Admin

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 Tina D Saporito, Your Dedicated Palm Desert, CA Realtor Since 2005, Call (760)799-8460. www.JustListedinPalmDesert.com
(Ronald Christopher & Associates. Proudly serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage & Palm Springs.)
Strategic Property Refreshes That Drive Higher Rents and Long-Term Value Investment property owners face a familiar problem: a solid asset that quietly slips behind newer, shinier listings. The solution is rarely a full gut renovation. Strategic refreshes, chosen with renter and buyer psychology in mind, can lift both appeal and value without eroding cash flow.Quick snapshot Small visual upgrades often outperform major structural changes in perceived value. Durability matters more than luxury when tenants, not owners, live in the space. Improvements should support faster leasing, higher rent, or smoother resale—not just aesthetics. Legal and financial structure can amplify the upside of physical upgrades. Starting with curb appeal and first impressionsThe outside of a property sets expe...
Comments 1
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I was reading an article about regrettable trends in home decorating and thought about my own history of owning homes.  Looking back today “What was I thinking?”  It was the trend and I guess I just followed along at the time, what a quick way to date a home!  Thinking wallpaper and ceiling borders was my beginning, go to the wallpaper store and sit and look at books finding the right wallpaper for each room and the matching border, oh yes every room was different.  Next was sponge painting and rag rolling, did my share even taught a class on it at the hardware store.I did skip a few like one wall floor to ceiling mirrors, wood paneling, those fake bricks, and stones you glued to the wall.  I did do the brass wall plates for switches and outlets.  So, what am I missing, do you remember ...
Comments 14
By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Good post by Dick today, and worthy of our daily Re-Blog.BillGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler I was digging around looking for home improvements expected in 2026 and found several articles.  Combining them I have come up with three articles that most homeowners are considering in 2026.  Seems the number one is Energy Efficiency and Smart Tech Homes. Let’s start with Energy Efficiency, solar panels, installation and window and door replacement are top of the list.  We have been focusing on doors and windows the past few years and down to just one single pane window in our home that needs replaced.  What a difference they make, on a bright sunny day you can stand in front...
Comments 2
By Denise Copeland, Martin, St. Lucie and Palm Beach Home Sales
(NextGen Realty Services LLC)
In Palm Beach County and across the Treasure Coast, kitchens are no longer just functional spaces. They are the heart of the home, a place where neighbors gather, families connect, and everyday life unfolds. For South Florida homebuyers, the kitchen is often the deciding factor when choosing one home over another.If you are selling or simply curious about what today’s home buyers are responding to, these Palm Beach and Treasure Coast kitchen design trends are shaping real estate conversations right now.Light Filled Coastal Kitchens Continue to Lead the MarketBuyers relocating to Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, Stuart, and surrounding Treasure Coast communities are drawn to kitchens that feel open, bright, and relaxed. While white kitchens remain popular, buyers are favoring softer variatio...
Comments 0
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I was digging around looking for over the top decorating that can torpedo a home’s value when it goes on the market.  I found a bunch of them but just one stood out to me, a Jungle Bathroom!  I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings but hope to never have a listing appointment and see one.  Let’s see market value $450,000 less $10,000 bathroom remodel so now we are looking at $440,000!  This would be one of times “Did my facial express just say that.”  Turns out this is a big trend on the internet!  Let’s see Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Amazon, Facebook, and I am sure more sites.  One place I saw a rock wall in the tub area.  Not to be out done you can add Jungle Bathroom Music which is ambient sounds of nature like rainforests, birds, and rain for relaxation or meditation, cr...
Comments 7
By David Valley, Massachusetts Home Inspections
(Massachusetts Home Inspections)
I understand that everyone works hard for their money, and no one wants to see it wasted — especially on high energy bills. What many homeowners may not realize is how much of their hard-earned dollars are escaping through gaps and cracks in their homes. Heating in the winter and cooling in the summer can be expensive, but with the right steps, you can significantly reduce those costs.A professional infrared home energy-efficiency inspection is an excellent first step. This advanced inspection pinpoints exactly where your home is losing energy, highlighting areas that need improved sealing or insulation. By addressing these problem spots, you can enjoy a more comfortable home year-round while lowering your energy bills. Let me help you stop energy waste and start saving money today!Vari...
Comments 0
By Travis Matthews, Vegas handyman expert in home prep & repairs.
(Handyman of Las Vegas)
Why Homeowners Are Choosing Stained Concrete FloorsMost people are busy. They work, take care of kids, clean up after pets, and try to keep their homes looking nice. No one wants to spend weekends scrubbing floors or worrying about stains. Many older flooring choices, like carpet and wood, need lots of care. Stained concrete is different. It looks clean and modern, and it is very easy to live with. For families, landlords, and sellers, it helps a home feel simple, calm, and move-in ready.. and buyers notice.What Is Stained Concrete Flooring?Stained concrete starts with a regular concrete floor. Then a special color is added that sinks into the surface. The color does not just sit on top like paint. It blends into the concrete and creates soft shades and natural patterns. No two floors e...
Comments 2
By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
  Home › Appliance Care › Dishwasher Maintenance Easy Dishwasher Maintenance Tips for Cleaner Dishes Your dishwasher handles grease, food scraps, and soap residue every day—but without a little maintenance, it can start smelling bad, cleaning poorly, or even break down early. A few simple habits go a long way toward keeping it running smoothly and your dishes coming out spotless. Even the best dishwashers need a bit of routine care. Food particles, grease, and mineral deposits slowly build up in filters, spray arms, and seals, which can lead to cloudy glassware, lingering odors, and longer cycles. With a quick monthly routine and a few everyday habits, you can help your dishwasher clean better and last longer. Key point: A few minutes of regular maintenance helps prevent repairs, improv...
Comments 4
By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
  Home › Home Protection › Termite Inspections Termite Inspections: Your Best Defense Against Silent Damage Termites are called “silent destroyers” for a reason—they can chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper for years without obvious signs. By the time visible damage appears, repairs can be extensive and expensive. Regular termite inspections help you find problems long before they reach that point.   Termites thrive in warm, moist environments and often stay hidden behind walls, under floors, or inside structural wood. That is why homeowners in warmer climates or high‑moisture areas are especially at risk. Rather than waiting for sagging floors or damaged trim, a professional termite inspection looks for early warning signs that most people never notice. Key point: Catching t...
Comments 2
By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
  Home › Winter Maintenance › Gutters & Roofs Frozen Gutters: How to Protect Your Roof, Walls, and Foundation This Winter Posted in Winter Home Maintenance · Updated for 2025 When gutters freeze solid, melting snow and ice have nowhere to go. That’s when you start seeing roof leaks, peeling paint, and even foundation problems. Use this step‑by‑step guide to safely deal with frozen gutters now—and put long‑term prevention in place for future winters. As temperatures drop, many homeowners notice icicles and heavy ice building up around the roofline. It may look picturesque, but it is often a sign of frozen gutters and ice dams. Left alone, this can quietly lead to leaks, rot, and costly repairs inside and outside your home. The good news: with a simple plan, you can address frozen gutters...
Comments 3
By Travis Matthews, Vegas handyman expert in home prep & repairs.
(Handyman of Las Vegas)
Tree trimming isn’t just about making your yard look pretty. Trimming your trees at the right time can help keep your trees healthy, increase safety, and protect your home. This is especially true for homeowners and for both buyers and sellers; if you take the time to trim your trees properly, then they will be able to sell their home for a much greater price than if the trees were not properly maintained. The purpose of this guide is to show you when is the best time to trim your trees based on their season and based on the type of tree you have. Additionally, this guide will assist real estate agents in giving their clients the most informative and helpful advice possible.Why Tree Trimming Isn’t a One-Size-Fits-All JobEach type of tree grows differently and should be trimmed when nece...
Comments 4
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I have been sharing about home improvements for 2026 and on this list was “Blurred Lines Between Indoor and Outdoor Living.”  I thought oh yes this is Florida living!  Bigger sliding doors and plenty of windows.  I started looking at annual temperature charts for The Villages plus reading articles and using temperatures 69º to 80º well over 200 days a year.Our lanai is under roof so anytime the temperatures outside are between 69º and 80º I’m out there.  I work, watch TV, and relax on our lanai it is my happy place.  We have blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor living by having 27’ of sliding doors, three stationary windows not to mention all the other windows in the home.  Roller shades mounted under a valance above the windows and doors to allow maximum amount of glass and sun...
Comments 8
By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~REO Broker / Auctioneer
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Designing an outdoor space is both an art and a science. A well-planned landscape can transform a backyard into a sanctuary, a space for entertaining, or even a personal retreat. Understanding the principles of landscape design and the variety of garden types available helps homeowners make informed choices that suit both lifestyle and environment.The first step in any landscaping project is considering how the space will be used. Your lifestyle should guide design choices. Whether you envision a pergola for shaded relaxation, flower beds overflowing with annuals, or an outdoor kitchen for entertaining, your priorities will shape the garden’s layout and style.Source: https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/landscape-design-basics-everything-you-need-to-know Popular Garden TypesThere a...
Comments 1
By GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore, Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net
(Arizona Elite Properties )
Good post by Dick today, and worthy of our daily Re-Blog.BillGILBERT ARIZONA HOMES FOR SALE, Bill Salvatore, AZVHV / HelpingArizona Heroes, New-Construction Advantage, Realtor, sell my house, 2026Market, Chandler Drink more water!  We hear that all the time and I know both Michelle and I try, the health benefits are numerous which isn’t the purpose of this article.  I am seeing more Reverse Osmosis Systems (RO) in homes today as folks are changing from bottled water to in home systems.  I asked AI about what, where and how to add a RO system to a home and here is what I found. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis (RO) systems provide high-quality drinking water by removing up to 99% of contaminants. The systems typically fit within a standard kitchen cabinet and can be installed by someone wi...
Comments 2
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Many of us moved here from homes up north with basements and attics and more than likely more square footage of living space.  Now we are trying to squeeze in what we had before into 1,900 square feet of space built on a slab.  This calls for creative thinking and finding ways to utilize rooms for more than one purpose.I am a big fan of wall beds, why have a bed sitting there for those few times somebody sleeps in it?  In our world that room doubles as an office which we never use but where we keep stuff.  According to the articles folks need space for home gyms, meditation room, quiet nooks, and hobby rooms.  I know in our home if Michelle and I are both on speaker phones we need to head to different parts of the home.  In my world I have five places in the home I can work from, no act...
Comments 5
By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Home Maintenance Checklist for the First Year of Home Ownership – and Beyond The first year of home ownership is a crash course in being your own landlord, says Reuben Saltzman, home inspector and owner of Structure Tech Home Inspections in Minneapolis. “Keeping up with seasonal maintenance helps prevent small issues from turning into major headaches and gives you a better understanding of how your home works.” A home maintenance checklist is one of the best ways to manage home maintenance, especially during your first year of home ownership. Fall extends the outdoor joys of summer, but with color on the trees and without all the heat. Plus, it lets you ease into winter preparation so you have less to do later, as the holidays approach. Home maintenance professionals offer their top tip...
Comments 2
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I was digging around looking for home improvements expected in 2026 and found several articles.  Combining them I have come up with three articles that most homeowners are considering in 2026.  Seems the number one is Energy Efficiency and Smart Tech Homes.Let’s start with Energy Efficiency, solar panels, installation and window and door replacement are top of the list.  We have been focusing on doors and windows the past few years and down to just one single pane window in our home that needs replaced.  What a difference they make, on a bright sunny day you can stand in front of a new window or door and do not feel the neat.  We added more insulation above one room and added new LED lighting.Smart Tech Homes is something we are slowly doing.  We added smart outlets, smart lighting cont...
Comments 9
By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Property maintenance is one of the most effective ways to protect your home and avoid unexpected repair costs. Many major issues begin as small, manageable problems that grow worse when ignored. Cracks widen, systems fail, and minor wear turns into costly damage. By taking a proactive approach to maintenance, homeowners can preserve property value, improve safety, and reduce stress. This article outlines smart property maintenance tips that help prevent major repair headaches, with a focus on exterior surfaces and essential systems that are often overlooked.Why Preventive Property Maintenance MattersPreventive maintenance saves both time and money. Addressing issues early allows homeowners to fix problems before they escalate into expensive repairs or emergencies. Routine inspections he...
Comments 0
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Simple January Refresh Ideas That Add Instant Comfort & ValueJanuary is the perfect month for a fresh start — not just for our goals and routines, but for our homes, too. The holidays are behind us, the pace slows a little, and we finally have time to look around and think, “What small changes could make this space feel even better?”The good news? You don’t need a full remodel to make a big impact. A few simple updates can instantly add comfort, warmth, and even increase your home’s value — whether you’re thinking ahead to selling or just want to fall in love with your home all over again.Here are some easy January refresh ideas that go a long way.🎨 1. Refresh with Paint — The Ultimate Reset Paint is one of the most affordable ways to transform a space.Consider: Warm neutrals for living...
Comments 8
By Rain Silverhawk, 208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
(Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com)
Creating a Cozy Winter Home — North Idaho StyleWinter in North Idaho has a magic all its own. Even in years when the snow arrives late (or only visits occasionally), there’s something about the crisp air, evergreen forests, and quiet evenings that makes “cozy” feel like a way of life. Whether you live in a log cabin, lakefront home, farmhouse, or in-town bungalow, winter is the perfect time to create a space that feels warm, welcoming, and restful.Here are some simple ways to bring extra comfort and charm into your home this season — North Idaho style.🔥 Fireplaces & Woodstoves — the Heart of the Home There’s nothing quite like the glow of a real fire during winter. Around here, fireplaces and woodstoves aren’t just decorative — they’re part of our lifestyle.Consider: Stacking firewood n...
Comments 6
Back to Top