultants wanting some referrals for their projects. In any case, for many years, we have shied away from sharing team members with others. The consultant is the first person on the job site. We work with the client to create a scope of work. That way, when we send it out to contractor(s) to bid, they are all getting the same work list. I finally broke down, and we have provided https://renovationcontractors.us/ with a full list of our contractors for publication. I knew we had done many 203k and related renovation projects, but I found that we had over 850 contractors on our list. #CMG Mortgage, #guild mor...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Gardening on a patio is a great way to enjoy nature, even if you're short on space. Whether you're living in an apartment or just want to maximize your outdoor area, patio gardening can bring a burst of greenery and life to any environment. Here are some practical tips to help you get started and create your perfect little garden oasis.1. Choose the Right PlantsWhen gardening on a patio, it's essential to choose plants that thrive in containers. Herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint are excellent for small spaces, and they add fresh flavors to your meals. For those who love flowers, marigolds, petunias, and lavender are not only beautiful but also easy to care for. You could even try growing a few vegetables like tomatoes or peppers. Make sure to select the right plants that match the su...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
  Rental Property Updates for Military Landlords Successful military landlords know the importance of evaluating property performance to maximize profits. Factors like a property's age, market changes, and ROI on upgrades can make a huge difference in keeping your rental competitive. Here’s a breakdown of small and large updates that can attract quality tenants and increase your rental’s appeal. Minor Updates on a Budget Front Door & Entry: Upgrade the front door for better security and curb appeal. Small additions like a functional doorbell and a new mailbox are low-cost yet impactful. Exterior Clean-Up: Clean the siding and remove any old structures, such as a rotting shed. Tidy up the deck and porch spaces seasonally to maintain their appeal. Landscaping: Boost curb appeal with low-m...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
The C-Note is a short version of the monthly newsletter where we talk about all thingsreal estate: investing, buying, selling, landlord, and tenant.  Charles Stallions, A Real Estate Broker since 1995, Charles holds many certifications, including (CRS) Certified Residential Specialist, (SREE) Senior Real Estate Expert, (CPI) Certified Property Investor, New Home Specialist, and Certified Buyer Expert. Charles believes a well-informed buyer or seller is an educated buyer or seller.  Mortgage 101: Are you thinking of financing, refinancing, or just needing to understand how the process works? We squash the mortgage myths, and it all starts here. We research whether you need a VA, FHA, conventional, or non-traditional owner-financing loan. We can help simplify the process and remove the ch...
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