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.

Trending blogs on Home Improvement
By Micheal John
(Micheal John)
An exciting part of purchasing a pool is choosing the colour. Fibreglass pools come in various colours and finishes. There is a pool colour to suit every taste and home, the tricky part is deciding which one to pick. To help you choose the right colour for your pool, we’ve put together this article to share everything you need to know about fibreglass pool colours. Choose a colour to tie in with your homeA well-designed pool not only looks fantastic on its own but also ties in with the existing colour palette of your backyard and home. It is a good idea to think of how you want the whole backyard area to look once its finished. This will give you ideas on colour choices that will suit the look you are trying to create. There are some simple ways to make your pool a stunning focal point ...
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By Micheal John
(Micheal John)
People purchase pools for all different reasons, so the “right type” of pool can vary from person to person. There are a few things that should be considered when deciding on the type of pool to choose,after all, it is a big decision and you want to be sure you are making the right one.We have put together some helpful tips to help you choose the right pool that you will not only love today, but for many years to come. Your budgetWhen making the decision to purchase a pool, how much it will cost is a big consideration. It’s a good idea to sit down and figure out your budget before going ahead with any plans. From here, you can determine which types of pools are in your budget and if you really like any of those styles.The cheapest inground pool on the market is a vinyl liner pool. Whils...
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By Micheal John
(Micheal John)
The end of the warmer summer months is fast approaching and that means your pool will more than likely not be used for the cooler months. Many people may assume to just throw a cover over your pool and it will be fine, unfortunately, that is not the case. It is really important to ensure your pool is properly kept throughout the entire year, including the winter.Let's take a look at a few important steps to ensure your pool is prepared for the cooler season.Thoroughly clean your pool- Make sure all dirt, leaves and debris are removed from your pool including the skimmer, basket, and the filters. It's important to make sure there is no debris left on the bottom of the pool as it can cause stains and be very hard to cleanCheck all the equipment- To ensure your pump is working correctly ma...
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    Quick now - do you know the name of the paint color you used in your living room?  And do you know what year it was you replaced the dishwasher?  OK, maybe a few of you are those highly organized folks who DO know and have a wonderfully color coordinated filing system of all your household receipts ready to access easily.  But....hopefully I'm not the only one that tends to ...um.....NOT be that organized. Lowes has come up with a clever tool with their MyLowes card for tracking purchases.  If you have ever hunted in vain in the garage for an old can of paint to see what color it was you painted in the living room (yes, we just did that), or rummaged through the file cabinet trying to remember how you would have filed that new dishwasher receipt - this new tool is for you! Each purc...
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Quality Service Backed by Industry Leading WarrantiesSometimes, when air conditioners break down, it doesn’t make sense to make repairs. Repairs can sometimes be more expensive than the cost of a new unit or the system may be so damaged that repairs are simply not possible. In such cases, it'd be time to seem into AC replacement. At Horizon Services, we've been providing homeowners throughout the world with outstanding air conditioning replacement services for nearly 30 years. Our expert technicians can help you understand your options, help you select the best AC system for your home, and quickly and effectively install your replacement system. We stand behind all of our work with extensive, industry-leading warranties, including up to 12 years on parts and labor.Signs it’s Time for an...
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Scientists have discovered that there are more than 300,000 varieties of mold. Mold typically likes to grow in cool and wet areas but can appear anywhere.If you have recently found mold or mildew, you will need to properly treat it. This will prevent illness and from it spreading. Continue reading to discover some of the best methods for getting rid of mold and mildew in your home!1. BleachOne of the most popular methods of getting rid of mold and mildew is with bleach. Many people recommend mixing about a gallon of water with a quarter cup of bleach concentrate. Bleach is a strong disinfectant that can get rid of green and black colors from the mold. Always be careful while cleaning with bleach, it can easily stain other items. Also, be sure not to mix it with ammonia or vinegar— these...
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By David Jackson, MBA, Financial lending analyst
(Olympus Labs)
The HVAC system can be the difference between a home that’s a delight to live in year round and one that’s monumentally uncomfortable in the height of summer and the depths of winter. Because the HVAC system is a bit mysterious for a lot of people, certain myths have grown up around it. Some of these myths even sound like they should be true, but they’re not. Here are six HVAC myths debunked: 1. Closing the registers in rooms that aren’t being used is energy efficient This is one of the myths that sounds true but isn’t. When the vents are simply closed, the pressure of the airflow in the ducts goes up, and the cool or hot air leaks out of the seams in the vents anyway. If a homeowner wants to be energy efficient, they can have a zoning system installed. This system really shuts off the ...
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 Creative writing is a process that demands patience and many ideas. Whether you feel that this task is not easy for you, you can visit many valuable sources such as libraries or writing blogs for help. Eventually, you will learn the essential tips and tricks to feel confident during the writing process.Mostly first-year students want to understand the art of essay writing instantly, although it is a difficult process. In our article, we collected the top eight recommendations to improve your creative writing skills.1) Select a prompt.If you didn’t select the right prompt, it would be much harder for you to start writing about an unknown subject. For example, if your prompt is the volunteering experience that impacts your system of values, you can describe your feelings concerning the e...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
No one wants to be in a home that they don’t wish to live in anymore. You may have found your dream property. You may have decided that you need a bigger space. You may be downsizing as you reach a more mature age. Whatever your reason for wanting to sell, it’s imperative that you have a quick sale.There are some great ways that you can make your home sells in the nick of time. What’s more, you don’t have to spend a great deal of money to do this. Ensure that you are reaching out to the right people and make your home a viable prospect for would-be buyers.The Price is RightMany people think that starting high and accepting offers is an excellent way to go. It’s not. One of the best ways to make your home sell quickly, and at a profit, is to set it at the right price. Did you know that y...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
What is that one thing you would look for in the staff that you would hire for your property management company? Do you think you are making the right hiring decisions? Here are a few things you need, if you want to hire the right candidates for the jobs:MotivationOf course this is not just limited to your maintenance staff. Even while hiring leasing staff and property managers, motivation is the first trait you need to look for. The rest can be developed on work; but this is a trait that you would need to nurture.Identifying the motivation level of a job seeker can be tougher during an interview. A better way to do this would be to find out from the previous employer of the candidate. However, if the job seeker refuses to provide any references, you may have to identify this by asking ...
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Summer is in full effect and with it comes the lion's share of 40 million+ people that choose to relocate to new locations. If you're among those that are headed off for greener pastures, good for you!Seeing more of the world and chasing down new opportunities is what life is all about.Unfortunately, seeing more of the world often requires complicated moves, many of which you'll likely need to hire movers to help you manage. That brings us to this post's big question, "How do I get the best deal on movers?"Getting a great deal on movers is imperative for people that are cash strapped and need to haul a bunch of stuff over long distances. Below, we share our top tips on how you can slash your moving budget!1. Move During the Off-SeasonSupply and demand apply to all business pricing and m...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Though often overlooked, a home's siding is amongst the structure's most prominent exterior features. The material created not only enhances the dwelling's aesthetic quality but protects it from potentially damaging elements like wind, adverse weather, dirt, dust, pests and other creatures. Homeowners have numerous choices when choosing the best type for their homes. Four of the most commonly installed materials include: Wood Real estate insiders and construction industry professionals opine that wood is amongst the most attractive options. Said experts maintain this is the case because of the pure, shiny, and natural appearance wood provides. Additionally, the material comes in numerous textures, styles and finishes and is considered easy to repair.   Though expense varies depending up...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Many homes and buildings have exterior features known as decks or terraces. These components enable property owners to spend time outdoors and hold events designed to entertain friends, family and co-workers.  Deck Railings As enjoyable as decks can be, said children or pets routinely frequent structures constructed at elevated heights. With such facts in mind, these features must have deck railings. The construction of such components is out of various materials, such as glass, wood, aluminum and vinyl. Though the primary objective of said features is to provide an enclosure for the area in question, you should not overlook the aesthetic appeal.  Decorative Suggestions Construction and decorative industry professionals opine that home or building owners can significantly enhance the ap...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Among the renovations you perform in your home, kitchen and bathroom, upgrades and remodels provide the most bang for your bucks. These are the most used areas of your home and bring the highest return on investment when you decide to sell. That is, when the work is well done and on trend. If you want to renovate parts of your home in 2020, consider the three most popular choices below. What's New for Renovations in 2020 Key trends for home renovations in 2020 include minimalism, pops of colour and patterns, and the addition of the latest technologies. Focusing on these recommendations can keep your home looking fresh and stylish. At the same time, you enjoy increased functionality through the Internet of Things and innovative space-saving designs.   Scour the web to find your design in...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
You may think that a home theatre installation is a luxury. In terms of home renovations, most people spend their time thinking about kitchens, bathrooms or living rooms. While these areas are undoubtedly crucial to the overall value of your home, you should not forget other areas of interest. A home theatre can add unexpected value to your home. You probably have not fully considered all the benefits. When you do, you will see that such an installation is more than a luxury. It might be precisely the home renovation you need today.  1. Save Money on Movie Tickets The movies are expensive. Ticket prices have gone up drastically over the years, which means that you will be shelling out serious money every time you go to the big screen. If you are an avid movie fan, this is something to c...
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If you just bought a house for the first time, it's going to be very important for you to take good care of every aspect of it. But it'll be especially important for you to perform the proper roof maintenance.Installing a new roof on a home can cost anywhere from $11,000 to $17,000 on average. So you should do whatever it takes to extend the life of your roof and avoid having to replace it anytime soon.Check out some roof maintenance tips that will make maintaining a roof a breeze for you below.Begin by Inspecting Your Roof From Time to TimeEvery so often, new homeowners should get into the habit of taking a step back from their houses and looking up at their roofs. You can tell a lot about a roof simply by inspecting it from ground level.See if there are any shingles missing from your ...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
The year 2020 has been unlike any other in our collective histories. Many world governments have required individuals to stay home in order to keep their communities healthy. This has lead companies to the sudden revelation that they can save money and increase employee satisfaction by converting in-office staff to telecommuters. Even students from preschool to university are doing a great deal of learning from home.   The increased amount of time you are suddenly spending in your house has undoubtedly created needs you have never had before. You may find yourself seeking a complete home renovation to enjoy and maximize your space.  More practical space at home in 2020 Your entire family may be at home all day. You can find that space once thought sufficient is much too small for your ...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Building exteriors do not last forever. Sometimes they simply have to be replaced. Most homeowners prepare for this expense. They can see when the home exterior begins to show those first signs of ageing, such as small cracks or slight buckling. The age of the home may play a role in when you decide to replace the existing products. As long as you don't have an emergency that necessitates immediate action, you can save money by planning to re-side your home in the autumn months. Why autumn is the best time for home improvement projectsIn most cases, you will enjoy the best prices on home renovations in the fall. Autumn is when prices start to get lower because that is when sellers and manufacturers need to make room for new products. This statement is not true with all types of home re...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Building an addition to your home is a big step. The time, expense, and labour included make this a project to consider seriously. Make sure you consider every possible scenario before you embark on this project. Start with these four tips that are sure to help you achieve exactly what you want from your home renovation. Make legal matters a priority It might come as a surprise that you do not necessarily have the automatic legal right to add to your home. Many communities, townships and homeowners associations require permission for home additions. You will need to ensure that your property lines are accurate as well. You can generally find this information on your original deed. It may be worth the time and minimal investment to have your property resurveyed before any building takes...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Windows are amongst the home's most essential features. When these components experience any damage or deterioration, they often require immediate remediation of replacement. That said, window and window replacement professionals opine that certain seasons might be more favourable than others to perform these needed tasks.  Optimal Replacement Times Numerous industry insiders maintain that late spring and summer are the most optimal periods in which to engage in window replacement for several reasons, including:  Less Energy Expenditure When homeowners or professional windows and window replacement removes old windows, the residence will be exposed to open air. During colder periods, this might reduce the home's indoor temperature and necessitate increased heating system usage. Said act...
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