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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 Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I had a ringside seat the other day as the home behind us was getting a new roof.  I watched off and on and noticed them starting to take up sections of the Oriented Strand Board (OBS) which many of the homes in The Villages, Florida have for decking.  We do see plywood now and then, not picking sides which is better.  I watched as they removed a piece on the edge of the roof also one around a vent pipe.  The one around the vent pipe broke as they were removing and I could see the water damage that happened over the years.  The one on the edge also easy to see the damage.  From my vantage point it looked like not bad for a new roof, you can expect some damage to the decking.  I was involved in one home, not ours that had $8,000 worth of decking damage PLUS truss damage.  Never know unti...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
The other night Michelle and I invited another couple to our home for the first time.  As soon as they walked in one of them said “wow, love the natural light and the view.”  I explained that both Michelle and I enjoy the openness of our home and wanted as much glass as possible, and we have it.  The picture with this article was taken from just inside our front door, when I looked at the picture I thought we do have a lot of glass!During our remodels we decided we wanted more glass, over time a new 16’ slider and a 5’ slider were added.  Next was three stationery windows which are all glass, a 5’ and two 30” windows were installed.  According to code every room needs two points of egress, not a problem.  You might ask what about privacy, no problem, roller shades!Dick Betts, REALTOR® T...
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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 Bennington, Nebraska, combines sleek, modern design with exceptional durability — delivering a stylish, secure boundary that enhances curb appeal for years to come. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #BenningtonNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
SUMMER MAINTENANCE SERIES The Architecture of Summer Heat When ambient temperatures soar, a home's upper envelope faces its most rigorous test. Is your attic breathing properly, or is it trapping destructive structural stress? On a cloudless midsummer afternoon, direct solar radiation transforms dark asphalt roof shingles into an aggressive thermal radiator. Without a fluid path for escape, attic temperatures quickly cross a critical threshold—frequently exceeding 150°F. This concentrated radiant energy does more than simply push the household cooling infrastructure to its absolute limit. Over time, trapped extreme heat silently bakes the roof decking from the inside out, deteriorating the longevity of building materials and setting up costly surprises during future real estate transac...
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By NextDay Inspect, Thorough Home Inspections & Environmental Testing
(NextDay Inspect)
THE PROPERTY EXAMINER The Invisible Fog Hazard How failed thermal seals hide in plain sight during clear summer days, only to cloud your client's investment later. On a bright, cloudless afternoon, a property walkthrough can feel utterly reassuring. Natural light floods the rooms, the views look spectacular, and everything appears structurally sound. Yet, some of the most common architectural defects are master innovators of disguise—specifically, the double-pane window with a failed thermal seal. Modern double-pane windows rely on an airtight spacer grid filled with inert gas to insulate the home. When that perimeter seal degrades, the insulating gas escapes, allowing ambient air and outdoor humidity to seep into the dead space between the glass panes. The result is a "blown" window. ...
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By Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI 623-582-4444
(Level 4 Funding )
Hello, my name is Dennis. I own a business and have over 44 years of experience helping business owners worldwide, from seven-figure enterprises to small businesses and startups that grew to millions in annual revenue. Why do I do this work? Years ago, someone made a significant sacrifice to help me. I learned that real purpose and happiness come from giving, not taking. This drives me to help you reach your business goals and personal fulfillment. Serving others defines wealth and happiness. Your success is my success. With this in mind, I will share some challenges I've faced. A few years ago, my wife and I lost everything: our business, home, and savings. We lived in our van and my office, facing lawsuits and asset seizures. Through this hardship, my wife's support never wavered. Eve...
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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 Plattsmouth, Nebraska, delivers timeless elegance with dependable durability — creating a secure, low-maintenance boundary that enhances your property's beauty and curb appeal. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #BlackSteelFence #PlattsmouthNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
If you own a home in Montgomery, Alabama, you already know summer doesn’t just bring warm weather—it brings long stretches of intense heat, high humidity, and rising utility costs that can quietly expose how well (or how poorly) a home is built and maintained.For homeowners and future sellers, this season offers a clear reminder: your home is always performing. And in the peak of summer, buyers can feel the difference immediately.Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just want to protect your investment, understanding how your home handles extreme heat is one of the most important parts of maintaining long-term value in this market.🔥 Why Summer Performance Matters for HomeownersIn Montgomery, homes don’t just “experience” summer—they operate through it under constant demand. Weeks of ...
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A clean interior can carry a showing, but the exterior is where buyers form their first impression and where the inspection report tells the truth. A handful of recurring findings account for most of the renegotiations agents see. Handle the right ones before listing, and the leverage stays on your side.   A clean interior can carry a showing, but the exterior is where buyers form their first impression and where the inspection report tells the truth. A handful of recurring findings account for most of the renegotiations agents see. Handle the right ones before listing, and the leverage stays on your side. 1. Siding, Trim, and Caulk-Line Findings Inspectors start at the exterior envelope for a reason. It is the home's first defense against water, and it ranks high on an inspector's requ...
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By Dave Livingston, Painting Company Serving the Natick Area
(Natick Painting Company)
A clean interior can carry a showing, but the exterior is where buyers form their first impression and where the inspection report tells the truth. A handful of recurring findings account for most of the renegotiations agents see. Handle the right ones before listing, and the leverage stays on your side.1. Siding, Trim, and Caulk-Line FindingsInspectors start at the exterior envelope for a reason. It is the home's first defense against water, and it ranks high on an inspector's required documentation.What Inspectors Flag MostThe findings here look cosmetic on paper. Buyers do not read them that way. Cracked, buckling, or loose siding panels Gaps where trim meets siding or at the corners Failed or missing caulk around windows, doors, and penetrations Soft or rotted trim boards Peeling pa...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Before you think to yourself those people on TV make it look so easy, it’s NOT!  Let’s talk DIY first, when we sell a home we always strongly recommend a home inspection which generally I attend.  Many are no problem but occasionally the inspectors says bad news this guy was a DIY.  Electrical work not done correctly, outlet problems, a few plumbing issues and the list goes on.  I have seen great DIY work and have respect for those that know how to do it right.Flippers, on TV they make money most of the time but not always.  I have sold flips not that I was involved in the flipper lost thousands of dollars.  I have seen flippers sitting on $750,000 worth of inventory losing money each month due to utilities, amenities fees, taxes and insurance, ouch!  This has nothing to do with you buy...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Nina gives us some excellent ideas to get our outdoor areas ready for the summer!It's been rather brutally hot here in Ohio the past week or two, so getting an outdoor area ready has not been on the top of my list Summer Style: 5 Outdoor Living Trends Transforming Today's Homes (And Not Just In Charlotte Alone!)   Summer is the season when the backyard truly becomes another room of the home. Today's homeowners are looking beyond a simple patio or deck, creating outdoor spaces that combine comfort, beauty and functionality. Whether you're entertaining friends, spending time with family or simply enjoying a quiet evening outside, these outdoor living trends are making homes more enjoyable—and more appealing to buyers. Here are five trends redefining outdoor living in the Greater Charlotte...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
When we think about allergies, many of us picture springtime pollen and blooming flowers. But here in Orlando, Florida, allergy triggers can be a year-round concern. Our warm, humid climate can create the perfect environment for pollen, dust mites, mold, and other irritants both inside and outside our homes. The good news? A few simple home maintenance habits can help reduce allergens and make your home a healthier, more comfortable place to live. Inside Your Orlando Home Create an Allergy-Friendly Bedroom Bedrooms are often one of the biggest sources of indoor allergens. Dust mites love mattresses and pillows, so consider using dust mite-proof covers on both. Wash bedding weekly in hot water, and keep decorative pillows, extra blankets, and unnecessary fabric items to a minimum. Keep D...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
July in Orlando brings soaring temperatures, high humidity, and daily afternoon rain showers. While the heat can be tough on both gardeners and plants, this is still an important month for maintaining your landscape and preparing for continued summer growth. A little extra care now will keep your garden healthy, colorful, and productive through the rest of the season.Flower Gardens Keep spent blooms trimmed from annual flowers such as vinca, pentas, zinnias, and angelonia. Regular deadheading encourages more flowers and helps plants stay neat throughout the summer. Lightly prune fast-growing shrubs after they finish blooming, but avoid heavy pruning of plants that will set fall or winter flower buds. Watch for weeds after heavy rains. They grow quickly in Florida's warm, wet weather, so...
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By Christopher Pataki, Hockessin Delaware Realtor
(RE/MAX Associates)
They say, “Good fences make good neighbors.” But the truth is good communication builds lasting neighbor relationships.Whether you’re replacing an old fence, putting up a new privacy fence, or just maintaining your property, following a few basic etiquette rules can help prevent misunderstandings and keep the neighborhood friendly. These easy practices are especially important in communities in New Castle County where homes are often close together and neighbors share property lines.  Start with a ConversationTalk to your neighbor before making changes to a fence.Even if the fence is all yours, it’s just plain polite to give your neighbor a heads-up. They may have animals, children, landscaping projects or outdoor activities that could be disturbed by the construction.A little talk toda...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6’ tall Lakeland Privacy Fence in Adobe by Acreage Fences in Omaha, Nebraska, blends rich, natural-inspired color with exceptional durability — creating a private, low-maintenance outdoor retreat that's as beautiful as it is built to last. ✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #LakelandFence #PrivacyFence #AdobeFence #VinylFence #OmahaNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Summer Style: 5 Outdoor Living Trends Transforming Today's Homes (And Not Just In Charlotte Alone!) Summer is the season when the backyard truly becomes another room of the home. Today's homeowners are looking beyond a simple patio or deck, creating outdoor spaces that combine comfort, beauty and functionality. Whether you're entertaining friends, spending time with family or simply enjoying a quiet evening outside, these outdoor living trends are making homes more enjoyable—and more appealing to buyers.Here are five trends redefining outdoor living in the Greater Charlotte area this summer and which will continue redefining outdoor living beyond the summer.1. Wellness-Focused SpacesWellness has become one of today's biggest home design priorities, and that extends outdoors. More homeow...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
You have plenty of local options when it comes to kitchen remodels and you might want to spend some time learning things to help lower the cost.  If cabinets are solid only problem is color paint them.  Of all the remodels and flips I have been involved in only twice did we replace all the cabinets.  When Michelle and I did our kitchen we needed a few cabinets and when we added the kegerator and cabinets on the lanai we went to Pat’s Sales in Leesburg.  Great prices and were about to reuse most of our kitchen cabinets and added a few.Countertops, we used Ultimate Granite on Rolling Acres Road and one homeowner flip Michelle went with the owner to their Ocala location as she wanted “Leathered Quartz.”  Turned out great, they have changed their name here is their website:  www.ColossalQua...
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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 Bennington, Nebraska delivers exceptional durability with a sleek black finish — creating a timeless, secure, and elegant addition that enhances the beauty of 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 #BenningtonNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
We had a major redesign last year of moving the washer and dryer from the garage of a courtyard villa to the other end of the villa, about 40’.  Closet had to be built, the concrete slab had to be cut, new plumbing installed and new electric service to the new location.  The owner wanted new flooring so that was the time to do it and with the addition of bifold barn doors it turned out great.  Some homes north of 466 have columns or pillars with half walls, they are not load bearing so by removing them you have a much more open flow to the home when you enter the front door.  I have seen the pillars between the 6’s as well, removing popcorn and new flooring this might be the time to remove the pillar if you want.Kitchens and bathrooms are next on the list and we have been involved in so...
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