The summer heat has come upon us. Not as hot as last year but still hot. Why is it that we can have such cold in the winter and such heat in the summer and grass and trees and birds and bees survive? Whey do some aviarial creatures fly south for the winter and return for the summer. If they fly to the tropic areas why do they come back here? Can't they just stay there?
Well, if you are a victim of the heat you could get a high efficient Air conditioning unit. We are exploring the possibility of getting a photovoltaic panel that would be used for running the air conditioner only. That way if there is enough sunlight, (heat) it will run the A/C and if it is cloudy (not hot) then it would not run the A/C. It is unknown if this is feasible but we are investigating.
Meanwhile, just to remind you all, we do mortgages that you can afford, and home improvements that you can also afford with unsurpassed quality.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Monday, July 28, 2008
How to choose the best home improvement project
First, determine if the project is necessary or just something you want to do. Then you should figure out if it is just a maintenance project or is it project that will enhance the value of your home. Do you know the difference?
Most projects fall into the maintenance category. Painting or putting on wall paper does not increase the value of the property, just maintains its value the same is true for a new roof or driveway sealer.
Finishing a basement sometimes adds value but generally just makes your home more attractive to a buyer. Adding a bathroom to the basement remodel WILL increase the value but not always dollar for dollar. It varies from neighborhood to neighborhood what that value will be. If your home is in a depressed market area anything you can do to enhance the value may not be reflected at all.
Does this mean you shouldn't do the basement remodel?
Not at all. It just means that you should be realistic as to what you can accomplish in terms of value of the home. Don't buy a thousand dollar chandelier for a home in a depressed market area for example. Don't add a patio if you don't think you will ever go outside and sit on it. My neighbor spent a small fortune on their deck but I have only seen them on it a few times in the last four years.
I call it the I BOUGHT A BOAT syndrome. I know a guy that bought a boat that cost him about 20 grand. It sits on its trailer in the back of the driveway 358 days a year because he has to work two jobs to make the payments.
Don't buy a boat if you aren't retired with money enough to use it. Don't build more than your house needs.
Don't use the re-modeler that advertises big in the yellow pages or on the radio because he has to charge more to you to pay for those. Use a medium to small company with a modest ad or even no ad in the yellow pages. That is a thrifty company, which means they will save YOU money.
Most people tell you to get three estimates for the work and that is a good idea. But if you use my service, I will get three estimates for you and I will present you with the best. (not always the lowest depending on the skill level of the technician).
If you don't know if a desired project will enhance the value of your home, ask me, I probably know. So call today or email me with your questions or just post them here.
You never know, it might be a smart move!!!
314 731 4899
Most projects fall into the maintenance category. Painting or putting on wall paper does not increase the value of the property, just maintains its value the same is true for a new roof or driveway sealer.
Finishing a basement sometimes adds value but generally just makes your home more attractive to a buyer. Adding a bathroom to the basement remodel WILL increase the value but not always dollar for dollar. It varies from neighborhood to neighborhood what that value will be. If your home is in a depressed market area anything you can do to enhance the value may not be reflected at all.
Does this mean you shouldn't do the basement remodel?
Not at all. It just means that you should be realistic as to what you can accomplish in terms of value of the home. Don't buy a thousand dollar chandelier for a home in a depressed market area for example. Don't add a patio if you don't think you will ever go outside and sit on it. My neighbor spent a small fortune on their deck but I have only seen them on it a few times in the last four years.
I call it the I BOUGHT A BOAT syndrome. I know a guy that bought a boat that cost him about 20 grand. It sits on its trailer in the back of the driveway 358 days a year because he has to work two jobs to make the payments.
Don't buy a boat if you aren't retired with money enough to use it. Don't build more than your house needs.
Don't use the re-modeler that advertises big in the yellow pages or on the radio because he has to charge more to you to pay for those. Use a medium to small company with a modest ad or even no ad in the yellow pages. That is a thrifty company, which means they will save YOU money.
Most people tell you to get three estimates for the work and that is a good idea. But if you use my service, I will get three estimates for you and I will present you with the best. (not always the lowest depending on the skill level of the technician).
If you don't know if a desired project will enhance the value of your home, ask me, I probably know. So call today or email me with your questions or just post them here.
You never know, it might be a smart move!!!
314 731 4899
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