by David Glenn | May 26, 2016 | CRESTICO
For many, home improvements mean new countertops or a walk-in steam shower. But when it comes down to increasing the value of your home or selling it, these kind of home improvements might not be the best to invest in. Here are some of the best home improvements that have the biggest returns.
Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel
According to HGTV, a kitchen remodel has a return investment of 100 percent of the cost. In San Diego, a $17,928 kitchen remodel returned $27,000 on resale. Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom can be one of the best home improvement projects you ever do. When you start planning your remodel focus on traditional aspects such as wood cabinets, stone or natural wood floors, stone countertops and commercial-looking appliances. These will create a more timeless look in your home. Replace a whirlpool tub with a walk-in shower to open up space or add a second bath if you only have one.
Siding Replacement
Since itβs on the outside of your home, siding can get a real beating and affect your curb appeal. Old, worn siding can contribute up to a loss of 10 percent of your homeβs value. Installing new siding can show potential buyers that you really take care of your home. New siding can come in a number of options, vinyl and fiber-cement being the the top options. Vinyl siding is low-cost, easy to install and very durable. Fiber-cement siding is a bit more expensive but its overall look screams quality. According to the β2015 Remodeling Impact Report,β it also has a 79 percent payback.
Replace the Front Door
Switching your old front door for a newer one could give you up to 91.1 percent return. Like siding, a new front door can add to the overall curb appeal of your home. You can even add stained glass to the front door. Simply reach out to a stained glass film manufacturer to get some film which you can easily install for a quick way to add some color to your front door.
Replace your old one with a new steel door and youβre sure to see one of the best paybacks. Old doors can also be a big source of energy loss. Replacing an old door can not only give you a better return but it can also help you save on energy costs. A new steel front door has a median cost of $2,000 but you could recover around 75 percent of that at resale.
Add More Space
From changing an attic into a bedroom or study to adding another room or bathroom can be a great investment. Often times, buyers invest in the additions since they canβt afford a larger home in their neighborhood. According to the 2005 study for the National Association of Realtors every 1,000 square feet added to a house will boost the sale price by over 30 percent. The joke of having a room just for oneβs shoes from the hit film The Italian Job, wasnβt that far off either. More and more people today are wanting a room specially dedicated for hobbies like a craft room, personal study or even a home gym. When you start adding space, be sure to keep your homeβs price in the affordable range of your neighborhood or else it may never sell.
Add a Patio or Deck
A 2014 Home Trends Survey from the American Institute of Architects showed that patios and desk were on the rise. If you canβt afford to add a second room or bathroom, adding a patio or deck can be a less expensive investment at just $8 per square foot whereas a new addition could cost up to $150 per square foot.
Like a front door, the garage door is one of the first things anyone sees as they drive up to your house. Replacing a two-car, embossed steel door could cost up to $2,300 according to the β2015 Remodeling Impact Report,β but you can see up to 87 percent of that investment at resale. There are some truly wonderful new garage door styles from glass doors to accordion folding. Doing this is a definite improvement that has one of the biggest returns.
by David Glenn | May 19, 2016 | CRESTICO
Purchasing your first home might be one of the most expensive purchases youβll make, which makes it even more important to do it right. The best way to go about shopping for a house is to line yourself up with a good realtor, explore financing and determine the priorities you seek in a new home. Most first time buyers make one or two mistakes during the process of buying a home. However, using these tips can help you to avoid mistakes and highlight important items to consider as you begin shopping for homes.
Determine What Features You Need
Before looking at homes, make a checklist of the features you need. For example, you might list the number of bedrooms, a large yard, fencing, home office and a family room. Next, you could list features that would be nice to have like a swimming pool, garden or patio.
Contact a Realtor
Ideally, if youβve never been through the home buying process, you should consider working with a realtor to find a new home. He or she can show you several homes, write contracts, make recommendations and provide guidance for you as you complete the home buying and closing processes. Working with a realtor to find homes in the neighborhoods you like can save you time and money.
Realtors have access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which is essentially a huge database of home listings supplied by Real Estate brokers. The listings include details and features about each property that is for sale. Your realtor can use the MLS to choose homes to fit your budget and location requirements, which makes it faster and easier to find your dream home.
Location Considerations
Unfortunately, many new home buyers fail to take into consideration the importance of where the home is located. For instance, you may have found the perfect home, but if itβs too far from work it may turn into a major problem. Before choosing neighborhoods, consider these questions:
Is a short commute to work a requirement?
- Does the home need to be in a good school district?
- Do we want nearby access to entertainment?
- Is public transportation a requirement or just a bonus?
Household Costs and Other Expenses
It is smart to get a rough estimate of what your monthly expenses will run for a new house before purchasing. To start with youβll have the principal and interest on the home. Add in insurance and taxes. You may have to factor in home owner association fees. Next, youβll want to consider power and water utilities. Donβt forget telephone and internet services.
Homeowners Insurance
The home and location can affect the cost of homeowners insurance, which is required when carrying a loan on the property.
- Homes located near fire stations or hydrants usually result in a discount.
- Home security systems may qualify for better rates.
- Neighborhoods in high crime areas cost more to insure.
- Homes in known flood zones or areas prone to earthquakes are more expensive to insure.
Home Inspection
Ordering home inspections on new or used homes isnβt a requirement for purchasing but it often proves to be a smart idea. Home inspectors provide an unbiased home inspection and cost about $300 to $500. They inspect the main household systems such as heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing.
Credit Check and Financing
Contact one of the three credit bureaus, and pull a free copy of your credit report before you consider financing and shopping for a home. Make sure the report appears to be accurate. The best Interest Rates for loans are offered to those people that have a good or higher credit score rating.
Keep in mind that you may have to put down as much as 20 percent for you down payment on the home. However, itβs possible, you may qualify for federally-backed loans, which often have Lower Interest Rates, small down payments or no down payment required.
Before shopping for a home, contact several banks and loan institutions to check their interest rates. Itβs also a smart idea to get pre-qualified for a loan before home shopping.
Take your time to find the right home that meets all you requirements. Consider working with a realtor and a home inspector for professional services and recommendations.
by David Glenn | May 9, 2016 | CRESTICO
In all likelihood, if youβve been living with your folks, in a dorm room or an apartment, you probably donβt know a whole lot about home maintenance, landscaping or home security. These tips may help to prevent costly mistakes, save money and help you to learn about homeowner responsibilities.
Valve for Water Shutoff
After purchasing a new or used home, you need to locate the main valve for shutting off the water to the home in an emergency. Shutoff valves are typically located near the water main where it comes into the home. Everyone living in the home should understand how to turn the valve off.
You may need to shut the valve off when pipes burst or an overflowing toilet floods the floors, carpeting, cabinets or wallboards. These items are difficult to dry out and can lead to costly repairs.
Landscaping
Planting new or additional landscaping is a wonderful way to add a bit of your own personality to the home, and it can help to keep your home much cooler during hot summer weather.
Choose trees and vines to plant on the southern and western sides of the home, which will provide much needed shade. Call 811 before you begin digging around your home to learn where wires, cables and underground pipes are located from the dig-safely hotline.
Improve Security
Whether youβve purchased a used or a new home, it is a smart idea to change out the locks. As a matter a fact, consider deadbolts, which offer the most security.
Take a quick tour of your new home looking for weak areas that could provide easy access to thieves. Adding window locks, outdoor lighting and light sensors in vulnerable areas could reduce vandalism and thefts.
Electrical Panel
Locate the electrical panel in your house that contains breakers to shut off power to various parts of the home. Check to see that all breakers are labeled with the names of each room, so youβll know which breaker to shut down in the event of an emergency.
Home Systems and Appliances
Determine whether you want to make repairs or replace home systems and appliances yourself. Perhaps you would rather purchase a home warranty from a service company that offers warranty plans to make repairs or replace faulty units.
Warranty plans can be tailored to the needs of homeowners. Many basic plans cover the major home systems like plumbing, heating, electrical and cooling. Some plans include a number of common household appliances like refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers. Generally, you pay a flat fee once a year to purchase a contract and are responsible for paying the cost of any service calls.
Checking for Plumbing Issues
Plumbing might not be much of a concern in newer homes, but you definitely want to discover plumbing problems in any used home.
Open cabinets below sinks to search for leaks. Check to see whether faucets are leaking or continually dripping. Make sure the toilet doesnβt run constantly, and look around the base of the toilets for signs of water leaks.
Insulation
Itβs a smart idea to check out the attic insulation to determine if it has at least the minimum requirements to keep your home cooler in the warm months and warmer during chilly weather. Insulation should be anywhere from 10 to about 14 inches thick depending upon the type and quality of insulation.
Locate the water heater and consider purchasing an inexpensive water heater jacket if it doesnβt already have one. Also, check the settings on the water heater. Setting it to 120 degrees should more than cover your needs and may help to lower your electric bill.
Add insulation around exposed pipes in garages and basements to reduce heat loss.
Fire Prevention
Remove shrubbery and trees that are too close to the home. Maintaining a 30 foot perimeter around the home free of large bushes and trees is recommended.
Install fire alarms throughout the home. Multi-level homes should have alarms for each floor. Make sure your home is also equipped with working fire extinguishers.
There is no doubt about it, owning your first home is a learning experience. Just remember to seek advice from neighbors and when in doubt, consider calling a professional.
Bundling InsuranceΒ
If you’re wondering if you should bundle home and car insurance, the answer is almost always yes. The discounted amount from bundling home and auto always varies depending on who you are bundling with, but the average bundle discount will get you 20% off. While the immediate and obvious benefit of bundling is saving money, the benefits go beyond just savings. Because you’re bundling, there is no doubt you’ll develop a better relationship with that company as you’ll be talking to them more frequently. No yo mention you could also benefit from paying a single deductible as opposed to two.
by David Glenn | Apr 24, 2016 | CRESTICO
Most people spend their entire life working, but don’t finish their life rich. That doesn’t mean it is impossible, however, and millions of people manage to join the world’s millionaire list each year. For many, it is only after a lifetime of hard work, saving, smart investments, and job dedication. For others it happens in a stroke of good fortune, while they are still young enough to enjoy the benefits of their money.
Often the first thing people start thinking about when they come into large sums of money is their home. How are they going to build a luxury home that fulfills all their dreams and fantasies. Home building is a process and making the wrong decisions at the beginning can lead to regret and annoyance for years to come. Here are a few things to consider when building that very first luxury home.
Location, location, location
This cannot be stressed enough. The most important factor to consider is the location of the home. Do you care more about being close to family? Are you a hot or cold person? Do beaches matter, or are the mountains more inviting? Remember, this home will be customized to your tastes, so it won’t be as easy to sell as you would like to think. Choose the right location and enjoy years of no regrets.
Size
Many people think that all they care about is having a big home, only to be disappointed when they are not happy in their extremely large home and don’t like the empty feeling that occasionally accompanies it. Figure out everything that the home should have, then choose a size that can accommodate the things you would like as well as the number of people you would like to host. For some, they don’t feel comfortable with more than 5-10 people in their home at once anyway, so why built a mansion?
Style
Choose a consistent style throughout the home. Spend a significant amount of time doing research online, in home tours, and on Pinterest and find the style that can suit you for years to come.
Entertainment
The best part of a luxury home room is often the entertainment. Have you always wanted a home theater? A game room with ping pong and pool? Or an indoor hot tub and pool combo that comes with a waterslide? Maybe all three appeal to you. Spend some time deciding if you want each one, and do research so you know what you are getting into. Pools are great, but require maintenance. Theaters are fun, but you may not like yours, or others kids using it constantly.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important places in your new luxury home. You’ll be there multiple times each day and things need to be perfect. Think about where you want everything to go, how many people will be eating and cooking in the kitchen. If you plan on celebrating Thanksgiving with family in your new luxury home make sure the kitchen is built to accommodate. One of the most frustrating aspects of most kitchens is the lack of space. Make sure there are plenty of cupboards, nooks, and spaces for any appliance you may purchase in the long future.
Bathroom
The next most important thing is the bathroom. Bathrooms can be a place of comfort, despite what you may remember from previous low-budget houses. Think jacuzzis, soft rugs, multiple shower heads, and relaxation. Your bathroom can provide all of these.
It’s a great time in life if these are all options for you. You’ve likely had hard times in the past and have looked forward to this a large majority of your life. Enjoy every minute of it.
by David Glenn | Apr 22, 2016 | CRESTICO
Photo via Wikicommons
New bathroom designs focus on pairing the function you expect with classy features and materials that add spa-like luxury. Donβt limit your design dreams to the standard porcelain and grout of yesteryear. If your current bathroom design leaves you bored or you are designing a brand new bathroom, keep the following tips in mind.
Use Glass for the Shower
Shower design is one of the most important elements affecting both style and function of a bathroom. Using glass for this feature has a number of benefits, and you should consider glass panels instead of just a glass shower door. A shower glass panel that covers at least one full side allows more light in and looks classy.
Photo via Wikicommons
Using a shower glass panel on both open sides of a corner shower not only adds a sense of luxury but, if it is clear glass, also makes the room feel bigger. Heavy, opaque shower surrounds create a visual stop in the line of sight, which makes the shower appear to take up more space and makes the room feel smaller.
Glass is also easier to keep clean than you might think. You can buy water repellant sprays that help keep water deposits and soap scum to a minimum. Some people swear by using a squeegee on the glass after showering to keep it spotless and sparkling.
Consider Glass Wall Tile
While we are on the subject of glass, consider using it for other bathroom elements, including tile. Glass features make the space feel crisper, cleaner and can make you feel you are visiting your own personal spa.
Photo Via Wikicommons
Glass tile has gained popularity in the past few years, and there are good reasons for its expanded use for backsplashes, shower surrounds and even the main bathroom walls. It is easy to clean, resists staining and mildew β which can plague some types of ceramic tile β and reflects light, which gives it a beautiful glistening appearance that many find attractive. In addition, glass tileβs natural translucence gives the tile color extra depth and mystery.
Even if you donβt want to use glass tile over a large surface, consider adding a mosaic using the beautiful tile, which will add a stunning custom touch to your new bathroom.
There are a lot of people that add an additional shine to their glass by using some form of organic coconut oil after cleaning.
Donβt Limit Your Lighting
A common mistake made in bathroom remodeling is leaving lighting as an afterthought. The best bathroom designs donβt limit lighting to a single fixture overhead or a few sconces. Whether your bathroom is large or small, the right lighting will enhance its features in addition to making the room more functional for your morning beauty and hygiene prep.
Photo via Wikicommons
Whenever possible, make use of natural lighting through skylights or big windows. Natural light enhances mood and just looks better than artificial light.
Whether your bathroom gets natural light or not, you will need to add overhead lighting as well as task lighting and accent lighting. Task lighting illuminates functional areas such as the vanity, and accent lighting draws attention to art or other decorative features you want noticed.
Wall sconces flanking the vanity mirror usually make the best task lighting for this area. If your bathroom contains a bathtub, an elegant overhead fixture above the tub can function as both task and accent lighting.
Remember that what you want to avoid is leaving areas of the room in shadow. Consider what the roomβs lighting needs will be at various times of the day or evening, and plan accordingly. It is helpful, and sometimes necessary, to assign separate switches to each light source so that you have more flexibility to match the roomβs lighting needs at any given time.
These three design tips complement any color palette you have chosen in addition to most design styles. Light fixtures come in many styles and colors, and it is easy to find glass tile in about any color you can imagine. Glass showers are unobtrusive enough to allow other decor features to take center stage if you wish, and so if you are looking for luxury, function and versatility, give these some devoted attention.
by David Glenn | Apr 21, 2016 | CRESTICO
Home trends change from year to year, but overall, home ownership is a beautiful thing. You have a place to call your own while building up equity in your investment. And there’s also something about owning your home yourself rather than renting it from someone else. Investing in your home most likely will bring a great return, so the following are a few tips from the pros as you look at what your home needs next.
- Getting back to nature
The down-to-earth vibe is here to stay for a while. Designers and homeowners are loving the clean, Nordic design look cozied up with natural pine flooring and furnishings, soft textures like shearling, hides and fur with the occasional pop of color. Dark shades of green (as in, deep jungle, forest and olive tones) and nuances of ocean hues (blue-green, lime, jade, and cobalt)are on the horizon as some of the top color trends for the coming year. Of course, strategically placed indoor plants (trend alert: olive plants and trees!) lend a touch of green to enliven a space.
- Dedicated, technology-free space in floor plans
As open concept design and technology evolve, homeowners are increasingly looking for a small place to escape to where technology is absent. A bedroom nook, library or entry alcove along with warm, enveloping furnishings provides the perfect retreat from the barrage of screen information most homeowners face daily. Early in the design process is the best time to nail down exactly where and how to carve out a peaceful sanctuary within your home.
- Natural Textures
For furniture design, cane, rattan and abaca have been reinvented with a modern flair. Cork, a fast-growing and renewable resource, is emerging as a strong sound buffer for the pervasive open floor plan. Think a side or coffee table, stool or even an entire wall in a home office. Cork’s warmth and renewability make it a top choice for 2017 homeowners. Terra cotta tiles are also on the upswing with a new matte finish that stays away from the rustic feel of previous years. Look for terra cotta to influence fireplace surround design and bathroom design.
- Art-inspired wallpaper
After years of removing wallpaper, homeowners and designers are now considering its many benefits. In addition to many up-and-coming designs in today’s marketplace, artists can now turn their work into wallpaper murals by enlarging their art to a grand scale. Area Environments is one such studio that has seen a rise in demand for art-inspired wallpaper and creates impressive wallscapes.
- Black as a staple kitchen design element
White as a preferred design element is slowly being upstaged by its direct opposite. Black cabinets, countertops, appliances and more are coming into their own as designers seek a warmer, sleeker silhouette. As the perfect foil for metals, plants and colorful food, black seems to be coming into its own. If homeowners aren’t sure about a full-on black kitchen, dark gray and strategically designed black and white layouts are growing in popularity worldwide.
- Fair realtor fees
Too often realtors are given their set fees automatically without any direct correlation to the quality of service they have provided. With housing prices possibly leveling off in late 2017, homeowners who are considering selling need to get top dollar without costly realtor fees. A popular option is a flat fee MLS listing service. Basically, this is a Real Estate broker offering to list the property for a flat fee rather than a percentage of the sale price. There are some additional details to consider before deciding if this option is the right one for you, but typically a successful property sale in this scenario results in a seller saving half of the traditional commission and retaining the right to sell on his or her own.
Your home is typically one of your biggest investment over your lifetime. Make it a great space to retreat to, play in and even sell when the time is right.
Remove shrubbery and trees that are too close to the home. Maintaining a 30 foot perimeter around the home free of large bushes and trees is recommended.
