Equity Building Ideas

Your home equity is important whether you plan to sell soon or years from now. Staying ahead of trends by making continuous improvements is the best way to maximize your investment.

Unexpected financial windfalls or the need for a specific repair project might usually jumpstart the improvement process, but by proactively planning for updates, any homeowner can maintain their home's value. understanding current market trends is crucial to selling your home at it's full potential later on down the road.

For example, in recent years, features such as outdoor kitchens, great room configurations, and home offices have become more popular among homebuyers. More timeless desires include more square footage, chef’s kitchens, and spacious bathrooms.

In addition to developing a fund, build a road map for upgrades and enhancements. Consider the life span of major systems, such as the roof or HVAC systems; is end-of-life a good time to switch to solar energy? Kitchen styles change dramatically every 10 years on average. Start saving for a kitchen style change on the same schedule.

You may not plan to sell your home for years, but things change. By continuously planning for updates, you can avoid the financial hit that comes with an outdated home. Now is the time to plan for regular updates to build equity, and you’ll enjoy the benefits of the changes too!

How To Choose The Right Light Fixture for the Space

How to Choose the Right Sized Light Fixture for Your Space

Lighting is one of the most important design elements in any room. Not only should it provide adequate brightness for the room, but it must fit the space and visual atmosphere. The right sized fixture is just as important as the look and construction of the light. Fortunately, even an amateur can choose the perfect fixture with some basic math.

Front Door

Outdoor fixtures are one part of creating the mood for the entire home. Not only should they provide proper lighting but must fit the scale of the door itself. To find the right sized light for the front entrance, it should be no more than one third of the size of the door or opening for a single light and not more than a quarter of the size for dual lights.

Chandelier

Dining rooms call out for a chandelier. Whether modern and sleek or an elegant crystal chandelier, the size is the same. Take the size of the room and add the feet together. For example, if the room is 10’ by 12’ the chandelier’s width should be 22”. Additionally, make sure the width is about 15” shorter than the dining room table.

For other rooms, the size is really more a matter of taste. The light should not create a visual barrier to the room or block design elements, but other than that, choose a light with provides good light and fits the style of the space.

Want a beautiful statement piece? Why not check out www.DouniaHome.com for local artisan lighting!

Preparing Your Home for the Colder Months

Preparing Your Home for the Colder Months

Now that the warm summer months are behind us, it’s time to prepare for winter. Regardless of whether you expect to see sub-zero temperatures this season or you live in one of the warmer climates, preparing your home for colder weather can save you money and hassle this winter. So before you dig out your fall sweaters, take a weekend and prepare your home for the cold weather to come.

Save Energy

Fall is a great time to seal drafts in the home which can suck energy out. Check around doors and windows and replace worn weather stripping and caulking. If you use your fireplace for warmth during winter, this is the right time to have the chimney cleaned and checked for safety. Arrange a furnace tune up complete with replacing the filter and vacuuming the vents to make sure you are warming your home efficiently.

Switch out your Summer curtains for something heavier to keep the cold out. Window treatments are one of the best ways to keep your home warm in Winter!

Outdoor Tasks

Before the chill turns to freezing, head to the yard to winterize the exterior of your home. Check gutters for clogged leaves and other debris and examine the roof and siding for any repairs which could create leaks or drafts in the cold. If the gardening season is at its end, drain water from outdoor faucets and garden hoses. Make sure the sprinkler system is off and reinforce any exposed pipes which could burst with the cold.

Fall is here. Along with the smell of baking and falling leaves, you can ensure your home is ready for winter by taking a few steps now to prepare. Save energy and the hassle of an unexpected repair by getting some routine maintenance done before the cold months come.

4 Affordable Fall DIY Updates You Can Try This Weekend

4 Affordable Fall DIY Updates You Can Try This Weekend

Fall weather is finally here and this is a great time to tackle some home projects before the holiday rush starts. Creating a fresh, modern look to your home can be done with a few simple weekend projects. Here are the 4 best DIY projects you can try this fall to spruce up the look of your home.

1.     Create a Grand Entrance – Your front door is the first thing your guests see when they come by. This weekend, give your entrance a fresh look. Add a pop of color to your front door or porch with contemporary paint colors; sage, muted yellows and navy blues are trendy colors this year.

2.     Replace Interior Doors – Pre-hung interior doors come in a wide variety of styles from traditional to modern. Instantly update the look of your room or home with new interior pre-hung doors.

3.     Frame Bathroom Mirrors – Many homes come with basic mirrors over the sink. Spend some time removing the mirrors and add a modern, framed hung mirror instead to add elegance and a spa-like feel to any bathroom.

4.     Wallpaper an Accent Wall – Wallpaper is back. Not only are there great options available with modern patterns, colors and textures, but new adhesive backing makes it easy to apply, straighten and remove.

Fall is a great time to make updates to your home with a little time this weekend. Small changes can make a big impact; a quick trip to the local home improvement store can provide great inspiration for a weekend fall project.

Top 3 Inexpensive Hardwoods

Top 3 Inexpensive Hardwoods

 Most people have thought about installing hardwood floors at one time or another. The natural beauty of wood brings a soft, elegance to any home. Today, hardwoods are not just for floors. Modern homes feature hardwoods for counters, back splashes and even entire walls.

Traditionally an expensive material to work with, there are inexpensive hardwoods that will bring that ambiance you crave with a price tag that won’t shock your wallet.

Top 3 Inexpensive Hardwoods

1.     Bamboo – Our first inexpensive hardwood isn’t really wood at all. Bamboo is actually a grass yet it’s harder than most hardwoods. Bamboo comes in only two shades – light and dark (boiled) – yet because of the variety in the plant itself, there are many color options available.

2.     Hickory – Hickory is most often used in rustic or country style homes. A very strong wood, it’s perfect for homes with high traffic and provides great durability and value for the price. With proper stain, hickory can take on a light, pine, tone or a darker, richer look.

3.     Lyptus – Never heard of lyptus? You’re not alone. Lyptus is commonly mistaken for mahogany. Beautiful and durable, lyptus costs a fraction of the cost of actual mahogany and provides the same lustrous look.

Hardwoods come in a large variety of tones, hardness and finishes. With so many to choose from and nice options starting at prices comparable to quality carpet, many homeowners and designers are incorporating hardwoods in their homes than ever before.