Remodeling Archives

Door Makeover Ideas

One of the cheapest, easiest ways to update a home is by giving your doors a makeover. This can be as simple and inexpensive as simply slapping on a coat of paint and changing out the fixtures. Easy, but it makes a huge impact and can make your house look years younger. For more inspiration on door upgrades, check out this post by Cass at Remodelaholic for more than 40 ideas. My favorites are:

-Craftsman style door and trim using panels

-Evenly spaced 4 panel door

-Add burlap or fabric for texture

-Try painting a door black, or a bold, bright color.

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Home Maintenance Issues That Will Kill Your Sale

by Kathy T.

If you are selling your home, it has got to be in tip-top shape. There are several dealbreakers out there that will drive away committed buyers faster than a speeding bullet. Even if your house LOOKS perfect, the home inspector will find any and every problem hiding in it. Check out this list by Laura Agadoni at the Trulia Blog for issues that are almost always dealbreakers, and make sure to get them fixed before selling your home:

-Asbestos

-Radon

-Exposed wiring

-Black mold

-Termites or termite damage

-Foundation/structural problems

-Leaky roof

Photo Credit: kirybabe

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Wordless Wednesday: Zen Bathroom

by Kathy T.

Photo from BHG

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Easy Kitchen Updates

by Kathy T.

Usually, remodeling the kitchen can be one of the most expensive rooms in the house. From changing the flooring, to replacing cabinets and counters, to getting completely new appliances- you might as well demolish it all and start from scratch. However, there are plenty of other cheaper, simpler ways to update your kitchen! Check out these easy kitchen makeover ideas from How To Nest For Less:

–Paint your kitchen island in a contrasting color from Infarrantly Creative

–DIY Wood Countertops from Cleverly Inspired

–Pantry makeover from The House of Smiths

–Faux granite countertops from GianiGranite.com

–Glass front kitchen cabinets from Between Naps on the Porch

Photo Credit: Granite Charlotte Countertops

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Friday Fun Video: Home Project Safety

by Kathy T.

If you are going to be tackling a DIY project, remember that your safety is the most important thing! Be prepared by watching this video.

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Old House Makeover Tips

by Kathy T.

Is your home 30 years old, or older? Does it have old school features like wooden wall panels, bad carpeting, and accessories as old as the home itself? Then it may be time for an update. This post is not an in depth guide to renovation and repairs: most of this stuff is purely cosmetic. However, upgrading old appliances and décor, and giving a place a fresh new paint job s important to giving it new life! Check out these makeover tips for old houses by Virginia at Live Love DIY:

-Sand down wood on floors, walls, trim, and doors- prep it for painting

-Paint everything in white or neutral colors!

-Remove closet doors to create open spaces

-Paint old furniture and change out hardware

Photo Credit: Glenn Scofield Williams

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Amazing Curb Appeal Idea: Fix Your Porch Pillars

by Kathy T.

The posts on your porch, if you have them, are the most eye catching, yet also most neglected items that people have in their front yard. Large porches are a huge draw for buyers, but most people who actually have them rarely do much upkeep. Therefore, if your porch pillars are crumbly, old-fashioned, or just need some new life, you may want to consider updating them. Especially if you are going to sell soon! Check out this post by Flea Chic, which has some great before and after photos for inspiration!

Photo Credit: Nola Agent

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Easy Staircase Makeover

by Kathy T.

Does your staircase need some love? If it’s anything like mine, it has old, stained carpet and outdated looking rails. When you’re trying to sell your home, buyers are definitely going to be looking at details like the staircase. If your staircase could use a fast, easy makeover, read this tutorial by Diane at In My Own Style. All she did was remove carpet and add a little paint and polish! The results are absolutely beautiful! Check out the post for the full photo tutorial.

Photo Credit: Brian Moloney

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Basement Makeover: From Dank to Swank

by Kathy T.

One thing I really miss about living in Kentucky is the basements. Where I live now, we’re pretty much sitting on a solid sheet of limestone no matter where you go, and there are no basements here. But, we don’t get as many tornadoes here, so we don’t actually need them. Need them or not, basements are awesome. They’re like little secret underground lairs- and some of them are really awesome. I’ve seen basements with game rooms, home theaters, gyms, and even entire separate apartments. I’ve also seen some really, really creepy looking basements that are basically just caves. How nice yours is depends on how much work you’re willing to put in. If your basement is overdue for a makeover, check out this post by the TFH Editors and Experts at Family Handyman for tips:

-Use a waterproofer like DRYLOK Extreme to stop water seepage in walls.

-Add some bright paint to bring light into the room. But be careful, all white may give your basement an insane asylum look.

-Bring in some light fixtures, and consider adding laminate flooring

Photo Credit: Jeremy Noble

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Updating Your Home For Sale

by Kathy T.

Some people have it in their heads that in order to sell an older home, you have to completely gut the place and remodel a few rooms. However, this is simply not true! Barring any major safety repairs, the best (and most budget friendly) way to update your home is simply by restyling it with easy cosmetic fixes. Check out this post by Kim at Thrifty Little Mom for ways to give your home a fresh look, without the financial commitment of remodeling:

-Paint! It’s one of the cheapest things you can do, but has one of the biggest effects.

-Cover old counter tops with specialty paint

-Replace old lighting fixtures and ceiling fans.

-Add new faucets to all sinks

Photo Credit: Kate Ter Haar

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