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April 2011 “Remodeling Magazine” Digital Edition Features “Simply Smart” Kitchen Remodel Designs And Details
15 04 2011Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: Architects, Digital Edition, Home Design, Kitchen, Remodeling Magazine
Categories : 203k, Appliances, Architects, Contractors, Design, Financing, Fixtures, Homes, Kitchen, Magazine, Rehabs, Remodeling
Renovating 1960′s “Custom Ranch” Homes: FHA 203k Renovation Loan Ideal For Replacing Flooring, Windows, Doors, Roof, Electrical And Water Pipes
18 02 2011 
- Carpeted in a smelly, worn-out brown plush, which the dog would sniff in certain places and then roll in it… REPLACED WITH TILE
- The original central air conditioner and furnace still worked but made noises… REPLACED WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT UNIT
- The roof had white stones to reflect sunlight but the plywood under the stones had deteriorated…REPLACED WITH NEW ROOF
- No insulation in the attic with rafters covered with heavy tin foil…INSTALLED 12-INCH THICK INSULATION
- Original electrical service was 100 amps…UPGRADED TO 200 AMPS TO SUPPLY MORE OUTLETS IN KITCHEN
- Water pipes were galvanized iron which were rusting….REPLACED WITH COPPER PIPES AND/OR CPVC PLASTIC
- Windows were single pain aluminum….REPLACED WITH DUAL GLAZED VINYL WINDOWS
- Small windows and doors made home dark…REPLACED WITH ENERGY-EFFICIENT FRENCH DOORS
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Tags: FHA 203k, Home Renovations, Rehabs, Upgrades
Categories : 203k, Contractors, FHA, Financing, Home Energy Rating, Kitchen, Mortgage Insurance, Rehabs, Remodeling, The 203k Guy, Windows
The FHA 203k Streamline Renovation Purchase Loan Is Perfect For First-Time Homebuyers
25 01 2011The FHA 203k Streamline Renovation Loan is an outstanding first-time home buyer loan. First-time buyers can utitlize up to $35,000 to make renovations or repairs needed for some distressed properties, such as:
- Buying all new appliances
- Modernizing interior plumbing
- Central Air Conditioning and Heating
- Electrical system upgrade
- Remodeling a kitchen or bath
- Windows and doors replacment
- New flooring
- Roof replacement or repair
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Tags: FHA 203k, Home Renovations, Remodels
Categories : 203k, Appliances, FHA, Financing, Kitchen, Purchases, Rehabs, Remodeling, The 203k Guy, Windows
Recent Survey Finds Homeowners Want To Remodel Homes To Add Bedrooms With Full Baths, Laundry Rooms And More Storage Space
22 01 2011
A Better Homes and Gardens magazine survey of magazine readers taken in late December found that these are the six spaces that homeowners most want to see included in their new home or updated in their existing one:
A Better Homes and Gardens magazine survey of magazine readers taken in late December found that these are the six spaces that homeowners most want to see included in their new home or updated in their existing one:-
Separate laundry room
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More storage and built-ins
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A home office
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An outdoor grilling/living area
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A second bedroom with a private bath
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Everyday eating space close to the kitchen
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11022/1119797-30.stm#ixzz1BorRqqRQ
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Tags: Rehabs, Remodel, Renovations, Surveys
Categories : 203k, Design, Homes, Kitchen, Refinance, Rehabs, Remodeling
Home Renovation Contractors: San Diego, CA Contractor Opened Up Wall To Expand Kitchen (Video)
21 01 2011Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: Contractors, Home Renovations, Kitchen, Remodel, Videos
Categories : 203k, Architects, Contractors, Kitchen, Rehabs, Remodeling
Kitchen Remodel Projects: Homeowners Should Use An Architect Or Interior Designer For “Luxurious” Look, Install Premium Countertops While Saving Money On Fixtures, Floors, Hardware And Appliances
23 12 2010
The PROJECT: To create a more efficient kitchen and better flow between the kitchen, breakfast area, living room and powder room. A contemporary, warm style was sought that was still respectful of the old home’s character.
Kitchen Before....
MANAGING COSTS
Costs were trimmed by buying much of their own fixtures such as plumbing, flooring, lighting, door hardware and appliances. Some items were ordered online and had to be returned due to scratches or imperfections. Pre-finished wood flooring was picked over traditional wood floors, while cabinetry was from Ikea. They stuck to mid-grade cabinets and appliances.
PREMIUM MATERIALS
Countertops, faucets and mechanical hardware for the cabinets.
CHALLENGES
The homeowner was keen not to waste even half an inch of space, closely supervised the cabinet supplier, who still managed to order incorrect cabinets which had to be replaced three months after the project had been completed. Some cabinet doors did not get delivered for 5 months.
“It was time consuming to order all the materials and we took on the risk or errors if the product was not right.”
....Kitchen after.
LESSONS LEARNED
“Luckily as a professional I was aware of the pitfalls of scheduling and budget,” said homeowner. “We contracted for a 6 week project but were mostly complete in 8.”
And they were 20% over budget once the unknown construction issues were addressed.
She advised home owners looking to remodel their kitchen to use an architect or interior designer to do the layout, saying “even for a budget kitchen, one should feel they have a luxurious renovation when it is complete.”
ADVICE FOR OTHER HOMEOWNERS
Before commencing a remodeling project, a home owner should consider the following:
- How do you use your kitchen/home
- What feeling do you want to have when you are in the room
- What style do you like. Pull out pages from magazines that respond to these questions to help you make design decisions.
- Too many people go with a standard look. The best kitchen renovation is one that reflects your personality.
For more: http://www.baristanet.com/2010/12/kitchen-remodeling-4-an-experts-eye/
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Tags: Architects, Interior Designer, Kitchen, Remodels
Categories : Appliances, Architects, Design, Kitchen, Refinance, Rehabs, Remodeling
FundMyRemodel.com Homeowners Survey: “Large-Scale Improvement” Projects Increase In Third Quarter Of 2010 According To ServiceMagic.com
4 11 2010
In the third quarter, we saw significant declines in remodeling activity nationally and regionally although several major local markets report continued remodeling growth.
- Additionally, homeowners have started investing in large-scale improvement and repair projects like windows, roofing, heating & air conditioning, and septic tanks & wells.
- Many homeowners told us that they have been putting these projects off for a year or more, but could no longer wait to replace these major items.
- As homeowners decide to stay put, they are continuing to invest in their homes.
- It appears that the pent-up demand homeowners had for remodeling their homes front-loaded a good percentage of the kitchen and bath work in the first half of this year.
- It’s promising to see the demand and desire homeowners have to make major improvements to their homes.
- At the same time, consumers generally continue to be cautious and much more price conscious in the current macro-economic environment.
- We’re also impressed with the resiliency and commitment service providers have to meet consumer needs, adapt their business models, and remain optimistic about the future of home remodeling.
For more: http://www.servicemagic.com/survey/
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Tags: Home Renovations, Remodeling, Remodels, Service Magic, Survey
Categories : 203k, Contractors, Financing, Kitchen, Refinance, Rehabs, Remodeling, The 203k Guy
Home Remodel Update: Homeowners Still Putting In New Kitchens But Reasons Are Different Now As They Plan To Stay In Homes Longer
27 08 2010
“There are still consumers putting in new kitchens,” Robert Niblock, the chairman and chief executive officer of Lowe’s, said in a telephone interview. “But they’re doing it because they’re going to be in their homes longer. That’s the change from the go-go days.”
Many Americans, having splurged on show kitchens, spa bathrooms and surround-sound media rooms during the housing boom, are doing the same. Spending on home renovation for the 12 months ending Sept. 30 will fall 25 percent to $107.7 billion compared with the same period in 2007, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
The pullback is hurting companies large and small — from Home Depot Inc. and Lowe’s Cos. to building contractors and interior design shops.
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Tags: Contractors, Home Depot, Kitchen, Remodels
Categories : Contractors, Design, Homes, Kitchen, Refinance, Remodeling
“Fund My Remodel”: Home Remodeling Projects That Retain And Can Increase Your Home’s Value Over Time
26 08 2010
The bursting of the housing bubble has depressed real estate values, and made it much harder for homeowners to sell and move up to a larger house with more amenities. This has made renovating a popular option, because the odds are good that it will increase the value and marketability of the home in the long run.
The return on siding is high because of its relative cost to the value of your home and its ability to make your home look new again. Another attractive feature is that there are sidings available that are zero maintenance. So a potential buyer looking at a long-term purchase benefits from the reduced cost of future upkeep.The least expensive options are vinyl or aluminum siding at $4-$5. The newer vinyl is fade resistant, available in many colors and virtually maintenance-free. Aluminum is durable but will require painting if it is scratched.Other more expensive options include cedar ($9-$12), stucco ($9-$11) and brick veneer ($9-$21). (Read more background information, in 5 Mistakes That Make House Flipping A Flop.)
In addition to sprucing up your home’s exterior, new windows can substantially improve the energy efficiency. This is a big selling point, as the cost of heating and air conditioning has continued to soar. The total cost will depend on the brand and type of window you select, and the difficulty of the installation. Storm windows and those with thermal glass will be at the middle of the cost range. Specialty windows such as double-hung and bay windows will be at the top of the range.Quality windows will increase the comfort of your home and help to prevent moisture and mold from building up inside. They will also do a better job of restricting pollen and bugs, and reducing outside noise levels.
An updated bathroom is another great selling feature. While a coat of fresh paint will do wonders for the interior of a house, there’s no way to cover up old sinks, bathtubs and fixtures. Today’s buyer is looking for molded sinks, marble vanities, ceramic tile, whirlpool baths, unique lighting and modern fixtures.The cost can vary widely, depending on the extent of the remodel, and luxury fixtures can run into thousands of dollars. Should you decide to remodel specific parts of your bathroom, you can expect to spend about $4,000 for a whirlpool bath and around $3,000 for a ceramic tile tub enclosure or shower stall. (How can you afford all of this? Read An Introduction To The FHA 203(k) Loan.)
If you’re on a limited budget, the choice between remodeling a bathroom or kitchen should probably be based on which one will give you the most pleasure and satisfaction. You will recoup roughly the same percentage of your cost on either one.The total cost will be a function of the types of materials used, the extent of the remodel and whether or not you replace some or all of the appliances. These are rough estimates expressed in dollars per linear foot: $50-100 for new cabinets, $40 for laminate countertops and $75 for marble countertops.
Older homes benefit the most from this addition, whether you are remodeling an existing bedroom or adding a new one. In many cases, a master bathroom will be added at the same time because of the cost efficiencies that result. The cost of plumbing and fixtures would be added to the overall cost. (Before you get started, read Uncle Sam’s Surprise: Unexpected Sources Of Taxable Income.)
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/08/26/investopedia46580.DTL#ixzz0xjiY5oSj
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Categories : 203k, Contractors, Design, Homes, Kitchen, Rehabs, Remodeling, Windows
Green Homes: High Energy Star Ratings On Home Appliances Can Reduce “Home Energy Consumption By 10-50%”
24 08 2010 
It’s time for you to replace your old appliances with energy-efficient ones, especially those with an Energy Star certification. By doing so, you are able to do three things: save more, reduce home energy consumption by 10-50%.
From energystar.gov, “Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. According to Energy Star, Americans saved enough energy in 2009 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 30 million cars — all while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills. To ensure that all products are energy-efficient, Energy Star sets forth energy-efficient requirements which are based on the following set of key guiding principles (from energystar.gov):
- Qualified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
- If the qualified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment in increased energy efficiency through lowering utility bills within a reasonable period of time.
- Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
- Product energy consumption and performance can be measured and verified with testing.
- Labeling would effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.
You may have a high-end model refrigerator that’s been with your for ten years or may be even more, but it’s been eating your budget ever since. Newer models of appliances are built with energy-saving features that allow you to save from $100-200 of energy costs annually. Energy-saving appliances can be expensive but you can save more on your electric bills in four years or so which substantiates for those extra costs.
If you replace your older model with an Energy Star high-efficiency dishwasher, you can definitely save money on your electric bill since you’ll be using 25% less energy than an older model. Other than that, you’ll also be saving 5,000 gallons of water annually. Thus, you can save money, energy and water all at the same time with an Energy Star high-efficiency dishwasher.
When you’re going “greener”, saving water is your greatest contribution to mankind and to planet Earth. Experts have forecasted that fresh water may become planet Earth’s most valuable resource. Saving up water today will give everyone enough water in the near future.
Almost all American homes are equipped with a washer and dryer. However, utilizing a 10-15 year old washer or dryer, will only make electric bills higher than what you can afford to pay. Purchasing green appliances, such as green washers and dryers can be costly but in the long run, you get to save a lot.
So, getting your old washer out of your home and swapping it with a horizontal axis washing machine, is your smartest and the most economical choices you’ll ever take for a longer term. The replacement is a sure opportunity for you to save up $120 a year or even more on your electric bills, which can still compensate for the price of your newly bought horizontal axis washing machine. Aside from saving up energy and money, these machines have other advantages as well.
Horizontal axis machines can fit into smaller spaces. Other than this, they’re quieter and allow you to wash large loads of laundry while using lesser amount of detergent. That way, you’re only putting fewer chemicals into your home’s waste water stream.
On the other hand, getting a dryer that’s equipped with moisture and temperature sensors is also one of the best green choices you’ll be making. Unlike other dryers that run for a set time, a moisture-temperature-sensor-equipped dryer will shut off earlier if the clothes inside it are already dry enough. Other than your energy savings, you can even save your clothes from possible wear and tear and you don’t have to keep on replacing them as well.
Compared to conventional models of dryers, sealed combustion gas clothes dyers use up lesser energy. It’s also beneficial for your health since they expel only a few gases that get into your home. But among all the dyers mentioned, nothing could ever beat the greenest and the most traditional way of drying your clothes.
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Tags: Energy Efficient Improvements, Energy Savings, Green Homes, Green Investment
Categories : Bathrooms, Design, Energy Efficient Improvements, Energy Star, Financing, Green Homes, Home Energy Rating, Kitchen, Refinance, Rehabs, Remodeling
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