|
|
 |
|
|
Buying and Selling Real Estate: Ten Tips
Real estate is changing hands in ways that make headlines. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, here are some tips to help you make the best deal.
BUYING:
So you want to buy a house? In this market? Are you nuts? Actually, it depends on...
Chill Out with a Quality Ceiling Fan
Are you craving some air flow in your house? Is the air conditioner running as hard as it can go but it still feels stuffy and hot in your house? Try installing a ceiling fan and see if it will give you some relief. Ceiling fans create air flow...
Organize Your Home Storage and Simplify Your Life!
Be delighted with yourself -- committing to organize your home
is the first step in actually doing it! The Linen Closet will
need attending to eventually so lets go there now.
If you have excess laundry to deal with, you probably have...
Secondary Double Glazing
There may be many reasons not to replace your current windows with double glazing windows. They may still be in excellent condition, or your house may be listed - in which case, making those changes must be approved. It may simply be that you...
Where Are All the Good Contractors!!
Have you ever had a bad experience with a contractor (ex. painter, roofer, plumber, landscaper, carpenter etc.)? Did problems such as these occur: contractor showing up late or not at all; poor workmanship and work ethics; missed deadlines? Have you...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Home Improvement
Home Improvement is an art that most women have imbibed in them. Home Improvement increases the worth of the family residing in it. Also By maintaining it and improving it, you’ll ensure it continues to increase in value.
Maintaining Your Home
Taking regular care of your appliances and checking plumbing and heating/cooling systems regularly can save on costly repairs or even more costly replacements. Review your home inspector’s report to help you prioritize tasks. It is worthwhile to consult a professional for anything you have a hard time fixing or inspecting. Some professionals may charge a fee.
Cosmetic Changes vs. remodeling
you have visions of color and comfort. The back porch could use a fresh coat of paint. The kitchen cabinets need to be updated. When do cosmetic changes (paint, window treatments) turn into major remodeling and renovation projects?
To keep the cost of remodeling from increasing dramatically it’s best to set a budget first and work to maximize the features you want within that budget. This may also help set the limit between cosmetic and major improvements
Many homeowners believe that any improvement will automatically increase the value of their property. Appraisers offer a more cautious perspective.. In other words, if you live on a street of modest two- and three-bedroom bungalows, don’t turn your home into a six-bedroom mansion.
Cosmetic changes such as new paint, flooring and window treatments are considered matters of personal style and therefore, add the least amount of value to a home.
Your home is your greatest financial asset. Take proper care of it and most likely, it will do the same for you.
Planning takes time and includes lots of mundane tasks such as getting permits and financing. But the benefits are immeasurable both in time and money saved.
Individual plans will vary depending on the scope of the project. Steps overlap and sometimes changing in one aspect of your plan forces changes in others. But almost every plan will include at least these five steps.
1. Dream It
Make sure your concept for the addition blends with the existing houses materials and design. For example: Adding on a Cape Cod family room to a 50s ranch style home would look silly at best.
Do a quick sketch of the
addition you're planning even before consulting with a builder or designer.
2. Design It
If your plans require the removal or alteration of a supporting wall, contact a building engineer or architect to learn if your idea will affect the strength of the existing structure. Major structural changes may increase the time and cost of your project. A consultation may provide you with alternatives.
3. Paying for It
Establish a budget for this project and determine where the money is coming from. The money available will impact the scope of the project.
Remember that anything not included in the original contract will cost extra. It's tempting to start making changes and expanding the original plan. Try to control yourself or you might be adding hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars that will shatter your budget and your time line.
4. Permits and Codes
If you've hired a local contractor or architect, he should be able to tell you if your idea will pass the building inspection. A professional should be able to handle the entire permit process, from drawing up plans, applying for the permit and scheduling inspections.
If you're doing it yourself, visit your planning department and research the codes that pertain to your project. If the agency requires certified plans, you may still have to consult with an architect or engineer who can provide them.
5. Timing
Establish a time frame for the project. Much of an addition is exterior work and will need to be accomplished according to the seasons. Your start date should be the date you actually beginning construction, so make sure your financing is in place before this date.
Your time frame needs to take into account who is doing the work. If this is a do-it-yourself project, your time will probably be more limited because of job and family. If the job takes eight full days to complete, and you can only work weekends, it will take you four weeks. Consider if the money saved by doing it yourself is worth the extra time.
About the author:
For more information on Home Improvement please visit the Home Improvement resource center at http://www.home-inprovement-guide.info
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|