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 Duane West
(3R's Construction & Remodeling)
Garage doors are more than simply a practical component of your garage; they are also important for the aesthetics of your home. Finding the ideal garage door for your Salem home is critical, whether you want to improve the curb appeal of your house or your sense of safety and security.Continue reading as we dive into the world of garage doors, from metal and fiberglass material alternatives to the benefits of insulation and stylistic options. We'll also go over customization options, such as garage door windows and openers, to help you pick the best garage door for your property.Material Matters: Metal vs. Fiberglass Garage DoorsMetal Garage Doors:Metal garage doors, which are often made of steel or aluminum, are noted for their strength and durability. They provide superior garage sec...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
 Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece Realty.Call me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953Selling Real Estate On Treasure Coast Since 2000.
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Starting your landscaping from scratch can be a rewarding project, and this blog offers guidance on the best way to begin. As a realtor, I've seen how well-designed landscapes can greatly enhance a property's curb appeal. This blog provides valuable insights to help homeowners embark on their landscaping journey with confidence. Whether you're selling or simply looking to improve your outdoor space, these tips are a great starting point. A must-read for anyone eager to transform their property.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Encountering challenges in initiating a landscaping project without prior experience? Presented herein are meticulously structured step directives designed to start your landscaping endeavor optimally, catering to novices and beginners alike. W...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Neutral home decor has a timeless appeal, and this blog explores its enduring allure in interior design. This blog offers valuable insights into the benefits of a neutral color palette and how it can stand the test of time. Great inspiration for homeowners looking to design tomorrow with a classic touch!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Is the trend of staging homes in neutral and monochrome colors here to stay? Watch to find out. The world of interior design is ever-evolving, with trends coming and going like the seasons. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is the use of neutral and monochrome colors when staging homes. It's a trend that exudes sophistication and has been a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. But, is it a trend ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Preparing for a cozy winter in your mountain home is essential, and this blog offers valuable tips to make your property ready for the cold season. This blog provides practical guidance to help homeowners ensure their comfort and safety during the winter months. A must-read for those looking to enjoy a snug and worry-free winter in their mountain retreat!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   The arrival of winter in the mountains is a magical time when snow-capped landscapes and cozy fireside evenings take center stage. However, to fully enjoy the beauty and comfort of the season, it's essential to prepare your mountain home for the colder months. Winterizing your home not only keeps you warm but also helps conserve energy and protect your property. Here's how to get y...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Encountering challenges in initiating a landscaping project without prior experience? Presented herein are meticulously structured step directives designed to start your landscaping endeavor optimally, catering to novices and beginners alike. Within this discourse, a comprehensive walk-through delineates sequential phases on starting a landscape. Gather garden and landscaping inspiration photos If you're uncertain about how to begin, your initial step should involve visiting a website where you can begin the process of assembling photos of landscapes that resonate with your preferences. Websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com serve as excellent choices for this purpose. Determine your garden style As you begin the process of selecting photos that resonate with your taste, you'll gr...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Maximizing storage in every room is a smart approach to keeping your home organized. This blog offers insights and tips on how to achieve just that. As a realtor, I know that well-organized spaces can positively influence buyer impressions. These ideas can help homeowners make the most of their living spaces, reducing clutter and enhancing functionality. A must-read for anyone looking to optimize their storage solutions!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Each room has specific storage needs. Whether built-in or removable, homeowners benefit from having storage available in every room. Three Takeaways: Every room needs some form of storage. Suggest portable options for homeowners who may move in a few years. Just as important as the usefulness of the system is being ab...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Exploring gardening on your patio is a wonderful way to bring the beauty of nature closer to home. This blog offers inspiration and guidance for creating a mini-garden oasis. As a realtor, I've seen how well-maintained outdoor spaces can enhance property appeal. These patio gardening ideas can help homeowners make the most of their outdoor areas, even in limited spaces. A great read for anyone looking to cultivate their green thumb.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Gardening is not limited to vast open spaces. You can create a beautiful and thriving garden right on your patio! Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious terrace, patio gardening allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature in the comfort of your own outdoor space. Let's dive into the world of patio gar...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Painting your home in Big Bear is not just about aesthetics, but it's also about adding value. This blog highlights the significance of this home improvement project. As a realtor, I've seen how well-executed paint jobs can enhance a property's overall appeal and marketability. Whether you're planning to sell or simply refresh your living space, painting is a powerful tool. Great insights into the benefits of adding beauty and value to your Big Bear homeHave a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   Nestled in the stunning beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers a picturesque backdrop for homeowners seeking a cozy mountain retreat. Yet, even in this idyllic setting, the wear and tear of time can take a toll on the appearance and integrity of your home. One ...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
Is the trend of staging homes in neutral and monochrome colors here to stay? Watch to find out.The world of interior design is ever-evolving, with trends coming and going like the seasons. One trend that has gained significant traction in recent years is the use of neutral and monochrome colors when staging homes. It's a trend that exudes sophistication and has been a favorite among homeowners and designers alike. But, is it a trend that's here to stay? Neutral and monochrome colors have taken the interior design world by storm for several reasons. They create a sense of tranquility and timelessness in a space, allowing individuals to escape from the chaos of the outside world and unwind in a serene, minimalist environment. These colors, often inspired by nature, offer a harmonious and ...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Gardening is not limited to vast open spaces. You can create a beautiful and thriving garden right on your patio! Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious terrace, patio gardening allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature in the comfort of your own outdoor space. Let's dive into the world of patio gardening and explore the possibilities it holds. Embracing the Patio Gardening Lifestyle Patio gardening offers numerous benefits, from enhancing the aesthetics of your outdoor space to providing a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation. By embracing the patio gardening lifestyle, you can unleash your creativity and cultivate a unique green oasis that reflects your personal style. Choosing the Right Plants for Your Patio Before starting your patio garden, it's important to choose plants that ...
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By Dick Betts, REALTOR® The Villages, Florida
(TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE)
The past two days I had the pleasure of spending time with a great couple from “up north”.  I had never met them and only had maybe 2 or 3 phones call with them before meeting them.  After touring 5 or 6 homes, having lunch and sitting at a rec center to discuss more on what they want I think we might have found the perfect home for them.  I knew this could be the one when they started deciding where furniture was to be placed, then the discussion about who would have an office where, they both wanted their own area.  Time for me to float an idea.I explained I have a wall bed in my 2nd bedroom which mainly serves as my office.  Works out perfect for us as the only time we pull the bed down is when we have overnight guest which isn’t that often.  It takes me about 15 minutes to convert m...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Whether you like to admire the garden from your living room window, host regular backyard barbecues or line up a youth soccer practice out front on the weekends, your home’s exterior appearance is important. Planning the right landscaping – purely for aesthetics or utility – is imperative to help you achieve the right look and level of maintenance that works for you. Homeowners’ use of the front or backyard can vary widely – and include everything from a patio spa or herb garden to a complete outdoor chef’s kitchen for entertaining. Despite the many options you have for making the most of your outdoor space, there are still a few cardinal rules for ensuring your landscaping is a success. Here are 11 key rules that will help guide you to a flourishing, comfortable yard that suits your n...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
Each room has specific storage needs. Whether built-in or removable, homeowners benefit from having storage available in every room. Three Takeaways: Every room needs some form of storage. Suggest portable options for homeowners who may move in a few years. Just as important as the usefulness of the system is being able to maintain it. Continue To Read And Share Looking to buy Click Here to see our inventory as as the latest homes to come on the market, or do your search as often as you like.    Mortgage 101, it all starts here, we do the research for you whether a VA, FHA, Conventional, or non-traditional. We can help take the challenges out of the equation.  How to get a Mortgage and FREE Credit Report      Looking to Sell your home Click Here for a Free Appraisal and a Guide On Sell...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
4 Trending Kitchen Backsplash Ideas A classic style remains popular. Subway tiles can be stacked horizontally or installed in herringbone patterns. They come in a variety of colors and materials. More homeowners are opting for more colorful subway tiles to add visual intrigue to an all-white kitchen. Continue To Read And Share      Looking to buy Click Here to see our inventory as as the latest homes to come on the market, or do your search as often as you like.    Mortgage 101, it all starts here, we do the research for you whether a VA, FHA, Conventional, or non-traditional. We can help take the challenges out of the equation.  How to get a Mortgage and FREE Credit Report      Looking to Sell your home Click Here for a Free Appraisal and a Guide On Selling Your Home in the current ma...
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By Charles Stallions, 850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.
(Charles Stallions Real Estate Services )
What is a wet-dry kitchen? Designers reveal the benefits of this divided layout Constantly running out of space when cooking? A wet-dry kitchen may be for you, experts say If you have heard the term wet-dry kitchen and been left puzzled, you are not alone. After all, aren't all kitchens made for wet and dry activities like cooking and washing up? Continue To Read And Please Share    Looking to buy Click Here to see our inventory as as the latest homes to come on the market, or do your search as often as you like.    Mortgage 101, it all starts here, we do the research for you whether a VA, FHA, Conventional, or non-traditional. We can help take the challenges out of the equation.  How to get a Mortgage and FREE Credit Report      Looking to Sell your home Click Here for a Free Appraisa...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(RE/MAX, Big Bear)
 The arrival of winter in the mountains is a magical time when snow-capped landscapes and cozy fireside evenings take center stage. However, to fully enjoy the beauty and comfort of the season, it's essential to prepare your mountain home for the colder months. Winterizing your home not only keeps you warm but also helps conserve energy and protect your property. Here's how to get your mountain home ready for winter:1. Inspect Your Heating System:Before the chill sets in, have your heating system professionally inspected. This includes your furnace, fireplace, wood-burning stove, and any space heaters. Ensure that they are working efficiently and safely. Clean or replace filters in your heating system as needed, and stock up on furnace filters to replace throughout the winter.2. Seal Dr...
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By Dennis Neal, Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free
(RE/MAX, Big Bear)
 Nestled in the stunning beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear Lake offers a picturesque backdrop for homeowners seeking a cozy mountain retreat. Yet, even in this idyllic setting, the wear and tear of time can take a toll on the appearance and integrity of your home. One simple and effective way to revive and maintain your home's charm is by painting it. Let's explore the importance of painting your Big Bear home and the many benefits it can bring.1. Enhancing Curb Appeal:The first impression your home makes is often a lasting one. A fresh coat of paint can transform your home's exterior, instantly boosting its curb appeal. Whether you're looking to welcome guests, attract potential buyers, or simply enjoy the view every day, a well-maintained exterior is essential.2. Protec...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Brightening your home with smart lighting is a fantastic way to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. This blog offers a quick guide to help you make the most of this modern technology. These tips can help homeowners create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living environment. A must-read for anyone looking to upgrade their lighting!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP   Smart lighting has revolutionized our homes, making them more efficient, secure, and inviting. It's not just a convenient tech upgrade; it's a game-changer for homeowners and real estate professionals alike. Explore the World of Smart Lighting Smart bulbs, like those from Philips Hue, Lifx, and Sengled, are individual lights that you can control with your smartphone. They range from dimmable ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
These unconventional ideas can help homeowners transform their interiors into distinctive and eye-catching spaces. Great inspiration for those looking to refresh their home decor!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP In today's ever-evolving world of interior design, it's all about embracing the unconventional. If you're looking to add a touch of uniqueness and personality to your living space, we've got you covered. Explore these trending unconventional interior design ideas that will transform your home into a captivating haven.   Bold Color Schemes: Making a Statement   Ditch the neutral palettes and embrace bold and vibrant colors to make a striking statement. Consider painting an accent wall in a vibrant shade like deep blue or rich emerald green. Pair it with compl...
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