Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

The kitchen

This is, and remains as always, the heart of the home. It is important to remember when remodeling a kitchen to keep it within the same style as the rest of the home. In other words, if you have a cottage style home, then do not install an ultra modern stainless steel kitchen. It will just not work. So, while updating is necessary, conformity to existing architecture is a must. The kitchen should be in keeping with the rest of the house. The experts maintain that you can get back between 60 and 120 % on what you invested in your revamped kitchen as long as you have not gone over the top! In other words, don’t over capitalize on one room in the house. Keep it simple and clean.

Install energy saving appliances. Granite counter tops are long lasting and heat and stain resistant. They also come in a variety of colors. You don’t necessarily have to replace cupboards. Using existing carcasses and just redoing the doors and putting on new handles can have a magical effect on any tired kitchen.

The bathroom

Letting a contractor upgrade a bathroom is a very good way of adding value to your home. If you have a very small bathroom you may even contemplate removing the bath completely and only having a shower. This will create more space and save on your water bill. Adding a second bathroom if you only have one is another excellent way to enhance the value of your home. Finding the space to do this is not that difficult. Look for that space that never gets used, such as under the stairs or large cupboards that are not being utilized. Bathroom fittings need not be expensive. Look out for sales and reduced items that may have been used as floor models. White is a good color to stick to as it does not limit you to the type of tiles you are going to use, and in the future tired tiles can always be replaced.

Adding windows that are energy efficient

Drafty old single pane windows are a thing of the past. Not only will replacing these with energy efficient windows done by a windows contractor save you money, but it will enhance your value by leaps and bounds. New home owners are very keen on greening their homes and will be very impressed if the home already sports these features.

Create an enticing outdoor space

Build a deck. The cost of this all depends on what kind of material you use and what size deck you are installing. A contractor would be a good way to go in getting advice on which materials are best used in the installation of the deck and where to place it. More and more people are staying at home to relax rather than going on vacation. If you can create a special place in which to do this, you can only increase the value of your home. Here is the example of home Improvements project (www.weathertamer.com/home-improvement-projects)

Getting the Wow Factor in Curb Appeal

If you cross the road and stand on the other side and look back at your home, does it appeal to you? Does it catch your eye and invite you in to see what further lovely surprises perhaps lurk inside? You need to see your home through the eyes of a stranger; no sentiment, just facts. Here are some small ways in which you can go about increasing the curb appeal of your property.

The driveway

Get rid of all the overgrown greens that have been there for years. You keep telling yourself that they will by some miracle of nature transform at some stage into a glorious specimen which will be the envy of your neighbors. It is not going to happen! Take them out and let in the light. If your driveway has a border with no edging, it looks shabby. This is very easily rectified by placing a few bricks on their side. Use a level when laying the bricks as this will ensure the best finish. The best way is to dig a hole of roughly the same depth as your brick, plus at least another 2 inches. Then, using fine white sand to line the hole, place your brick on top. Once all your bricks are in place you can mix some masonry cement and wash this over your bricks to make sure they stay put.

The garden

Placing pretty pots in places where it is difficult for grass or shrubs to grow and filling them with a variety of flowering plants is most effective. Add charm to your garden by placing vegetables and herbs between non-edible plants. This creates a country feel and also provides you with your own vegetables and herbs to enjoy. It also encourages the right kind of insects and butterflies into your garden.

The front entrance

If your front door is looking old and shabby it is perhaps time to seek the services of an efficient and well known Tennessee contractor to assist you in acquiring and fitting a new one. The front door is important as it needs to be a good strong door for security purposes as well as a well sealing door so as not to allow in unwanted drafts. If your door is still fine, then perhaps jazzing it up with a fresh coat of paint and adding a nice brass knocker will all add to the interest of your home.

The windows, the fascia board, the flashing, the roofing

There are many excellent Tennessee roofing contractors available in order to make sure you have the best quality of service. It is important to keep an eye on windows to make sure they are all sealed properly. If they need a varnish or a lick of paint, a good sanding down first is required. Make sure your fascia boards are all looking neat and tidy. Check the roof for loose tiles, loose shingles or loose sheeting.

An Easy Guide to Successful Window Maintenance

An unsealed window can end up costing you a lot of money in wasted energy bills. Window maintenance is therefore necessary in order to save you costly repairs.

Doing a 6 monthly maintenance check on your windows is the best. Should you notice any flaking paint or varnish, give them a touch up. You can even paint UPVC windows. There is a paint available for just about any surface these days and the color charts are considerable. However, once you start painting window frames, you have to keep painting them or they can become very unsightly.

To make sure you get the best life span out of your wooden window frames, it is best to varnish them every six months. Should you notice any signs of rotting in your frames, treat these immediately. Most Nashville windows contractors can replace a section of the frame if needs be without having to replace the entire window frame, thus keeping the costs to a minimum. Replacing aluminum frames can be a costly exercise. Discuss with your Nashville contractor the best option for your home, Click here for more information


Hinges are an important part of the maintenance of your windows. Applying a lubricant such as a Teflon spray can increase their life expectancy. Doing this every couple of weeks will ensure that you will not need to replace them for a long time. It also means your windows will open and close with ease.

Check for drafts coming in through window frames. Installing draught excluder strips to the join of the window to the frame will keep warm air from leaking out of the windows and making your home drafty.

Maintaining your windows will also increase the security of your home. Most burglars gain entrance to a home through windows that are broken and do not close properly. By constantly maintaining your windows you can make sure that you are not an easy target.

Sliding windows can begin to rattle from wear and tear. To prevent this from happening all you need to do is replace the felt strip inside the door. This will not only stop any annoying rattling but will also put an end to any leaks or drafts.

While maintenance can be a chore it is always better in the long run to keep your hand on things before they get out of control. Following the above simple tips can save you money and time.