Posts by Kim

A simple change for a big difference

Jun08
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Kim

Front DoorThe front entry door of your home is very important.  It is the first part of your home to greet your guests and gives them something to study as you amble up to open it, so you don’t want a door that is flawed in any way.

Entry doors are very important features in any home because they create first impressions.  However, front doors can’t just be beautiful; they have to be strong and durable since they battle the elements every day of the year.

Today there are literally hundreds of different styles of doors to choose from.  There are wood, steel, fiberglass-composite and also aluminum doors, and each can be designed with decorative glass windows, safety windows, a glass side panel on one side or panels on both sides.  Additional styles are double doors and decorative arched doorways.

TYPES OF DOORS

WOOD

The most popular front door is created from wood, and solid-wood doors are also the most expensive variety.  Although it is the most popular, it also is one of the weakest since it can warp, crack and even break over time.  

FIBERGLASS

Fiberglass doors can resemble real wooden doors, because they can be stained to match other woods, but are much more durable.  They also are virtually maintenance-free and because they won’t warp, crack, rot or split are ideal for any climate, including those with extremely hot or cold temperatures.

STEEL

If security, not beauty, is your main concern, then you might be interested in a steel entry door. These doors are stronger than the other varieties because they won’t warp or crack and also require very little maintenance.  Although they may not be beautiful, steel doors do come in a variety of styles and are also the least expensive entry doors on the market.

ALUMINUM

Aluminum doors are easy to maintain because they won’t rust and never need painting; however aluminum doors are only available through dealers and not through large hardware stores.  Because they are easy to care for and are often backed by lengthy warranties, the aluminum entry door is the second most expensive type of doorway.

HOW TO REPLACE THEM

The first step in replacing your front door is to measure your current opening.  Then you need to determine what style of doorway you would like to greet your guests at the front of your home-is it one with a decorative window, a safety sidelight or perhaps double doors?  Next figure out which material you would like your door to be constructed out of-do you prefer wood, aluminum, fiberglass or steel?  Then do a little homework and hit some of the do-it-yourself hardware stores and check out all the different styles available to you.

Before you know it, your home can be even more appealing, simply by changing the front door.

Posted in Home Improvement, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , , , , ,

It’s All in the Walls

Apr16
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Kim

Looking to add elegance or change to a room, with your own touch of flair? Consider these options: wainscoting, crown molding and chair railings usually are simple to install but any of them can dramatically change the look of a room.

Molding

 

Wainscoting

Wainscoting is a paneling, usually made of wood, that can be purchased plain or with decorative markings. Ceramic tile and vinyl also can be used for the same purpose.

The paneling is most often adhered to the lower portion of a wall, from the floor to about three or four feet up the wall, creating a unique, but decorative, look to a plain wall. At the top of the wainscoting, some type of molding must be used to adhere the paneling and to protect the wall above the paneling from chairs. 

Chair rail

Chair rails often can be found above wainscoting, which can be a little tricky to install. However, a simple chair railing, a plain piece of molding that runs about three feet horizontally above the floor, is a little easier to install.

Chair rails were originally installed to protect walls from bumps and dents received when chairs were shoved against a wall. However, over the years chair rails have become more of a decorative fixture. Chair rails are usually wood and also can be found plain or with decorative touches.

You’ll want to apply chair rails between 24 and 48 inches above the floor. Small markings should be made on the wall prior to installation to ensure the railing is straight, which doesn’t necessarily mean it is level to the floor in every area.

Crown molding

Another graceful change can be to add crown molding to a bare room. Crown molding comes in a variety of styles and widths and can be stained or painted to any color. This form of molding is usually added to angled areas such as where the floor or a ceiling meets a wall. It also can be used around doorways, windows or any other corner area, but is most often used where walls and ceilings join together

Usually made of wood, crown molding also comes in vinyl strips. Since corners are not always proper, applying crown molding can be a little more difficult to install than a chair rail.

With any of these options, you’re looking at a fairly straightforward home project, which will make a huge difference to the elegance and appeal of a space.

Add interest to your walls, and you may add value to your home!

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

The Great Room Debate

Feb29
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Kim

twostory

A great room is an area that combines several different spaces into one—the family room, the television area, the living room, and the computer space. Some great rooms, which usually boast a two-story ceiling, may even have an area for a table and chairs, while others boast a walkway or loft area that looks down on the great room.

It may be located relatively near the kitchen and typically features a large fireplace that more often than not extends all the way up to the two-story ceiling.

DESIGNED FOR FLEXIBILITY

The best feature of the great room is that it is flexible. One large area encompasses many smaller rooms creating a place in the home where everyone can be “together,” no matter what activity they are involved with.  The great room draws people together in a time when busy schedules compete for each person’s attention.

Jamie Lowe, Managing Broker for MLS Realty, agrees: “The advantage of the great room over the traditional compartmentalized rooms is flexibility,” he says. “Many homeowners these days get very little use from their living rooms and dining rooms. Great rooms in combination with large kitchens offer unparalleled spaces for entertaining and daily family life.”

INCREASINGLY POPULAR

Great rooms are usually found in larger U.S. homes built toward the end of the century.  In fact, older homes never have great rooms unless they were created as an addition.

Smaller homes may have a family room, a more common choice in the past, which is similar to the great room, except in size and ceiling height. A family room is similar to a living room; in fact, in some homes it replaces the more formal, and seldom used, living room.

The family room is almost always adjacent to the kitchen and typically features a fireplace, but at a smaller scale than a great room fireplace.  The room is generally located at the rear of the home so often has an exit to the deck or backyard.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Full Review

Feb03
2008 4 Comments Written by Kim

In case you missed our recent series of cost-effective ways to improve your kitchen, take a look at these specific areas where kitchen upgrades really add up:

Cabinets
Counters
Backsplashes
Sinks/Faucets
Lighting
Decoration

Posted in General Information, Home Improvement - Tagged ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Decoration

Feb02
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Kim

KITCHEN 

Sometimes it can be difficult to imagine a new look. But the next time you are in your kitchen, take a minute to see how many ideas you can invent to inexpensively update the room. As seen in the series on kitchen improvements, a little effort and a minimal amount of cash can easily transform your kitchen from a humdrum room to the highlight of your home.

Be sure to look at cabinetry, countertops, backsplash options, sinks and lighting. Then, last but not least, consider the finishing touches:

DECORATIVE TOUCHES

Color

Perhaps the easiest way to alter the look of your kitchen is to change the color scheme.  Tear down the wallpaper or border and choose a bright, new color to paint on the walls.  Select an interesting, updated color that will bring the room to life.

Windows

Take the old dingy blinds or curtains off the windows, give the windows a good wash and consider leaving the windows bare. If you aren’t fond of that look, add a valance that will coordinate with your walls or find some colorful fabrics and create curtains to cover the lower portion of the windows. This will add a unique look to the kitchen while allowing the sunlight to filter in and illuminate the room.

Knick-knacks

If at all possible, try to stick to a certain theme in your kitchen, at least when it comes to knick-knacks. You may want to go with country, black and white, modern or traditional: whatever the case, choose the look and then select pieces that fit into it. This will strengthen your kitchen’s overall cohesiveness and flow.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Lighting

Jan29
2008 2 Comments Written by Kim

KITCHEN

Never underestimate the power of lighting: it sets the stage for usability, ambiance, and a gleaming appearance. That’s why it’s an excellent area to consider improving in your kitchen. After you’ve examined cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and sinks, you still haven’t exhausted all of your cost-effective options for improving your kitchen’s value: you still have to take a look at lighting.

LIGHTING

Where
There are several places lighting is needed in a kitchen, including over the dining area and above the work area. Other lights in the kitchen include inside and underneath the cabinets and ambience lighting. Take a look at what is and isn’t working in your home’s current design; then decide what to update.

How
When choosing the type of light for your kitchen, take pictures of the room with you to the store to give you a better idea of how the fixture will look when installed. Remember you will want something that will provide an abundance of light over the area where you do most of your food preparation.

What
If you have a larger area, track lighting might be considered. A chandelier or a decorative fixture with a dimmer switch could be appropriate over the dining table area. Lighting inside the cabinets creates a dramatic look, but is only needed if the doors have glass or Plexiglas. Lighting underneath the cabinets can be functional or just add flair. Both areas can be illuminated inexpensively and quickly with small battery-operated or plug-in fixtures.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Sinks/Faucets

Jan25
2008 1 Comment Written by Kim

KITCHEN

Adding value to one of the most important rooms in your home doesn’t have to be over-expensive. In fact, there are a number of cost-effective projects that will maximize your home’s presentation and appeal. As part of our continued series on cost-effective kitchen improvements, we’ve discussed the impact of cabinets, countertops and backsplashes. Now, let’s look at sinks and faucets:

SINKS/FAUCETS

A kitchen sink is a necessity, but it also can be the focal point. For this reason, the sink should always be in good shape. Take a look at your sink. Is it porcelain and badly stained? Is it stainless steel but dull and lifeless? Maybe it’s time to replace it.

Think about Size

To keep costs down, make sure your new sink has the same dimensions as the sink you are replacing.  The style can be different: for instance, you may want to replacing a large single sink with a double basin. However, the size and the location of the faucet and handles need to be the same. 

Know Your Options

While shopping at the home improvement store, take a look at the assortment of faucets as well. Since you are changing the sink, you may want to change the faucet, which will also change the look of the sink area. Faucets come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and finishes, so look for something new, functional, and attractive. Just keep in mind that the holes in the countertop need to match those of the new sink. 

Faucets are used daily, so don’t be too frugal when choosing one. For this home improvement, think of the update as a lasting investment. Pick quality hardware and faucets.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Backsplashes

Jan21
2008 14 Comments Written by Kim

KITCHEN

Because of its value in relation to the rest of a home, the kitchen is too important of a room to overlook when selling a property. Even small improvements can drastically increase selling power and marketability. See previous articles on cabinets and countertops for a few ideas, and be sure to consider this:

Possibility #3: BACKSPLASH

A whole new look can be created by adding a backsplash in your kitchen.  A backsplash traditionally lies above the counters and below the cabinets, and it is available in a variety of forms. There are tiles, laminate and new stainless steel backsplashes. 

Tile/Laminate

Pictures or patterns can be created with tile backsplashes, but these can be more time-consuming to install. Laminate backsplashes are usually cut to fit the area and can easily be glued down.

Stainless Steel

With stainless steel appliances, matching backsplashes are very popular, as they add a modern feel to the room and clean easily. This stainless steel option is available in tile form or in a single sheet, and it’s fairly simple to install.

For even more information on kitchen backsplashes and the options involved, see Buy Owner Blog article ad Value to a Kitchen: Backsplashes.”

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Counters

Jan17
2008 6 Comments Written by Kim

KITCHEN

In a recent article, we discussed the value of reexamining your kitchen’s appearance and functionality. Turns out, a little work can go a long way to improving your home’s value, and it all starts in the kitchen. Even minor kitchen improvements can make a dramatic difference. The first option we provided related to cabinet upgrades.

Here’s part two of our series:

Possibility #2: COUNTERTOPS

Clean

After cabinets, the countertops are probably the item most noticed by visitors to your kitchen. To achieve a new look on your countertops, clean them off!  Declutter: it’s that simple! By taking away toasters, toaster ovens, blenders, etc. and storing them in a cabinet or pantry, you open the look of the room. Potential buyers will find it easier to see the potential of the space. 

Replace

Once the countertops are cleaned, you may find they are damaged or outdated. If you’re handy, you may want to head to the home improvement store and select a new counter.  The more popular styles like granite or tile will be pricey, so you might want to invest in laminate, which is functional and available in a variety of colors and styles. Replacing the counter yourselves can save thousands of dollars, but make sure you know what you’re doing.

Remove

If you aren’t handy, consider at least removing the current countertop and only hiring a professional to install the new one. By removing the old countertop, you can save two to six hours of labor and 10 to 15 percent of the overall cost, depending on the size of your counters.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , ,

Improve Your Kitchen: Cabinets

Jan13
2008 8 Comments Written by Kim

KITCHEN

If you’re like most homeowners, odds are you spend a majority of your time in the kitchen. You want it to be a room that’s inviting, functional, and attractive. So when it comes to selling your home, you’ll want to keep this important room at the top of your priority list. In other words, you’ll want to consider renovating.

Renovating doesn’t have to be expensive to be dramatic. In fact, even minor changes can net thousands of dollars in added value.

Intimidated to get started? Don’t be. The truth is: major remodeling isn’t always needed to update and improve your kitchen’s look. Take a look around and see what qualities you like in your kitchen and make a list of what you would like to see changed. Then do a little research into your options.

Possibility #1: CABINET UPGRADES

Usually located on at least two walls and often positioned near the floor and at eye level, cabinets are always noticed. Replacing them can cost thousands, but updating them is a lot less expensive and possibly just as full of impact.

Hardware

The easiest way to create a new but inexpensive, look for your cabinets is to replace the hardware. Remove the old drawer pulls, hinges, and cabinet handles and take a sample of each to the hardware store. Choose a new option that matches the holes from the old hardware for easy installation. Purchase a sample set and install it to ensure you are pleased with the new look. 

Paint/Varnish

A fresh look can quickly be created by retouching the doors. The first step is to remove the previous paint or varnish. A substance called trisodium phosphate is available at most hardware stores and can prep your cabinets for a change. Next, sand and clean the doors. Then, apply the new paint or varnish, and voila: a new look for less!

Glass/Plexiglas

Handier than most people? Enjoy a challenge? Then you may choose to transform your kitchen by cutting out the inner portion of one or more of the cabinet doors and replacing it with glass or clear Plexiglas. Although the task is time-consuming, it will dramatically change the look of your kitchen.

Posted in Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , ,
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