Making Your Dream Yard a Reality: Financially Planning for a Big Yard Renovation

As homeowners, we all dream of having a beautiful yard to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors. 

Whether you're looking to add a deck, patio, outdoor kitchen, or landscaping features, a big yard renovation can truly transform your outdoor space. However, such renovations can come with a hefty price tag. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss how to financially plan for a big yard renovation so you can make your dream yard a reality without breaking the bank.

Assess Your Budget

The first step in financial planning for a major yard renovation is to assess your budget. Review your finances and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on the renovation. 

Consider factors such as your income, savings, and any other financial obligations you may have. Once you have a clear understanding of your budget, you can start planning for the renovation accordingly.

Prioritize Your Needs

When it comes to a big yard renovation, it's easy to get carried away with all the possibilities. Before you start planning, take some time to prioritize your needs. 

What are the must-haves for your dream yard? Do you need a new deck for entertaining or a garden for growing your own vegetables? 

Or maybe your main priority is to add a new element like a custom fire pit installation or a water feature build. By prioritizing your needs, you can focus on the most important elements of the renovation and allocate your budget accordingly.

Research Costs

Once you have prioritized the elements of your yard renovation, it's crucial to research the costs associated with each item on your list. 

Start by getting quotes from multiple contractors to ensure you're getting a fair price for the work. Don't forget to consider the cost of materials if you're planning on doing any of the work yourself. 

Additionally, look into any permits or fees required by your local government for construction or renovation projects in your yard. This preparation can help you avoid unexpected expenses and ensure your project stays within budget.

Consider Financing Options

If you don't have enough savings to cover the cost of the renovation upfront, consider financing options. You could explore home equity loans, personal loans, or even credit cards to help finance your yard renovation. 

Just be sure to carefully consider the terms and interest rates of any financing options before making a decision. Remember, it's important to stay within your budget and not take on more debt than you can afford.

Plan for the Future

A yard renovation might also entail ongoing costs that are essential to factor into your financial planning. Maintenance is a critical aspect of keeping your yard looking its best after the renovation. 

For example, if you're adding a garden, consider the cost of soil, fertilizers, and possibly hiring a gardener. Outdoor kitchens require upkeep and may increase your utility bills with additional gas and water usage. 

Similarly, decks and patios might require periodic sealing or staining to maintain their appearance and durability. By anticipating these future expenses, you can create a more comprehensive budget that covers not only the initial renovation costs but also the maintenance your yard will need in the years to follow.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a detailed financial plan is essential for bringing the yard of your dreams to fruition. By assessing your budget, prioritizing needs, researching costs, considering financing options, and planning for future expenses, you can ensure a smooth and successful renovation process. 

Remember, the goal is to enhance your outdoor living space to add value to your home and joy to your life without overextending your finances. 

With careful planning and a clear vision, your dream yard renovation can become a reality, offering a beautiful and functional outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

4 Benefits of Hiring a General Handyman

When it comes to home repairs and maintenance, we often find ourselves in need of someone who can fix everything from leaky pipes to broken windows and faulty electrical systems.

This is why it is essential to consider hiring a general handyman. Not only can they tackle a wide variety of household problems, but they also come with many benefits that can make your life much easier.

In this article, we will explore four significant benefits of hiring a general handyman.

Versatility

One of the most significant advantages of hiring a general handyman is their versatility. These professionals are skilled in a broad range of household repairs and maintenance. 

So, whether you need someone to fix a leaky faucet, install new light fixtures, or patch up drywall, a handyman can take on the task. This saves you the hassle of coordinating with various professionals for multiple jobs and provides you with a comprehensive service under one roof.

Cost-Effective

Hiring a general handyman is also a cost-effective solution to your household maintenance needs. Even minor repairs can add up and become expensive, especially if you opt for specialized professionals. 

On the other hand, general handymen are typically more affordable since they offer a wide range of services, and their fees are often hourly-based. 

You can save a lot of money in the long run by hiring a general handyman rather than working with different professionals for each task.

Time-Saving

Hiring a general handyman can also save you a significant amount of time. Instead of dedicating your weekends to household repairs, you can rely on a handyman to take care of everything for you. 

Handymen have the right tools and expertise to complete their work efficiently and quickly. This way, you can focus on your other daily tasks and enjoy more free time with your family or hobbies.

Knowledge and Expertise

Lastly, handymen come with extensive knowledge and expertise that can benefit your home. They know the ins and outs of household repairs and maintenance, which means they can provide invaluable advice on how to improve your home's functionality and even save on energy bills. 

They can also recommend the best products and brands for your home repairs, ensuring that you get the best value for money.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, hiring a general handyman is a wise decision that comes with numerous benefits. They are versatile, cost-effective, time-saving, and knowledgeable professionals who can keep your home in tip-top shape. 

So, whether you need a minor repair or a major renovation, a handyman can help you!

Best Ways to Compare Home Remodelers

The process of remodeling a home is both exciting and daunting. From planning the design to executing the project, there are many steps homeowners must take to bring their vision to life. 

However, one of the most crucial steps is selecting the right home remodeler for the job. 

Choosing the perfect candidate can be difficult, but with the right approach, homeowners can find the best home remodeler to suit their needs.

When it comes to choosing a home remodeler, there are various factors to consider. One of these factors is experience. Homeowners should look for a professional with significant experience in the specific type of project they are undertaking. This way, the remodeler will have the expertise to handle any challenges that arise during the project, ensuring a successful outcome.

Additionally, homeowners should look for a remodeler who is licensed and insured, such as Multicraft Home Remodeling and others. Licensing ensures that the remodeler has met the necessary requirements to work as a professional in their field. Insurance, on the other hand, protects homeowners from any accidents or damages that may occur during the project.

Another important factor to consider is the reputation of the remodeler. Homeowners can do this by researching their business online and reading reviews and testimonials or even speaking to former clients. This will enable homeowners to get a better understanding of the level of service the remodeler provides.

Homeowners should also look for a remodeler who communicates effectively. The remodeler should be able to explain the process clearly, give a proper timeline, and discuss any potential issues upfront. Effective communication helps homeowners to feel confident in the remodeler’s abilities and ensures that the project runs smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, homeowners should compare the pricing of different remodelers. However, expensive isn't always better, but the lowest bid might not be the best either. By comparing pricing, homeowners can better understand the market and make an informed decision about the remodeler that best fits their project and budget.

In conclusion, choosing a home remodeler can seem overwhelming, but by considering the factors mentioned above, homeowners can confidently select a professional who can bring their remodeling vision to life. 

Experience, licensing, insurance, reputation, communication, and pricing are all important factors that must be seriously considered during the process of choosing a home remodeler. 

Taking the time to do proper research and vetting the remodeler can pay off in the long run. Homeowners must not skimp on this crucial step in the remodeling process.

4 Signs It's Time for New Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important aspects of any building, be it residential or commercial. It not only represents the overall aesthetics of any given space but also provides functional benefits such as durability and insulation. 

However, like any other element of a building, flooring also undergoes wear and tear over time.

Without proper maintenance, flooring may begin to fail and lose its appeal, causing inconvenience to the residents or business owners. Thus, it is important to look out for some signs that it is time to replace the flooring.

Visible Damage

One of the most obvious signs that indicate the need for new flooring installation is visible damage. Scratches, dents, cracks, or water damage can make the flooring look unsightly. 

Moreover, it can cause tripping hazards, which can lead to injuries. In the case of carpeted floors, extensive fading, staining, or matted down fibers are signals to replace the flooring.

Wear and Tear

The flooring of a high-traffic area, like lobbies, hallways, and family rooms, is more prone to wear and tear. If it has been years since the last flooring update, and the flooring has begun to show unevenness, warping, sagging, or creaking sounds, it's time to upgrade to new flooring. 

Such damages can cause discomfort, reduce insulation levels, and impact people's overall well-being.

Discoloration

Over time, sunlight, water spills, or even high-heat items can cause discoloration of the flooring. Discoloration can occur in many ways, such as yellowing, fading, browning, or bleaching. 

Discoloration is not only an aesthetic issue but can also be a sign of more severe damage to the floor, such as water damage, mold, or mildew.

Outdated Styles

As with any trend, new and innovative designs are continuously emerging in the market. Renovating the house or office space with the latest trends can refresh the appearance of the space. 

An outdated style can also hurt the resale value of the property. If the flooring is from a previous era, with styles and colors that seem tacky or old-fashioned, it's time to replace it.

Final Thoughts

In Conclusion, it is important to pay attention to the flooring of any building as it is one of the most essential components that make the space functional and aesthetically pleasing. 

Replacing flooring can be expensive, but it can be worth it regarding the added value, comfort, and convenience it brings to the space. 

Keep an eye out for the signs mentioned above to make the necessary updates in time.

How to Get Insurance to Cover Your Roof Replacement

When you need your roof replaced, it can be a daunting task since you know getting a new roof won't come cheap. Rather than be stuck paying for your roof out of your own pocket, you will be smart to do all you can to make sure your homeowner's insurance policy pays for the new roof.

To ensure this is exactly what happens, here are some important steps you must take along the way.

Understand Your Coverage

If you have homeowners insurance and need your roof replaced, you may automatically assume it is covered. However, that is only sometimes the case. Unfortunately, not all insurance policies cover all types of roof damage. 

In fact, policies generally offer either repair coverage or replacement coverage. Because of this, you should always check over your policy to find out the specifics of what it covers.

Document the Damage

As you know, a picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to roof damage. By taking photos of your roof damage and sending them to your insurance company, you will have a much better chance of getting your claim approved for a roof replacement. 

If you are unable to document the damage yourself, contact experienced roofing contractors who can conduct an inspection and document the damage during their inspection.

Work with Reputable Roofers

To stand a much better chance of getting your roof replacement claim approved, it is always best to hire a reputable roofing company to conduct the inspection and perform the actual replacement. 

If you choose to hire a fly-by-night roofer, you may not only find your claim being denied, but also that the so-called "roofer" is nothing but a con artist who is preying on unsuspecting homeowners. 

If you have had a serious storm in your area recently that caused damage to your roof, be very aware of these scam artists.

Promptly Submit Your Claim

Once your roof suffers damage and needs to be replaced, don't wait around to file your insurance claim. If you do, this will make it much too easy for your insurance company to state that they believe the roof damage was not recent, which will result in your claim being denied. 

Once your claim is submitted, the insurer will have 15 days to make a decision about approving or denying your claim, so be prepared to be patient.

When you need a roof replacement, remember that this is why you have insurance in the first place. By using your coverage to its full advantage, you can soon have a new roof without paying one penny out of your own pocket.

Repairs in Your Home That Are Worth the Initial Investment

When planning to sell your home, you want to get a higher bidder. However, this may not be easy if you do not upgrade your home. No buyer wants to invest in a home with many issues that may lead to costly repairs. 

This is why you should renovate your home to look valuable and enable you to get back your initial investment or even more. Here are various upgrades.

Improve Curb Appeal

Your home exterior is the first point of contact for buyers coming to inspect your home. It should be eye-catchy to attract the buyer’s attention quickly. 

This is why you need to improve the curb appeal by changing or upgrading a few things in your home exterior. You can mow and level your lawn, change the furniture in your patio, add color to your painters, and pressure-wash the exterior of your house. 

Such changes will make your home attractive, thus increasing its value.

Repair the Roof

Most buyers pay close attention to the roof when buying a home. No one wants to risk buying a house with roof issues that could lead to costly repairs or replacement. 

Your roof should be durable, attractive, and strong to increase the value of your property. Inspect the roof thoroughly and determine where you need to repair it. 

You may want to seek help from a contractor to help you inspect the roof before repairs. If you notice leaks on your roof, you can use a local company, like Everest Systems, to seal the leaks and make your roof more efficient and valuable.

Update the Kitchen

Everyone wants a neat, well-organized, and modern-looking kitchen. This is what most buyers will use to rate the overall look and feel of your home. So, ensure it looks attractive, modern, and neat. 

You can replace the appliances with modern fixtures that are energy–efficient. Changing sinks, faucets, and cabinets is another excellent upgrade that will increase the value of your home.

Replace the HVAC

If you have an old HVAC unit, it is time to upgrade it. Today, there are multiple units with different features that can increase the value of your home dramatically. Go for an energy-efficient system that the new homeowner won’t incur high energy bills. 

With advanced technology today, you will get programmable thermostats that you can control easily to avoid spending more energy and incurring higher power bills.

Upgrading your home may seem a challenging, time-consuming, and costly project, but it is worth it. You’re sure of the increased value of your property that will influence the final cost of selling your home.

How to Save More When Upgrading Your Pipes

If you’re experiencing high water bills or low water pressure, it may be time for you to upgrade your plumbing. Many people are concerned about the costs of upgrading their plumbing system, with good reason as it can get expensive. 

The good news is that there are several ways that you can save money when upgrading your pipes.

Select the Right Plumbing Layout

The design of the home is one of the factors that will determine how much you will have to pay to upgrade your pipes. The area of your home that the pipes are being installed will also affect how you have to pay to upgrade your pipes. 

There are certain areas of your home where pipes can be shared. This can help you save money.

Choose Plastic Pipes

The material that the pipe is made out of is another factor that will determine how much you have to pay for the pipes. Copper has been the standard pipe material for many years. However, it is a good idea for you to use plastic pipes because they are cheaper. 

You can choose either PVC or PEX pipes. PEX pipes are the better option because they are less likely to freeze up and burst when it gets cold. They are also lightweight and flexible.

Choose the Right Plumber

Plumbing companies charge different amounts for the same job. That is why it is a good idea for you to get multiple quotes from different plumbers. 

However, you shouldn't necessarily choose the company that offers the lowest price. The price can often be reflective of the type of work that you will get. Thus, it’s recommended that some research on the companies you’re looking at be done as well.

Make Sure That The Job Is Done Right

The proper pipe installation will help you save a lot of money. If the job is not done right, then you will waste time and material. You may have to get another plumber to correct the problem, which would cost even more money. 

That is why it is a good idea for you to vet a plumber before you hire them to do the job. Reading reviews from past customers can be helpful in determining if you want to move forward with a company.

Furthermore, you need to make sure that you have all of the permits that you need before any work is done, otherwise, you could end up spending more money on fines or getting licensed plumbers to sign off on any work done.

You don't have to pay a fortune to upgrade your pipes. Money can be saved with just a little bit of research and forethought. Finding the right plumber and pipes for the job can be done with a few quick Google searches and a little bit of reading. 

Overall, it’s important to make sure your paperwork is in order and that the job gets done correctly the first time.

4 Ways Electrical Rewiring Can Save You Money

Having a home rewired may sound like a big project with little rewards, but that is not the case. Rewiring can provide a number of important benefits that will save you money. 

Over time, the upgrade can pay its own way in those savings. If your home's wiring is getting old, consider having it redone for these reasons and many others.

Avoiding Repair Bills

Old wiring malfunctions frequently. It trips breakers for no obvious reason, leaves outlets inoperative, and generally does strange things. 

Each of those issues will call for a visit from an electrician, who is likely to tell you that your best choice of electrical services is to rewire the house. 

Listen to that good advice. If the electrician is actually suggesting something that will eliminate those repair calls, it must be a good idea.

Protecting Appliances

When your furnace or other heavy appliance kicks on, you probably see a brief "brown-down". It may not seem like a big deal, but that dip in power can be very damaging to sensitive appliances. 

Televisions, computers, and many other high-dollar items in your home can suffer significant damage when their power supply drops like that. A rewired home will provide enough power to prevent those troughs and the damage they can cause.

Preventing Fires

This is probably the most obvious reason to rewire. Old wiring may do more than malfunction. It can overheat, break, or otherwise suffer physical damage that leads to a fire in your home. 

The risk to your belongings, house, and family is too great to ignore. If you're having electrical problems or just have old wiring, rewiring it could save lives.

Upgrading Equipment

Older homes were built long before anybody dreamed that everybody would have four cell phones, two big-screen TVs, miles of Christmas lights, and countless other electrical items in the home. 

Heavy power users like swimming pool pumps and outdoor kitchens are also relatively new to homes. With an undersized electrical service and outdated wiring, your home cannot handle additional money-saving upgrades like additional lighting or central heat and air. Rewiring will make it possible to save money elsewhere.

Sometimes people get overwhelmed at the thought of rewiring. They worry about the cost and hassle involved in the project, even though they know how good the outcome will be. 

Do yourself a favor and find out just how affordable and convenient it can be. Your project will pay dividends for decades to come.

How to Determine if You're Financially Ready to Upgrade Your Home

If you're finding that your current home doesn't meet your needs, it's time to start thinking about upgrading. Before you can call a new house "home," though, it's important to make sure that you're financially ready to begin the process. 

By taking some smart steps in the preliminary stages of the home buying process, you'll ensure that you're able to afford your new home and still have money left over to enjoy other pursuits in your life as well.

You've Got a Handle on Debt

A major debt load can quickly hamper your efforts to upgrade to a new home. Large amounts of debt will cause lenders to see you as a higher risk, meaning that you'll likely have higher interest rates than you would otherwise. 

Plus, even if you can obtain a mortgage, your high debt load will put you at greater risk of defaulting on your mortgage and potentially losing your new home.

You've Spoken With the Experts

Trying to decide whether or not you're ready to upgrade your home can be a challenge if you base your decision only on the nuggets of information you've learned through the years. 

That's why you'll want to speak with knowledgeable individuals to better understand your financial situation. A financial advisor can look at your complete financial picture to determine if you're a good fit for a home upgrade. 

You can also speak with home experts in your area to determine how to get the best value for your money when you're cleared for an upgrade.

You Can Separate Your Needs From Your Wants

There are many features on a home that can increase its price. However, not all of those features are items that you need to have to enjoy your home. 

That's why it's important to find the best realtor in your area so that they can help you separate what you want from what you truly need. This will help keep your search scope limited to homes that are more affordable so that you don't bust your budget chasing after features that you might not use.

Your Job Is Stable

Long-term financial stability is absolutely crucial when you decide to upgrade your home. Even if you currently have enough money for a down payment, you'll still need a lot more money down the road to ensure that you can comfortably make your monthly payments. 

Therefore, if you think that your job might be changing significantly in the coming months, it's probably better to wait to upgrade your home. Once things settle down, you can get more serious about finding the right home for you.

For most people, the home buying process brings with it a lot of unknowns. To ensure you make good decisions along the way, it's important to ask any questions during the process. 

Don't pretend that you know all the answers and find out later that you missed something important that makes the buying process more difficult.

How Much to Save for Various Roofing Services

Getting hit with an unexpected bill is not something that anyone wants to deal with. However, if you plan ahead and save in advance when emergencies do crop up, you will have the money saved to pay for them. Roofing services and repairs can cost a lot, so it is important to know in advance how much you should have set aside for them. 

Here are some of the most common services that a roofer can provide you with and what the average cost will be per service.

Minor Roof Repairs

From time to time your roof may undergo some minor damage. An asphalt shingle or two may fly off in the wind. Your gutter may have undergone some damage due to a branch and need to be repaired. Your soffit may even need a vent. These are all considered minor roof repairs and run a couple of hundred dollars.

Moderate Roof Repairs

If you’ve noticed that there are water spots on your ceiling, then it’s likely you have a roof leak. This is what is considered a moderate roof repair. A couple of other examples of moderate roof repairs include fixing large patches of shingles on the roof and replacing flashing around vent pipes and chimneys. Moderate roof repairs will run you anywhere between $500 to $1,000.

Major Roof Repairs

Many companies, like Handyman Roofing, focus primarily on major roof repairs. These tend to be the most unexpected expenses and can cost a good bit of money to have fixed. Problems that fall into this category are roof damage from fallen trees, valleys in your roof, and algae damage. 



These require a lot more materials than minor and moderate roof repairs. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 for major roof repairs to be performed on your home.

Roof Replacement

Roofs don’t last forever and financially planning ahead of time can go a long way in preventing financial stress when it comes time to have your roof replaced. The life expectancy of your roofing materials is going to depend on the materials used. 

Asphalt shingles typically last 20 to 30 years. You can upgrade to 50-year asphalt shingles for more money. On the other hand, you can utilize tin as your roofing material. With annual upkeep, these metal roofs will last you up to 70 years. 

The price for roof replacement will obviously vary depending on the materials you buy, the size of your roof, and its layout. The average price for a full roof replacement runs from a low of $5,000 to a high of $15,000.

As a homeowner, you’re going to need a good roofer from time to time to keep your roof in good condition. Understanding the various services that they can provide you with and their costs can help you to prepare for instances in the future. Remember that by preparing, you can ease financial stress when repairs need to be completed.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

5 Things You Should Do for Your Home This Summer

Summer is almost upon the world, which means it's time to ensure that your home is ready for the higher temperatures. Even if this summer may have fewer get-togethers where you live because of quarantining measures, that's no excuse to not keep your home properly taken care of.

After all, if you ignore simple maintenance tasks, you may wind up with bigger problems down the road. There are, of course, countless things you'll want to check in on before temperatures start to rise, but here are five of the most important things to do for your home this summer.

1. Tune-up your air conditioner.

If you're planning on spending time indoors to stay cool, you're definitely going to want to make sure that your HVAC system works. Many times, people wait until it's too late to get an appointment scheduled to have their HVAC serviced and wind up suffering through several days of hot, humid weather inside and out thanks to the rush of people trying to get appointments. 

Get ahead of the spike in demand and schedule your HVAC appointment now to make sure your AC's ready to go when the days get hotter.

2. Safeguard your pool.

If you're planning on swimming this summer, you'll want to make sure to perform a variety of maintenance tasks, from checking the levels of chlorine and other chemicals to cleaning out any debris that may be in there after last season. One of the most important aspects of any pool is the accessories that help keep it safe, especially if you have pets or young children at home. 

If you don't have the proper kind of pool fencing or cover, a pool fence company can help you fix your problem and create a safer outdoor space for all. Sadly, swimming pool deaths are common during summer months, so make sure to invest in a fence that keeps your backyard safe this summer.

3. Inspect your roof and your home's exterior.

The winter weather can cause all kinds of problems for your home's exterior. From damaging the roof due to heavy snow or hail to cracks in your home's siding, it's always a good idea to do a perimeter check of your house each spring or during the start of summer. 

Having this routine can help you catch problems before they become much irreparable, allowing you to nip them in the bud—rather than having to deal with a full-on roofing replacement (or worse!) later on.

4. Clean all windows and screens.

Cleaning your windows is a good idea since it keeps your house looking nice and lets you see the outdoors much better. Summer is a time when many animals come out and flowers begin to bloom, and you don't want to be looking outside through a smudged or dirty window.

If you've got window screens, you'll want to clear them of leaves, cobwebs, or any other detritus, too, since they can obstruct your view or aggravate your allergies if blown indoors when your windows are open on warm days.

5. Inspect your outdoor plumbing.

If you've got a hose spigot and plan on gardening, make sure to test it out to make sure no pipes froze and cracked over the winter. Getting this taken care of sooner than later can be especially important if you use your hose to fill up your pool or water your lawn with a sprinkler. 

Again, nobody wants to be stuck waiting for an appointment with a service professional when the weather truly gets hot, so do yourself a favor and double-check that everything is in good working order ahead of time.

How to Get the Highest Return on Investment on Your Home Remodel

Remodeling your home is a smart move if you want to ensure a higher resale price. So many of the benefits of owning a home come when it's time to leave it; the financial gain and equity that you can build in a home can add a ton of value to your financial portfolio. 

If you have recognized that your house is going to need a bit of work before it heads to the market, it's time to start remodeling. If you're like many people, you might be questioning how you can make sure that you don't waste your money when it comes to the remodeling process. 

Don't worry -- here's a handful of our best tips for getting a great return on investment in your home remodel.

Take care of the big issues first

Structural and functional issues with your home will make it instantly unattractive to potential buyers. Bite the bullet and get the large and expensive projects out of the way. If your roof is damaged or leaky, hire a roofer. You don't want to risk trying to tackle projects that you are unfamiliar with on your own and risk damaging your house further.

Focus on aesthetics

Beyond the functional issues that need to be taken care of, the next area of focus should be how your home looks. Some projects are of course more time consuming and expensive than others. One of the least expensive and most beneficial projects that you can tackle is landscaping. 



Trimming overgrown shrubs and maintaining a neat and orderly lawn can add major curb appeal to your home. Your home's exterior is its first impression, so make sure that you spend some time improving it.

Replace the siding

Replacing siding is relatively cheap and easy and adds a ton of quick value to your home. Don't want to replace it altogether? Spend an afternoon power washing. This will make it look brand new without the need to reach for your tool belt.

Add outdoor elements

Adding a deck can make your home instantly more appealing to potential buyers. While it's certainly more expensive than other projects on the list, it's fairly reasonable when you consider the massive value that it can add to your home. Most buyers are eager to have an outdoor space to entertain.

Minor Kitchen Upgrades

Even just replacing cabinet doors and fixtures can drastically change the look and feel of your kitchen. You don’t have to spend a lot to get kitchen cabinets that will increase your home’s value and the quality of your kitchen.

Make the most of your remodel projects, and follow the above tips for getting the highest return on your investments.

5 Ways to Save Money on Home Repairs

If you own a home, you know that repairs are going to be required periodically. While it is a good idea to build savings for these costs, sometimes we get caught by surprise. Whether prepared or not, everyone wants to save money on home repairs, and here are a few tips for doing that.

Do It Yourself

If you have the skill and experience, you may be able to handle basic home repairs on your own. With the help of a few youtube videos, you can probably paint the living room or replace the aging toilet with a new one. Be sure you know how to do the job before getting started, or you could end up with a bigger job for someone else to do.

Shop for Discounted Materials

If you are able to handle the job and save the cost of hiring a professional, buy discounted products, equipment, and materials whenever possible. Compare prices online and check with local building supply or home repair product stores. You can often find discounts and rebates that will keep your overall repair costs low.

Call an Expert

Several kinds of home repairs require professional assistance. Roofing, electric, plumbing, and heating problems should be handled by licensed contractors because they have the training and certifications to do the job right. 

If problems develop, you can have the company come back out to address them. The work is usually done promptly and correctly and is worth the cost you will have to pay. 



For example, a roof repair involves climbing up on the roof, maintaining balance, knowing how to fix the problem, and ensuring there are no leaks or weaknesses in the underlying structure. An expert can handle the job efficiently and safely, which can save time and money. Ask about special rates or sale prices that may apply.

Trade Services

If you know someone who is able to do the needed repair, especially if he or she is licensed and certified, you may be able to exchange services instead of monetary payment. For example, an electrician friend may be able to install a ground wire in your home in exchange for your landscaping skill in laying mulch in his yard.

Ask for Recommendations

Friends and coworkers may be able to suggest someone who can do the job more cheaply because of the referral. Ask around to see if someone knows an expert who will charge less than market value for the repair work.

Take a proactive approach to getting repairs done correctly and efficiently. The time and stress you save will be worth as much as the reduced cost.

Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan

4 Small Home Fixes That Become Big Expenses If Left Untreated

Are you taking proper care of your home to avoid needing expensive repairs? Owning a home is a big financial responsibility, but you must also make sure that the materials and equipment of the building are in the best condition.

Small Holes in the Siding or Roof

If your home’s roof or siding has tiny holes, then mice, wasps or other pests can squeeze through the openings to infest the building. 

After vermin enters the roof or the siding of a building, the pests can cause damage from body waste, consuming drywall or building nests for young. 

Filling the small holes is simple with liquid caulking, and you can do this on your own or you can hire a handyman to perform the chore. Make sure to inspect your home’s exterior at least twice a year to find the holes that you can cover or fill.

Replacing a Home’s Air Conditioner

It is essential to have an air conditioner in your home, but if you forget to care for this equipment, then you could have a big expense later. Changing the filter in air conditioners is an easy process, but it is amazing how many homeowners fail to complete this chore each month. 

This leads to an air conditioner that is covered with household dust, causing the equipment to overheat. Make sure to buy a filter that is the proper size, and you can use a high-efficiency particulate air filter to remove the tiniest particles of dust and pollen.

Are the Windows of Your Home in Perfect Condition?

If you are ignoring the tiny chips or cracks that can occur to a home’s windows, then you can require an expensive repair later. Cracks and chips occur on windowpanes for a variety of reasons, including having birds fly into the windows or when your children throw a ball against the window. 



When you delay making a repair to the window, the glass can break at an inopportune time from the strong winds that can occur during a rainstorm. This will lead to an additional expensive repair to your home from the damaging rainwater.

Ignoring Plumbing Leaks in Kitchens or Bathrooms

Make sure to inspect the plumbing fixtures in your home, including the toilets, sinks or bathtubs. You should also check the pipes that are near a laundry room or in other areas such as the basement. 

Don’t forget to check your home’s water heater for leaks that can occur from this appliance’s tank or intake pipes. If you find any moisture from the pipes or connectors, then fix the item on your own or contact a professional plumber right away.

Have a Home Maintenance Schedule

One of the best ways to make sure that you home is in perfect condition is to have a maintenance schedule so that you won’t forget to perform inspections of the various things that can degrade.