Home Improvement

Thinking of remodeling? Have you stopped to consider how transforming a bedroom into a home office might impact the value of the home? One of the most common questions homeowners have when thinking of remodeling is how much the work will add or detract from the value of the home. You'll find answers to those questions and more in this section of ActiveRain.


Everything you need to know – the answers to all your burning questions – about energy efficiency, green homes, landscaping, home maintenance, staging, landscaping and more is right here at your fingertips.


With over 300,000 real estate professionals, including stagers, contractors, landscapers and others, there is no better place to find the information you need than ActiveRain.


While you'll find a ton of helpful ideas and hints within these pages, you'll want to bookmark the site so that you can check back for the hundreds of daily updates from authors who spend their days actually performing the tasks you have questions about.


Put the hammer down and the glasses on and read on.

Recent blogs on Home Improvement
By Bill Kennedy, Homes For Sale Greenville SC
(Keller Williams Greenville Upstate)
Ah, springtime! The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and the dust is accumulating everywhere. That’s right, it's time for spring cleaning. While cleaning might not be the most exciting thing to do, it is necessary for a healthy and happy home. Here are five tips for spring cleaning that will make the process more enjoyable and efficient.1. Make a planThe first tip is to make a plan. Don't just jump into cleaning without a plan, or you might end up spending more time than necessary. Take a look around your house and make a list of the areas that need the most attention. Prioritize tasks by importance, and make sure to break them down into smaller tasks so you can tackle them one by one. And of course, don't forget to reward yourself after each task completed. After all, you ...
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By Anna Chroscicki, Realtor - St. Lucie County affordable Real Estate
(Re/Max Masterpiece Realty)
March 2023 Recipe: 🍴ZUCCHINI AND TOFU SCAMPIAnna Chroscicki with RE/MAX Masterpiece RealtyCall me at 772-485-4188 with any Real Estate Questions. Web-site:www.annasellsrealestate.comSelling Real Estate On Treasure Coast Since 2000.
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By Carmine Rauso & Debbie Rauso, Professional REALTORS® and Real Estate Investors
(COMPASS RE)
Are you considering buying a fixer-upper? While it can be tempting to purchase a home that needs some work and transform it into your dream home, there are both pros and cons to this decision. Let's explore them further: Pros:Lower purchase price: Fixer-uppers often come with a lower price tag, which can be a major incentive for buyers who are looking to save money or invest in a property that has potential for appreciation.Personalization: By purchasing a fixer-upper, you have the opportunity to make the home truly your own by selecting finishes and designing the layout to suit your lifestyle.Increased value: If done correctly, the improvements made to a fixer-upper can significantly increase its value, providing a potential return on investment when it's time to sell. Cons:Time and ef...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Home repairs and maintenance are a natural part of being a homeowner. Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a light fixture, or repairing a damaged roof, there are always tasks that need to be addressed. The question is: should you tackle these repairs yourself or hire a professional to do the job? The answer to this question can be complicated. There are some factors to consider before deciding whether to take on a home repair project on your own or call in a professional. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional home repairs and provide some helpful tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.     DIY Home Re...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Home repairs and maintenance are a natural part of being a homeowner. Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a light fixture, or repairing a damaged roof, there are always tasks that need to be addressed. The question is: should you tackle these repairs yourself or hire a professional to do the job?The answer to this question can be complicated. There are some factors to consider before deciding whether to take on a home repair project on your own or call in a professional. In this blog post, we'll explore the pros and cons of DIY vs. professional home repairs and provide some helpful tips to help you make the best decision for your needs.  DIY Home Repairs: Pros and ConsThere are several advantages to tackling home repairs on your own. For one, you can save significant money by ...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
There are countless different ways in which home and business owners can benefit from making the switch to solar power, but that doesn’t mean it should be a decision that’s taken lightly, and without due consideration of the facts. With this in mind, here are 5 important considerations to make before you have solar panel installation done and start generating your own, clean, green energy:1. Choose your solar panel provider wiselyWhile it can be tempting to automatically go with the solar panel provider that offers you the lowest price, this is often a recipe for disaster. That said, choosing the most expensive provider doesn’t mean that you’re getting the best deal. Carefully consider the estimates given to you by at least 3 or 4 local solar providers, and try to pick one that offers q...
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By Melissa Thompson, I'm a real estate agent helping buyers and sellers
(Thompson Real Estate)
Cleaning might not be your favorite thing to do, but by doing a little bit of it every day, you can help keep your home clean and tidy, and reduce the need for end of week, or once a month cleaning sessions that sometimes take hours of your valuable time. Here are 5 house cleaning tasks that when done every day, will prevent dust, dirt and clutter from building up, and which will help control the spread of potentially harmful germs and allergens:1. Speed-clean the showerIt’s surprising just how quickly soap scum and mildew can build up in a shower, and once they have built up, they’re a nightmare to get rid of. By giving your shower a quick onceover every day, however, you can keep unsightly stains at bay, here’s how to do it:Fill a spray bottle with diluted white vinegar, grab a sponge...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is an excellent post with great information. Thanks for sharing it.Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Spring Cleaning Tips…More Forgotten Areas!   In a recent post, I mentioned some often neglected areas when it’s time to tackle spring cleaning projects.      Don’t stop there, though!  Here are more often forgotten areas that need cleaning…   -The Microwave We use these almost every day. Besides wiping the inside walls, don’t forget to clean the turntable. Remove it and clean under it as well.  You can also use vinegar in a bowl of water to eliminate any odors. -Cabinets Just as you cleaned and organized your pantry, the cabinets need help as well. Toss out what you aren’t using. You can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on cabinets but check with your manufacturer first.   ...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a reputable roofing company in Columbia, received high praise from one of their customers, Terence Goodwin, for their exceptional roof leak repair services. The company has been providing top-quality roofing services to customers in Columbia and the surrounding areas for many years.Goodwin is a resident of Kendall Ridge, Columbia, Maryland. After a severe storm hit the area, Goodwin discovered a significant roof leak in his home. Concerned, he contacted Ridgeline Roofers Columbia to inspect the damage. The roofing company sent a team of experts to Goodwin's residence to evaluate the situation.After a thorough inspection, Ridgeline Roofers Columbia discovered that the issue was a flashing problem, and a few shingles needed replacement. The company's roofing pr...
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By Kathy Streib, Home Stager/Redesign
Spring Cleaning Tips…More Forgotten Areas! In a recent post, I mentioned some often neglected areas when it’s time to tackle spring cleaning projects.   Don’t stop there, though!  Here are more often forgotten areas that need cleaning… -The MicrowaveWe use these almost every day. Besides wiping the inside walls, don’t forget to clean the turntable. Remove it and clean under it as well. You can also use vinegar in a bowl of water to eliminate any odors. -CabinetsJust as you cleaned and organized your pantry, the cabinets need help as well. Toss out what you aren’t using. You can use Murphy’s Oil Soap on cabinets but check with your manufacturer first.  -Drawers It’s an excellent time to remove items in your drawers, toss what isn’t used, and wipe out your drawers.-Knife block-Clean your ...
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By Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089, Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info
(Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers)
Wordless Wednesday - Maui tropical flowersWhite spider lily flower Bright pink plumeria flowers Yellow heliconia flower All of these beautiful tropicals grow easily in Haiku Maui - Search the Maui MLSThanks for reading my Maui blog...Buying or selling real estate on Maui?  That's what I do.  Let me help YOU.Georgie Hunter R(S) e-Pro, Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers26 Baldwin Ave, Paia HI 96779E-mail or call/text: 808 283-0635
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By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
With spring’s arrival and summer just around the corner, many people enjoy spending time outdoors to savor the warmer weather. Unfortunately, there are some not-so-pleasant aspects of spending time outside such as bugs, rain, and hot, humid days.Whether you have a deck, patio, or balcony (any outdoor space will do!), the following tips will help make the time you spend outside more comfortable in any situation:BUGS Yuck. Whether you are hosting an alfresco dinner party or simply trying to relax with a good book on your deck, nothing will send you running back inside faster than nasty, annoying bugs. If mosquitoes are a problem in your area, dealing with them is imperative if you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors. Screening in a porch is an ideal way to be able to feel like you are o...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a leading roofing company in Columbia, Maryland, has received a positive customer review from Ora Gill for their excellent customer service and quality roofing services. Gill recently had her roof and gutters replaced by Ridgeline Roofers Columbia and gave the company a five-star rating for their professional work.According to Gill, the insurance claim process was hassle-free because of the staff's assistance. Ernest Krebs, owner of Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, provided an estimate for the job and kept Gill updated on the progress every step of the way. "Ridgeline Roofers Columbia provides excellent customer service and quality roofing services around Columbia MD," said Gill. "They gave us options to choose from so we could find the best fit for our budget."Ri...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Ridgeline Roofers Columbia, a roofing company in Columbia, MD, wants to point out that they can provide ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) roofing that can decrease energy costs for homes. A flat roof is often found in many modern homes and EPDM roofing may be the suitable solution for a residential roofing project. Not only will this kind of roofing with an extremely strong rubber membrane minimize energy costs but it has also been designed to withstand heavy rains, strong winds, high heat, and hailstorms.Ernest Krebs, founder of Ridgeline Roofers, says, “EPDM is a highly durable synthetic rubber roofing membrane that is commonly used on flat and low-slope roofs. Ethylene and propylene are produced from oil and natural gas, which are the two primary materials. The roofing membr...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a leading roofing contractor based in Baltimore, Maryland, is proud to announce that they have received high praise from one of their satisfied customers. Wallace Nunez, a resident of Highlandtown, recently had his roof repaired by McHenry Roofing, and he gave the company a five-star rating for their quality of roof repair services.According to Nunez, he was referred to McHenry Roofing by a neighbor and decided to give the company a try. He submitted his information online and received a prompt response from the company. The McHenry Roofing team was easy to work with, and they were always available to answer any questions or concerns that he had. Omar, a staff member at McHenry Roofing, conducted a thorough inspection of Nunez's roof and quickly identified the source of...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
McHenry Roofing, a trusted roofing company in Baltimore, Maryland, has received high praise from satisfied customer Lucia Barton for their quality roof repair services. The company is proud to offer top-notch roofing services to clients in Baltimore and surrounding areas. The company has been providing exceptional roofing services to residential and commercial clients and their commitment to excellence has earned them a reputation as one of the top roofing companies in the Baltimore area.Lucia Barton hired McHenry Roofing to complete roof repair work on her late father's house next to Patterson Park, which was being sold. The inspector found an issue with the roof, and the Realtor recommended McHenry Roofing for the job. The team at McHenry Roofing completed the work promptly, and the b...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a roofing company in Towson, MD, has recently increased its activities on Pinterest to inform homeowners in Towson and neighboring areas about their services for gutter replacement and repairs. These services include gutter cleaning, gutter repair, gutter installation, gutter replacement, and gutter maintenance services. They also offer seamless gutter installation services, downspout repair and replacement services, gutter guard installation services, roof and gutter inspection services, fascia and soffit repair and replacement services, emergency gutter repair services, gutter sealing and caulking services, gutter resloping and repositioning services, and leaf and debris removal services.Their service areas in the Baltimore area, include Cockeysville, Parkville, T...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a premier roofing company serving residential and commercial clients, has earned high praise for their expert TPO roof inspection and repair services. The glowing customer review comes from William Gordon, a satisfied customer who has experienced the company's professionalism firsthand.Gordon, who gave Towson Roofing Pros a 5-star rating, commented, "Towson Roofing Pros is a quality commercial roofing company. We've had them inspect a number of TPO commercial roofs in our portfolio and they've always been a professional outfit."As a full-service roofing company, Towson Roofing Pros offers a wide range of services to both residential and commercial clients in Towson and the surrounding areas. In addition to their expert TPO roof inspection and repair services, the co...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a roofing company in Towson, MD, has recently stepped up activities on Pinterest and has informed homeowners in the Cockeysville area that they are offering free roofing estimates in Cockeysville and nearby areas. Cockeysville is just 6 miles away from Towson. It is located in Baltimore County and is one of the best places to live in Maryland. It provides a combination of urban and suburban feel and it has a lot of parks, restaurants, and coffee shops.Their service areas in the Baltimore area, include Towson, Cockeysville, Parkville, Hampton, Lutherville-Timonium, Owings Mills, Brooklandville, Carney, Yorktown, Carney, Pikesville, the greater Baltimore area, and Reisterstown.A spokesperson for Towson Roofing Pros says, “Don't wait until your roof starts leaking to g...
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By Evan Roberts, We Buy Houses
(Dependable Homebuyers)
Towson Roofing Pros, a premier roofing company serving the Baltimore area, is pleased to announce a recent 5-star review from a satisfied customer. Troy Stewart, a client of the company, recently expressed his satisfaction with their exceptional roof leak repair services."We had a leak in the ceiling of a house we were renting out and needed to get a new roof. If you're looking for an excellent contractor, this is the firm to contact," Stewart said. "They arrived on time and provided us with a comprehensive report of all the repairs that would be required on our old roof. We were ecstatic to have the roof fixed and they came out immediately. We couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out and would recommend them to anyone in need of a new roof."As a testament to their commitment to ...
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