(This post is brought to you by ServiceMaster Restore.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

(This post is brought to you by New Leaf Cabinets.)

Budgeting for your kitchen remodeling doesn’t have to be a bad situation. And you certainly don’t have to break the bank to get it done. Many people assume that they have to spend upwards of $20,000 for a kitchen remodeling, but the truth is, you can enhance the appearance of your kitchen on the cheap—without compromising quality of the kitchen’s integrity. If you’re looking to make some changes in your home—and increase your home value—here are six budgeting tips for a kitchen makeover.

Create a Budget

This first tip may seem like the most obvious one, but it’s the tip that’s most often ignored. Sticking to a budget is much harder than you think. Some homeowners falsely assume that, because they’re buying and remodeling inexpensively, they don’t have to keep up with the costs. But as you might have already learned from going to low-cost department stores like Target, the little things add up. Take a look at your income, your bills, and decide home much you can afford to spend. Use budgeting apps to help you keep track of your budget along the way.

Be Smart About Your Backsplash

Your backsplash is functional and visually appealing. After all, a tiled backsplash can prevent you from having to spend thousands replacing walls that may become water damaged from condensation and grime in this area. Depending on your kitchen, this is an area where your eyes might be naturally drawn to. One of the most important budgeting decisions you’ll make is choosing what tiles to use. High-end tile will, of course, cost more money, but you can save by purchasing a tile product that has been discounted, answering ads on seller marketplaces like Craigslist, or purchasing the leftover tiles that weren’t use for a different project.

Don’t Forget About the Lighting

The lighting in your kitchen can completely change the ambiance of your space. Overhead lighting should be bright to help you concentrate on your kitchen’s cooking areas. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great addition that won’t hurt your budget, but will prove very effective and functional in your kitchen.

For your primary lighting source, consider track lighting over recessed lighting, which costs more and is a time-consuming, laborious project. Because holes will need be cut into the ceiling, you’ll have to consider the costs of adding electrical wiring—and the hidden costs associated with repairing the ceiling.

Think About Your Counters & Cabinetry

Choosing the perfect kitchen cabinets and counters isn’t easy, as these are the focal point of your kitchen. When guests walk into your kitchen, they make first impressions based on this. As such, it should be a priority in your remodeling efforts. If you already have good cabinetry, you could simply add new doors and hardware and retain the frame. You could also save money by painting or spray painting your current doors, and simply installing new hardware pieces.

A good paint job always makes an incredible difference. For outdated cabinets that are still in good condition, consider painting them white and then priming them with a semi-gloss. White cabinetry also makes a space feel bigger and brighter than it actually is.

When you’re trying to save money, it’s important to know when to renovate and when to replace. “A full renovation of cabinets involves removing the cabinet frames and starting from scratch,” says New Leaf, a maker of kitchen cabinets and countertops in Tacoma WA. “Of course, this will cost more, but it’s often necessary when you realize that simple coat of paint won’t hide the damages and wear and tear of your cabinetry.”

Work With Your Plumbing

Each time your move your appliances, you’re likely going to add another $5,000 to your budget. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, do your best to work with your current layout—especially when it comes to your piping and utilities. You may, however, choose to decide on new appliances, which can complement all the changes that you’ve made to the kitchen. Many department stores offer stellar appliances on credit, and of course there are warehouses where you can find cheaper, high-quality appliances, too. This property blog will help you on more cool kitchen remodeling ideas.

Add or Renovate an Island

An island can do wonders for the overall appearance of your space. It doesn’t interfere with the preparation areas, creates more seating, and is also great for having help in the kitchen and turning the space into an efficient cooking area and social space. If your kitchen is already equipped with an island, you can give it a new look. If you want to install an island from scratch, you can expect to pay anywhere between $800 to $5,000—but it will likely be a worthwhile investment. To save a bit of money, consider using a butcher block countertop instead of traditional granite and the more expensive stone options.

(This post is brought to you by Hestia Home Services.)

Is your home feeling drab and uninspiring? Before you get ready to hang up a sale sign, check out the ideas below for ways to give your space new life.

The Kitchen

There’s a reason upgrading the kitchen is one of the top ways to increase your home’s value. This room is often considered the heart of the home. So it makes sense that this is one of the top spots for renovating. To give your kitchen a facelift, consider getting in some new appliances if yours are on the older side. You can also replace the countertops or simply paint the cabinets. Finally, if you want to go big, you could do something dramatic like knocking out a wall, adding in an island, or redoing the floors.

The Bathroom

Another essential area in your home is the bathroom. It may seem like the room you spend the least amount of time in, but it’s also a significant contributor to your home’s value. Doing some simple things like adding in a new counter or bathtub can go a long way.

According to Houston remodeling contractors Hestia Home Services, when it comes to kitchen and bathroom renovations, “Simple things like choosing quartz counters over marble and quality fittings reduces our maintenance woes. Likewise, installing LED lights, opting for insulated windows cuts energy bills. Not to mention, brighter designs makes it look larger and more relaxing.”

Bedrooms

Next, you’ll want to consider the bedrooms in your home. Start with your own bedroom. When was the last time you replaced your mattress? Does the furniture go with the rest of the room? How do you feel about the paint color? Your bedroom is supposed to be your safe haven away from the stresses of the world, so make sure it’s a place you love to spend time in.

After that, move onto the other bedrooms. Perhaps your kids have grown out of their old furniture and need an upgrade. Or maybe you plan on having guests over more often and want to upgrade your spare bedroom. Again, small changes can go a long way, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to transform a bedroom.

The Basement

If you have a basement, consider fixing it up a bit. When done right your basement can turn into a great place to entertain guests or simply spend time relaxing. Of course, many basements are dark and dank naturally, so you’ll have to do some work to make it homey. Consider adding an electric heater or fireplace, installing more lights, and getting some comfortable furniture. Add in a television and you’re good to go.

Your Yard

Finally, don’t forget about the outside of your home. Remodeling the inside is great, but if you want to improve your curb appeal, while also giving yourself a relaxing place to spend time outside, you’ll want to fix up the yard. This means doing some landscaping, maybe adding in some patio furniture, or installing a water feature. Here are some great yard ideas for inspiration.

How to Prepare for Your Remodel

To get started with your remodel, you’ll first want to decide on which room you’re tackling first. Is it your kitchen? One of the bedrooms? After you choose one, start coming up with a list of all the things you want to do. For now, don’t worry about the budget, just let your imagination run wild.

Once you have a pre-remodeling checklist, you can start pricing everything you want to do. As you go along, you’ll figure out which items are possible within your budget, and which ones will have to go by the wayside. No matter which methods you choose, you’ll have to find a way to pay for them. The best thing you can do is start saving up early, and make sure you know all the costs before you start any of the work.

Finally, if you’re planning a big job, get some help. Find a local remodeling service to help give you ideas and do the work for you. This will save you time and ensure the job gets done right. Hopefully this guide was able to get you started thinking about remodeling your home, and it won’t be long before you’ve transformed some problem areas into spaces you love.

(A big “thank you” to porch.com for sponsoring this post!)

It’s hard to feel lonely when you’re constantly surrounded by your nearest and dearest. But if you live in a crowded household, a lack of privacy can become a problem. Many parents know their children’s presence can be felt in virtually every area of a home—even when they’re not around. As a result, many parents simply give up on having personal space. However, it’s often possible to carve out a cozy retreat in the master bedroom.

Personal Furnishings

While there are certainly exceptions to the rule, many parents don’t put a lot of thought into their bedroom décor. Since kitchens and living rooms typically serve as the main centers of household activity, most parents opt to focus their efforts on those areas. However, if your bedroom’s furnishings lack any semblance of a personal touch, it’s only natural that this space won’t feel as if it’s truly yours. With this in mind, make a point of implementing bedroom décor choices that reflect your personality. Repainting the walls in your favorite color and picking out sheets, bedspreads and curtains that you truly love can have a tremendous impact on the way you feel about your bedroom. Additionally, purchasing chairs, loveseats and other furniture specifically for your bedroom can add an air of laidback relaxation to the space.

Entertainment Center

When looking for effective ways to unwind, many people head straight for their favorite TV shows, movies and video games—and the best way to enjoy these things is with a top-shelf entertainment center. Just because entertainment setups are commonly associated with living rooms doesn’t mean you can’t have one in the bedroom as well. Parents interested in enjoying their favorite visual media in the comfort of their bedroom should consider purchasing TVs, streaming devices and gaming consoles specifically for this area.

If you lack the space for a full-blown media cabinet, wall-mounting your bedroom television can be a great way to save space. Furthermore, if you’re uncomfortable mounting a TV on your own, a number of professional handymen can carry out the job in a timely manner. Motor City residents are sure to appreciate the wide variety of TV mounting services in Detroit.

Reading Nooks

There are a plethora of advantages to reading on a regular basis. Not only does reading improve memory function, it also helps most people relax and set their minds at ease. For maximum impact, reading should be done in a quiet spot, and, as any seasoned parent can attest, such spots can be hard to find in a busy household. Consider creating a bedroom-based reading nook.

Fortunately, this project can be undertaken on virtually any budget, and you only need a little bit of free space to bring this plan to fruition. Simply clear out one corner of the room—preferably one in the immediate vicinity of a window—for a comfortable chair or loveseat and a bookshelf or two. You may discover that creating your own reading nook will help you rekindle your love of the written word in a spot that’s all your own.

(This post brought to you by Maxx AC & Heating.)

Remodeling your home is a huge undertaking. You’ve probably been saving for years so you could build your dream kitchen or bathroom. Now that the time is finally here, you’re eager to start knocking down walls and demolishing cabinets. However, before you begin altering your space, use a pre-remodeling checklist to keep your project on track.

Write Down Agreements With Your Contractors

Choosing your contractor is the first essential step in beginning your renovations. Always search only for licensed, insured, and experienced professionals, to make sure they have the necessary skills to perform your job successfully and on time. You also want to make sure they hire their own employees or have good relationships with reliable subcontractors.

With your contractor chosen, it’s time to narrow down the terms of your agreement. The contractor you picked probably gave you an estimate before being chosen, so keep that handy throughout the renovation as proof of what you promised to pay. Make sure your agreement includes detailed information about the work that needs to be completed as well as specific materials and finishes to be used. Communicating clearly will make the entire project easier for everyone by making it less likely mistakes will be made and more likely the work will be completed on time.

Pack Up All Your Non-Essentials

When your renovation begins, your home will officially become a construction zone. Dust and debris will cover practically every surface of the work area as workers rip out walls and remove flooring. That’s why you should make a point to clean out the rooms being renovated as much as possible. Not only will all your belongings be in the way of the workers, but your stuff will also get filthy.

Put all your items into boxes and store them in another part of your home. (It’s also a great time to go through your items and get rid of things you no longer use.)

Make Plans for Using Alternate Spaces in Your Home

With your kitchen or bathroom out of commission until further notice, you’re going to have to make some changes to keep your home functional. Ordering pizza for dinner every night or stopping over at the neighbor’s every time you have to use the bathroom isn’t effective in the long run.

Instead, try to set up replacement rooms in your home. Obviously, if you have an additional bathroom, this isn’t a problem. However, most people don’t have two kitchens in their homes. Make up for this by moving your microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and other small electronic appliances into another room where you can prepare meals. It won’t be a good setup for cooking Thanksgiving dinner, but it should suffice until your job is done.

If you don’t have another bathroom, you’ll have to consider other options, like renting a portable toilet. This type of toilet can be placed in your backyard for your essential needs until your new bathroom is complete.

Have you recently completed a remodel? We’d love to hear your tips. Also, we’d love to see your before and after pictures—click here to send an email.

Trust and proven expertise should be the most important factors when choosing professionals to work in your home– and if you are facing a major remodel project finding the right general contractor can make all the difference.

Taking on a “Fixer Upper”

When my husband and I purchased a house on an acreage, about 50 minutes from Boise, Idaho, we knew there was a reason we got a great price: It needed to be fully renovated before we could call it home.

At the time we were living in Taiwan and preparing to move back to the US the next year. I immediately started doing my homework to figure out how much this was going to cost– and hoping I would manage to find the right people to do everything that needed to be done. One of my first moves was to price out kitchen cabinets and countertops at Ikea. (That’s a chain store you can find all over the world!) I was in the process of trying to get prices on installation when I decided to send Trudy Mallon, with Mallon Homes, a message asking about the average price of a kitchen installation in the Boise real estate market. Her estimate for the entire project was similar to what I had calculated materials alone would cost. We scheduled a meeting to go over the house to discuss our needs and wants during our next trip to the US.

Expertise Makes a Difference

We jumped at the chance to have Tim and Trudy Mallon take a look at our home for two reasons: 1) We’d met them through church years ago and know they are passionate about their work. 2) We’d enjoyed touring their homes during the annual “Parade of Homes” in the Boise area. What we didn’t realize is how quickly an expert could tell us what needed to happen– and what it would cost.

The house came with a 1,200 square foot attached garage– with a wooden floor. Because of the construction method used we weren’t convinced cars could safely drive into the garage. In his first walk through the house, Tim was able to tell us how that space could be turned into a master suite, laundry room, office, and oversized two-car garage with a cement floor.

We immediately saw the value in having a plan to make the house fit our needs (and wants), add value by improving the layout, and avoid having to build a separate garage.

Making Smart Customization Choices

When it was time to pick out interior finishing materials for our home, we took advantage of our builders’ expertise while selecting options that appealed to us. We started by looking at the standard finishes used by the builder and then picked a few special items we wanted to upgrade– and found other areas where we could select a less expensive option so we could stay on budget.

Shopping in December allowed us to get a deal on some materials– like travertine tiles for our master bathroom. We chose a granite our builder was able to get at a steep discount. We also cut costs with some of our lighting choices and splurged on decorative tile for backsplashes.

In the end we spent the same amount we expected originally (when we had intended to do some of the work ourselves) but got a home with nicer finishes than we originally expected.

Do you live in the Boise area or plan to move here soon? If so, be sure to check out the Boise Parade of Homes. And no matter where you live, please comment below let me know where you find your inspiration!

(A big “thank you” to TruGreen for sponsoring this post!)

Even in a seller’s market, you’ll want to take a strategic approach to make sure your home sells as quickly as possible—and for the best price possible.

There are four key elements you can take into consideration when preparing to sell your home.

Curb Appeal

A good first impression will likely have a major impact on whether potential buyers even bother to take a closer look. Most buyers will form a first impression within seconds(seven, to be precise), and this means that how the front of your house and yard looks is crucially important. Things that might help include painting, putting in a new door, adding lighting, and taking care of your lawn.

Timing is Everything

Next on the list is timing. If at all possible, try to put your house on the market during the peak selling months in the spring and summer. Many buyers like to shop when the weather is nicer. Many parents also try to time a home purchase and move over the summer months so their children can be in a new school district before the next academic year starts.

During the fall and winter months, the housing market tends to slow down as kids return to school and the days grow shorter.

Look at Your Neighborhood

Sometimes things that don’t belong to you can have an impact. Cleaning up common areas around your neighborhood can also make your home look more attractive.

Make a Good First Impression Inside the Front Door

As we all know, kitchens can sell houses. However, when it comes to that quick sale, your hallway can be even more important. This almost relates to curb appeal and those first impressions that visitors get as they enter your home. Your hallway is most likely the first thing they will see, so keeping this spacious, free of clutter and in general good condition should be at the top of your to-do list.

(A big “thank you” to markatosdesign.com for sponsoring this post!)

When you commit to the process of refreshing your home, you might soon experience sticker shock. Sometimes the best way to avoid spending too much might just involve investing in a design professional. (If you have a California home check out Santa Barbara interior designer Christine Markato’s website—her portfolio pictures are absolutely inspiring.)

While DIY projects can be great in some cases, a designer’s eye can make a huge difference in a major remodeling project (like the full home remodel we had completed in 2015/2016) and help you save money in three key areas.

Economical Space Planning

It may not be necessary to tear down walls or add onto your home—if you can envision ways to use the space you already have more efficiently. In some cases a room may be able to pull double duty. Such as a home office that converts to a guest room by way of a fold-down bed. Or a living room featuring a craft corner with the right furniture to divide the space.

Your kitchen may also have the potential to accommodate your storage demands. Instead of a costly construction project, your money may go farther when you invest in storage systems that are both functional and attractive.

Keep Plumbing Where It Is

It can be expensive to rearrange the locations of your sinks, showers and toilets. It could be that what your dated bathroom needs is a facelift. Swap out the fixtures for the ultimate refresh or consider new flooring. Bathrooms are great places to earn a significant return on investment, so upgrades you make are valuable. However, leaving the plumbing where it is will save you a lot of money.

Use Designer Contacts

Working with a designer opens the door to many artistic and architectural sources of inspiration. An expert on interiors knows where to find the best deals and the best quality products—and they often have access to price cuts with exclusive suppliers. In a whole-home redesign, you may find yourself buying a lot of new furniture. This process can be overwhelming and expensive, but collaboration with the right professionals can help ease this stress and potentially be kind to your budget.

(A big “thank you” our friends at Signature Joinery & Design for sponsoring this post.)

You could answer this question with, “How long is a piece of string?” After all there are many factors involved in remodeling a kitchen—all of which will affect the price of the remodel.

The average cost of remodeling a kitchen is $17,000 but you need consider several areas listed below to calculate the cost of your own remodel. It’s worth looking at these factors first to ensure you establish a realistic budget. After all, you need to know the potential cost and establish a budget getting started with a remodel.

Space

The most obvious factor in a kitchen remodel is the size of the space you have available. The larger the space the more it is likely to cost you more simply because you’ll need more floor coverings and cupboards to create the perfect kitchen.

Cupboards

There can be a large difference in cost between purchasing kitchen cupboards from your local store and using a commercial joinery firm.

However, this extra cost can be worthwhile. Bespoke cupboards can be made to fit the place and to your exact requirements. They are also likely to give your kitchen a top end finish. That means you get to enjoy a beautiful kitchen and increase the value of your home if you are looking to sell.

Appliances

If you’re remodeling your kitchen then you are likely to be replacing all the appliances.

Again there is a big difference in the price of appliances. A basic stove may set you back as little as $100 while the top end ones could cost 5 or even 10 times this amount.

Your decision regarding which appliances are best will partly depend on your budget. However, you should also consider how the look of the appliance will blend in with your finished kitchen. It is also worth looking at the energy ratings.

A high rated energy appliance will use less electricity throughout the year. Eventually this additional investment can be recovered through energy savings.

Current Condition

It is also important to consider the current state of your kitchen. While a remodel usually means taking everything out and refitting it, the state of your walls in particular can increase the cost of your remodel if they will need to be new drywall, texture, and paint.

You also need to think about the current position of electrical outlets and the plumbing. If this needs to be moved then there will be an extra charge for a professional to relocate them according to your needs and design.

Flooring

Hard flooring is essential to spills and the constant foot traffic. The question is how much you want to splurge on gorgeous floors. There is a significant price difference between vinyl flooring and tiling the kitchen. You should also consider the amount of preparation that will be needed to enable the floor to be laid properly.

While the average kitchen remodel price may be $17,000, you can pay significantly more or less depending on the finish you want, the amount of work to be done, and whether you are capable of doing some of the work yourself.

(This post brought to you by North Coast Financial Inc.)

Great home staging can make all the difference between a disappointing experience listing a house for sale and experiencing phenomenal success in today’s home market.

Whether you are selling your family residence to upgrade or need to make the most out of your investment property financing, learning to make a home attractive to buyers is well worth the time commitment and reasonable expenses incurred.

Take a look below for some areas you may want to focus on to make the most of your listing.

Exterior and Curb Appeal

In the real estate market, first impressions are incredibly important. Thankfully, proper landscaping can make a huge difference. Be sure to trim back overgrown trees and replace tired plants. If needed, invest in fresh sod.

Also consider whether it would pay to resurface a cracked driveway, add an off-street parking area, and repaint or replace fencing. Don’t forget to also consider the condition of house numbers and the mailbox. Some simple and inexpensive changes can make a big difference.

Make Sure Flooring is in Good Condition

Take a critical look at the flooring. Professionally cleaning, stretching, or replacing carpets may be necessary. Refinishing wood floors will also greatly improve the overall appeal of the house when potential buyers step through the door.

Upgrade the Kitchen

Since it is the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the best areas to invest in prior to selling a home. That said, be carefully to invest strategically since the sky is the limit when it comes to the amount of money that could go into a kitchen renovation. Smart money can be spent giving it a fantastic facelift by replacing hardware, painting cabinets, and updating lighting.

Renovate Bathrooms

Potential buyers are also attracted to homes with clean, comfortable, bathrooms. Consider replacing an old vanity, cleaning grout, updating hardware, and replacing an old toilet seat. You may also impress budget-conscious home buyers with new fixtures including eco-friendly taps and shower fittings that will conserve water.

Focus on Lighting

A dark, depressing atmosphere is likely to turn away potential buyers. Consider ways to make the most of available natural light and consider investing in new fixtures to give dark areas a light and airy atmosphere.

Maximize Storage

These days home buyers are likely to prefer homes with great storage areas. This is especially important if you’re trying to sell a small house. Great shelving can make even a small home extremely functional—and help buyers imagine how the home could be the perfect fit for their family.