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 Matt Lee, Real Estate Marketing
(Rise Up Local & Lead Generation Experts)
The year slipped by quickly, and now we’re staring down a distantly approaching winter. Although it might not feel like much of a threat now, if you’re not prepared for it: your home could pay the price. Whether you’re from an area that snows several feet, or a slightly warmer climate, it’s vital that you take the time to get your home ready. These are eight tips everyone should follow.1. Fill Any Cracks in ConcreteA small crack in concrete in the summer can be inches thick by the next spring. The main culprit for this is the freeze and thaw cycle that happens every winter. When water gets into these cracks, it can expand as the weather cools down: it doesn't even necessarily need to freeze to expand. Then when it thaws again, which it will take multiple times through winter, it will fr...
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By Jaymie Carroll, Realtor Marketing, Sales & Goal Achievement
(Real Estate Spice)
Board and batten walls have swiftly emerged as a popular design trend, taking the interior design world by storm.With their timeless charm and undeniable versatility, they breathe life into any space, transforming ordinary rooms into inviting havens.The alluring combination of wide boards and narrow battens creates an eye-catching, three-dimensional effect, adding depth and character to your walls.As more and more homeowners and designers discover the appeal of board and batten walls, this classic design element is enjoying a well-deserved resurgence, adding a contemporary and modern twist to various traditional styles and reshaping modern interior design.There are many board and batten wall ideas, and their versatility is endless.Many homeowners are incorporating these walls into their...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a roofing company in Towson, MD, is excited to be on Pinterest and has emphasized their role as an emergency roofer in Towson and nearby areas. Their experienced and professional team of roofing experts are ready to provide emergency repairs, including maintenance and other roofing needs. Their roofing services are all designed to ensure that the client’s property is protected from the elements. They are also offering free estimates for their services.They also take pride in the highly positive reviews they have been receiving on Google. For instance, Fred T. has recently given them a five star rating and said, “From start to finish, I received excellent service. I contacted Towson Roofing Pros after getting several quotes from other roofing companies. The roof insp...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a reputable roofing company in Towson, Maryland, has received high praise from satisfied customer Clay Chandler for their expert roof repair services. Chandler gave Towson Roofing Pros a five-star rating for their efficient and timely service in repairing his roof before a big storm hit."I had a great experience with Towson Roofing Pros," Chandler said. "They had the roof off and back on in a day, and they completed the job before a big storm. Since then, I haven't had a leak."Towson Roofing Pros takes pride in providing their clients with high-quality roofing services that are tailored to their needs and requirements. The company has built a team of experienced and highly skilled roofing professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients. T...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros is pleased to announce that their roofing services have received high praise from a satisfied customer, Fred Townsend. Townsend recently had his roof replaced and was extremely pleased with the service and results provided by Towson Roofing Pros. He gave the company a five-star rating and provided positive review with the exceptional service he received during his recent roof replacement project.Mr. Townsend contacted Towson Roofing Pros after receiving several quotes from other roofing companies. Throughout the process, he was pleased with the professionalism and honesty of the Towson Roofing Pros team. The roof inspector was informative and honest, providing Townsend with all the necessary information about his roofing project. The team worked efficiently, completi...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a leading roofing company in Towson, Maryland, has recently received high praise from satisfied customer Karl Roy from Yorktown for its exceptional copper flashing installation services. The company takes pride in providing quality roofing services for both residential and commercial clients throughout the Baltimore area, including downtown Baltimore, Towson, Catonsville, Columbia, Elkridge, and surrounding communities.According to Karl Roy, Towson Roofing Pros installed new copper flashing at his home in Yorktown a few days ago. He appreciated the work done by the team and commended Beth for managing the installation. "They do quality work, and they have a friendly team," said Karl Roy in his review.Julius Mills, owner of Towson Roofing Pros, expressed his gratitud...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a trusted roofing company in Baltimore, Maryland, is proud to announce that they have received a 5-star rating and positive feedback from a satisfied customer who recently had their roof replaced. Mohammed Glover, the customer who left the positive feedback, praised McHenry Roofing for their exceptional service and professionalism throughout the entire roof replacement process.Mohammed Glover, the customer who left the 5-star review, had this to say about his experience with McHenry Roofing: "They did a fantastic job with my roof replacement. They were honest and walked me through the process step by step."Joseph Conley, owner of McHenry Roofing, expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback and emphasized the company's commitment to providing exceptional service to...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a GAF certified roofing contractor, has received high praise from satisfied customer Kimberly Wan for their exceptional roof replacement and gutter installation services. The company has established a reputation for delivering quality roofing solutions to residential and commercial properties throughout Baltimore, Maryland.In her 5-star review, Wan described her experience with McHenry Roofing: "Jeff and his team were great! They removed several layers of roofing on our townhome and replaced it. They were efficient, fair and very responsive to make sure the job was done right. Jeff went over the top and visited a second time to help fix a gutter we were concerned about. We would absolutely use them again in the future."McHenry Roofing has been a trusted name in the roof...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a reputable roofing company in Baltimore, received high praises from a satisfied customer for their outstanding roof repair services. Oscar Chazima, a homeowner from Locust Point, gave the company a five-star rating for their professionalism, punctuality, quality, responsiveness, and value. This positive review is just one of many from the company's more than 3,000 satisfied customers since 2007.According to Chazima's review, McHenry Roofing exceeded his expectations in replacing his roof. Beth, the company's representative, was helpful and courteous, and provided excellent communication throughout the roofing process. The roofing crew also did a fantastic job and left the job site clean."I hardly ever leave reviews, but McHenry Roofing did an incredible job replacing m...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing is pleased to announce that they are offering various types of roof flashing repair in Baltimore MD and neighboring areas. They offer chimney flashing repair, step flashing repair, valley flashing repair, vent pipe flashing repair, drip edge flashing repair, eave flashing repair, counter flashing repair, and roof-to-wall flashing repair. Those who require roof flashing repair can contact them to request for free estimates. They also offer other services, such as siding installation and repair, gutter installation and repair, and more.Chimney flashing repair involves the repair of the flashing around the base of a chimney to prevent water from seeping in. Step flashing is placed where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall. Repair of step flashing requires replacement or res...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a trusted roofing company in Baltimore, Maryland, is proud to announce a recent positive review from a satisfied customer. April Pratt, a resident of Baltimore, recently gave McHenry Roofing a five-star rating for their professionalism, punctuality, quality, responsiveness, and value in providing roof repair services.April Pratt, a satisfied customer, praised the McHenry Roofing team for their professionalism, punctuality, quality, responsiveness, and value. "The McHenry roofing team did an excellent job on my roof. The job was done in a timely manner. Thanks to you guys!" she wrote in her review.Joseph Conley, the owner of McHenry Roofing, expressed his gratitude for the positive feedback from their customers. "At McHenry Roofing, we take pride in providing our custome...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing wants to emphasize that they are offering professional roof inspection services in Baltimore MD and surrounding areas. They have several years of experience in inspecting roofs of various kinds and can make sure that the home is safe from any possible damage. They encourage homeowners with concerns about their roof to contact them for more information on the inspection service they can provide.The roof inspections will include: an exterior inspection of the roofing material for wear and tear, damage, and signs of aging; inspection of the flashing round the skylights, chimneys, and other roof penetrations to make sure they are free from damage and properly sealed; inspection of the roof structure, including the trusses, sheathing, rafters, trusses, and decking for damage ...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Maintaining a beautiful landscape is a challenging feat, especially for busy homeowners. Finding the time and energy to keep up with all the yard work is challenging between work, family obligations, and other commitments. Fortunately, there are ways to design and maintain a low-maintenance landscape that still looks great without requiring much time and effort. Here are some tips to help busy homeowners create a beautiful and easy-to-maintain outdoor space:  Choose Low-Maintenance PlantsOne of the best ways to create a low-maintenance landscape is to choose plants that require minimal care. Native plants are often a great choice because they adapt to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less watering, fertilizing, and pest control. Succulents, ornamental grasses, and ground...
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By Jon Sanborn, Real Estate is a Team Sport
(Brotherly Love Real Estate)
The terms “low-maintenance” and “enjoyable” don’t have to contradict each other. We like our food delivered, our coffee in to-go cups, and our vacuums robotic. We like to save time on mundane chores so we can spend more time with hobbies, friends, and family. Creating a low-maintenance outdoor space will appeal to buyers and renters alike. “Low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” It just means you’ll spend less time encouraging the growth of plants that were never meant to grow in your garden. Because most of us are looking for fast and convenient, creating a low-maintenance garden will increase your property’s value. Here are a few things to consider for creating a low-maintenance and beautiful garden.GrassYou might not always think of “grass” when you think “garden,” but the s...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Long & Foster Real Estate Inc 610-225-7400)
Ahhh, Spring is in the air. Yes, the winter doldrums are leaving, warm weather is here. Well it was yesterday, not so much today!We get so encouraged to rush out and buy plants to fill our beds around our homes and brighten up our curb appeal. But, it can be a costly mistake if you plant to early.Whilst we get some warm days, we spent yesterday afternoon at Longwood Gardens enjoying seeing the cherry trees and magnolias in bloom. Everywhere you looked there was evidence of life, flowers beginning to bloom and brighten the landscape. We even sat at a table and enjoyed some minutes soaking up the sun. it was amazing how busy it was.Of course, you go home and think, let's get planting, but most plants cannot take a frost. And really until much later the threat of a frost is real and those ...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
If you live in an apartment or have a small backyard, there must be more space to create a beautiful garden. However, a small patio can be transformed into an outdoor oasis with creativity and strategic planning. Here are some ways to maximize the small space on your patio: Container GardeningContainer gardening is a great solution for small spaces. It allows you to grow plants in pots and strategically place them around your patio. Depending on your available space, you can plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers in containers of different sizes and shapes. You can use hanging baskets or vertical planters to maximize your vertical space. Hanging baskets can be suspended from the ceiling or hooks on the wall, while vertical planters can be mounted on the wall, trellis, or fence.  Utilize V...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Is 2023 the year of the kitchen renovation for you? If so, here are some style changes to consider. Want a list of homes with upgraded kitchens? Send me a message, and let's talk! #realestate #realestateagent #listreports #buying #selling #realestateexpert #homeowner #dreamhome #homeownership #homebuying #homesearch #buyingahome #financehub
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Whether you live in a big, bustling city, a dorm room, or you’ve bought your very first house, you might find yourself in the tight quarters of tiny home living. When you are working with square footage in the low hundreds range, it is important that you utilize every bit of storage you have to keep your small space organized, livable and cozy. While a major pain point may be the lack of closet space or just space in general, there are plenty of creative storage solutions that can easily be incorporated into your home.Try Out a Pegboard in the KitchenFinding a home for bulkier items like pots and pans in a tiny kitchen can prove isn’t always space efficient. Try installing a piece of pegboard on an empty wall where you can hang a few pots and pans and even cooking utensils, leaving your...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
 Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.comSelling Real Estate On Treasure Coast Since 2000.
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By Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
Even though you see it every day, your siding rarely receives much thought or attention unless it is tarnished or discolored. However, siding is critical to the structural integrity of your house. Your siding safeguards your home, its foundation, and its contents. It protects your house from insects, pests, UV rays, wind, snow, rain, and other environmental factors. If you plan to sell your house in the next few years, you should know that siding has a high return on investment when compared to other home improvement projects. On average, you can anticipate to receive 76 percent off your siding installation, and the dollar amount can vary greatly depending on the material you select. You may be curious as to how long your paneling will last. Depending on the environment, quality vinyl ...
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