Home Remodeling Rebounding

AMMON, Idaho -$19 billion was spent on home improvement projects in 2013. The home remodeling industry is seeing a rebound after the recession.

Experts say since most people are not buying or selling, homeowners are taking on remodeling projects to improve what they've already got.

"Oh my goodness yeah," said Chris King who works at Ace Hardware in Ammon.

Monday afternoon many people were in the store shopping for small home improvement projects.

Paint was one of the busiest department. "It brightens up and warms up so when you walk into it, it's a great new experience," said King.

He said it's one inexpensive way to experiment.

"For a 100 dollars you can certainly change it again and change the whole mood again," said King.

In a recovering economy, King said people aren't taking on massive projects like pre-recession days.

According to Nielson & Scarborough, the top projects home owners are taking on include carpeting and flooring, landscaping, heating and air, interior painting, or small kitchen projects.

At Ace Hardware, King said that's right on with what he sees.

"Building a deck, it's one of the other things besides paint when you invest in it, you see a return on your investment," said King.

He said this summer his customers have been making small changes to the exterior of the home, which makes a big difference.

"Patio furniture, we saw a lot of lawn care, the umbrellas to go along with the other furniture that they have," said King.

King added that people often wait to make changes.

"A lot of times we don't spruce our houses up until we like sell them," said King.

Before the market returns to pre-recession days, working with what people have has become the new way of life for many people.

"The market isn't such that you're selling a house really fast, but you can change the way it feels, and that's an important part," said King.

He added the other big remodeling project homeowners are doing is changing small things in the bathroom, like new tile, or adding glass shower doors instead of curtains.

In 2014, home improvement product sales are expected to increase by 6.5 percent, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute.

Original Article: http://www.localnews8.com/news/home-remodeling-rebounding/27727106

Exploring What Is Involved When Undertaking A Home Improvement Project

Any home improvement project can be a huge undertaking. This is especially true when you aren’t a professional who tackles remodeling and renovation projects on a regular basis.  If you have never remodeled a kitchen before it is important that before the project gets off the ground that you take into consideration everything that needs to be done, ordered and thought of before the project gets underway.  Once you know what needs to be done you may see how beneficial it is to hire a professional kitchen contractor over completing the job on your own.  Here are some items to consider when thinking about remodeling your kitchen whether you hire a contractor or do it yourself.

The first thing in a kitchen remodel that you need to determine is your budget.  Set a budget and stick to it.  If you can’t afford the kitchen remodel you want it is better that you wait until you can to begin.  If you can’t budget enough to cover your wants and needs along with extra for the unexpected don’t start the kitchen remodeling project. Many homeowners quickly come to find out that hiring a contractor saves them money on materials.  Saving on the materials to redo your kitchen could wash out the cost of hiring a contractor to renovate the kitchen.

When you are thinking about a kitchen renovation you will want to have a design in mind.  This can come from a variety of sources including designs from kitchens you have been in or seen in magazines. Where ever your idea comes from it is important that you take into consideration your current plumbing and electrical systems.  If the existing scheme doesn’t fit with the new kitchen design vision you will want to add in to your budget the expense of redoing the plumbing and electricity.

When hiring a contractor be sure to look for a general contractor.  A general contractor will be able to assist in all areas of the remodel from the kitchen design to the flooring.  General contractors have the ability to see how one room in the house works with others and can help create the flow you desire.  If you go with a separate kitchen contractor, they have to hire specialty contractors to help with flooring, plumbing and finishing work it can lead to headaches for homeowners.  Hiring one general contractor can alleviate this issue.

With your general contractor complete a list of preparations that can be taken before any renovation is begun to help speed the entire process along.  From the start, have the materials ordered to ensure that half way through the process you are not waiting on the faucet or sink to be shipped.  Ordering everything you need ahead of time and having all the materials ready and available for the job makes the remodel run along smoother and helps to keep your contractor on time with the schedule that has been set.  A kitchen remodel that is finished on time and is complete all the way down to the finishing touches makes for a happy homeowner.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Upgrades Around The Home That Pay You Back

Purchasing a home is an adventure.  Maintaining and increasing your homes property value is of utmost importance to all homeowners. In order to do this there are a few simple things to keep in mind. One of the most important elements in owning a home is maintaining the property.  This entails keeping the home as clean as possible as well as keeping the home in working condition with no pest infestations, fresh paint, and updated water as well as electrical systems.  A home that is kept up on will sell time and time again over a home that is not kept up on and is under cared for.

Real estate is starting to pick up again.  If you are trying to sell your home you will want an edge up on the competition.  When it comes to homes you will want to ensure that your home is in physically better shape than all the others.  There should be absolutely no visible problems in the home.  Your homes curb appeal should be top notch.  All visible siding, roofing, windows and exterior improvements are areas where you should spend money.

Home improvements should pay you back upon the sale of your home.  When you put money into your home you should expect that in the end you will get an equal return on your investment.  Make sure that every improvement that is made within your homes interior or exterior will net an equal return on your investment as well as keeping with the cohesiveness of the existing neighborhood.

Many homeowners ask about upgrades including room additions, expansions, renovations as well as updating bathrooms and kitchens.  The answer to any of these is a resounding yes!  If you as a homeowner want it then they should do it.  The trick is to be careful about overdoing it.  Any upgrade can be done, but doing it within the standards of the community that you live in it is important to keeping your home’s value consistent with those around it.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are super important when it comes to any home upgrade. Getting your money out of the remodel is the trick.  When it comes to kitchen upgrades and bathroom renovations be sure to update your home to make it more high-end.  This will encourage buyers when it comes to buyers purchasing your home.  The problem is over-improving your home.  Don’t add a designer, high-end kitchen, in a home that is within an average first time home owners budget.  As a seller you will not recoup your money.

In an average subdivision with first time home buyers a better source of spending money on renovations is with the addition of a second bath or half bath.  Using materials that are of good quality and adding an extra bathroom can turn an ordinary three bedroom home with one bath into an extravagant three bedroom home with a separate bath for the kids and one for the adults.  Any dull house or small apartment can be improved upon with the addition of a half or full bathroom.

New homeowners are looking for upgrades that keep homes updated while maintaining their fair market value in an overall friendly community.  This is ideal for most homeowners looking to purchase a new home.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.