Yep, Remodeling is Like Plastic Surgery
Written on May 26, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Let’s face it..remodeling is like plastic surgery. A nip and tuck here leads to a nip and tuck there. So why not consider EVERYTHING you’d like to do in your home from the get go then compare that to your bottom line…what your budget allows you to spend.
You’ll need to balance the beauty of your home with the needs of your lifestyle and your budget.
Remodeling can be a smart investment…if you choose the right project. The annual Cost vs. Value Report is a FREE resource that includes cost data, resale value and percentage recouped at sale for common remodeling projects in 80 U.S. cities. You can compare national and regional averages for 33 popular remodeling projects (like major/minor kitchen remodels as well as master suite and family room additions, etc.). You can also download a PDF with project data for any one of 80 U.S. cities.
This report is a great resource for “sanity” checking your proposed budget. For example, if you’ve budgeted $x for a major kitchen remodel and the job cost is along the lines of twice that much, your budget most likely is not realistic.
The great thing about this report is that it contains a written narrative for the scope of each project that will help you determine whether or not ‘bells and whistles’ like under cabinet lighting or custom cabinets are really that important to you and how much to budget for a similar project. Once you’ve determined how much your project would cost to remodel/build, I recommend considering other costs that are typically overlooked so you’ll have an idea of the REAL cost of remodeling and can budget accordingly. I’ll discuss these costs in my next post.
Selecting Paint Colors For Dummies
Written on May 14, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Are you familiar with the line of children’s clothing separates called Garanimals? Each item of clothing features a hang-tag depicting one of several animal characters. The philosophy behind Garanimals is that by making it easy for children to choose coordinated outfits by themselves (by choosing pieces with matching hang-tags), children gain self-confidence.
Well, the ‘Color Harmony Workbook: A Workbook and Guide to Creative Color Combinations’ by Lesa Sawahata is the Garanimals of selecting a color palette because it’s a practical, visual guide that takes the guesswork out of choosing and using color combinations. Colors and color schemes are matched to specific moods, to help you select the best color combination and large, tear-out swatches of each color combination let you mix, match, and test different hues. Imagine having 1400 color palettes already figured out and at your fingertips!
With your color palette figured out, visit Behr.com.’s ColorSmart System (http://www.behr.com/colorsmart4/colorsmart/main.jsp). Click on ‘Browse Colors’ to get started and view a range of colors in the color family you select. You’ll then be able to auto-coordinate colors using this tool.
Once you have a few color palettes in mind, learn which paint colors can be shown to their best effect in your home by experimenting:
Bring it home. Don’t make a decision based on how a color looks in the store. Take the sample color card home, cut out the chip you like, and stick it on the wall to see how it looks.
Audition a color. The best way to choose a color is to try out a sample and apply the color to a two-by-two-foot piece of foam board (available at paint centers and art-supply stores). Position the panel in several parts of the room at different times of the day to gauge the changing light.
Make it match (no extra charge). You can have paint custom mixed to match a piece of fabric, carpeting, or wallpaper at many paint stores. For best results, your sample must be a flat item that is of uniform color and is at least 1/2 inch square.
Consult a computer. You can use interactive software to “virtually” paint a model room so you can see how different colors will look. Free software is available online. Lowe’s Signature Colors Virtual Painter is a great tool.
Selecting Paint Colors That Work For You
Written on May 6, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Selecting paint colors can be overwhelming because there are SO many colors to choose from. How do you know if a paint color is right for your project? By:
•Defining the mood and goal of your project
•Selecting colors that best express this mood
•Playing with the possibilities
•Refining your selection
If you’re having trouble defining a mood for your project, ask yourself “Have I ever had ‘my colors done’ with respect to my wardrobe (think SPRING,SUMMER FALL or WINTER) or my make up (think PRESCRIPTIVES) ?
In simple terms your colors are either considered WARM, or yellow-based or they are considered COOL, or blue-based. Choosing clothing in flattering colors is always key. Why not use this same approach with your home?
If you’re not sure what your colors are think about the colors you wear that ALWAYS garner compliments. Why not use those same colors for your home. Imagine people walking into your home and saying “You look marvelous!” because you selected colors that complement you.
Once you’ve identified these colors, start thinking along the lines of a color palette, a combination of colors that work well together so you can tie those colors in throughout your home. For example, warm, yellow-orange based colors look great on me and always make me feel good. So, those are my go-to colors.
I’ll share a couple of secrets in my next post that will help you select paint colors that work for you.
5 Practical Ways to Be More Energy Efficient
Written on April 30, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
Remodeling with energy efficiency in mind provides an opportunity to increase home performance and comfort. Here are five low-hanging energy efficiency opportunities:
1. Little or no insulation
2. Single-pane windows
3. Inefficient hot water systems
4. Outdated lighting
5. Inefficient appliances
To reap the benefits of saving energy AND money:
- Install adequate insulation in the attic, floor and walls to reduce heating and cooling costs
- Replace single-pane windows with Energy Star qualified double-pane low emissivity/low-E windows (emissivity measures how much a glass surface transfers radiant heat)
- Replace inefficient hot water systems with high efficiency storage water heaters that use better insulation and more efficient burners OR tankless water heaters that provided hot water on demand
- Install Energy Star light fixtures that use 1/2 to 2/3 less energy than standard fixtures
- Install Energy Star refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers
And…don’t forget to take advantage of any rebates/programs offered for making your home more energy efficient.
Don’t Let Remodeling Ruin Your Love Life!
Written on April 19, 2010 by Monica D. Higgins
While I am not a psychologist, I have noticed that whatever unresolved issues homeowners have in their lives appear one way or another during the remodeling process. Foggy thinking, an inability to deal with change or anger, impatience, difficulty taking responsibility, passive-aggressive patterns (the ‘read my mind’ syndrome), being a control freak and other personality traits can make or break a remodeling process.
I highly recommend that would-be remodelers answer the more insightful questions separately then review each other’s input together to help them identify these self-imposed barriers very early in the process. This way they will know what they are dealing with beyond the remodel itself.
What do you envision? Write down all the details and expectations you have for your project and state your vision succinctly by completing the following sentence:
“When the renovation is over, I’ll be able to __________ better. I won’t have to __________ anymore, and I’ll finally get to ______________.”
How Will I Know When I Have What I Envision? A realistic vision is the key to a successful remodel and is no accident or lucky break. Your vision requires thinking through how you want to live and clearly identifying what you want and need from your home.
Is There Anything Preventing Me From Realizing My Vision? Now that you have a clearer picture of what you really want from your remodeling project, it’s time to think about the speed bumps and roadblocks that stand in your way. These obstacles can be physical, regulatory, lifestyle-related, financial or psychological. By identifying these barriers early in the remodeling process, you can avoid major problems, reduce frustration and revise your plans and expectations at an early stage.
What Resources Do I Have Or Need To Realize My Vision? Before you fall in love with revamping your home, take a long, hard look at all of the costs involved and the financial implications. Many would-be remodelers immediately think about cash or financing when they look at this question. While money is certainly a key resource necessary for any remodeling project, there are many others. Time commitment, ability to devote full attention, your skills and talents as it relates to your remodel also play into the equation.
