REPOST: Home-building: simple ways to add value to your home

Most people who are planning to sell their home consider renovating their place, but how much value do these improvements add to the property? This article shares some home renovations that can bring more bang to your buck than others.

Creating more space in your home won't be cheap, but should reap dividends when you sell. | Image Source: theguardian.com

If you’re thinking about adding value, you are probably also thinking about moving in the short to medium term. This means the first thing you need to consider is whether you want to add value or just make your home more sellable. Making your home more sellable is all down to aesthetics: get everything really clean, sort out your front garden, change the ironmongery on your front door if it is drab, give everything a lick of paint, put down new carpets, change dreary light fittings and tidy up the back garden. It’s all very cosmetic, but first impressions definitely last.

Creating more space Adding value, on the other hand, is all about adding space. Loft conversions are just one idea: extensions, garage conversions, conservatories and even a studio or glamorous garden shed at the bottom of the garden will all provide extra rooms in your house (albeit a garden room in some cases). They’re going to cost you money, but they are also going to increase the asking price of your home.

Basement conversions are another very good way of adding value, but these can be costly to do and are only worth it in areas with very high property prices per square foot, like London. An easier way to utilise cellar space is to waterproof the existing space, paint it, add a good mechanical ventilation system and some decent lighting and turn it into a utility/storage room. This way, it won’t matter if there are no windows and the headroom is restricted. A room like this will always be a great asset and selling point in a family home.

Little improvements can make a big difference If your budget doesn’t stretch far enough to choose one of these options, or you can’t create extra space because of the type of property you own, it is still possible to add value in other ways. Any general improvements that make your home more comfortable or energy efficient will help increase the selling price. This could be double glazing (or triple glazing, especially if you’re near a busy road); replacing the boiler; rewiring, or insulating to a high specification. If you want to make your property stand out from the crowd, consider changing your kitchen or bathroom: it’ll make your home look hygienic and smart and appeal to all those buyers looking to move into a property that doesn’t require work.

Think smart Relatively minor changes can make your home feel more spacious. Start by decluttering – this can make your rooms seem bigger straight away. Fit some fully integrated storage units for the things you do want to keep. If your budget stretches to more than this, consider installing underfloor heating (removing radiators frees up valuable wall space) or reorganising the internal walls to give more space to the rooms that really need it.

Make sure you have dealt with any rotten windows, cracks, damp, broken downpipes, missing roof tiles or rusty radiators before you give the estate agents a call. A surveyor will pick up on these immediately and then your buyer will ask for a reduction.

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Don't touch that lever: The beauty of secret rooms in houses

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Ever since time immemorial, many people have fostered a love of secret rooms and passageways. It is not uncommon to hear adults fantasizing of walls that open after pressing a specific piano key or after pulling a mysteriously large book. Popular media encourage these visions, too; from Indiana Jones to the Addams Family, many films and literature feature a secret room that is usually a space for something precious, like gold, jewellery, or the protagonist’s costume and weapons, or even just a space to hide away from the world.

But this is usually where the dreams and fantasies stop. Most people consider these visions as something only the eccentric would do. The truth of the matter is, there are a lot of modern applications for secret rooms. As with the early Egyptians who built these spaces to hide their secrets and prevent robbers from stealing any of their goods, today’s secret rooms serve a similar function. They can be the homeowner’s private and personal space, or an ideal area where precious materials can be placed.

Image Source: bitrebels.com

This does not necessarily mean that secret rooms are only for the rich. These can also be installed in ordinary homes as libraries or gaming rooms, or any space where the homeowner can be himself or herself without any fear of judgement. The beauty of these rooms is as implied: They are secret.

The early Egyptians used to kill the slaves who worked on these passageways so that the secret would die with them. Today, however, this is hardly necessary as architects and custom home builders are obligated by law never to divulge these types of information. Additionally, with the growth of technology and enhancement of design options, many secret rooms can be designed and customized to the homeowner’s specific needs and objectives.

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REPOST: Your Home in Their Hands, BBC One, review: 'sadistic but dull'

Sarah Crompton reviews the home makeover show, "Your Home in Their Hands." Her verdict: The program is less fun than it sounds. Read the rest of the review below:

Image Source: telegraph.co.uk

Your Home in Their Hands (BBC One), conversely, left a very nasty taste in the mouth. This is clearly intended as some kind of successor to Changing Rooms, the design programme that launched a million pieces of stencilled hardboard into the world.

But where that show attempted home improvement, this one seemed bent on home destruction, by placing the hopes and dreams of unsuspecting home owners in the hands of amateur designers, who lacked any sensitivity to people’s aesthetic tastes or practical requirements.

The whole horrible mess is corralled by Celia Sawyer, who describes herself as an interior designer. On the basis of her dress sense alone – all skintight skirts and flash jewellery – I’d be slamming the door in her face. Unfortunately, nice Kelly and Andy Pitwell opened it. She liked “lairy” colours and va va voom, he liked white walls, but neither could have expected a bedroom turned into a psychedelic red and purple bordello by Kirsty McKenzie, a woman who thought it the height of style to plonk a soft toy on her head.

In Portsmouth, Yvonne Lavery was reduced to tears by a kitchen so migraine-inducing that even Sawyer turned up her retroussé nose. What made it worse was that one built with love by her dad had been ripped out to bring in this monstrosity. “The ceiling’s still the same,” said husband Dan, helpfully.

The designers – two in each home – fell out among themselves, and also wept. All of which makes this programme sound more fun than it was. It was not only sadistic, but also dull, as an awful lot of people intoned about being worried, and Sawyer said things like “This is all part of the business of interior design”. It really isn’t.

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Factors in choosing the best roofing materials

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Having a sturdy and good-looking roof is not enough to make you feel secure. From natural to manufactured products, roofing materials hold a distinct element that may determine the overall beauty and longevity of your home.

According to the DIY Network, the best roofing material for your home depends on three factors:

Image Source: maierroofing.com

Style. Determining the look you want for your home is important because each roof style has a different effect on a house’s exterior. Shingles, for example, is one good option for those who want something unique in terms of roof color. To better assess the roofing material that matches your house’s style, it is best to ask for the opinion of a stylist or by using a “virtual renovation” service.

Cost. Quality comes with cost. A slate roof, for example, is considered one of the most expensive materials in the market today, costing between $250 and $600 per square depending on the complexity of the roof. It is, however, the most durable, with a life span of at least 100 years and strength that can hold a heavy load.

Image Source: nmdprojects.net

Location. Weather conditions in a particular area should also be considered in choosing the right material. For example, it is wise to stay away from clay-based materials if you live in an area prone to heavy snow or rainfall. Instead, choose materials like concrete or shingles which can withstand harsh conditions.

When choosing the right material—whether for a modest house or fancy mansion—it is most important to take time to look for as many options as possible. Talk to experts and do your research.

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REPOST: Home Improvements: DIY or Hire a Pro?

 This article from Fox Business helps us decide whether a renovation project at home is DIY or better left with the pros.

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Home improvement shows and magazines make repairs look easy, but sometimes taking the do-it-yourself approach can end up costing more money than hiring a professional.

Unless you are handy or have experience in the home improvement business, experts recommend doing extensive research before going at a project alone.  

“DIY projects are rarely as easy as they seem, and all too often it ends up costing you,” says Angie Hicks, founder of online referral service Angie's List www.angieslist.com. “Thousands of people, for example, end up in the emergency room every year because of ladder falls, power tools that got away from them, situations like that. Even if you’re not injured, you could end up paying twice for the project – once for your attempt and then again when you’re in over your head and have to call a pro to fix the mess.”

Home improvement experts recommend evaluating your strengths and ability to get a job done before launching a project After all, you don’t want to start something only to let it languish for months or even years, which according to Hicks, is often the case. She suggests evaluating whether you have the time and tools to properly complete a project.

The cost of your time should also be considered when contemplating a project. “Too often, people forget to put a price on their time when they’re deciding whether to DIY or hire,” says Hicks. “They add up the cost of the supplies and think they’re going to be saving themselves a bundle. They forget that they are likely going to spend more time on the work than a professional would, even if it goes well.”

Another potential expense homeowners don’t think about: getting hurt. Professionals are licensed and insured, so if they get injured on a job the homeowner doesn’t have to worry about paying the medical bills. But if you get hurt during a project, you not only face medical bills you will also have to pay for a professional to come in and make the fixes.

A rule of thumb, according to Zillow.com’s real estate expert Brendon DeSimone, if it’s a cosmetic fix or project, DIY might be the way to go. But if it’s something that requires a permit or a specialist--leave it to the pros. “You should paint, resand your floors, grout your tiles and stain your deck on your own,” says DeSimone. “Anything that requires specific knowledge or permits, you need to hire a professional.” He adds bringing in an expert to deal with any structural, plumbing or electrical work as well.

If you do want to get involved with some DIY projects, experts say to start off small. Paint a room in your house before tackling the entire interior, or plant a small garden before taking on a large landscaping project.

“Don’t decide one day on a lark that you’re going to build yourself a stone patio with a full outside kitchen and you’re going to get it done in a weekend or on a summer vacation. Never plan your project in the aisle of a big box store,” says Hicks. “Take the time to research, evaluate your space, budget and true needs/wants.”

Get more tips on home renovation by visiting this Galloway Custom Homes blog.

Four easy, inexpensive ways to add value to a home

The housing market might be a little unpredictable, but selling a house during these difficult economic times isn’t impossible. Homeowners wishing to sell now or those who are renovating in preparation for a future sale have a bevy of options to improve and increase the value of their homes without spending a fortune. A little creativity and some elbow grease will attract the real estate profits. The following, in no particular order, are five home improvement projects that can leverage a house's resale value.  

1. Create space

Image Source: jcress.com

If the house has small rooms, knocking down a non-structural wall or two can create the illusion of space. Many buyers prefer open-plan homes that ease the flow of foot traffic, make it easier to entertain guests, and provide them with the flexibility of designing rooms exactly the way they want. Open-plan kitchens are great for young families, too: parents can watch the kids while they're preparing meals.  

2. Use the power of paint

Image Source: pbstudiopro.com

A fresh coat of paint indoors and outdoors improves a home's appearance and adds instant value. It's also inexpensive, especially when compared to the costs of replacing faded wallpaper. White, neutrals, and pastels can make a small room look bigger, and bright hues create the illusion of light.

3. Add some curb appeal

Image Source: suiteexchange.com

Trees, flowers, and plants prettify home exterior. Research says that these trimmings add real value to property, but when landscaping for curb appeal, homeowners should consider their target market and the type of house they have. A formal garden with rows of perfectly manicured trees would look odd with a rustic log cabin, while a profusion of flowers and climbing vines can make a stately Georgian home look unruly and rundown.  

4. Add eco-friendly features

Image Source: telegraph.co.uk

Results from research conducted by the National Association of Realtors show that an average of nine out of 10 recent home buyers considered energy costs as an important factor when choosing a home for purchase. Simple changes, like updating old window panes with low-e glazing, installing a timer for the water heater, and insulation can increase a house's value, especially in the eyes of eco-conscious buyers.  

Tom Galloway of Muskegon is the founder of Galloway Custom Homes, a leading custom home builder that specializes in high-quality, energy-efficient homes. For discussions on home renovation projects, like this Facebook page.

REPOST: Homebuilder Confidence Rises in June: Is Housing Recovering?

According to a report on zacks.com, homebuilding is recovering from its funk in the past months with its improved results in the June housing market index. Read the full article below for more details.

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Image Source: toptennewhomecommunities.com

The beleaguered housing market is finally showing some signs of improvement as construction spending appears to have gained steadily over the spring and summer months.

Homebuilders’ confidence, as indicated by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo housing market index, rose four points to 49 in June – indicating that the builders’ expectations for the next six months have improved.

Image Source: homes.com

 The index dropped to below 50 in the past four months from 56 recorded in January, indicating increasing builder concerns about meeting ongoing and future demand due to a shortage of lots and labor. The June number is just a point shy of the benchmark of 50 which indicates good housing conditions.

The housing slowdown that began in the second half of 2013 was aggravated by harsh winter in the December quarter, delaying construction and raising serious doubts as to the strength of the housing market.

Moreover, shortage of lots and skilled labor, rising cost of materials and declining inventory of new homes were not making things easier for the builders. Also, the spike in mortgage rates and rising home prices were hurting demand. As a result, many companies witnessed declining order trends in the December quarter.

However, as the winter chill subsided and spring selling season set in, many homebuilders recorded improving order trends in the March quarter. Order trends improved sequentially for D.R. Horton Inc. (DHI - Analyst Report), PulteGroup, Inc. (PHM - Analyst Report), Toll Brothers, Inc. (TOL - Analyst Report) and Ryland Group, Inc. (RYL - Snapshot Report) (RYL - Snapshot Report). Around this time, the sector also reported some encouraging numbers indicating that the housing sector is gathering steam.

New home sales for April, as reported by the Commerce Department, rose 6.4% from March. Though sales were down 4.2% compared with the prior year, it nevertheless marks an improvement from the previous month. New home sales numbers for May are expected on later this month.

Building permits, a gauge of future construction, also bucked the previous trend. After declining for four times in five months, building permits grew 8% in April from the previous month.

Existing home sales data increased 1.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.65 million in April from 4.59 million in March. Existing home sales rose for the first time this year at the fastest pace since Dec 2013.

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These encouraging data signal that the housing sector might be on the verge of a recovery. Though headwinds from supply shortage and rising land, material and labor costs exist, homebuilders are increasingly optimistic of improving demand in the future quarters.

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