10 Steps to Prepare for a Remodel

Although National Home Improvement Month is behind us, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) advises homeowners of the 10 most important steps to take before the remodeling project starts.

“The planning and researching phases of a project are the most critical steps in the remodeling process,” says Judy Moze, CR, GCP, NARI National president and president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc. in Roswell, Georgia. “The more knowledgeable and prepared a homeowner is, the more they protect themselves.”

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What can a homeowner do to prepare for a remodel? NARI provides a top 10 list of steps homeowners should take before breaking ground on their next remodel.

1. Research your project. Taking time to research projects on the Internet and NARI.org will provide a good sense of what is involved such as price, scope of work, return on investment and new product/material options. Also, research property values in your neighborhood to make sure your project is in line with other homes in the area.

2. Plan project around the long-term. How long do you plan to stay in your home? How might your family structure change over time? Life can change quickly—these questions should be answered early on to ensure your project will fit your lifestyle long after it’s complete.

3. Set your budget. Deciding on a realistic budget and arranging finances to support your project are essential. This number needs to include everything—the project, products, contingencies, etc. Don’t be afraid to share this with your remodeler; professionals are respectful of a client’s budget and will create a plan around it, not over it.

4. Use advanced search for professionals. The online world makes it easy to gather information about strangers. Ask friends, family and neighbors for referrals and then spend time researching that person online. Professional remodelers take their reputation seriously and hold credentials beyond licensing, such as certifications, memberships in trade associations and additional training. Look for examples of press coverage or involvement in industry presentations or events. Check online reviews and social media to see how they interact with past clients and peers.

5. Ask the right questions. Time and cost are important, but getting the right information requires the right questions. Ask your professional remodeler about his educational background, training, specialties or past issues with clients. Ask about how the remodeling process will work.

6. Verify your remodeler. Don’t take their word for it. Check the information given to you such as references, license numbers, insurance information and certifications by calling providers to verify. Request a visit to an active client’s job site. Make it known that you are checking on him—a true professional considers that as a positive sign to working with a homeowner.

7. Review contracts word-by-word. A remodeling contract protects you and your remodeler. Homeowners should review this carefully. Professional remodelers have done this before, and know what should go in a contract. Homeowners are not as familiar with remodeling and should ask about terms if they don’t understand. Pay attention to details about change orders, payment, additional fees, timeline and responsibilities. If it’s not in the contract, it doesn’t exist.

8. Keep design in mind. Your design guides the entire project. Think about what you dislike about your current space and the intended use of the new space. Use Websites such as Pinterest.com and Houzz.com to gather design ideas. Make sure you can articulate specifically what you like about that design when talking to your designer. Professionals don’t recreate a photo—they incorporate accessibility, functionality, ease of modification, style and value into your design.

9. Make your selections. Deciding on products and materials is a larger process than most imagine. With so many options to choose from, product selections are one of the primary reasons for project timelines to get extended. Base decisions on quality, function, price, style and availability. Include selections in the contract to lock down pricing and keep your budget intact.

10. Create a communication plan. A common downfall in remodeling is lack of communication between homeowners and remodelers. Your remodeler should lay out a communication plan at the beginning of the project. If not, ask them to do so. This plan should clarify roles of everyone involved, communication methods, availability, and frequency of communication that is expected.

As an industry that struggles with a persistent negative perception of remodeling contractors, these tips serve both the industry and consumers in elevating real professionals from the pack.

For more information, visit www.NARI.org.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

9 Ways to Color Your Summer at Home

Featuring hues reminiscent of languid summer days and breezy seaside vacations, this summer’s hottest color trends run the gamut of eye-catching bolds to grounding neutrals, say Ace Design Experts Katie Reynolds, Julie Richard and Nathan Fisch.

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All three Design Experts recommend implementing this season’s color palette in small ways to avoid an overly-trendy look. For example:

• Paint your kitchen island for an updated look that’s easier than repainting your cabinets. A classic neutral, like a subtle gray, will pair nicely with most woods and finishes.

• Classic stripes continue to be a staple in many homes. Try painting them on a pair of oversized outdoor planters in a sunset-inspired combination of apricot orange and shrimp pink.

• If you’d like to incorporate one of this season’s pastel trends, such as peach, but are afraid of pulling it off, try balancing it with a complementary hue like classic navy.

• Graphic patterns and details are an easy way to make a big change. Add a pop of color stenciled in a chevron stripe on drawers of a basic white dresser with a Camellia blossom pink.

• Layered warm neutrals never go out of style and work equally as well in open floor plans or cozy nooks. Try using a darker neutral on the walls and ceiling, such as vanilla, and furnishing with a paler hue, like linen, for a fresh feel.

• Try a fun color pairing for a guest or kids room by painting a focal window wall in a brighter green (think green tomatoes) and then adding a muted green (think moss) on the window base.

• Deep blues and indigos like navy and blueberry are great go-to colors for a monochromatic color scheme inspired by the ocean. Simple and natural accents like stone top tables, linen or woven window coverings polish the look for a clean aesthetic that won’t fade over time.

• Combine a warm neutral, like honey, with a blush pink in a nursery or girl’s room for a soft look reminiscent of the flowers blooming outdoors.

• Shiplap wall paneling, featuring horizontal, overlapping wooden boards covering the walls is the perfect way to bring a nautical feel to any space. Try painting the wood in a crisp, snow white to make this architectural detail the feature focus.

Source: Ace Hardware

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

3 Home Improvements to Make With Your Tax Refunds

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, May 12, 2015—With the annual tax deadline officially over, consumers across the country are already daydreaming about what they plan to do with their refund, which averages around $2,700. If you're a homeowner, a great idea would be to funnel that refund into upping your home's ROI. Here are several great home improvements you can make with that refund.

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1. Bolster your curb appeal. “From replacing or repainting your front door to redoing that cracked front walkway, rebooting your curb appeal is always a good idea,” says John Alesi, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award. Hire a landscaper or plant new flower beds yourself, pressure wash your driveway and replace your mail box.

2. Upgrade your toilet. While a new toilet may be pleasing to the eye, John says that modern toilets can also save you money. Toilets installed prior to 1995 can use as much as 6 gallons of water with every flush. Newer models can use as little as 1.2 gallons. “An older toilet is also more likely to leak,” notes John, “so an updated model can save you the hassle of having to make a repair.”

3. Update your light fixtures. It's amazing what proper lighting can do for your home, according to John. Replace that old, outdated bathroom vanity, swap out your chandelier, install a few sconces, and soon your home will be well-lit and sparkling.

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For more information on improvements to your home, please contact John Alesi at jalesi@cox.net, (949) 510-2154, or Century21Award.com/agents/JohnAlesi1

For more real estate information, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

Easy Ways to Enhance Outdoor Spaces

(Family Features)—The arrival of sun and climbing temperatures mark the end of months in hibernation and the ideal time to refresh your outdoor living space. While constructing a new deck can be a major undertaking, the planning process doesn't have to be, thanks to a wealth of online tools and resources available at your fingertips. In fact, it's now possible to design the deck of your dreams entirely on your favorite electronic device.

During the past several years, there has been an influx of online resources to help homeowners create and plan their ideal outdoor living spaces. The following are just a few of the helpful and handy digital destinations for those looking to make their dream decks a reality.

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Visual social channels. Today's social channels are packed with inspirational images. You can peruse thousands of decks and outdoor living projects on Houzz and Pinterest. You'll also find ideas from many building materials brands and suppliers on these channels, as well as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Magazine and manufacturer websites. For additional inspiration, you can flip through the digital pages of your favorite home and garden magazines via their websites, and tour the online inspiration galleries of decking manufacturers and contractors. Each destination offers a unique experience, along with valuable information about different brands and products.

Digital apps. As you transition into the design phase, seek out an online application that allows you to experiment with various combinations and configurations. The award-winning Trex Deck Color Visualizer app for iPad is one such tool. This virtual resource allows users to experiment with the colors of various deck elements, as well as different railing configurations, to design a completely customized outdoor living space. Once the user has created an ideal design scheme, the finished photo may be saved to the iPad and shared with friends, family or potential contractors.

Interactive planning tools. Those further along in the planning process can take advantage of other online resources such as sample deck plans and video tutorials. Additionally, many major manufacturers offer user-friendly deck design tools on their websites that enable homeowners to specify dimensions, materials and color selections to bring their dream decks to life.

With the many tools and resources available online, designing your dream outdoor living space can be nearly as much fun as enjoying the finished product.

Source: www.trex.com.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

The Top 5 Spring Interior Design Trends

For the winter-weary of us, the spring season is a welcome change. Ring in some spring fever at home with these design tips from the experts at Ace Hardware.

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1. For a trendy kitchen update that won’t break the bank, remove outdated cabinet doors and paint the frames in a crisp white and the interior of the cabinets in a shade of bright green. To make a modern statement, display inexpensive white dishware in the open cabinets.

2. In the world of neutrals, gray walls are still king. To keep this trend chic as the warmer months approach, add artwork and accessories in pastel shades and go for an accent piece of furniture in a high gloss pastel. This is a unique look that will pop against gray walls.

3. Floral patterns and designs will never go out of style and are the perfect complement to the spring season. Bring the look of fresh florals indoors by replacing your existing pillows with this timeless trend for a quick and easy update.

4. Go monochromatic with a smoky-toned color palette. Try layering four shades of the same hue within a room. Choose one color for the walls, a second color for the trim, a third for the ceiling and a final color for a piece of furniture in the space.

5. Utilize color in even the most unlikely of places by painting the inside of your credenza in a springy shade. Add a glass door and display your favorite glass and dishware for a one of a kind way to highlight the bold shade.

“Each year, spring awakens homeowners’ desire to update their homes,” says Nathan Fischer, design expert, Ace Hardware. “Whether they are inspired to add small pops of color, or take on a larger color project for a dramatic result, our tips were selected to inspire and help homeowners achieve a brand new, on trend look within their homes.”

Source: Ace Hardware

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

How to Add Celebrity Appeal to Your Living Space

La Mesa, CA, Mar 24, 2015—Although the Oscars are behind us, many are still thinking about our favorite film stars. Below, Terry Learner, REALTOR® at CENTURY 21 Award offers five tips for adding a little Academy-approved appeal to your living space.

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Less is more. Many celebrities rock minimalist homes. To get this look, think clean lines and no clutter. “Invest in stow-away storage pieces—like ottomans or benches—that double up on purpose,” suggests Terry.

Bright lights. From large windows to sky lights and sliding doors, a well-lit space can give your home a lux appeal. If you can't afford to add new windows or install a sky light, lighten it up with high-quality light fixtures, light-colored walls (think whites and creams) and make use of mirrors.

Think rich. Colors, that is! “Deep burgundy, luxurious cream and rich mahogany brown furniture can give your home a lustrous appeal,” says Terry. Add a pop of color to a wall, buy some lush drapery, upgrade your dining set or find a richly colored area rug.

Make a statement. If you want to really make a room stand out, start with a signature piece and work around it. “Add a few simple, modern elements, like an edgy coffee table to go with that bright couch,” says Terry.

Play with texture. “Try a ribbed wall paper or add a glaze over your wall paint, which reflects the room's natural light and provides interesting texture,” says Terry. Other texture tips? Emphasize the ceiling by painting it an interesting color, throw an area rug down to break up that wood floor, swap out boring door knobs for more unique varieties and choose different fabric throw pillows and blankets to give your furniture a fun pop.

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For more information on real estate, please contact Terry Learner at Homes@TerryLearner.com, (619) 840-1233, or www.century21award.com/agents/TeresaLearner

For additional information on real estate, please contact CENTURY 21 Award at info@century21award.com, (800) 293-1657, or CENTURY 21 Award.

5 Tips to Avoid Home-Design Arguments

(TNS)—Sharing your life with someone is a beautiful thing, but that doesn’t always mean you share the same design and style preferences when it comes to your home. Whether you’ve lived together for one year or 20, use this advice from highly rated interior designers to stop the fights that have kept you from painting the walls or tiling the floors.

1. Start with a design plan

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Jodi Schavone, owner of Décor Coach in Apex, N.C., says to make a list of how the room has to function for each person before embarking on a design project. This will help couples and families prioritize and understand why one idea might be better than another.

Think realistically about how you’ll use the space, along with whether you have a big family or like to entertain. Look through pictures online or in magazines, and talk openly about your likes and dislikes.

2. Listen to each other
Communicate openly, and don’t forget to listen. Interior designers say the majority of their job comes down to listening to clients. Sometimes your spouse or partner might just want his or her ideas heard. Discussing concerns helps to avoid conflict, and will help you determine what he or she likes about a particular color, pattern or piece of furniture.

3. Blend your design styles
“A home is like a marriage,” Schavone says. “It won’t work if it’s one-sided.” Not everything has to match. There are ways to mix style preferences, according to Schavone. This could be as easy as using one person’s color choices with the other person’s fabric selection. You want your new space to reflect both of you.

4. Give and take to keep the peace
There are usually places in the home where each person can have it their way, says Kathy Tufts, owner of Beyond Design in Clifton, Va., For example, choose neutral themes and colors for your common area, but allow some creativity in personal offices, bedrooms or hobby rooms. You’ll have to compromise many times throughout your life. This is good practice.

5. Hire an interior designer
Bringing in reinforcements often helps you see eye to eye, but could cost you between $100 and $200 for an initial one-hour consultation. “A big part of my job is being a marriage counselor or peace mediator,” Tufts says.

Schavone agrees. “In listening to my clients, I detail what’s most important,” she says. “If I address the important parts of their ideas, they can usually give a little.”

©2015 Angie's List
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

How to Take the Stress Out of Renovating

(BPT) - If you're ready to hire someone for your first-ever home renovation, you're likely focused more on the result of the project, not the process. Seasoned renovators will tell you that even a foolproof renovation plan will require some major lifestyle adjustments. For first-timers, it's important to be prepared - financially, logistically and mentally - for the project. Keep in mind:

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Prior planning prevents poor performance. Some things in life can be over-planned, but renovation isn't one of them. Don't skimp on the planning process. You need to use patience and care when choosing a project that will increase your home's value and your enjoyment of the space. You'll also need to decide how you will finance the project, select a contractor and deal with potentially major issues.

Homeowners also need to define what they want to accomplish. For example, do you just need an updated look or do you want an entirely new living space? You can glean ideas from publications, websites and other resources and also seek out professional assistance, such as from an interior decorator.

Your contractor is going to become your new roommate. Most homeowners continue to live in their homes during a major renovation, so you'll be spending a lot of time with your contractor. Hire a professional contractor who is licensed, insured and certified. Look for a firm that is conscientious about everything it does, has an experienced team and is used to handling large projects.

To find an ideal firm, get referrals from friends and from the firm itself and look at company websites. During the interview process, talk to prospective firms about timeline, logistics, realistic expectations and budget management. It's important to understand the scope of the project and how your contractor proposes to handle any challenges that arise.

There will be dust. Dust will happen - guaranteed. Every phase of remodeling creates dust, and it's the top threat to livability during a renovation. In addition to the nuisance of dust settling throughout your home, it can cause difficulty for people with existing respiratory problems and damage your belongings. Before you sign a contract, make sure the remodeler has a dust control plan for your project.

The little things that will get to you. While your contractor is tearing down walls and re-creating your living space, life will still go on in your home. Piano lessons will continue, deliveries will take place, bedtimes will remain and meal prep will go on. Meanwhile, your contractor's crews need somewhere to park their work vehicles and might not remember to put every tool away (and out of reach of your kids) at the end of a day. It's important to communicate with your contractor about these logistics and how you can work together to make the renovation go smoothly with as little disruption to your lives as possible.

It will be worth it. A major kitchen remodeling project recoups more than 74 percent of its cost at the time of resale, and adding an attic bedroom returns more than 84 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. In addition to financial considerations, completed renovations can improve curb appeal and livability.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2015. All rights reserved.

Warm up Your Home in Style This Winter

With winter temperatures set to fall to frosty levels, many families will be spending time at home this season. Despite the weather, homeowners can create a warm atmosphere by tapping into the unexpected beauty found during the winter months.

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“Though it is often overlooked, winter is the perfect season to draw inspiration from with a palette of

rich, on-trend colors, adding a sense of warmth within in the home,” says Julie Richard, Ace Hardware design expert.

Ace’s design experts recommend pairing winter color trends with smart design for cozy indoor get-togethers:

• Casual elegance is trending this winter. Create an accent feature in the kitchen by painting a set of mismatched breakfast room chairs in the same color for a unified, unrefined look that is both pulled together and relaxed.
• For a timeless, layered look, mix and match different elements in the same color. Go for a glamorous neutral palette with a classic fur throw, a thick and luxurious white flokati or shag rug, knit wool throw pillows and classic tweed upholstery fabrics. This touchable palette is classic and chic in tones of gray, taupe and ivory and is the perfect warm up to the cold weather.
• Try this chic, unexpected update to the outside of your home to catch every neighbor's eye this season: window frames, mullions and muttons painted in very dark colors.
• Bring in tile accents. Rather than a glass accent tile, look for a hand-painted, glazed and natural tile to achieve a classic look. Concrete tiles with color and pattern are a great update for a modern treatment.
• Comfort and coziness are a must as the weather cools down. Utilize natural materials throughout your home, such as wood and antiqued leather. Add cut white birch logs to your fireplace for a warm update and try an upholstery piece covered in an antique-style woven rug to add rustic flair.

Source: Ace Hardware

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2014. All rights reserved.