Posts with tag 'Home improvement'

COVID-19 has presented us with many challenges this year, and one of them is figuring out the best way to workout safely. Even as gyms have reopened, millions of people are still reluctant to take the chance as social distancing protocols remain in place. To further complicate matters, getting out for a quick jog in the middle of winter isn't always the most comfortable way to burn calories. 

It's no wonder the home fitness industry has exploded this year, as several innovative products have hit the market. While a lot of these products come with a big price tag, there are simple ways to set up a gym on any budget. As more and more people look for ways to workout from home, our REALTORS® thought it'd be helpful to pull together some tips for setting up your own home gym.

1. Determine your fitness goals
   Before you can decide what equipment you need, it's a good idea to identify your fitness goals. Think about what you're trying to accomplish: weight loss, muscle gain, strength, or endurance? Once you've identified your training style, you can figure out what weights and machines are best suited for your home gym.

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Spending more time at home gives everyone a bit of a home improvement bug, and that's never a bad thing. But if you've been watching home makeover shows, your vision of the process may not match reality. Many small and mostly cosmetic projects are DIY-friendly. But there are times when you'll need to call in the professionals for safety and legal reasons. Our REALTORS® want your remodeling project to go off without a hitch, so we'll help you sort out which projects you can tackle on your own and which need to be done by the pros. 

• Make A Splash 
  Plumbing-related repairs and updates should be approached with caution, but several are DIY-friendly. It may be the first time you locate the shut-off valves in your home, and this can be crucial information in case of a leak or break in your pipes. Changing plumbing fixtures, including installing a toilet, can be done by a careful homeowner and can take years off the look of a room. 
  
  If you're looking to add a freestanding bidet or an outdoor sink, however, you should leave that to a professional plumber. Re-routing existing pipes or installing new ones can get tricky fast. Any project involving shutting off water to the entire house should also be left to a plumber, as the necessary equipment may require a plumber's license.

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Renovating your home can make it more comfortable to live in. In addition, it also can put a little extra money in your pocket when you decide to sell the home. However, our REALTORS® also know that some renovations can leave you less than happy with the finished result. Some can cost more than you expect, and others can detract from the home's value. The following are five home renovations that aren't worth the headaches and costs that they create.

• Going Against the Grain
  Maybe you like Ultra-Modern, or long for something more Tudor. That is not a problem when the rest of the home matches the renovation style you want to incorporate. However, if you try and put an ultra-modern kitchen in a Tudor home, or a Southwestern style living room in a country cottage, the resulting contrast will make the home less appealing to prospective buyers. When considering style, always choose design styles and features that complement and enhance one another.

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It's easy to ignore your driveway... until it needs to be replaced. Driveways are made to last, but when the time comes to replace yours, it's good to know your options. 

Whether you're installing a new driveway to add value to your home before selling it or you simply want a less bumpy ride, our REALTORS® are here to help. These are the top driveway materials to consider:

• Concrete
  Concrete has long been one of the most popular driveway options. That's because it's a highly durable surface, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. An average concrete driveway costs $5 or $6 per square foot, and can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years.

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"You have beautiful walls!" It's not something most homeowners ever hear, if for no other reason that most homeowners don't try to make their walls stand out as part of the room's decor. For those who do put forth a little bit of effort, the results can be stunning. With these seven tips that our REALTORS® recommend, you can create some genuinely wonderful walls in your home that are sure to get noticed.

1. Patch the Holes
   Whether you have taken down a picture or plunged a hammer through the drywall, it's important to patch and repair holes in the wall properly. Small holes can be filled with spackle and painted over with some paint. For larger holes, use a patch kit, allow it to dry, and then repaint the wall.

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