While housing values haven't rebounded to their pre-collapse peak, home remodeling has showed some modest gains according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). While most of the increase in demand for remodeling is for major home additions and alterations (jobs worth $25,000 or more), there is still growing demand for minor changes.
Remodeling magazine's "2008-2009 Cost vs. Value Report" confirms that the home renovation projects that will add the most value to your home (meaning that you are most likely to recoup the highest percentage of the project cost when you go to sell your home) are pricey big-ticket items such as replacing siding with fiber-cement ($13,177 with 87% cost recouped) or vinyl ($12,528 with 80% cost recouped) and adding a wood deck ($10,601 with 82% cost recouped).
But if those home renovations are beyond your price point and you're looking at a budget of just $1,000 what should you invest in to get the most bang for your buck? (Find out what you can do to improve your chances of having a quick sale in Selling Your Home In A Down Market.)
Priority #1 - The Kitchen
According to the National Association of Realtors, the kitchen is the single most important room for most prospective home buyers. If you don't have the funds to do a complete kitchen overhaul, don't despair. For just $1,000 you can make some significant changes that will have home buyers doing a double-take, such as:
•Refacing or refinishing your cabinets. Refacing involves replacing your cabinet doors but leaving the actual cabinets (boxes) intact. Depending on the size of your kitchen you can get it done for about $1,000 professionally or if you're willing to undertake a little "DIY" work you can do it for less. It's a quick and much less expensive way of getting "new" cabinets without the big demolition work (and big pricetag) of brand new cabinets.
If you have wood cabinets you could refinish them instead by simply stripping the old paint or varnish and applying new. For just a couple hundred dollars (plus some elbow grease to sand and paint or stain) you'll get a whole new look.
•Changing out the countertops. Depending on the size of your kitchen, you may be able to swing new granite countertops with a $1,000 budget (you can find them as low as $40 per square foot on sale or at an outlet). For larger kitchens consider other, less costly options like stainless steel or solid surfacing products like Corian®. Use Dupont's online Corian Kitchen Countertop Installed Price Estimator to get an idea of how much it would cost you to have the product professionally installed. If you're feeling adventurous you could create your own form, purchase concrete mix and make the countertops yourself for as little as $50!
•Painting the room. With a gallon of paint covering approximately 350 square feet and running an average of $25, if you throw in the cost of brushes, tape, primer, etc. it could cost you as little as $75 to repaint a kitchen with 700 square feet of wall space.
•Upgrading appliances. Switching to energy-efficient Energy Star appliances will not only improve your kitchen's appearance, it will also save you (and future owners) money on your monthly utility bills.
•Updating accessories. Small changes like replacing outlet covers, cabinet knobs and drawer pulls can give your kitchen an entirely different look and feel. When you consider that the average kitchen can be upgraded with new accessories for as little as $150 (according to the DIY Network), it's a no-brainer for your small remodeling budget.
•Tiling the floor. According to the Weather Channel's home expert Danny Lipford, ceramic tile is the flooring preference for today's home buyer. If you have a small or moderate sized bathroom you may be able to find discounted tiles that you can install yourself (many tiling stores and home improvement centers offer free weeknight or weekend courses) for as little as $1 -$2 per square foot.
Priority #2 - Bathrooms
After kitchens, bathrooms are a home buyer's biggest concern. The good news here is that, according to the nationwide home improvement contractor ReliableRemodeler.com, bathroom renovations typically realize a homeowner an 80-90% return on their investment. For a small space, $1,000 can go a long way to helping you boost your home's value. (You think your updated house looks great. Will buyers feel the same way? Don't miss Fix It And Flip It: The Value of Remodeling.)
In addition to tiling the floor, you could upgrade the vanity and sink. Depending on the size of your vanity and the number of sinks you would like to install you can buy a premade, finished piece at most "big box" home improvement stores (i.e. Lowe's, Home Depot) and sink for several hundred dollars. Or opt for a pedestal sink (or two) and freestanding cabinets for storage - a hot new trend - and you'll still come in well under your $1,000 spending limit.
Priority #3 - Crank Up the Curb Appeal
Small changes outdoors can really boost your home's curb appeal for a potential buyer. Here's where your $1,000 budget can create the biggest impact:
•Add a deck. If you're a handy guy or gal, or you have friends that fall into that category, consider building a wood deck to add to your home's outdoor living space. If you're not looking at a mammoth-sized deck you should be able to purchase the lumber, tools and supplies for less than a grand.
•Replace the lawn. HGTV suggests that if you can get the job done for your $1,000 budget, ripping up your existing lawn and replacing it with sod will positively impact your home's value. Just don't forget to water!
•Pretty up the entranceway. Draw buyers to your front door with attractive planters, flowers and a hardwood bench or set of chairs and a small patio table. Line the walkway with a border of perennial plants or simple lighting fixtures.
Priority #4 - Get Efficient
Use your $1,000 budget to make a smart and eco-friendly investment in your home such as:
•Going tankless. Installing a tankless hot water heater for $150-$1,000 (depending on size) is an attractive energy-efficient upgrade for today's homeowners and buyers…and it will save you between 10-20% on your utility bills monthly.
•Installing ceiling fans. Ceiling fans aren't just decorative - they're an easy way to reduce your overall energy consumption during hot summer months. (Find out how to reduce your costs with these inexpensive tips in 6 Ways To Save On Your Utility Bill.)
Not sure where to start? Hire an interior designer for a flat hourly fee to get some professional advice or ask a local realtor to walk through your home and give his/her opinion of the best renovations you could make given your local market.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Tips for Painting your windows this Halloween!
Painting your windows for Halloween is pretty fun! Try to keep it simple and just follow these tips;
Know what size windows you have, and how much space you want to use. Are you going to cover the entire window? Do you need to look out them? Are your windows tinted? Tinted windows may become damaged if you paint on them.
What type of paint do you want to use? Do your windows become foggy or steamed over? If so, you will want to use the oil base craft paints. These are a little more expensive, but you don't want your paint job to be running down onto the floor. Oil base paints are a little more time consuming to get off. You may need to scrape this off your windows with a putty knife. The other paints I would suggest is a craft paint with an acrylic base. You can get them in tubes, but buying them in the bottles is better. They are cheaper, and they blend better if you need to mix them for the right color. An example of mixing them would be to add shadows to your picture to give it depth and to make it look 3-D.
To paint your windows, you need to remember that you will be painting in reverse. What is on the top goes on first. So any stripes and shading or shadowing you need to do, goes on first, and the background colors are last. So if you are painting a pumpkin, the stripes and the face need to be painted first, then the stem, and then the orange for the pumpkin. The more layers the item has, the more difficult it will be to do.
Here is a simple way to do a window; paint or color on a piece of paper, in the size you want on your window, your scene you are using. You will need to paint this in the reverse way of how you are putting it on your window. So if you are going to put a pumpkin on the right side of the window, you will need to paint it on the left side of the paper. When you are done on paper, have someone help you hang it, painted side to your window, on the outside. Tape it fast all around so that it can't be blown off or torn off by a curious child. Then, go back inside and start painting. Remember the rule, what is on top goes on first, and start following what you have on paper.
A very important thing to remember is if you are painting one color over another, you need to let the first color dry good before you apply another color over it. You can do this with a blow dryer if you are in a hurry. This prevents smearing and blending of colors. Remember that you may want to add shading or shadows to your picture, and mix before hand some little cups of paint mixed with gray or black to shade with. It only takes a drop to change the color. When shading, drag a wide flat brush with a small amount on the tip, away from the item that is deeper or needs to look like it is shadowed. Start from where you want the shadow to be the darkest and pull to where you want the brighter color. It doesn't take much length to create a shadow, an inch or two long is all that is needed in most cases. Making a shadow of something from where the sun is hitting on something, and you want to create a shadow figure of the item on the ground behind it, takes only gray. You don't need to add any other color to it, and should be done in a solid shape of the item that is casting the shadow. Build your item in layers, and when done, you will have a three dimensional look to your window from the outside. If you don't like the way it looks on the inside, simply cut the paper you painted on to fit over what you painted on the inside, and tape it in place with clear tape to the inside of the window, so that it is facing inside. To clean off oil based paint, you can use a paint scraper or a putty knife if you used oil base, and then vacuum up any flakes. If you are going to scrape it, wear a mask so that you are not breathing in small particles. If you used acrylic, you can either scrape it off or you can wet it and wash it away. If you need to, you can use paint thinner to remove any stubborn spots. Remember if it is a tinted window, you may not want to use anything other than water to remove the paint.
Happy Halloween from Penniman Painting
Know what size windows you have, and how much space you want to use. Are you going to cover the entire window? Do you need to look out them? Are your windows tinted? Tinted windows may become damaged if you paint on them.
What type of paint do you want to use? Do your windows become foggy or steamed over? If so, you will want to use the oil base craft paints. These are a little more expensive, but you don't want your paint job to be running down onto the floor. Oil base paints are a little more time consuming to get off. You may need to scrape this off your windows with a putty knife. The other paints I would suggest is a craft paint with an acrylic base. You can get them in tubes, but buying them in the bottles is better. They are cheaper, and they blend better if you need to mix them for the right color. An example of mixing them would be to add shadows to your picture to give it depth and to make it look 3-D.
To paint your windows, you need to remember that you will be painting in reverse. What is on the top goes on first. So any stripes and shading or shadowing you need to do, goes on first, and the background colors are last. So if you are painting a pumpkin, the stripes and the face need to be painted first, then the stem, and then the orange for the pumpkin. The more layers the item has, the more difficult it will be to do.
Here is a simple way to do a window; paint or color on a piece of paper, in the size you want on your window, your scene you are using. You will need to paint this in the reverse way of how you are putting it on your window. So if you are going to put a pumpkin on the right side of the window, you will need to paint it on the left side of the paper. When you are done on paper, have someone help you hang it, painted side to your window, on the outside. Tape it fast all around so that it can't be blown off or torn off by a curious child. Then, go back inside and start painting. Remember the rule, what is on top goes on first, and start following what you have on paper.
A very important thing to remember is if you are painting one color over another, you need to let the first color dry good before you apply another color over it. You can do this with a blow dryer if you are in a hurry. This prevents smearing and blending of colors. Remember that you may want to add shading or shadows to your picture, and mix before hand some little cups of paint mixed with gray or black to shade with. It only takes a drop to change the color. When shading, drag a wide flat brush with a small amount on the tip, away from the item that is deeper or needs to look like it is shadowed. Start from where you want the shadow to be the darkest and pull to where you want the brighter color. It doesn't take much length to create a shadow, an inch or two long is all that is needed in most cases. Making a shadow of something from where the sun is hitting on something, and you want to create a shadow figure of the item on the ground behind it, takes only gray. You don't need to add any other color to it, and should be done in a solid shape of the item that is casting the shadow. Build your item in layers, and when done, you will have a three dimensional look to your window from the outside. If you don't like the way it looks on the inside, simply cut the paper you painted on to fit over what you painted on the inside, and tape it in place with clear tape to the inside of the window, so that it is facing inside. To clean off oil based paint, you can use a paint scraper or a putty knife if you used oil base, and then vacuum up any flakes. If you are going to scrape it, wear a mask so that you are not breathing in small particles. If you used acrylic, you can either scrape it off or you can wet it and wash it away. If you need to, you can use paint thinner to remove any stubborn spots. Remember if it is a tinted window, you may not want to use anything other than water to remove the paint.
Happy Halloween from Penniman Painting
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Using Low-VOC Paints
Before we dip our brushes into that bucket, let’s look at some reasons why run-of-the-mill paint can be hazardous to our health and to the environment.
Potential Hazards of Paint
According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors. Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution. Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home.
The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution. Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals. They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations. However, VOCs contribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well. VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.
The quality of many natural paints is commonly criticized because, in times past, colors tended to fade and you could not wash the walls without a touch-up following close behind. Newer eco paints, especially some newer lime washes, are more durable, washable, and longer lasting than those that came before them—some are even used for the restoration and preservation of national monuments!
Low-VOC Paints
Due to environmental regulations and increasing consumer demand, paint companies have developed new house paints that emit little or no VOCs. This is achieved by using water as a base instead of traditional, petroleum-based oil solvents. "Low-VOC" paints must meet the EPA standard of a maximum 200 grams volatile compound per liter of paint. Varnishes are awarded a limit of 300 grams. Although this is already less than half the VOC content of typical paints, Green Seal—a non-profit organization dedicated to improving environmental standards for paint and other products—has developed a certification process that limits low-VOC paints to 50 grams of VOC per liter. Look for the Green Seal on paint products to ensure only the lowest VOC paints are used in your home.
Ultra low-VOC paints are labeled "zero-VOC." These paints can sometimes cost a bit more than the regular cans, but the EPA restricts this label to paints with less than 5 grams of volatile compound per liter. Check to make sure that the products contain little or no formaldehyde, ammonia, or acetone—non-petroleum compounds that can adversely affect indoor air quality. Biocides and fungicides that prevent mildew growth and extend the shelf life of paint are also commonly added, despite their toxicity and their tendency to off gas for years after application.
Potential Hazards of Paint
According to the EPA, the concentration of pollutants inside your home is several times higher than what you’ll find outside, due to the lack of ventilation in rooms compared to the open spaciousness of the great outdoors. Without proper ventilation, airborne chemicals collect indoors and eventually cause damage to our bodies. Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, asthma, cancer, and heart disease are all potential side effects of indoor air pollution. Although the contamination cannot be attributed to any single source, paint and paint-related chemicals play a significant role inside a typical home.
The airborne chemicals released during painting, after the paint is dry, and as paint is removed, fall into a category of pollutants known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—potentially carcinogenic carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to indoor air pollution. Harmful compounds in the VOC category range from formaldehyde to pesticides to cleaning chemicals. They can be up to ten times more concentrated indoors than outdoors, in both rural and industrial locations. However, VOCs contribute significantly to air pollution out of doors as well. VOCs are released in the highest concentrations during paint application, but most paint will continue to emit harmful fumes for years afterwards.
The quality of many natural paints is commonly criticized because, in times past, colors tended to fade and you could not wash the walls without a touch-up following close behind. Newer eco paints, especially some newer lime washes, are more durable, washable, and longer lasting than those that came before them—some are even used for the restoration and preservation of national monuments!
Low-VOC Paints
Due to environmental regulations and increasing consumer demand, paint companies have developed new house paints that emit little or no VOCs. This is achieved by using water as a base instead of traditional, petroleum-based oil solvents. "Low-VOC" paints must meet the EPA standard of a maximum 200 grams volatile compound per liter of paint. Varnishes are awarded a limit of 300 grams. Although this is already less than half the VOC content of typical paints, Green Seal—a non-profit organization dedicated to improving environmental standards for paint and other products—has developed a certification process that limits low-VOC paints to 50 grams of VOC per liter. Look for the Green Seal on paint products to ensure only the lowest VOC paints are used in your home.
Ultra low-VOC paints are labeled "zero-VOC." These paints can sometimes cost a bit more than the regular cans, but the EPA restricts this label to paints with less than 5 grams of volatile compound per liter. Check to make sure that the products contain little or no formaldehyde, ammonia, or acetone—non-petroleum compounds that can adversely affect indoor air quality. Biocides and fungicides that prevent mildew growth and extend the shelf life of paint are also commonly added, despite their toxicity and their tendency to off gas for years after application.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
5 Reasons to choose a licensed contractor
- A licensed and bonded contractor is a contractor that is working with the laws of the State of Washington to be a responsible and reputable business that will give you quality service and customer satisfaction.
If your contractor is licensed and bonded then you as homeowner are protected should something go wrong or you are not satisfied with the job done by your contractor.
If someone should get hurt on your property you as a homeowner are responsible. It could cost you thousands of dollars.
License & Bonded Contractors have insurance to cover on the job injuries so the property owner is not responsible.
If you choose a licensed and bonded contractor then you are dealing with an experienced business.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Thousands of colors! Where do You start!
The tips here will really help you if you feel overwhelmed by your choices. After all, the paint color will set the feel and tone of your home.
Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall scheme. Paint is available in an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive.
Coordinate with things in your home
When looking for the right colors, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Make sure you have them on hand when choosing your colors.
Really Study the Colors
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.
Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces.
Trim it Out
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim.
Talk to a Professional
When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. Turn to a painting contractor or decorator. They will be able to tell you what the “hot” colors are right now and what works best for your home.
Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall scheme. Paint is available in an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive.
Coordinate with things in your home
When looking for the right colors, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Make sure you have them on hand when choosing your colors.
Really Study the Colors
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.
Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces.
Trim it Out
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim.
Talk to a Professional
When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. Turn to a painting contractor or decorator. They will be able to tell you what the “hot” colors are right now and what works best for your home.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Weatherizing your home
Summer is winding down but don't wait until you pack up the lawn furniture to prepare your home for winter. Now is the perfect time to start weatherizing for the cold days ahead. Because many of the steps you take to prepare for winter save energy year-round, you'll be making your home cooler and more comfortable in summer as well.
As the fall chill sets in, feel around all of your doors and windows for any drafts, and seal them with caulking or weather stripping. Prep, prime and paint all your weathered doors before the rain hits. Check the seals around vents (dryers, bathrooms and kitchens) and chimneys and replace or repair them as necessary. To avoid water damage, don't forget to clean out your gutters before the heavy rain hits. Depending on the age of your home and the type of insulation in the attic, it may also be feasible and recommended to put an additional layer of insulation over the original. All of these steps will reduce heat loss and help prevent cold drafts from entering your home, thus reducing your heating bills and keep you warm on those chilly nights.
I invite you to visit my website at http://www.pennimanpainting.com/
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