Tool For You

The prospect of shopping for a new construction residence can be quite daunting, but the rewards of owning a brand new home out-weight the disadvantages if you know the potential pitfalls. The following are important considerations: Overall Dollar Budget, Location, Cost Per Square Foot, Finishes, Upgrades, Parking and Delivery Date.

Overall Dollar Budget

To establish a budget for purchasing a home, you should speak with a mortgage professional prior to looking for property. In terms of your budget, keep in mind that parking is usually not included in the purchase price that is quoted by the developer. In addition, in todays market the list price of the unit is typically not negotiable.

The best way to establish a budget is to determine how much money you will need as a down payment and how much money you will need as a down payment and how much you feel comfortable spending, based on your gross income, for monthly payments. Remember that the real estate taxes are generally included in your monthly mortgage payment and should be calculated at a minimum of 2% of the purchase price.

If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, your lender will require that you purchase private mortgage insurance PMI – this charge will also be included in your monthly payment. Also factored into your monthly expenses are your assessments, both for the unit itself and a separate assessment for parking. And finally, add your monthly mortgage payment.

Location

Generally speaking, the higher the density of the area, the more costly the condominium or townhouse will be. Then checking out locations, you may want to consider less developed areas of the city. Such areas are typically less expensive than those in more developed areas. Note, that as density increases with new development, it is highly likely that your property will gain in value, resulting in a higher return on your investment.

Cost Per Square Foot

When purchasing new construction, the favored method of comparing value is cost per square foot. This is the method used by developers to initially price their developments. With the cost per square foot in mind, you will be able to compare different properties on an equal basis and determine whether you are purchasing at a favorable price.

Also to be considered when looking at the cost per square foot price is whether the developer has included such items as granite counter tops, marble bathrooms, and black or stainless appliances as standard features. In Chicago, prices per square foot range from $225 to as much as $1000 per square foot in the Gold Coast.

Finishes

You will need to carefully examine which finishes and appliances the developer has included in the base price versus which are considered upgrades. Note that the more expensive finishes such as granite and marble are not usually included in the base price of a one-bedroom unit.

Be sure to get a detailed list of specifications in writing from the developer, indicating the brand and model number of each appliance. Dont be confused by the finishes and appliances that are shown in the models you see- they may not be the same as those included in the quoted price. Models are typically finished with granite and marble, undermount sinks and hardwood floor laid diagonally but such features may not be considered standard, particularly in smaller or less expensive units.

Upgrades

As you can imagine, the cost of upgrades can vary considerably. Developers commonly charge their cost plus a 20% mark-up for upgrades; others may charge even more. Try to determine the costs when you and your realtor are writing up the initial offer. By determining all costs during the contract period you reduce the chance that upgrade costs will exceed your budget.

If you keep in mind that many new construction units are not ready for occupancy for a year or two, you will understand the importance of having all upgrade costs in writing as part of the initial contract – at todays prices rather than at costs calculated at inflated prices one or two years later.

Parking

One of the essential elements of resale value is parking. In a loft conversion or a high-rise building, parking can vary from approximately $25,000 to as much as $60,000 depending upon the level of luxury of the building and the availability of parking in the area.

Since parking spaces have dramatically increased in value, you should seriously consider purchasing a space whether or not you currently own a car. Without parking, the later sale of a unit may be more difficult than that of a comparable unit for which parking is included in the price.

Delivery Date

Although your contract will specify a delivery date, provisions in the contract will often allow the developer to deliver your unit much later than the specified date without penalty. If this is an important issue to you, you should keep in constant contact with your Realtor during the construction process as delivery dates can be delayed for as long as a year and, in rare occasions, even beyond that. You should also speak with your attorney and incorporate terms into the contract so that your interests are protected in the event this should occur.

Working With A Realtor

Purchasing a new construction residence can be a rewarding experience and a wise investment. But there are definitely nuances involved in purchasing new construction, including the track record of the developer, the number of "flippers" purchasing in the project, and the percentage of sold units.

You will be best served by using a Realtor who is familiar with new construction market, the various developers and their product. With your Realtor at hand to answer all your questions, your interests will be represented and protected in all communication with the developer.

If you rely on a real estate professional, you will spare yourself a great deal of the aggrevation associated with purchasing a new construction home and, best of all, this representation will be at no cost to you - the developer pays your Realtors commission.

About The Author

Sheldon Salnick is a Realtor with Rubloff Residential Properties. He has worked with new construction buyers for the last 13 years and has represented over $200 million in new construction. For more information or guidance in the purchase of a new construction home, townhome or condominium, he can be reached him at SSalnick@Rubloff.com or www.SheldonChicago.com.

How can a 9200sq.ft. ski lodge be built in just six months when it took over three months to finish your downstairs bathroom Now, place the project at the 5250 ft elevation in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, 90 km from the nearest paved road, and it’s easy to think, “Mission Impossible”

In July 2002, the four owners of Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges faced a plot of cleared land and a pile of almost 300 green spruce logs, 100 of them having been peeled by hand. By the end of December 2002, the owners were welcoming 24 clients to their new lodge. The beds were made, the larder was full, the bar was stocked and the hot tub was steaming. Vertebrae Lodge was open for business!

Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges is a snowcat skiing and snowboarding tour operator based in Golden, British Columbia. Chatter Creek offers full-service backcountry skiing experiences for powder snow skiers and snowboarders. Intermediate and advanced skiing groups are expertly guided throughout the 130 sq. km operating area. Guests ride in comfortable heated snowcats to experience skiing and riding on a high glacier, through open alpine bowls and down gladed tree runs.

For two years, Chatter Creek hosted groups of 12 clients in their original Spruce Lodge. Guests enjoyed dormitory style accommodation, outdoor plumbing and a very close relationship with one another and with staff. The “Spruce Goose” became a special place to many guests who fondly remember their early cat skiing days at Chatter Creek.

The new Vertebrae Lodge, named after a spectacular nearby ridge, accommodates 24 guests in 12 comfortable bedrooms, each with private bathroom. The lodge boasts well-furnished sitting areas, and a large dining hall with a vaulted ceiling. It has a well-equipped commercial kitchen, a large drying room for boots and outside clothes, a massage room, a games room with a pool table, a well-stocked bar and an outdoor hot tub, complete with bar service. Quite a step up from Spruce Lodge!

The Chatter Creek building site posed a challenge. The only building material within easy reach was green spruce from the surrounding forest. There was no sand, no gravel, no cement and certainly no neighborhood lumberyard.

The nearest town is Golden, a 120 km drive to the south. The nearest paved road is 90km away, at Donald. Access from Donald is first by logging road and then by a rough, boggy summer road that climbs the last 17 km. to the lodge. Four wheel drive pickup trucks can make the trip in summer, when the access road has dried out but, in the spring, only tracked vehicles can get through, unassisted.

The owners, all ex-loggers, were prepared for the challenge. They had already brought a small Alaska-style sawmill to the site, to build Spruce Lodge. The “Spruce Goose” had been completed following a two-year part-time effort. It was built of 5in. x 10in. square-sawn spruce beams. The new lodge would be built of round logs, with much longer and higher walls than any in Spruce Lodge, and with a much, much larger roof.

The Chatter Creek cat skiing business had proven so popular and guests were so enthusiastic that the partners knew that they could expand to 24 clients. Certainly, they had the terrain for it: 50 sq miles of glaciers, alpine slopes and bowls, and huge forested ridges. They already had a good network of winter roads for their snowcats, a good basis for an expanded operation. These roads extended from below the lodge site, about the 4900-ft elevation, to the top of Vertebrae Glacier at just under 10,000 ft. They traversed both sides of the Chatter Creek watershed and the numerous ridges that provided thousands of acres of prime tree skiing.

The challenge was to build the new lodge in one short summer. This was not just to be a scaled up Spruce Lodge, but a large comfortable building with a reliable water system, multiple sets of plumbing, a commercial kitchen, fire suppression and a septic system that would meet all the environmental codes. Could they do it in one summer Financial constraints required it.

All through the early spring, partners Dale and Dan selectively logged the trees they would need, using snowcats to skid them to the lodge site. Friends were brought in to help hand-peel logs with drawknives and peeling spuds. These logs would form the major walls. The remaining logs would be milled to provide beams and dimensional lumber for inside framing and the massive roof structure.

Meanwhile, partner Dave buried himself in plans and cost estimates and fretted about environmental and health and building codes, and lined up suppliers for the mechanical systems. The planning seemed to take forever. There were so many questions!

It was clear from the beginning that some new equipment would be required to assist the construction. The building would have two floors topped by a large attic space. A crane was needed to lift the heavy logs into place. Other techniques were far too slow. Also, the existing mill was far too small and too slow for the job. A much bigger more accurate mill was needed.

A brand new computer-controlled Wood-Mizer sawmill was purchased. Its 45’ deck would handle the big logs and the cutting rate would provide the needed throughput. For the heavy lifting, a used 20 ton ex-army mobile crane was found. With a 90 ft boom, it would give plenty of clearance for the roof.

Getting this equipment to the site in late spring was a challenge. The road was still wet and boggy in many places. The sawmill was loaded onto a Ford F450 that was towed by the bulldozer. With it’s 6ft. diameter tires it was hoped that the four wheel drive crane could travel on it’s own. An excavator stood by to help.

It took three days to go just 14km. The crane got stuck time and again. The excavator repaired the road and dug out the crane when its great wheels sunk in the mud. It also offered the odd tow, pulling the crane along as it struggled through the deep mud. The long line of equipment inched its way up the road to the Chatter Creek building site.

Getting the equipment to the site was one challenge, keeping it running would be another. The project relied on continuous operation of the crane, the mill and the venerable excavator. The sawmill was brand new and very reliable. However, the mobile crane was an unknown with limited parts available and the excavator was a doddering geriatric having had constant use for many years. The partners could rely on no one but themselves to keep these machines in operation.

By the second week of July the site was clear and level and the logs were ready. The foundations could be set. No other materials were at hand, so the largest available spruce butts were used, set upright in pits.

By mid-July, the walls were started and the outline of the lodge could be seen. There would be two bays, a 40ft x 40ft bay for two floors of bedrooms and baths and a 40ft x 50ft bay for the common space.

The common space includes a large drying room and a games room and bar on the first floor and a kitchen, dining hall and sitting area on the second floor. A flat ceiling spans the kitchen to create a mezzanine sitting area overlooking the dining hall. The large attic space over the guest bedrooms provides massage and staff rooms with entry from the mezzanine. An open cathedral ceiling spans the entire second floor dining and sitting area.

The walls would require seven logs per floor. There would be seven long log walls. This meant at least 100 logs to peel by hand. Backbreaking work! Well over twice that number of logs would be needed for milling the interior lumber.

The construction crew included the four owners, two of their “significant others”, and old school friends from nearby Golden. The women worked along side the men operating chain saws, falling trees and running the sawmill. Milling went on continuously, day after day. Posts and beams, 2x6’s, floor joists, and decking materials were all needed in large quantities.

Although none of the crew was yet 30, their skill with equipment and their construction knowledge was remarkable. They had developed their log-building skills the prior summer on a small bathhouse and a staff bunkhouse and now they were facing an immensely larger challenge with tight time constraints.

The progression of the construction is far too much to report here, but the Chatter Creek Web site contains many photographs taken throughout the construction period. In addition, the "Chatter News" photo journal contains a detailed description of the construction process.

The work advanced through the summer and became a race against the weather. Could the roof be completed before the first snow It was a close finish, but nature won and the first snow came just days before the roof was completed. Valuable days were then spent shoveling snow and chipping ice from the floor of the dining hall.

Late September, and the roof was on at last. Finishing the interior became the next race against time. There were 14 bathrooms and a kitchen to plumb, electrical systems to install and the entire septic system had to be installed. Rooms had to be framed and wallboard installed. Windows had to be put in and ceilings insulated. The building had to be equipped and made livable and endless details awaited attention. The first clients were to arrive on December 27, in just three short months. Nearly everything had to be done by the same small crew of about 12 workers.

For the first year or so, wallboard would remain unfinished and only plastic vapour barrier would cover insulation. Wood paneling for ceilings and roof gables would have to wait.

Except for the kitchen range, there would be no open fire within the building. Also, no chimneys were to pierce the roof of the building. Heating would be provided by an external European-style hahsa, a freestanding, self-contained, external wood-burning furnace. Heat is transferred to the building by a 200ft underground glycol loop. Heat exchangers create hot water for bathing, cooking and the hot tub and hot air for convection heating. A 1,000 gallon hot water tank buried in the crawl space acts as a heat sink. This maintains an even building temperature as the hahsa fire burns high or low. Small electric heaters in the bedrooms, along with opening casement windows allow guests good control over bedroom temperature.

The finishing phase brought new diversions. Large quantities of materials now had to be brought from Golden. Limited local supply meant many trips to Calgary in search of furnishings and special materials. Four valuable hours lost each way! The tight budget required tireless shopping for bargains.

Everything had to be brought to the site by road. Helicopters were far too expensive. Using a four-wheel drive farm tractor and a 22ft highway trailer, Dale spent many autumn weeks bringing materials to the site. Rising very early each frosty morning in Golden, Dale would tow the loaded trailer the 100 km. north to the base of the Chatter Creek road, hook the trailer to the tractor and crawl the last 17 km to the site. Arrival by noon was critical. The uphill trip could only be made with the road still frozen and hard. If he got stuck, the excavator would have to stop work and crawl off down the road to provide a tow. Hours of work would be lost. As Dale hove into sight, all hands would appear to unload the trailer and Dale would head off, down the road and back to Golden to assemble the next day’s delivery. Almost 30 loads were delivered in this weather dependent operation.

In the end, the impossible was done. On December 27, 2002 the last sawdust was swept up, the dishes were washed, the last bed was assembled and made, the bathrooms were stocked and the bar was made ready. The first guest helicopter arrived at Vertebrae lodge at 3:30pm. By 4:30pm, 24 admiring guests were roaming the lodge in awe.

A photo journal of the construction of Vertebrae Lodge can be found at: http://mountain-lodge.blogspot.com/

Chatter Creek President, Dale McKnight, was heard to comment, “Thank goodness we never really understood at the start just how big and how difficult this project was going to be. We probably would never have started. But we did, and now it’s done!” Others in the team had thoughts of their own. Jevan recalled the time he sunk the D4 bulldozer in the mud while working on the road. “Right up to the seat. It took the excavator to dig it out.” Lori and Isabelle remembered the bugs. “There were ‘mossies’ around the building and bugs and beetles around the sawmill. We went through boxes of ‘Croc-bloc’, but we were still being bitten.”

Vertebrae Lodge stands as a testimony to the hard work, perseverance and ability of the Chatter Creek partners and their crew. It’s a magnificent structure that was built under difficult conditions and in a very short time. It represents not only a feat of construction, but also a feat of coaxing some very tired equipment into steady operation. The excavator, in particular, was in constant use feeding logs to the sawmill, leveling ground, digging pits and trenches, burying tanks and piping, clearing the septic field, moving heavy loads, towing stuck vehicles up the access road and building winter roads for the snowcats. Both the excavator and the crane had had their cranky moments but, under Dan’s tender care, both these mechanical relics stood the course and, with the sawmill, continue to be used to this day.

About The Author

Lockie Brown lives in Vancouver, Canada and skis on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. He organizes annual cat skiing tours for groups of friends. He prefers to take his powder-hounds to Chatter Creek. Please visit their Web site at http://backcountrywintervacations.com/

A new photo journal about skiing and log construction at Chatter Creek can be found at http://powder-skiing.blogspot.com/

About the Author

Greg is an aviation attorney, author and holds a commercial pilot certificate with instrument rating. His practice concentrates on aviation litigation, including insurance matters and creditor’s rights, FAA certificate actions and aviation related transactional matters. He can be reached via e-mail at greigel@aerolegalservices.com or check out his website at www.aerolegalservices.com.

About the Author

John is a subcontractor who works with ServiceMagic.com to find construction jobs.

About the Author

About the author: Mercedes Hayes is a Hiawatha Log Home dealer and also a Realtor in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She designed her own log home which was featured in the 2004 Floor Plan Guide of Log Home Living magazine. You can learn more about log homes by visiting www.JerseyLogHomes.com.

About the Author

I have been replacing residential windows since 1978. I now sell vinyl windows and doors as well as instructional videos through my website:http://www.how-to-install-windows.com

About the Author

Lee Dobbins is a contributing writer for home improvement resources such as http://www.refinishing-hardwood-floors.com. Visit our site and see how you can refinish your hardwood floor: http://www.refinishing-hardwood-floors.com/Do-It-Yourself-Hardwood-Floor-Refinishing.html

NC—While the home may be a familys castle and an escape from todays hectic world, its probably not perfect. Decorating styles change. There are pictures to hang and shelves to install. Things break. Its too pressing to ignore, but too minor to engage a professional. The question becomes one of where to begin.

Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Readers Digest.

With knowledge in hand, its a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.

2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.

3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types

4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.

5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so its easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater®.

6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.

7. Adjustable wrench.

8. Utility or box knife.

9. Drill – This is the one power tool thats a must.

10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor™ Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning™ safety feature so you wont accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

For more information about Zircons StudSensor Pro SL-AC, Repeater and other cutting-edge electronic hand tools and to find a nearby retailer, visit the companys website at www.zircon.com or call toll-free 800-245-9265.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

If you are a car owner who occasionally works on his or her own car, please dont go out and spend thousands of dollars on high priced tools. Professional mechanics make a living with their tools and need the best. If you are doing minor repairs on your own vehicles a lower cost tool set will do just fine. We have teamed up with AutoBarn.com to bring you the best price on tools for the DIYer. Keep in mind you can find most of these tools at your local parts store, but probably not at these prices. Lets look at the basics you will need for most common jobs.

The oil change:

Lifting tools: To gain access to the oil pan you need to get the front wheels off of the ground safely. Never leave the car supported only by a jack. A good set of jack stands or ramps are the safest way to go. Also dont forget to chock up the rear wheels to keep the car from sliding back. Even though you may have the emergency brake set, they can fail.

Oil filter wrench: Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get an oil filter off without the right wrench. I have gone to the extent of poking a screwdriver through the filter to spin it off..... this is not the cleanest way to change an oil filter.

Funnel: You have to get the new oil into the engine, and the less you spill, the less will burn off later while driving. Any funnel will do, but look for one with a long flexible neck, which will help getting into those tight places.

The brake job:

Disc brakes: You will need some special hex or torx sockets to get the caliper loose. Do not try using the wrong tool like a vise-grips or filed down bit.... you will damage the bolts. You will also need to retract the brake pistons once you have the old pads out. Using a C-clamp does work, but you have to be careful not to damage the pistons.

Drum brakes: There are special tools, which allow you to remove the clips, which hold the shoes to the backing plate. Also you will need an adjuster to adjust the shoes once you have everything back together.

Bleeding the brakes: Get a good kit, which includes a sealed container to collect the expelled brake fluid.

General tools:

A good Quality Tool Set: Make sure you have metric wrenches as all import cars have metric fasteners and most if not all-new domestic cars do also. If you plan on doing advanced work, or plan on eventually working as a professional mechanic consider buying a set of Craftsman tools. I have found them to be the best value and you cannot beat the lifetime guarantee. Plus wherever you are, there is a Sears store to take your broken tools in for replacement.

Auto Repair Manual: You wouldnt bake a cake without a recipe.... would you Make sure you have a manual by your side before you start working on your car. I can only give you general guidelines, but the manual will give you all of the specifics for your car, truck or SUV.

About The Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com.

kevin@schappell.com

About the Author

Neil Street is co-founder of Small Business Online, an internet marketing and web design company, based in Norwalk, CT. Email Neil at Small Business Online or call him at 203.299.0889

About the Author

Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:

How to Save on Gas

About the Author

Subrata Goswami, write article and provide consultancy to AxiITT.

About the Author

Austin Davis comes from a family that has been in the auto repair industry for over 64 years. Austin has written a book “What Your Mechanic Doesn’t Want You To Know”. His book is about how to find an honest mechanic, and the simple steps to keep them honest. Austin points out that it is usually what the customer says or does that can cause them to be taken advantage of by a repair “professional.”You can view his website at Click here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Austin Davis comes from a family that has been in the auto repair industry for over 64 years. Austin speaks at local civic events, at area clubs and organizations and has written a book “What Your Mechanic Doesn’t Want You To Know”. His book is about how to find an honest mechanic, and the simple steps to keep them honest. Austin points out that it is usually what the customer says or does that can cause them to be taken advantage of by a repair “professional.”

As the weather turns colder, it is time to think about your car for a second. A little preparation can go a long way to making your winter travels a lot safer. Here is a checklist to get you started.

1. Check the antifreeze. The freezing point can be checked with a simple tool available at any auto parts store. Make sure you check the antifreeze when its cool. Opening a hot radiator can be a dangerous thing.

2. Check the air pressure in your tires. As the air gets cooler pressure drops in your tires. Maintaining your tire pressures will reward you with higher gas mileage and longer tire life.

3. Make sure you have the following items in your car. Ice Scraper Salt or sand for traction Blanket in case you are stranded and need to keep warm Good first aid kit not just for winter Road flares

4. Check all belts and hoses. As the temperature drops rubber tends to stiffen and break allot easier. Make sure all your rubber hoses and belts are in tip-top shape.

5. Treat your gas tank to a can of gas line antifreeze before the cold weather strikes. The additive will remove any water in the system and prevent your fuel lines from freezing.

6. Check your tires for wear. Make sure you have plenty of tread left to get you through the snow. Nothing is worse than 3" of snow and bald tires.

About The Author

Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com where he gives advice on buying, selling, insurance, and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles. To learn more about how your car works, Kevin has created http://www.mycarwizard.com.

kevin@schappell.com

First, lets answer the question; Why should you change your own oil Because you can save time and money. You dont have to wait in line at the service garage or quick oil change shop. For ten bucks you can get the best oil and a brand new oil filter. And, its so easy to do that you could train a monkey to do it.

Changing your cars motor oil is a very simple three-step process: 1. Drain the old oil. 2. Replace the oil filter. 3. Add the new oil. But before we go through the steps, lets answer a few basic questions.

When should I change my oil

Look in your cars owners manual. Most auto manufacturers recommend changing the motor oil every 6,000 miles for normal service, or every 3,000 miles for severe service. I change my oil every 6,000 miles, and my engines run like new when I trade my vehicles in with well over 100,000 miles on them. One thing that I do is change a new cars oil after the first 300 mile break-in period. Then, after that, I change the oil every 6,000 miles.

What kind of oil should I use

You are not going to save money by using an off-brand oil because your engine will wear out sooner. Use oil that meets the American Pertroleum Institute API classification SL. I use Valvoline, Quaker State, Pennzoil, or Havoline brand oil. These quality oils contain additives that make them work better and longer.

If you are changing your oil just before winter, use SAE 10W30 weight oil. This number means the oil will have a thin 10 weight viscosity when the engine is cold, helping the engine to start easier, and then the oil will thicken to 30 weight viscosity when the engine warms up, protecting the engine better. If you are changing oil just before summer, use SAE 10W40 weight oil. The extra 40 weight viscosity will protect your engine better when its hot.

Whats the First Step

First let your engine cool off. Modern engines run at close to 300 degrees F and hot oil will definitely give you a severe burn. You shouldnt have to jack your car up unless you have some kind of ground hugging sports car or low rider. Almost all cars have enough space underneath to reach under and change the engine oil.

Step 1: Drain the old oil.

Locate the oil drain plug and place a pan under it to catch the oil. With a box wrench, remove the oil plug.

Note for newbies: To remove the drain plug, turn it counter-clockwise.

- If you have a GM dual-overhead-cam EcoTec engine you may have a difficult time locating the drain plug on all that aluminum.

When the oil stops draining, reinstall the drain plug.

Note for newbies: To replace the drain plug turn it clockwise. Start the plug with your fingers. If it seems even slightly hard to turn, back it out! You are crossing the threads.

Step 2. Replace the oil filter.

Move your oil catch pan under the oil filter. Using an oil filter wrench to get it started, remove the oil filter. newbies: counter-clockwise, and you will get some oil on your hand.

- A strap type oil filter wrench is the best kind to use. A socket type oil filter tool is used with a ratchet just like a regular socket. The problem with the socket type is that it tends to get stuck on the filter. Use the socket type tool if you dont have enough clearance around the oil filter to use the strap type.

With your finger put a thin coat of oil on the new filters gasket to make it seal better.

*! Now pay attention - heres were you can screw up royal!

With your hand, install the new oil filter. If it seems even slightly hard to turn, back it out! You are crossing the threads. Most filters have an instruction printed on them to give the filter one more turn after the gasket has made contact.

Heres what I recommend: screw the filter on until its "hand tight". Then use the oil filter wrench to snug it up another 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This is critical!

When the vehicle is running, the oil pump puts the oil under pressure. If you dont install the oil filter tight enough, the oil will come gushing out. If that happens shut down the engine immediately! Without oil, an engine will lock up within seconds.

The first time I changed my oil, I used the filter wrench to tighten the filter as tight as I could get it. Wrong! The next time I went to change my oil, I couldnt get the filter off. Luckily I had plenty of room around the filer, so I hammered a screw driver through the body of the filter and used the handle of the screw driver to turn the filter off.

Warning! Dont over-tighten the filter. Follow the instructions above carefully!

- The GM dual-overhead-cam EcoTec engine has an unusual oil filter located on top of the engine. Remove the engine air intake hose. Thats the oil filter canister just to the right of, and below, the end of the open air intake tube. Use a proper size wrench to remove the canister lid. This engine uses a special filter cartridge.

Step 3. Add the new oil.

Locate the oil filler cap on the valve cover. Ive seen newbies pour motor oil in everything from the master brake cylinder to the radiator cap. Make sure you have located the the oil filler cap. Remove the oil filler cap.

When pouring the oil, you would be wise to use a funnel between the oil can and the valve cover oil filler hole.

How much oil should you add Look in your cars owner manual. Most engines have a capacity of four or five quarts. Dont overfill the crank case. When you run the engine the extra oil will be blown out through the PCV value, possibly stalling your engine.

Tip: If you dont know the oil capacity of the engine, add four quarts, then check the oil level, if its a quart low add another quart.

Replace the oil filler cap.

Step 4. Start the Engine.

Yes, I know, I said there where only three steps. Youre finished, this is not really a "step".

Start the engine and make sure the oil warning light goes off. Look under the vehicle to make sure oil is not leaking out. Turn off the engine and let it set for a minute to let the oil drain down to the crank case. Then use the dip stick to check the oil level.

How to check the oil level: Remove the dip stick, wipe it clean with a rag, reinstall the dip stick. Make sure the dip stick is in all the way or you will get a false reading. After a few seconds remove the dip stick and examine how far up the stick is covered with oil. Most dip sticks have a "full" mark printed on them.

Note: I find the best way to dispose of the old oil is to use a funnel to pore it from the collection pan into the bottles from which the new oil came. When I get a big pile of used oil bottles I bring them to the oil recycling center. Be sure to mark the used oil bottles so you dont accidentally think they are new oil.

CopyrightC2004 Bucaro TecHelp.

Permission is granted for the below article to forward, reprint, distribute, use for ezine, newsletter, website, offer as free bonus or part of a product for sale as long as no changes are made and the byline, copyright, and the resource box below is included.

About The Author

Stephen Bucaro To learn how to maintain your computer and use it more effectively to design a Web site and make money on the Web visit bucarotechelp.com. To subscribe to Bucaro TecHelp Newsletter visit http://bucarotechelp.com/search/000800.asp

NC—While the home may be a familys castle and an escape from todays hectic world, its probably not perfect. Decorating styles change. There are pictures to hang and shelves to install. Things break. Its too pressing to ignore, but too minor to engage a professional. The question becomes one of where to begin.

Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Readers Digest.

With knowledge in hand, its a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.

2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.

3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types

4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.

5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so its easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater®.

6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.

7. Adjustable wrench.

8. Utility or box knife.

9. Drill – This is the one power tool thats a must.

10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor™ Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning™ safety feature so you wont accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

For more information about Zircons StudSensor Pro SL-AC, Repeater and other cutting-edge electronic hand tools and to find a nearby retailer, visit the companys website at www.zircon.com or call toll-free 800-245-9265.

- News Canada

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE

http://ww.bukaboo.com/index.shtml

Want to sell your home quickly Home makeovers are all the rage, but you dont have to go through a Changing Rooms-style transformation to make your property more enticing to prospective purchasers. Heres a few tips on how to accentuate the positive side of your abode:

If youre taking photos of your home to give to the estate agent, make sure they show your home from the best angle. If you can, its best to take them during the summer months.

http://www.bukaboo.com/property/

Give as much information as you can to the estate agent about your local amenities - transport, schools, shops, etc. - so potential buyers can get as full a picture of the area as possible.

http://www.bukaboo.com/property/

When people come round to view, make sure your place is tidy an obvious point, perhaps, but I can personally testify that the contents of someones underwear drawer on a bedroom floor is not designed to attract a buyer. Dont leave last nights washing-up in the sink.

Try and remove/hide any items of furniture that make your home look cramped. Use the space you have to its full potential.

Dont decorate your whole property just before your home goes on the market - potential buyers might think youve got something to hide. But do make sure your walls and floors are clean and if a lick of magnolia is required then get your paintbrush out.

http://www.bukaboo.com/property/

There are different schools of thought about whether its better to be at home when people are viewing your property. If youre not, make sure the place is clean. If you are, dont follow your potential buyers around but be prepared to answer any questions they might have.

http://www.bukaboo.com/index.shtml

About The Author

Emmanuel, chairman/Ceo Bukaboo.com is an advertising,and online marketing Consultant Click on the url below to read more interesting but educational articles: http://journals.aol.co.uk/emmanuelsar/BUSINESSJOURNAL/ emmanuelsar@aol.com

If you are looking to increase the value of your property by adding an extension, or double glazing, new conservatory, patio, heating system, or new kitchen a home improvement loan could be the easiest and cheapest way to make those improvements to your home.

With a UK Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. With competitive rates and a quick decision a home improvement loan could well be just what you need to enable you to finance your dream improvements.

With a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest UK Home Improvement Loan, you can afford the extension, new kitchen or bathroom, conservatory, landscaped garden, redecoration you want right where you are, in your own home. You can add value to your property and save all those moving costs too.

A UK Home Improvement Loan is great if you want to raise a large amount; are having problems getting an unsecured loan; or have a bad credit history – you may be able to get a UK Home Improvement Loan even when you have been turned down for an unsecured loan.

Get the home of your dreams without moving house with a UK Home Improvement Loan.

You may freely reprint this information on your website provided the following caption remains intact.

“This information courtesy of http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk Click here to see full range of loans.”

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. To find a loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk

What home improvements really pay off when the time comes to sell your house

That’s an important question for any homeowner contemplating moving or remodeling. And the only possible answer is a somewhat complicated one.

That answer starts with the fact that really major improvements – room additions, total replacements of kitchens and baths, etc., -- rarely pay off fully in the near term. It ends with the fact that small and relatively inexpensive changes can pay off in a big way in making your home attractive to buyers if your decision is to move now.

It’s a simple fact, consistently confirmed across America over a very long period of time, that even the most appropriate major improvements are unlikely to return their full cost if a house is sold within two or three years.

Does that mean that major home improvements are always a bad idea Absolutely not. It does mean, though, that if your present house falls seriously short of meeting your family’s needs you need to think twice – and think carefully – before deciding to undertake a major renovation. Viewed strictly in investment terms, major improvements rarely make as much sense as selling your present home and buying one that’s carefully selected to provide you with what you want.

Even if you have a special and strong attachment to the house you’re in and feel certain that you could be happy in it for a long time if only it had more bedrooms and baths, for example, there are a few basic rules that you ought to keep in mind.

Probably the most basic rule of all, in this regard, is the one that says you should never –unless you absolutely don’t care at all about eventual resale value – improve a house to the point where its desired sales price would be more than 20 percent higher than the most expensive of the other houses in the immediate neighborhood.

Try to raise the value of your house too high, that is, and surrounding properties will pull it down.

Here are some other rules worth remembering:

Never rearrange the interior of your house in a way that reduces the total number of bedrooms to less than three.

Never add a third bathroom to a two-bath house unless you don’t care about ever recouping your investment.

Swimming pools rarely return what you spend to install them. Ditto for sun rooms and finished basements.

If you decide to do what’s usually the smart thing and move rather than improve, it’s often the smaller, relatively inexpensive improvements that turn out to be most worth doing.

The cost of replacing a discolored toilet bow, making sure all the windows work or getting rid of dead trees and shrubs in trivial compared with adding a bathroom, but such things can have a big and very positive impact on prospective buyers. A good broker can help you decide which expenditures make sense and which don’t, and can save you a lot of money in the process.

About The Author

W. Troy Swezey is the author of “THE SMART WAY TO LOOK AT HOME IMPROVEMENTS." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, “REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net

It is important to be a very careful consumer when it comes to home improvement contractors. For instance, I had a case where my client, an elderly and blind woman, signed a contract and paid $30,000.00 to a home improvement company that disappeared with all of her money! Unfortunately, the company was a scam operation, my client lost her lifes savings and it will take some time in court before my client may ever see her money again however, her mistake will be a lesson to all of you because this article explains how to protect yourself from home improvement fraud.

Before signing any contract with a home improvement company, first ask that company for its license number and check it out with your State or County Consumer Affairs Business License Division. Find the License Division on the web or call information and get their number. You want to find out 1 the name and address of the company associated with the license number given to you, 2 if the company is currently licensed and the license expiration date and 3 whether any complaints have been made against that company. The answers to those questions will help you determine if you want to proceed with signing a contract. Make sure both the contractor and the company he works for are licensed to work in your State.

If your going to sign the contract then make sure certain things are included pursuant to your understanding and as required by your State’s Home Improvement Business Law. The contracting companys name, address and phone number should be printed on the contract. Also, it is important that the contracting companys home improvement license number is printed on the contract and that it is not different from the number you called and inquired about with Consumer Affairs. Lastly, make sure that all of the work to be performed is listed in the contract and that the approximate start and end dates of work are included. You should put a penalty clause in the contract regarding the contractor’s failure to timely complete the work because contractors are notorious for starting jobs and then leaving for a few days or weeks to do other jobs while you sit and wait in your dismantled kitchen for him to return. Once the contract terms are satisfactory then the contract should be signed by both you and the companys representative.

An example of a consumer protection law is New York’s General Business Law §771 "GBL" requiring all home improvement contracts shall be in writing and contain certain terms of payment, fees for services and materials and start and completion dates, among other terms. GBL §771 is a consumer protection statute to prevent the misunderstandings between contractor had consumer and to protect the consumer from overreaching of the contractor, such as charging for work that was not agreed upon. GBL §771 limits the contractor who disregards its written contract requirements to satisfactorily proving to a court each and every item of work he did and the reasonable value of each item by detailed invoices, timesheets and proof of hourly rates, among other proofs. So, if the contractor who failed to put your home improvement work in writing attempts to collect $20,000.00 from you, he has to prove the value of his services in detail before scaring you into paying an amount you had no idea about. New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and the Home Improvement Act protect the consumer even more by denying the contractor from recovering any monies if he violates any of the consumer laws AND he will pay three times the amount of damages called treble damages to the consumer for his failing to obtain proper permits or licenses or any other violation of those laws.

Lastly, protect yourself by not paying 100% upfront. Most contracting companies ask for a deposit upon your signing the contract. I suggest that you put down as little as possible and arrange a payment schedule with the company where you will pay a certain amount as certain work is completed. Of course, always get a receipt, signed by the company and stating the date and amount of any monies paid to the company if you pay anything in cash.

This article is certainly not all inclusive and is intended only as a brief explanation of the legal issue presented. Not all cases are alike and it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney if you have any questions with respect to any legal matters.

Any questions and/or comments with respect to this topic or any other topic, contact:

http://www.appellate-brief.com

Law Offices of Susan Chana Lask 853 Broadway, Suite 1516 New York, NY 10003 212 358-5762

Susan Chana Lask, Esq. c 2004

About The Author

Susan Chana Lask is named in the media as New Yorks "high powered attorney". She practices sucessfully all civil, criminal & appeals cases in State & Federal courts nationwide. http://www.appellate-brief.com scl@appellate-brief.com

This report is written for those people who may want to improve or update their own home so along those lines, I would like to give you an overview of the factors that may lead you in creating a more effective and successful home improvement project or plan of your own.

Let me begin by saying what a home improvement plan will not do! I have seen this happen more than once, so I will say this now. A home improvement project, addition, upgrade, remodel, or makeover will not make up for a troubled marriage. So for those that think home improvement may save a marriage, I’m telling you now that it will add more stress and it is a poor substitute for proper counseling.

With that said, when you see a home being sold due to a divorce, take a good look at the house because you may see evidence of a great remodel job. However, the marriage still failed. The scenario above leads into other areas of home remodel, acquisition and selling points. Gentlemen, pay attention here! It is generally recognized that women are responsible for 80% of all decisions on whether or not to purchase a particular home.

So what influences the ladies in their decisions concerning home purchases and remodeling By far the two biggest items are the kitchen and the bath. If I had to choose one or the other, I believe I would look at which area was in need of the remodel more, while at the same time looking at the costs of both options.

As for the men, what do they want They would be happy with a large garage/workshop plus a secluded den or office to carry on with business or to retreat to the solitude of a “cave.” Men, as we can see, really don’t spend as much time feathering the nest so as a result we see that contrary to popular belief, men really tend to follow the female’s lead.

Generally speaking, you’ll find that men don’t pay much attention to draperies, window treatments, flower boxes, state of the art appliances, Jacuzzi tubs, well-lit bathrooms, large closets or floral patterns of any kind. They often prefer brown and gray everything, with a big garage, a shed, a sprinkler system and a privacy fenced back yard for barbeques and lounging in private. Men also like low maintenance houses so they aren’t constantly being asked to fix or repair things. If left up to the men to decide, you would find that faucets, toilets, sinks, baths, floors, mirrors, cabinetry, appliances and furnishings would tend to be favored by their industrial strength qualities as opposed to beauty.

Those are general observations and many times they will not apply. However, by keeping them in mind and using the 80/20 rule, they may help in the decision making process. So now using what we know, it would be wise to slant your remodel towards the light and bright feminine side of life. It seems to make sense that if the women are the decision makers then we should let them decide on what really needs attention first!

Let’s look at the kitchen first. Can you paint or refinish the cabinetry and change the knobs and handles to get the new look Would new Formica laminate over the old counter tops with a matching backsplash do the trick Maybe a white ceramic sink with a new faucet will achieve the desired effect. Quite possibly you may decide to rip it all out. If that is the case, then paint the walls and consider tiling the floor also. Often times, adding some minor electrical and lighting upgrades will help transform and modernize the entire effort. Don’t forget the new built in dishwasher and plumbing as well.

Custom cabinets, if designed, built and installed by a local reputable cabinetmaker with references and a picture book of previous work done, are often very attractive in price and quality. I use craftsmen with low overhead who work on one job at a time. Often I will ask them to make, in addition to the kitchen, a base cabinet for the bathroom to match, all for one low price. When working with kitchens I always look to see if a wall can be opened up to create a pass through or bar stool counter top. This lets in more light and allows the person in the kitchen to talk with and see the people in the adjoining room. It also creates the effect of a more spacious kitchen.

The bottom line is that a well-lit, light, bright and spacious kitchen, well equipped with modern appliances, plenty of storage space and decorative tiles, paint and window treatments, will add value and appeal to any home’s remodel plan.

Next, lets look at remodeling the bathroom. Here again, we look to the feminine side as the women seem to spend more time here then the men. So with the ladies in mind concerning the upgrade, I will often bite the bullet and rip it all out, the tub being the only exception! If I can leave the tub in, the job is easier, faster and cheaper. However, if I am looking at an olive green or yellowed chipped up and rusting ceramic eyesore, than a new fiberglass insert with a sliding glass door is going on my list of items to buy at the local Home Depot.

Jet tubs are the in thing, so I won’t rule them out as a possible upgrade. This decision again is based on the female as most men don’t take candlelit bubble baths or require a pulsating massage. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams semi-gloss paint which creates an excellent moisture barrier to the walls. With regard to walls, by adding tile or laminate half-wall wainscoting to the lower three to four feet of the wall, you’ll add a nice touch. Since you have torn out the old toilet and base cabinet, now is also the perfect time to rip up the old vinyl and put down ceramic floor tile before the new fixtures are installed.

New lighting, mirrored vanity cabinets, G.F.I. electrical outlets, wallpaper borders, towel rings and bars are usually the finishing touch. Even a man can appreciate coming home to a spacious, clean, modern, functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen and bath. One final note here: Be sure to caulk everything when you’re through. You’ll want to protect your new investment from rotting, from the inside out. Dampness and wood eating insects are your homes worst enemies.

Now with the kitchen and bath out of the way, what do you feel is next I myself spend on average about seven hours a day in the bedroom, so I tend to go there next. Once again, the closet is of importance to the ladies so I will look to paint that bright white, upgrade the lighting and install a closet organizing system to maximize the space that is available. A tip for the guys! Put in a shoe rack for the ladies, as most of you wouldn’t even think about that little upgrade.

Once the closet is done, I’m back patching and painting the rest of the room. Another smart thing you can do is to let the female decide on what color of Sherwin Williams brand satin super paint they would like to have applied. I always make sure I get enough paint to do the ceiling as well because when you’re on your back, you will be looking at it. Once the walls and ceiling are done, the ceiling fan with light kit and dimmer switch go in. Then the baseboards are prepared for installation before the carpet goes down. Usually I paint them a shade darker than the walls and tack them to the wall about one-half inch above the floor.

Now that the paint is put away, it’s time to install the plush carpet and a dense quality pad beneath it. In order to really bring the room together you will need to take a paint swatch or chip to the carpet dealer to choose the carpet color that really sets off the walls and base board trim. As for final touches, those include mini blinds, a curtain, and decorative switch plates and receptacle covers. A solid core door represents today’s modern standards with a keyed lock set for security, so I will add that factor in too. Just add candles and you’re done!

As for the rest of the house, I will choose one-color paint and use it throughout all the remaining areas that are to be lightened and brightened. Earth tone, eggshell or tan sand colors are a neutral favorite of many, so unless you have a floor that is going to clash with it, earth tones are a safe bet. Speaking of floors, I will follow appraisal rules that tell me wood is better than carpet, except in bedrooms. And tile is better than vinyl. With that in mind, I will use tile and Pergo flooring everywhere else. Once the tile and wood are installed, I never have to replace it and maintenance is a breeze. The appraiser also looks upon wood and tile as an upgrade, so at the earliest opportunity, they are getting incorporated in my plans.

There you have it! A general Joe homeowner remodel job, but what about the infamous addition With this consideration, you’ll have many more options to weigh, so lets take a look at some of the pros and cons of adding square footage.

When does it make sense to add square footage

#1. Is it physically possible, legally permissible, financially feasible Will the new addition serve your intended purpose to the maximum extent

#2. Does the current floor plan, layout or design of your home allow for a smooth flowing traffic pattern in, out and through the proposed addition

#3. Will your lot size accommodate a larger dwelling and will the neighborhood surrounding your home support the higher value that you expend

#4. How long do you intend to stay in the house that this upgrade is planned for Five years from now, will the addition return, dollar for dollar, the money you have spent to the sales price of the home if you sold it

#5. Are you prepared to deal with draftsmen and plans development, contractors, building officials and permits Will you mind living on a construction site for about 6 months Are your finances in place with an additional 10% set aside for cost overruns Has everyone agreed upon what this addition should look like and the purpose it will serve

Let us say you have considered the above and would like to continue towards the improvement. From here, we should consider the economic principle of what is called progression. Example: You have a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, located in a neighborhood of more expensive 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes. In this case you could, with more certainty, add another bedroom and bath and expect to be able to realize or achieve the value from the addition’s expense as the more expensive homes around you will tend to pull the value of your home up along with theirs.

Now the reverse is also true, so you must consider the opposite case that is called the principle of regression. That says that if you over-improve beyond the value of the homes that are surrounding you, then those lower value homes will tend to keep the value of your home in the lower price ranges. So putting it another way, try not to pass the point of diminishing returns. In essence, saying that you can only improve so much before you reach a point where, for every dollar you spend, you will receive less of that same dollar back when you sell.

A good rule of thumb to use is to try to get at least two dollars of increased value for every dollar you spend. Once you begin to approach “break-even,” then you should consider maintaining what you have as opposed to adding to it. A simple way to say it: Don’t over-improve!

Another watchword to know is super-adequacy. That would be like putting gold faucets in a mobile home. It’s overkill and too high-end for the properties overall value, so the final decision on remodeling and additions comes down to balance and a happy medium being reached. Also, take into consideration the cost, aggravation, the net gain, the need for improvement, the improved quality of life, the suitability to all occupants taste, needs and desires and in the end the ability to receive a higher sales price.

I choose to remodel more often than add-on because it goes much faster and the profits role in quicker too. If I need more space to live in, I simply remodel the house I’m in and rent it out for top dollar, and then get an equity line to buy a bigger house! When remodeling my own home I will attempt to do everything myself, aside from building cabinets or rewiring electrical circuits. As with everything else, if I get in over my head, I will concede defeat and call in an expert to finish what I started while I learn where I went wrong by watching them finish it up.

Here are a few parting shots that you may or may not know:

Painting everything inside and out is the greatest value producing improvement that you can make on a dollar for dollar return basis. When painting, ensure you buy the absolute best paint available, as it is true that the expense of painting lies in the application of the paint not the paint itself. So if you have to apply two coats because of an inferior watered down paint then the cost just doubled in time and the added paint needed to get the job done.

This next tip alone will save you the cost of this entire book and here it is. Without naming any names, whether it be the manufacturer or the distributor of the product, there is a problem out there with what used to be considered top brand, quality paints. It has been said that some manufacturers have thinned out their paint and left their good name on, all in the name of allowing certain retailers the ability to sell hundreds of thousands of gallons a month at what appears to be a bargain price. Unfortunately, the consumer is fooled by the name and ends up coming back for more paint when they find that it takes more of the thinned out product to get complete coverage.

I, for one, as you can well see by now, am a real fan of Sherwin Williams brand, super paint. This blend is so superior in my mind to any other paint available to the little guy, that I refuse to use anything else. I have applied it to exterior walls located in the worst conditions and climates and ten years later its still as good as the day I put it on. The elasticity, color and protection are still in place with absolutely no chalking, cracking or deterioration of any kind, The same goes for interior paint as well. The coverage and wash ability are unmatched!

I also would like to say Sherwin Williams has not paid me to say one word of this. It is for your sole benefit that I harp on it to the degree that I do, as it burns me to no end to see trusting people get ripped off and not even know it!

But wait! It gets even worse. As if to add insult to injury, the retailers don’t really even shoot for the highest profit margin on the paint. They make their profit when you start buying all the tape, rollers, trays, brushes, handles, scrapers, sand paper, buckets, screens and new fangled gadgetry along with a host of other products that may be required to finish all phases of the job at hand.

Has anyone ever told you that If you doubt it, take a viscosity cup and run the super paint through it and then do the same with the other paint. After this test, you will need no further proof of which paint is going to save you time and money in the long run.

Well, enough said. I hope you get the point on paint. Now another thing you can do to improve your home substantially is landscape it. Landscaping, if done right, can add up to 30% to the value of your home. I prefer to plant shrubbery and low maintenance hardy plants and trees of all types. A few flowers to add color and my job is done.

Back to the addition. If you decide to add a room or two, it has also been proven that you can save about 30% here too by being your own contractor. I would encourage you to get a book titled, “How to Be Your Own Contractor,” as it will often take an entire book to give you a proper grounding on the subject. Just know this! It is entirely within your realm of ability to tackle the over site and scheduling that you would pay that 30% to the general contractor to do. If you feel up to the task, get a book and be vigilant. In the end, you will have that new addition at a significantly lower price.

If you will visit my web site at www.magicbullets.com you will find a very special offer there. Thanks for reading, Dan

About The Author

Dan Auito is a dual-licensed real estate agent and appraisal assistant. Dan is a 20-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He has acquired over 1.3 million in real estate assets in 14 years while also founding a non-profit drug prevention corporation, a real estate consulting group and is the author of “Magic Bullets in Real Estate.” This 300-page power-packed book due out in early July 2004 comes with a website that further supports its readers. Dan lives with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Brandon and Briana, on the emerald isle of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Dan may be reached at magicbullets@alaska.com or by visiting www.magicbullets.com. Call 1 907 481-6300 or write 1619 Three Sisters Way Kodiak AK 99615

It is important to be a very careful consumer when it comes to home improvement contractors. For instance, I had a case where my client, an elderly and blind woman, signed a contract and paid $30,000.00 to a home improvement company that disappeared with all of her money! Unfortunately, the company was a scam operation, my client lost her life's savings and it will take some time in court before my client may ever see her money again however, her mistake will be a lesson to all of you because this article explains how to protect yourself from home improvement fraud.

Before signing any contract with a home improvement company, first ask that company for its license number and check it out with your State or County Consumer Affairs' Business License Division. Find the License Division on the web or call information and get their number. You want to find out (1) the name and address of the company associated with the license number given to you, (2) if the company is currently licensed and the license expiration date and (3) whether any complaints have been made against that company. The answers to those questions will help you determine if you want to proceed with signing a contract. Make sure both the contractor and the company he works for are licensed to work in your State.

If your going to sign the contract then make sure certain things are included pursuant to your understanding and as required by your State’s Home Improvement Business Law. The contracting company's name, address and phone number should be printed on the contract. Also, it is important that the contracting company's home improvement license number is printed on the contract and that it is not different from the number you called and inquired about with Consumer Affairs. Lastly, make sure that all of the work to be performed is listed in the contract and that the approximate start and end dates of work are included. You should put a penalty clause in the contract regarding the contractor’s failure to timely complete the work because contractors are notorious for starting jobs and then leaving for a few days or weeks to do other jobs while you sit and wait in your dismantled kitchen for him to return. Once the contract terms are satisfactory then the contract should be signed by both you and the company's representative.

An example of a consumer protection law is New York’s General Business Law §771 ("GBL") requiring all home improvement contracts shall be in writing and contain certain terms of payment, fees for services and materials and start and completion dates, among other terms. GBL §771 is a consumer protection statute to prevent the misunderstandings between contractor had consumer and to protect the consumer from overreaching of the contractor, such as charging for work that was not agreed upon. GBL §771 limits the contractor who disregards its written contract requirements to satisfactorily proving to a court each and every item of work he did and the reasonable value of each item by detailed invoices, timesheets and proof of hourly rates, among other proofs. So, if the contractor who failed to put your home improvement work in writing attempts to collect $20,000.00 from you, he has to prove the value of his services in detail before scaring you into paying an amount you had no idea about. New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act and the Home Improvement Act protect the consumer even more by denying the contractor from recovering any monies if he violates any of the consumer laws AND he will pay three times the amount of damages (called treble damages) to the consumer for his failing to obtain proper permits or licenses or any other violation of those laws.

Lastly, protect yourself by not paying 100% upfront. Most contracting companies ask for a deposit upon your signing the contract. I suggest that you put down as little as possible and arrange a payment schedule with the company where you will pay a certain amount as certain work is completed. Of course, always get a receipt, signed by the company and stating the date and amount of any monies paid to the company if you pay anything in cash.

This article is certainly not all inclusive and is intended only as a brief explanation of the legal issue presented. Not all cases are alike and it is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney if you have any questions with respect to any legal matters.

Any questions and/or comments with respect to this topic or any other topic, contact:

http://www.appellate-brief.com

Law Offices of Susan Chana Lask

853 Broadway, Suite 1516

New York, NY 10003

(212) 358-5762

Susan Chana Lask, Esq. c 2004

Susan Chana Lask is named in the media as New York's "high powered attorney". She practices sucessfully all civil, criminal & appeals cases in State & Federal courts nationwide. http://www.appellate-brief.com

scl@appellate-brief.com

To find the cheapest home improvement loan that you can, you need to realize that there are a lot of factors that can affect the amount that you pay.

The equity that you have in your home or real estate is a major piece, but other factors that are considered are your credit history, national and local interest rates, the amount you want to borrow, and even the types of repairs or improvements that you're planning on doing with the money.

The cheapest home improvement loan that you'll get may take a little bit of work to find, but if it can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the end it's worth it.

Plan ahead to get the cheapest home improvement loan

Since there are so many factors involved in getting the cheapest home improvement loan, you need to plan ahead so that everything works in your favour.

Make payments on your mortgage early, paying extra if you're allowed… not only does this reduce the total debt that you owe on your home, but it increases your equity and looks good on your credit report.

You should also pay down or pay off any other debts that you have (such as credit cards) to the best of your ability; every payment you make on time presents a better case to lenders to help you get the cheapest home improvement loan that you can.

Additionally, you should keep an eye on the news media and the finance section of the newspaper… find out what current interest rates are and whether they're likely to go up or down anytime soon.

Apply for your loan after several months of making on-time payments (since some creditors only report quarterly) and when rates are as low as they look like they're going to get to help improve your chances of getting the cheapest home improvement loan.

Ask for as much as you need, but not as much as you want

When looking for the cheapest home improvement loan, you might have to make a sacrifice or two when it comes to more frivolous improvements to your home.

If there are any items that you've figured into your loan amount that you can do without for a while, you might want to consider waiting until later and buying them with your own money.

Get loan quotes for both the amount that you want and the bare minimum amount that you need… compare the interest rates and terms to find the cheapest home improvement loan.

You might get a better deal with the lower amount, but if it's not significantly better then go ahead and get the larger; after all, you'll still be getting the cheapest home improvement loan for that amount.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Getting the cheapest home improvement loans isn't always easy. It can require going to several different lenders for quotes as well as several hours spent comparing the interest rates and terms of several possibilities. All of that work can pay off in the end, though, because the cheapest home improvement loans can save you hundreds or even thousands in the long run.

Before you can find the cheapest home improvement loans, though, you need to know a little bit about what you're looking for and what lenders are looking at.

Factors that affect your loan

You may have to visit several different lenders to find the cheapest home improvement loans, but every one that you go to will be taking several things into consideration when creating a quote for you.

The first thing that they'll look at is the equity in your home, which is an indication of how much of the mortgage on the home has been paid off. The equity in your home is one of the major factors in determining the maximum amount that a lender is willing to loan you, since it is an indication of how much money they'd get back if they had to repossess the home. Usually, the cheapest home improvement loans are offered to people who have high equity in their homes.

Of course, there are other factors to be considered as well… things such as your credit score, the type of improvements or repairs that you're wanting to do, and national and local interest rates can all be major considerations when a lender is trying to determine if you qualify for the cheapest home improvement loans.

What to look for in a loan

Even if the first quote that you receive seems pretty good, you should take some time to see if there are any other options available in order to get the absolute cheapest home improvement loans that you can.

Visit several banks and finance companies and request quotes from each of them… you may find that the interest rates and terms that you're offered differ at least slightly from institution to institution.

Carefully look at all of the quotes that you've received, trying to find the one with the lowest interest rate that still has flexible repayment terms. Narrow your options down to only two or three quotes, and decide from there which of the offers has the best options for your needs.

While it may seem like more work than it's worth sometimes, taking your time to find the cheapest home improvement loans to finance your repair or improvement project can save you both time and money in the long run.

The extra time that you spend now will likely result in you repaying the loan faster and having more free time and money afterwards.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

(NC)—While the home may be a family's castle and an escape from today's hectic world, it's probably not perfect. Decorating styles change. There are pictures to hang and shelves to install. Things break. It's too pressing to ignore, but too minor to engage a professional. The question becomes one of where to begin.

Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Reader's Digest.

With knowledge in hand, it's a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.

2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.

3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types

4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.

5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so it's easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater®.

6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.

7. Adjustable wrench.

8. Utility or box knife.

9. Drill – This is the one power tool that's a must.

10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor™ Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning™ safety feature so you won't accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

For more information about Zircon's StudSensor Pro SL-AC, Repeater and other cutting-edge electronic hand tools and to find a nearby retailer, visit the company's website at www.zircon.com or call toll-free 800-245-9265.

- News Canada

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

If you're looking for a good home improvement loan rate, you might have to take your time and shop around a little bit.

The home improvement loan rate that you get can depend on several factors… your credit history, the amount of the loan you're requesting, national interest rates, and even the equity of your house or real estate.

Taking the time to shop around, though, can pay off in the long run by getting you the best deal on a home improvement loan rate that you can get.

So what is a home improvement loan?

If you're wanting to make repairs, expansions, or improvements to your house or real estate, then you're going to be looking for a home improvement loan.

These loans use the equity in your home as collateral for the loan, with various interest rates and fees depending upon the factors mentioned above.

The home improvement loan rate that you pay might be high or low, but to find the lowest rate you should take the time to shop around at several lenders before deciding on one over the others.

Where should I go to shop for a loan?

There are several places that you can check while trying to get the best home improvement loan rate possible.

Banks and finance companies are often good places to start, and an internet search can often yield additional possibilities with only a few clicks.

Don't commit to any particular lender until you've gotten at least four or five separate quotes, or you might not get the best home improvement loan rate that you're eligible for.

I have several quotes… now what?

Once you've gotten several quotes for a home improvement loan rate, take a little time to compare the interest rates and the terms of each loan offer.

What you're looking for is the offer that has the lowest rate with the best terms… after all, it doesn't do you a lot of good to find a low home improvement loan rate if you're expected to pay high fees or repay the loan in less time than you could realistically get the money.

Find the offer that has the most flexible terms, along with low interest and low fees, and that's the loan that you're going to want to apply for.

Repaying the loan

Once you've obtained your loan and begun your repairs or improvements, make sure that you budget the loan payments into your finances.

Any money that's left over after you've paid for the improvements should be put toward the loan payment, to make getting rid of the debt that much easier… and to help make sure that your credit doesn't need improvement down the road.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Home is your sanctuary. The place you go back to every night and somehow it doesn’t seem right. Your home is an expression of who you are and if you walk out each of a place that you does not seem to belong to you then probably your home needs improvement. You are probably guessing how you are going to make the payments for your home improvement. Your home remodeling plans are no longer to be restricted to the thought stages. Let them see the light of day. Home improvement loans will provide you with a dependable groundwork to build on the home you have a vision of.

Home improvement is predominantly triggered by the desire to own a comfortable home. Home improvement can be slightly difficult, if your financial position is tight. This is where home improvement loans have a function to perform. Being a homeowner you could not have been in a better position to apply for a home improvement loan. Home improvement loans are functional for any kind of improvement or home extension. Home improvement loan is available for double glazing, new conservatory, heating system, new kitchen, rewiring and plumbing or any home remodeling that you can think of. The cost of home improvements is generally paid by savings or revolving credits like credit or store cards. Credit cards imply no borrowing. In many ways it is idyllic for there are no repayments to be made. But credit cards can be an expensive option especially if the borrowing extends beyond the credit limit. Store card interest rates are as high as 30%. In every circumstance a personal loan for home improvement is a more disciplined and cheaper option.

Home improvement plans can be funded by means of a secured loan, unsecured loan, remortgaging or taking further advance on your mortgage. Unsecured home improvement offers a typical flat rate of interest 12-14%. But a little bit of research will get you an unsecured home improvement loan for 10%. A secured home improvement loan indisputably attracts lower rate of interest. APR of a secured loan is around 7%. You can borrow anything from £ 5,000 to £ 75,000 for home improvement. The repayment term can be extended from 5 years to 25 years depending on the loan amount, your available income and the amount of equity in the property.

In the contemporary context, one of the ingenious thing one can do with a home’s equity is to put it right back into the home. Home improvement is besides providing you with the much needed changes, increases the equity of your home. There has been a rise in home improvement loans in the past decade. If the property cannot be sold then home improvement is the answer. Home improvement is remarkable if your primary motive is to raise large amounts. But not every home improvement will improve the resale value of your home. So it is recommended that you stick to those home improvement plans that give you the maximum returns. It is important to remember that over enthusiasm with improvement won’t lead to any gain. It is difficult to recover investment in a home that is already more valuable than those in the neighbourhood. And keep your whimsical tastes to respite for there might not be many mainstream homebuyers for them.

Home improvement loan might seem like an unreal thing for many homeowners. But the newer more sophisticated home improvement loan options are very easy to adjust to. They are designed to keeping in mind the conditions and status of every homeowner. The ever expanding mortgage market gives you an opportunity to apply for a mortgage for home improvements and that too in the most uncomplicated manner. More and more homeowners are administering for remortgage to raise capital for home improvements. By completely remortgaging the consolidated loan, the entire mortgage market is assailable to the loan borrower. If you care enough to shop around then you can find a very reasonable and cheap mortgage loan for home improvement.

Home improvement loans are a package that includes any kind of meliorations that you can think of. It is your home and you have every right to improve it the way you want to. Contrary to accepted conviction home improvements are vital and absolutely necessary. Why home improvement? If that is what people ask when you suggest it then they probably don’t know what is the meaning of comfortable living is. Home improvements improve the quality of life. We work hard and save money to buy personal satisfaction and comfort. If the house that we have build does not provide the relief then perhaps home improvement is what you need.

About The Author

Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from CPIT and has completed her master’s in Business Administration from IGNOU. She is as cautious about her finances as any person reading this is. She works for the personal loan web site http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk. To find a Secured or unsecured loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk.

amandacthompson@gmail.com

Many of us watch TV shows and see the miraculous transformation of homes and gardens by professionals and amateur do-it-yourselfers. Is it really that easy, we ask ourselves. Could I do it? Where do I begin? What improvement projects will generate the biggest increase in the value of my home?

What Do You Want and What Can You Afford?

There are several good reasons for wanting to redecorate or remodel (http://www.all-about-home-rugs.com/oriental-rugs.html) your home. If your residence no longer reflects your changing tastes and lifestyle but you don’t want to leave a desirable neighborhood, maybe all you need to do is make one or two basic changes. Altering a color scheme, converting a bedroom into a home office, or upgrading the kitchen and bathroom are practical improvements that add esthetic appeal and financial value. If a move is in the future, you want home improvement projects that will give you the biggest bang for your buck when it’s time to sell.

Whatever your motives for improving your home, make a wish list with three categories: Must have Would like to have Dreams can come true

When your list is complete, consider the amount of money you have available or are prepared to borrow. Unless you have unlimited funds, make a realistic estimate of what you can afford. Are you planning major renovations that will require the services of an architect or a contractor? Will you need an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter, a painter, or all four? How much work can you do yourself? All these factors must be taken into account as you pare down your list into affordable home improvement projects.

How Do You Begin?

Every project starts with a plan. Itemize everything you want and think you can afford, and include a design of rooms to be remodeled. If you are going to require professional help, now is the time to talk to contractors, plumbers, and other tradesmen, and to ask for estimates. Comparison-shopping is a must. If you are an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, price materials and tools needed. If you can’t afford to do everything on your list, reassess your prime needs and make a new plan.

What Projects Are Key?

The best projects for improving the value of your home are, happily, the most affordable and the easiest to do yourself, even if you are a super klutz. Ask any real estate agent for tips on how to prepare a home for resale and you will be told that the house and yard should be cleaned and all clutter removed. Creating suitable home storage facilities and cleaning and painting the interior and exterior of your house, therefore, are the jobs that top the list of desirable improvements. The premium projects that usually require professional help are kitchen remodeling first and bathroom remodeling second. These particular upgrades will provide the best return for your money, and the real estate industry has statistics to prove it.

Clean Everything in Sight

Cleaning your home and yard is a great improvement project, and if you are remodeling, it will be the final step after the dust has settled. You will need something heavy-duty like tri-sodium phosphate or its equivalent to wash most surfaces inside and outside the house. There are also special cleaners for glass, tile, porcelain, stainless steel, and wood, and for getting rid of unpleasant molds and mildew. Visit your friendly hardware store and read labels. There are cleaners for almost every material and for solving almost every cleaning problem. Make sure rooms are well ventilated whenever you are cleaning, carefully follow directions, and wear gloves and a mask.

Removing clutter is another worthwhile project and requires adequate home storage with a combination of cabinets, shelves and bins, and sufficient strength of mind to discard all junk, no matter how much you love it. You can buy easy-to-assemble shelving and cabinets in a great variety of sizes and materials at affordable prices. Small, decorative containers can be used to organize and conceal the ongoing accumulations of such items as incoming mail. In the yard, removing clutter means getting rid of dead trees, dead branches, broken slabs and stones in patios and walkways, and tidying up the garden and lawn. When faced with clutter, ruthlessly throw it out, recycle it, hold a garage sale, donate it to the charity of your choice – get rid of it.

Interior painting and exterior painting should be next on your list of preferred home improvement projects. Fresh paint helps make your home look clean, bright, and spacious. When selecting colors for the exterior, don’t forget to do something about that bland front door. Have fun! Fresh, harmonious colors add beauty and personality to your home both inside and out.

Put Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling High on the List

Although remodeling a kitchen seems like a daunting task, a complete overhaul pays great dividends if and when you sell your home. Purchasing new cabinets and appliances are worthy goals, but you can also make minor changes that will create impact. If you can’t replace the kitchen cabinets, replace the cabinet doors at least. If that is also beyond your means, add molding to the cabinet doors, paint them, and replace the hardware. It’s not that difficult or expensive to replace an outdated sink, and if you can’t afford a new stove, fridge and dishwasher, don’t hang on to those gold or avocado monstrosities – buy attractive reconditioned replacements.

Bathroom remodeling

(http://www.all-about-home-improvement.com/bathroom-accessories.html) is the next most important improvement and the biggest dividends come from installing a new sink, bathtub, toilet, and shower stall, as well as attractive tiles and custom cabinets. Again, if you can’t manage a complete makeover, replace the tired old taps, faucets and showerhead; add shelves; and paint and redecorate the cabinets.

Other Projects to Consider

After you have decided on and planned for the most important home improvement projects, new window covering and upgraded flooring should receive your attention. You can choose from a large array of window dressings and styles, or simply buy fabric, turn hems with iron-on tape, and dramatically drape the material over attractive curtain rods. Shutters are another possibility and lend themselves to many different decorating styles.

Your choice of flooring is limited only by your taste and budget. Rip up the old carpet and replace it with contemporary hardwood flooring or laminate flooring. If you already have hardwood, simply sanding and re-staining it or giving it a clear finish may give your rooms the lift they need. Other flooring replacements that can transform a room include tile, vinyl, linoleum, or textured rubber.

Finally, save a little energy and money to improve the appearance of your yard. Maybe all you have to do to improve the landscape (http://www.all-about-home-improvement.com/garden-supplies.html) is trim, mow, weed, and then plant a few flowers. Adding or upgrading an existing patio, deck, or walkway can also be very worthwhile.

Choosing the best modeling and redecorating projects will not only increase the long-term value of your home, they will also provide satisfaction and pleasure for you, the smart homeowner.

About The Author

Scott Gray is the owner and operator of SG Home Improvements which is an excellent resource for Home, Decorating and Information. For more information go to: http://www.all-about-home-improvement.com and http://www.all-about-home-rugs.com.

TOP TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE

http://ww.bukaboo.com/index.shtml

Want to sell your home quickly? Home makeovers are all the rage, but you don't have to go through a Changing Rooms-style transformation to make your property more enticing to prospective purchasers. Here's a few tips on how to accentuate the positive side of your abode:

If you're taking photos of your home to give to the estate agent, make sure they show your home from the best angle. If you can, it's best to take them during the summer months.

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Give as much information as you can to the estate agent about your local amenities - transport, schools, shops, etc. - so potential buyers can get as full a picture of the area as possible.

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When people come round to view, make sure your place is tidy (an obvious point, perhaps, but I can personally testify that the contents of someone's underwear drawer on a bedroom floor is not designed to attract a buyer). Don't leave last night's washing-up in the sink.

Try and remove/hide any items of furniture that make your home look cramped. Use the space you have to its full potential.

Don't decorate your whole property just before your home goes on the market - potential buyers might think you've got something to hide. But do make sure your walls and floors are clean and if a lick of magnolia is required then get your paintbrush out.

http://www.bukaboo.com/property/

There are different schools of thought about whether it's better to be at home when people are viewing your property. If you're not, make sure the place is clean. If you are, don't follow your potential buyers around but be prepared to answer any questions they might have.

http://www.bukaboo.com/index.shtml

Emmanuel, (chairman/Ceo Bukaboo.com) is an advertising,and online marketing Consultant

Click on the url below to read more interesting but educational articles:

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emmanuelsar@aol.com

If you have home improvements that you'd like to see done but don't have the money to do them, you might want to consider looking for cheap home improvement loans.

These are loans that are designed with the homeowner in mind, and allow you to make the repairs and improvements that you want but that you otherwise couldn't afford.

Cheap home improvement loans are available from a variety of lenders, from banks to finance companies, and can be obtained with a variety of terms to help you find the repayment plan that works best for you. And since they're based upon the value of your house and the improvements that you make to it, cheap home improvement loans usually don't require any additional collateral.

The importance of equity

One of the main factors in finding cheap home improvement loans is the equity of your house or real estate, which is a measure of how much of the mortgage on the property has been paid.

If you own the house outright and don't have a mortgage on it, then you have 100% equity; if you have a mortgage that you've repaid half of, then you're looking at 50% equity.

The higher your equity is the better your chance of finding cheap home improvement loans and getting a larger loan amount.

Other factors that are considered

Of course, there's a little more to getting cheap home improvement loans than just having a large amount of equity in your home.

Factors such as current interest rates, the type of repairs or improvements you're wanting to do, the amount that you're requesting for your loan, and your credit history all play their part; to get the best cheap home improvement loans it's a good idea to do a little bit of homework to find the best time to apply for your loan.

Paying off outstanding debts, applying for a loan to cover reasonable costs, asking for a lower loan amount, and waiting until interest rates are low are the best ways to find the cheap home improvement loans that you're looking for.

Shopping around for your loan

You should never take the first of the cheap home improvement loans that you're offered unless you're sure that you won't get a better deal elsewhere.

Take your time and visit several lenders, getting loan quotes from each one and comparing the terms and interest rates of the cheap home improvement loans.

This will help you to make an informed decision, and will end up saving you a lot of money in the long run… and the more money you can save while making the repairs and improvements your home needs, the better.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

If you're looking for the best home improvement loan for your money it can sometimes seem like an uphill climb. You may not know whether the offer that you've received is the best that you can get, or if you should try to find a better offer elsewhere… but you shouldn't let finding the best home improvement loan stress you out so badly.

Getting the most out of your loan is easier than you might think; you just need to keep a few things in mind to help you to get the best home improvement loan.

Equity

When searching for the best home improvement loan, equity is a major factor. If you're not exactly sure what equity is, it's the portion of your home or real estate that you actually own… the percentage of the mortgage that's been paid off. If you've paid back 10% of your mortgage, then you'll have 10% equity; if you don't have a mortgage or you've already repaid it then you'll have 100% equity in your home.

The equity that you have is important in finding the best home improvement loan, since it's the value of your home that's acting as collateral for the loan.

The more equity you have, the better chance you have of getting low interest rates and a high loan amount.

Rates fluctuate

Obviously, interest rates play a key part in finding the best home improvement loan. Interest rates will fluctuate on a national level as a way to fight inflation, but they will also vary from bank to bank and finance company to finance company.

This is one of the main reasons that shopping around for a loan can be so important; getting multiple loan quotes for your home improvement or repair project can mean the difference between getting the best home improvement loan with a low interest rate and paying more because you took the first offer you received.

Look for special offers

Sometimes the easiest way to get the best home improvement loan is to simply watch for loan specials that some lenders offer.

It could be an anniversary or customer appreciation day, or perhaps a tactic to draw in new first-time customers; whatever the reason for the special rates, you should at least consider them.

Many specials such as this last for only a short period, such as six months, before reverting to a higher rate… but if you can make payments at a lower rate for that period of time that reduce the total amount you pay at the higher rate, it might be a good idea to give it some serious consideration.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

Save money on home improvement projects by following the tips outlined in this article. Perfect source of inspiration for those thinking of undertaking small projects at home.

About the Author

Craig Whitley is a jack-of-all-trades, ranging from author to web entrepreneur. He created 1-Tools.com for guys just like himself that treasure time with the sofa and remote control more than the time it takes to build a picnic table using nothing but a ball ping hammer, nails and a hacksaw. His message – “Buy the right tools for the job online and save money.”

The best home improvement loans usually aren't going to be the first loans that you encounter, but if you're in the market for a loan to pay for repairs, expansions, or improvements to your home or other real estate then it might be worth your time to shop around before you decide on one loan or another.

Shopping around for the best home improvement loans isn't a lot of work, though it can be a bit time consuming and requires quite a bit of legwork. In the end, though, you can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds by getting one of the best home improvement loans that you can, so the extra work is worth it.

Prepare your paperwork beforehand

Since you're going to be visiting several banks and finance companies in your quest to find the best home improvement loans, it will be a great time-saver to have as much of the work done beforehand as you can.

Gather up recent bank statements, mortgage payment slips, paycheck stubs, tax filings, and other financial papers, organizing them in a folder and making photocopies that you can let the loan officer review.

Some banks and finance companies even have websites where you can download loan forms and other paperwork… not only does having a lot of the paperwork done beforehand save time, but it can impress the lenders and help you to get one of the best home improvement loans.

Getting multiple quotes

Finding the best home improvement loans is largely a matter of getting quotes from several different lenders and comparing them to see which one offers the best interest rate and loan terms.

You might even want to get quotes on loans of two different amounts to see if there's a difference in rates… perhaps by reducing the amount that you borrow you can get the bank or finance company to drop the interest rate by a point or two.

Prepare your paperwork so that you can get a quote for both what you want to borrow and the absolute bare minimum that you can get away with; you might not want to settle for less, but by doing so you might secure one of the best home improvement loans.

Establish a relationship

Once you've decided on the loan that you want, try to talk to the same loan officer that you did before when you got your quote. Some lenders will automatically refer you to the same person, while some will not.

Talking to the same person helps to not only get them to remember you so you can get the best home improvement loans, but also can let remember you in the future and establish a relationship that can lead to better customer service and lower rates on future loans.

--

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

About The Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

(NC)—While the home may be a family's castle and an escape from today's hectic world, it's probably not perfect. Decorating styles change. There are pictures to hang and shelves to install. Things break. It's too pressing to ignore, but too minor to engage a professional. The question becomes one of where to begin.

Start with a highly recommended how-to book, such as Better Homes & Gardens – New Complete Guide to Home Repair and Improvement and New Complete Do-It-Yourself Manual by Reader's Digest.

With knowledge in hand, it's a good idea to have a basic set of tools. When choosing, experts advise buying the best quality possible. Good tools can last a lifetime and help ensure professional results, while poor ones tend to break, cause frustration and can even damage a project.

A hardware or home center employee can guide you in quality tool selection. Here are the top ten tools that home experts say should be in every toolbox:

1. Toolbox – Start with a sturdy, latching container that can protect the tools and keep them safe, organized, and ready to go.

2. Safety goggles – Safety is the first step in any do-it-yourself project.

3. Screwdrivers – Start with a couple sizes of both flat blade and Phillips types

4. Hammer – Choose a 16-ounce claw model that fits comfortably in your hand, heavy enough to accomplish most tasks but not too heavy.

5. Tape measure – Choose one with a shock resistant case in a bright colour, so it's easy to spot in your toolbox. For real convenience, try one with a built-in voice recorder to store your measurements like the Zircon Repeater®.

6. Slip-joint pliers with wire cutting jaw.

7. Adjustable wrench.

8. Utility or box knife.

9. Drill – This is the one power tool that's a must.

10. Stud finder – For dozens of home improvement projects a stud finder can be worth its weight in gold. Try the new Zircon StudSensor™ Pro SL-AC. It finds studs without guesswork and includes a new WireWarning™ safety feature so you won't accidentally nail or drill into live AC voltage.

For more information about Zircon's StudSensor Pro SL-AC, Repeater and other cutting-edge electronic hand tools and to find a nearby retailer, visit the company's website at www.zircon.com or call toll-free 800-245-9265.

- News Canada

About the Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Let me begin by saying what a home improvement plan will not do! I have seen this happen more than once, so I will say this now. A home improvement project, addition, upgrade, remodel, or makeover will not make up for a troubled marriage. So for those that think home improvement may save a marriage, I’m telling you now that it will add more stress and it is a poor substitute for proper counseling.

With that said, when you see a home being sold due to a divorce, take a good look at the house because you may see evidence of a great remodel job. However, the marriage still failed. The scenario above leads into other areas of home remodel, acquisition and selling points. Gentlemen, pay attention here! It is generally recognized that women are responsible for 80% of all decisions on whether or not to purchase a particular home.

So what influences the ladies in their decisions concerning home purchases and remodeling? By far the two biggest items are the kitchen and the bath. If I had to choose one or the other, I believe I would look at which area was in need of the remodel more, while at the same time looking at the costs of both options.

As for the men, what do they want? They would be happy with a large garage/workshop plus a secluded den or office to carry on with business or to retreat to the solitude of a “cave.” Men, as we can see, really don’t spend as much time feathering the nest so as a result we see that contrary to popular belief, men really tend to follow the female’s lead.

Generally speaking, you’ll find that men don’t pay much attention to draperies, window treatments, flower boxes, state of the art appliances, Jacuzzi tubs, well-lit bathrooms, large closets or floral patterns of any kind. They often prefer brown and gray everything, with a big garage, a shed, a sprinkler system and a privacy fenced back yard for barbeques and lounging in private. Men also like low maintenance houses so they aren’t constantly being asked to fix or repair things. If left up to the men to decide, you would find that faucets, toilets, sinks, baths, floors, mirrors, cabinetry, appliances and furnishings would tend to be favored by their industrial strength qualities as opposed to beauty.

Those are general observations and many times they will not apply. However, by keeping them in mind and using the 80/20 rule, they may help in the decision making process. So now using what we know, it would be wise to slant your remodel towards the light and bright feminine side of life. It seems to make sense that if the women are the decision makers then we should let them decide on what really needs attention first!

Let’s look at the kitchen first. Can you paint or refinish the cabinetry and change the knobs and handles to get the new look? Would new Formica laminate over the old counter tops with a matching backsplash do the trick? Maybe a white ceramic sink with a new faucet will achieve the desired effect. Quite possibly you may decide to rip it all out. If that is the case, then paint the walls and consider tiling the floor also. Often times, adding some minor electrical and lighting upgrades will help transform and modernize the entire effort. Don’t forget the new built in dishwasher and plumbing as well.

Custom cabinets, if designed, built and installed by a local reputable cabinetmaker with references and a picture book of previous work done, are often very attractive in price and quality. I use craftsmen with low overhead who work on one job at a time. Often I will ask them to make, in addition to the kitchen, a base cabinet for the bathroom to match, all for one low price. When working with kitchens I always look to see if a wall can be opened up to create a pass through or bar stool counter top. This lets in more light and allows the person in the kitchen to talk with and see the people in the adjoining room. It also creates the effect of a more spacious kitchen.

The bottom line is that a well-lit, light, bright and spacious kitchen, well equipped with modern appliances, plenty of storage space and decorative tiles, paint and window treatments, will add value and appeal to any home’s remodel plan.

Next, lets look at remodeling the bathroom. Here again, we look to the feminine side as the women seem to spend more time here then the men. So with the ladies in mind concerning the upgrade, I will often bite the bullet and rip it all out, the tub being the only exception! If I can leave the tub in, the job is easier, faster and cheaper. However, if I am looking at an olive green or yellowed chipped up and rusting ceramic eyesore, than a new fiberglass insert with a sliding glass door is going on my list of items to buy at the local Home Depot.

Jet tubs are the in thing, so I won’t rule them out as a possible upgrade. This decision again is based on the female as most men don’t take candlelit bubble baths or require a pulsating massage. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams semi-gloss paint which creates an excellent moisture barrier to the walls. With regard to walls, by adding tile or laminate half-wall wainscoting to the lower three to four feet of the wall, you’ll add a nice touch. Since you have torn out the old toilet and base cabinet, now is also the perfect time to rip up the old vinyl and put down ceramic floor tile before the new fixtures are installed.

New lighting, mirrored vanity cabinets, G.F.I. electrical outlets, wallpaper borders, towel rings and bars are usually the finishing touch. Even a man can appreciate coming home to a spacious, clean, modern, functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen and bath. One final note here: Be sure to caulk everything when you’re through. You’ll want to protect your new investment from rotting, from the inside out. Dampness and wood eating insects are your homes worst enemies.

Now with the kitchen and bath out of the way, what do you feel is next? I myself spend on average about seven hours a day in the bedroom, so I tend to go there next. Once again, the closet is of importance to the ladies so I will look to paint that bright white, upgrade the lighting and install a closet organizing system to maximize the space that is available. A tip for the guys! Put in a shoe rack for the ladies, as most of you wouldn’t even think about that little upgrade.

Once the closet is done, I’m back patching and painting the rest of the room. Another smart thing you can do is to let the female decide on what color of Sherwin Williams brand satin super paint they would like to have applied. I always make sure I get enough paint to do the ceiling as well because when you’re on your back, you will be looking at it. Once the walls and ceiling are done, the ceiling fan with light kit and dimmer switch go in. Then the baseboards are prepared for installation before the carpet goes down. Usually I paint them a shade darker than the walls and tack them to the wall about one-half inch above the floor.

Now that the paint is put away, it’s time to install the plush carpet and a dense quality pad beneath it. In order to really bring the room together you will need to take a paint swatch or chip to the carpet dealer to choose the carpet color that really sets off the walls and base board trim. As for final touches, those include mini blinds, a curtain, and decorative switch plates and receptacle covers. A solid core door represents today’s modern standards with a keyed lock set for security, so I will add that factor in too. Just add candles and you’re done!

As for the rest of the house, I will choose one-color paint and use it throughout all the remaining areas that are to be lightened and brightened. Earth tone, eggshell or tan sand colors are a neutral favorite of many, so unless you have a floor that is going to clash with it, earth tones are a safe bet. Speaking of floors, I will follow appraisal rules that tell me wood is better than carpet, except in bedrooms. And tile is better than vinyl. With that in mind, I will use tile and Pergo flooring everywhere else. Once the tile and wood are installed, I never have to replace it and maintenance is a breeze. The appraiser also looks upon wood and tile as an upgrade, so at the earliest opportunity, they are getting incorporated in my plans.

There you have it! A general Joe homeowner remodel job, but what about the infamous addition? With this consideration, you’ll have many more options to weigh, so lets take a look at some of the pros and cons of adding square footage.

When does it make sense to add square footage?

#1. Is it physically possible, legally permissible, financially feasible? Will the new addition serve your intended purpose to the maximum extent?

#2. Does the current floor plan, layout or design of your home allow for a smooth flowing traffic pattern in, out and through the proposed addition?

#3. Will your lot size accommodate a larger dwelling and will the neighborhood surrounding your home support the higher value that you expend?

#4. How long do you intend to stay in the house that this upgrade is planned for? Five years from now, will the addition return, dollar for dollar, the money you have spent to the sales price of the home if you sold it?

#5. Are you prepared to deal with draftsmen and plans development, contractors, building officials and permits? Will you mind living on a construction site for about 6 months? Are your finances in place with an additional 10% set aside for cost overruns? Has everyone agreed upon what this addition should look like and the purpose it will serve?

Let us say you have considered the above and would like to continue towards the improvement. From here, we should consider the economic principle of what is called progression. Example: You have a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, located in a neighborhood of more expensive 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes. In this case you could, with more certainty, add another bedroom and bath and expect to be able to realize or achieve the value from the addition’s expense as the more expensive homes around you will tend to pull the value of your home up along with theirs.

Now the reverse is also true, so you must consider the opposite case that is called the principle of regression. That says that if you over-improve beyond the value of the homes that are surrounding you, then those lower value homes will tend to keep the value of your home in the lower price ranges. So putting it another way, try not to pass the point of diminishing returns. In essence, saying that you can only improve so much before you reach a point where, for every dollar you spend, you will receive less of that same dollar back when you sell.

A good rule of thumb to use is to try to get at least two dollars of increased value for every dollar you spend. Once you begin to approach “break-even,” then you should consider maintaining what you have as opposed to adding to it. A simple way to say it: Don’t over-improve!

Another watchword to know is super-adequacy. That would be like putting gold faucets in a mobile home. It’s overkill and too high-end for the properties overall value, so the final decision on remodeling and additions comes down to balance and a happy medium being reached. Also, take into consideration the cost, aggravation, the net gain, the need for improvement, the improved quality of life, the suitability to all occupants taste, needs and desires and in the end the ability to receive a higher sales price.

I choose to remodel more often than add-on because it goes much faster and the profits role in quicker too. If I need more space to live in, I simply remodel the house I’m in and rent it out for top dollar, and then get an equity line to buy a bigger house! When remodeling my own home I will attempt to do everything myself, aside from building cabinets or rewiring electrical circuits. As with everything else, if I get in over my head, I will concede defeat and call in an expert to finish what I started while I learn where I went wrong by watching them finish it up.

Here are a few parting shots that you may or may not know:

Painting everything inside and out is the greatest value producing improvement that you can make on a dollar for dollar return basis. When painting, ensure you buy the absolute best paint available, as it is true that the expense of painting lies in the application of the paint not the paint itself. So if you have to apply two coats because of an inferior watered down paint then the cost just doubled in time and the added paint needed to get the job done.

This next tip alone will save you the cost of this entire book and here it is. Without naming any names, whether it be the manufacturer or the distributor of the product, there is a problem out there with what used to be considered top brand, quality paints. It has been said that some manufacturers have thinned out their paint and left their good name on, all in the name of allowing certain retailers the ability to sell hundreds of thousands of gallons a month at what appears to be a bargain price. Unfortunately, the consumer is fooled by the name and ends up coming back for more paint when they find that it takes more of the thinned out product to get complete coverage.

I, for one, as you can well see by now, am a real fan of Sherwin Williams brand, super paint. This blend is so superior in my mind to any other paint available to the little guy, that I refuse to use anything else. I have applied it to exterior walls located in the worst conditions and climates and ten years later its still as good as the day I put it on. The elasticity, color and protection are still in place with absolutely no chalking, cracking or deterioration of any kind, The same goes for interior paint as well. The coverage and wash ability are unmatched!

I also would like to say Sherwin Williams has not paid me to say one word of this. It is for your sole benefit that I harp on it to the degree that I do, as it burns me to no end to see trusting people get ripped off and not even know it!

But wait! It gets even worse. As if to add insult to injury, the retailers don’t really even shoot for the highest profit margin on the paint. They make their profit when you start buying all the tape, rollers, trays, brushes, handles, scrapers, sand paper, buckets, screens and new fangled gadgetry along with a host of other products that may be required to finish all phases of the job at hand.

Has anyone ever told you that? If you doubt it, take a viscosity cup and run the super paint through it and then do the same with the other paint. After this test, you will need no further proof of which paint is going to save you time and money in the long run.

Well, enough said. I hope you get the point on paint. Now another thing you can do to improve your home substantially is landscape it. Landscaping, if done right, can add up to 30% to the value of your home. I prefer to plant shrubbery and low maintenance hardy plants and trees of all types. A few flowers to add color and my job is done.

Back to the addition. If you decide to add a room or two, it has also been proven that you can save about 30% here too by being your own contractor. I would encourage you to get a book titled, “How to Be Your Own Contractor,” as it will often take an entire book to give you a proper grounding on the subject. Just know this! It is entirely within your realm of ability to tackle the over site and scheduling that you would pay that 30% to the general contractor to do. If you feel up to the task, get a book and be vigilant. In the end, you will have that new addition at a significantly lower price.

If you will visit my web site at www.magicbullets.com you will find a very special offer there. Thanks for reading, Dan

About The Author

Dan Auito is a dual-licensed real estate agent and appraisal assistant. Dan is a 20-year veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He has acquired over 1.3 million in real estate assets in 14 years while also founding a non-profit drug prevention corporation, a real estate consulting group and is the author of “Magic Bullets in Real Estate.” This 300-page power-packed book (due out in early July 2004) comes with a website that further supports its readers. Dan lives with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Brandon and Briana, on the emerald isle of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Dan may be reached at magicbullets@alaska.com or by visiting www.magicbullets.com. Call 1 907 481-6300 or write 1619 Three Sisters Way Kodiak AK 99615

What home improvements really pay off when the time comes to sell your house?

That’s an important question for any homeowner contemplating moving or remodeling. And the only possible answer is a somewhat complicated one.

That answer starts with the fact that really major improvements – room additions, total replacements of kitchens and baths, etc., -- rarely pay off fully in the near term. It ends with the fact that small and relatively inexpensive changes can pay off in a big way in making your home attractive to buyers if your decision is to move now.

It’s a simple fact, consistently confirmed across America over a very long period of time, that even the most appropriate major improvements are unlikely to return their full cost if a house is sold within two or three years.

Does that mean that major home improvements are always a bad idea? Absolutely not. It does mean, though, that if your present house falls seriously short of meeting your family’s needs you need to think twice – and think carefully – before deciding to undertake a major renovation. Viewed strictly in investment terms, major improvements rarely make as much sense as selling your present home and buying one that’s carefully selected to provide you with what you want.

Even if you have a special and strong attachment to the house you’re in and feel certain that you could be happy in it for a long time if only it had more bedrooms and baths, for example, there are a few basic rules that you ought to keep in mind.

Probably the most basic rule of all, in this regard, is the one that says you should never –unless you absolutely don’t care at all about eventual resale value – improve a house to the point where its desired sales price would be more than 20 percent higher than the most expensive of the other houses in the immediate neighborhood.

Try to raise the value of your house too high, that is, and surrounding properties will pull it down.

Here are some other rules worth remembering:

Never rearrange the interior of your house in a way that reduces the total number of bedrooms to less than three.

Never add a third bathroom to a two-bath house unless you don’t care about ever recouping your investment.

Swimming pools rarely return what you spend to install them. Ditto for sun rooms and finished basements.

If you decide to do what’s usually the smart thing and move rather than improve, it’s often the smaller, relatively inexpensive improvements that turn out to be most worth doing.

The cost of replacing a discolored toilet bow, making sure all the windows work or getting rid of dead trees and shrubs in trivial compared with adding a bathroom, but such things can have a big and very positive impact on prospective buyers. A good broker can help you decide which expenditures make sense and which don’t, and can save you a lot of money in the process.

About the Author

W. Troy Swezey is the author of “THE SMART WAY TO LOOK AT HOME IMPROVEMENTS." As a Realtor at Century 21 Paul & Associates, he has helped many individuals with their real estate needs. Visit his web site to download his free e-book, “REAL ESTATE SECRETS EXPOSED.” http://www.TroyIsMyRealtor.com or mail to: TroyC21@usa.net

About the Author

Paul Heath is the author and owner of http://www.4a-loan.co.ukFor loans & finance please visit us http://www.4a-loan.co.uk

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Are you planning an extension to your home, would you like to have double glazing, a new conservatory, patio, or a new heating system, or are you undertaking the general up keep of your home but finding it hard to pay for?

A home improvement loan may well provide your solution. The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. With competitive rates and a quick decision a home improvement loan could well be just what you need to enable you to finance your dream improvements.

More detailed information....

A Home Improvement Loan is a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest loan secured on your property. As the home owner, it frees you up to do whatever improvements you want on your property.

With a Home Improvement Loan you can borrow from £5,000 to £75,000 with low monthly repayments.

A Home Improvement Loan is great if you want to raise a large amount; are having problems getting an unsecured loan; or have a bad credit history – you may be able to get a UK Home Improvement Loan even when you have been turned down for an unsecured loan.

Get the home of your dreams without moving house with a Home Improvement Loan.

Moving property is expensive – solicitors, estate agents, stamp duty, new soft furnishings – the list seems to go on and on. And most of this is money down the drain. Why move home when you can get a Home Improvement Loan and save money?

With a low cost, low rate, cheap, low interest Home Improvement Loan, you can afford the extension, new kitchen or bathroom, conservatory, landscaped garden, redecoration you want right where you are, in your own home. You can add value to your property and save all those moving costs too.

A Home Improvement Loan can help you with: A new kitchen or bathroom An extension or loft conversion A conservatory Landscaping your garden New furniture You can even use it on non-house expenditure like a new car or repaying credit card or other debts.

Home Improvement Loan rates are variable, depending on status.

Your monthly repayments will depend on the amount borrowed and term.

You may freely reprint this information on your website provided the following caption remains intact.

“This information courtesy of http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk Click here to see full range of loans.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. To find a loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk

About the Author

Mical Johnson is affiliated with Rock Financial, Inc., a Licensed Correspondent Mortgage Lender, Florida Department of Finance. For free consultation and more information about mortgage loan programs, visit Mr. Johnson website at www.TampaMortgageGuy.com

Home is your sanctuary. The place you go back to every night and somehow it doesn’t seem right. Your home is an expression of who you are and if you walk out each of a place that you does not seem to belong to you then probably your home needs improvement. You are probably guessing how you are going to make the payments for your home improvement. Your home remodeling plans are no longer to be restricted to the thought stages. Let them see the light of day. Home improvement loans will provide you with a dependable groundwork to build on the home you have a vision of.

Home improvement is predominantly triggered by the desire to own a comfortable home. Home improvement can be slightly difficult, if your financial position is tight. This is where home improvement loans have a function to perform. Being a homeowner you could not have been in a better position to apply for a home improvement loan. Home improvement loans are functional for any kind of improvement or home extension. Home improvement loan is available for double glazing, new conservatory, heating system, new kitchen, rewiring and plumbing or any home remodeling that you can think of. The cost of home improvements is generally paid by savings or revolving credits like credit or store cards. Credit cards imply no borrowing. In many ways it is idyllic for there are no repayments to be made. But credit cards can be an expensive option especially if the borrowing extends beyond the credit limit. Store card interest rates are as high as 30%. In every circumstance a personal loan for home improvement is a more disciplined and cheaper option. Home improvement plans can be funded by means of a secured loan, unsecured loan, remortgaging or taking further advance on your mortgage. Unsecured home improvement offers a typical flat rate of interest 12-14%. But a little bit of research will get you an unsecured home improvement loan for 10%. A secured home improvement loan indisputably attracts lower rate of interest. APR of a secured loan is around 7%. You can borrow anything from £ 5,000 to £ 75,000 for home improvement. The repayment term can be extended from 5 years to 25 years depending on the loan amount, your available income and the amount of equity in the property.

In the contemporary context, one of the ingenious thing one can do with a home’s equity is to put it right back into the home. Home improvement is besides providing you with the much needed changes, increases the equity of your home. There has been a rise in home improvement loans in the past decade. If the property cannot be sold then home improvement is the answer. Home improvement is remarkable if your primary motive is to raise large amounts. But not every home improvement will improve the resale value of your home. So it is recommended that you stick to those home improvement plans that give you the maximum returns. It is important to remember that over enthusiasm with improvement won’t lead to any gain. It is difficult to recover investment in a home that is already more valuable than those in the neighbourhood. And keep your whimsical tastes to respite for there might not be many mainstream homebuyers for them. Home improvement loan might seem like an unreal thing for many homeowners. But the newer more sophisticated home improvement loan options are very easy to adjust to. They are designed to keeping in mind the conditions and status of every homeowner. The ever expanding mortgage market gives you an opportunity to apply for a mortgage for home improvements and that too in the most uncomplicated manner. More and more homeowners are administering for remortgage to raise capital for home improvements. By completely remortgaging the consolidated loan, the entire mortgage market is assailable to the loan borrower. If you care enough to shop around then you can find a very reasonable and cheap mortgage loan for home improvement.

Home improvement loans are a package that includes any kind of meliorations that you can think of. It is your home and you have every right to improve it the way you want to. Contrary to accepted conviction home improvements are vital and absolutely necessary. Why home improvement? If that is what people ask when you suggest it then they probably don’t know what is the meaning of comfortable living is. Home improvements improve the quality of life. We work hard and save money to buy personal satisfaction and comfort. If the house that we have build does not provide the relief then perhaps home improvement is what you need.

Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from CPIT and has completed her master’s in Business Administration from IGNOU. She is as cautious about her finances as any person reading this is. She works for the personal loan web site http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk. To find a Secured or unsecured loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. To find a loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help UK homeowners find the best available online secured loan via the http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk website. To find a loan that best suits your needs visit http://www.directonlineloans.co.uk

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

About the Author

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website.

Who would be the best person to help you find suitable fixtures and fittings for doors and windows

Architects are trained to create designs that are structurally sound, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They also often have a basis knowledge of construction materials, though not the detailed knowledge required when choosing appropriate hardware.

Interior designers specialize in the decorating and furnishing of rooms and can offer fresh, innovative ideas and advice, but will be concentrating on the appearance rather than how the fittings work.Maybe a blacksmith or metal worker would be the person to ask.. No, a joiner is the best person to give advise.

Joiners understand what is needed, they have made doors and windows and know how big a hinge would be needed to hold the weight of a solid oak door, or which lock would fit properly and safely in rebated french windows. Advise is often needed as good quality hardware can be expensive. You need to get the right thing, before cutting holes in your precious doors and windows.

Architectural Ironmongery Ltd is run by trained joiners with over getting on for 90 years of joinery knowledge and experience between the three of them. They are happy to discuss restoration projects with their customers, giving advise when necessary. The retail and mail order business is based in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England, but ships world wide and has a huge amount and variety of hardware in stock. http://www.arciron.com

About The Author

Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required. visit their site at http://www.arciron.com ali@arciron.co.uk

The door is the focal point of the home which is why door hardware is so important, creating a striking first impression as well as securing your property against intruders.

The right door fittings and locks will enhance your property both by adding to its value, keeping it secure and improving its appearance There is a huge range of door hardware available that has been made to suit all types of home.

Brassart produces a range of door and window furniture suitable for castles,palaces and other such gand buildings.As you can see from their name they mostly produce solid brass hardware, however they will supply ironmongery in gold plated brass. They also produce door hardware specially to suit the period of the building.

For those with smaller homes Kirkpatricks produce ranges of antique black iron and flat black iron which look perfect in a log house or country cottage.This company were established in 1855, still making much of their ironmongery using the same moulds and methods that were used then. Giving a really authentic feel to their products.

It is surprising that even listed buildings are allowed to spoil their facades by fitting totally inappropriate door and window hardware, when there are plenty of excellent examples of period ironmongery available, many made in exactly the same way, using the same moulds as the original ones.

Many cheap imported versions may look initially appropriate, but the feel and weight gives a different impression, also the finishes dont stand up to the rigours of the British climate.

Have a look through our online catalogue and see what is available

About The Author

Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required.

Visit their site at http://www.arciron.com

ali@arciron.co.uk

About the Author

Scott Touchton is an employee of www.SpecialtyHardwareOutlet.com which is a Birmingham, Alabama based decorative hardware outlet.

Today in the U.K most households have uPVC double glazing. There is a huge shortage of spare parts when it comes to replacing broken hinges, handles, locks, letterboxes and other hardware items. In fact many homeowners now replace whole windows or doors for the sake of a broken lock. Not any more!!!

It is an amazing fact that uPVC double glazing was sold by the industry as a maintenance free product. While it is true the uPVC frame will last approximately 10,000 years before degrading, the mild steal and cast Zink moving hardware parts will last an average of 10 years before they start to fail.

The problem with window company guarantees: Many window companies have gone out of business leaving the guarantees worthless, Most guarantees last about 10 years so end just when you need them, The guarantee in most cases only covers the hardware for 12 months and the uPVC for 10 years.

I have known people who already have uPVC windows and doors getting them ripped out and replaced with uPVC again at a cost of thousands of pounds because the hardware is starting to fail. This is like scrapping your car because it needs new spark plugs and a couple of new tyres.

Why do people do this??

The answer is simple.

The home owner calls out uPVC window and door installers who only want to install a new window or door and will convince them it is un-repairable. Even if they wanted to repair it they wouldn't know where to get the parts. You see window companies for instance will use 2 or 3 different types of locks on their doors while there are at least 140 different types.

I am a director of a company called "Safe n Sound LTD" set up to keep your existing uPVC windows and doors working by supplying the hardware spare parts required. On our website we have 144 different types of door locks alone for sale. We can supply most hardware parts used over the years by most window companies in the U.K. You can view photos and technical drawings of product and read through descriptions to make sure you purchase the correct item. We accept all major credit cards/debit cards online and many goods will be despatched same day or next day.

The website address is http://www.safensoundltd.com/

About The Author

Christopher John White - I am the technical Director for Safe n Sound Ltd. We specialise in supplying hardware parts to enable the repair of uPVC windows and doors. I have many years experiance in the hardware replacement business both in fitting parts, training and supplying parts nationwide.

sales@safensoundltd.co.uk

About the Author

Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required.Their site can be visited at http://www.arciron.com

About the Author

Craig Whitley is a jack-of-all-trades, ranging from author to web entrepreneur. He created 1-Tools.com for guys just like himself that treasure time with the sofa and remote control more than the time it takes to build a picnic table using nothing but a ball ping hammer, nails and a hacksaw. His message – “Buy the right tools for the job online and save money.”

About the Author

Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required.

On a recent visit to Sidmouth in South Devon, an English seaside town with many lovely period buildings, it was noticeable that despite the houses and hotels being beautifully presented, very few had appropriate door fittings, which would have given the finishing touch. In some places small rusting cheap door knockers were used, with door handles that didn't even match.

It is understandably that the sea air effects cheaper brass imports, but it is possible now to get superb designs and quality stainless brass which stands up well to the salty air.

Stainless Brass (PVD) has 25 year guarantee against tarnishing, corrosion and abrasion. This specialist process is time-consuming and more expensive than standard brassware, but the long term advantages well outweigh extra costs and are already appreciated by many private and commercial users.Stainless Brass (P.V.D.)is a process of the 1990's.

This brass has no laquer covering which may break down due to modern day factors such as acid rain, carbon monoxide emissions and airborne chemical particles.

An extra bonus is the fact that it doesn't need daily polishing to maintain an attractive finish and lustre.

Ali Arnold is a tutor and company secretary for Architectural Ironmongery Ltd, who are specialists in door and window hardware for period properties, this very knowledgable company is always happy to give advise when required.Their site can be visited at http://www.arciron.com

Landscape lighting can add a beautiful quality to any home. There are many choices available to someone who is considering it. Landscape lighting, and any outdoor lighting, can help protect a home as well as keep people from stumbling in the yard. Mainly, people purchase landscape lighting to enhance the appearance of their yard or landscaping.

There are many types of landscape lighting. You can purchase low voltage landscape lighting is recommended if you are interested in conserving energy. Another option to conserving energy is solar landscape lighting. Solar, or from the sun, is powered from the suns rays. It stores energy during the day while the sun is out and then, at night, when it is dark, they are lit using this saved energy. They give off a faint glow that really can light up a little area or large area. These types of outdoor landscape lighting can be great ways to light your yard cost efficiently.

If you are considering doing work on your landscaping, consider landscape lighting design. Designing a beautifully light yard can be tough work, but there are professionals that can help you. For example, something that can be done is light a walkway to the front steps to your home or line the driveway with lights from the street to your garage. Maybe you would prefer to focus your lights on a single bush or tree that is special in some way or to shine on a flag.

When considering landscape lighting, ensure that you think of safety first. Consider speaking with a professional to help you design what you would like your yard to look like. Consider as well using energy efficient landscape lighting such as solar or low voltage. Landscape lighting can add beauty and charm to a home when it is done properly and safely.

About The Author

Mike Yeager Publisher http://www.a1-lighting-4u.com/ mjy610@hotmail.com