Home Improvements That Increase Your Home’s Resell Price

One of the best things you can do as a homeowner is to use some of your home equity dollars to finance home improvements. Not only will the additions make your home more attractive and pleasant to live in, but certain projects will bring a significant return on investment when the time comes to sell your home. The following 5 projects have been proven to add extra dollars to the average home resell prices. The statistics are courtesy of “Remodeling Magazine.” ROI stands for “return on investment”

1. Minor Kitchen Remodeling: Average cost = $8,655. Average ROI = 88%.

A minor kitchen remodel usually includes replacing the cabinets and countertops with higher quality materials or increasing the total amount of cabinet storage and countertop surface area. It would also most likely include the addition or upgrade of appliances such as garbage disposals, built in microwaves, dishwashers, and higher quality refrigerators.

2. Bathroom Remodel: Average cost = $9,135. Average ROI = 81%

This project would include things such as installing attractive countertops such as stone, granite, or marble. The fixtures would need to be upgraded and the shower and bathtubs should be resurfaced. Also, any tiling would need to be grouted. Other things that could increase the value of a bathroom remodel would be adding an extra sink basin, converting a bathtub to a Jacuzzi, or installing additional showerheads.

3. Major Kitchen Remodel: Average cost = 31,090. Average ROI = 71%

The major kitchen remodel is very costly and will take much more work than the minor remodel. The major version will require all appliances to be replaced. Whenever possible, appliances should be made in stainless steel. The countertops should be made of stone or granite. The floors might be replaced with high quality laminate flooring. The addition of a kitchen island or a centrally located stove could work. For a major kitchen remodel, you should consult a contractor and possible an interior designer. This is definitely not a do it yourself project.

4. Outside Deck: Average cost = $8,022. Average ROI = 55%

The deck is self-explanatory. The larger the deck, the higher the return on investment will be. The deck should obviously be coated with a nice looking finish that matches the outside of your home, and needs to be treated with a high quality water seal.

5. Hardwood Flooring: Average cost = Varies. Average ROI = Varies

The cost and return on hardwood flooring varies greatly based upon the total amount of rooms and surface area is remodeled. Also, the choice in the variety of hardwood will impact the value. Certain woods like Oak and Cherry are more valuable than others. Also, it is very important to properly maintain your hardwood floors. Flooring that is scraped, scratched, dull, or water stained can actually decrease the value of your home. If you have active children, you might want to stick to carpeting.

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Perkhidmatan Kami

Masalah Sumbat
Masalah yang berkenaan dengan tersumbat seperti sinky dapur tersumbat, tandas atau toilet tersumbat, main hole atau lubang utama tersumbat, bilik air tersumbat dan juga septic tank tersumbat.

Masalah Bocor
Masalah yang berkenaan dengan bocor seperti paip bocor dalam tanah, paip bocor dalam dinding, tank air bocor, sinky dapur bocor , meter air bocor, dan lain-lain masalah bocor yang disebabkan oleh paip bocor atau pecah.

Water Tank
Water tank atau tanki air. Tukar baru, bailpulih atau tukar pelampung, membuat pemasangtan baypass dari meter, memasang unreturn atau no return valve, memasang pump untuk menaikkan tekanan air

Sinky
Sinky daput tersumbat, sinky dapur bocor, pasang baru sinky dapur, baikpulih kepala sinky dapur, membuat baypass outlet sinky ke tempat lain, floor trap sinky dapur sumbat, memasang bottle trap atau penapis lemak dan sisa makanan dan juga masakkan

Toilet
Membaikpulih atau memasang toilet atau tandas baru, toilet tersumbat, flushing system tak berfungsi, tanki tandas bocor atau pecah, tukar tandas cangkung ke tandas duduk, menukar tandas pecah dengan tandas baru.

Main Hole
Membaikpulih main hole atau lubang utama tersumbat, membaikpulih paip main hole yang pecah atau bengkok ataupun patah, membuat main hole baru atau membaiki main hole sedia ada, membaiki penutup main hole

Floor Trap
Membaiki floor trap bilik air , sinky dapur, beranda dan lain-lainn yang tersumbat atau yang tertanggal atau yang pecah dengan floor trap baru, membuat floor trap baru, mengganti floor trap lama dengan floor trap baru.

Water Pump
Memasang water pump baru dekat dengan tanki air atau dekat dengan meter air, menukar water pump lama dengan water pump baru, membaiki beberapa masalah water pump seperti tak boleh berhenti secara auto dan lain-lain.

Paiping Baru
Menukar paiping lama dari meter ke tanki , ke dapur dan juga kebilik air, membuat atau memasang paiping baru, baik menggunakan paip PVC ataupun menggunakkan paip poly pipe, atau pun tembaga atau copper

Pindah Meter
Memindahkan meter air dari tempat asal ke tempat baru yang anda inginkan sepertimana sekiranya anda akan melebarkan pintu laman rumah maka meter yang sedia ada yang berada di tengah di pindahkan ketepi.

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Shower Curtains

The shower curtain takes up a significant amount of space in a bathroom -- shouldn’t it say something about your personal style? Today, shower curtains are available in a dazzling array of styles, colors, and materials. Shower curtains can be whimsical, elegant, simple, bold, floral, masculine, and most any other style you desire.

You can buy traditional rod-style shower curtains, or for added pizzazz, you can buy decorative curtain hooks. These are available in glass, plastic, brass, silver, and copper. You’re virtually guaranteed to find one you like, from simple white rings to colorful butterfly-shaped shower curtain hooks.

Shower curtains are available in many different materials, including vinyl, fabric, terry cloth, and plastic. Most shower curtains will require a liner. This liner hangs from the rod and goes inside the bathtub or shower. This helps to keep water inside the tub. It also offers a degree of protection to the shower curtain, as it helps to keep it a little drier and extend its life.

Since shower curtains are often wet, precautions have to be taken to prevent the growth of mildew, bacteria, fungus, and other harmful germs. They need to be cleaned and dried periodically. They should also be sprayed with a disinfectant. It is also helpful to wipe the shower curtain dry after each use. In addition, some antibacterial shower curtains are available. A company called InPro Clickeze offers the Super Bio Stat, a shower curtain that is mildew resistant, antibacterial, and anti-microbial.

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Kids’ Shower Curtains

When decorating a kid’s bathroom, an important consideration is color. Many children enjoy bright, bold colors such as bright blues, reds, and yellows. Others prefer more subdued colors such as pastels. Some prefer a mix of many colors, while others prefer that one or two colors predominate.

When deciding on a theme and color scheme for a children’s bathroom, you might want to first shop for shower curtains. In many bathrooms, the shower curtain is the most prominent feature. If you find a shower curtain you particularly like, it is usually easy to decorate the entire bathroom to match.

Kid shower curtains are available in most of today’s popular characters, such as Hello Kitty, Barbie, Disney princesses, Sponge Bob Squarepants, and Bob the Builder. If you do not wish to use character decorations, many other kid-friendly themes are available as well. Ocean themes are popular choices for bathrooms. They can be fun and funky or simple and elegant, depending on colors used and the types of prints. Other well-liked styles are jungle prints, sports themes, rainbows, clouds, and nature scenes.

Another consideration is how long you need the décor to last. If you plan to change the bathroom often, it is okay to use your child’s favorite characters and bold, vibrant colors. However, if you want a style that will last, you should probably consider more traditional décor. Floral patterns, polka dots, checks, and stripes in pastels or understated colors are style elements that can grow with your child.

Like their adult counterparts, shower curtains for children are available in many different materials, such as vinyl, fabric, and plastic.

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Bathroom Remodeling Plans

First, create a budget. Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, and save about 20 percent for emergencies. Get estimates for the work that needs professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and drywall installation costs in your budget.

Second, design a floor plan. Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding on or knocking down walls? Check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring, plumbing, or zoning regulations. Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet must be in one place because of plumbing, it is a fixed item. Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, shelves, or even walls. You might try pocket doors to save space, and corner sinks, floating sinks, or pedestal sinks to save even more space. L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers creates the illusion of even more space. You may want to add windows or mirrors to let in light.

Third, make a list of the supplies you'll need and make sure they are available when you need them. Some typical supplies include sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, faucets, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, accessories (like storage containers and/or artwork), as well as tools you have or can buy.

Fourth, create a timetable. Talk to experts or people at home improvement stores to plan how much time you'll need. If you're hiring contractors, work with them to design a timetable you all can follow.

Plan projects according to the time you have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don't have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Don't paint the walls or install woodwork until the hardware is taken care of -- you don't want to damage work you've already done. Above all, be flexible and allow time for the unexpected or even emergencies to happen.

Fifth, keep in mind legal considerations. Get and post a building permit, pay any necessary fees, make sure you, your contractor, and any workers have insurance coverage, and keep children and animals away from the construction area.

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You must Know when Renovating

Most of these situations would never have gone so awry with some careful planning and early decision making sooner in the renovation process. Below are a few issues that it is vital to think about before you begin your home renovation.
10 Things to Think About BEFORE Beginning Work
Prepare a budget
Be aware of council regulations
Find a tradesperson
Know your start and completion dates
Selecting Products
Prepare plans
Purchasing products
What should I purchase myself?
What services are available to my property?
What sort of hot water unit do I need?
Prepare a budget
Before you start shopping for your new bathroom or kitchen you must know your spending limits. Whether you are getting a loan or paying cash, you need to work out how much your project is going to cost. Some businesses also offer finance solutions for approved customers.
Be aware of council regulations
Find out all the information you can before you arrange tradesperson. If your home is heritage listed you will need to meet strict council regulations. Many renovations must be approved by the council before work can commence. Contact your local council for more details.
Finding a tradesperson
Speak with family and friends who have done renovations or built a home. It is important to find a tradesperson that you can communicate with. Make sure you understand everything they are telling you. Book a tradesperson well ahead of time, as they can be booked for months in advance. Ensure that your tradesperson is licensed. Your product warranties are only valid if installed by a licensed tradesperson. In Australia, Trades@call provide professional, reliable tradespeople for most jobs, and all workmanship is guaranteed.
Know your start and completion dates
Communicate with your tradesperson and come to an agreement of realistic start and completion dates for your project. If you have a specific date that the job must be finished by, for example you have relatives coming to stay, let your tradesperson know. Keep in mind that unexpected problems can hold up your project, no matter how well you have planned it.
Selecting Products
It may take a few shopping trips for you to decide on the products that give you the look you desire and are also practical for your needs. Browse through a print or online catalogue. Once you have decided on a style (modern, heritage or easy living) this will narrow down your product choices. Be aware of any size restrictions of the room. Print out or write down product specifications and measure up your bathroom. You may use the online bathroom planner at the Bourne Bathroom and Kitchen Centre website to layout the products you have chosen.
Talk to your tradesperson about your choices. If the tradesperson tells you that a product you have chosen is unsuitable, find out why. It may just be that extra work is required that they don't want to do. Remember, it is your home and you need to be satisfied once the job is complete.
Prepare plans
It is important that you draw up plans of your bathroom or kitchen. Discuss the plans with your tradesperson. Let him know what sort of products you would like, so he will know what work needs to be done. For example if you have chosen an inwall cistern, the tradesperson will need to know so he can set up the plumbing correctly before the tiling is done. It is best to have specifications of all of the products you have chosen so the tradesperson knows exactly what work is required.
Purchasing products
When selecting products, find out how long it will take for delivery. Some goods such as tapware and toilets will be in stock, while others such as spas and vanity units are custom made and can take up to 1 month to order in. Often these custom made products are non-refundable so confirm your product choices with your tradesperson before ordering. Find out from your tradesperson which products they will required first. Generally, the first products needed are the shower base, bath or spa and mixers if they are being installed on the wall.
As an owner builder, what should I purchase myself?
If you are owner building, make sure you purchase all of the main products for your bathroom, kitchen and laundry. This will ensure that you make all of the decisions and achieve the result you want. There will be things you will not think about when placing an order, such as different handle types on a vanity unit, the pump position of your spa, that you will need to decide on. It is important to make these decisions yourself as they will affect the overall result of your project. Smaller fittings for plumbing can be purchased by your tradesperson.
What services are available to my property?
It is important to know whether you need gas or electric appliances (hot water unit, cooking appliances). If you live further out from the city, you may need LPG appliances. If you currently have electric appliances and you want to change to gas, speak with your tradesperson to determine if this is going to be cost effective and worthwhile in the long run. If you are building a new home, decide on the appliances you want before building begins, as the plumbing will need to be roughed in based on your product selection.
What sort of Hot Water Unit do I need?

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Inexpensively Decorate Your Bathroom

Here are nine frugal ways to spice up any bathroom.

1. Collections of inexpensive mirrors add both light and space to any bathroom. They reflect colors, faces and other decorations and add character and interest . Mirrors are much more effective when grouped together rather than being a scattered mass simply hanging on a wall.

2. Pictures or prints can be massed on a wall. For maximum impact hang them closely together rather than separated. Pictures can be striking if they have a 'theme', such as:

* Black and white photos - no color
* Older shots - from the 1930s or 1940s, for instance
* The frames are all an identical color
* The frames or photos have a uniqueness in common - oval shapes, women only, pets

This decorating tactic works best in a powder room, rather than a full bathroom, because of the high moisture.

3. Needlework makes a striking wall accent. For instance, sampler patterns from Colonial America are easily available and a few samplers grouped on a wall create a totally unique bathroom.

4. For color and charm, throw a rug on the floor. In a dull or drab bathroom, a rag rug or oriental carpet will add charm and beauty. Just be certain to use a non-skid pad underneath, especially if anyone will be stepping out of a tub or shower.

5. Collections can spark interest and admiration. Pottery is an unusual accent piece for any bathroom. Or you might consider old bottles, perfume atomizers, shaving mugs or other flea market collectibles. One especially exciting bathroom included replicas of old bottles with genuine antique stoppers made of silver and fashioned into old-time designs.

In a bathroom, be certain there is ample space for your collectibles, like a wide shelf with a lip or a generous window sill. Broken pottery or glass isn't helpful in any room - but it's especially destructive in a bathroom.

6. Color is, of course, the quickest, cheapest and easiest way alter any bathroom. Unusual colors on a bathroom wall, like melon, chocolate brown or peach, will add drama. Accents like brightly colored towels in a monochromatic bathroom will provide an outstanding accent.

7. Architectural details can spark interest. A piece of beaded or crown molding halfway up the wall or near the ceiling can transform a room, especially if it's painted a funky color. A more elaborate addition would be grooved paneling over half the wall. Even a shelf or picture rail adds interest.

8. Add living color with plants or freshly cut flowers. The energy of plants is soothing and creates a zen-like atmosphere that is very conducive to relaxation and letting go of stress.

9. A piece of furniture, space permitting, can add unusual detail to any bathroom. Furniture need not be expensive. Most Goodwill or Salvation Army stores will have a battered piece of furniture that can be revived with sanding, paint and some unusual and classy handles or knobs.

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Complete a successful ceramic tile installation

5 Steps to complete a successful ceramic tile installation" is a set of basic but important tips that you will help you avoid making costly mistakes on your next bathroom or ceramic tile installation.

" Plan which Tile
" Shop around if you want to save
" Prepare the surface for a long lasting job
" Lay the tiles
" Finishing touches

Plan which Tile

This step is often underestimated and sometimes even forgotten (can you believe it?). Planning your ceramic tile installation from A to Z is probably one of the most important steps for a smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Some things to take in account are;

" Suitability of the tile
" Pattern /colour of the tile
" Size of the tile
" Size of the area to be tiled. (This is important data that will be vital to know how much tile, grout, etc, you have to buy)
" Adhesive, mortar or grout to suit your needs

Not all ceramic tile installations are the same, different tiling installations may require different mortar or grout. DO NOT feel shy about asking the suppliers for advice or help in calculating how much you need. They will gladly help you, as they are likely to make a sale.

Shop around if you want to save

This isn't as difficult as the first step, however when the budget is tight it can be tricky to find the right tile for the ceramic tile installation you want. You are going to have to make some compromises and so don't get carried away by the beauty of some of the ceramic tiles. Prices can vary a lot between different tiles, so some end up rather expensive for only a few square metres.
Always shop around, it has never been easier. Just sit in front of the computer and use the Internet. Use local directories to find the suppliers close to you and pay them a visit.

Before making your final decision always check the chosen tile under different lights as the results can be surprisingly different.

Prepare the surface for a long lasting job before laying the ceramic tiles
The surface to be tiled (floor, wall or any other) will often need to be prepared, this can include work like filling, levelling, smoothing, priming and sometimes water proofing.

The right preparation will be directly affect the lifespan of the ceramic tile installation. Unless you want to be tiling again soon, you want to get this right from the start.

This is probably the most important point to ensure a long lasting tiling job. Don't rush it.

Laying the ceramic tiles safely

The technique of laying ceramic tiles is not especially difficult. It only takes a little bit of practice before anyone can easily master it. Clearing the room to be tiled before starting will help you to do the job safer and easier. Don't forget to wear your safety goggles when cutting or chipping tiles.
Laying ceramic tiles can also be a bit messy, if you don't want dust all over the house we suggest sealing the room you want to tile whenever possible. A large piece of plastic tacked to the door frame will do the job quite well.
Try not to allow any adhesive to get on your skin and never forget to read the manufacturers directions before even opening the tin. If some ends up on you, just clean it with water as soon as possible. Even though tile adhesives aren't usually abrasive, if you leave it for some time it may cause an allergic reaction.

Use a spirit level to help you with the depth & level of the tiles and spacers to maintain an even distance between them.

The finishing touches

Once the tile adhesive or mortar has cured (dried) and the tiles are firm and even, you can start with the finishing touches.

You'll have to fill the spaces between tiles with grout making sure you don't leave any gaps as these cause damp problems, in a shower for example.

The technique is very simple, use a rubber faced trowel to spread the grout and a cotton cloth to clean the excess grout from the tiles afterwards.

There are many different types of grouts; you'll have to choose the right one depending on the surface and chosen tile.

Now that you have your ceramic tiles laid down, you only need to take care of them, usually manufacturers provide information on taking care of their tiles and only minimal effort is required. Most household cleaning products will do the job well, if some particular stain is stubborn, there are many commercial stain removers, just make sure you use the right product for the right tile.

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Never Scrub the Bathroom

4 steps, about 2-3 minutes a day- and you will never have to
deal with soap scum build up or scrubbing the bathroom ever
again.

The tools you will need-

* a shower squeegee
* paper towels
* glass cleaner
* Scrub Free

These should be kept in the bathroom. Splurge on the extra
bottle of glass cleaner and an extra roll of paper towels to
keep in the bathroom.

Here are the 4 steps-

1. When you get out of the shower, after you have dried off
and put on your lotion and such... do a once over on the
shower walls with the squeegee.

2. Take 2 pieces of paper towel and clean in this order-
mirror, counters, quick wipe over towel bars, chrome in
shower, and toilet lip. Throw paper towel away.

3. Do one of these chores each day or two-

*Spray tub with scrub free and do a quick wipe down with
wet rag or sponge, or
*Clean the toilet, or
*Do a quick wipe up of the floor, or
*Do a quick cleaning on your shower doors, if you have
them, or if you have shower curtains- spray any spots
with Clorox Cleanup.

Each of these only take seconds if you don't let it get
bad in the first place.

4. Watch for any mold, or discoloring of the grout.
Spray with Clorox Cleanup and just let it work.

That's it. Your bathroom will always look terrific, and
it'll be a lot healthier too.

Don't let build up happen in the first place. Keeping it
clean in the first place is so much easier than trying to
clean it later.

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