I am working with a couple of clients and a  builder in building a couple of custom homes.  In trying to keep costs down for my clients I did a little research on flooring.  My clients want flooring that will last and is extremely durable.  My first thought was tile.  Not saying tile is not a good thing as there are some beautiful tile floors out there, but it is expensive, especially if one is wanting their entire home done.  In my research I started to look at concrete.  I am amazed and excited about what is out there now.  I was in love with the colors and design elements available.   They also have cement floors that look like wood floors complete with nail holes!  I countinued my search and found countertops as well that look like wood as well as many other designs and styles.  It seems to be limitless to what one can do!  The color palette is endless.  The best part of it all is that they are cheaper then tile floors, but yet just as durable, perfect in wet areas such as kitchens and baths and will last and last!  My clients are excited as well.  I need to add that staining your concrete floors does not have to be done during construction.  They also can do existing homes.  I found a local company in my area that does this and I am excited and will keep y’all updated with pictures as construction commences.  Remember when choosing a contractor, be careful and do your homework.  Check their references, experience and the Better Business Bureau and read my post on ”Choosing the Right Contractor.”

Howdy y’all!  I want to say I have been receiving some wonderful emails from folks all over the globe!  I do appreciate the emails and want to thank those that read my blog.

When looking to remodel your home  there are a few things to keep in mind.  Materials and colors you use are important.  Unless you are staying in your home forever, keep colors neutral.  To increase the value of your home per square foot when doing your floors, use flooring materials such as real wood, tile, granite or marble.  There are so many great products out there so shop around.  As far as interior and exterior, paint is probably the least expensive, but can also add value believe it or not.  It gives your home a fresh look and makes it more appealing.  Take a look at the home below as an example.  The home was completely repainted to include the brick and shutters were added for curb appeal.  This home is in my market area and just by painting the exterior added at least $5,000 to the market price!  Big improvment I think!

Before exterior Painted

After painted

When looking to add a room or bedroom or make a larger bedroom into two bedrooms, it is best to seek professional advice in your area such as someone in home design and architecture.  I know it may cost a little more upfront, but it can save you literally thousands in the end.  More bedrooms is not necessarily better.  You want your home to flow and the more open it is the larger it will feel.  Research is important before you remodel.  You do not want to “over” improve and price your home out of the area.  Keep it in line with values and improvements in your neighborhood and read my article on “Choosing A Contractor.”  Keep the emails coming and if you have any “before” and “after” photos and want to show off your home, send them my way and I will be glad to post them and once again thank you for reading my blog!

Ok folks, I made an error and I am the first to admit it.  I received an email from a friend of a cute “silo” home.  I was told it was located in Canada.  I searched Canada far and wide.  I even contacted the builders association to no avail.  I think they must of thought I was crazy when I tried to describe this home!  Well so without being able to verify, I thought the home was too cute not to post.  Needless to say after doing more research, I found it!  It is right in my own backyard so to speak!  It is located in New Braunfels, Texas, only a couple hundred miles from me.  Now that I have wiped the egg from my face, I am going to give you the link.  It is actually an Inn.  It is called the Gruene Homestead Inn and it is a bread and breakfast.  They have several other properties there as well where you may stay, relax and enjoy peace and serenity.  I spoke to Donna at the Gruene Homestead Inn and she was very pleasant, helpful and friendly and I can only assume a nite or two here would be heaven.  Check it out on the web at http://www.gruenehomesteadinn.com/silo.htm and if you book a trip, be sure to tell them you saw it on my blog!  (I also posted the direct link on the left)

Kitchen/living room

Kitchen

Entry

Bath Beautiful tile!

Bath

Bedroom

Moving day

Silo2

Amazing!

How many times have you painted a ceiling only to discover after it has dried that you missed spots after you have put the paint and ladder away and cleaned the paint brushes?   I know I have many times.  It is so frustrating.  Well no more frustration….I was reading about a paint product by Sherwin Williams called Visible Solutions ceiling paint.  It goes on violet and dries bright white in 20 minutes.  It says it is a one coat paint.  No more missed spots!!  Not sure how long this product has been on the market, but I am going to have to try it as it sounds great!   Check it out at www.sherwin-williams.com.

Howdy y’all!  I am looking for homeowners who want to show off their homes.  I am wanting before and after pictures of home improvements to post on my blog with a little back ground of the project, costs, time, etc. from “weekend warriors” like myself.  No project is too big or small and I am sure that I, as well as others who read my blog, will be be inspired and amazed….oh and maybe a little envious too.

Folks it is getting to that time of year once again when we are looking at updating and improving our homes. I found this article on Sharper Agent and wanted to share. It just may save the tylenol for another day!

The Most Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Choosing the Right Contractor

Americans spend billions of dollars on construction and home remodeling each year. Many homeowners have discovered that improving their present residence with an updated kitchen, an additional bathroom, new windows or a new roof can be a more prudent investment than purchasing a new residence. However, adding a room or updating a kitchen can cost more than a new car, and consumers should take some time and care in planning a costly home improvement project. Unfortunately, most consumers spend less time choosing a contractor than they do choosing a car. Here is a checklist of important things to consider before starting any major construction project:

The Do’s

Do plan your project carefully.
Do shop around before hiring a contractor.
Do get at least three written bids on your project.
Do provide all contractors with accurate plans or drawings that will enable them to determine the scope and cost of work when requesting bids.
Do check with the Contractors State License Board to make sure the contractor is properly licensed, and to check the status and disciplinary history of the license.
Do check out contractors with your local building department, trade associations or unions, consumer protection agency, and the Better Business Bureau.
Do look at work the contractor has completed.
Do ask your contractor to furnish a completion or contract bond.
Do consult with more than one lending institution regarding the type of loan to obtain.
Do ask your lender to recommend a funding-control company.
Do make sure your contract provides for a “retention,” a percentage of each payment or of the total job, ordinarily 10 percent, which you retain until the job is completed.
Do make sure everything you and your contractor have agreed to is included in your contract, and don’t sign anything until you understand and agree with all terms.
Do ask your contractor about inconveniences that may occur, and plan accordingly.
Do keep a job file.
Do make sure you receive unconditional lien releases from subcontractors and material suppliers.
Do make frequent inspections of the work, including a final walk-through.
Do consult an attorney if a mechanics’ lien is filed against your property.
Do negotiate with the contractor first if problems or disagreements occur.

The Don’ts

Don’t hire an unlicensed contractor.
Don’t hire a contractor without first shopping around.
Don’t be fooled or pressured by a smooth-talking salesperson. Take the time and effort to make sure that the person or business doing your home improvement is going to perform in a professional manner.
Don’t act as an owner/builder, unless you are very experienced in construction.
Don’t sign anything until you completely understand it and agree to the terms.
Don’t make agreements with subcontractors or workers without consulting the prime contractor.
Don’t pay cash without a proper receipt.
Don’t make a down payment that exceeds the legal limit, usually ten percent.
Don’t let your payments get ahead of the contractor’s completed work.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions of the contractor.
Don’t make final payment until you are satisfied with the job.

Painting
If you’re planning to sell your home in a year or two, a fresh coat of a neutral-toned paint could make the sale easier. A professional exterior paint job may also recoup close to 75% of its cost. Let’s face it - we all like things fresh-looking.
 
Kitchen  
With just a few basic improvements, your kitchen can practically pay you back with interest! New paint, wallpaper and flooring are always appreciated; plus, you might even consider sanding, staining or painting worn-looking cabinets. Replacing old cabinet hardware is a low-cost improvement that makes a big difference in appearance. According to Remodeling magazine, the average spent on major kitchen-remodeling is around $39,000; refinishing an outdated one averaged $15,000. The full kitchen remodeling recouped 80% of its cost, the more moderate remodeling was valued at 87%.

Area Conversions
Generally speaking, increasing the functional space of your home holds its value longer than remodeling just to make a house look better. It’s also much less expensive than adding an addition to your home. Converting attic space into a bedroom, for example, usually costs around $30,000 and returns about 73% of its cost, according to Remodeling magazine. Turning your basement into extra living space costs, on average, $40,000, with a recoup average of about 69% of your costs.
 
Extra Bathroom
You usually can’t go wrong by adding an extra bathroom. At an average cost of $14,200, a new full bath can recoup 81% of its total cost!
 

Deck
Adding a deck is a very cost-efficient way to add square footage to your house. Decks cost around $6,000 and generally recoup 75% of their value. Compared to other outdoor improvements (except painting), that’s an excellent return.
 
New Windows
Your utility bill savings may make up for the iffy resale value, however, a good set of standard windows should get you around 68% back. If you start getting too fancy with custom shapes and sizes, though, don’t expect to get as much in return.
 
Swimming Pool
In a word - don’t! Unless you’re putting it in for you and your family to enjoy, it’s commonly agreed that a swimming pool has no resale value at all. Reason #1? Sure, they sound nice, but pools are very expensive to maintain. Running a close second is the fear of pool accidents - that’s something nobody wants to experience.
 
Picture-Perfect Gardens
Another nicety, but who’s going to spend all that time - and money? If the potential buyer is not horticulturally inclined, chances are your floral handiwork won’t add to the offering price. The same can be said for expensive fences and stone walls - they look nice, but buyers don’t pay up for them.
 
Basic Is Better
It may not sound very exciting, but it’s the basic improvements you make to your home that may have the greatest return on its value: a beautiful new bathroom won’t make up for a leaky roof. So if you’re thinking of selling your house in the next year or so, be sure to address any problems the home may have before you, say, install those sunken gardens you’ve always dreamed of.

Courtesy of the “Real Estate Advisor“