Valuable Information! Home Design Tips

"Your Best Interest is My Priority"

Anna will be addressing various items of value each month. Whether it is ways to save money, articles to increase your knowledge of property buying and selling, or the latest information in the mortgage industry, the purpose is to save you time, money or both! Here we highlight the main points and offer a printable version for expanded reading.

Please visit our archives page for past Items of Value. Listings are in chronological order and include Items of Value and Market Trends articles.

Design on a Nickel and a Dime

design elements

Giving your home a fresh new look doesn't’t mean you have to tear down walls and start from scratch. If you’re on a budget, you can transform a space inexpensively and add value with a few tips and tricks. Paint is the best bang for your buck when it comes to updating a room. Go neutral or bold depending on the space. Choose glossy paint for bathroom and kitchen walls, and paint cupboards and cabinets.

For more information please read the entire newsletter here

Let Your Remodel Pay You Back

According to REALTOR®Magazine, major remodeling projects return around 65–70 percent (ROI returns may vary by region) of the cost at resale, depending on the market. The best places to invest your money are on siding, kitchen and master bathroom projects. On average, installing vinyl siding yields an 80 percent return on investment (ROI), with kitchen and bathroom remodeling close behind at a 75 percent return. Improvements don’t have to be extensive; however, new appliances, knocking down a wall to add square footage and even regular home maintenance and repairs add value. Unless you are remodeling for enjoyment only, pools, satellite dishes, sunroom additions (56 percent ROI) or remodeling your home office (54 percent ROI) do more to enhance your lifestyle than return a strong payback.

To avoid the high cost of hiring professionals for home improvements, you may be tempted to take on home remodeling jobs yourself. Before you begin any design undertaking, ask yourself a few important questions:

  • How much free time am I willing to devote to this project?
  • What skill level is required?
  • What tools and supplies will I need?
  • Will I need additional help?

 

How to choose a contractor

  1. Ask friends, neighbors and business associates for referrals.
  2. Get three written estimates.
  3. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or BBB once you've chosen a contractor. Ask for references and check them.
  4. Examine the contract to make sure it states exactly what work will be done, how change orders will be handled and the expected time of completion.
  5. Once the work is completed, inspect the job thoroughly. Don’t make your final payment until you are satisfied with the final result.

For more information for tips on remodeling projects and designing on a budget, read the entire ' Design on a Dime and a Nickel' newsletter.

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