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“We like theater. We like live music. And so that’s how we spend our money. But then suddenly all that stopped, and so, if I can’t travel, I chose to put my energy in the place where I am.” Americans have been forced to use their houses more — and differently. But that doesn’t account for the huge spike in demand documented by Max Anderson, chief economist at Porch.com. The company is an online marketplace connecting homeowners to contractors. In fact, when it comes to the garden, adding value is often a case of simply tidying up and perhaps putting down some turf. Buyers are most inspired by a blank canvas that they can project their own ideas and lifestyle onto.

• Having a single dramatic piece of art of the wall will draw the eye towards it, rather than highlight the limited dimensions of the room.
• It should take less than an hour to replace the current fixture, to the tune of about $100 for installation.
• It is true you could hire someone to do this task, but if you have ever gotten it priced out you were probably surprised by the cost.
• The median home size in the U.S.

We are always adding new articles and videos, so be sure to add us on your favorites and keep checking back to see what’s new. We are also on facebook if you want to check out our fan page. Home improvement was popularized on television in 1979 with the premiere of This Old House starring Bob Vila on PBS. American cable channel HGTV features many do-it-yourself shows, as does sister channel DIY Network.Danny Lipford hosts and produces the nationally syndicated Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Tom Kraeutler and Leslie Segrete co-host the nationally syndicated The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.

• How you’re paying for your improvements depends largely on what you need to borrow.
• He started building a fence but put the project on hold when he found it impossible to source new fence posts.
• “It feels like there’s kind of a big reset happening,” Buhr says.
• “You simply will not get your money back on those types of additions, and buyers might be more apt to reconsider if it’s not something they’ve always dreamed of, too,” Matke explains.
• When trying to sell, a nice coat of neutral paint can give the entire house a facelift, and buyers really

Transform the mood of the kitchen with a bold new backsplash in ceramic or glass tile. Just make sure the wall is sound before you start the installation. Choosing one color and clean-lined tile for the backsplash in a small kitchen keeps the look uncluttered and roomy.

• Just make sure you have a second pair of hands, advises this step-by-step guide from the design junkies at Hunker.
• Homeowners younger than 40 are the most likely to have completed projects this year, though more than half of baby boomers have done home improvement work too.
• Your shower curtain takes up the single largest piece of real estate in the bathroom.

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more. Well, if you need a little extra motivation to take that first step, look no further than the best home improvement shows on TV. The friendly hosts and genius tips will inspire you to finally tackle that DIY project you’ve been daydreaming about for months. He started building a fence but put the project on hold when he found it impossible to source …

Attach to your closet door with construction adhesive for a permanent look or use removable picture-hanging strips if you’re renting. Glue thin trim pieces to the mirrors for a high-end look. Hung over a patio, porch or backyard, globe cafe lights instantly turn any outdoor space into a gathering spot, increasing your usable square footage. This extra “room” comes in handy when entertaining or in the summer months when warm evenings are best spent outdoors, drink in hand. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to outdoor projects, begin with some easy plants.

Neither of these loans will require you to change the terms or interest rate of your existing mortgage. However, you’ll pay a higher interest rate than you would with a cash-out refinance, and you’ll take on an additional monthly payment. A cash-out refinance is a low-cost way to make home improvements when you don’t have the money on hand. Refinancing can be a good way to borrow a lot of money at once, which means expensive renovations are in reach and won’t take much from your monthly budget. Your home might be small, but it doesn’t have to feel that way.

For example, you …