Home Maintenance

Thinking about a home upgrade? Want to make sure it’s worth the investment? Kitchen remodels typically offer the best return on investment (ROI) of any home improvement project.

Not only is the kitchen where most families spend the majority of their time – so they’ll enjoy the update the most – it’s one of the key items potential buyers consider.

Not all kitchen remodels are created equal. Highly specialized updates might be something you enjoy, yet be a turnoff to potential buyers. The same is true of extremely expensive finishes and appliances. This doesn’t mean you should never make a decision that’s about your personal enjoyment. However, you’ll want to make those decisions with your eyes wide open.

So, what updates do offer the best ROI?

Re-Paint the Walls and Cabinets

Paint is far and away the most cost effective way to give your home an update. This true for any room in the house. By refinishing the walls and/or cabinets, you can breathe new life into your kitchen without dropping a pretty penny. You’ll save even more if you do the painting yourself. In comparison to laying tile or re-wiring lights, painting is a pretty simple do-it-yourself (DIY) project.

Add a Backsplash

Redoing all your counters can cut into your remodeling budget substantially. Adding a tile backsplash can refresh the look of your existing countertops by providing a focal point. You’ll want to stick to a backsplash that plays on the colors found within your existing counter. This can be done either by pulling accent colors from the tile or using complimentary colors.

Update Your Lighting

Older kitchens aren’t typically equipped with as much lighting as their modern day sisters. By updating your lighting you can take your kitchen from dark and dreary to light and airy. Consider swapping out old light fixtures for newer pendant lights. You might also install under-cabinet lighting. This can give your kitchen a more elegant, high-end look.

Ready to make an update? A home equity loan or a home equity line of credit can supply the necessary cash to complete the job. Contact me today to explore your options.

“Unplugging” is nice – when it is your choice. Unplugging because you have poor reception is an entirely different story.

It you are constantly on the hunt for a better signal while at home, you are not alone. The struggle is real. And, it is more than a little bit frustrating.

Fortunately, you don’t have to simply accept spotty cell phone service. With a little ingenuity, it is a problem you can solve. These are two of the easiest solutions:

Solution 1 – Cell Phone Booster

As the name would suggest, cell phone boosters are designed to boost cell service in a very specific area. They do so by taking an existing cell signal (typically found outside your home), amplifying it, and then broadcasting it within your home.

For a cell phone booster to work, your carrier must provide some service in your area. Additionally, your cell phone booster will need to be registered with your individual carrier. Each company can withhold its consent for usage. (They will typically only do so if you live in a highly populated area.)

Solution 2 – Enable Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi calling allows your cell phone to make calls over your home’s Wi-Fi (aka wireless Internet). Currently, not all carriers offer this service. And, it is only available for compatible devices, such as the iPhone 6 series and some Android phones.

Think About a New Carrier

Finally, some carriers simply don’t provide coverage in all areas. This is particularly true of remote locations. If you have moved beyond the city limits and suddenly lost your coverage, talk to your neighbors. Ask them what carrier they use. It might be time to consider switching providers.

Have you found an additional way to fix your cell phone service woes that didn’t involve standing on your head? Give me a call today.

Looking to put your home on the market and want to get the best price possible? Or, simply want to give your new abode a little extra something-something? These five home improvement options pack a punch without breaking the bank.

The Kitchen

When you’re considering which room is the best investment, look no further than the kitchen. Of course, you won’t want to do anything too specialized if you’re planning to put your home on the market. (Sorry country music fans. A tiled mural of Tim McGraw just isn’t going to do it for most folks.) But, new kitchen appliances can certainly be a good place to start. So can new kitchen countertops, and a refresh on those old cabinets.

Carpet Swap

Few things make your house feel more dated than old, worn-out carpet. Breathe new life into your home with a welcoming carpet that’s free of grime.

Paint

Painting is like giving your home a face-lift. A few cans combined with a little elbow grease and you have yourself a brand new look. If you’re unsure about color palates, just keep it neutral. This is especially important if you are putting your home on the market. It will allow your home to appeal to a wider variety of prospective buyers.

The Outdoor Living Space

While it’d be nice to have a Fairy Godmother who can waive a few extra square feet of space into your home, none of us live in a Disney movie. Extend your home by creating an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy. Make it a multi-season spot with the addition of a fire pit or outdoor heater.

Hang a Mirror (or Two)

Another way to make your home feel larger is with mirrors. They visually expand your space. For maximum appeal, be sure to find a unique frame that compliment your existing décor.