Rehab projects not for everyone

Are you ready to tackle a fixer-upper?

Buying a house that needs some TLC can be rewarding, said Matthew Provenzano, a Sewickley real estate investor who’s bought, rehabbed and sold many older western Pennsylvania homes in the past 10 years.

“You have the ability to buy a house at less than market value and make it your own,” he said. “Rehabbing a house can be fun, and it’s something you’ll take pride in for many years.”
However, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few basic questions to ask before you buy an older house that needs work.

• Can I see beyond cosmetics? A DIY home might be right for you, Provenzano said, if you have a basic understanding of mechanicals (heating, plumbing, electrical systems) and a bit of vision. “For instance, a home might not be selling because it has a cramped galley kitchen. If you can envision what it would look like with a wall knocked out, you might get a great value.”

• Did I get a home inspection? An inspection is a good starting point, said Gina Mercurio, a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway in Sewickley. But be aware that even the most thorough inspection may not show all problems; issues with the roof, gutters and chimney may develop with time, or it may be too cold to inspect the air conditioning system. “Exterior conditions are often overlooked, too,” Mercurio said. “Trees, for instance, can cause mold and clog gutters, adding to basement moisture.”

• What will renovations cost? Most mortgages don’t allow for renovation expenses, so a DIY-er needs a certain amount of cash in hand, Provenzano said. “I use a spreadsheet and itemize every item. Before I hire any contractor, I always get four or five quotes.”

• Do I have the resources to handle unexpected issues? It’s the rare rehab project that comes in under -- or even close to -- budget. “After the demolition and renovations begin, dreams tend to increase, and buyers want bigger, better, and more,” Mercurio said. Unforeseen problems and delays -- the warehouse sent the wrong size windows, for instance -- tend to crop up once work is underway. A good rule of thumb? Budget 25 percent more than the quote for each job, said Provenzano, and have patience with what can seem like an endless process.

• Do I have enough experience? You need to know what you can handle, and what’s better left to the pros. Mercurio said that buyers often make the mistake of thinking they can complete a DIY project without addressing the underlying problems. “Oftentimes, buyers talk about how they’ll knock down a wall to open up a room without considering if the wall is load-bearing,” she said. “Or, maybe they want to add a master suite on a third floor, with no knowledge of how the plumbing will be run.”

• What do similar homes in the area sell for? You want to be able to get your money out of the house, even if you’re not planning to sell right away. “People go in and buy a house and throw an exorbitant amount of money at it because their friends tell them it will sell for $500,000,” said Provenzano. “You need to be smart about it and research the area; every dollar you spend over market value, you won’t get back.”

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How to Tell if Your DIY Project Is a Disaster—and How to Dig Out

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When you first envisioned your renovation project, it was the stuff of rainbow-colored daydreams. A few weekends of manual labor, a forcibly fun painting party, and your house would be totally transformed. A new you!

Indeed, it was fun for a while. The first weekend you blasted out the walls, ripped up the floors and channeled your inner Bob Vila.

That was 11 weekends ago.

Since then you’ve taped some stuff off, laid down some plywood and covered everything with plastic tarp so the settling dust wouldn’t get into your morning coffee. Is it time to accept you are in over your head? Maybe. Or maybe not. You might need a good contractor, but you also might be able to rally and get this done yourself. Here’s how to tell:

1. Are you on the highway to the danger zone?

Even small DIY home projects are risky (safety first, kids!), but have you tackled something that really could land you in an ER waiting room? Some projects are better left to the pros.

“Anything that involves permitted trades like electric, plumbing, or HVAC repair,” says Sabine H. Schoenberg, founder of PrimeSitesCT and host of ThisNewHouse. “Trade licenses mean something, and you really do not want to learn on your own house.”

Look at your project from a safety perspective. If you could do serious damage to yourself—or your house—you might be better off quitting while you’re ahead.

2. Going through ch-ch-changes?

Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. Sometimes, even a knuckleball! Maybe work has gotten busier. Maybe that one-day-a-week volunteer project has taken way more effort than you thought. Maybe your kid joined the varsity Serbo-Croatian debate team. Sometimes, you find that you just don’t have the time or energy to finish a DIY project. And when that happens, you may decide that it’s easier to let it languish than deal with it.

“It’s OK to admit it to yourself,” Schoenberg says.

If you’ve been too busy lately to devote any time to your project, ask yourself how long your preoccupation might last. If you can give yourself a solid deadline to get back to the project, stick with it. If you can’t, call for backup.

3. Missing a piece of the puzzle?

Money is often a big factor in why DIY projects go dormant. If you’ve been waiting weeks (or months) to save up for an expensive piece of your project, change your approach.

Check secondhand construction stores such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. You can also hunt for missing pieces in antique stores, flea markets, and on sites like Craigslist. Secondhand materials can save you a bundle.

4. More gusto than knowledge?

At some point we’ve all gotten excited about a DIY project and dived right in, only to realize later that we can’t do everything we thought we could.

If you’re stuck on a part of a project (how do you get those tiles to lie evenly, anyway?), you might be able to teach yourself. Search for how-to videos online—including realtor.com’s library of free video guides.

Know when to call for help—and how to get it

Of course, learn-at-home videos aren’t foolproof. If you’re still at a loss simply watching the pros, it might be better to bring them in, in person—even if it’s only for part of your project.

“Finding pros who want to step into a project started by a DIY person is not easy,” Schoenberg says.
But it can be done. Just make sure you’re clear with the contractor. Explain that you need help with this part, but ultimately want to finish the job yourself.

You’ll save some cash overall, but don’t expect the pro to work for cheap.

“They know they will likely have to rip out and redo a bunch of installations,” Schoenberg says. “To price that is difficult.”

But be careful when you’re looking for a contractor.

“The only way to gauge things a bit is by multiple bids,” Schoenberg says. “The right price is usually in the middle. Toss the highest and the lowest numbers.”

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The positives of remodelling, renovating our homes

Bob Weinstein | Living Better

Reflecting on my prior columns about remodelling and renovating our homes, I tended to focus more on the negatives rather than the positive side of a remodelling project. The reason for concentrating on unforeseen problems, hidden costs and surprises was to open homeowners’ minds so that they approach remodelling projects prepared for all eventualities, especially expensive surprises that could turn a relatively simple project into an overwhelming and expensive nightmare.

Over the past decade, the DIY market has catapulted into a multi-billion dollar niche industry. What better evidence than the proliferation of DIY magazines, newsletters, and especially DIY websites and network and cable television shows? A wealth of information is available on virtually any home project. For the most part, the information is excellent and comprehensive, especially if it’s coming from knowledgeable and articulate professionals. By the same token, some of the information is too simplistic, because it stresses project positives over negatives, when both ought to be given equal space and importance. While I don’t always hit my mark, my goal is to give readers the whole story — the truth — so they approach all projects, simple or complex, with open minds prepared for all eventualities.

Looking back, I failed to spotlight the positives, which are the reasons why we undergo the expense and headache of a remodelling or renovation project, and the accompanying upheaval, which turn our lives topsy-turvy. Temporary chaos is disconcerting and stressful, and we can’t wait till we return order and structure to our nests, and our daily routines.

That said, here are some positives to consider if contemplating a remodelling or renovation project:
Increase value of home. Although disconcerting and disruptive, most remodelling projects increase the value of our homes. Realtors throughout North America say that updating and remodelling bathrooms and kitchens can significantly increase the value of our homes, for example.

Maintain structural integrity. Our homes are no different than all the inanimate objects in our lives, such as our cars, trucks and the myriad electronics and technological gadgets, from cell phones and video games to televisions and smart homes that make our lives easier and more efficient. Over time, pipes break, wood rots, paint fades and electrical wiring and plumbing deteriorate. Whether we do the work ourselves or hire people to do it for us, there is no escaping obligatory home-maintenance projects. Fail to maintain our homes, and they will go to seed.

Opportunity to clean house and eliminate clutter. Remodelling projects are the ideal time to delcutter our homes. Many people, myself included, have a hard time getting rid of stuff they no longer use. During the upheaval of a remodelling project is when homeowners see the futility of hanging onto things that serve no purpose. It’s an opportunity to either give stuff away to people who could use it or throw it away if it serves no purpose or is broken.

Change improves our lives. Scholars and social scientists have written countless books and articles about our ambivalence toward change — why we fear it and why it’s so vital for improving our lives. People fear change because they’ve become so comfortable in their routines, they reason that they must be the best way to do things. But that’s only an excuse, a flawed justification for maintaining the status quo. To improve and better our lives, we must change the way we do things. To achieve that end, we must embrace the unknown and take chances. This applies not only to our homes, but to all aspects of our lives — our feelings, attitudes, jobs and friends. Once we embrace change and see the benefits, a door opens in our minds. We become more flexible and open-minded, and welcome the excitement, fun and process of discovery, all of which make change so vital for learning and growth.

Bob Weinstein is editor-in-chief of Edmonton-based the Global Times, a news and commentary website, author of SO WHAT IF I’M 65 and an obsessive do-it-yourselfer.

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Renovation Solutions: Common oversights when remodeling

By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer

 

 

After: Dedicating part of the budget to landscaping will enhance the final project. That may include both hardscape (like patios, walks, etc.) and softscape (plants).

We find it a healthy exercise to talk about mistakes as a way to inform homeowners and to help them dodge a bullet or two. Here are a few more potential areas for problems during a renovation project and some advice on how to avoid them.

Editor's note: This is the third in a series about avoiding common remodeling mistakes. The first is "Avoiding common home remodeling mistakes" and the second is "5 tips to avoiding costly remodeling mistakes." Both are on deseretnews.com in the Family section. Portions of this column were previously published.

This month, we are discussing common home remodeling mistakes. We find it a healthy exercise to talk about mistakes as a way to inform homeowners and to help them dodge a bullet or two. Here are a few more potential areas for problems during a renovation project and some advice on how to avoid them.

Consider the landscaping.

One of the most common oversights when remodeling is not having a budget for repairing or replacing landscaping once the project is complete.


It is fairly obvious that projects involving additions will impact your yard, but even interior-only projects can affect the exterior of a home. The driveway and possibly part of the yard will be used to stage supplies and equipment, and the main access to the project will probably not be the front door, so workers and equipment may traipse around the house and through the yard.

Homeowners usually don’t think about replacing or repairing the landscaping until they see how torn up the yard may be by the end of the project.

The second reason to focus on landscaping is that it goes out of style just as other design elements do. You don’t do yourself any favors by leaving the giant 30-year-old, spider-infested pfitzers in front of your newly updated home, even if they do survive the contractors.

Landscaping always pulls the short stick because by the time the homeowners have spent their last dime on remodeling the home, they don’t have the capital to create a new and beautiful yard to match the new and improved structure. They may not even have the funds to get the yard back to where it was before the remodel. The best time to refurbish the landscaping is right after a remodeling project, when the yard is at least partially demolished. It is smart to put aside some money for landscaping as part of the project, so you don’t have to pay to tear up the yard again next year.

Avoid inferior materials.

Last week we mentioned that remodeling is something you usually do only once or twice in a lifetime. This next piece of advice goes specifically to the brave do-it-yourself remodeler, but it also applies to anyone trying to save money on their remodel. We understand sticking to a budget.

Honestly, we are all about stretching the dollar and getting the most bang for your buck. However, there comes a point when penny-pinching goes too far.

Don’t sacrifice quality on basic, long-term materials and fixtures. The bottom line is you get what you pay for. If you can’t afford to do it right, you should probably wait until you can. A better way to lower the cost of the whole project without sacrificing quality is by shaving off square footage with smart design. Remember, a project is priced out by a cost per square foot. With the right design, you can actually save money on gross square footage, which can then be put toward quality materials.

Think about everyday design.

Remodeling is not cheap, so it doesn’t make sense to undertake a remodel that doesn’t benefit your everyday life. For example: the bonus room.

We feel bad when we see someone spend money on a bonus room that simply adds square footage to the house. Most days, it just sits there unused with no purpose other than being available if the family should need it occasionally. When a client comes to us and says they are thinking of adding a bonus room, we say, “Why do you want a bonus room? What activities or function will it serve?” Often it is a question that they cannot answer. Even with an extra room, families will have the same problems with the rest of their house that they have always had. This kind of remodel won’t solve anything.

A good remodel that reconfigures a home’s existing space or possibly adds a small addition can do wonders for a family’s everyday life if it addresses a critical need or situation. When you are thinking about a remodel or an addition, think about how the space you are adding will impact your life every day. Realtors and bankers love square footage above all else; architects don’t. If you don’t have a good reason for creating additional space, it is our opinion that you are wasting your money.
Choose to go green.

When you are cutting into the walls, floors or roof of your home, this is the time to beef up the insulation to make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Not choosing to go with green appliances, windows, equipment and materials is a mistake on several different levels. You will have to consider pay-back schedules and returns on investment as you make vital decisions. This is the same idea as not updating the electrical or plumbing when the wires or pipes are exposed.

If you open up the wall and see a problem, fix it. Sustainable designs and green options are a new classic worth investing in. Consider tankless water heaters and ductless HVAC systems.

The more-efficient systems will cost more money up front, but it will be worth it in the long run. It is smart to invest in the efficiency of your home.

Have a contingency fund.

You will have issues with your project if you design to use every last penny of your budget. It is not really that difficult to understand that every remodeling project has its own surprises. Because this is residential construction, the issues are not usually huge, but they almost always require extra money to solve. While a few hundred or even thousand dollars is not a lot in the big picture of things, it can seem insurmountable when thrown at you during the stress of a remodeling project. On the other hand, if you know you have that contingency fund, the mountain becomes a much more manageable molehill. We recommend that you set aside 5 to 10 percent of the total budget for your contingency fund.

We hope this discussion is helpful and not discouraging. Overall, we can’t stress enough the importance of planning ahead! Plan, plan, plan. The more details you figure out before construction begins, the better off you will be and the fewer mistakes you will make.

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Renovation Solutions: 5 tips to avoiding costly remodeling mistakes

By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer

Some common remodeling mistakes are easy to avoid or fix and others seriously impact a project’s budget and how much a home remodel actually costs. This week we will discuss the more costly mistakes to avoid.

Editor's note: This is the second in a series about avoiding common remodeling mistakes. The first is "Avoiding common home remodeling mistakes" and is on deseretnews.com in the Family section. Also, portions of this column were previously published deseretnews.com.

Last week, we started a discussion on common remodeling mistakes. This week we will continue by highlighting some additional common remodeling mistakes that impact a project’s budget and how much a home remodel actually costs.

Remodeling represents a substantial investment of time and energy, so no one wants it to cost more than it has to. Most people experience a major remodel only once or twice in their lifetime, so there isn’t much room for trial and error. Here are some of the more common costly mistakes to try to avoid.

1. Doing projects out of sequence
There is nothing more costly for a remodeling project than doing the same project twice due to poor planning and improper project sequencing. Don’t redo the landscaping and add a deck when you are planning an addition next year. Usually people do projects as they can afford them — maybe windows this year and new deck next year. There is nothing wrong with this idea as long as you have a master plan you are following.

It is frustrating when clients come to us wanting a home remodel only to find out they just replaced all their windows. Windows have a huge impact on the architectural design of a house. Working around the new windows is going to limit the design potential of the home. Often clients end up having to pay to remove and re-install or re-order some of the windows, and some end up having to buy all new windows again to match the style of their dream home.

2. Blowing the budget
The client who stays within a budget is the client who plans ahead. The more detailed the project plans are, the more accurate the bids and the more realistic the budget. Making all the selections of finishes and equipment prior to commencing construction will allow you to get the big picture and consider the complete cost of the project. In addition, we recommend reserving 5 to 10 percent of the proposed budget as a contingency for the unexpected challenges of a remodeling project. Architects and engineers do the best they can to anticipate potential issues, but it is only when you cut into the walls, floors and ceiling that you know the whole story.

3. Gutting too soon
We cringe when we see someone decide they want to remodel and start tearing down walls without a plan. First, the planning stage takes months. It will likely be three to six months from initial project inception before permits are secured and construction can begin. If you are overly excited about beginning the project, you may end up living in a construction zone far longer than you need to or be faced with rebuilding walls you could have saved when you took a sledgehammer to your house without a plan.

4. Overbuilding for the neighborhood
Overbuilding occurs when homeowners sink too much money into a house when either the market or the location (or both) cannot support the extent of the remodeling project. In an attempt to recapture their remodeling costs when selling, homeowners then price themselves out of their market.

While fewer people these days are remodeling for a quick resale, you still need to think about how your remodeling choices will affect the future resale potential of your property.

It is best to consult a real estate agent in the planning stage of your remodel to ask three questions:
• What realistic value would the Realtor place on your house "as is"?
• What is the price range of homes that are selling in your area?
• In the Realtor's opinion, what home improvements will most improve your home's resale value?
5. Not staying involved in the process

The homeowner is the most integral part of a remodeling team. It is important to stay involved throughout the project. If you aren’t living in the house during construction, we recommend visiting your project almost every day. Contractors’ questions need to be answered as quickly as possible, and errors can be nipped in the bud if you are paying attention. Sometimes, interesting design opportunities are revealed, especially during the framing phase. If you don’t feel comfortable managing this aspect of the project, keep your architect involved during the construction phase.

Good luck and remember, the more you plan and prepare for your remodel, the more likely you will be to avoid these costly mistakes.

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Five Remodeling Ideas for Your Living Room

 

 

A living room is the hub of a home, and host to celebrations, family gatherings and movie marathons. According to the Remodeling 2014 Cost vs. Value report, a midrange family room addition costs $80,765 and you can recoup 68.8% of the cost during resale. Use these tips as inspiration to create a more functional living room, while adding value to your home.

Incorporate a home office area

Designate an area for a multipurpose office space that everyone in the family can use. If your desk space and family computer are in plain sight, they are likely to get more use than when located in a separate home office.

Extend your space outdoors

Add a multi-season sunroom directly off your living room to enjoy year-round. Work closely with your builder to mimic your home's original style and structure so the new addition feels like a seamless extension of your house. The additional square footage will also add to your home's value.

Update your windows

Replacing windows can be expensive, but installing energy-efficient windows will cut down on your current energy bills over the course of time. If you have active kids or live in an area prone to severe weather, consider impact-resistant windows. These will help protect against damage to the house and could reduce home insurance premiums.

Add customized storage

Finding a discreet place for media systems, personal items and extra storage can be difficult. Custom built-ins will showcase your belongings and keep your main living space organized. Add recessed lighting inside the shelves for a streamlined way to highlight your favorite personal items and books.

Manage your home technology from a mobile device

Install a budget-friendly speaker system that you can control from your mobile device. You can also manage lighting, heating and cooling systems and surround sound on any mobile device using home automation technology.

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Renovation Solutions: Tips for energy efficient homes in winter

By Ann Robinson & Annie V. Schwemmer

BEFORE: To make their home more energy efficient and yet preserve some original charm, these clients sandwiched their original leaded-glass windows panes into new Pella Wiindows frames.

Renovation Design Group

One of the most important parts of the heating system in a house actually has nothing to do with the mechanical heating unit. This refers to the insulation found in the home.

It is that time of year again: time to start heating the house. Many of us hold out as long as possible, but the old “put on a sweater” or “grab a blanket” routine will only last a few more weeks at most! Our lovely fall weather can’t last forever.

Many people, especially homeowners living in older homes with outdated heating systems or poor insulation, find there is something to be desired when the heat kicks on.

Inefficient heating systems struggle on two levels. First, they don’t do a very good job keeping the house steadily warm and second, they cost more to run. A forced-air furnace or a boiler can be replaced without remodeling your home. However, during a major remodeling project, the mechanical equipment can be relocated as well as replaced, and the ductwork can also be reconfigured to add more ceiling height to some areas.

If you are adding square footage during a remodel, this will change the requirements of the heating system. Heating systems are designed based on the size of the house. A loose rule of thumb is that one forced-air furnace generally handles about 2,000 square feet. If you are expanding beyond that, a second unit may be required.

One of the most important parts of the heating system in a house actually has nothing to do with the mechanical heating unit. It's the insulation found in the home.

In a new home, insulation is added in the walls, attic/roof, under concrete slabs and in crawl spaces. Older homes were built with far less (or no) thought as to how to insulate these areas, so part of every remodeling project should be to update the overall energy efficiency of your home as much as possible.

Insulation is rated in R-values. R-value is the measurement that tells you how well your insulation will resist heat flow or heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the better the efficiency. The government’s energy conservation recommendations for R-values depends on climate and varies by ZIP code.

For most of Utah, the ceiling is recommended to have an R-value of 38, the mass wall R-value should be 19 and the floor R-value should be 30. Washington County, with its warmer climate, requires less insulation, with a required ceiling R-value of 30, mass wall R-value of 8 and floor R-value of 19. Up north in the Cache County, the numbers are slightly higher to combat the colder winters, with the recommended ceiling R-value of 49, mass wall R-value of 19 and floor R-value of 30.

Adding insulation to an existing house can be a do-it-yourself project for the ambitious homeowner or you can hire a professional insulation contractor. Either way, the first step is determining the extent of the existing insulation — not an easy proposition. If you have a brick home built before about 1950, there is essentially no insulation in your walls. Houses from the 1950s and '60s have minimal insulation. In the 1970s, efficiency became more important, though the technology of insulation has obviously improved over the last 40-some years.

Adding insulation to the older masonry home has to be done by adding rigid insulation to the exterior and resurfacing the house with another exterior material, such as stucco or cement fiber board; on the interior, you essentially need to build an new stud wall, add insulation and add new gypsum board (sheet rock).

For a wood-frame house, blowing insulation into an existing stud wall can be done by cutting small holes in between each stud. If you go to the extent of removing the interior sheet rock to add more or new insulation, the well-known pink fiberglass blankets are still available, but other options are being used more now — blown-in cellulose and sprayed-on foam are two of the most common.
While each type of insulation has its own pros and cons, the quality of the installation of the material is critical in the overall efficiency of the project.

Adding weather stripping around doors and windows is another way to keep heat from escaping during the winter. Just make sure as you make your home more air-tight and more energy efficient that you always address indoor air quality, too. Less air exchanges (of indoor air for fresh outdoor air) means a more efficient house, but may it may also risk compromising indoor air quality. You may need to add a unit called a heat recovery ventilator to pull more fresh air into your home as the exterior envelope gets tighter.

Older, inefficient windows are not much more than holes in your outside walls. Even the best windows have a much lower R-value than the surrounding walls, but double-paned insulated units which are properly installed and flashed will make a significant impact on your energy bill.
You have several window choices in terms of materials for the window frames, namely wood, vinyl or fiberglass. In addition to being maintenance free, there are many styles of windows from which to choose; these should obviously be coordinated with the style of your home.

Part of the charm of older homes is often found in their windows. For instance, many homes built in the first part of the 20th century have windows made of wood and leaded glass. These are high maintenance units that could hardly be less energy efficient, but they surely look terrific. One of our clients with fabulous original windows went to great lengths to preserve the look of the front of the house. With the help of a local company, the client actually sandwiched her existing leaded windows into a new window unit which preserved the look and updated the efficiency of the windows. This is a much better-looking and more efficient option than the outdated approach of adding storm windows when winter approaches.

Taking advantage of some or all of these updates will make winter more comfortable this year and your energy bill more affordable. Once you know the cost of one or more of these updates and the potential monthly energy savings, you can calculate a return-on-investment schedule to know when your break-even point will be. You can contribute to the health of the planet and make the approach of winter a much more pleasant thought by upgrading the energy efficiency of your home.

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William Shatner does Home Renovation

William Shatner stars in home-renovation show, how to use wood pallets safely and do you need replacement windows? 

William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth star in the DIY Network's newest celebrity home renovation series, "The Shatner Project." DIY Network 

 

SHATNER RENOVATES HOME: Pop culture icon William Shatner is the star of the DIY Network's newest celebrity home renovation series, "The Shatner Project." The series, which

premieres on Thursday, Oct. 23, shows how Shatner copes as project manager of his own home remodeling.

Shatner and his wife Elizabeth renovate their 1970s-style California home, including turning the front patio area into the perfect place for big family parties, and remodeling the media room.

If you've used wood pallets for DIY projects, what are your best tips? Share in the comments.

The premiere episode features the Shatners, with the help of a designer and a construction crew, swinging sledgehammers to help demolish old cabinets, countertops and tile in their kitchen.
"The Shatner Project" premieres at 10 p.m.

USING WOOD PALLETS SAFELY:  Using wood pallets for DIY projects is popular right now because woodworkers like the rustic look of pallets, and usually they can be obtained for free. But there are risks, says Elmer's Glue, which makes wood glues.

Many pallets are treated with toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and fungicides. Pallets that were used to transport vegetables may carry germs; pallets that were stored outdoors could be infested with mold or insects. Here are some tips for using pallets safely from Elmer's, which makes wood glues:
 Determine if the pallet was chemically treated. Pallets that are used domestically are generally heat-treated or kiln dried and are the safest to use. Most international pallets are treated with chemicals. Do not use pallets stamped with MG for any projects or as firewood. Avoid colored pallets; they are frequently used to carry chemicals.

 If it looks as if chemicals leaked or spilled onto a pallet, choose another one. Don't use pallets stored outdoors for indoor décor items.

 Prep your pallet by scrubbing it with bleach and warm water outdoors. Allow it to dry completely.
Always wear gloves, dust masks and safety glasses while sanding pallet wood. Never use repurposed pallet wood in projects involving food, children's toys or children's furniture.

If you're not sure if a recycled pallet is safe to use, research local companies or Internet sources that sell new ones.

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Jennie Garth's Four Easy Tips to Decorate Your Home

Jennie Garth attends Watch What Happens Live, June 28, 2014. 

Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

 

Actress Jennie Garth is best known for having starred in the iconic “Beverly Hills, 902010,” but now she’s taking on home improvement. 

In “The Jennie Garth Project,” a series on HGTV, viewers follow along as the 42-year-old actress purchases a dated Hollywood Hills home and renovates it for herself and her three children.

 Garth appeared on “Good Morning America” on Thursday to share the knowledge she’s gained while remodeling her home. 

Here are some of her suggestions for sprucing up a home: 

Jennie’s Tips

1. Barn Doors. Interior barn doors add privacy without taking up floor space. They’re easy to install and can be done in just one weekend. You can use recycled or new doors to suit your budget, and you can choose traditional, rustic or contemporary hardware finishes to complement your style. You can chose either a single door that slides from one side to the other; a bi-parting door, consisting of two doors that meet in the middle; or a bypassing door, in which two doors are mounted inside a frame and slide one behind the other. 

2. DIY Medicine Cabinet. Medicine cabinets are a great way to solve storage situations in the bathroom, and they are easily installed, simple do-it-yourself projects. Choose a medicine cabinet that stands out in the same way that a piece of art does – especially if you consider adding a fun graphic pattern to the cabinet. Adding wallpaper inside a medicine cabinet also adds character and style. Check flea markets and garage sales for old medicine cabinets and spruce them up, then install them to enhance your space with vintage charm. You can also buy new medicine cabinets at a local home improvement or bath and bed specialty stores. 

3. Tile, tile, tile. Adding a glass tile backsplash to your bathroom is easier than you think, and it provides a way to bring contemporary class to any bathroom remodeling project. Consider using a laser level to save time on large tile projects, and, to personalize your project, add a tile border to complete the look. You can also revamp your existing tiles with tile paint and a grout pen. 

4. Custom Artwork. Create meaningful artwork that reflects your personality and life, and make sure to get your family involved so they can put their stamp on the space as well. Creating your own artwork is much cheaper than purchasing works from a gallery. Another idea is to get out some of your children’s old artwork, copy and enlarge it, and then frame it or decoupage it onto a canvas and display it in your home. 

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Hi Everyone!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Did you know that I'm the author of not just one, but thirteen books?  For more information, please visit www.charlesirion.com, www.irionbooks.com and/or www.summitmurdermystery.com  

 Here is a great article I thought was worth a share!

5 things to consider before a home renovation

There are some of us who think we can do everything. We take on multiple projects at a time, rarely say “no” and take a special level of pride in completing projects from start to finish on our own. We’re stubborn, proud and don’t mind rolling up our sleeves and getting down to business in order to get things done ourselves.

We want to do everything, even if that means driving ourselves crazy in the process.

However, when it comes to DIY projects around the house, especially if it’s pretty major project that you’d like to look beautiful and last for years (not to mention add value to your home), sometimes you just have to know when to DIY (Do it Yourself) or DIP (Do It Professionally). We recently learned our lesson and are so happy we knew when to throw in the towel.

As you know, we’re redoing our bathroom--re-tiling the walls, the floors, installing a new sink…. a fairly sizeable project. It started off earnestly enough; Eric tore up the floors, installed the sub floor and ripped out the old tile, while I got to work putting up new subway tile along the bottom half of the walls. We finished these portions of the project within a week, and then…. nothing. The bathroom sat half torn up for about three weeks. An out-of-town trip, followed by a death in the family, followed by both of us getting sick (me one week, him the next), meant no progress was made whatsoever. The walls sat half tiled, waiting for cuts and grout, and we took our time finding a sink that would work.

One morning, after almost a month since the project began, we looked at each other, looked at the bathroom and came to a realization: We were completely over trying to do this ourselves. The amount of time, stress we would put on ourselves, along with our relative inexperience in doing this kind of overhaul on an entire room pushed us over the edge. It was time to call in a pro.

So right now our pro, who helped us last year with the beautiful work of creating the open floor plan on our first floor, is finishing up the job in our bathroom. Although we love doing home projects on our own, we knew when it was time to hand it off.

Knowing when to bow out and leave it to the pros is a decision that can save time, money and stress to any homeowner. When you’re sitting on the fence about doing the project yourself or hiring someone to do the work for you, here are five questions you should ask yourself:

1. How skilled are you? This is the first, most important question you’ve got to ask yourself. Have you done a project like this before, or are you aware of all the steps and intricacies of the project? Are you generally handy, or do you need help switching out a light bulb? Take a step back and honestly assess your skill level. Chances are, even if you’re not skilled you can take on a project like tiling a backsplash, but steer clear of rerouting plumbing or electrical work throughout the house (or anything else that may be dangerous to do with little skill).

2. Are you on a deadline? Do you have a specific date you need to have the project finished by (out-of-town-guests, visitors, before a vacation, before the next holiday…)? Many times, no matter how skilled or determined you are, DIY projects can take much longer than you anticipate. As I’ve learned, unexpected circumstances can get in the way, and many times (especially if you work all day during the week) you just don’t want to devote hours every night after work to completing the project yourself. Also take into consideration how put out you will be by certain areas of your home being unusable during the reno. In our situation, we’re out of a toilet and a sink in our downstairs bathroom (thankfully we can use the shower during the reno, but have to rely on our upstairs half bath for everything else), which is a little annoying, but we’ve dealt with it. However, after a month of living this way, we couldn’t take it anymore.

3. Do you have the necessary tools? Research the project and make note of every tool you may need to complete it. Do you have them all? Can you borrow or rent them? If not, how much will it cost to buy everything you need? Always consider the tools before taking on a project yourself. If the job requires a $200 miter saw, consider the possibility that you’ll ever need to use this tool again. If you do end up buying it, add the cost to your overall project budget.

4. Are you on a strict budget? Budget is something to consider before any project, but when weighing the option to DIY versus hiring a professional, it’s especially important. Getting a quote from a handyman or contractor may be a little shocking at first, but usually the pro will include the materials needed, use of their tools, not to mention their high level of skill and time devoted to the project. You may think you’re cutting costs by DIYing, but every DIY project should include some kind of contingency fund for the inevitable time when things don’t quite go as expected (you need to buy new tiles after some break during cutting, you forgot to seal up your mortar and now it’s all dried out, your subfloor has water damage, etc.). Many times these unexpected costs will actually be more than what you would pay to hire a professional to do the job.

5. What else is going on in your life right now? Aside from skill level, this may be the most important factor in your decision. Is work busy right now? Do you have a lot of upcoming weekend plans? Is a big life change around the corner (planning a wedding, baby on the way)? If you’ve got a lot of outside stressors or plans coming up, you’ll save yourself so much anguish by hiring a pro. And those of you brave souls with little kiddos running around? Please consider going the professional route. If I’m stressing over completing a project and my biggest distraction is an interruption of my marathon of “The West Wing,” you definitely don’t want to have to worry about installing kitchen cabinets with a four year old tugging on your work belt the whole time. If you’re already stressing about something else, you’ll drive yourself crazy trying to tackle a renovation.

Of course, the decision is yours. There is a huge sense of satisfaction in completing a home renovation on your own. Nothing makes you feel like more of an accomplished adult (except, you know, maybe that whole “having a child” thing). But the route to get there is often filled with headaches, stubbed fingers, credit cards and (so, so many) swears. Weigh the options, consider the questions I’ve posed above and think realistically about the scope of your project.

Sometimes, even when you’re a stubborn, proud, do-it-all (like myself), it pays to know when to hand it off to a pro.

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The 10 Best Renovation Websites

 Hi Everyone!  Thank you for reading my blog!  Did you know that I'm the author of not just one, but thirteen books?  For more information, please visit www.charlesirion.com, www.irionbooks.com and/or www.summitmurdermystery.com 

 

The 10 Best Renovation Websites For Living Out Your Dream Home Fantasies

Any HGTV viewer knows that renovating is far easier said than done. That doesn't stop any of us from mentally making a few changes to our homes -- whether we own them or not -- even though we don't intend to hire a contractor anytime soon. Or, perhaps a renovation is actually within reach, but you're not pleased with the generic inspiration found at your local home superstore. No matter which camp you're in, you're bound to love these 10 websites that are for anyone who has ever looked at a wall...and thought about moving it.
Retro Renovation 


Best for: Anyone who doesn't think of a 1960s living room as a bad thing. Whether you're looking for resources for restoring your old home, adding retro flair to a newer place or just looking for the best midcentury inspired sofa, this is your heaven. I visit it daily.
Porch.com



Best for: Actually committing to the whole renovation thing. Here, you can easily find professionals in your area and look over their best work.
Houzz.com

Best for: Getting inspired to make changes big (overhauled kitchen) to small (paint color ideas) -- and seeing how hundreds of other people have done those very things.
Remodelista
Best for: Plotting your new, high-end dream home. Though the site has broadened its mission away from simply providing remodeling ideas (who would of thought?), you can still find great images waiting to be added to your "Dream Life" pinboard.
DIY Network
Best for: Finding practical advice and finding projects by budget. The network that brought you multiple Vanilla Ice-pegged reality shows has an exhaustive website that borders on overwhelming at times -- but they know their stuff.
This Old House
Best for: Fantasizing about a simpler, self-reliant life in a meticulously restored Victorian that was once nearly uninhabitable. It's specific, but you know what we mean. We imagine the editors finding their bliss at salvage yards, or trading recommendations about screwdrivers all while turning an old found door into a stately table. And we look up to them for that.
Dwell

Best for: Imagining an impeccably tasteful life filled with ridiculously functional (but incredibly designed) surroundings, alongside men with architectural glasses and women with indie-chic short haircuts.
Remodelaholic
Best for: Seeing how a real family renovated (and continues to renovate) on a tight budget. While the blog can be a little wonky at times, the content is good.
HGTV Remodels
Best for: Figuring out what's actually doable versus what projects will have a bigger commitment. You'll see ideas ranging from clever storage tricks and closet ideas all the way to choosing a new addition's foundation.

Young House Love

Best for: Those with more traditional design tastes, especially those in need of family-friendly advice. The couple behind this blog has made a mini-empire based around their love of remodeling homes. We recommend taking a peek through their archives -- their first home remodeling project is a tad more accessible to the average homeowner than their current (though incredibly gorgeous) big house project.

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Article source: Huffington Post 

Six Tips to Consider When Investing in Home Improvement

One of the home improvement projects that’s least likely to produce a return on the investment is a room addition that expands the size of a home beyond its original floor plan.

Homeowners are opening their wallets. A rebound in the housing market has made them more willing to invest in renovations that could boost the value of their homes even more in a rising market.
Spending on home remodeling has picked up over the past 18 months and is expected to rise nearly 20 percent to $151 billion by the fourth quarter, according to a recent report by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

Many homeowners decide to make upgrades with the idea that the bigger kitchen or finished basement will make their home more enjoyable. But those looking to sell should know that not all home improvement projects will boost the value of a home.

Here are six tips when considering investing in home improvement projects:

1. Consider all buyers

The classic example here is installing a swimming pool.

A pool could make your home a tougher sell, and it's unlikely you will recover your expenses, says Richard Borges, president of the Appraisal Institute, a professional association of real estate appraisers.

It may be a deal-killer for buyers who might not want to take on maintenance costs or safety risks for small children. "It's not going to contribute a full measure of its cost of installation because its utility is so limited," Borges says.

The principle holds true for other large projects that can alter the structure of the property, such as adding a second garage. In some neighborhoods, they may be a common feature that becomes a selling point. But if it's not common, it could discourage buyers who don't have a need for it.

2. Don't 'overimprove'

Some home improvements can help lift a home's resale value, especially updates to features like cabinets and appliances that are clearly dated.

The key is to select finishes and appliances that don't go well beyond what a buyer might find in similarly priced homes in the area. The term appraisers have for that is "overimprovement."

Consider a homeowner in a neighborhood with modest homes who splurges on pricey countertop finishes like quartz or marble. They're not likely to recoup the cost when appraisers look at recent sales of comparable homes that may not have such lavishly appointed kitchens.

3. Expand wisely

One of the home improvement projects that's least likely to produce a return on the investment is a room addition that expands the size of a home beyond its original floor plan, says Borges.

Projects that require tearing down an exterior wall often involve moving doors, windows and other features, which can drive the costs higher than, say, converting an attic into a bedroom, which uses existing space in the home.

The more expensive the project, the harder it can be to recover one's costs.

Also, making major changes to the original structure, even when permitted by the city, runs other risks.

"When you become the oddball, the only home in the neighborhood with four bedrooms, probably the fourth bedroom is not going to be that desirable," Borges says.

 

4. Estimate cost-to-value

 One way to gauge whether a home improvement project is worthwhile is to estimate how much of what you spend will be recovered at resale.
For example, if you spend $1,000 on siding and it only adds $500 to the resale value of your home, that upgrade is giving you a 50 percent return on your investment.
Remodeling magazine's latest cost-value study, which is based on surveys of real estate agents, can help provide a ballpark reference. You can find it at go.madison.com/remodelindex.
That said, when home prices are rising fast enough, like during the last housing boom, it's easier to recover costs spent on home improvements, regardless of the upgrade. The alternative scenario also holds true.

5. Prioritize curb appeal

Making the master bedroom bigger or converting a downstairs closet into a half-bath might seem like good investments, but not if you need to upgrade your roof or fix window seals.

Those fixes may not be aesthetic upgrades, but often make a home easier to sell.

Replacing your front door might cost you $1,500, but it's the type of upgrade that can make a home attractive to buyers, says Sal Alfano, editorial director of Remodeling magazine.

The magazine says replacing the front entry with a 20-gauge steel door is the upgrade from which homeowners can expect to recoup the most money among renovations that cost less than $5,000. The magazine estimates a recovery of 85.6 percent of the cost.

6. Consult an expert

Before moving forward on a home improvement project, consult with a real estate agent or an appraiser who knows your market.

They should be able to gauge how the upgrade could affect the sales price of your home. That can help you determine how much of your investment you're likely to recoup.

Almost all appraisers are independent and set their own fees. A consultation could cost between $500 and $1,000. Real estate agents might be willing to offer their assessment for free, perhaps with the understanding that they might earn your business when it comes time to sell.

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*article from heraldextra.com