How Often Should You Renovate Your Home?

For some individuals or families, the fears of cost overruns and lengthy stays in a construction zone are enough to dissuade them from undertaking a major home renovation project.

This could be quite understandable. However, it's a shame because there are a lot of good reasons to renovate. If you like the neighborhood where you live, for example, but feel cramped in a small, outdated kitchen, upgrading may be a better alternative than moving.

A well-planned home renovation could also increase your property value. If your home is older than most in your area, new flooring or other updates can help to bring your home up to par with others on the market. Knowing the basic factors about the renovation process, as well as getting assistance from the professionals involved, helps in avoiding unnecessary expenses and delays.

Plan A Renovation Project In Advance

A home renovation project makes for an opportunity to create the space you've always wanted. In the initial planning stages, draw a list of the things you wish to do. Write down everything you would want to add or change in a room. For instance, you may wish to install a convec5B4tion oven or a larger refrigerator in the kitchen or new flooring and a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom.

Later, when you get an idea of cost from a professional renovator and from your own research, you can decide which options to keep and which ones are too expensive. To help you better plan your renovation, check on magazines and online home decorating Web sites.

In addition, also visit home shows and home decor shops to see some of the latest innovations in building products, countertops, appliances etc. Take note of product prices and energy ratings as you shop. You may find that certain upgrades will pay for themselves over the long run in terms of energy and water savings. A professional renovator can also be a good source of ideas and product suggestions.

Lastly, look for houses that have been recently renovated and see how the changes made affected the overall feel of the neighborhood. Everyone will appreciate it if the changes you make to the exterior of your house will compliment the architecture of your city block, or neighborhood.

What To do Before Starting Renovation Work

Before starting major home repair work, first take a good look at your own house. Try to respect the main features of its original design. You don't want your work to contradict it too much.

Make sure to check your renovation design against the Building Code and requirements set up by your local government. Some types of cha5ACnges generally do not require any special permits, and these include replacing interior doors, existing plumbing fixtures with similar items, cabinets or countertops without repairing or replacing drywall, or relocating rough utility lines.

The next move is to solicit bids from professional renovators. It is a good idea to get more than one opinion on the best way to proceed with the project and the estimated cost. They will quickly examine the areas you wish to upgrade, along with the items on your wish list in order to give you a complete estimate. They can also advise you if the project requires further design or architectural retooling.

Once you have chosen a professional renovator, it is time to go over your wish list in detail. They will inspect your home to take measurements and ascertain the locations of electrical and plumbing lines. The renovator may be able to offer logistical suggestions on your design such as improving the flow of traffic in a kitchen. If a room requires a change to the electrical wiring or plumbing, they will likely be able to tell you at this point.

A successful home renovation project requires good team effort between you and the professionals that you hire. To ensure a good outcome, you need a clear plan and good communication. Then all that's left is for you to sit back and enjoy the results.

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press

Buy A New Home Or Remodel - Let's Discuss The Benefits Of Both!

For most people our first homes are known in the market place as a starter home. The home was most likely chosen primarily for financial considerations. It probably lacked some of the features that we would have wanted if our budget had been unlimited at the time. Now that your income has grown, and possibly the size of your family it is time to consider either moving or investing in your current property to add additional features and living space.

Although the decision on whether to stay and remodel or relocate has affected all of us, the decision is usually based on emotion rather than fact or situation. Before you decide on whether to remodel or relocate you should consider the following points:

• Return On Investment: Most of us are concerned that any investment we make, and doing a major remodel to a home is definitely an investment, will eventually provide us with a payback or at worst case we wont loose any money. In order to determine if an investment in your current property is likely to have a financial benefit it is important to look at the other homes on your street and in your area. If your home is the same size as the majority of other homes, it is most likely that if you add an addition to your home it will become the most expensive home in the neighborhood. From an investment standpoint, one does not want to have the most expensive home in the neighborhood. On the other hand, if your home is currently smaller than the majority of homes, it may be a very smart investment to add an addition to expand the livable floor space. This should have the effect of increasing your home value by more than the investment.
• Architecture: The cost of adding additional floor space is usually determined by the size of the lot and current building codes for that lot. Would adding additional floor space mean adding a second floor or is their room on the lot to add to the main floor level. Dont forget that by adding to the main floor level you will be eliminating some of the homes outdoor space. It is also important to realize that with some homes, depending on how the original Foundation was installed, adding a second story may mean adding to the strength of the footings. This alone could mean that the project is not economically feasible. Whether you are considering a second story or an addition on the main level, try to visualize what the finished home will look like. If in your mind you are satisfied that what you want to do will be visually acceptable it is probably time to call in an architect to discuss what can and cant be done with your property.
• Budget: Although construction costs vary from city to city and state to state you should allow a minimum of $200 per square foot for the addition of basic living space, providing the addition does not include a kitchen or bathroom. Your architect will be able to give you a budgetary number for finished construction cost based on the city and state where you are located. Higher quality finishing materials such as hardwood flooring, and natural stone tiles such as marble or granite can easily double the per square foot cost. Once you have a detailed set of Building Plans, you will be able to obtain firm prices from the contractors in your area. For budgeting purposes, it is always wise to add an extra 10% to the costs, as there are generally changes and modifications during the construction phase.
• Sweat Equity: One major advantage to a remodel rather than a relocation is that a remodel allows you to put some sweat equity into your property. Depending on ones capabilities, a lot of the remodel work, especially items that are labor intensive, can be accomplished by a reasonably competent homeowner. These include simplistic items such as wallpapering, painting, installing light fixtures, and window coverings. For the more experience home handyman, installing finished flooring, doors and trim can provide cost savings and increased equity. Landscaping and gardening are two other areas that can become family projects and increase the homes value. However, if you do decide to relocate rather than renovate you may find that you are doing all of the aforementioned items at your new home!
• Inconvenience: Living through a construction project, especially if involves bathrooms and/or kitchens can be a very trying experience. If you havent been through a major remodel, it can mean the loss of utilities for periods of time, continuous noise, dust, dirt, and a parade of workman marching through your home. The concept of having peaceful enjoyment of your home is lost completely. Relocation is not necessarily a project without heartache. There is the packing and unpacking phase, new schools, changing utilities, changing all addresses on personal documents, credit cards, and other companies that you do business with. Let us not forget the new neighbors and the loss of the old and our childrens friends and classmates.

Want biased advise on whether you should renovate or relocate, its available from most real estate brokers. Remember that a real estate broker makes a living when people buy and sell homes, not when they renovate. They do not receive any benefit from you deciding to stay where you are and to remodel your current property.

As with most home improvement or remodel projects, planning is the key to success!

For additional information on remodeling your home or other home improvement projects, including landscaping and gardening visit Renovation Headquarters.

Questions You Should Ask When Buying a Whirlpool Bathtub

Whirlpool bath1C5Etubs are jetted to provide water circulation that massages your body. People who suffer from arthritis and other painful and crippling diseases find the warm water massage provided in a whirlpool bathtub not only relaxing but therapeutic as well. After playing sports or going to the gym and working out a whirlpool bath can be relaxing as well. People who have no physically debilitating ailments also find relaxing in the tub while the jets are quietly massaging their body a great stress reliever as well. If you are thinking about getting a whirlpool bathtub there are a few questions you should ask to make sure the tub you end up with will be a good fit for you.

Does it Have Safety Features?

Since whirlpool bathtubs are often used by people who have arthritic and other conditions that make movement difficult there are many different safety features you may be interested in. Some have steps to get down into the tub, others do not. You should look for slip resistant bottoms as well as handles and bars where you can grip them.

Is an Internal Water Heater Included?

You may be interested in having a heater included in the tub itself, especially if you are going to be staying in the tub for long periods of time. When the water is jetted it moves and this may cause the tub to cool faster than you are ready for. If you don't want to add hot water to keep the tub warm you may want to look into a whirlpool bathtub that has an internal heater.

Does it have a low water sensor?

If the water level gets too low the pumping system may burn up. Often times things get turned on when you don't realize it, this isn't something you want to happen with your whirlpool bathtub jets. You want a system that can sense that the water is low, or even non-existent, to keep from burning up the motor by letting it run without the proper water level.

What are the proper cleansing techniques?

You will want to keep your whirlpool tub as clean and bacteria free as possible, so you need to choose a tub that you are able to keep clean. Knowing what is involved in cleansing your whirlpool tub can be a big factor when determining which one to purchase.

Will it fit?

Perhaps the most important thing to find out is if the tub will fit in the space you have available. Before you go shopping you should measure the area you plan on putting the whirlpool bathtub in and keep that in mind when you look at the tubs available. If this is to replace an existing tub you don't have to go with a tub the same size and shape as the one you are replacing, you do however, have to have enough room to install the whirlpool tub.

Visit us for more information on how to refinish a bathtub, how to caulk bathtub tips and Japanese bath tubs.

Vintage Decor and Ideas for Your Home

Shabby Chic, also known as Vintage, is the idea of incorporating accessories, furniture, and household items from the years 1900-1950 to decorate your home. But what makes this dcor a popular decorating style? It provides a comfortable and casual look through the use of Vintage accessories, new dcor that looks old, pastels, comfy light painted furniture, lace tablecloths, dreamy soft floral fabrics, wrought iron curtain rods with sheer curtains, and vivid fresh flowers. The idea of combining the old with the new opens up endless possibilities when selecting Shabby Chic home dcor and furnishings.

Imagine visiting your grandparents and snuggling in comfortable soft furniture, while being surrounded by colorful fresh flowers and the soft scent of candles. This style can create the same sensation for your own home. It balances elegant items with old and worn, silver accessories with painted wood tables, and soft area rugs with old lace.

If your budget is limited, Shabby Chic decorating is the perfect solution. You can scour some of the great websites noted below for Shabby Chic home dcor.

Shabby Chic and Vintage use furniture that is worn, along with stylish items and things that look old. Therefore, you have a varied range of choices for furniture and home dcor.

Consider the following ideas as a guide:

A fresh coat of paint is a great way of giving old furniture pieces some Shabby Chic appeal. You can also update older upholstered furniture through the use of slip covers or large throws. For small tables, such as side tables, coffee tables, or consoles, look for pieces that feature carved wood as a focal point. When looking for Shabby Chic furniture, take measures to avoid bright bold colors or matching sets. Instead, try to mix and match the upholstery style with floral patterns, along with striped pillows and other accessories.

To accent your walls, you can include carved wood or metal shelves, which can be purchased in antique stores, gift shops, garage sales, and antique fairs. Again, a little paint on these items goes a long way because you will add a special touch to your dcor. For instance, you can incorporate an ornate wrought iron corner shelf and display antique collectibles or crocheted dollies for a vintage look. Furthermore, you can look for old doors, windows, mantels, garden gates, house shutters, and wrought iron, which can be used as wall hangings or even used to replace existing doors to add charm.

For lighting, you can use a floral print or solid colored fabric lamp shade for the right splash of color and display it against surfaces that are distressed. Wrought iron, wood mirrors, or picture frames with white, natural, or distressed finishes blend well in a Shabby Chic room. If you want to add a unique touch to this dcor, apply weathered paint to towel racks in the bathroom or kitchen. And lets not forget to include candleholders or a candelabra. You can give these items a distressed finish in white or ivory for that shabby chic look.

Giorgina Devereaux is the creator of AskGiorgina.com, which features questions, answers, and ideas on home decor and furniture. For more information, please visit http://www.AskGiorgina.com

Installing Retrofit and Replacement Vinyl Windows

In previous articles i explained to you how to determine whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I'm going to explain the installation techniques for both frame styles. Let's start with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is really the easiest of all. The retrofit window already comes with an exterior trim attached. That's the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, usually stucco. Prepare the window by drilling 3/8" holes in the areas of the frame where you want to screw it in place. Normally, there will be 3 holes on each side and 3 more across the top. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. After removing the old panels, you want to run a heavy bead of caulk on the face of the old aluminum frame that you left in place. Then you and a helper set the bottom of the vinyl window onto the old aluminum bottom track and raise it into position. The flush fin or retrofit lip will act as a "stop" to hold the window in place. Have your helper hold the window while you go inside.

Once inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make sure the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square conditions, shim the bottom right or left corner by placing a shimming material between the sill and bottom of the window frame. Once square, drive a 3" deck screw through the 3/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, don't overtighten. After you get the screws into the sides and top, remove the sliding panel. The bottom track should lift out. Look for drainage holes in the track and insert a thin screwdriver and lift up. Drive one screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw head, then put the track back in place and re-install the sliding panel. Now, you want to go back outside and caulk the gap where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the house. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. RemeF08mber, you already applied a generous bead of caulk before inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is done on the inside.

First, you want to plug the 3/8" screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the website. Just click on the "shop" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into place in the hole. The next step is to fill the gap around the new frame with R-13 Insulation. Do not use the foam insulation that comes in a can. Many manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the foam is used. Even the non expanding foams can cause the frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You might want to wear a dust mask during this procedure. Many people, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in place, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware store, or some other product. But in my experience, the best product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be purchased on the website under the "shop" tab, or you could try to find it from a local window contractor. Ours comes in 3 different widths, although the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most common. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the top and bottom first, stick them on the vinyl frame, making sure the trim goes to the drywall. This covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces next. The final step is to caulk where the trim meets the walls.

Much of the installation process for a replacement frame is the same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a few differences. When you put the new window into the opening using a replacement frame, you don't have the flush fin holding the frame in place. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place while you put a screw in the top center to support the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is different. You have to apply the trim that was part of the retrofit frame. Again, I prefer the flat trim. Once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the top and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive part of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other part contact the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk again where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it really doesn't matter if the exterior of your home is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without having to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the website at how-to-install-windows.com. Next week we are going to start discussing sliding glass door replacement.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Log Homes And Timber Frame Homes

Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes may have the lowest carbon footprint of any other type of construction. A carbon footprint is the measurement of carbon dioxide released as a result of using a particular product or other human activity. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and major contributor to global warming.

A report prepared by the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management (ECCM) compared the carbon dioxide footprints of three structures and the benefits when more timber was introduced into the construction. The results were astounding. ECCM estimated that there could be up to an 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structural elements wherever possible rather than other conventional building materials. The reduction of greenhouse gases was achieved by replacing materials high energy, high CO2 production values, such as steel and concrete, with solid wood. The report states that the production of steel and concrete materials accounts for 10% of the total global emissions of greenhouse gases. These materials have a high CO2 output created du100Aring the extraction of raw materials, refining, processing and manufacturing of the finished product. As reported in a study published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the energy consumed to process a tree into a finished sawn timber is about one-tenth of steel production.

In another report prepared by The Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) compared four different structure using different wall systems - two woods, one concrete and one steel. The report found that the steel wall system generated 33% more greenhouses gases than wood and the concrete wall generated 80% more greenhouse gases than wood. The study also reported that the wood structures out-performed the steel and concrete houses in energy use and the impact on air and water quality.

Wood walls are typically framed or solid. Conventionally framed walls use a combination a several materials including processed wood products such as plywood or other laminated wood products, fiberglass insulation, exterior siding, interior sheetrock and some type of wall covering. Solid wood walls using logs or timbers have basically one product - the log or timber. The energy consumed and the CO2 produced in the production of logs and timbers is a fraction compared to the production of all the various materials in a conventionally framed wall.

Consumers are much more aware the environmental impact of using different materials and are being increasing sensitive to the hazards of exposure to chemically processed materials. Logs and timbers are 100% natural. As a natural product, they do not emit VOCs or other pollutants into the outdoor or indoor space. Trees are produced from soil, water and air combined with the energy from the sun, in a miraculous process of photosynthesis. Ecologically and environmentally, solid wood is the only building product that is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient and extremely beautiful.

Sustained and plantation forest growth actually reduces greenhouse gases by consuming CO2 out of the atmosphere while the trees are growing. Political pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol, is sure to continue and it will become increasingly important to find solution. The use of solid wood construction such as log homes and timber homes can make a positive contribution.

Footnotes: 1Forestry Commission Scotland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Comparison - Carbon benefits of Timber in Construction. Aug 2006. 2Wood - another low carbon footprint solution. Feb-Mar 2006, ECOS 13. 3The environmental performance of renewable building materials in the context of residential construction Perez-Garcia, John, Bruce Lippke, David Briggs, James B. Wilson, James Boyer, and Jaime Meil. - http://www.corrim.org/

Get more information on log home construction or timber frame homes

Jim Young is the president of PrecisionCraft Log Homes and presides over the Log Homes Council for the National Homebuilders Association. Jim set the stage for a full service approach to designing, producing, and building log homes with the industry's first Total Log Home Solution, which is a PrecisionCraft hallmark.

Benefits of a Sunroom

The sunroom is a beautiful addition to your house. Building a sunroom in your house can give you a natural atmosphere within your territory. While having considering which plan to actually install, there are certain things that need to be considered beforehand.

The largest benefit of having a sunroom plan installed is that it provides you with the warmth of sun all around the year. Not only that but it ensures the production of vitamin D in your body, which is only produced in the presence of sunlight. Vitamin D being an essential part in the growth of your bones also prevents one from different diseases. However, there are certain things that ought to be considered and carefully evaluated before having a plan installed at your homes.

As it has been already discussed that either you can get one of those do-it-yourself kit and install the sunroom plan or else hire a contractor to do it for you. Most of the contractors have an assortment of plans already developed and ready fo5B4r installing. Having discussed it with one such person gives you a fair idea of how things will work along with the total cost estimation. The only possible hurdle can arise if you have your mind set upon having something unique for you. This the pre-developed selections of the contractors do not offer and you will have to consider an architect then to work on your plans.

With the advent of technology now there are a number of websites that provide you a platform to generate your dream sunroom by using different online available options and acquiring those at the very instant too. However, this one can have a major disadvantage. In case of online building you are asked to make measurements yourself and if by an chance your measurement waver even by an inch that can ruin the whole constriction process altogether and the planning of your sunroom plan can take ages before it is completed.

The sunroom provides you with the natural joy which you can't experience in an ordinary living room. That is why when making a plan it is important to choose the best plan so that the sunroom not only adds beauty to your house but also give you the level of comfort you deserve.

There are quite a lot of things that you need to consider while drawing plans for your sunroom, from the selection of materials to the process of construction. And each of this detail must be monitored closely as it is your home that matters after all. It is vita40Dl to think about every step of the process while working on your plans and having it installed.

Adam Peters loves writing for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com - A focused website that offers the best articles on outdoor staircase and patio rooms.