American Houses

Falling home values and a strong buyers market has many homeowners looking at home renovations instead of trying to sell. As the owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral Service, homeowners are looking for the right home improvement project that will offer them a new look and feel of their home and add value as part of a long-term goal when they will sell their home. With falling home values and tougher credit options, mean homeowners are searching for improvement projects that will not only beautify their home but will offer the best return on investment.

Home Improvement - 06:53 min.


When selecting which home renovation project, ask yourself what is reason for this home improvement. The main categories of home renovations are:

1. Save energy

2. Damage repair

3. Increase living space

4. Add value

5. Improve living environment

One benefit of today's economy is that the home remodeling market is slowing down as well. What this means to the homeowner getting ready to do a renovation, is more contractors are available and most are willing to negotiate on scheduling and are more responsive. Don't expect big discounts on the price, however the cost of materials and labor are still a high cost to the contractor.

The list of top five home remodeling projects that can fit into multiple categories and are modest improvements is listed below.

1. Install energy efficient Windows.

Window replacement, whether is wood or vinyl is a good investment that offers many benefits. One benefit is the reduction in the cost of heating and cooling and they can improve the overall looks of a home. When choosing a window, consider the energy efficient replacement window and insulating features such as heat reflecting coated surface.

2. Replace Siding.

New siding can bring an old house back to life and change the entire look and feel. The term "curb appeal" is the single most important feature of which new homebuyers base their initial opinion. Today's homeowner has very busy schedules and siding offers a maintenance free exterior that instantly adds a new look and feel.

3. Add a Deck.

A deck extends the living space of a home and brings the environment of outdoor living into a new demission. Deck styles, material types, and sizes can vary. Use your imagination and design a deck as an extension of your home. Materials for deck construction today offer the homeowner choices of color, texture, and composition. The maintenance free decking material can be designed with curves; special railing designs, and allows the homeowner really makes a statement with creativity. Decking products also offer the homeowner to design a beautiful deck that is environmentally friendly.

4. Kitchen makeover.

Minor kitchen makeovers such as adding a new color of paint, installing new countertops, or new cabinets and make a huge impact on a homes look and feel not to mention value. If your goal is to not only add value to your home but to sell your home then consider using neutral colors. Research shows that neutral colors are more appealing and lightens up the area for a more welcoming feeling.

5. Bathroom remodeling

A bathroom remodel can be a simple upgrade to a complete renovation. The bathroom renovation project provides that special 'at home comfort' feeling. When designing a bathroom renovation, think of updating the sink, tub, toilet, cabinets, and flooring. As you plan these updates think about "going green". Think about the water saving toilet. This can not only beautify your home but save you money on water and sewer costs.

Now that you have selected the right home improvement(s), it's time to select the right contractor and start seeing your dreams come to life.

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About the Author: Debra Nolan. Article submitted by Debra Nolan, owner of Westmoreland Contractor Referral Service. A company dedicated to help homeowners find dependable quality contractors for home improvement projects. Visit: www.westmorelandcrs.com