Spring Home Improvement

Supplement To THE INTELLIGENCER and NEWS-REGISTER - Wheeling, W.Va. - Thursday, April 25, 2019 - 1

When Temperatures Get High, Keep Bills Low (StatePoint) — Do higher temperatures have to mean higher energy bills? The answer is no. There are numerous ways to keep your home cool and bills low in summer.

After a few months of disuse, it is vital to check that your air conditioning system is still working in an efficient and optimal manner. If you have a central air conditioning system, for peace of mind, you might want to have your system checked by an HVACR professional. In order to save, be sure to shop around for special deals, which are not difficult to find for seasonal preventive maintenance.

Understand however, that the proficiency of HVACR technicians varies greatly.

When searching for the right HVACR technician for your home, one way to make certain that the job will be done properly and effectively is by hiring a professional certified by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest certification body for HVACR technicians.

NATE-certified technicians are qualified to properly install and service equipment, Photo Provided which means maximum home comfort and By taking proactive measures, you can rest assured that this season you will be energy savings.

Once a technician has inspected your cool while saving money and energy.

system for efficiency, there are a number of things you can do to keep energy bills low: ∫ Clean your air filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer. ∫ Don’t obstruct airflow around air conditioner units — keep them clear of plants and debris. ∫ Raise the thermostat about 5 degrees.

Each degree you raise the thermostat will save you a percentage off your cooling energy bill. ∫ Compare energy bills from last year.

If your costs have significantly increased, simply contact a qualified HVACR technician — he or she can help determine the source of the problem.

Remember, having an energy-approved, eco-friendly, high-efficiency product does not mean automatic money and energy savings. Proper installation, service and maintenance are important, too. So, do yourself a favor and request the service of an HVAC contractor who employs NATE-certified technicians. To locate one, visit the Homeowners section of the NATE.

Add Value to Your Home With These Renovations Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety of reasons. Although many improvements are made to increase functionality and comfort of a home, several others are seen as worthwhile investments.

These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time comes to sell a home.

Certain projects have a history of providing a greater return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.

Invest in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are a safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving a home.

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Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between 60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment, especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest of your home. Homeowners should know that a deluxe renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.

Look to paint. One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any space. If you paint with low-VOC

paint, you also can advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable these days.

Put in another bathroom. Multiple bathrooms are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes that may not have been equipped with more than one bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room.

Popular home-improvement television channel HGTV advises that half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space, while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up shower or bathtub.

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Value Continued from Page 2

To add beauty and value to your home, start with curb appeal, selecting projects that offer a great return on investment.

Ways to Boost Curb Appeal (StatePoint) When it comes to your home, you only get one chance to make a great first impression — and that takes place before anyone ever steps inside, making curb appeal upgrades an effective way to beautify your home while boosting its value.

Here are some great ways to enhance curb appeal that will give you a great return on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost Vs. Value Report.

Garage Door Replacement Whether you want your garage door to take center stage or provide a demure complement to your home’s overall exterior, the right selection will make a great visual impression. Luckily there are a growing number of ways to personalize a garage door. New color options, which include two-tone combinations, are growing in popularity, and an expanding array of panel designs can help you work

in harmony with your home’s architectural style.

But know that this is not just any cosmetic upgrade. A new garage door has the potential to improve your family’s safety and comfort, providing safety features not found in older models, while reducing heat and cold transfer for lower energy bills.

Manufactured Stone Veneer A manufactured stone veneer project can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space, indoors or out, and can be customized to suit your needs and style. When applied to a home exterior, this project has an impressively high return on investment at 95 percent, according to the 2019 Cost vs. Value Report.

Maximize this upgrade by opting for high-quality materials that look like authentic stone, even upon careful inspection. For example, the choices available from ProVia are molded and colored

to produce a realistic, dramatic effect, mimicking stones from unique geographic regions in a range of cuts. Their online resources, which can be found at provia.com, include design ideas and tools for selecting harmonious color groupings, helping you make the best choices for your home.

Siding Replacement Of all the home updates that will boost your curb appeal, new siding has the third highest return on investment, according to the report. When making this upgrade, consider materials wisely. Thanks to its overall low cost, ease of installation, minimal maintenance required and long-term durability, vinyl is the most popular home siding material. Whether you opt for insulated, traditional or decorative siding, this can be a great way to give your home a high-impact facelift that’s well worth the cost.

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Renovate the HVAC system. Aesthetic improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.

Add illumination to rooms. A dark home is a dreary home. Adding light can mean including more overhead and accent lighting. Under-cabinet task lighting is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or west-facing windows.

Put a deck addition outdoors. Outdoor living spaces have become more desireable, especially as the “staycation” has grown in popularity.

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Outdoor Improvements That Boost Home Value Whether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob

Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI. Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas.

Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built.

In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI. Deck: Decks can be as

valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more. Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new.

These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

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Is it Time to Replace Your Older Wiring?

Old homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments.

But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features. While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes — and sometimes even in houses built 40 or 50 years ago — is archaic wiring.

Wiring provides power to every room of the home. In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life. Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather, or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn the home renovation experts at The Spruce. Furthermore, the home improvement site This Old House

advises that the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices used in homes, overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall.

Wiring often falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category. Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multiplug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over the home’s wiring. He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk

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and/or do not conform to local code requirements and the National Electrical Code. Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations, or difficulty selling a home later on.

The electrician can also go over improvements that can improve safety and function. Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or underinsulated wiring also may need to be replaced.

Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention. Plus, considering electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date.

How to Ensure a Successful Basement Remodel

By Scott McGillivray Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home.

Basement renovations are expected to be a hot trend in 2016, as buyers look to maximize available living space rather than move, and as young buyers look to offset the cost of homeownership with potential income suites.While finishing a basement can be a great alternative to moving —

especially if you love your neighborhood — there are some challenges homeowners must be aware of when tackling below-grade living spaces.

Choosing the right products is vital to the comfort, safety and function of your new living area. Look for products that help to maximize energy efficiency and protect against moisture, fire and noise.

Here are the top points to consider to ensure a successful basement renovation.

Waterproof it. Check the interior foundation and

floors to make sure there are no existing moisture issues, water damage or mold problems. Address any primary moisture issues before finishing the space. Examine grading to ensure water runs away from your foundation.

Insulation is key. Insulation plays a critical role in making your basement feel comfortable, while keeping it safe and dry. For the best results, install a rigid board insulation, like Roxul ComfortBoard IS, against the concrete foundation before you stud the wall. The board is mechanically fas-

tened or adhered to the concrete foundation wall, which prevents thermal bridging through the studs, providing better thermal performance.

Finish with a moisture-resistant and dimensionally stable insulation between the studs, like R14 Comfortbatt, to protect against common basement issues such as mold, mildew and rot.

Choose a functional design. Draw out plans, carefully taking into consideration any low ceilings or small windows. Try to incorporate structural features, such as attractive wood beams, into your design. Keep the space as open as possible. Select lighting

that provides a bright, airy feel.

Don’t forget to soundproof it. Soundproofing is the ultimate solution to maximize your basement’s quiet and privacy. Whether your newfound space will function as a home theatre, music room, home office or playroom, it will benefit from quality acoustic insulation, like Roxul Safe ‘n’ Sound. Not only is it highly effective, but it’s also easy to install.

Consider fire safety.

Since many basements are now being renovated as income suites, fire protection is also a vital consideration.

Whenever possible, select

building materials with a high fire-resistance rating and look for products that will not off-gas or contribute to toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Include additional exits in your renovation plan and educate yourself on your local fire code. Before you start your renovation, be sure to check with your municipality to secure the right permits and to ensure that you’re complying with local bylaws and building codes.

Finishing a basement can be a smart renovation, if done properly, adding to a home’s value, increasing its function and providing greater enjoyment or income potential.

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How to Add a Bathroom in ‘Impossible’ Space (BPT) - When it comes to real estate, kitchens and bathrooms typically sell houses. While you may not have enough money for a kitchen remodel, adding a bathroom can be a more affordable way to enhance your property and catch buyers’ attention.

By adding another bathroom, you immediately increase your chances of your home getting noticed.

Technology makes it simple for buyers to search properties of interest by their designated criteria.

One of those is “minimum number of bathrooms.” By adding to that amount in your listing, you’ll be getting in front of that many more potential buyers.

Adding bathrooms to difficult spaces Bathrooms increase a home’s value and add to its functionality — both elements that buyers desire.

Homeowners researching opportunities to add a bathroom to their property presale consider enhancing basements, garage slabs and other spaces so contractors can add plumbing systems with conventional in-floor drainage.

If you have a space that would be ideal for a bathroom but appears to be impossible due to the need to break through concrete or other types of flooring, there’s another solution to consider: above-floor, macerating plumbing systems. Developed a half century ago in Europe,

these systems are still relatively unknown in the U.S.; however, they offer a vast opportunity for homeowners.

Macerating systems from makers like Saniflo (Saniflo.com) reduce waste and paper from the toilet and send it under high pressure through piping directly into the septic or sewer system. No waste is stored, and the systems are low-cost compared to traditional plumbing.

Systems are discreet, quiet and open the possibilities of affordable additions in less time.

Here are five “impossible” home improvement scenarios where abovefloor plumbing may be the solution: Main floor on-slab construction Owners of slab-built homes may hesitate to cut into the concrete foundation to accommodate conventional plumbing. No matter how careful a contractor is when cutting into concrete, problems can arise — from unexpected obstructions to poor-fitting patches and even stress cracks. Above-floor plumbing systems eliminate the need to cut into the slab, so integrity isn’t compromised.

Basements If your home is built with a basement, bathroom additions can be problematic due to concrete and existing plumbing limitations. Above-floor, macer-

An extra bathroom can help you do that and attract high bids from buyers. ating plumbing is a smart solution for fast, cost-effective bathroom additions in lower-level rooms.

Historic homes Opening walls or floors to accommodate piping

may jeopardize important historic elements, such as original wood flooring or plaster walls. Systems like Saniflo’s macerating toilet and plumbing technology eliminate the need to cut

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through a floor to install new drainage, while minimizing the impact on walls as well. The system also fits easily into small areas like a closet or the dead space behind a stairway, meaning homeowners don’t have to compromise the flow of their historic homes to add a bathroom.

Raised homes Bayou and beach towns often boast charming raised homes. Adding a bathroom to the lowest floor of a raised home can be problematic; conventional plumbing pipes may detract from the aesthetic value of the space beneath the home, which is often used for car ports, porch-

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es and decks. Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need for unsightly pipes, so you can make a great first impression to potential buyers.

Warehouse rehabs In cities across the country, warehouses have found new life as condos and apartments. But heavy brick construction can make adding traditional plumbing difficult.

Above-floor plumbing eliminates the need to cut into or remove bricks, and allows renovators to install attractive, cozy bathrooms in smaller spaces. Imagine how upgrading a one-bath condo to a property with two bathrooms will enhance resale.

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Many people now opt to stay in their homes and improve their properties rather than move out. The choice for staying put or moving on

The Choice for Staying Put or Moving to Another Many home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.

The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors.

Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new.

According to information collected by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul. The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling. Since

2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years.

Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.

Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out. Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces. Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.

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The Verdict Is In: These Are the Five Home Trends to Consider Now (StatePoint) Keeping up with the latest decor trends is no easy feat. That’s why celebrity interior designer, Taniya Nayak, has pulled together top five home design trends to provide inspiration no matter your personal taste.

1. Natural and Organic. Bring a touch of Mother Nature into your home with Photo Provided this trend that accentuates Ingenious and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2019 will provide the nec- earthy, organic elements. essary inspiration to update your home’s interiors.

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with fresh greenery and indoor plants.

3. Eclectic and Bold.

Nayak says “own your own style and show it off…make a statement!” An easy way to achieve this bold trend is to paint a door, an accent piece or even a ceiling in a bright color, like Jester Red or Ceylon Yellow. Unsure if bold colors are for you?

Take a look in your closet to see which shades you tend to gravitate toward most.

And when it comes to achieving clean, sharp paint lines, one of Nayak’s go-to tools is a premium painter’s tape like FrogTape brand painter’s tape that delivers the sharpest paint lines possible. Treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape is a foolproof way to get professional-looking results and eliminate the need for touch-ups.

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color. According to Nayak, the best way to incorporate varying shades of a single color is to use a paint sample strip like you might find at a paint supply store as guidance to achieve a serene look throughout the space.

Otherwise, stick to a single shade and carefully play with patterns. For example, pair striped dining room chairs with a patterned rug for a fashion-forward statement.

5. Luxe Modern. A little design secret to keep in mind: mixing metals is back and in a big way. Nayak encourages DIYers to compliment metallic accents, instead of matching them. She suggests creating a palette of two to four metal tones and distributing them throughout the space in ways that are intentional and maintain balance.

For a look that is glam, yet modern, consider pairing rose gold with pewter or brushed gold and stainless steel.

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Get More Bang for Your Buck With These Spring Home Improvements (StatePoint) The warmer weather means it’s time to start thinking about home improvement projects. Whether you’re getting your home in tip-top shape for your own enjoyment, or getting it ready to put on the market, not all home improvement projects are created equal when it comes to return on investment (ROI). Here are top areas on which to focus: Interiors The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s one of the best areas to renovate in terms of ROI, according to Remodeling

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magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, which puts the price tag of the average minor kitchen remodel at $22,507, with 80.5 percent of the cost recouped upon resale.

To give the kitchen an updated appearance, replace the flooring, countertops, sink and faucet. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy shade, such as Living Coral, Pantone’s Color of the Year, can add a vibrant pop of color to energize any kitchen. Not looking to go that bold?

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Tips to Make A Style Statement in Every Room of Your House (StatePoint) Want to elevate your home decor? Whether you’re going for farmhouse style or mid-century modern decor, make a statement in every room, even the most neglected spaces.

From the laundry room to the garage, to your home gym and game room, these easy and simple ideas from the design experts at Hunter Fan Company will add comfort and beauty to your home.

The Laundry Room While this space is one of the most used on a weekly basis, it’s often forgotten in terms of decor and style. Simple touches, like matching laundry bins, wall art and coordinated shelving can really change the ambiance and help organize laundry day chaos.

While this space has a ton of potential, it also comes with its share of challenges.

Many laundry rooms tend to be cramped and get steamy easily. Adding a circulating element, like a ceiling fan, can remedy this woe and make chores more pleasant.

Smaller options like the Loki from Hunter Fan Company come in options as small as 36-inches and can seamlessly coordinate with your updated space.

The Game Room Game rooms are often the most aesthetically neglected rooms of the home. Often a culmination of mismatched and handme-down furniture, the game room is most likely in need of some tender love and care.

Some new pillow covers for the couch and

an added cowhide rug can provide a refreshing update to this room. Consider adding an accent wall in a bold color and replacing those outdated band posters for a grown-up look.

The Garage For many people, the garage is the first interior space they encounter after a long day. Unfortunately, it’s also often the dumping ground for old tools, children’s toys and items with no place to call home. Built-in storage can help with organization, and adding a layer of colored floor protectant will make your garage seem more polished and presentable.

If you use the garage as a workshop, the introduction of a cool breeze can revitalize strenuous home projects and ensure proper ventilation. Check out ceiling fan design options that can stand up to the elements, such as the Brunswick or Cedar Key from Hunter Fan Company.

The Home Gym When it comes to getting in shape, motivation is key, and having a beautiful, enjoyable space while working towards your goals can make all the difference. Get a better workout by updating your home gym with new mats, colorful dumbbells and a brand-new sound system. Avoid overheating with the latest smart tech, such as the SIMPLEconnect Symphony, a fan that can be controlled from your mobile device or an automated virtual assistant, such as Siri, Google or Alexa, so you can be comfortable without interrupting your treadmill session.

Buck Continued from Page 8

Consider an accent wall, or stick to a classic palate of gray and white in terms of cabinets and countertops.

White on white is also a popular new style for kitchens and bathrooms.

Other features home buyers are paying close attention to are laundry rooms and such energy-saving elements as Energy Star appliances and windows, according to the survey “What Home Buyers Want in 2019” by the National Association of Home Builders.

Curb Appeal The popularity of outdoor projects remains strong and it’s for a good reason. According to the Cost vs. Value Report, the biggest bang for your buck

in 2019 will come from replacing a garage door. The report says the average price is $3,611, and 97.5 percent of it is recouped when the house is sold.

Other outdoor projects with high ROI include adding manufactured stone veneer to the exterior (94.9 percent), adding a wood deck (75.6 percent) and replacing siding (75.6 percent). Looking for a simpler way to make an impact? Sprucing up the landscape by planting flowers or bushes or even just clearing the yard of debris will make a big statement.

No matter what updates you end up making, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance agent. “Certain

upgrades may change the value of a house, so homeowners need to make sure they’re properly covered,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management, Erie Insurance. “There are a few things to look for. Ask your agent about guaranteed replacement cost policies that can cover the cost to rebuild a home in today’s dollars following a covered loss.”

Some upgrades may also make you eligible for discounts, Buckel adds, especially if they make the home more secure.

“For example, Erie Insurance offers certain safety discounts such as for installing smoke alarms or an automatic sprinkler system.”

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Value-Enhancing Home Improvement Ideas (BPT) — Do you own an older home, and are you looking to make upgrades that matter? Strategic enhancements not only increase a property’s resale value, but also its functionality.

This is particularly important among young homebuyers. Sixty-eight percent of millennial homebuyers reported buyer’s remorse, according to a Bank of the West survey. Today’s high home prices in cities across the country mean that many millennials are buying older homes rather than newly built ones. Shortly after the purchase, these homebuyers feel disappointed with the dated features of their homes, unsure what and where to renovate.

If you feel you’ve settled for your home, or perhaps you love the older property but want to give it a facelift, here are some leading home-improvement projects for older homes: ∫ Technology additions: Smart-home features are frequently requested in new construction. Fortunately, your older home can become a smart home too when you implement technology, such as home automation. Thanks to WiFi, there’s no need for clumsy and costly rewiring. Smart thermostats, smart music and programmable lighting are prime examples. ∫ Tankless water heaters: Tankless water heaters are ideal for older homes because they are easy to install, take up much less space and can reduce energy costs by as much as 60 percent.

Because they heat water on demand, you never have to worry about running out of hot water. What’s more, longer warranties than what can be found with traditional storage-tank water heaters are now available. Check out the new 25-year warranty from Noritz on select tankless water heaters. ∫ Wall removal: Removing a wall between the kitchen

Learn what makes sense to enhance the value of an older home. Kitchen and bathroom updates are often on that list. and living room can enhance the functionality of the area and provide a modern open concept design. Cutouts in walls are another option if the wall cannot be completely removed. Remember to ensure any wall is not load-bearing before removal, so you don’t impact the structural integrity of the home. ∫ Popcorn ceilings: Once upon a time, popcorn ceilings were the top trend installed in every house.

Today, they distract the eye and make a home look old.

Consider hiring someone to redo your ceilings or research how to scrape it yourself. Leave flat or add a

knock-down texture, which is a popular modern drywall finishing technique. ∫ New paint/wallpaper: That ‘70s pea-green paint in the bathroom and the ‘80s floral wallpaper in the bedroom instantly date your home. By updating the walls, your house will feel more modern and you can customize to your personal tastes.

Dedicate a weekend to painting the walls in your favorite spaces and you’ll be amazed at the transformation. ∫ Painting old grout: After years and sometimes decades, grout in bathrooms and kitchen spaces really takes a beating and turns

a dirty color that’s impossible to clean. It can be time-consuming and tedious to replace grout, so to get a fresh look consider painting it instead. Specialty grout paint makes the process simple with easy application features that simply roll on. ∫ Update hardware: Hardware throughout a home gets dingy and dated.

To update a space without an overhaul, simply change out the hardware. Cabinet knobs, drawer handles, towel racks and more in a modern metallic hue can make a space feel fresh again without much investment. Don’t forget about air registers,

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which can also impact the visual appeal of a space. ∫ Energy-efficient insulation: There are many modern insulation options available today that weren’t around when older homes were built, and many of those homes have little to no insulation at all. In addition to insulation, remember to seal spaces for air loss, such as air ducts, doors, windows, pipe inlets and the attic. ∫ Embrace the history: Be sure to research the history of the home and neighborhood. Would pulling out that original wood built-in be a detriment

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to the home’s authenticity and value? Perhaps you can hire someone to update the original wood flooring, so it has the modern stain tone you like, but the planks still maintain the home’s original luster. ∫ Light fixtures: Light-fixture styles change through the years and can make your home appear older than necessary.

Replacements can make a world of difference. For example, replace an old brass chandelier with a modern pendant design. Not only will it be a style update, but the light output can make the space more usable.

Renovating, Preserving an Historic Home Living in an historic home can be a labor of love. The history and the distinct architecture of historic homes draw buyers to such properties, but what historic homes have in regard to history they often lack in the conveniences of modern life, forcing many historic-home owners to make renovations to bring their homes into the 21st century.

Historic-home renovations differ from other types of modifications. According to the Victorian Preservation Association, renovation is getting a home back to where it may have been when originally built, but making concessions for today’s lifestyle.

Preservation is the act of maintaining a structure in its current historic state, and restoration is returning a home to its original state.

Unless a homeowner plans to use an outhouse or live without electricity, the majority of work done on historic properties is likely to fall into the category of a renovation.

Renovating an aging structure can be fulfilling and help to make a home more functional. But make no mistake, such a renovation is a major undertaking.

Before beginning, it pays to hire a professional consultant with expertise in renovating historic properties. He or she can inspect the property to determine which areas of the home are safe and which will need to be upgraded.

A professional inspection also can determine if any deficiencies lie hidden in the structure. Potential concerns can be toxic paints and other substances, building code issues, rotting, and structural settling. Professionals will know what to look for and guide homeowners accordingly.

Homeowners also may want to consult with a preservation association, community restoration group or general owner-builder group. These people can refer homeowners to the craftspeople and materials that will be needed for a job. Homeowners can request to see other historic properties in the area and learn what those owners did to maintain the integrity of a home when using newer materials.

Before any work is started, homeowners should find out if their home is listed with the Na-

tional Register of Historic Places.

According to the United States National Parks Service, property owners can do whatever they want with their property so long as there are no federal monies attached to the property. However, the property owner should also contact his or her state’s historic preservation office, or SHPO. The SHPO is the state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in each state,

and there may be state or local preservation laws that the owner should be aware of before renovating a historic property. Craftspeople should have experience with historic homes and a sensitivity and appreciation of renovating older properties. Homeowners always should see examples of a craftsperson’s work and verify references from each contractor before hiring anyone to work on

the property.

Homeowners who want to include traditional hardware and other period details in their homes may be able to find quality replicas of historic milling materials, while others may want to scour antique shops or salvage yards for era-appropriate materials.

Historic renovations can be costly and have a tendency to go over budget because of unforseen

damage and hazards that have to be repaired so the building is up to code. Going into the project with this in mind can help soften the blow of extra costs down the road. Historic homes can be beautiful and appeal to buyers who appreciate the one-of-a-kind nature of older properties. Renovating historic homes may take time and money, but the results may be well worth the effort.

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