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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 Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog beautifully emphasizes the importance of making your home a true reflection of yourself. I love how it encourages incorporating personal touches, hobbies, and passions into décor. A home should feel unique and meaningful, not just stylish. This post is a great reminder that design isn’t just about trends—it’s about creating a space that tells your story!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Your home should be a reflection of who you are, infused with your hobbies, passions, and personality. Whether it’s a bookshelf filled with your favorite novels, a gallery wall showcasing your photography, or a cozy corner dedicated to music or art, adding personal touches to your space can be a commemorative and rewarding choice! #realestate #realestateagent #fhm307 #buying...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog, Start Your Spring Cleaning Now, is a great reminder to get a head start on refreshing our homes. The tips are practical and motivating, making the cleaning process feel less overwhelming. I especially appreciate the focus on decluttering and organization, which can make a huge difference. A well-written and helpful guide Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Spring is almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning you...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog on Front Porch Decor Ideas to Elevate Curb Appeal is a fantastic guide for anyone looking to enhance their home's exterior charm. The ideas are both stylish and practical, making it easy to create a welcoming and visually appealing space. I love how it emphasizes small yet impactful details like lighting, planters, and seasonal accents. Great inspiration!Have a super fantastic week!Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP Your front porch is more than just an entryway—it's the first impression your home makes. Whether you're preparing to sell your house or just want to enjoy a cozier space, thoughtful porch decor can instantly boost curb appeal and add value to your home. 1. Start With a Clean Slate Before decorating, make sure your porch is clean and clutter-free. Sweep the floor, wash the ...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Your front porch is more than just an entryway—it's the first impression your home makes. Whether you're preparing to sell your house or just want to enjoy a cozier space, thoughtful porch decor can instantly boost curb appeal and add value to your home.1. Start With a Clean SlateBefore decorating, make sure your porch is clean and clutter-free. Sweep the floor, wash the windows, and wipe down the door. A fresh coat of paint on the front door or railings can do wonders!2. Layer in Outdoor Rugs and SeatingAdd texture and comfort by laying down a stylish, weather-resistant outdoor rug. Pair it with a cozy bench, rocking chair, or a pair of Adirondack chairs for a relaxing vibe. Soft cushions in seasonal colors can enhance the cozy factor.3. Welcome Guests With GreeneryPotted plants and ha...
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By Manfred Lewis Leslie Horne & Associates, Realtor Spartanburg and Greenville SC
(Leslie Horne &Associates )
Your home should be a reflection of who you are, infused with your hobbies, passions, and personality. Whether it’s a bookshelf filled with your favorite novels, a gallery wall showcasing your photography, or a cozy corner dedicated to music or art, adding personal touches to your space can be a commemorative and rewarding choice! #realestate #realestateagent #fhm307 #buying #selling #listreports #realestateexpert #financehub #homeowner 
Comments 2
They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that holds true for your home, too! Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to make your home more inviting, a few simple upgrades can work wonders.    They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that holds true for your home, too! Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to make your home more inviting, a few simple upgrades can work wonders. Here are some easy yet impactful ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal: ✔️ Refresh with Paint – Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. A fresh coat in a bold, classic, or trendy neutral shade can instantly elevate your entryway. Don’t forget to touch up trim, shutters, or even the garage door for a cohesive look! ✔️ Lus...
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They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that holds true for your home, too! Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to make your home more inviting, a few simple upgrades can work wonders.    They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that holds true for your home, too! Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to make your home more inviting, a few simple upgrades can work wonders. Here are some easy yet impactful ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal: ✔️ Refresh with Paint – Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. A fresh coat in a bold, classic, or trendy neutral shade can instantly elevate your entryway. Don’t forget to touch up trim, shutters, or even the garage door for a cohesive look! ✔️ Lus...
Comments 1
By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
Home remodeling is an exciting way to refresh your living space, increase property value, and enhance functionality. Whether you're updating a single room or undertaking a full-scale renovation, careful planning is key to a successful project. Here’s what you need to know to achieve a seamless and rewarding home remodel.Set Clear Goals and BudgetBefore diving into renovations, outline your objectives. Are you looking to improve aesthetics, boost energy efficiency, or add more space? Once you’ve defined your goals, set a realistic budget that includes materials, labor, permits, and unexpected expenses. According to the National Association of Home Builders, homeowners should allocate at least 10–20% of their budget for contingencies National Association of Home BuildersChoose the Right D...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog is a fantastic resource for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor space with beautiful landscaping and stylish fences. The creative ideas shared here can transform any yard into a more inviting and functional space. Great inspiration for boosting curb appeal and adding value to a home!  A well-designed landscape and fence not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also add privacy, security, and value. Whether you're looking for a modern, rustic, or traditional look, here are some top ideas to transform your outdoor space. 1. Natural Wooden Fences for Warmth & Privacy Wooden fences offer a timeless and cozy aesthetic while providing excellent privacy. You can choose from classic picket fences, horizontal slats for a modern touch, or rustic split-rail designs. Staining ...
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By Dorie Dillard Austin TX, NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones
(Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899)
They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression—and that holds true for your home, too! Whether you're looking to sell or simply want to make your home more inviting, a few simple upgrades can work wonders. Here are some easy yet impactful ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal:✔️ Refresh with Paint – Your front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior. A fresh coat in a bold, classic, or trendy neutral shade can instantly elevate your entryway. Don’t forget to touch up trim, shutters, or even the garage door for a cohesive look!✔️ Lush Landscaping – A well-manicured lawn, trimmed hedges, fresh mulch, and seasonal flowers can transform your yard into a showstopper. Consider adding potted plants or hanging baskets near the entrance for a pop of color.✔️ Entryway...
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By Tamra Lee Ulmer, NRBA ~FORCE~ Over 1000 REO Assets SOLD!
(Arizona Resource Realty)
A well-designed landscape and fence not only enhance your home's curb appeal but also add privacy, security, and value. Whether you're looking for a modern, rustic, or traditional look, here are some top ideas to transform your outdoor space.1. Natural Wooden Fences for Warmth & PrivacyWooden fences offer a timeless and cozy aesthetic while providing excellent privacy. You can choose from classic picket fences, horizontal slats for a modern touch, or rustic split-rail designs. Staining or painting can enhance durability and complement your home’s exterior.2. Stylish Metal and Wrought Iron FencingFor a more elegant and durable option, metal fences—especially wrought iron—bring sophistication and security. Pairing these with lush greenery or climbing vines softens the look and blends well...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers fantastic advice on transforming a home before selling! The tips on decluttering, staging, and enhancing curb appeal are practical and impactful. A well-prepared home not only attracts buyers but can also increase its value. A must-read for anyone looking to make a great impression in the market! Transform your cluttered space into a buyer's dream with our home prepping tips. Are you getting ready to list your home for sale in the Sacramento area? Before you put that "For Sale" sign in your front yard, it's important to make sure your home is picture-ready. Taking the time to properly prepare your home for listing photos can make a big difference in how quickly your home sells and the price it sells for. Here is a list of things to consider before your real estate agent...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives.   Spring is almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives. If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started: Kitchen Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that h...
Comments 3
By Sandra Nickel, The Hat Team
(Sandra Nickel REALTORS)
Spring is almost here! Yay! That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best. Also, if you start now, you will be done and ready to enjoy the weather when spring arrives.If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:Kitchen Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced. Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the h...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Things About Houses – LathYears ago before dry wall was used on the interior walls of a house, lath and plaster completed the walls inside houses. Back then lath was made from wood, before the use of metal strips. The lath would be attached to the studs horizontally to the ceiling and floor. Plaster would then be applied to the lath, three layers actually, according to Doug. The last layer of plaster would be the the smoothest and ready for adornment, such as paint or wallpaper.The walls in our 1915 house were constructed in this manner. I know this because when we did upgrades, we removed the plaster and lath and replaced the walls with drywall. One thing Doug pointed out to me when we were removing the lath and plaster was horse hairs in the plaster between each piece of lath. I was h...
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By Dick Betts, Realtor, Team Leader
(Dick Betts National Speaker)
The remodel is moving right along with major work inside happening.  The new washer and dryer closet is built, drywallers while at the job site fixed holes in the ceiling from the old sound system they installed in the day and other ceiling fixtures.  The inside is being painted from ceiling to floor, the kitchen cabinets arrived and the tile guy has started putting the showers together.Been a busy shopping week as six major appliances bought, light fixtures and fans picked out.  I threw a curve at the buyer; on Saturday I took her to a flip house I was involved in that is now an Airbnb.  When she visited our home she really liked the LED square bathroom vanity mirror and light much like you see in hotels these days.  The flip house has the LED mirror plus it has Bluetooth to connect to...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This blog offers valuable insights on home upgrades that can increase property value and attract buyers faster! Smart renovations like kitchen and bathroom upgrades, fresh paint, and energy-efficient improvements make a big impact. A must-read for homeowners looking to sell quickly and maximize their return on investment! If you’re considering selling your home or simply want to increase its long-term value, investing in strategic home improvements can yield a high return on investment. Not all upgrades are created equal, so focusing on renovations that enhance appeal and functionality is key. Here are the best home improvements that add the most value to your property. 1. Kitchen Remodel The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, and buyers pay close attention to it. A mino...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Kitchen renovations can be exciting but come with unexpected challenges, and this blog does a great job of preparing homeowners for them! From budget overruns to hidden structural issues, being ready for surprises can make the process smoother. Great insights for anyone planning a kitchen upgrade! Renovating a kitchen is one of the most impactful improvements a homeowner can make, both in terms of functionality and value. However, as with any home renovation, unexpected issues can arise during the process. From structural complications to unforeseen costs, preparing for the unknown can save time, money, and stress. Kitchen renovations are often more complex than they initially appear, and proactive planning is essential to ensure a smooth experience. Here are the key considerations for ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
Great tips on designing a functional and stylish garage! From maximizing storage space to choosing the right flooring and lighting, every detail matters. A well-planned garage not only adds convenience but also increases home value. Your strategies make the process easier for homeowners looking to upgrade their space. Thanks for sharing! Building the perfect garage involves careful planning and consideration of both function and design. A garage is more than just a place to park your car—it's a multi-functional space that can serve as a workshop, storage area, or even a home gym. Whether you are constructing a garage for personal use or for a business purpose, there are several key factors to take into account to ensure that it meets your needs for safety, functionality, and longevity. ...
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By Joe Jackson, Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert
(Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty)
This is a fantastic guide to choosing the perfect flooring to enhance any home’s style! The variety of options covered, from classic hardwood to modern tiles, offers something for every taste and budget. Flooring plays a huge role in setting the tone of a space, and your recommendations make it easier to decide. Great read! When it comes to home design, flooring plays a crucial role in setting the overall aesthetic and ambiance. The right flooring choice enhances both functionality and visual appeal. Here are some top flooring ideas to elevate your home’s style. 1. Classic Hardwood Flooring Hardwood floors bring warmth and timeless elegance to any space. They come in various wood types like oak, maple, and walnut, offering durability and charm. 2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) LVP is a cost-...
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