6 Hilarious Signs You Need to Do Home Improvements

As your house gets older, it needs improvements to keep it running well and looking good. So, if you've been neglecting to make home improvements over the years, it's probably showing in your home. Take a look at these six signs it's time to make some changes and improvements. 

Your Utility Bill Makes You Cry

Yes, the cost of utilities has gone up, but if your utility bill is nearly as much as your mortgage, you know it's time to make some home improvements. Utility bills are typically higher in old homes because the insulation isn't as thick as it used to be, the windows let heat escape your home, and your appliances might not be energy-efficient models. So, if you cry every time you look at your utility bill, you should make your home more energy efficient to save money each month. Simple changes can make a huge difference.

You Still Have Annual Height Measurements in Your Kitchen

Lots of people mark annual height measurements on their walls, but you know it's time to make some home improvements if your paint is so old that you have height measurements from 20 to 30 years ago. Yes, we understand sentimental value, but you can always cut out that segment of the wall if it means that much to you. If your paint is that old, your home is definitely needs a fresh coat.

Your Home Evokes the 70s

You know you need to do some home improvements if your house takes people back to the 70s. For instance, lots of wood paneling and colorful shag carpet might remind people of their life during the Nixon era in college or growing up in the suburbs. It's easy to get new carpet and most wood paneling can be painted or taken down for a new look.

People Are Afraid to Go Down to Your Dark and Musty Basement

Basements are scary because they don't get as much light as the rest of the house. Making some simple home improvements like new light fixtures and clearing out the space can make a huge difference in your basement. Looking into a security system from Lifeshield.com can also make people feel more secure when they are at your house.

People Never Take Off Their Jacket When They Come Into Your Home

If you don't have adequate insulation or your windows are really old, your home is probably pretty drafty. You're probably used to it, but if people aren't taking off their jackets when they come to your home, it's time to make some improvements to the energy efficiency of your home. Plus, your power bill will probably go down because of it.

People Get a Headache from Going into Your Bathroom

Do you have a really colorful bathroom—floral wallpaper on the walls, a bathtub that is some color other than white? This is a sign you need to make some home improvements to your bathroom, if not a complete makeover. People like to see neutral colors and fixtures in bathrooms that make the space feel clean.

If you can relate to any of the scenarios on this list, it's time to make some home improvements. What other signs can you think of? 

3 Inexpensive Ways to Update Your Home's Curb Appeal

Some people fail to realize the importance of curb appeal for their houses. Curb appeal helps your house look more attractive, especially if you are selling your home.

Creating a nice curb appeal for your house lays out the welcome mat for not only buyers but visitors as well to your house. Unlike other house repairs and maintenance jobs, creating your home’s curb appeal doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg.

Here are 3 inexpensive ways to update your home’s curb appeal on a tight budget.

Clean up

One simple way to make your curb attractive is to clean up your yard. The first thing people tend to notice is your yard. Is your lawn mowed? Do you have weeds growing so high it’s obvious? Do you have leaves all over the yard? Is there a lot of debris in the yard? 

Just spending an hour or two cleaning up the yard can go a long way in making your curb appealing.

To clean your yard, you need the basic lawn mower, rack, and trash bag to dispose of leaves and debris. These items are easily found at most hardware or home repair stores. For more information about GreatDeals.com, visit the site.

Do you have pets that stay outside? Some dogs because of their breed will cause havoc in your yard. You can keep the pet from damaging your yard by training them, keeping them in a certain area of the yard, buying a dog house, or keeping them inside the house. If you have a huge weed problem, apply weed killer to the yard, driveway and sidewalk.

Decorate

Add some plants to your porch or place them alongside the sidewalk of your house. Plants make your house attractive. Make sure you take care of the plants.

Water them and make sure they are getting enough sunlight. Dead plants and poorly taken care of plants will not help bring about curb appeal to your house.

Plant flowers in your yard and on the curb, if there’s grass located there. Flowers definitely beautify your curb. Plants are not expensive at all.

You can also mix up the type of plants to add to the attraction and variety. If you are missing a lot of grass in your yard, apply a grass pod to help grow the grass or plant artificial grass in your yard.

In addition to plants, you could fly a flag from your front yard to show your patriotism. You can easily find the flagpole parts you need online in order to get this set up and a flag flying in no time.

Paint

Touch up your porch and curb with paint. Unlike painting the entire house, painting parts of the curb is very cheap. All you need is a can of paint and a paintbrush. If you want to add more of a touch-up, paint the trim areas of the porch.

Lighting

You can add to your curb appeal with lights. Solar lights are not expensive and they help save energy and money. You can place the solar bulbs alongside the curb, driveway, or walkway.

Most of these inexpensive ways to enhance your curb appeal will actually take the focus off of your curb. When these things are not added, your curb is more noticeable. However, if your yard is well-maintained, plants and flowers are blooming, lights are lit, and the curb is painted, people will tend to focus on everything, including your curb.

Ashley has written several career-related articles for various websites for more than 2 years. She loves to travel and write. She suggests HomeDepot.com Coupon Codes for money saving discount coupons.

10 Great Ways to Save Money at Home

Energy Star Light Bulb (Photo credit: Jenn Durfey)

You can save a lot of money at home by finding ways to make your property work for you. By adding value to different parts of your home, and by saving money in key areas, you can start to appreciate how much even small changes will affect your annual budget; some approaches to consider when saving money at home consequently include switching energy providers, de-cluttering and selling on items, and taking on a home renovation loan to build up the equity you have in your property.

 

1 - Switch Energy Providers 

The New Year is a good time to consider switching energy providers; you can both save on your annual bills, and receive cash-back  by comparing different providers, with the savings potentially rising to £100 a year. 

2 - Use Less Water 

Get a water meter for your house, and avoid average charges for your area; similarly, use less water by switching off taps when brushing your teeth, and don’t over fill kettles and pans when making cups of tea and cooking. 

3 - Use Your Garden to Grow Vegetables 

Reduce your weekly food shop by using your garden to grow vegetables; you can start a small patch, or even a kitchen garden, where you can grow potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables that can be added to your cooking routine. 

4 - De-Clutter and Sell Items 

You’d be surprised by how much money you can raise by de-cluttering your home and selling on items; old mobile phones can be sold for cash, while large amounts of books, DVDs, and CDs can be sold online to make some quick cash. 

5 - Take Out a Home Renovation Loan 

Look for short term or guarantor loans that will allow you to borrow enough money to renovate a bathroom or kitchen - doing so will help to add value to your property if you’re planning to sell in a few years time. 

6 - Get a Better Home Insurance Deal 

Work out what you’re actually paying for with your home insurance, and try to cut out anything that you don’t actually need. Look for deductibles, as well as opportunities to lower your premiums by increasing the amount of information you give to providers.

7 - Break Down Your Bills 

Calculate how much you’re spending across different parts of your home, and try to make small savings; use slightly less heat an water, or drop part of your entertainment package if you’re not using your television as much as your Internet connection. 

8 - Set Your Home for the Seasons 

Remember to add in blankets and repair drafts and leaks before the Winter, which will help you to use your heating less. Similarly, make sure you turn off your heating at the right time of the year to avoid paying more in the Spring and Summer. 

9 - Refit Your Kitchen 

Make your kitchen more cost effective by investing in a slow or pressure cooker, which can save energy. Move over to white goods that have an Energy Star label, as these appliances are more energy efficient. 

10 - Make Small Repairs and Changes 

Lots of small changes will make a difference to how much you spend at home - fix leaky taps, and try to spend less time in the shower, or running your garden hose. Check for drafts under doors, and pick up cheap drafts excluders to prevent heat from being lost.

 
Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about home improvement, from bespoke furniture to money saving tips. In his spare time he enjoys networking and socializing.

Winter Energy Saving In The Office

During the coldest season of the year business energy costs are rising though less comfort is enjoyed because some simply can’t afford it. How does winter impact your energy bills? 

Heating the office in winter

When heating systems are performing at or close to their rated maximum capacity, their efficiency decreases while the amount of energy utilised is growing. In other words, more electricity is used to provide less comfort. This is exactly why your energy bills are getting higher in winter. 

What happens?

Considerable temperature swings outside the building make you use heating equipment for longer periods, which requires more electricity. In fact, just a few days of extreme temperatures can cause your bill to get much higher. During periods of extreme weather portable heating devices are among the major sources of energy demand. However, devices working much harder to heat your office may still not be able to provide the temperature level you have set. 

What you should do

• Install a programmable thermostat. Set the thermostat to lower temperatures at night and weekends when there’s nobody in the office. 
• Ensure the thermostat is installed and operating properly as it only saves energy when programmed. 
• Make sure the thermostat is located in the right place as it should be able to sense the average temperature in the office. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source. 
• Remember that lowering your thermostat by just one degree results in 3% energy savings. Encourage employees to wear long sleeved jackets inside the office if necessary. 
• Get a humidifier. The air in the office can be too dry for employees to feel comfortable. Moister air feels warmer, and it can contribute to overall employee comfort if you set the thermostat lower. 
• Keep the doors and windows closed yet make sure that the air in the office is not too stuffy by airing the rooms in the morning before the working day starts. 
• Close window curtains and blinds at night to keep the heat in and open south-facing window curtains and blinds during the day. 
• Check window frames and fill them with silicone caulk if there are cracks in them. Replace any broken window panes. 
• Remember to turn off the lights when leaving the office, especially before the weekend. Try not to use lights for more than six hours a day to keep your energy use down. 
• Turn to professionals for a developed energy saving campaign tailored specifically for your business needs. Energy efficiency tips and solutions can help you achieve 35% savings on energy bills within a year. 

Although winter is taking its toll on energy bills, there are ways to reduce energy consumption and spending without compromising on comfort in the office.

Related articles

• How to Increase the Value of Your Home (50plusfinance.com)
• Real Estate In A Thriving Port (50plusfinance.com)
• 10 Ways You Can Save Money At Home (savealittlemoney.com)
• 10 Tips on How to Save Money This Winter on Your Heating Bill (savealittlemoney.com)

How to Increase the Value of Your Home

Modern kitchen (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many ways in which you can increase the value of your home, from relatively simple changes to more comprehensive renovations. In all these cases, it’s worth exploring the potential for a low or no fee personal loan for financing renovations. Doing so can help to increase the resale value of your property, while also building valuable equity if you are able to boost your initial buying price. With these benefits in mind, some ways for increasing your home’s appeal include:

Decluttering

Clearing out rooms and making sure that you don’t use up valuable space with boxes can make a home more attractive to buyers looking to make the most of your property. Moreover, the more free space you can create, the easier it becomes to convert crowded spaces like basements and attics. Doing so can also make it easier to clean and keep rooms in the best possible condition.

Refitting Kitchens and Bathrooms

As perhaps the most important rooms in the house for making a good first impression, your kitchen and bathrooms can significantly benefit from renovation. A minimalist design is recommended if you want to create appeal for a new buyer, while changes like converting a second bathroom into a wet room can also work well in terms of adding value.

Replacing Lighting

You can make your home more eco-friendly by replacing old light bulbs with energy saving LED strips and light bulbs. The investment will also lower your energy bills.

Rewiring

It’s worth getting your electrical wiring checked, and particularly if you live in an older property. Fixing any small problems now can help to prevent long term issues.

Deep Cleaning

Taking the time to deep clean your home can add value, and rewards the money spent on kitchens and bathrooms, while also cleaning the outside of a property to make it more attractive to potential buyers.

Landscaping

Some imaginative landscaping can make a major difference to the value of your home. Simple changes like fixing fences, or more ambitious alterations like adding in gazebos and sheds can make your garden more distinctive.

Using Recycled Materials

Using more recycled materials for furniture and fixtures can make your home greener, whether you use reclaimed wood for cabinets, or bamboo for window blinds.

Making the Most of Light

In terms of small properties, opening out available space can change perceptions of the size of a house. This can be achieved by switching out heavy curtains for roller blinds that can be removed from view.

Renovating Roofs

Insulating your roof and fixing any problems with tiles can make your home more secure, and much easier to present as being in an excellent condition. Another option is to convert your roof to include solar panels, which can provide an alternative electricity source, and can be partly subsidised by government tariffs.

Investing in New Appliances for the Kitchen

Energy saving appliances like eco-fridges, freezers, and dishwashers are better for the environment, reduce noise, and produce less emissions, while reducing your energy bills.

Author Bio: Liam Ohm writes about home improvement. He recommends estate agents Swindon as a great place to buy and sell your home. In his time off he enjoys blogging, cycling and socializing.

10 Ways To Increase The Value of Your Home

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Increasing the value of your home is essential to improving its resale chances, and can help to beat the mortgage crunch and the current housing market. Moreover, by increasing the value of your house, you can get on top of maintenance demands, and ease any long term problems associated with property selling. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from making your home more eco friendly, through to adapting bathrooms, investing in new blinds, and decluttering. These tips, and more, can be found below:

1 - Make Your Home More Eco Friendly

An eco friendly home can stand out in a housing market as the result of its lower energy bills, and long term sustainability. You can make your home more eco friendly by switching white goods for eco saver appliances which use less energy, as well as by installing solar panels as an alternative energy source.

2 - Deep Clean

An occasional deep clean by a professional company can improve your home’s value by removing built up grime, and by resolving hard to reach areas. A deep clean can pressure wash carpets, and get in behind kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

3 - Adapt Bathrooms

If you have two bathrooms, then it is worth considering the conversion of one into a wet room. A waterproofed wet room adds more space than a conventional bathroom by using a walk in shower, and is particularly ideal for disabled and elderly users.

4 - Invest in New Blinds

New blinds with UV resistance and black out coverings can create more flexible options for rooms. Moreover, conservatory blinds can be installed to give new owners the benefit of privacy or natural light.

5 - Improve Your Garden

It shouldn’t cost too much to improve your garden and raise its value. This can be achieved by cutting back weeds, planting flowers and a vegetable garden, and by painting fences and repairing sheds.

6 - Replace Windows

Any leaking or drafty windows will lower the value of a property. Invest in double glazing, or replace older windows with hard wearing vinyl and wood.

7 - Declutter

Removing your personal items can make a home more attractive to a potential buyer, and will make more use of available space. Decluttering will also give you the chance to be ruthless about throwing away anything that you’ve been hoarding.

8 - Make the Most of Natural Light

Open out rooms with natural light, which can be achieved by installing roller blinds, or leaving open skylights in attics and bedrooms. Alternatively, you can improve the atmosphere of a room just by cleaning windows.

9 - Extensions

Adding an extension that’s suitable to your home will boost its value. Possible examples might include a conservatory, or the conversion of a space to become a new bedroom.

10 - Make Neutral Renovations

When remodelling and renovating for a future sale, don’t do anything too unusual, and focus on neutral colours and fixtures that will appeal to buyers who want to make a property their own. Similarly, avoid adding energy hungry installations like jacuzzis or outdoor pools.

Author Bio: Liam Ohm is a regular blogger on all aspects of finance. From GBP guarantor loans to how to your home can save you money – he has a passion for passing his knowledge onto others.

Related articles

• Ways Your House Can Earn You Money (50plusfinance.com)
• Give a Home a Fresh Look Without Breaking the Bank (50plusfinance.com)
• Selling a House in Australia (50plusfinance.com)
• What Remodeling Your Kitchen Can Do For Your Home (savealittlemoney.com)

Give a Home a Fresh Look Without Breaking the Bank

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Even newer homes lose their luster over the years; flooring shows wear in high-traffic areas, chrome bathroom fixtures that looked so smart and modern fifteen years ago, now look plain and utilitarian, better suited for a cheap roadside motel. The era of pink bathtubs has come and gone, and 1970s wall paneling is best left in the last century.

Homeowners can update the look, function and value of their homes without the expense of a total renovation. A room-by-room assessment will identify the specific areas that need addressing. Assuming a home’s structure and mechanical systems are sound, most homeowners will find they can update their castle without emptying their wallets.

The Front Door

High-end homes often feature ornate oak doors with etched-glass inserts, making the half-lite steel doors found on so many homes seem a poor relation. Repaint that steel door with a color similar to wood. Once the paint has dried, swipe the surface with a coat of wood stain; this will add a faux wood-grain texture. Complete the project by applying a decorative window film to the door lite to get the etched-glass look.

The Kitchen

Revamping a tired kitchen will improve a home’s value and make life more pleasant for the cook in the house. Replacing dated cabinets is expensive and usually unnecessary. Sometimes a coat of paint and new hardware is all that is needed to bring a kitchen into the 21st century. A more expensive route is to replace the cabinet doors and the surrounding veneer. This may be the best approach when dealing with hopelessly outdated cabinet styles.

Replacing countertops requires carpentry skills that are beyond the reach of most homeowners, but money spent on hiring a contractor to replace that old, speckled laminate will increase the home’s value more than the cash out-lay.

The Bathroom

A few quick changes in the bathroom — a new toilet seat, new lavatory and tub faucets, new shower doors — can make a big difference is the room’s appearance. Homeowners with outdated or stained bathtubs may wish to investigate resurfacing kits. These epoxy-based products apply like paint and can cover that dated tub with a resilient finish similar to porcelain.

Flooring

A steam cleaning can often bring wall-to-wall carpeting back to life, but there are many other options for homeowners seeking a cleaner look. New laminate flooring are relatively inexpensive and often can be a do-it-yourself weekend project.

Older homes are often hiding solid wood floors under worn and stained carpeting. Lifting the carpet in one corner of a room may reveal a hidden treasure of wide pine boards. Light sanding and a coat of polyurethane will give the room a clean look, suitable for country or modern décor.

Homeowners that find plywood under their old carpet may discover, with smaller rooms, a coat of stain over the plywood, followed by polyurethane, creates a warm, rustic look. The lack of texture in plywood makes it unsuitable as a floor covering for larger areas.

Wall Paneling

Removing wall paneling is a major chore, and often adhesives applied to the paneling at installation has marred the sheetrock underneath. An easier way to update these walls is to paint. The grooved paneling, covered with a fresh coat of paint, will have the look of expensive wainscoting or beadboard without the price. For homeowners that wish to wallpaper, the grooves in old paneling can easily be filled in with joint compound to give the wall a smooth surface.

Author’s Bio: Jeff Hall is a freelance writer, professional blogger, and social media enthusiast. His blog Homeownersinsurance.org focuses on insurance. You can follow him on Google+

5 Remodeling Tips to Increase Your Homes Value

Modern kitchen (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In today's economic climate every penny counts more, so saving money has never been so important. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of home improvement. The present real estate market is slowly on the rebound, but is growing at a much slower pace than the rest of the economy is. Many home owners have seen their greatest investment, their house, lose up to 40% of its value in the past few years. 

Many are enacting various home improvement projects in an attempt to shore up or increase the value of their home as a result. Many retirees want to scale down their home requirements to a more affordable amount. They want to sell their home but the depressed housing market means they will have to take a big cut in the price of the home. The result is they have decided to sit on the home till the market bounces back to a reasonable level.

While they're waiting the smart homeowners are fixing up their home to increase the sale price of their home. All homes could use a freshening up of the paint and landscaping. This period of time should be used to make your house more attractive to potential buyers. I have listed a few ideas that could help make your home the best home on the block and first to sell. Some improvements are more pricey than others so only do those improvements that fit well in your budget.

1. Painting

Painting is a cheap, easy way to remodel any room of your house or revamp the exterior. With many space-enhancing color schemes to choose from, it’s hard not to find a room that could do with a splash of new color and personality. Speaking of personality, stenciling is making a comeback during the recession, allowing for an expensive look with minimal overhead cost.

2. An Addition

Adding an extension to your house can add between 10 and 50% to its value, depending on where you put it and how well it’s built and finished. The key here is to find a need your home has and consider the addition to accommodate that need, such as expanding a tiny kitchen or adding a necessary bedroom for your growing family. Another idea is to add an outdoor room extension, giving you extra space for a playroom, home office, or whatever your heart desires.

3. Kitchen Remodel

Though it can be expensive, remodeling your kitchen can add 10% to your home’s value, essentially paying for itself. It is the first room potential buyers will look at that will make or break their interest in your home. It is also a room you’re likely to spend a lot of time in, and should be as comfortable, modern, and spacious as possible. Some easy and relatively inexpensive ways to improve your kitchen are:

• Add new lighting fixtures.
• Add a sun tunnel
• Add an island.
• Paint and revamp the cabinets.
• Install new counters.
• Replace the kitchen sink.
• Make a backsplash.

4. Re-insulate

Improving the insulation in your home is a basic cost cutting home improvement you can do in a weekend that can cut your utility bill by as much as one-quarter! And while rolling out the pink fiberglass in attics and basements is a great start, there are other areas where insulation is needed that many homeowners do not consider:

• Weather-strip doors and windows to prevent both heat loss and cold air invasion.
• A water heater insulation jacket prevents heat loss through the walls of your water heater.
• Insulating your connected garage will form an extra protective barrier between your home and the elements.
• Some homes have room for blown in insulation in between the siding and the frame of the house.

5. Bathroom

Although it may not seem an obvious choice, improving your bathroom is a great way to add value to your house in a room everybody will be visiting sooner or later. Adding new tile and a splash of light color to the walls can be enough to give the bathroom a completely different ambiance. Changing the lighting and the counter space can also change it into a completely new room.

As with anything in life, do not embark upon home improvement ideas without having a good plan and the proper tools and materials to execute them. Attending some classes at interior design schools is another great way to prepare yourself for the home improvement tasks that are placed before you.

Money saving energy tax credits due to expire by year end

Image via WikipediaWe are only a few months away from the end of the year and money saving tax credits are soon expiring. These tax credits for energy-saving new windows, air conditioning, doors, water heaters, and insulation will soon end. Local contractors are seeing a last minute rush to get the upgrades done.

The reason your power bill will shrink. A new air conditioner is typically 30% more efficient than a 10-year-old model, and insulation can reduce air leakage by 20% to 30%. Adding insulation, replacing duct work, getting a central air cooling system and replacing water heaters — are the most cost-effective home improvements.

New windows can save homeowners up to $500 on energy costs a year while a new water heater will pay itself off in five years — not counting the tax breaks—according to calculations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star and home-improvement retailer Home Depot.

Insulating your home can save you about $220 a year and you could recoup your costs after 2.5 years.

Some of the energy-saving home improvements that are part of the tax-credit program are easy to do yourself, while other projects require professional installation.

Make sure your purchases qualify for the tax breaks, as not all Energy Star appliances are covered under the tax-credit program. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency.

And keep receipts for tax purposes. Keep the receipts for several years in case you get audited.

There are many Federal tax credits available for homeowners and business. Here is only a partial list.

Insulation

Credit: 10 percent of the cost, not including labor, up to $500

Requirements: Bulk insulation products such as batts, rolls and blow-in fibers may qualify.

Savings: Homeowners can save up to 10 percent on their total annual energy bill by sealing and insulating a home's outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors and floors.

Reflective metal and asphalt roofs

Credit: 10 percent of the cost, not including labor, up to $500

Requirements: Metal roofs with appropriate pigmented coatings and asphalt roofs with appropriate cooling granules and they also must meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

Savings: Homeowners could save about $200 with a highly reflective roof.

Windows, skylights and doors

Credit: 10 percent of the cost, not including labor, up to $500. Windows are capped at $200.

Requirements: Must be ENERGY STAR qualified.

Savings: Windows, for instance, can reduce energy bills by 7 percent to 24 percent.

Gas, oil, propane and electric heat pump water heaters

Credit: $300

Requirements: Gas, oil and propane water heaters must have a thermal efficiency of at least 90 percent or have an energy factor of at least 0.82. Electric heat pump water waters must have an energy factor of at least 2.

Savings: It could take an estimated five years or more to recoup costs for the upgrade, according to JEA, a municipal utility in Jacksonville.

HVAC systems

Credit: $300 for central air conditioning.

Requirements: A Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of at least 16 for split systems and at least 14 for package systems or an Energy Efficiency Ratio of at least 13 for split systems and at least 12 for package systems.

Savings: One way to calculate savings is to use the AC rebate and calculator link at FPL.com/programs.

Credit: $50 for efficient fans or blower motors.

Requirements: Must use 2 percent or less of the furnace's total energy.

Credit: $150 for natural gas or propane furnace or a gas, propane, or oil hot water boiler

Requirements: An Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of at least 95.

Credit: $500 for air source heat pumps

Requirements: The energy efficiency rating varies depending on whether it's a split or package system.

Savings: An estimated $30 a year can be saved.

Other rebates and credits

There are plenty of other options for homeowners who want to cash in on tax credits and rebates and save money on their electricity bills. They include:

Federal loans of up to $25,000 for single-family homeowners who want to make energy-efficient improvements;

Federal tax credits covering 30 percent of the cost of geothermal heat pumps, and solar and wind energy systems;

Money for insulation and other energy-saving upgrades through low-income weatherization programs that is available by contacting community action agencies within county governments; and

Rebates for energy-efficiency improvements available through some cities and counties.
Check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for your state specific rebates and credits.http://www.dsireusa.org/

 Also the U.S. Department of Energy for a complete list of federal tax credits and incentives.    http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html

Should I Hire A Handyman or A Contractor For Home Repair.

Image via WikipediaKeeping a residence or commercial business in good condition is a tough job. Water pipes may leak, toilets can overflow and the electricity can go out in the blink of an eye. Property owners must also pay close attention to how the outside looks, as to not violate any city code violations. A handyman or professional contractor may be consulted for these issues – but there are major differences in the qualifications and duties of each profession.

Do you hire a contractor or a handyman?

A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects.

Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work, but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it is required in your area. No matter who you hire for which job, it is always important you know exactly what you want in a project and communicate that. These days, contractors and handymen are very similar, especially with more contractors developing an all-around approach - making the decision on who you should hire that much more confusing.

Before you hire, make a list of what you need done. Include as much detail as you can so the company can determine if your requests are within their abilities. Have this list on hand when you call to make an appointment. Talk through your list with the handyman or contractor. Most professionals are going to tell you up front if it's a job outside their area of expertise. And, in the case of some of the larger handyman shops, knowing what jobs you need done, often determines which employee they send to your house

Who to hire? Contractor or Handyman?

• A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects. Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work - but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it's required in your area.
• A contractor tends to concentrate on larger jobs or a more specialized field that could require a license or special certification. If you are planning a room addition or a kitchen remodel, for example, a contractor would be better suited for your project. These jobs may last several weeks or months, whereas a handyman's work may be done in just a few hours.

Check Out Your Neighbor's Open House, Your Not Nosey, Your Smart

An open house attracts many people who come for different reasons. They may be buyers looking in your neighborhood, real estate brokers looking to list your home, or even the guy down the block who is curious. In my neighborhood if there is an open house you are sure to see me there. You may call me nosy, but I believe that taking a look provides me with a lot of good information if someday I decide to sell my own home.

The first thing I look for in a neighbors home is what home improvements or upgrades they have made. This information can be help you decide what home improvements you should maybe do first. One improvement may be your roof, if your neighbors mostly have all new roofs and yours is showing it's age, maybe that is one of the first things you change. When selling your home, a new roof verse an old roof may make all the difference in which house gets sold first. Seeing the upgrades your neighbors have made will keep you from overdoing it on your own upgrades. You don't want to over build or over upgrade in your neighborhood. Also seeing other homes will also give you ideas on things you never thought of to help improve your own home.

If you are planning to move in the near future, seeing other homes for sale will give you close view of your competition. You are competing for buyers when your neighbors house is also for sale. You will see what their homes appeal is and you can compare their home value with your own home. Looking at other home improvements can also let you know what features to advertise in your own home when you are ready to put your home for sale. Checking out a open house will give you ideas how to make your home stand out above the competition.

At these open house Realtors and real estate agents will be present. You will be able to ask questions and pick their brains and maybe learn a thing or two. See if the Realtor is actively marketing the home, being active in engaging prospective buyers. Some Realtors use your open house to market other homes they have for sale and not yours. This will help you weed out the bad ones and zero in on the good ones.

You may feel embarrassed at going to a neighbors open house, don't feel bad. The more people that see an open house is good for the seller, because it helps the word get out and helps sell the home. If the sellers are there they may appreciate some honest feedback about the house. So it's a good thing for you and the seller that you are there.

Next time there is an open house on your street be sure sure to stop by. You are going to learn something that will help you, when it's time to sell your house.

What Economic Slowdown? $43.5 Million Dollars Worth Of Rubble

Many people are still deeply hurting, from our current economic situation, yours truly included. Income is down and expenses are rising. But not all of us are suffering. There are a few people doing pretty well.

With real estate prices at an all time low it's time to do some buying. Thats what one hedge fund billionaire David Tepper did. He bought a little fixer upper in Sagaponack, Long Island. He paid $43.5 million dollars for the 6,000 square foot ocean front estate on 6.5 sandy acres.

What's the first thing you do? Well, if you're hedge fund billionaire David Tepper, you tear the thing down -- along with the guesthouse, swimming pool and tennis court -- to build an even bigger mansion.

According to Southampton Patch, Tepper bought the home last year from ex-wife of former New Jersey governor Jon Corzine, in the area's most expensive transaction of 2010. In April, he got a permit for the demolition, and yesterday, the site was finally cleared.

The new house will be about twice the size, with ocean views from every room, "a sunken tennis court, three-car garage, a widow's walk, second-floor decks including one with a Jacuzzi, and a covered porch," reports Hamptons Curbed, quoting the minutes from a recent town board meeting at which the construction was reviewed.

9 Ways Avoid to Disreputable Contractors

Image by The Library of Congress via FlickrI have been getting some estimates to change out my windows. They are 35 years old and it's time to upgrade. The new windows today, not only save on energy costs but are are impact resistant. So the need for shutters during a hurricane isn't a worry anymore.

Whenever you have work done of this nature done it will be of great benefit to qualify the company that does it. I recommend doing a thorough checking out of the company and meeting the people who will actually be doing the work. Some of my readers know of my special relationship with building contractors. I am one and I am well aware of how they can be very good in their job and how they can be very bad. So it is very important to check out their credentials and past work.

Seek Referrals. It's best to get it from the horse's mouth. Stop by remodeling jobs that are in progress and talk to the homeowner. Ask if they are happy with the way the job is going. Is the work being done in a timely fashion? Is the crew doing a god job? How is the price? You will know right away if the homeowner likes the work. They will be forth right with a good or bad review.

Check Credentials. Call your local BBB and find out how long a company has been in business. Google the name of the company and it's owner, you will find if there are any problems or lawsuits. Contact any state licensing boards for any consumer complaints.

Seek Referrals. Talk to any friends or family who have done any similar kinds of work. Call your local building department to check if there are any complaints or if they make recommendations.

Ask For Insurance. Ask your contractor to produce documentation of liability insurance and proof of workmen's compensation. See that all paper work is up to date.

Subcontractors. Ask your contractor if they will actually be doing the work or will be sub-contracting the work out. If so check out the subcontractor thoroughly.

Everything must be in writing. Be sure all agreements are put in writing. Ask how work change orders are to be handled. Be sure start and finish dates are in writing. Also payment schedules and detailed description of the work to be done.

Understand what your signing. If your contract has to much small print and is costly maybe a lawyer should check out the contract to see if you are not being taken.

Paying upfront. Don't pay to much upfront. A small deposit may be required but always pay after work is done or on a beneficial for you schedule.

Never Pay in Cash. Use a credit card or write checks so you always have proof of payment.
Contracting work on your home can be a pleasant experience if you take it slow and find the best contractor.

The How, Why, And Who Of Home Remodeling And Dealing With Contractors

Image by The Library of Congress via FlickrAt sometime in the life of a home owner you decide it's time to remodel. The most common remodels are in the kitchen with new or resurfaced cabinets. The next on the list would be a deck or landscaping. Followed by a bathroom remodel. Being in the building business I found these three the most common requests.

When remodeling it's good to start with a budgeted amount you want to spend. Sticking to this budget is tough because you may underestimate what the projects cost or you go all wacky and want gold fixtures. Your spending a lot of money it's good to go slow in the planning and cost stage of the project.

You must keep in mind that when remodeling your home the money you spend must yield that amount when or if you ever sell. Putting extraordinary or opulent  additions to your home will never be monetarily  realized when you sell. In plain English it means, don't over build for your neighborhood. Keep the final product within the price level of the other homes around you.

Normal and practical additions include:

• Bathroom remodeling
• Master bedroom remodeling
• Bathroom remodeling or addition
• Family Room addition
• Roof Replacement
• Window replacement

Dealing with a contractor can be a pleasure or a nightmare. I am a licensed building contractor, and being around other contractors you learn the ones that do a professional thorough job are a rare breed. It's imperative to hire one that has been recommend by someone. It's a good idea to actually go see the work that was done by the contractor. When I hired a cabinet contractor my wife and I went to a customers house to check out the work.

• Get at least three written estimates
• Check references, including past clients
• Call the local chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau to check for complaints
• Make sure the contract is clear and specifies what the job entails, including time frame, price and unforeseen changes
• Never pay in full, make a small down payment only if asked, preferable not. (Good contractors won't ask for earnest money)
• If Payment is not upon completion. Set up payments to coincide with work completed. Always hold the final payment till 100% job completion. No if's and's or but's.
• Make sure the contract has a 3-day rescission clause to protect you should you change your mind.
• Ask if the contractor will do the work or will it be sub-contracted
• Check all permits, licenses and insurance needs are meet by the contractor. Check and double check these.
• Make sure inspections are carried out by proper building department people.
• Hold the contractor responsible for cleanup and any damages that should occur during construction
• Make sure materials called for are used.

I have a pet peeve with contractors so I always scrutinize them carefully when working with them. It reminds me in the movie "The Naked Gun", at the end of the movie the bad guy is caught and asked the question, "How can you be so evil?". The bad guy responds, "Don't forget, I spent three years as a building contractor." This always cracks me up because I know so many bad contractors.

Reader: What's your experience with remodeling and contractors?

The True Value Of Improvements To Your Home

Image via Wikipedia
Since you can't get a dollar-for-dollar return on your home improvement, it's important to weigh the other advantages. In addition to creating a more enjoyable space, these may include:

Future goals

First impressions are everything. According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 77% of new home buyers start their search for a new house online, but they won't go near the property if the exterior doesn't look nice. So if you want or need to sell your current house, investing in "curb appeal" improvements that enhance the exterior condition of your home can be especially worthwhile. These types of updates may also help you move the property faster and secure a better resale price.

I often tell homeowners that although they may not see investing in a property 'facelift' as a high priority in terms of their own needs, when it comes time to sell, this type of improvement can bring in big dividends simply by increasing traffic to the homes. More eyes mean a faster sale and a better price — especially if the interior matches or exceeds the curb appeal of the exterior.

"Green" benefits

Some improvements create a return on investment that isn't seen in the property value but rather energy efficiency. Such improvements may also benefit the environment — especially if you have a home that's nearly three decades old.

According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard, existing housing stock built prior to 1983 constitutes over 20% of annual CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Certain upgrades can help improve the efficiencies of these and other homes. For example, qualified dual- or triple-paned windows can help save as much as 15% to 20% on energy bills. Foam-backed siding can provide an insulation boost and also reduce sound transmission, which may enhance quality of life. And upgraded Energy Star appliances, HVAC systems and electronics can serve as "mini remodels" that pay for themselves by reducing utility costs, thus improving cash flow.

Now is an especially appealing time to complete these types of upgrades because of the tax credits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The Act offers $4.3 billion in tax credits to homeowners who purchase Energy Star qualified appliances, including central air conditioners, furnaces (oil and gas), heat pumps (air source and geothermal), water heaters and more.

Other considerations

You need to weigh all of the pros and cons of a remodeling project — and have a game plan for financing — before you start. Here are some of the main things to consider:
Longer-term costs .... and benefits

Some projects may have additional future costs, while others can actually save you money. For example, if you're building an addition, you will have to pay the structural costs of the initial outlay and you will also need to furnish the new space, and heat and cool it year-round. Make sure to add these costs into your budget.

One thing I encourage people to do is to spend part of their remodeling budget on making the existing structure more energy efficient. First, I recommend an energy audit (usually around $500-600 for an average home), which shows the homeowner which energy-efficiency upgrades they could benefit from. Then they can choose the most beneficial upgrades for their home and implement them over time as budget allows.

Often the upgrades pay for themselves in only two or three years because the home is less expensive to maintain. Plus, the efficiencies gained from the upgrades will continue for the lifetime of the house, benefiting future homeowners, too.

Property taxes

If the project requires a permit, you can expect the tax adjuster to take an interest in your project. This could lead to a value reassessment and, potentially, increased property taxes.

Time frame

Quality of life is important, but you will also want to balance the reality of life events and consider whether you'll have time to enjoy the improvements. You may also have other higher-priority expenses that will need to take precedence. Your financial advisor can help you evaluate your situation so you can determine what's best for you.
Home equity line of credit

One option to consider to help pay for your remodeling costs is a home equity line of credit. This type of loan may be especially attractive right now considering today's lower interest rates. Your financial advisor can help you explore this option.

Do it yourself (DIY)

Are you handy? Or do you have time to learn some new skills? A major trend in home remodeling is for the homeowner to take on a large portion of the labor on a project. With labor costs typically running around 30% per project, doing the work yourself could significantly lower your overall costs. Or if you're not comfortable completing all of the work (e.g., electrical, plumbing), consider hiring out only those parts of the job. Also, you may want to be your own contractor to further reduce your costs and increase your return on investment.

Property conversion

Here's an interesting option to consider today: Instead of making improvements to your house, rent it out to someone else and purchase a new property that already includes everything you want at a dramatic discount. Many builders and homeowners are trapped with properties that are brand new, but aren't selling in today's buyer's market. You can take advantage of this property abundance, as well as lower interest rates, if you have good credit and are able to manage the expense. Once your tenants start paying rent, you can pay the mortgage and may even be able to take in some extra income.
What to ponder before you pound that nail

Ask yourself these questions to help you determine whether a remodeling project makes sense for you:
What makes my house feel like home to me?
What improvements would I need to make to enhance my quality of my life in this home?
Am I willing to invest the time and energy to do the work myself or do I need to hire an expert?
Am I prepared to be inconvenienced while the improvements are made?
How will I cover the costs?

If you have a clear vision, then it may be time to take on that remodeling project. That means it's time to meet with a minimum of three remodeling contractors to obtain cost and time estimates. And it also means it's time to talk with your advisor about your financing options and how a remodeling project fits into your long-term goals.

In the end, a home improvement may increase your home value for when it's time to sell. But one of the most valuable benefits of this type of investment today may simply be to make your home more enjoyable for you and your family.
"There's a direct relationship between how your house makes you feel and your perceived quality of life. When a home is beautiful as well as functional, you are far more likely to feel at home in your life. In our world today, that's a value that can't be quantified.

Related articles

• DIY Home Energy Assessment (lifegoggles.com)
• Real Estate Weekly: The best bang for your remodeling buck (marketwatch.com)
• 8 reasons to invest in your home (money.cnn.com)
• Builders' Show: Remodeling activity poised for a comeback in 2011 (blogs.consumerreports.org)