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 Samuel John, We give you daily about real estate market.
(Daily Real Estate Update)
 The pressure washer is one of the best tools for cleaning the exterior surface. The pressure washer is much more effective and quicker compared to the old fashioned scrub brush. Since it produces higher pressure, it is quite essential to operate with the safety measures. Electric and gas pressure washers are mainly helpful for cleaning anything and work quickly with more fun. Pressure Washers are mainly useful for cleaning cars, patio furniture, and much more.How Do Pressure Washers Work?Normally, the Pressure washers use the gas engine or the electric motors for powering the pump to quickly pressurize the water from the garden hose. This Pressure washer mainly has the highest pressure of 1,000 to 3,000+ PSI. while operating, this most powerful water stream mainly forced on the narrow ...
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By Shannon Jones, Long Beach CA Real Estate
(The Shannon Jones Team)
Ready to sell your home but short on cash? Would you love to pay for the cost of renovation AFTER you sell? The Keller Williams Concierge Program could be the solution you’re looking for.When you begin the process of selling your home, you may realize some projects and improvements can help you get top dollar — if you only have the money to do them. This includes projects like the kitchen remodel that was too expensive, or the redecorating you never got around to. Not all improvements will actually increase your selling price more than what you’ll spend, but some projects really make financial sense if you’re able to do them. And while some basic updates can be tackled on your own, many are better left to the professionals. So Keller Williams came up with a solution for you: KW Concierg...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
You have a myriad of choices when choosing the flooring for your home. The most popular choice is tile because of its beauty and it is easy to maintain. Cleaning tile floors may sound like a tiresome chore, but it is really easy. Here are some of the steps that will help you keep your flooring nice. VACUUM AND DUST Use a vacuum or fluffy dust mop daily to remove dirt and dust before it becomes embedded in your tile and grout. This is the easiest and fastest way to maintain your flooring. Never use a straw broom for the job, though, because it will scratch your tiles. MOP IT UP Mop your floor with warm water once a week, you can also use a mild soap to enhance your tile’s color, shine, and gloss. Make sure to check with the manufacture before using any cleaners to avoid damaging your til...
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By Samuel John, We give you daily about real estate market.
(Daily Real Estate Update)
As any seasoned homeowner can attest, few things are more aggravating than plumbing mishaps. In addition to costing a princely sum to repair, serious plumbing problems stand to inconvenience every member of your household. However, despite being difficult and costly to remedy, most plumbing issues are surprisingly easy to avoid. With a little bit of forward-thinking and a willingness to alter certain everyday behaviors, you can preserve your home’s plumbing fixtures and save a small fortune on repair costs. Invest in Home Insurance Plumbing problems often involve such big-ticket appliances as dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. Since high-quality home appliances often come with steep price tags, it’s in the best interest of every cost-conscious household to protect these investme...
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By Ann Nguyen, Lake Tahoe Truckee Homes For Sale
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
In your home or in your vacation cabin, a handsome stone hearth is often the gatheringplace for comfy family evenings. But accumulations of dirt, soot, and ash can make yourfireplace less efficient and ruin the lovely patina of the natural stone. You can help maintain its beauty and safety with this once-yearly facelift routine: Clean the firebox. At least 12 hours after extinguishing the last fire, or preferablybefore lighting the first fire of the year, lay drop cloths around the fireplace area toprotect against airborne particles. Put on gloves and a dust mask and use a smallshovel to scoop any remaining ash from the firebox. Place the ashes in a metalcontainer with a tight-fitting lid and store it outside, away from flammable materials,until you’re ready to discard it. Run a small v...
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By Samuel John, We give you daily about real estate market.
(Daily Real Estate Update)
Choosing the right industrial flooring options for your business isn't always a walk in the park. Not to mention that the most common options have varying properties that you should be familiar with. These include cost implications, aesthetic appeal, durability, and cost. So choosing the right industrial flooring for your business can be somewhat arduous, especially if you don't have any prior experience choosing one. Is polished concrete perfect for an office or residential setting? Would a stained concrete flooring be suitable for industrial usage? All will become clear once you finished reading the article. We have outlined the most popular industrial flooring options available and their pros and cons. You can learn more about the actual grind and seal process here https://grindandse...
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By David Jackson, MBA, Financial lending analyst
(Olympus Labs)
A homeowner’s association (HOA) is a board of directors elected by residents to manage a residential community. Residents pay fees to their HOA in exchange for management of shared space and establishment and enforcement of regulations.The purpose of a HOA is to improve property values by enforcing the same set of standards for all homeowners. While people typically understand this when moving into a new residential community, the numerous restrictions on exterior and interior home improvement projects can sometimes catch them off-guard. All property owners should ensure they know and abide by HOA regulations before undertaking any home improvement project.Common Renovation Projects That Require HOA ApprovalMost HOAs require property owners to seek approval for exterior home improvement...
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By David Jackson, MBA, Financial lending analyst
(Olympus Labs)
Homeowners are always looking for ways to increase the beauty and value of their homestead.One idea that is trending is the pergola -- and small gazebo open on all four sides with a peaked roof, and circular seating around the inside. Made from wood or plastic, these domestic structures have made a surprising comeback in the last few years -- not that they haven’t always been popular, but in the past they have always been placed in the backyard, for privacy. With the pandemic, that paradigm has changed. Homeowners hungry for some neighborhood interaction without close social contact are now building pergola kits in their front yards, where they can sit in comfort and visit with neighbors, or with anyone who happens to be walking by, in comfort and at a safe distance.  Is this a good ide...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
No matter what kind of an idea you have for a business, it will need some capital to get started. This is where most entrepreneurs fail and give up on their dream because they don’t look into every possible option.To help you avoid that horrible mistake, here are four ways you can get enough capital to start your small business.Invest In YourselfIf you are trying to enter an industry that doesn’t need much funding and you have the money, then you should consider investing in it yourself.Many entrepreneurs are not willing to put money on their ideas because they aren’t sure how successful it can be in the future. But if you really believe you have something special here, then try to fund your venture.You can look into getting a business credit card that has a very low or no interest rate...
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By David Jackson, MBA, Financial lending analyst
(Olympus Labs)
Can Palm Tree Roots Damage Concrete If you are looking for a more tropical theme for your yard or garden, then you are probably thinking of adding some palm trees. These are great for creating a desert oasis look around your home and are generally a hardy plant that is easy to look after. Like any plant, there are a few things to consider with palms and how their root systems will affect your garden and yard. Here are some answers to common palm tree questions that should help you decide if palms are the right choice for your yard. Can palm tree roots damage concrete?Generally, palm tree roots won't damage concrete the way many thick-rooted trees can, as they are too thin to do any real damage. Palm tree roots are incredibly narrow compared to most tree roots, and there is no large tapr...
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By David Best, Turn your house into a home! Home Improvement Tips
(HouseHome)
Image Source: https://erebusshading.com.au/During the summer months, relaxing outdoors can be quite refreshing. To have a unique outdoor entertaining area adjoining you home – perhaps, as an extension of your usable living space - there is a need to invest your effort, time, and budget. When the investment is made correctly, the reward will worth the price. However, to ensure that your outdoor entertaining area is both functional and beautiful, keep the following key points in mind: How do you plan to use your outdoor space? Will you be relaxing on a comfy sofa, having a treat with your family on a table or sitting around a fire pit alongside friends and family. What number of guests do you usually have? By having a rough estimate, you can determine the number of seats and tables needed...
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By Samuel John, We give you daily about real estate market.
(Daily Real Estate Update)
 The basement might not be the most beautiful or essential part of your home, but it’s still a part of your home and therefore needs protection. One of the best ways to protect it is to do basement waterproofing.  Why basement waterproofing? Well, the basement is often the most affected part of the house whenever there is plumbing or any water problem. Read on to find out the amazing benefits of waterproofing your basement.  Waterproofing Your Basement Makes It Stronger  A basement that’s isn’t waterproof is a sound invitation for mould and other water problems that you might not see until it substantially weakens the foundation of the house.  Considering that the foundation is what supports the house, leaving the basement susceptible to water damage is essentially putting your family a...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Imagine yourself at home. You flush the toilet, but the water backs up. You turn on the shower, but there is no more hot water. You try to do the dishes, but the water pressure is off. The bathroom sink drips. Your water bill is suddenly way too expensive. All of these issues are different, but they all have one solution. You have to call the plumber. Some people are willing to let these issues slide because plumbing companies can seem expensive. However, it is merely a matter of perspective. Keep reading to discover how these companies can actually save you cash in the long run. Plumbers Will Fix Your Leaks First off, plumbing companies will come to your home and address any leaks you may have. In some cases, the leaks are pretty obvious. You may know for sure you have a problem, and t...
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By Samuel John, We give you daily about real estate market.
(Daily Real Estate Update)
 Planning a massive move to your future home in Massachusetts MA?Moving within Massachusetts would require a bit of research on your part. For starters, you need to make sure the mover you’re choosing has a license from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). This certification helps ensure that the mover is meeting state criteria and has the technical resources and manpower to handle a moving assignment of any size. There are also insurance requirements a moving company must meet before being handed the reigns of your relocation.Here’s what you need to consider to choose a moving company worth bragging about in Massachusetts MA. Check Personal Recommendations Personal recommendations give you an idea of what lies ahead. Whatever company you come across, whether it’s lis...
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By Debbie Gartner, The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers
(The Flooring Girl)
Over the last 2 or 3 years, I've written a bunch of blog posts on my site about Farmhouse Style Decor.  In case you haven't noticed, Farmhouse Decor is on the rise, along with a growing desire for simplicity and nostalgia. Farmhouse style certainly isn't for everyone.  But, it is a style that can either be done DIY and very affordably or done a more premium level (especially as some prefer wider plank or reclaimed wood.  So, it appears to work for most budgets. Today, I was updating an article about Modern Farmhouse Bathrooms.  And, if you're not sure what Farmhouse style looks like, feel free to check it out.  Or, if you love Farmhouse Style and just want to get some desig inspiration, you can also check it out.  I have 21 examples of Farmhouse Style bathrooms, and some of them are pre...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
Good windows in a home are essential for multiple reasons. For starters, having some lovely, attractive, functioning windows for your home will definitely increase the value. There are two ways your value increases. First and foremost, you’re dealing with increased equity. If your home’s worth more, then you are worth more. It’s that simple. Secondly, if you were to sell your home, buyers are going to pay a lot more for newer windows. Another good thing new windows do is save money. They do this by allowing you to use fewer resources to heat or cool your home. Plus, everybody loves attractive windows that let in a lot of that beautiful natural light.  Though, to be sure, not everyone can handle their own window installation. While windows are created to the proper size so they can slid...
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By Richa Nayyar
(Coming service)
Due to COVID-19, New Zealand’s lockdown restrictions have required realtors to rethink how they do business, particularly when it comes to continuing to effectively match buyers with homes while also taking health concerns into account.As more real estate agencies become operational post-lockdown, companies such as Total Realty, located in Dunedin, are displaying greater adaptability in the ways in which they conduct business. Of top-most concern has been for realtors to ensure the health and safety of buyers, sellers, and agents alike. Not only is this a governmental requirement, but estate agencies may be more likely to draw in new clientele if potential clients are aware of the safety measures that have been put in place by these companies. In other words, if clients feel safe and be...
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By Saheer Gurjot, I build custom home and offer complete home renova
(link home builders)
HVAC is an acronym that stands for “Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning,” and these systems are really the next step in the evolution of comfort. From small apartments and large houses to entire factories and stadiums housing tens of thousands of people, HVAC systems can scale up and get the job done. They’re great for ventilation in restaurants and heating and cooling needs in homes, which is particularly true in a nation like Canada, where winters can be brutal while summers are uncomfortably hot. Though even the best HVAC systems fail and need repairs. Failures are when a lot of people go looking for HVAC companies to handle the repairs. Though, one big issue a lot of people have is that they don’t possess a lot of money to throw around at problems like these. So, many go look...
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By Nate Johnson, Realtor
(Keller Williams Realty - Serving Northern Virginia)
8802 Millwood Dr. Spotsylvania VA 22551 Exclusively Listed by VA, MD & DC Top Real Estate Agent Shawn Derrick - 12:45 Team 540-585-1245 Open House - Just Stop By! 07/18, Saturday, 2-4pm, 3bed/3bath, Single-family Home, $290,000.00 Stop by this open house to receive a free gift valued at over $500! Special incentives for buyer - call/text 540-585-1245 or email shawn@1245team.com to check on buyer incentives and schedule your private showing!  To see more photos of the property click here.  8802 Millwood Dr. Spotsylvania VA 22551 Beautiful property, land, and neighborhood. Over 5 usable acres with over 500 ft of property on the Po River. If you enjoy the seclusion and great yard space, this is your property!!! The main level has a family room with a stone fireplace, dining area, and kitch...
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By Ann Nguyen, Lake Tahoe Truckee Homes For Sale
(eXp Realty of California, Inc.)
If your family is growing and your kids need their own space, or if you want to give guests some privacy when they visit, you may be thinking about adding another bedroom. If local zoning laws would not allow you to build another floor, or if you don’t want to give up some space in the yard to construct an addition, converting the basement could be a good alternative.  Cost and Design Options The cost to renovate your basement would depend on several factors, including its size, the types of changes you want to make, and your location. Converting your basement to another bedroom could give you additional living space for less than what it would cost to build an addition.  If you put a bedroom in the basement, it could be a hassle for the person who slept there to walk upstairs to the ba...
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