After location and price, curb appeal is one of the top factors for choosing a home. Curb appeal sells 49 percent of all homes, according to the National Association of Realtors. In fact, even before putting your home on the market, your realtor often will recommend ways to make it look its very best from the street. The evaluation process starts as soon as buyers pull up.

“Exterior trim that is cracked, rotted, peeling or falling apart gives a bad first impression,” says Bob Merrill, president and CEO for Chicago-based CMI, which makes MiraTEC Treated Exterior Composite Trim. “Homes with beautiful exterior trim have that wow factor that attracts buyers. Making a good first impression can be the difference between getting a signed contract and keeping the ‘For Sale’ sign in the yard.”

Inspect your trim
Spring is an ideal time to inspect your home’s exterior trim. Walk around your house and look at the trim around your windows and doors, at the corners, and near the roofline. Warning signs of potential problems include peeling or blistering paint, green algae, warped boards, and spongy or soft spots. Check for termite damage too; they cause more damage to U.S. homes than fire, floods and storms combined.

If the trim is damaged beyond repair, the only solution is replacement. Depending on your carpentry skills, replacing exterior trim can be a do-it-yourself project, but it is often best to hire a local contractor or remodeler. One option that has become a preferred choice among homebuilders and remodelers is a treated exterior composite trim called MiraTEC. This engineered wood trim is ideal for nonstructural applications, such as roofline fascia, window and door trim, corner posts and porch trim.

Find the right trim
Although traditional wood trim often looks good when installed, it can split and swell, and is prone to knots and defects. Other materials, like PVC and fiber cement trim, may be difficult to install and also have performance limitations.

With a clear cedar, wood-grain texture on one side and a contemporary smooth finish on the other, MiraTEC trim is ideal for many home styles from historic to modern. It looks and handles like wood, and is coated with a mildew-resistant primer, making it easy to paint. MiraTEC is very durable and it resists moisture, rot and termites.

Before you put your house on the market, take a good look at your exterior trim. If it doesn’t look inviting at first glance, replacing it now could help make your home stand out on the block. To learn more, visit www.miratectrim.com.

Whether you are looking at kitchen makeover as an investment or to make your kitchen experience more enjoyable for you and your family, there is quite a bit of options available, each with its own price tag.  You can start from a simple and inexpensive paint project to spending over 50K on kitchen renovation.  Below we will discuss the options available for both redoing your kitchen as well as full renovation of your kitchen.

Refreshing Your Kitchen
If you are on a budget or just looking to refresh your kitchen, then you ought to focus on improving elements that will have the most impact on your kitchen.  The following list can be accomplished easily by any homeowner without any renovation skills that are willing to spend a little time on DIY projects

Painting – Without any elaboration painting is a very simple project that you can do on your spare time or on a weekend.  Take a look at various kitchen design magazines or online to get an idea of the popular colors that you can select.  Keep in mind that the color should match your cabinets and countertop.

Replace Appliances – Replacing your appliances may not be cheap but at the same time it is not as expensive as doing a full kitchen remodeling.  If you have older appliances, it is really difficult to make your kitchen standout without changing your appliances.  If you take some time and shop around you will find very slick and great appliances at a reasonable rate.

Reface Cabinets – Refacing your cabinet doors is an alternative to buying a whole new set of kitchen cabinets.  You can drastically change the look of your kitchen by refacing old cabinet doors.  It is easy and cost you a fraction of what you would have to spend replacing the entire cabinets.

Replace Your Countertop – if your kitchen countertop is old or the colors are fading away, it is time for you to get a new one.  You can find great looking laminate countertops that have the look of granite for less than a $100.  Cutting the laminate to fit your kitchen sink is easy as the sink edges will hide any imperfection of your cuts.  However, you should watch an online video on how to cut it. Alternatively, some hardware stores would cut the laminate countertop for a small fee.

Upgrade Your Faucets – Kitchen taps and faucets are very visible and though small, could make a huge difference on how you kitchen appears.  The new pull down or pull out faucets not only improve the overall image of your kitchen but also add convenience and functionality to your day to day activities

Full Kitchen Renovation
If you are looking at a full kitchen renovation and have the budget to accomplish it, you should take a look at various contracting firms and their kitchen solution.  Alternatively you can buy your kitchen from IKEA which are very slick and will save you more money than a designer kitchen.  You also have the option of using different contractors for each work that may also be more cost effective but more work on your part. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that kitchen layout have changed in the last decade.  Depending on the size of your kitchen you could add an island or breakfast bar, etc.  Take a look at various designs to see which design appeals to you.

Layout – how you layout your kitchen is the most important aspect of a full kitchen renovation. You want to make full use of you space.  Check out various kitchen floor plans and design for a kitchen of your size and dimension to find the right one your kitchen

Cabinets And Countertop – These two are the true landmark of a brand new kitchen and if you are planning on doing a full renovation, you should pay a whole lot of attention to the design and color of your cabinets and your countertop.  You should also plan to install a double sink for your countertop as one can be used for washing and other for rinsing to make your experience more enjoyable.

Stainless Steel Appliances – A remarkable feature of all luxury kitchens are stainless steel appliances.  If you are spending the budget on renewing your kitchen, then you really out to have stainless steel appliances.

Lighting – Lighting is an important aspect of how your kitchen will appear.  If you have old florescent lights, you may choose to go with a stylish pot lights that not only look great but provide ample lighting for your kitchen and work area.

Flooring – The floor covers a big area of your kitchen and should not be neglected.  Generally, ceramic tiles are very functional as they will provide a slip free surface in case of any water spills and they are very durable.  Ceramic tiles come in all sort of designs and colors so make sure the one you select matches well with your kitchen cabinets, walls and countertop.

Paint – Finally, select a color that brings out the life in your kitchen and matches well with the theme of your kitchen.  Take a look at design magazines or online to find out what is in fashion.

We hope after reading this article you have a better idea of how to proceed with your kitchen makeover. If your renovation project is strictly for return on investment, we suggest that you take a look at renovated homes in your area to find out how much a renovated kitchen adds to the value of your home.  To get more information about how to renovate for return on investment, you should read our article Increase Home Value Through Smart Renovation

Gail Turner, a top real estate agent in Chicago, agrees that, “While there’s nothing functionally wrong with laminate, it’s not what buyers are looking for. Her advice is to install granite countertops in your kitchen and bath if you really want to sell your home in this economy.

So if you are looking for the beauty of granite without the price tag, consider paint. Giani Granite Paint kits allow you to give outdated countertops a granite look for about $70 a kitchen.

Giani’s parent company, located in St. Louis, Mo., began in 1959 and now sells to paint retailers nationally and internationally. Each kit comes with the primer, mineral paints, applicators and a demo DVD to help you update your Formica, laminate, wood, tile and Corian countertops. Gianigranite.com has several before and after photos along with customer testimonials.

One kit can transform an average L-shaped kitchen countertop (which has about 30 to 33 square feet of countertop) in a weekend. I’m a savvy homeowner, but not an expert at remodeling projects and found this process to be easy enough for a first time painter. The finish has the same functionality as your old countertops as well as general care instructions; use cutting board and warming pads.

“Our product’s durability has one advantage,” says Tim Haas, Vice President of Sales for Giani. “If you scratch it or burn it, you can easily repair it by reapplying the minerals and topcoat. So unlike other countertop surfaces, wear and tear is never permanent.”

Before you begin, thoroughly clean the area with a scouring pad and then rinse with water. Use painter’s tape to protect walls and cabinets. Look for any nicks and seams and apply a fast-drying wood fill, and then lightly sand the area with a fine grit piece of sandpaper or sanding block.

For consumers who are willing to try this low priced alternative before throwing out your old counters (like I was), you will find the results well worth it. You can choose from a variety of styles and kit colors.

I selected the Chocolate Brown kit, which contains three colors: brown feldspar, Inca gold and chocolate brown. This look will achieve a natural granite style.

Although it was fun having everyone think I had granite installed, I had to reveal my new countertop secret.

How to apply:

1. Roll on the black primer and allow eight hours of drying time.

2. Lightly sponge on all the mineral colors in the order specified on the packaging. Let dry for a minimum of four hours. A simple artists brush helped me complete a veining pattern.

3. Next, apply the first clear top coat and dry for four hours. Then, apply the second top coat and wait four hours.

For more information, visit gianigranite.com or call 1-800-650-5699.

For a standard L-shaped kitchen (about 30 to 33 square feet of countertop) the cost is $69.95

The product is also available at select Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers – Check Gianigranite.com for location details.

All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home.

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. “Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small,” says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann.

Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work – such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths – can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light. Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost.

Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home.

In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations.

Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above. And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights.

According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote.

Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows. Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes.

The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

And, while many different generations are following this trend, Boomers are a unique group, looking to enjoy their smaller nest now that the kids have flown the coop – yet ensure that their homes are filled with the many amenities they’ll require for their golden years.

Anything but basic baths
While they may purchase a smaller floor plan, mature adults are looking for ways to turn ordinary rooms into extraordinarily indulgent experiences. In the bath, that means the ultimate spa experience – from elaborate showers to heated floors and towel warmers. But when it comes to the bathroom, it’s just as important to keep it safe. Luckily, safe can also equate to stylish. Try installing comfortable seating for the shower with a beautiful fold-down shower seat made of teak and aluminum; or updating common bath accessories such as a paper holder, towel bar or shelf with a new integrated version that combines each accessory with a grab bar for added safety.

“Our goal is to make every bath a safe bath. And, for savvy homeowners looking to incorporate safety at any age, it’s essential we provide products to meet their safety and style requirements,” says Laurie Birko, Moen Home Care brand manager. “Our newest products, such as our Fold-Down Shower Seat and Grab Bars with Accessories look like decorative pieces rather than safety devices, so homeowners no longer have to choose between safety or style … they can have both.”

Kitchens that cook … and more
Different generations have very specific desires in terms of creating a kitchen to meet their needs, and according to findings from the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, boomers are looking for kitchens with amenities that will assist with entertaining. These upgrades may include cooktops with special-purpose features, such as a built-in grill or wok; commercial or professional-grade appliances; a built-in coffee pot connected directly to plumbing or an oven that dramatically reduces cooking times without microwaves.

Bedrooms that sizzle
Mature adults still know how to spice up their bedroom with hot amenities, including fireplaces, heated mattress pads and large-capacity warming cabinets for blankets, robes, towels and clothing. Convenience-based bedroom trends include a laundry room off of the master suite, remote-controlled window treatments and voice controlled lighting and electronics, making your mature boudoir much more magical than your childhood bedroom.

The greater outdoors
No-mow lawns have sprouted up as a time-, water-, fuel- and money-saving alternative to the traditional lawn. These lawns have been around for over a decade in parks and other public spaces. Now they’re catching on with homeowners – particularly with the growing population of second-homeowners who don’t want to spend their precious getaway weekends mowing the lawn. They’re also becoming popular with mature adults who are simply tired of the rigors and high cost of constant lawn upkeep.

For homeowners in colder climates who are tired of the hassles and hazards of snow removal, driveway heating systems are an ideal amenity. Radiant driveway heating systems provide heat similar to indoor in-floor heating systems. Heat is delivered with either electric cable (electric systems) or by hot water pumped through plastic tubing (hydronic systems) compacted in the surface. Most driveway heating systems have automatic smart sensors that turn the systems on when it begins to snow, providing great consistency and reliability for snow removal, whether you’re home or not.

And, with safety always a concern – both indoors and out – driveway heating systems are not only convenient; these systems are potentially lifesavers, helping prevent heart attacks, frostbite and back pain commonly associated with snow removal. Driveway heating also helps reduce injuries due to slips and falls, and possibly liability due to such accidents.

Regardless of the size of your home, whether you build new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hot amenities will help to make your golden years as good as gold. For more information about Moen Home Care bath safety products, visit www.moen.com.

Tile Boards
If your shower walls look old or unappealing, you can easily replace them with bathroom tile boards. Tile boards are fake ceramic looking panels that are usually 4 foot by 8 foot. You can use epoxy or small nails to fasten it over you wall. Tile boards come in different colors and design and can be installed by almost any homeowner in matter of minutes. The advantage with using these panels is that they are very slick looking, inexpensive, and easy install.

Install a New Toilet
If you are tired of looking at your old toilet, it is time to replace it with a newer more attractive model. Toilets are relatively inexpensive and they are easy to install. The most important point is that your toilet is highly visible and a new model can drastically improve the image of your bathroom. Traditionally, many homeowners would contact a professional to install a new toilet. However, today many manufacturers are producing very sleek and easy to install toilet meant for the do-it-yourself homeowner.

Replace Your Faucet
If you are short strapped for cash and cannot afford a new vanity or pedestal, then replacing your faucet can still make a huge difference. Replacing the faucet is relatively simple and there are many designs and models to choose from. Take a look at your local hardware store or online to see the many different designs available. Selecting the right design can greatly impact the look of your bathroom.

Reface Cabinet Doors
If your cabinet doors look a little shabby, you can reface your cabinet doors and stain the areas around it. This is the least expensive way of updating your cabinets and cabinet doors. You may want to fist try staining small piece of plywood just to get a hang of it before proceeding with staining your cabinets.

Time to Fix that Caulk
This is another simple yet important bathroom remodeling project that can make a big difference. If your caulk has cracks, mildew, or looks old, then it is time to replace it. You can use a caulk softener, which can be found at your local hardware store, to soften the old caulk. Then, you can use a scraping knife to remove it. Before you apply the new caulk, be sure to clean the area with bleach and water solution and allow it to dry. You will amazed with how much more modern your bathroom looks and feels following the new caulking job.

Install a Glass Enclosure
Another great bathroom renovation tip is to install a glass enclosure for your bath tub. A Glass enclosure not only prevents the water from getting on your bathroom floors, but also goes a long way in terms of modernizing the look and feel of your bathroom.

Lighting Fixture
Replacing your old light fixture with a newer sleek design is a great and simple idea to improve the image of your bathroom. The importance of Lighting in the bathroom should never be underestimated. After all you spend lots of time in the bathroom grooming or putting on makeup; and thus, you need ample lighting to carry out these tasks. Apart from the functional perspective, a lighting fixture in your bathroom is very visible and also serves as a decorative object. Thus, take your time in choosing the appropriate fixture for your bathroom.

Don’t Forget to Paint
A fresh code of paint can do wonders and it should never be underestimated. Once you have done the above upgrades, go ahead and paint your walls. Then stand back and enjoy your renovated bathroom. You will be amazed how modern and great your bathroom look and feels and all this has been accomplished on a small budget.

There is no doubt that snuggling under a warm blanket while watching the winter wonderland is fun but it is also an indication that your home is not as warm and cozy as it should be. Turning up the temperature will most likely resolve that but it will also put a big dent in your wallet. Below we will point out some home improvement tips to insulate your home to help you keep you warm this season and keep the cash in your pocket.

Insulated your attic
Having the proper insulation in your attic is the most important aspect of saving on your utility bills. Since hot air is lighter than cool air, it will rise. Therefore, the hot air that could dissipates through your attic if the attic is not properly insulated. Take a quick look at your attic and if the floor is exposed, it is usually a good indication that you don’t have sufficient insulation. It is recommended that you have 10 to 14 inch of insulation or use an insulating material with a value of R38. This is one home renovation project that will pay for itself over time.

Energy efficient windows
Windows is another place where you can lose a great deal of heat. Installing energy efficient windows with an insulating value of R5 is a great way of saving on your utility bills. This is a great home renovation project that not only improves the overall look of your house but will also save you money in summer and winter year after year.

Seal doors and windows
Due to change in temperature, rain and snow, often times you will notice small cracks around the door or windows. The cold draft can find its way to your cozy house through these small openings. Sealing is a pretty simple and inexpensive way of insuring that the cold air does not sneak in. You should caulk and seal around your doors and windows to ensure that you close all those cracks

Programmable thermostat
It is not enough to turn the temperature down or off when you leave your home and then crank it back up when are back in your home. The problem with this approach is that your heater has to work harder to bring up the temperature which forces your heater to use more energy. A great way of saving on your bill is to install a programmable thermostat so that you keep the temperature at a comfortable level. Not only you save on your bill, but also you don’t have to keep adjusting and readjusting the temperature.

Clean heating and cooling system
You should clean your air ducts, coils and blower to ensure that your system is working efficiently. If your duct is not clean then your heater has to work harder to bring up the temperature which means you are wasting more energy.

If you follow these simple home improvement tips you can enjoy the winter wonderland in your warm cozy home in the company of your family while keeping more of your cash this season and in other seasons to come.

In the past both of these rooms were overlooked. Homeowners preferred a simple design so that the above mentioned rooms could only be used for their intended purpose.   However, now days the kitchen is a social circle where family members enjoy dinning and socializing with one another.  Likewise bathrooms have grown to be a place where homeowners like to relax and be comfortable.  Let’s look at how you should approach these home improvement tasks

Determine What You Want and Your Budget
First take a measurement of your bathroom and kitchen to find out how much space you have.  This will enable you to know how much you can add.  The key is to figure out what you want to do so you plan it right.  Do you want to increase your bathroom cabinets or just replace the outdated cabinets and sink?  Do you want to perform a facelift or a major renovation consisting of moving walls and plumbing? Will it fit your budget?  Knowing what you want will make it easier to achieve your goals.

Find Ideas For Your Renovation
If you need some renovation ideas you can read our section about bathroom renovation ideas and kitchen renovation ideas as well as looking through various home magazines to  get an idea of the styles that are available and which in particular appeals to you.  Home improvement is an art but one that you can learn and emulate from the many successfully renovated kitchens and bathrooms.

What You  Can And Cannot Do
You need to honestly judge what you can do on your own and what you need to hand off to a professional.  Can you install a kitchen countertop or replace the plumbing, etc. There are definitely task that any homeowner can do without any handyman skills such as painting or hanging mirrors, and replacing towel hangers.  If you are installing a laminate countertop for your kitchen, you could learn the skill by watching training videos online or attending a free session such as those offered by Home Depot and Lowes.

If your bathroom renovation consists of replacing your existing sinks and cabinets without the need to relocate your plumbing, you could save yourself lots of money by learning how to do it yourself as mentioned above.   Kitchen renovation and bathroom remodeling are expensive but you could save a bundle by doing some of the task yourself.

Involve Your Family and Make it fun
A smart idea would be to involve your entire family members in this project.  Doing so not only make the project progress faster but also allows the family to have fun and spend quality time improving the home you all love and live in.   This will increase family bond and give other a way of expressing their renovation ideas.

Yes it is the season for home improvement and the good news is that you can find the supplies you need at a great discount at this time of the year.  After scoping things out, jot down what needs improvement such as that old carpet, the chipped off paint or you may want to give your bathroom or kitchen a new look.   Regardless of what project you decide to undertake just remember with the holiday season approaching you will finally have the time to take care of these projects

Budget and Planning
As always the first step is planning and budgeting so find out what home improvement project you want to tackle and whether it will fall within you budget.  Plan thing accordingly so that you will know the project you will start will be completed without any complications.  It is frustrating to start a home remodeling task, create a mess and then find out you will have sufficient fund to complete it or it will take considerably longer than previously thought.

Be Frank With Yourself
Be honest with yourself!  In determining what needs to be renovated, you also need to assess your own skill set.  Ask yourself frankly if you can do the job required or whether you simply feel this may be too challenging for you.  Don’t let your pride get in your way of decision making as this is how many homeowners fall over their head.

Don’t Be Shy
If you find that a task is too difficult for you then don’t be shy and call in a hired hand to assist you with your project.  After all in the cold season many handyman and contractors are not busy and you can also get better price during this time of the year.  It is cheaper and faster to do the job right the first time rather than tearing down and redoing your renovations; therefore, ask for help if you need it.

You have Time to Learn
There are certain tasks that require minimal skill set such as painting and then there are other tasks that you can learn.  For instance Home Depot and Lowes offer free training classes for many projects such laminate flooring, plumbing, etc.  You still have time to attend these short training sessions or watch their free video online so that you can acquire the skill you need for your home improvement project.

Make if Fun and Involve Your Family
No one ever said home improvement cannot be a fun task.  In the spirit of the holidays, try to have fun with your home remodeling and involve other members of your family.  As a family you can have fun together while working to renovate your home.  Upon completion of each milestone you can reward one another or cheer each other.

You already have heard all the decorating tips on how to decorate your living room such as using a fresh code of paint and hanging portraits and mirrors.  You have perhaps employed many of these living room decorating ideas in your living room decorating and although your living room looks great, you are still wondering how you can go further to achieve that marvelous look that is the true mark of a luxury living room.   The trick to achieving this goal is to use stones or exposed bricks in your living room

Stones have a warmth look and can truly transform your ordinary living room into a very luxurious living room that will make all your visitors to comment on its beauty.  Decorative stones come in various designs and colors therefore you need to see which will match the theme of your living room.  You can flip through some living room decorating magazines or even online to see what kind of stones are used for interior decoration.

For larger living rooms you may be able to use stones for the entire face of a wall whereas for medium to moderate size living rooms you should use stones for just a small portion of the wall or above a center piece such above the fireplace.  The location of the stone wall is also important.  It should be such that it is visible from various angles so that your guests or relatives can easily see the wall.  Bricks can be used for an entire face of the wall even if you have moderate size or medium size living room.  However, be sure that it goes well with your overall themes.

Installing stones or bricks for the interior requires special skills. If you have never attempted such installation, you may want to hire a contractor to assist you with this project.  Remember finishing matters and any interior work in the living room is very visible; therefore, be sure to hire a competent contractor so that the work is performed properly.  Check references and follow the guidelines for hiring a home improvement contractor.

Remember decorating with stone is an important aspect of your decorating project however you must follow other tips and ideas mentioned before for decorating your room.  The stone decoration is not a replacement for the previous tips on living room decorating ideas but an integral addition to make your house look unique and gorgeous.  Therefore be sure to follow the tips mentioned in the previous post for decorating your living room.  As always home decoration should be perceived and approached as fun project; thus plan in such a way that is a fun activity for you and your family.