Admin

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 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/
Comments 1
By Andrew Collins, Real Estate Market Observer
(Independent Real Estate Research)
For dedicated Pokémon card collectors, displaying their cherished cards goes beyond mere organization; it's an art form. A well-crafted Pokémon card display not only preserves the integrity of your collection but also enhances its visual appeal. With the market for collectibles soaring, understanding the nuances of card presentation has become vital. This guide delves into essential elements, creative ideas, protective materials, and organization tips tailored for serious collectors looking to elevate their display game.Essential Elements of a Pokémon Card Display SetupCreating a stunning Pokémon card display starts with selecting the right display system. A popular choice among collectors is the Pokemon Card Display, designed specifically to highlight each card's unique artwork while o...
Comments 1
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. ...
Comments 0
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...
Comments 3
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/
Comments 1
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 ...
Comments 0
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...
Comments 1
By Andrew Collins, Real Estate Market Observer
(Independent Real Estate Research)
Maintaining a comfortable home is about more than adjusting the thermostat. A well-maintained heating and cooling system can help homeowners reduce energy usage, improve indoor comfort, and extend the life of their HVAC equipment. As energy costs continue to be an important consideration for households, proactive maintenance has become one of the smartest investments homeowners can make.Modern HVAC systems are designed for efficiency, but long-term performance depends on regular care and smart daily habits. From replacing filters to scheduling routine inspections, small steps can make a meaningful difference in reliability, comfort, and overall operating costs.Preventative Maintenance Protects HVAC PerformanceConsistent preventative maintenance is one of the most effective ways to keep ...
Comments 2
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...
Comments 2
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...
Comments 2
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...
Comments 6
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/
Comments 1
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...
Comments 12
By Andrew Collins, Real Estate Market Observer
(Independent Real Estate Research)
By the time July settles over North Alabama, the afternoon sun turns south- and west-facing rooms into ovens. Most homeowners reach for the thermostat first, but the windows are usually the real problem. Glass lets heat pour in, and the air conditioner spends the day fighting a battle it cannot win. The right window treatments change that equation, and they do it without running up the power bill.How heat actually gets into your houseSunlight streaming through bare glass is radiant heat, and it lands on floors, furniture, and walls that then warm the whole room. This is why a space can feel stuffy even with the air running. Slowing that heat at the window, before it ever enters the room, is far more effective than trying to cool it down afterward.That is the job a good treatment does. B...
Comments 4
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...
Comments 3
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/
Comments 1
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...
Comments 5
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
Many times, when prospective buyers give me their want list it has a few items that could be taken care of in a couple of weeks.  No carpet, no popcorn ceiling, and white kitchen cabinets.  Why not find the perfect house for a lot less money with carpet, popcorn ceiling and dark cabinets?  These are easy changes and can be done starting the day after closing.  I just had a closing a few weeks ago with two of the three, popcorn ceiling and flooring.  The buyers out of the area and a few days after closing my drywall guy was taking down the popcorn, doing the knockdown ceiling and painting it white.  The day he got the done the flooring guy was there and started on the floors.The buyers are out of the area, recently sold their home up north and will be here end of July, all cleaned up and...
Comments 5
By Inna Ivchenko, REALTOR® | Residential & Commercial
(Equity Union )
Selling Your Home... But What About That Pool Table?Or perhaps...Should the Pool Table Stay or Should It Go? 🎱You start asking around for staging advice, visit a few open houses, chat with friends, browse the internet... and suddenly everyone has an opinion.Your best buddies—the ones who happily spend Saturday nights around your pool table—say:"Absolutely keep it! It creates a lifestyle. Everyone will love it!"Your Realtor raises an eyebrow and replies:"Remove it. Buyers need to imagine their own life in the space."The internet serves up another 247 conflicting articles, and now you're standing in your game room, staring at your beloved pool table, wondering...Who's right?The answer?Like almost everything in real estate... it depends.As a Realtor, I don't see a pool table as just anothe...
Comments 3
By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
In 2013 Michelle and I decided to sell the home she had and find something together and make it our own.  Being in real estate for 13 years but not a licensed Realtor in Florida I am sure I was a pain!  We looked around at several homes and Michelle found the one we bought in the newspaper.  We called the agent and set up a showing, it was ugly!  The exterior was read between the lines, baby poop yellow trimmed in a darker (S***) brown.  Michelle didn’t even want to go in, I convinced her we are here let’s look.  Small rooms, carpet, ugly kitchen, popcorn ceiling, wallpaper, and Michelle said it smelled like moth balls.I stood in the living room and told her I had a vision, loved the lot and location, and could picture what it could be when finished.  She agreed and we closed on June 30...
Comments 4
Back to Top