Remodeling: A dozen ideas to enhance the value of your home

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Remodeling: A Dozen Ideas to Enhance the Value of Your Home
Unless you’re a stock market genius, your home is probably your biggest asset. Real estate has become a rockier road than it was a year ago, but that doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about those home improvement projects. Remodeling can be both exciting and profitable if you know which remodels add the most value to your house. Take a look at the following twelve projects which can change the feel of your home while also adding real value:
1. Minor kitchen remodel - Both men and women seem to find a bright and shiny kitchen the most appealing part of the house. The surprising news is that a minor kitchen re-do is a better deal than a complete kitchen make-over. So, if you’re feeling up to it, go ahead and get that new fridge, paint the kitchen walls and change the drawer pulls – you’re going to get the most bang for your buck by updating your kitchen first.2. Bathroom addition - Having an extra bathroom makes a house extremely attractive to larger families. Just imagine - no more fighting over bathroom time on weekday mornings.3. Major kitchen remodel - Now we’re talking about the expensive projects that probably require a professional such as updating cabinets, re-tiling and adding a granite countertop. You might also consider getting new appliances.4. Family room addition - The beauty of adding a family room is the flexibility of eventually using it for whatever best fits your needs: an extra bedroom, an office, a home theater or even a game room. Potential buyers are attracted to concepts that allow them to adjust to their families’ needs.5. Second-story addition - This remodel shares many benefits with a family room addition and even adds the same equity to your home. But, it has one special advantage: it can serve as a mother-in-law suite or a room for a teenager who suddenly needs her own space.6. Attic bedroom - Close in value to the family room and second-story additions, this project is designed exclusively as an extra bedroom but should be less expensive than building a new level or extension to the house. Since the attic already exits, this project becomes more of a redecorating proposition with maybe some attention to heating / cooling needs.7. Master suite - The complete bedroom suite for both married couples and singles is a hallmark of luxury for most Americans. Couples with children particularly love the privacy that comes with having bedroom, bath, walk-in closet and dressing area all connected and separate from the rest of the house.8. Bathroom remodel - An upgraded bathroom with new tile, tub, vanity, toilet and lighting is an extremely attractive item to potential buyers. Who doesn’t love an updated, clean bathroom?9. Siding replacement - While your family might not notice this upgrade on a daily basis, this remodel option is of huge importance when you’re ready to put your house on the market. Buyers usually won't get to the good stuff inside if your “curb appeal” doesn’t grab them.10. Deck addition - A well designed deck not only adds to the beauty of a home, but when properly displayed, also makes your home seem much larger and roomier. With the increasing popularity of outdoor living spaces, this would make a great selling point.11. Window replacement - Few things detract from the appearance of a house more than old, shabby windows. Not only do new windows add beauty, they also provide improved insulation and energy savings – an item high on most homeowner and potential buyer lists these days.12. Home office - With many people working from home these days, a home office is a great addition to a home. It’s space that you can use for professional or personal use that is separate from the rest of the house and can be a kids-free zone. It might be an upgrade that requires the least work and expense and also likely recaptures what now might be wasted space.
Are you considering a home remodel project? Keep in mind that any upgrades to your home might change the scope of your homeowners policy. Let NetQuote help you instantly connect with quality, local agents in your area who can help you make sure your policy reflects your current home – and, help save you money!

17 ways to save on energy

17 ways to save on energy
By Bankrate.com


Get a home energy audit every couple of years with your power company to find ways to cut costs.
Check with your utility company for rebates whenever you install energy-saving equipment.

Add more energy-efficient insulation to your attic, with the appropriate R-value, or resistance to heat flow, for your climate and the type of heating in your house..
Turn down your home thermostat two degrees and save 24 kilowatt hours a month. It might not sound like much, but it adds up.
Buy a programmable thermostat, especially if your home is vacant most of the day. Set it to turn on a half hour before anyone arrives home.
Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature and wait. Turning your thermostat up or down dramatically wastes energy and increases your heating costs.
Lower your hot water thermostat 10 degrees, but no lower than 120 degrees. You'll still get all the hot water you need and save 25 kilowatt hours a month.
Fix leaky faucets -- one drip a second is 20 kilowatts a month.
Invest in weather-stripping kits if you've got drafty doors.
Trade your standard candescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. They are more energy-efficient, last for years instead of months, consume little power and generate little heat.
Turn off your computer when not in use, or use the energy-saving "sleep" mode.
Seal energy leaks. Caulk over cracks and small holes around windows and exterior walls. Look carefully around plumbing pipes, telephone wires, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains and under countertops.
Participate in your power company's special energy-saving program. Some programs shut down electric appliances for short bursts of time during peak hours. You hardly notice the difference -- except in your bill.
Buy major appliances that sport the "Energy Star" sticker. That shows the appliance meets or exceeds standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Consider a front-loading washing machine. They use 50 percent less energy and one-third less water. Plus, they remove far more water in the rinse cycle, and that translates into big savings in dryer time.
When building a home or replacing a roof, select a roof based more on energy efficiency than on how it looks. Light-colored roofs, such as white, galvanized metal or cement tile, do the best job of reflecting the sun, and cool quickly at night.
Landscaping with the right mix of trees and shrubs can lower your energy bills by blocking winter winds or the summer sun.