Posts tagged home improvements

Keys to Selling: Kitchen/Baths!

May24
2010 Leave a Comment Written by Shanna

kitchen

According to an article in the Lansing State Journal last month, the most important home improvements you can make are in the kitchen and the bathrooms. Not only do renovations to these spaces improve your enjoyment of your home, but they also increase your home’s value. Often, sellers will recoup most of the renovation investments in a higher selling price!

Here are some suggestions offered by interior designer Elizabeth Falconer, who was interviewed for the Lansing State Journal article:

  • More appliances: If you’re looking for tips on purchasing new appliances to add value to your kitchen, check out this Buy Owner Blog article!
  • More kitchens: It’s increasingly common for homes to have second kitchens in the basement or outdoors. Even a mini kitchenette adds value in the minds of buyers.
  • Better storage: Think built-ins and cleverly concealed spaces.
  • Bathrooms with designated his/her space
  • Separate closet for toilets

And these ideas are just the beginning! Previous Buy Owner Blog articles discuss all kinds of possible kitchen improvements, from cabinets and countertops to sinks, lighting and even decoration.

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

Home Alterations for a Changing Lifestyle

May19
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

space

The fast, ever-changing lifestyle that envelopes most of us makes it hard to decide what to look for in a house. What you need from a house today may change down the road. So the best advice for most of us is to choose a house that offers ways to alter or expand in the future.

Before you look for a home, sit down and consider what changes you see fit for your future. Do you plan on expanding the size of your family? Will you be retiring? Have you thought about starting your own business? Do you wish you had more time for baking or for fixing up cars? Once you consider the changes that are most likely to occur in the years to come, you can keep these dreams in mind when viewing homes.

When you start attending open houses and researching available homes online, look for aspects that will make your future plans or dreams likely to come true. Advantages to look for:

  • If expansion is in your future, you can never go wrong with extra storage. Even if you can’t fill an attic, crawlspace or basement now, these areas are great for storing miscellaneous items. Later, if desired, you can renovate these areas and double your amount of living space!
  • Extra bedrooms now could always provide overnight stays for guests; later, you could repurpose these rooms into offices, media rooms, hobby rooms or anything you prefer. If an increase of living space is not required in your future, stick with fewer rooms and a lower cost.
  • Keep your hobbies in mind. If you want to bake more often, pay attention to the kitchen. What type of appliances does it contain, how much space is available and when were the cabinets/counters last updated? If fixing up cars is your thing, check out the garage, shed, carport or driveway space.
  • Does your future require a large yard? If you plan on owning pets or having kids, a large yard will definitely come in handy. If retirement is in your cards, you might not want to deal with mowing a lawn or dealing with landscaping.
  • If you like to host get-togethers or have company for weekends, take note of how much space for entertaining is available in the kitchen table area, the dining room or the sunroom. Is there a room that you could convert into a guest room?
  • Are you a technology buff? Even if your hobbies consist of playing video games and watching movies, count the number of electrical outlets that are available. This is a must for an interest in electronics!

It’s sometimes difficult to comprehend what direction your life might lead you in. But looking into your future now might save you another move in the long run!

Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , ,

Increase Your Home’s Value

Apr13
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

House

Because the housing market is in turmoil, with foreclosures popping up all over—maybe in your neighborhood even—working to increase the value of your home is more important than ever! Now is the time to fight back against plunging prices. And the best way to do that is to get knowledgeable. You need to know what people are looking for from a home these days. By keeping up with current trends, you will make smarter changes to your home that will be worth the extra cost in the long run!

Here are current renovations that have been known to increase value:

Curb appeal. When buyers view your home, curb appeal is the first
potential that they can gain from your house! This includes the roof, the siding, the landscaping, the yard, the garage, the front entry and the architecture. If anything needs upgrades, these are the number one areas to hit! A bad first appearance will not be good, no matter what the inside looks like. For help with curb appeal, read these articles:

Windows. An array of possibilities exists with windows: Abundant windows allow natural light to stream inside; blinds allow privacy at night; custom window treatments add appeal. Windows can showcase significant views. And with extreme weather conditions, windows could make or break your home. Improvements could include hurricane shutters, insulation and screens. For help with windows, read these articles:

Open floor plan. Even if your floor plan isn’t open, you can create a roomy and airy atmosphere. Rearrange the furniture, clean and declutter in every room and brighten the space with brightly colored paint! For help with creating more space, read these articles:

Natural materials. Green living has significantly increased in popularity. By incorporating natural, eco-friendly materials into your interior, you are promoting clean air and safe surfaces that are free from toxins and harmful chemicals! We have an entire section of green living articles to help you learn more. For help on incorporating natural materials, check out these resources:

Updated kitchen. If you’re going to update a room in your house, opt to remodel the kitchen! A modern kitchen is the most popular selling point in a home! So many options exist for countertops, cabinets, appliances, sinks and more. Check out your options by reading these:

Updated baths. If the kitchen is too much work to remodel or your kitchen is already modernized, an upgraded bath is the number two most popular selling point. The master bath is especially important because of how luxurious these have come to be expected! For more information on updating baths, read these:

One final tip: Since most of us are on a tight spending budget these days, this article will help you learn how to add value to your home in a cost-efficient way.

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

Add a Carport to Your Home

Mar13
2009 3 Comments Written by Alicia

carport

We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” This means that April—spring—can bring severe and unexpected weather, preparing us for the beautiful month of May. In the midst of this season of rainstorms, if you want to protect your car/boat and don’t have the money or expertise to build a garage, opt for a carport that is cheaper and less hassle! A carport still adds extra space and can keep your car or storage material safe from sun, wind, snow, etc. Carports feature multiple building options! Connect the carport to your house to create a new immediate entrance to your home. Build the carport high enough to fit boats, RVs or trucks. Use it as a place for storage, a washer/dryer, a covered patio or anything you desire. The options are endless, and the setup is simple enough for almost any homeowner. Here are some general steps you will need to follow when constructing a carport:

 Check with your local municipality building department for possible regulations, though carports contain less regulations than most additions because they are outdoors. Also, check with a utility company to see if you can dig where wires or pipes might exist.

Measure the space that you want to build in to help you decide on a design, to make sure it’s compatible with what you want and to determine how much building supplies you’ll need.

Choose your design from the many available options. It could be as simple as a roof laid over four posts or it could be a fully enclosed space with walls. Decide how tall to make it and if/how to connect it to your house. Also, consider weather conditions for your area. Add more slop to the roof, for example, if it snows.

Choose building materials to suit that design. Metal or wood are the most popular choices. Advantages of metal are that it’s secure and strong, it’s fire-resistant, it’s easier to install and is easier to maintain. Advantages of wood are that it blends in with the rest of the house and it can incorporate shelving, workbenches, pegboards or anything you want to add.

Narrow it down even more. If you choose metal, will you use steel or aluminum? What type of wood? The more familiar you are with your options and with what you prefer, the better off you’ll be. Take the time to shop around and watch videos that are available online.

Purchase a carport kit. With these easy-to-assemble kits, you should have no problem constructing it yourself or with a little help from family, friends or neighbors. From beginning to end, the average construction period is from one day to three days. However, if you are also paving a driveway, that will obviously need to happen first and will take extra time.

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

Top 10 Improvements Needed to Market Your Home

Feb23
2009 Leave a Comment Written by Carrie

Home Improvement

Whether you decided to sell your home today or you’ve had it on the market for a month or more, there are always opportunities to improve it for sale. You may need to make some major improvements, or you may just need to put some thought into the process.

Either way, Buy Owner® is here to give you a head start with the Top 10 Improvements Needed to Market Your Home:

1. Change your home’s first impression. What’s the first thing buyers will see when they pull up to your home? Throughout your property’s listing, you need to keep up with the yard work. Mow the lawn and trim bushes regularly. You do not want to run the risk of having overgrown shrubs crowd your front lawn and block buyers from even getting into your house! If the yard is looking a little bare after a long winter, plant some new flowers and perennials. Windows get dirty over time, as well. Polish your picture window with some glass cleaner every week. Make sure that the first thing buyers see is a well-kept home that invites them inside to see everything else it has to offer.

2. Price aggressively. If your home isn’t selling, price may be an issue. Compare the prices of other homes that are for sale in your town. Pricing your property just below those homes gives you an advantage. Many homes nestled within the same community have almost identical floor plans. If your house is selling at a lower price, a buyer is that much more likely to attend your open house instead of the one that is down the street. If your competition lowers their price, you may have to, as well. Also, be ready to accept all serious offers.

3. Declutter! Take a look around and make sure that your entire house is clean, tidy and ready to be shown to a prospective buyer. If you accumulate things from shops, garage sales, etc., put as much as possible into storage. Remember that buyers need to be able to imagine their stuff in your house! And here’s another tip: If you have designated a nice-sized room in your home as storage space, it’s time for a change! This room could be a potential bedroom, a home office or a workout room. A buyer shouldn’t have to work to imagine the possibilities: you need to make it easy for him or her.

4. Make the necessary repairs. If you were offering a carpet or paint allowance, and your house is still unsold, perhaps it’s time to do the repairs yourself. Buyers will always be attracted to a home that is move-in-ready. The less they have to do to improve the home, the better! If you take the time to do home improvements yourself, you may find that you could sell your home a little faster. Rather then letting the buyer fix up the house, get them excited about decorating! After you have decluttered, repainted and installed new carpeting or tiling, buyers will be able to begin planning on the design of each space.

5. Keep it neutral. If you have yet to get rid of bold accent colors and wallpaper, do it now! Some buyers may not have the same tastes as you. So while your crimson and beige living room walls may be a big trend right now, some buyers may prefer a light, neutral tone that complements different-colored furniture pieces. Because you’re looking to appeal to the most possible buyers, neutral is best.

6. Stage your home. Don’t personalize it. You may have placed a few picture frames on the coffee table in the living room to spruce up the space. However, doing this actually takes away from the buyer’s experience of walking through your house and imagining where their own picture frames might go. Take a look at these two Buy Owner Blog posts: Smile for the Camera and Depersonalizing for a Home Sale. If you give buyers ideas, they will picture their own personal belongings in each space.

7. Go Green. Many people appreciate a home that is friendly to the environment. For example, get rid of any appliances made before 1990. Newer models use less energy and don’t have to work as hard. Buyers will appreciate the reduction of future energy bills! Here’s another tip: the Buy Owner Blog is full of Green Living articles.

8. Let people know that your house is for sale! If you have not listed your house with Buy Owner, you should consider it now! By using Buy Owner, you can market your home through not just a yard sign, but also professional photographs, descriptions, virtual tours and more. What’s more, your advertisement will appear on the highly popular site BuyOwner.com, drawing views from around the world.

9. Check the Buy Owner Blog regularly. The Buy Owner Blog gives countless tips for homeowners who are looking to sell their own properties. The site is updated on a regular basis, and lots of helpful ideas are posted each week!

10. Use Buy Owner to your advantage. When you sell your home with Buy Owner, you are utilizing the best tool in the FSBO business to help you sell on your own! With Buy Owner, you have total control over the entire process: You can choose the photos. You can change the text. No matter how long your home has been on the market, you can call Buy Owner and make changes to your ad. Every staff member is committed to giving you the best advertisement possible for your home.

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

Going Green with Roofing!

Aug25
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Allegra

Green Focus

There are so many ways to make your home greener these days. You can install eco-friendly flooring, counters and appliances. You can repurpose old furniture instead of throwing it out to take up more space in a landfill. You can plant a garden that boasts water conservation.

Now even your roof can be green, both literally and figuratively. Green roofs, also known as “vegetated roof covers” and “living roofs,” are literally roofs made of thin layers of plants installed on top of conventional roofs.

There are two types of green roofs, an extensive green roof and an intensive green roof.

Extensive green roofs are the thinner with only two to six inches of a growing medium, less expensive and lighter. They are low maintenance and are generally covered with low growing, horizontally spreading root plants with maximum heights of 16 to 24 inches. Extensive roofs typically cost, on average, about $14-$25.

Intensive green roofs look more like a lush natural roof garden with two to four feet of soil. They use a variety of plants and the maintenance is more involved. They are the more colorful and visually stimulating of the two types of green roofing. They can even incorporate features such as fountains.

Each roof contains a waterproofing layer, a drainage layer, a growing medium (like soil, peat and soil) and vegetation of some sort. The plants chosen for the green roof should be tolerant of extreme weather conditions and resistant to bugs and diseases. Succulents, mosses and grasses are typically the best choices and come in a variety of colors.

As with all home improvement projects, there are considerations you’ll need to make before you install a green roof. You need to consider the climate you live in and well as the rainfall patterns of your area. You need to find out the strength and support of your current roof to make sure it can hold up the addition of a green roof. If it’s not structurally sound enough, you’ll have to reinforce it. The size and slope of your roof needs to be considered. Flat roofs are probably best, but green roofs can be installed on sloping roofs too.

 What are your personal aesthetic preferences? These will play a part in the design of your green roof, and so will the architectural style of your home. Budget is another consideration to be made, and it’s an important one. Like all projects, research first, then decide on a budget before you get started with any physical work.

Not only do green roofs add visual interest to your home, but they can help reduce those pesky heating and cooling bills that show up like clockwork every month. In the summer, the green roof stays cooler than a traditional roof so less energy is used on air-conditioning. Similarly, in the winter the insulation of the green roof can help cut down those heating costs! Green roofs can also help improve water quality, extend the life of your traditional roof, help get more oxygen into the air!

Green roofs are stylish and unique while simultaneously helping the environment. What could be better?

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to the Buy Owner Blog!

Posted in Green Living - Tagged , , , ,

Going Green with Flooring

Jul19
2008 5 Comments Written by Allegra

Bamboo FlooringWhile sustainable living does seem to be the trendy thing to do today, it really goes beyond the fad. With the global climate crisis weighing down on us, it’s smart to consider your options, especially when it comes to your home.

Sustainable flooring is one option. If you’re looking to redo the flooring in your home, think about using cork or bamboo flooring instead of the traditional options of hardwood, laminate or carpet.

Bamboo Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Bamboo flooring resembles traditional hardwood, but it is generally less expensive. It’s also harder, and therefore more durable, than traditional hardwood flooring.
  • Where Does It Come From?
    Bamboo is actually a grass that is harvested, split-flattened and then laminated. Once made into flooring it comes in planks, tiles or hand-scraped versions. Bamboo flooring comes in many colors, both natural and stained, to suit any room in your home.
  • What Makes It Green?
    Bamboo is environmentally friendly because it matures every 5-7 years, and once it’s harvested the root continues to grow. That produces more stock.
  • How Do You Maintain Bamboo?
    Maintenance of bamboo flooring is simple. Just sweep vacuum like any other floor to keep away dust and dirt.

Cork Flooring

  • Some Quick Facts
    Cork flooring is made from cork oak bark. It takes 25 years for the plant to mature, and when it’s harvested, the tree is not harmed. It stays alive while the bark redevelops.
  • How Is It Sold?
    Cork flooring comes in tiles that are glued down or in planks that are floated. (Floating floors are floors that are not adhered to the subfloor.) Cork flooring comes in a variety of natural and stained colors, but it can only be stained if the surface is unfinished.
  • Some Perks about Cork
    Cork flooring is known for its softness. Cork’s cell structure is made of millions of air pockets, meaning you don’t get sore standing on it for long periods of time. It’s not spongy, though; it retains a solid feeling.
  • Cork flooring makes a natural noise reducer. The air pockets also absorb vibrations, so cork floors are especially great for rooms like a recording studio, a child’s playroom or an area for entertaining.
  • Cork is also anti-allergenic because it produces a waxy substance known as Suberin that repels bugs, mold, mites and termites. If you suffer from allergies but don’t want to suffer from a cold, unwelcoming floor, this is your answer!
  • How Do You Maintain Cork?
    Cork floor maintenance is simple. Like most other flooring, just sweep, mop and vacuum regularly.

Both bamboo and cork flooring can be used in any room throughout your house. They look sleek and stylish, with the added bonus of being green!

Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas - Tagged , , , ,

Get a Great Garage!

Jul03
2008 Leave a Comment Written by Alexis

GarageThe garage may be the most overused and underutilized room in the entire house.

Too often viewed as a catchall, most garages are bursting with lawn equipment, seasonal decorations and other unnecessary items that homeowners can’t bare to part with.

While homeowners will spend endless amounts of money renovating and redecorating their homes, the garage usually remains untouched. Your overworked and underappreciated garage deserves a makeover.

Here are some upgrade options to turn your garage from shabby to chic:

Organize! Overhead storage systems are a great alternative for homeowners with an abundance of clutter. They maximize ceiling space and give you back parking and floor space.

Consider upgrading your current flooring. There are many different types of garage floors, but they can be broken down into two categories. Epoxy floor coverings are painted on. This sealant resists stains, seals the floor and gives the floors an attractive appearance. Synthetic rubber and plastic mats will hide any flooring damage. They come in rolled sheets with channels that allow water and other liquids to drain and prevent pooling in your garage.

In new house construction, garage walls are often left unfinished or only partially finished by the builder, and many homeowners never get around to doing anything about it. An inexpensive, long-lasting solution is to use exterior-grade luan plywood. This smooth surface looks good when painted, resists rotting and mildew, and is tougher than sheetrock if it is bumped.

Garage doors are a big investment in the style and comfort of your home. Your garage doors can account for up to 30 percent of the exterior portion of a home that is visible from the street. The style, color and condition of the door have a great influence on the overall appearance and curb appeal of the home. Garage door options include steel, high-density polyethylene and traditional wood styles.

Garage screen doors are the perfect way to turn your garage into a screened-in porch for the summer. These screens usually attach to your garage door by means of Velcro and can be removed for storage when not in use. Aside from keeping out bugs and other pests, many of these screens provide privacy from the outside as well as protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Add energy-efficiency and hands-free convenience to your garage lighting with occupancy sensors. When placed where they can “see” both the car entrance doors and other doors, these sensors will turn on the lights automatically, keep them on while you are moving around the garage and turn the lights off after you leave.

Garage roofs are the overall protector of your garage and everything inside it. Proper garage roof drainage should be installed at all the corners of the garage roof so that rainwater can easily flow down the side drain of your garage roof or the rain gutter of your garage roof without running the risk of collapsing your garage roof.

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

Green-ovations

Jun22
2008 2 Comments Written by Alexis

Green Living 

Today, green is more than just a corporate buzzword. To many, it is a new way of thinking and living, and this environmentally forward movement has even affected the housing market. Green houses and green building are sprouting up across the nation and capturing America’s imagination in the process.

For those who cannot afford a new, eco-friendly house, here is a list of renovations to make your current home as green as it can be.

 

 

  • Increase your home’s energy efficiency. Replacing old windows and doors with new, energy-efficient models is a great way to help out the environment and save on utility costs.
  • Consider the placement of appliances. Refrigerators blasted by the sun’s rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible, relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close window coverings to keep the sun off.
  • Remove window units during cold months or insulate them with tight-fitting A/C covers. In the winter, room air conditioners installed in windows can be a source of cold drafts.
  • Install motion sensors, photocell controls or timers so outdoor lights are only on when needed. Reduce light pollution and keep the night sky darker by using light fixtures that direct light downward instead of toward the sky.
  • Replace your lights. Compact fluorescent lights use up to 75 percent less energy than their incandescent counterparts.
  • Add dimmer switches if you have incandescent light fixtures where you can’t or don’t want to use compact fluorescent bulbs. Dimming shaves a bit off an incandescent bulb’s energy use and makes the bulb last longer.
  • Buy low-VOC or no-VOC paints and breathe easier. Volatile organic compounds, like those found in many paints, can cause pollution within the house.
  • To stop drafts and air leaks, install weatherstripping around doors and caulk cracks around windows. Check the heating and cooling systems’ ducts to make sure all joints are connected and well-sealed.
  • Make sure the door between the garage and house seals tightly, and caulk or seal any cracks or openings between the garage and house. If your garage is attached to the house, fumes from car exhaust and stored chemicals can enter living spaces through gaps around doors or cracks in the ceilings and wall.
  • Reduce energy bills by as much as $150 a year with a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature when you leave the house or go to sleep.
  • Choose salvaged, secondhand or antique furnishings, doors, trim, fixtures and other items.
  • Brighten up dark hallways, bathrooms and other spaces with tubular skylights. They let in daylight without the excess heat.
  • Check out great bamboo alternatives for floors, cabinets, built- ins and furniture. Plants like bamboo that can be harvested and grown again within a short time ease demand for slower-growing trees and nonrenewable resources like petroleum.
  • Choose Energy Star-qualified appliances that use 10 percent to 50 percent less energy and water.
  • Consider a green roof, which is typically planted with native grasses, wildflowers or other climate-appropriate groundcovers. Green roofs slow the flow of storm water off the roof, keep surrounding outside air temperatures cooler, insulate the home from noise, heat and cold and may even extend the roof’s life.
  • Add solar electric or water-heating systems. A solar electric system can offset some or all of your home’s electricity use, while solar water-heating systems can heat water for sinks, showers, laundry, home heating, pools and spas.
  • Choose carpeting, rugs, window treatments and other textiles made from natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, which are untreated and free of toxins, such as pesticides or chemical cleaners.
  • Use a front-load washer, which will cut your water-related energy use by more than half over a top-load washer. You only need about 10 to 20 gallons of water to do a full load, while a top-load washer would have required about 40 gallons.
Posted in Green Living, Home Improvement, Tips and Ideas - Tagged ,

Choosing New Appliances

Jun18
2008 3 Comments Written by Carrie

Black StoveWhether you are buying a bike, a car or a house, never assume that the more expensive the product, the better the buy. Just because something costs more doesn’t mean it is the absolute best product out there!

The same goes for appliances. Many people believe that the more expensive brands look the best in their kitchen and work most effectively. However, every appliance boasts different needs and requirements, and not all of the expensive brands may suit your lifestyle.

Are you considering new kitchen appliances? After taking a look at this recent Buy Owner article, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. Aside from affordability, what else do you need to consider?

  • Space: If your kitchen is fairly small in size, you may need to purchase smaller appliances. If the laundry room boasts mostly cabinet space, you may need to look for a stackable washer and dryer. Always measure the rooms before you even start your search!
  • Style: White appliances are a basic standard. However, stainless steel is a decorating a favorite. Some refrigerators even come with chalkboard doors or wood paneling that will complement cabinetry or flooring.
  • Design: For example, in regards to refrigerators, you could get a side-by-side, a freezer-on-top or a freezer-on-bottom. Each major brand features a specific look, as well. Once you know the size you need and the style that would best suit your decorating taste, it’s time to pick a design. It should not only be aesthetically pleasing to your eye, but it should suit your lifestyle. If you do not eat frozen food that often, the freezer-on-bottom refrigerator may be for you! If you tend to cook with both frozen food and fresh fruits/vegetables, then the side-by-side fridge may be your best bet.
  • Usage: Some high-end appliances showcase new digital features that might not be that easy to operate. Some of the luxury washers and dryers boast LCD touch screens that may seem confusing, even after you have read the manual. If you are not all too up-to-date on your technology, a simple, basic appliance is the one for you.
  • Maintenance: Appliances that rely heavily on electronic components will most likely have a higher repair cost than more simple models.

Amana, Kenmore, Kitchen Aid, Whirlpool, General Electric… the list goes on and on! Forget the brand names! Just follow this list of helpful tips, and you will find the most efficient and stylish appliances that suit your every want and need.

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