Skip the tedious and repetitive house painting process. Get the best from your home exterior makeover with siding. Re-side for curb appeal and minimum maintenance.  Vinyl siding, as a stand-alone project, has long been a favorite product due to its ease as it pertains to care. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that vinyl siding has been […]

Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, provides information regarding insurance coverage for homes undergoing the remodeling process. Some key tips include: ·      Examine your coverage. Your home is one of your greatest assets. ·      Contact insurers to verify your remodeling contractor and subcontractors are insured and bonded. ·      Add yourself as an “additional insured” on […]

To remodel or tear down an existing home that predates 1965, you must take the following extra measures to ensure the legality and community approval of your project: ·      A demolition/alteration review. This ensures that historic resources are preserved. ·      Determine whether your property is eligible for landmark status. ·      If not historically significant, apply […]

Planning a deck or patio? Be sure to consider the following key factors to recoup the most enjoyment and returns from your project: ·      Type of project. Is a patio or deck the best option? Choose a design that best expands and enhances your space. ·      Budget. How much should you spend? Carefully plan the costs […]

Determine whether an oversized air-conditioning unit is to blame for uncomfortable conditions in your home: 1.    Determine the nominal size from the model number. The last three digits on the outdoor unit show the nominal capacity in thousands of BTU/hr. 2.    Use the manufacturer’s data. Look for both the model number of the outdoor unit […]

After a long day, members of most households stop by the kitchen first to grab a snack, prepare meals, and gather together. How can you revamp your kitchen with your budget in mind? Try a few of these pointers from award-winning remodelers, Dan Kradzinski and Michael F. Simon. Tips for a high-impact, budget-friendly remodel include […]

Outdoor living space is a valuable feature of any home. Improve your outdoor rooms with following pointers: ·      Decks Hire a contractor to build one. Wood decks recoup 87.4 percent of their cost. Composite decks recoup 74.3 percent. Refresh an existing deck with a power wash, stain, or new balusters. Add lights. There are a […]

Has your town or city encouraged you to install a rooftop photovoltaic system? The push to “solarize” has many homeowners wondering how their PV system relates to the local power grid.  Solar power is a practical, viable option because of grid connections.  Increasing ability to tie your home solar system to the grid is financially […]

The land of the free and home of the brave affords homeowners more freedom at home, in the form of a few well-selected remodeling projects. How? Consider a few freedoms you may not have considered, as you contemplate committing to the costs and inconveniences of construction: ·      Freedom of choice. You are in charge of […]

In order to get the most value from their home, many homeowners are compelled to tackle key home remodeling projects. It is vital to the success and affordability of your plans, that you be aware of the hidden costs, and possible delays. The process of adding a room or gutting a kitchen can be trying, before […]