Facing choices?

Today’s homeowners are faced with a shaky economy, and a number of decisions. One thing you may be thinking about is, should I invest in my home now?

Being a homeowner today means making smart choices when spending your remodeling dollars. You may wonder whether you should put off remodeling until a future time, maybe your thinking prices will drop for the services you want done. Here's a few thoughts that may help you decide.

It's never a good time to put off maintenance, a small roof leak will only get worse with time, same with peeling paint or a crumbling sidewalk.

What about upgrades? New windows will make you comfortable and save on your energy costs. Same for a new furnace or air conditioner. No, none of these things are cheap, but they improve the health and comfort of your living space. They retain their value and help in resale if you decide to move.

What about remodeling? Last year my husband and I decided to stay in our 1976 home, and make it as energy efficient, comfortable and enjoyable, as our budget would allow. First, we hired a designer to co-ordinate all steps of the remodel, including fixture choices, flooring and color selections. One of the best improvements we made was installing roll out shelving in the cupboards.

My knees are forever grateful!

Next, in the bathroom we removed the old tub and surround and installed a walk-in shower. We also added a new vanity, comfort height toilet, mirror and fixtures. I delight in my lovely bathroom every day.

The designer also helped me de-clutter and organize our home. I feel working with a professional designer was the best investment we made.

Remember this, it’s about you, and being happy and secure in your home.

Life is easier when you enjoy your home.

See page . . .. . for Smart Remodeling Tips Page . . . for Green Improvements
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How about remodeling, like your bath or kitchen, or a new furnace and windows to replace those drafty ones your living with?

Prices for materials and labor have stabilized, prices will not be going down, in fact they will be going up. So if you want or need some work done this may be a good time. Life is easier when you enjoy your home.

New windows will make you comfortable and save on your energy costs. Same for a new furnace or air conditioner. No, none of these things are cheap, but they improve the health and comfort of your living space. They retain their value and help in resale if you decide to move.

Kitchens and baths are a solid investment. Payback on kitchens and baths has always been high in relation to other home improvements. Plus you get the enjoyment and beauty of your new workspace or spa. Many beautiful kitchen and bath remodels have been done with smaller budgets. You can find deals all over the Twin Cities from places like the Reuse Center or the PPL shop. A budget conscious homeowner can get discontinued tile from the Tile Shop at half the usual cost and get other deals on flooring and window treatments from places like Home Valu. All you have to do is visit some of these suppliers and see what they have to offer. Don't be afraid to ask, but visit the stores because items come and go and the staff isn't always aware of whats available.

Doing some of the work yourself will stretch your remodel dollars. Don't expect a contractor to put you on his payroll, but you might do the demolition or offer to do the daily clean after work is done. An hour of cleaning a day adds up on some projects. Just ask the contractor if he is open to this.

Paybacks on remodels vary, but a minor kitchen remodel may be valued a year later at 100% and a bath may value at 80%. It all dpends on how well you get the new design to blend in and work. But when compared to a new car purchase this is a good investment, and its your home so you get to enjoy it everyday.

So should you wait to remodel, only you can answer that, but with home prices starting to stablize and contractors looking for work I would say this is a great time to get serious about improving your space.