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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
On May 17, 2026, Anna Baluch published very good helpful interesting report on Realtor.com about list of budget ways to cool a home this Summer.1. Turn everyday household items into an AC unit,2. Alternative DIY solutions to consider,3. Avoid heat-producing appliances during the day,4. DIY fixes vs. standard window units,Perhaps there might be other helpful list of budget ways to cool a home this Summer.For complete more detailed information about Anna Baluch’s report for list of budget ways to cool a home this Summer, please click HERE
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This Cedar Wood Fence by Acreage Fences in Valley, Nebraska brings timeless charm and natural warmth to your outdoor space — combining rustic elegance with dependable durability for a fence that's as beautiful as it is functional. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CedarWoodFence #ValleyNebraska #WoodFence #NaturalBeauty #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancement #CurbAppealhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I was looking for unique DIY projects for your home and AI helped me find this.  Motion sensor illumination is a popular accent and safety lighting technique by installing LED strip lights. It provides a soft, ambient glow that illuminates areas and adds a high-end, modern finish to the space.  Off to Amazon:Upgrade Motion Sensor Light: In dark or poorly lit environments, setting the indoor motion sensor light to Motion Sensor Mode can improve convenience. The cabinet lights detects human movement in real time at 120° and within 10 feet, it will automatically turn on, stay on if it has been in motion, and turn off if there has been no movement for about 20 seconds.  I like it charges with a USB-C charger like so many newer devices, on sensor mode can last 7 to 20 days and can fully char...
Comments 4
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 Elkhorn, NE delivers exceptional durability with a sleek, timeless design — creating a bold statement that enhances security, 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 #ElkhornNebraska #LuxuryExteriors #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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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, NE combines timeless beauty with exceptional durability — creating a sophisticated boundary that enhances security while showcasing your property's charm. 🏡✨🛠 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 Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I love remodels and flips; I have worked with flippers before to completely change a home and a few buyers who had a dream.  Find a home with good bones at the right price and with a vision create your own space.  This brings me to pass through kitchen windows to the lanai.  Not room to hand stuff out rather a countertop with maybe four bar stools in the lanai.  Most of the floor plans in The Villages, Florida do not have that option due to the design of the kitchen but what if?When Michelle and I were redoing our home we wanted a different configuration kitchen, no problem go to Home Depot and rent a 20-pound demolition hammer and cut the floor for plumbing the way you want it.  Look at the picture imagine the entertaining options you would have with a pass through window and a counter...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
Follow the link to check out more recipes: https://www.annasellsrealestate.com/fine/real/estate/recipes/custom/RECIPES--From-My-Family-To-Yours Anna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.com1775 SW Gatlin Blvd Ste 101, PSL, FL, 34953
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
I was reading an article the other day and was surprised that July leads the way for insurance claims for water damage, mostly from inside the home. My neighbor had a water leak and called somebody after he got a huge water bill, the friend unlocked the front door and water came out, not a good thing! Turns out a broken water pipe in the home cause major damage including drywall and of course floors. Heat can cause pipes to expand causing leaks and even pipes bursting, think about Florida heat in the garage or on outside walls so it can happen.The other cause of summer water damage is the HVAC condensation drains being clogged. I know this one well as I have a mercury switch that shuts the AC down when the water in the drainpipe hits a certain level. Go outside hook the wet and dry vac ...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Washington privacy fence by Acreage Fences in Omaha, NE delivers full backyard seclusion with a modern, dependable look. A perfect upgrade for privacy, security, and style—all in one.🛠 Protected by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in 12 Days or Less❤️ Proud Supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #WashingtonPrivacyFence #OmahaNE #NebraskaHomes #BackyardPrivacy #FenceDesign #VinylFence #CurbAppeal #OutdoorLiving #WoundedWarriorProjecthttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
Shopping for home decor and interior accessories online has become one of the most creative and rewarding retail experiences available. The combination of access to a global market of designers and producers, detailed product photography, room visualisation tools, and the ability to discover independent makers through platforms like Etsy makes online home decor shopping far richer than the limited range of any physical interiors retailer. The key is understanding how to translate what you see on screen into a confident assessment of what will actually look and feel right in your home.At harvestpolymers.com you will find home decor guides, interior accessory reviews, and practical buying advice covering furniture accessories, lighting, textiles, wall art, storage, and all the decorative ...
Comments 3
By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
I am going to jump right to Real Estate on this one.No matter what problem(s) your home has there is most likely several solutions to fix it. Rarely, a bulldozer is the proper solution.BTW this picture was lifted from an article stating: They bulldozed the wrong house.During my career as a Real Estate Broker I've known less than six listing that a bulldozer was the proper solution. Even though a quarter of the homes in Minot were submerged in a flood most of them (like mine) were salvaged by stripping them down to the bones and rebuilding them. The one thing, in my book, that would call for a bulldozer is foundation problems. Even that (foundation problems) does not call for an automatic death sentence to a home. My first home had a block concrete foundation with a couple of minor issue...
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By Vince Divarco, DUCTZ Air Duct Cleaning of Tucson & Green Valley
(DUCTZ of Greater Tucson and Oro Valley)
Scammers in the contracting industry is sadly a common occurrence.  It has come to our attention there are scammers in our area posing as your local DUCTZ. These scams typically begin with a direct phone call offering a whole house air duct cleaning for very cheap ($199 or even cheaper) or through Facebook groups or marketplace. Please do not fall subject to one of these scams! An air duct cleaning scam can do potential damage to your system, rob you of thousands of dollars and sometimes even turn into dangerous situations. Before you let any contractor into your home, please do your homework. This includes: Asking for referrals Asking for the website – then call the number listed to ensure you are dealing with the correct company Asking for an estimate beforehandAsking what the job wil...
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By Jacob Maslow, Your Brooklyn Connection
(Torsx)
If you've spent any time tidying up a backyard in Australia, you know how quickly a fallen branch or overgrown tree can turn a weekend into a mission. A battery chainsaw makes that job significantly easier, and for most homeowners, it's now the smarter choice over petrol. No fuel mixing, no pull-start frustration, and no exhaust fumes drifting into your face. But with so many models on the market, figuring out which one actually suits your block, your budget, and your tasks takes a bit of sorting through. This guide does exactly that.Why Battery Chainsaws Make Sense for Australian Home and Garden UseAustralia's suburban and semi-rural properties present a pretty specific set of demands. You might have a large eucalyptus dropping limbs after a storm, a row of overgrown hedges along the f...
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By Alberto Pacheco, Experience and Trust
(Home Smart Evergreen Realty)
🏠 Maximizing Your Nort Hollywood Property Value Before Selling 📈 Smart Upgrades That Put Money Back in Your Pocket Are you looking to sell your home or maximize its equity? Not all home improvements are created equal. In the competitive North Hollywood real estate market, smart homeowners focus purely on Return on Investment (ROI). Spending money on the wrong upgrades can leave you in the red, but investing in high-yield renovations ensures you attract premium buyers and command top dollar. Here are the top 5 home renovations that consistently deliver the highest ROI: 🌳 1. Elevate Your Curb Appeal for an Instant Value Boost 🏡 First Impressions Drive Premium Offers The moment a buyer pulls up to your property, their valuation of your home begins. Curb appeal sets the emotional tone for t...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Michelle and I were going through our phones looking for a picture of a friend and she sent me one from about 2014.  It was Kevin my neighbor and I dropping the birdcage on the back of our house.  Yes we had a birdcage with a dirt/grass floor.  I was told shortly after our home was built they changed the rule must be concrete.  I always enjoyed demo day when we bought the house, five walls, flooring, popcorn, gutting bathrooms, kitchen and knocking down the birdcage.Of course, after demo comes putting things back together which is time consuming and can be expensive.  Both was the case with the lanai addition as we added 1,060 square feet under roof, had to raise the peak of the hip roof 9’ to make it look like it was always a part of the home.  The lanai was my dream when we first saw ...
Comments 5
By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6' tall Centurion Black Ornamental Steel by Acreage Fences in Elkhorn, Nebraska brings a sleek, upscale look with the durability homeowners trust. A perfect blend of security and style for any property. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in 12 Days or Less❤️ Proud Supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #CenturionFence #OrnamentalSteel #ElkhornNebraska #NebraskaHomes #CurbAppeal #FenceDesign #PremiumCraftsmanship #OutdoorLiving #WoundedWarriorProjecthttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
🎉 Congratulations on your move!Whether you’ve just relocated from across town or across the country, moving into a new home in Montgomery is exciting—but it’s also a big adjustment. Turning your house into a home takes time, but with a few thoughtful steps, you’ll feel settled in no time.🚶‍♂️ Get Out and Explore Your NeighborhoodMontgomery is full of charm, from the historic streets downtown to the peaceful neighborhoods along the Riverfront. Don’t let unpacking or a new job keep you indoors—explore your community! Take a stroll along the Riverwalk, visit the local farmers’ markets, or grab a coffee at a neighborhood café. Getting involved with local groups—like your school’s PTA, a church, or a book club—will help you meet new friends and feel at home faster.🌱 Connect with Living Thing...
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By The Trumm Team Omaha Homes for Sale, Real Estate
(Keller Williams Greater Omaha)
This 6’ tall Washington Privacy Fence in Slate Gray by Acreage Fences in Papillion, Nebraska delivers sleek, modern design with dependable privacy — creating a polished, stylish outdoor space built to last. 🏡✨🛠 Backed by our 3-Year Craftsmanship Warranty⏱ Installed in just 12 Days or Less❤️ Proudly Supporting the Wounded Warrior Project#AcreageFences #WashingtonFence #SlateGrayVinyl #PrivacyFence #PapillionNebraska #OutdoorElegance #NebraskaHomes #PremiumCraftsmanship #FenceGoals #WoundedWarriorProject #HomeEnhancementhttps://www.acreagefences.com/
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By Ron Saporito, Palm Desert, CA Real Estate & Mortgage Broker Since 2003, Call (760)574-8486. www.JustListedinPalmDesert.com
(Ronald Christopher & Associates. Proudly serving Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, Palm Springs.)
From Floors to Walls: How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Dream Bathroom 30 seconds summary Choosing bathroom tile is really about balancing style, safety, and practicality. For floors, prioritize durable, water-resistant, slip-resistant tiles like porcelain; for walls, you have more freedom to use lighter, more decorative options. Size, finish, color, and grout all affect how spacious, bright, and easy to maintain the bathroom feels, so it helps to sample combinations before committing. The main takeaway: pick tiles that not only match your dream look but also suit how the bathroom will actually be used every day. Why Tile Choice MattersBathroom tiles do more than decorate a space. They protect surfaces from water, steam, splashes, soap residue, and daily wear. Because bathrooms are ...
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By Teri Isner, GRI, CRS, CIPS
(Keller Williams Realty at the Lakes)
You love your outdoor space, but when the Orlando sun hits its afternoon stride, even a quick coffee outside can feel like a sauna session. Closing in your patio may not be in the budget, but you don’t need to break the bank to create a cool, shaded retreat. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy your backyard year-round. Sail Shades For under $100, you can grab a sail shade—essentially a piece of weather-resistant fabric cut into a triangle or rectangle and grommeted for easy hanging. Most come with ropes to attach to your roof, a pole, or even a tree. Instant shade, minimal fuss, and durable enough to withstand Orlando’s summer storms. Cabana Vibes Turn your patio into a breezy cabana! Use a simple wooden frame or PVC piping to craft your personal hideaway. Add light curtains or outdoo...
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