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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 The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Centurion Black Ornamental Steel Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, combines sleek black elegance with superior strength — creating a secure, low-maintenance fence that adds timeless style and exceptional curb appeal to 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 #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Andrews Collen Guide Real Estate, California Real Estate in Orange County
(Orange County Real Estate Group)
Solar powered fountain pump solutions are becoming a smart choice for homeowners who want elegant outdoor spaces without constant upkeep. In luxury landscape design the goal is not only beauty but also ease. A well planned water feature can add calm sound visual interest and a sense of refinement while still being simple to care for.Luxury landscapes today focus on balance. Homeowners want outdoor areas that feel peaceful and high end yet do not demand daily cleaning or complex systems. Why Low Maintenance Water Features Matter in Luxury Design?Luxury no longer means complicated. True luxury is about comfort, convenience and long lasting beauty. A water feature should enhance the outdoor experience and not become a burden. Low maintenance designs allow homeowners to enjoy the sound and ...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
The sealing and airtightness of a building affects its energy performance, the comfort of its occupants, and its long-term durability more profoundly than most people appreciate. A building that is poorly sealed allows water to enter at joints, junctions, and penetrations, causing deterioration of materials and structural damage; it allows uncontrolled air movement that carries both heat energy and moisture, increasing heating costs and creating the conditions for condensation within the building fabric. At ranchodelchinorotary.org you will find building sealing guides, airtightness resources, and practical information covering joint sealants, expansion joint systems, waterproofing membranes, airtightness membranes, and all the sealing technologies that protect buildings from water and ...
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Water is the most destructive force acting on most buildings, and the most consistent cause of deterioration, structural damage, and the internal conditions that make buildings uncomfortable and unhealthy to occupy. Effective waterproofing and damp proofing, applied correctly to the right parts of a building, prevents the water ingress that causes timber rot, plaster deterioration, mould growth, and the progressive structural damage that deferred treatment makes exponentially more expensive. At giantsuntoys.com you will find waterproofing and damp proofing guides, building protection resources, and practical information covering the identification of damp problems, the range of waterproofing and damp proofing solutions, and how to specify and commission effective treatment.Understanding...
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Wood flooring is one of the most enduringly beautiful and practically successful floor coverings available. Natural timber floors have been used in the finest buildings for centuries because they combine visual warmth, acoustic comfort, durability, and the particular quality of a natural material that improves with age and care. Understanding the range of wood flooring options available, the differences between them, and how to choose, install, and maintain a wood floor that will serve a property for generations, allows informed decisions that deliver long-term satisfaction. At k1200lt.net you will find wood flooring guides, installation resources, and practical advice covering solid and engineered hardwood, parquet, maintenance, finishing, and all the decisions involved in choosing and...
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Timber decking is one of the most popular and most versatile forms of outdoor living space, extending a home's usable floor area into the garden at relatively modest cost and creating an outdoor room that connects directly to interior spaces. When well-designed, properly constructed, and appropriately maintained, a timber deck can last for decades and becomes one of the most used and most loved features of a property. At bradfordandbingleyrfc.co.uk you will find timber decking guides, installation resources, and practical advice covering design, timber species selection, structural requirements, construction, and the maintenance that keeps decks looking beautiful and performing safely for years.Design Principles for Successful DeckingDecking) is an outdoor floor surface, typically of wo...
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Bathroom renovation consistently ranks among the highest-return home improvement projects, both in terms of the improvement to daily life and the value added to the property. A bathroom that has been thoughtfully designed, correctly specified, and properly installed is a space that its users enter with genuine pleasure rather than tolerating, and the cumulative daily benefit of this improvement to wellbeing is genuinely significant. At c3dogs.com you will find bathroom renovation guides, installation resources, and practical advice covering bathroom design, fixture selection, tiling, plumbing and drainage, and all the decisions and work involved in creating a bathroom that functions beautifully and looks exceptional.Bathroom Design: Starting with FunctionBathroom design must address fun...
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Home renovation and refurbishment represent some of the most significant investments homeowners make, combining the potential to dramatically improve daily life with the risk of cost overruns, poor workmanship, and projects that fail to deliver what was imagined. Understanding how to plan, specify, procure, and manage renovation work reduces these risks substantially and significantly improves the likelihood of a successful outcome. At arizonahighway69chamber.org you will find home renovation guides, refurbishment resources, and practical advice covering the planning, specification, contractor selection, and management of renovation projects of all scales.Planning Your Renovation: The Most Important PhaseHome renovation is the process of making additions or changes to a home. The planni...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Underfloor heating has moved from a luxury specification to a mainstream choice in residential construction and renovation, and for good reason. The quality of warmth it provides, the design freedom it gives by eliminating radiators, and the energy efficiency advantages it offers compared to conventional radiator systems combine to make it a compelling choice for new builds and significant renovations. At tanit-teatro.net you will find underfloor heating guides, installation resources, and practical information covering wet and electric underfloor heating systems, floor buildup requirements, control systems, and everything homeowners need to choose, specify, and maintain underfloor heating effectively.How Underfloor Heating WorksUnderfloor heating warms a space through radiant heat emit...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Semi-Private Roosevelt White Vinyl Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, offers the perfect blend of privacy and openness — delivering timeless beauty, lasting durability, and a bright, inviting look that enhances any outdoor living space. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #RooseveltFence #SemiPrivateFence #WhiteVinylFence #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
A well-designed garden is one of the most rewarding investments a homeowner can make. It extends the usable living space of a property, connects its inhabitants to the changing rhythms of the natural world, and provides a private environment for relaxation, play, and social gathering that no interior room can replicate. Creating a garden that works beautifully across all four seasons, that is practical to maintain, and that reflects the personality of the people who use it requires the same thoughtfulness and planning that any successful interior design project demands.At agentorangealert.com you will find garden design guides, planting advice, and practical resources covering all aspects of creating and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces, from initial design through planting plans, m...
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A loft conversion is one of the most consistently rewarding home improvement projects available to homeowners, creating valuable additional living space from what is typically underused storage. When designed and executed well, a loft conversion adds not only square footage but a distinctive quality of space, with the sloping ceilings, roof windows, and treetop or rooftop views that give converted lofts a character that ground-floor rooms rarely achieve.At loftconversionlondon.net you will find loft conversion design guides, planning advice, and practical information covering the different types of loft conversion, planning permission requirements, structural considerations, design approaches, and all the information homeowners need to plan and deliver a successful loft project.Types of...
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By Kathy Streib, Retired Home Stager/Redesign
What To Do With All of Your Treasures  Let’s face it—we can’t toss everything we own out the window! Whether we’re preparing to sell our home or simply trying to declutter our lives, some things have to go.The hardest part? Our treasures.The very items we cherish most are often the ones that make it difficult to edit our homes. These sentimental items hold warm memories for us; however, they can be distracting to potential buyers. And, if you’re not selling, they lessen the tranquility we had hoped for.  One of my first Redesign projects was for a couple who’d traveled the world through his military career.  They weren’t selling but wanted to bring some calm to their rooms.We decided on the Smithsonian approach!First, she ditched or donated what she no longer wanted. What remained was d...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 4' tall Centurion Black Ornamental Steel Fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, offers the perfect blend of timeless elegance and dependable strength — creating a refined boundary that enhances your home's beauty while providing lasting security. 🏡✨🛠 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 #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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Not every home improvement project requires planning permission, structural intervention, or a team of contractors. Many of the most impactful improvements to a home's appearance, comfort, and functionality can be achieved through relatively modest interventions that most homeowners can manage themselves or with minimal professional help. Understanding which improvements deliver the greatest return on investment of time and money, and how to execute them well, provides a practical framework for continuous home improvement.At peltierscollision.com you will find home improvement guides, interior refresh resources, and practical advice covering painting, flooring, joinery, fixtures, and all the improvements that significantly enhance a home without major construction.Painting: The Most Acc...
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By David Best, Turn your house into a home! Home Improvement Tips
(HouseHome)
If you're building a new home, replacing an ageing hot water system, or looking for ways to lower your energy bills, understanding the different types of water heaters can help you choose a system that suits your household's needs, and lifestyle.According to the Australian Government, water heating uses around one quarter of the energy consumed in the average Australian home. Because it represents such a large share of household energy use, selecting an efficient water heater can help reduce long-term operating costs.This guide helps you compare water heater options and understand which system best suits your budget, and hot water needs. Common Types of Water HeatersSome systems keep hot water ready in an insulated tank, while others heat it only when you turn on the tap. Newer technolo...
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Dealing with fire damage restoration is challenging in any building, but in a historic home, it becomes a multi-faceted endeavor that includes structural engineering, environmental issues, preservation law, and real estate considerations. Improper intervention will have irreversible negative effects on the building’s architecture and may even damage its legacy.Fire dynamics in balloon-framed constructions and the associated challengesOne of the first lessons that any restoration contractor has to learn when dealing with pre-WWII buildings is that fire dynamics in older homes are significantly different from the ones constructed using the platform framing method. The latter uses light wooden frames to build floor slabs, and they act as barriers to fire spread. Balloon framing, by contras...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Every now and then we get an opportunity to make a difference.  When that opportunity comes, it's great to contribute and put your knowledge in print.   Recently, I had the rare privilege to contribute to a national article that also featured a friend and leader in the industry.  Sandra Adomatis, Adomatis Appraisals, Punta Gorda, Florida, is also the former President of the Appraisal Institute.  She's also the leader in creating and offering education for appraisers on energy efficiency and has published many books on the topic.  And she's also become a great friend.  Our first event together was a national EEBA Conference pictured below. Sandy has been to Arizona 6 times to teach appraisers thanks to our Residential Committee, US Green Building Council, Arizona Chapter.  The last time ...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Home renovation is one of the most common and most mismanaged home improvement activities. The gap between the renovation that was planned and the one that was delivered is so frequently noted that it has become a cliche, yet the reasons for this gap are almost always predictable and often avoidable with better preparation. Understanding how to plan a renovation project thoroughly, select the right contractors, manage the process, and make decisions under pressure produces consistently better outcomes than approaching renovation reactively.At ricancercouncil.org you will find home renovation guides, project planning resources, and practical advice covering kitchen and bathroom renovation, structural works, finishing, contractor selection, and all the stages of a renovation project from ...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Home styling is the art of arranging and presenting a home so that it looks its best, whether for sale, for photography, or simply for the daily pleasure of living in a beautiful space. It draws on the principles of interior design but applies them with a lighter touch, working primarily with what already exists in a space rather than starting from scratch, and focusing on the visual and atmospheric qualities of a room rather than on structural or functional redesign.At scribblerrobot.com you will find home styling guides, interior decoration tips, and practical advice covering furniture arrangement, accessory styling, colour refreshing, and all the approaches that transform the appearance of a home without major renovation.The Difference Between Interior Design and Home StylingInterior...
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