House Wreck: Home Investment Mistakes

backyard swimming pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When it comes to home renovation, there are two schools of thought. In the first, homeowners make changes that make their homes more livable and personally appealing without worrying about how those changes affect the value of the house. In the second school of thought, all changes are made with an eye toward how they will affect the home's value. If you fall into the category, or simply worry about how renovations will affect your home's value, then be sure to avoid the following costly mistakes.

Overbuilding

This is the most common mistake that homeowners make when trying to improve value. Before you make too many improvements, you have to consider how your home compares to all of the rest in the houses in your neighborhood. There are two important reasons why you must make this appraisal.

The first reason for considering the value of homes in your neighborhood is because real estate managers, like Kevin Kerekes, will use the value of those homes to help determine the value of yours. This is called the "comparable sales method," and it uses information about recent, nearby sales to determine how your home stacks up. This means that your house may be worth more or less depending on the neighborhood in which it is found. The bottom line is that this method puts a kind of upper limit on how much a home can sell for based on its location. No matter how many improvements are made, the value just won't go up by much.

The second reason that neighborhood is so important in determining home value is that like-minded people tend to want to live together. That means that people who shop in your neighborhood probably like the look and feel of it. If you have bucked that trend you not only won't get any interest from people who like your neighborhood but not your house, you also won't get much interest from people who like your house but not your neighborhood.

Landscaping

A little landscaping is a good thing, but too much can turn a potential buyer off. The best way to think about landscape is as curb appeal. It should encourage people to take a closer look at your home, but it shouldn't be the major selling point. What is more, extensive landscaping can be a turn off because most people aren't interested in maintaining it.

Swimming Pools

Swimming pools are a personal preference. Some people like them, but they generally won't increase your home's value much. They certainly won't increase the value enough to offset the cost of installing the pool. The reason pools are not selling points comes down to insurance and maintenance.

Pools are dangerous. To many people they are an accident, or a lawsuit, waiting to happen. Insurance companies are well aware of the danger that pools pose and they compensate for that danger with higher premiums.

Beyond insurance costs, pools are also maintenance headaches, requiring the use of chemicals and eating up time that could be spent doing other things. The costs of maintenance, when added to the costs of insurance, are enough to explain why many potential buyers actually make their purchase contingent on removal of a pool. Most people don't get enough use out of a pool to justify the high costs associated with them.

Carpet

Like landscaping, carpet is a thing people can appreciate in moderation, but quickly come to hate when it is used to excess. Wall-to-wall carpeting is a major turnoff for buyers because it is hard to keep clean, wreaks havoc with allergies, needs to be replaced much sooner than other coverings, and is generally perceived as being "dated" no matter how new it is. Hardwood, tile, and even linoleum are better investments than carpet.

High-End Mismatch

High-end appliances and fixtures can really increase the value of your home, but not when they are paired with mid-range flooring or an average house. In general, functionality will trump fashion in the real estate market every time, so it is better to go for a fully functional home than one that has a fancy stove but could use some TLC otherwise. The general rule is to void upgrading odds and ends in several rooms and instead focus on a full upgrade for a single room. Bathroom and kitchen remodels are most likely to have a positive impact on home value and benefit from higher-end items.

The Bottom Line

When planning a home renovation, first decide if you are doing it for personal enjoyment or for financial gain. If it is the latter, then you need to do your homework. Find out what houses in your neighborhood are like and look into what features sell. In some cases you may find that renovations won't do anything to help increase the value of your home. In those cases, you can dodge an expensive bullet just by doing a little reconnaissance. Remember to research before renovating to avoid the costly mistakes discussed above.

Kevin Kerekes writes about baseball, real estate, motivation, and urban development. Read his blog, which focuses on the State of New Jersey, baseball, and investing.

5 Outstanding Projects To Refill Your Nest After The Kids Fly The Coup

When your kids leave for college, it can feel like a lonely time where the nest is empty. But instead of getting lonely or thinking of the times when they were home, use this new free time to undertake some projects that will make your home a great place for you to enjoy. After all, your kids are likely having a fantastic time away at college, so it’s important that you do the same while they’re gone. Here are five outstanding projects to refill your nest after the kids fly the coup.

Man Cave

Every man needs a man cave. After all, where else can you go to watch sports, have a drink and get as loud as you want. A man cave is also a great home project that you can do on your own. Go get a new TV, put in some reclining chairs, and even put up a new bar for you to enjoy. The only trouble you’ll have with a man cave, is keeping your kids out of it when they come home for school vacation.

Library

Maybe your not into sports or the man cave idea, so instead consider making a peaceful library or home office. All you need is a wall full of books and a comfortable chair to be able to relax in and get lost in a great novel. Home libraries are easy to put in your home, and will give you plenty of things to do once your kids leave for school.

Hobby Room

If you want to be more productive with your time and keep your fingers busy, turn your child’s old room into a new sewing or scrapbooking room. Either of these options will give you something to do with your free time, and you can get quite handy with homemade projects. If you are looking for somewhere to put all of your kids stuff after they leave, consider storage units in Vegas so they can come and get their items once they move into a home of their own.

New Kitchen or Bathroom

If you want to keep your kids room as it was before they moved out, then consider changing up other rooms in your home. A new kitchen or bathroom remodel can add value and flair to your home. You can do something as simple as new cabinets or faucets, or completely rip everything out and start from the ground up. Either way, these new additions will make your home seem like it’s brand new.

Finished Garage

Finishing your garage is another project that will take up your time. And the best part about a finished garage is that it will entice you to get that dream car you’ve always been waiting for. A new floor and insulated walls are great addition to any garage.

You will likely miss your child a lot when they move away. But before you get too upset, consider all the great projects that you can do in your home to keep yourself busy and enjoy your home more.

Items You Can Invest In For a More Senior-Friendly Home

Oh the excitement of being retired, forgetting work-related stress and just travelling or relaxing at home! Staying at home and enjoying some personal space is a good way for seniors to unwind. But spending more time at home means having to transform it into a place that won’t be at all stressful to move around. 

There are two things to think about when improving your home to be more senior-friendly and comfortable: security and safety. These are also the two things that you should not hesitate investing in. Security means enough equipment to fend off intruders or trespassers and adequate devices to call for help in times of emergency. To achieve a safe environment, one must make sure that all the rooms in the house are not hazardous. Here are some add-ons that will certainly add more safety and security to your home. 

Grab Bars

With slippery tiles and often-wet floor, the bathroom could be the most dangerous room for a senior. Prevent unwanted accidents by adding as many grab bars as needed in the bathroom. The best spots to install them are on the walls by the bathtub and the toilet. This makes getting up and down a whole lot easier and it serves as a good support to keep seniors from slipping while maneuvering around. You can find basic easy mount grab bars starting at $30 or you can go for more sophisticated bars at $100 and above.

Handrails

As grab bars are for the bathroom, handrails are also quite useful in the stairs and hallways. These are excellent add-ons to help you balance your walk if you are already having a problem with it. Select areas in the house which you deem necessary to install these. Aside from the stairs and hallways, it is important to remember that anywhere where steps are present is a good location for handrails, like the swimming pool for instance.

Ramp

This is a significant home improvement that you can do to create not only a senior-friendly home, but also a favorable place for the disabled. Make things a whole lot easier for those who are in wheels by adding wheelchair access ramps in the main entrance and in the driveway or walkway. Opt for something that has a non-slip paint finish or ones that are easily adjustable and expandable. A ramp is an add-on that is very convenient to set up but will surely serve its purpose very well. They can be a little costly, with wheelchair ramps generally starting at $500, but they are good add-ons you will eventually feel the need to have.

Lights

Yes, more lights. That might mean an increase in your electricity bill, right? Well, it’s one way to keep your home safe after all. A quick yet helpful add-on to your house is good lighting. Make walking and doing things easier with adequate lights. Crucial areas that need good lighting include the bathroom, kitchen, and entryways. Lights in the hallway makes it easier to move around or go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, so make sure this area is also covered. To save on the expense, choose long lasting bulbs to avoid spending on replacement, or go for fluorescent or LED lighting as they are more efficient than incandescent bulbs.

Home Alarms

Regardless of the age of the household members, a security alarm is a good defense against trespassers. Once it is set off, it can either connect to the service provider who can send help over or it can simply create enough noise to call the attention of the neighbors and to create panic on the intruder. Another alarm that is also useful is the smoke detection alarm. These two should therefore be present if you want to keep your home safe. Make sure however that the control panel of the alarm is installed at a level that you can easily access and operate.

Phone

Medical emergency is something that you should always be prepared of even when at home. A phone therefore should be considered a necessity in order to respond to undesirable incidents. Keep the landline unit in a strategic place, like near the bathroom, as this could be the most accident-prone room. Likewise, make sure to have a mobile phone as backup. Opt for senior friendly phones like the Samsung Jitterbug has a tie-up with Great Call, a carrier that serves as personal operator for its users. Simple communication devices can go a long way for your safety.


Author Bio

A blogger based in San Diego, California, Amanda Smith has a penchant for writing about technology and gadgets, travel and arts, health and wellness, and just about anything that tickles her fancy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy catching up on her favorite sitcoms with her yellow Labrador, Chandler Tribbiani. More of her works can be found at wordbaristas.com.

5 Terrific Ways to Increase Your Home's Value On a Budget

If you are considering selling your home or refinancing the mortgage in the future, it is of the utmost importance that you keep the home’s value as high as possible. Unfortunately, many home owners are reluctant to take on improvement projects because of the expensive cost. The good news is that you do not have to be rich in order to increase your home’s value. Here are 5 terrific ways to increase your home’s value on a budget. 

Power Washing

Far too many home owners unnecessarily spend thousands of dollars on painting the exterior of their home. The tarnished appearance of the exterior may actually be caused by the accumulation of mildew and other environmental debris. Once this dirty residue is removed by the power washing process, your home will glow like new again. This option is far less expensive than installing new siding. The appearance of the sidewalk and porch will also be rejuvenated by washing off the old crud. 

Landscaping

Enhancing the landscaping of your property will definitely increase the home’s value. A dramatic difference can be made with just a little time and effort on the weekends. Mulch, flowers, shrubbery, grass seeds, and trees can all be used to attract attention your property. Most of these items are relatively inexpensive, so you will not have to worry about breaking the bank. 

Clean the Floors

Upon entering your home, the condition of your floors is one of the first things that a visitor will notice. Instead of installing new flooring, opt to clean the floors instead. A good steam cleaning will instantly bring stained carpets back to life. Waxing the other types of flooring will renew the beautiful luster that they once exhibited. 

Hire an Inspector

Often times, most home owners are not even aware of the potential problems that exist within their house. Hiring an inspector is a great idea because you will be able to prevent the problems from getting worse. If the cost of the repair is more than your budget allows, then you may want to consider acquiring a small loan from a reputable business such as Legacy Lending Group. Choosing the Legacy Lending Group can actually save money in the long run.

Update Your Bathroom

A few simple changes can give your bathroom a refreshing update. Changing items like the shower head, mirror, and glass shower door will make a big difference in the bathroom’s overall appearance.

5 Home Improvement Ideas To Help You Retire In Style

You have waited for 40 long working years for this day. Now it is here. The golden retirement years are upon you. You have finished your last day of work. Your co-workers have thrown a party for you, complete with cake with black icing so you all can go home looking like your teeth are falling out. Now what do you do?

The first job to tackle is home improvement. You are not getting any younger. That is apparent. Therefore, time is of the essence. Your home needs some improvements in order for you to actually have a relaxing retirement. Here are a few changes you can make to keep your home stylish while you age comfortably in your retirement years.

1. Remodel the Bathroom

As you age, you may be plagued with arthritis. It would be a good idea to redo that tiny bathroom to make it more conducive to your body. Expand the room, if possible. There may be a wheelchair in your future, so be ready for it. Add grab bars to the shower, bath tub and by the toilet.

2. Add an Exercise Room

If you have an extra bedroom that you do not need, an exercise room would be a great addition. As we age, our bones become weaker. With weight bearing exercises, you can gain back some of that bone mass with daily exercise. A home gym would do the trick.

3. Landscaping

With retirement comes travel. Less time for yard work. A good landscaper can show you how to redo your lawn to eliminate some of that work. Replacing mulch with rock will eliminate yearly re-mulching. Add bushes and trees that tend to themselves and do not require constant trimming.

4. Add a Spa

You may be feeling your age already. Imagine how nice a spa would be? Customize a spa or hot tub for your back yard and feel those aches and pains diminish as the hot water swirls around you. Imagine relaxing in your spa with a good book to while away your time.

5. Patio

A beautiful refurbished patio surrounding your new customized spa will add to the ambiance of your hot tub experience. Your guests will love it as well.

Retirement is a time for fun, relaxing and enjoying your home. With these improvements, you will be well on your way to your golden years of relaxation.

Are You Mr. Handyman? Six Ways to Save Money on DIY Projects

Well-intended DIY home projects provide an excellent way to spend less on awesome upgrades to any home. The trick is to make sure the quality does not suffer and that the end result is the same high quality that a professional would deliver. While saving money is a very important reason for taking on projects yourself, it is also equally important to save money in ways that do not compromise the project results.

Below are six recommended ways to save money.

1. Obtain advice and plan the project before jumping in with both feet.

Getting advice from experts is always a good idea. Consulting with professionals before getting started can definitely save a novice from making costly mistakes. There are many unfortunate stories about projects taking on a life of their own and costing a bundle.

2. Rent expensive tools to get the best quality and to save money.

There are often many rental shops that offer high-quality tools. For example Tool Rental San Francisco loans tools out. The other benefit provided by tool rental stores is that they will also show you how to use their tools and answer questions you have. In addition to renting tools that are of the highest quality and would be unaffordable for purchase, there is free advice available.

3. Do not consider tackling plumbing or electrical issues on your own.

It is illegal and unsafe to take on these projects without a licensed professional. Considering the amount of damage that plumbing and electrical mistakes can create, it is critical that professionals be called upon to handle any related project word in these areas.

4. Get all necessary permits before starting any project.

One of the quickest ways to go over budget on any project is by paying for fines levied by municipalities that require permits for certain projects.

5. When in doubt, put quality as the top priority ahead of cutting costs.

Otherwise you might end up having to redo the project later from using inferior products that wear out prematurely.

6. Select one color of paint for the entire project whenever possible.

In any DIY project, combining a good plan with quality tools and materials will reward you with good results. It is important to avoid the impulse to get started before you are fully prepared. The rewards of a job well done and money saved are worth the effort.

The Keystone State Helps With HELP: Three Things To Know About HELP Loans

English: Series of air conditioners at UNC-CH. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over the last decade the environment has become an increasingly important political topic, and politicians are doing everything they can to show that they care about the fate of the environment and that they care about environmental policy. In Pennsylvania one of the ways that the state is show a commitment to environmental issues is through the HELP (Home Energy Loan Program) program. Through this program, homeowners can secure low cost loans that will help them upgrade their homes to greater energy efficiency, and save money on their utility bills. Before applying for HELP, there are three things you need to know.

Who is eligible?

The first question that you need to be concerned with is whether or not you are even eligible for the HELP loan. Homeowners are eligible for the HELP loans if they need the money to make an energy efficient improvement to their home. These loans are applied for just like a traditional loan, so your income level and debt will greatly affect your ability to get the loan. The loans are competitive, so if you have poor credit, you will probably not qualify for the loan, but it never hurts to put in an application.

What kinds of things qualify?

Now that you have determined your eligibility as a homeowner, it is time to think about what improvements you want to make and whether or not those improvements qualify. Home systems that are rated Energy Star by the Federal government can qualify for the HELP program. These systems include things like air conditioning, heating and anything that can make those systems more effective. You can get a HELP loan to install solar panels and you can get a loan to upgrade the insulation to the home. You can check with the HELP office or with your contractor to make sure that all of the improvements that you want to make are covered under the program so that you will not be blindsided when the work is done. Larger projects, such as whole house upgrades and geothermal units, qualify for additional funding and have slightly different terms than other HELP loans. For more information you need to discuss the program with your contractor.

What is the process like?

The actual process of applying is not very difficult, and you should know in a matter of days whether or not you qualify. You can visit www.keystonehelp.com and follow their links to the online application and you can get the application in the works. Because of the number of people who are applying to the program, and the limited funds that are available, it is advisable to get your application in well before you want the work to begin. This will give you plenty of time to find other funding sources if the HELP loan does not go through, and it will give you some time to plan for the improvements if you do qualify.

The Keystone HELP loans are a great way to aid the people of Pennsylvania in their desire to become more environmentally conscious. With these loans people can make the upgrades that they need to their home without the high costs usually associated with taking out a home improvement loan.

I am Amanda Sullivan, and I wrote this article to talk about the eligibility for the Keystone HELP program. I have worked in the HELP office for several months, but I still run into people every day who never knew the program existed, yet who need an upgrade to the air conditioning Lancaster PA homes currently have. I try to point them in the direction of contractors like Vertex Mechanical (www.vertex-mechanical.com) because I know that they are on the approved contractor list and I advise people to discuss their home improvement dreams with a contractor to find out if they qualify for the loan.

7 Home Improvements That Don't Add Value to Your Investment

backyard swimming pool (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some home improvements add value to your home while others don't. The following home improvements aren't worth the upfront cost.

Installing A New Pool

A new pool looks great and is a welcomed retreat during the summer months, but it is very expensive to install. 

In-ground pools particularly cost tens of thousands of dollars to finish and this cost is rarely recovered from the sale of the home. 

Some buyers may not want a home that features a pool because of the time and money it would take to maintain it. Plus, there may be legal obligations to owning a pool, such as having insurance.

Building a Home Office

Another home improvement that doesn't add value to the home is the addition of a home office. Most home office renovations include new furniture, computer equipment, and re-wiring. 

This can cost thousands of dollars to complete and only about half of this would be recouped when the house is sold. Instead of investing in the equipment, set aside a room that is more like a study with access to the internet and phone.

Updating the Roof and Windows

Replacing the roof and windows is great home improvement that adds beauty and functionality to an older home. Improvements on this scale is not smart if you intend to sell soon. Consider only making these improvements if you intend to stay in your home for at least 20 years. 

If you intend to downsize as the children go out on their own or you are approaching retirement, it may be advantageous to upgrade the roof and windows just for piece of mind. 

If you're interested in buying a pre-owned home, it may be worth it to get the roof, windows, siding and gutters checked for any damages by Ohio Roofing Solutions. Having such a large expenditure out of the way while you are in your money earning years makes more sense. You do not want such a large cost occurring during retirement.

Adding a Sunroom

A sunroom is a nice addition to a home, but you would be better off building a deck. Both of these have a higher rate of return than a sunroom. The sunroom addition would increase the indoor square footage of the home, which would increase the value of the home, but not enough to cover the initial cost of the addition. 

If the potential buyer prefers a sunroom instead of a deck, it would be worth the investment to get the sale.

Remodeling the Master Bedroom

The master bedroom is an important selling point for most home buyers. Yet, a master bedroom upgrade doesn't reflect in the selling price of the home. 

Most master bedroom renovations utilize expensive materials, new electronics, and larger spaces. If you are lucky, you would get less than half of your investment back at the time of sale.

Installing a Backup Power Generator

One more home improvement to avoid if you are selling your home or flipping an investment is the addition of a backup power generator. It may be a handy home utility to have when the power is lost, but it doesn't help you sell the house immediately. 

A new home security system from an ADT authorized dealer such as www.homessecurity.com would be a better investment.

Improving the Garage

If the house has a garage, it's best to keep it neat and clean, rather than remodel it. Most garages are large enough to house the car and some tools. 

Expanding it to accommodate another car is one home improvement that should be avoided. The extra space isn't a big selling point, and the cost of the expansion won't be recovered fully.

Adding Carpet

If you have hardwood floors, it's probably best to keep them and avoid wall to wall carpeting. The color and texture of the carpet are just two factors which would stop a buyer from purchasing the home. A better investment would be cleaning or buffing the existing hardwood floor.

Avoid these 7 home improvements that don't add value to your investment. Instead, consider improvements that are worth the cost such as kitchen remodeling, bathroom remodeling, and landscaping.

How to Get the Most Money When Selling Your Home

It's still a buyer's market out there. If you're putting your house on the market, you'll be up against some serious competition. To get your property sold at the price you want, you'll have to go the extra mile to help it stand out from the crowd.

Fortunately, doing so need not cut too deeply into your profits. When prepping your home for sale, the smallest touches often bring the biggest return. 

Improve Your Home's Stage Presence

It's doubtful that you would arrive for a Fortune 500 job interview dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. It's the same when selling your house. Over 1,000 experienced real estate agents agree that taking the time to clean and de-clutter a house can pay big dividends, resulting in a gain of between $1,500 and $2,000 in its selling price.

Think Beige

Although the thought of ripping the grape-patterned paper from the walls of your Tuscan kitchen might bring a tear to your eye, one thing is certain. When it comes to your decorating flights of fancy, potential buyers may not be feeling the love.

The solution is simple: Go neutral. Regardless of your love for color, you might be surprised to see how the use of soft whites, tans and other neutrals can open up your space. These shades will also blend as well with your own furnishings as they will with those of your prospects, relieving them of having to paint over your more creative hues after they've moved in. 

Depersonalize

An interested party is far more likely to sign on the dotted line if he can envision himself actually living in your house. Those beloved pictures of your kids on the piano and grandma hanging on the fireplace wall may spell "home" to you, but they will make it very hard for a stranger to see himself living in your space. It's best to pack those family treasures safely in cotton batting, promising them star billing once you've arrived at your new digs.

Dress It up a Bit

Some of the most valuable decorative touches will cost the least to accomplish. Fresh flowers in the living room will make an immediate impact. A roaring fire on a cold winter's day will do the same, particularly if you accompany the visual effect with the scent of apple cinnamon potpourri boiling on the stove.

Make Some Reasonable Renovations

In a weak economy, the often-prohibitive expense of updating a kitchen or installing a new attic bedroom can cut too deeply into any hoped-for ROI. Fortunately, other fix-me-ups can make an impression in a way that's considerably more cost-effective. These include:

• A new front door. 
• Vinyl or fiber-cement siding.
• Double- or triple-pane windows.
• A modern water heater.
• Upgraded HVAC.
• New or steam-cleaned carpets.
• A back-yard patio or deck.

Smile for the Camera

According to Julie Reynolds of Realtor.com, web appeal could soon trump curb appeal when it comes to attracting buyers. Many modern house hunters spend days scouring the web before ever setting foot inside a Realtor's office. She also recommends using an agent that has gone through a qualified real estate school.

If your home is to compete well on the online front, it must be ready for its close-up, and still pictures alone may not be enough. Statistics show that potential buyers are 150 percent more likely to click on a Realtor's listing if it features a video walk-through. Such extras work wonders in encouraging buyers to leave the comfort of their own homes to have a closer look at yours.

Have Your Own Inspection

Do-it-yourself projects, so popular in stringent economic times; often suffer from shoddy workmanship that leads to dangerous conditions. The hazards may not announce themselves at first glance, but if they show up during a buyer's inspection, they can seriously stymie any sale.

The savvy seller will beat buyers to the punch with a pre-inspection. The fact that a home has already had and passed one with flying colors will be of enormous comfort to any house hunter and could mean the difference between a walk-away and an actual sale.

In good times and bad, carrying out these cost-effective home improvements can enable you to reap the greatest profits on the day you turn over the keys.

4 Ways to Have a Home from the Future Right Now

Everybody wants to be ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest household furnishings and home goods. But, when trading contemporary style for trends of the not-so-distant future, there are certain elements every homeowner should keep in mind. Here are just a few ways homeowners can integrate the future into their furnishings without waiting for the next millennium. 

1. Furniture Ahead of the Times

In terms of futuristic furniture, items don't necessarily have to be light years ahead to function like they're from the future. Modular designs can make a tired living room look like the next interior design movement. Mod furniture, like two-in-one table fridges are space conscious and stylishly advanced.

And truly futuristic furniture that's both aesthetically pleasing and technically advanced is available for the modern times. Tech-savvy "smart beds" not only automatically adjust firmness by sensing pressure points in the body, they can also adjust room temperature depending on a person's resting body temperature. 

2. Artificial Intelligence for the Home

Homeowners looking for futuristic elements throughout the home should look no further than smart home systems. A smart home allows the homeowner to control everything from room temperature to the adjusting of drapery and window blinds to the drawing of a hot bath all from a handheld tablet or smart phone.

As an added benefit, smart home systems can even integrate security into a home's intelligence. Intuitive security features such as remote security system arming, lights that turn on automatically from room to room, and advanced security cameras that can tell the difference between trespassers and guests are all on the market now. 

3. Advanced Appliances

A home is only as futuristic as the appliances within it. So it's no surprise there are more and more appliances coming out every day that seem to outsmart their users. Take, for instance, ovens that automatically bake meals to perfection just based on food type. Not only that, but meal presets are available to achieve that same great taste every time.

What about a refrigerator that reminds people when it's time to pick up more eggs or that the milk has reached its expiration date? Well, grocery-list-savvy fridges are available today, and they're ready to keep you in the know about your dairy. 

4. Home Efficiency

Alternative energy is going to play an important role in the future, so why not have an energy-efficient house now? Solar panel shingles and auto-darkening windows that adjust to sunlight intensity are just the beginning of energy-conscious homes.

Also, on the market this very moment are heating and cooling systems that are aware of the seasons. In other words, a home's temperature can adjust according to outdoor temperatures, while the homeowner is at work or out-of-town. So now the homeowner can save the planet while saving money on heating and cooling.

From beds that have the homeowner's comfort in mind to houses that run off tablets, it's possible for your future home to take place in the present.

The Most Efficient Ways of Improving Your Home

Our homes are always a project for the man of the house: minor or major improvements are in their eyes a way to increase the value of the house should you decide to sell it in a market where, when prices drop, having the house that is most attractive to buyers because of the improvements you made makes it also the one that sells and maybe also with some thousands of dollars extra to the end price.

And even if you do not want to sell it, due to reasons such as memories of your kids growing up and your family expanding and then moving on to their own families or simply the place where your presents and futures were built brick by brick, a change can bring psychological comfort, at the least.

The tricky part is to get as much (preferably more) money or satisfaction from the improvement than you actually put into it. We have to be more financially savvy, as a retired accountant suggests. I mean, even if you do not sell it, we have to get that house feel like a vacation house every single day, so that your retirement could be enjoyable and something to look forward to.

Moreover, more and more people have become very concerned with environment protection, so you will have to think of Eco-friendly solutions for you, your children, your children’s children and so on. Doing all of this on a budget will require some serious planning.  

Bathroom

I’ve always admired the elegance of natural stone and where better to find it than in the bathroom. Granite bathroom tops are affordable, elegant and all around excellent to achieve exactly this. Adding some new faucets and maybe a mirror, you could easily remodel a bathroom for under $500. The first thing is to order all the necessary materials and only begin when all of them are at your disposal. Freshen up the old vanity if it is still in good shape by painting it. This is a simple modification that will last no more than 2 days.
 

Kitchen

As the kitchen is considered to be at the heart of your house, investments you make on a remodel can be expected to return 60-%120% of what you put in considering you don’t overdo it. It is important that the remodeling reflects the general feel of the house so do not go overboard with deluxe kitchens if the neighborhood and the house are cozy or historic.

 Eco-Friendly Solutions

It is common knowledge that environmentally friendly home improvements are somewhat expensive, but if you don't have the necessary funds to invest in sustainable materials, and energy sources, this doesn't mean that you can't help out mother Earth. The most convenient solution would be to take care of your garbage in a green way. Instant Waste, for example, offers a safe and environmentally responsible solution to unwanted waste. Removing waste goes hand in hand with planting eco plants such as trees and making use of other additional eco solutions such as buying light bulbs or eco household appliances that help lower the energy bill and maintain the health of our surroundings. This may not seem like much, but it is more than most people do.
 

Energy Efficient Insulation

One of the most important aspects when trying to sell a house is insulation: home inspectors will include old doors that allow air through into their reports and since a house that is not energy efficient costs more to live in and to maintain, it may just be that you will wait longer for your buyer than you expected. There are simple, low budget things that can be easily done, like insulating the attic ($200) which will save you hundreds of dollars on utility bills. Sealing off cracks is another cheap improvement that will also contribute to a more efficient home.
 

Rooms

It is not easy at first to try reinventing a room but adding some square footage to your home will surely broaden your perspective, although it can be quite an expensive project simply because more often than not the project cost can easily spin out of control. So instead of this be creative, use the attic and turn it into a bedroom, remodel the basement or add small apartments over your garage (and even inside it). There are some situations where demolishing walls or rafters are unavoidable but there are some concerns you need to address before doing so. More often than not you can use the space as other rooms.

Be sure to always have the basic updates in check: the simple things will be those which will give the most value to your home. I mean fresh paint, roof maintenance, wood replacement, mold prevention. Even though such chores are not always the most pleasant, they keep your home from losing value over time and since most buyers are looking for solid, healthy-looking homes they will be sure to check each corner. And when they see a well-cared for home, buyers will not think twice and will surely put down an offer immediately. 

Before Retiring, Think of These 4 Essential Investments that Add Value to Your Home

Before you start thinking about retiring to your very own moon-light patio, bohemian wine cellar or romantic porch there are some structural aspects you should take care of. People have started to spend more and more money on home improvements, and it seems only natural because the home is the place where we spend most of our time. We want our living room to be welcoming and relaxing, our bathrooms to look fresh and our kitchens to inspire, but we should not get ahead of ourselves. As tempting as bamboo flooring, granite counter-tops and vintage furniture may sound, there are a few long-term improvements that you should definitely consider.

Whether you are trying to sell your home in the near future and plan your retirement some place elsewhere or simply want to increase its value and enhance it for your children, there are four essential improvements you absolutely have to do. Although certain affordable cosmetic changes might make the house look better in the eyes of a potential buyer, it is the well-thought-out, carefully planned structural improvements that are more promising for the future. The first thing you should do is hire an expert to evaluate your house, and afterward make steps to remedy the problems. Here are four possibilities of improving your home.

1. Indoor Systems

As appealing as cosmetic improvements might be, it is the functional ones that truly increase the value of a house. A client will always appreciate a fully-functioning house with all the required repairs, upgrades and replacements of major systems. They might not stand out the way a purple wall might, but they are reliable and very important. Moreover if you aren't planning to sell the house in the near future, all the more reason to consolidate the structure and apply certain fixes. Indoor systems like plumbing and wiring should be properly done. In addition, you should make sure that your heating and air conditioning systems function accordingly.

2. Replace the roof

Every roof has an expiration date, and it is likely that you will have to improve yours at some point in your life, especially roofs made of asbestos. In terms of asbestos roof replacement, it isn't such a difficult process, as long as it is done correctly, and there are a few valid reasons why you should consider this option. First of all building codes say that you cannot put a second layer of shingles on top of the previous layer, and this means that you will have to strip off the current layer. Shingles which are applied over old ones don't last as long as a single-layered roof. By stripping the roof you will also get a chance to fix small problems like corroded metal, and leakages. You can also add an extra layer of ice and water barriers to better insulate the home.

3. Fix the Kitchen

Everybody knows that a beautiful kitchen is a major selling point for a home. This room is probably the best option if you want to add real value to your home. When it comes to kitchen remodels there are so many options to choose from that you can easily be sidetracked. Most people avoid remodeling the kitchen because they think that it is a huge investment. Nevertheless, if you study the market, manufacturers and trends you will see that there are a lot of affordable solutions to choose from. Replacing counter-tops, purchasing important appliances, refurbishing the cabinet hardware and floors will have a huge impact on the overall aspect of your interior.

4. Replace Windows

You should know that replacing the windows is a win-win investment. The seller will earn valuable tax earning credits, and the potential buyer will lower energy bills. The energy efficiency and Eco-friendly aspects have become very important for people nowadays, especially if you have an old house. It is actually forecasted that by 2030 all new homes will become fully sustainable. Moreover, there are many types of glass used for windows, which have special heating properties.

All in all, you have to make the most of your budget and time. It is impossible to remodel your home over night, but as long as you constantly apply changes and try to improve your home your chances of selling increase. Someone once said that your home is your castle, and a good king deserves a beautiful kingdom.