Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house. Consider these ideas – some big, some small – for bringing new life to your home’s look.7 Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal![]() (Family Features) Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house. Consider these ideas – some big, some small – for bringing new life to your home’s look from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Swap Out Your Front Door Create Seating Areas Plant Shrubbery Rethink the Mailbox Add Stonework Paint (or Repaint) the Exterior Update Lighting To find more ideas to increase curb appeal, or to find a certified remodeler near you, visit RemodelingDoneRight.com. National Association of the Remodeling Industry
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Whether it’s extra guest rooms, a personal gym, a home theater, or a man cave, there are all kinds of ways you can transform that musty old basement of yours. Ready to get started? Here are some tips to get it done.
Is your basement drab and dirty? If that is the case, perhaps one of the best things you can do is remodel it. If you entertain often, remodeling your basement can be a great way to add some extra guest rooms to your home. Additionally, a basement remodel will also help add value to your house because of the extra usable space. Not to mention the fact that a fully finished basement will help bring out your creativity.
Whether it’s extra guest rooms, a personal gym, a home theater, or a man cave, there are all kinds of ways you can transform that musty old space. Ready to get started? Here are some ways to do it. Pay Attention to the Lighting Your first step is to replace the lighting. Indeed, one of the things that can make your basement appear old and decrepit is if there is a standard singular lightbulb just hanging down on an electrical line. Talk about an uninviting place! Instead of that, you should have myriad lighting options available throughout your basement space. Solid basement lighting examples include lights on the ceiling, lights at the floor level, recessed lighting, bulbs from lamps, and fairy lights. If possible, you also should consider installing new windows and take advantage of natural light too. Desert Empire Mirror & Glass explains that strategically placing mirrors to reflect natural light from windows can make your basement appear brighter, larger, and more open. Adding extra light also helps protect against basement bugs. Cockroaches and other pests are attracted to dark, damp spaces, so they are often found in basements. Additional light will make your basement feel bigger, brighter, and free of cockroaches. Consider the Flooring Naturally, many basement floors consist of solid gray cement. While this makes a good structural foundation for your home, it is definitely an uncomfortable eyesore. Laminate flooring, ceramic tile, vinyl tile, cork, linoleum, and carpet are all good choices. Footprints Floors suggests that engineered wood floors, floors made of layers of wood, expand and contract less than other wood floors, which makes them ideal for basement flooring. Either way, it all depends on the comfort levels of your home. Give Your Basement Space Some Paint Another way to prevent your basement from looking cold and drab is to incorporate the right paint on the walls. Shades of white, gray, and blue can go a long way toward making this a bright space. These colors can also help you to accentuate a focal point, which is the main centerpiece of your basement. For some, it is a big screen TV, while for others, it is a notable work of art. When it comes to decorating your basement, the best thing you can do is utilize your creativity. If you do not want your basement to be just a drab, boring space that is only used for storage, all it takes is a little bit of planning and determination. Not only that, but remodeling your home can increase its value! KEYWORDS
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When it comes to home value, making a few small changes can have a big impact. While not everyone has the time to completely redo bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens, sprucing up your living space with a few quick and inexpensive do-it-yourself projects can help potential buyers see your home in a more flattering light. Check out these ideas for some minor improvements that will deliver major results. Frame Your Bathroom Mirror Adding a frame to your bathroom mirror instantly makes the room feel larger and more luxurious, and it can add a stylish new focal point to your bathroom. To frame the bathroom mirror, determine the correct size and cut accordingly. Then, miter the corners, join the pieces, and glue them together. Finally, you'll be ready to mount the frame. Framing your mirror also helps you give a more polished, updated appearance to the entire bathroom. Change Your Cabinets Kitchen are always carefully scrutinized by future buyers, and changing your cabinets can quickly refresh the room without costing a fortune. When switching cabinets, you might opt to reface your existing cabinets by adding new cabinet doors, paint, and knobs. This will modernize your kitchen without the additional cost of replacing the cabinets. If you want to add some more features to your kitchen while you're at it, spice racks and pull out drawers are great choice. To get ideas for stylish choices, visit home remodeling websites. Swap Your Light Fixtures Old light fixtures can make a home feel instantly dated. To freshen things up, consider swapping out a dated fixture for a newer one. For example, you might want to start with replacing the lights over your kitchen and dining room tables first, and it's also important to modernize the lighting in your bathroom. When replacing lights, you can add one at a time in order to cut cost. Some options to consider include chandeliers, wall sconces, and pendant lights. Always make sure to follow proper safety instructions when swapping out any light. Change Your Faucet As with light fixtures, having dated faucets in the kitchen and bathroom can make your home less desirable for potential buyers. Updating faucets helps you stay on trend without having to spend money replacing your sinks. If you can, you might even consider getting a high-tech faucet that turns on and off with one touch. Always choose high-quality finishes to make your faucets look more expensive. Little details can really add up in terms of improving your home's value. For more ideas, consider consulting an interior designer or watching a home renovation channel. You also can’t forget about curb appeal! Make sure to stay up to date on your home trends by following The Idea Publishing! KEYWORDS
Painting is one of the easiest and most impactful DIY projects for homeowners to quickly update their homes. Whether it’s a new look in a master bathroom, adding a pop of color to the guest room, finishing off a basement remodel or anything in-between, a fresh coat of paint provides a fresh spin that’s all your own. To make your painting project go smoothly, consider following these important steps before diving in to your DIY painting project.
4 Steps for DIY Paint Project Success![]() (Family Features) Painting is one of the easiest and most impactful DIY projects for homeowners to quickly update their homes. Whether it’s a new look in a master bathroom, adding a pop of color to the guest room, finishing off a basement remodel or anything in-between, a fresh coat of paint provides a fresh spin that’s all your own. To make your painting project go smoothly, consider following these important steps. Take this task list from the experts at Purdy Professional Painting Tools into account before diving in to your DIY painting project. Find inspiration. Having a final design in mind before starting your project can help you plan. From the obvious wall color to more intricate details like painting trim, doors, the ceiling and more, starting your project with a plan can help you avoid multiple trips to the store. Remember, the details are important: incorporating the correct types and sheens of paint, using complementary colors, buying the proper amount of paint and more. Collect the right tools. Part of the planning process includes ensuring you have the proper tools for the project. A paint brush, roller cover, roller frame, paint tray and extension pole are the basic essentials for your project’s success. From step ladders and putty knives to wood filler and drop cloths, it’s crucial to have everything you need. However, keep in mind that not all tools are created equal. For example, when you use a high-quality paint brush, you’re more likely to paint straight lines when cutting in to corners and walls. You may also notice a much smoother finish, one without unsightly brush strokes, which means a more visually appealing result with less effort, too. One option is Purdy Brushes, which are specially designed and hand-crafted to ensure you get professional-quality results every time. Prepare the area. Proper planning for your project depends on which room in the house you’re painting. The main rules of thumb include removing everything from your walls – including curtains, decor and switch plates – using drop cloths to cover floors; removing or lowering light fixtures from the ceiling; and emptying the room of tables, lamps, furniture and other movable objects. If this isn’t possible, push all the pieces to the center of the room and cover with drop cloths. Don’t forget to prepare the surface you are going to paint. Patch and sand any holes or imperfections. Then wipe down surfaces you plan to paint with warm water, which helps remove dirt and dust that can sometimes prevent paint from adhering. If possible, open windows for better ventilation once you’re ready to start. Clean up. When the painting process is finished and you’re appreciating the hard work, don’t forget the job isn’t done until you’ve properly cleaned up. Paint brushes and roller covers should be washed promptly after use to ensure they can be used again. Use warm water and mild detergent to clean then let air dry. If you end up with leftover paint, it can be helpful to save some for future touch-ups. One helpful tip is to write on the can what room or walls you painted, the date and color name. This information can be beneficial should you need to purchase more paint at a later date. Find a tool selector to help you find the best brushes, roller covers and painting accessories for your project at purdy.com. SOURCE:Purdy
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Apprehension and inexperience keep many homeowners from pursuing renovation projects that would make their homes more functional, enjoyable and comfortable. Getting your hands dirty on the front end – with some planning and preparation – is the best blueprint for a successful home remodeling project. To help you start your remodel on the right track, consider these tips.A Handy Guide to Starting a Home Remodel![]() (Family Features) Apprehension and inexperience keep many homeowners from pursuing renovation projects that would make their homes more functional, enjoyable and comfortable. Getting your hands dirty on the front end – with some planning and preparation – is the best blueprint for a successful home remodeling project. To help you start your remodel on the right track, consider these tips from Gary White with JCPenney Home Services. Start with a planAlthough it may sound obvious, the first step really is to decide what you hope to accomplish with your renovation. At the least, begin to outline rough ideas to discuss with an expert. Reaching out to contractors before you’ve determined a basic idea for your project can waste time and money. Spend time listing the features you must have, as well as some nice-to-haves if budget allows. Also think about overall functionality, design and layout. If you get overwhelmed or need ideas, don’t hesitate to turn to online showrooms or magazines for inspiration. Set a budgetIf the sky is the limit, skip ahead, but if you’re like most homeowners, money matters. Have a clear idea of what you can afford to invest in your renovation before you get started, and if necessary, research the financing options available to you. Look for financing that provides deferred interest or low monthly payments to help manage the project cost. Setting a clear budget can help keep your contractors accountable, and it goes a long way toward ensuring you can enjoy your finished project without regret. Draw up the plansTo help set your plan in motion, there are numerous online tools you can utilize to simplify each step of the process including design, budgeting and more. If you’re planning a home remodel, a comprehensive resource like JCPenney Home Services offers a one-stop-shop for bathroom remodeling, countertops, custom window treatments, flooring, heating and cooling, water heaters and whole-home water treatment. You can find unique landing pages for each service that provides product information, complimentary in-home consultations and online pricing quotes at JCPenneyhomeservices.com. Involve a professionalUnless you have the time and skills, you’ll want a licensed and insured contractor to lead the project when you’re ready to get your renovation in motion. It can be wise to solicit multiple bids, not only to ensure you get the best value, but also to find someone whose work, style and experience is most in line with the needs of your project. After all, this person will be a big part of your life during a fairly stressful time period. Always check references and verify the contractor’s standing with local associations. Get ready for workRemember that you’ll need to create a work environment that is safe for your contractors and protects your valuable possessions. Establish a clear path to the project space for easy access and removal of debris. Furniture, appliances, room furnishings, valuables and breakable items should be removed from both the path to the work site and the work site itself. If your renovation project will involve an essential room, such as the kitchen or a bathroom, make alternate arrangements such as creating a makeshift kitchen with the bare necessities in another part of the house. ![]() Countertops 101Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most common renovation projects, and countertops are often a focal point of these redesigns. However, choosing the right countertop can be overwhelming. To help make the difficult decision a little simpler, JCPenney Home Services experts offer insight on two of the most popular choices: Granite countertops have long been the mainstay of a beautiful kitchen or bathroom. Granite is a natural stone, quarried from large stone deposits around the world. It can have many different variations of patterns and colors, giving each slab a unique appearance that is visually rich and dynamic. In addition to its distinctive beauty and classic elegance, granite is also extremely durable. Granite is highly resistant to heat and scratches and, with proper sealing, offers good water and stain resistance and is easy to clean. Granite typically needs to be sealed, both prior to installation and at least once per year. If properly maintained, a granite countertop will last for as long as you own your home, making it a potential long-term investment. Quartz is another popular choice for countertops due to its durability, stain resistance and ease of maintenance. Quartz is one of the most durable countertop materials and one of the easiest to maintain. It is highly resistant to heat, water and stains, including stains from coffee, wine, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and more. Unlike granite, quartz does not need to be sealed, making it easier to maintain over time. To aid in the planning process without the need for a salesperson, a resource like the Countertop Wizard at JCPenneyhomeservices.com lets you scope out the project and order samples online. Simply enter measurements, browse and select materials and options to get instant quotes. SOURCE:JCPenney Home Services KEYWORDS
(BPT) - The real estate market is heating up, and if you're planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals. To boost your home sale and reduce time on the market, consider these top home improvement ideas to catch buyers' eyes. Garage door: When potential buyers visit your property, you want to make the best first impression before they even come inside. That's why it's wise to replace your garage door. It takes up a significant amount of exterior visual real estate and helps define the home's aesthetic. What's more, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2018 Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement recoups an astonishing 98.3 percent of cost upon resale. Bathroom addition: More bathrooms typically mean you can charge more for your home. Think you're limited based on existing construction? Think again. With Saniflo, you can add a complete bathroom where no drainage existed before thanks to above-floor plumbing features like a macerating toilet and drain pumps. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms. Kitchen upgrade: A complete kitchen remodel is costly, but a few smart upgrades can make the heart of the home shine. Consider replacing worn laminate countertops and updating hardware for a fresh look. For extra 'wow factor,' add an island and use Saniflo Sanivite technology to add a sink to the space for additional functionality. Learn more at go.saniflo.com. Fresh flooring: You don't have to replace all your flooring, but focal areas like the kitchen or family room, as well as areas that tend to experience higher wear, such as the entryway, can benefit from a new floor. Forget expensive tile or hardwood replacements. Vinyl wood flooring looks incredibly similar to real wood, and modern luxury vinyl tile mimics the gorgeous look of stone or ceramic tile but is more durable and affordable. You may be able to simply add new flooring on top of old, making it a much easier DIY project. Neutral paint: Don't ever underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint throughout your home. Walls get dingy and colors get dated. Repaint rooms with modern, neutral tones. As much as you love plum, buyers may not, so stick with whites, creams and grays whenever possible. Visit your local paint store and you'll see there are many neutral options to add excitement to interior spaces. Don't forget the ceiling, too! A fresh coat of white can do wonders. These five projects will enhance your listing so you get more attention and book more showings. You may even start a bidding war with enough interest, and that can really drive up the price. Take action now and these home improvement efforts are sure to make an impact. KEYWORDS
After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas – some big, some small – can help breathe new life into your home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest.Fresh Home Upgrades for Spring![]() (Family Features) After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas – some big, some small – can help breathe new life into your home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest. ![]() Air it out Shift your outlook Paint to perfection Make what’s old new again Get earth smart 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your 5th Wall1. Start with a smooth canvas. This means eliminating any details like popcorn ceilings or other texturing that may appear dated and dingy. 2. Add some color. Bring character to the room by adding color to the ceiling that complements the traditional walls for a cohesive look. If you have eaves, dormers or other architectural elements, consider painting some and leaving others white for variety and added dimension. 3. Introduce natural light. When it comes from above, natural light brightens a room in a whole new way. An option like a Velux skylight is a sensible solution because it offers plenty of ways to customize the skylight to your specific space and functional needs. 4. Enhance with accessories. Both practical and attractive, blinds are a good idea for a skylight. They let you control the light, such as blocking out harsh rays during the heat of the day but letting the gentle evening light illuminate the room. In addition to choosing a style and color that complements the room decor, also look for features such as remote-control operation and room-darkening textiles. 5. Get creative. Treating your ceiling like a wall opens virtually endless possibilities. Especially if you have some unique architectural features, you can highlight them by adding special touches such as built-in shelves for extra storage or new place to nurture lush house plants. Whether you’re seeking more natural light, access to fresh air, a sense of spaciousness or a way to bring sophistication to a room, a skylight may be just the solution. For example, Velux room-darkening and light-filtering blinds can add a splash of color just where you least expect it, and they’re efficient in shielding your space from the sun, meaning the blinds and installation are eligible for a 30 percent tax credit. Learn more at whyskylights.com. SOURCE:Velux KEYWORDS
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