The number of bathrooms in your home has a lot to do with its value. Generally speaking, more bathrooms are better. If you are interested in adding a bathroom you should be aware of what goes into the process. Yes, it is a great idea and you will add value to your home. But at the same time you need to realize that this is a big undertaking.

The first thing to consider is space. Where are you going to add your new bathroom? Since every home is different there is more than one answer to this question. You may have the space to add a bathroom on the first or second floor of your home. Or maybe the only place for this is in your basement. If you are interested in adding a bathroom the first thing you must do is determine where it will be located.

Now that you know where you want to add your bathroom you have to think about how much work will go into adding plumbing. If your new bathroom will be on the other side of the wall from an existing one, things will be much easier on you and anybody you hire. Your plumber should be able to gain access to the existing pipes and use them in your new space. The placement of the pipes in your home may determine where you can and cannot add a bathroom.

What you include in your new bathroom is up to you. Do you just want a sink and toilet? Do you want to add a shower as well? A lot of these questions will be answered once you decide on a space, and of course, when you set a budget for the project.

When you add a bathroom you are adding value. Just make sure you are ready for a big job.

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As a property manager you should be thinking about which repairs you can complete on your own. Remember, do-it-yourself repairs can save you a lot of money. A professional will charge you quite a bit for both parts and labor. This doesn?t mean that you should handle every repair on your own, but you can definitely look into this from time to time.

Believe it or not, do-it-yourself repairs can do more than save you money. They can also be a lot of fun. There is something exciting about using your own two hands to make a repair. Of course, you need to know what you can do and what you should outsource to professionals. It is one thing to fix and paint a few walls, but another entirely to install a new furnace. How much knowledge do you have of the home repair industry?

As you learn more you will find that do-it-yourself repairs are becoming more and more fun. Who knows, you may even want to enhance your skills to the point that you can handle pretty much anything that comes along, including big jobs.

All in all, do-it-yourself repairs can be fun while also helping you save money. If you are a homeowner or landlord you should definitely learn as much as you can about making your own repairs and upgrades.

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There is nothing worse in a home than a dirty, dingy bathroom. Who wants to get clean in a space that is so unappealing? Fortunately, your bathroom doesn?t have to be the downfall of your home any longer. You can make some basic changes that will have your bathroom looking better in no time at all.

One of the simplest upgrade that is sure to work is adding a fresh coat of paint. No matter what color your walls are, you can change this in a couple of hours and some hard work. All you have to do is apply a quality primer, wait for it to dry, and then roll on your new color. Don?t forget to add a fresh coat to the ceiling as well.

While fresh paint is important, there are probably other areas of your bathroom that you want to change as well. Before you think about big changes, first consider if minor upgrades will do the job. Why change out your entire vanity when you can buy a new faucet and hardware??

It is often times the smallest changes that can turn a dingy bathroom into a spa-like oasis. These minor changes will not only make your bathroom look better, but will also allow you to keep more money in your budget for other repairs throughout your property.

A dingy bathroom has no place in your home. If you are tired of this, consider making the proper upgrades today.

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Is your kitchen outdated? Is it in desperate need of new life? If so, one change that may transform your room is new kitchen cabinets. Old cabinets date your kitchen. New cabinets showoff a modern, upscale look. In many cases, new kitchen cabinets may be all you need.

You have two basic options when choosing new kitchen cabinets. You can buy those that are in-stock and readily available at any large home improvement store such as Home Depot or Lowes. Or you can opt for custom cabinets. There are pros and cons of both.

In-stock cabinets cost less, but are not always as upscale or appealing as custom pieces. That being said, you should note that in-stock cabinets come in a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. You may be able to find what you want and save money in the process.

If you want custom cabinets you will have to find somebody who can take the order and send it off to the manufacturer, or contact the right person directly. With custom kitchen cabinets you will get exactly what you want. Do you need a unique size? This can be done. How about a stain that you have not seen anywhere else? Again, this is doable. You are paying more for custom cabinets, but you get exactly what you want.

New kitchen cabinets, no matter what kind they are, will surely update your space. Choose the ones that will work best for the current d?cor or your home, and be ready to smile when they are all installed!

photo credit: Nils.Woxholt

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Many people dream of a home on the water, the serene comfort of having at least one side of the home facing glistening shores. For some the dream goes beyond the location to the home itself and that’s where those dreams take an unusual turn. These eye-catching waterfront homes have startling views but the views are of the houses not the water.

Castle Meur

Nestled between gigantic boulders this unassuming home, dubbed Castle Meur, seems to shrink from invaders and rightly so as the home on Pointe de Plougrescant was built between the rocks as protection from high winds and storms. This 1861 gem is still owned by the original family although its currently only used as an occasional vacation home.

Robert Bruno’s Steel House

Slightly reminiscent of a ViewFinder or an alien pod, Robert Bruno’s Steel House was created by a sculptural architect with a vision in mind. Having spent approximately three decades creating this masterpiece the resulting structure is a home you either love or hate, but no matter what you’ll take a second look.

The Orchid House

Surprisingly, the Orchid House in Cotswold has drawn a lot of attention for its 7.2 million pound price tag, AND the home isn’t even built yet. This innovative and purportedly eco friendly residence is set to take three years to construct. Unbelievably, it’s expected to produce more energy than it consumes, but that remains to be seen.

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Are you interested in adding value to your home but have exhausted all your options on the inside? If so, you should consider adding outdoor ?living space.? This is something that many homeowners overlook for one reason or the next. Some people do not enjoy sitting outside, and others simply forget that this is a great way to add value.

How can I upgrade my outdoor living space? For one, you should consider adding a new porch or deck. This may not be a project that you can complete on your own, but in the long run you will recoup your investment. Not only will this add value to your home, but when you go to sell you will have an easier time attracting buyers.

A porch or deck is a great idea because of its open air feel. That being said, you shouldn?t overlook the benefits of adding a screened in porch. This is particularly true if you already have a space that is open to the air.

There is no denying that upgrading your outdoor living space can add value to your home. If you have done all that you can inside, it is time to turn to the exterior of your property. Soon enough you will realize that adding a deck, porch, or screened in area can add value to your home.

photo credit: midnightlounge

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Are you interested in adding value to your home by upgrading the exterior? If so, you need to know where to spend your money. Here are three exterior upgrades that can add a lot of value to your home.

1. New windows. Most people consider this an exterior job, and it is one that you should definitely consider. Yes, new windows throughout your home can be expensive but they can also bring many benefits such as increased value and a more energy efficient space.

2. New paint or siding. If your home is not made of brick there is a chance that you will need to update the paint or siding every so often. This is a big job; don?t be afraid to hire professional help. Even though you will have to pay a professional to complete this job, it is a great way to add value and better the appearance of your home.

3. Landscaping. This is an exterior upgrade that you can handle on your own, for the most part. Does your lawn need spruced up? You can do so by adding shrubbery, trees, flowers, mulch beds, etc.

All three of these exterior upgrades can add great value to your home.

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As you probably know, labor is usually much more expensive than the cost of the goods. This is why it can be so expensive to hire a professional to work on your home. Fortunately, there is one easy way around this: hire cheap labor. And if you think this is difficult you are wrong. The cheapest labor that you will ever find is you! In other words, learn how to make repairs and upgrades on your own and you will never again have to pay for expensive labor. Over the course of a year this can save you thousands of dollars. This is particularly true if you own a rental property (or more than one) in addition to the home you live in. (more…)

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Are you interested in installing new flooring in your home or investment property? If so, you need to know what to look for. As you know, there are many different types of flooring including carpet, tile, wood, laminate, and vinyl.

Here are three details to consider when deciding what type of flooring to buy:

1. Cost. How much do you want to spend on your new flooring? If you are buying for your own home you may not have a price limit; you want the best of the best. But on the other hand, when buying for an investment you may consider cost to be the most important factor.

2. Durability. You want to buy flooring that will last. Fortunately, almost everything on the market can stay in good shape for 10 or more years as long as it is cared for. This is something you definitely need to think about when it comes to the flooring in your investment properties. Since your tenants may be rough on the floors and neglect them in many ways, it is important to buy something that is durable.

3. Installation. Will you be able to install the flooring on your own? Or will you need to hire a costly professional? If you are trying to save money you may want to opt for something that you can easily install.

If you consider cost, durability, and installation you should be able to select the right flooring for your home or investment property.
photo credit: Velo Steve

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