Have you outgrown your small home, but you’re staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up.

If so, you’re part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

The surge is being aided by lower materials costs. And with more custom builders swapping out their blueprints for hammers to get in on the remodeling boom, labor costs have fallen in many areas as well.

In short, this is a great time to remodel, and if a new bathroom is on your wish list, you’re not alone. A recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) showed that 28 percent of responding architects are seeing greater interest in kitchen and bath remodels.

Most homeowners aren’t going for dazzle, however. AIA reports that typical bath projects today reflect practicality and a desire to control utility costs. Although people tend to add or improve bathrooms with comfort and convenience in mind, these projects are also smart values.

According to Remodeling Magazine, creating a new bathroom is one of the most solid investments you can make in your home. The magazine’s 2009-2010 “Cost vs. Value” report estimates that a midrange home bathroom remodel will recoup 71 percent of its cost, while a bathroom addition recoups nearly 60 percent.

Up flush toilets: Low-cost installation, great results
With big value like that, adding a new bathroom remains very popular with homeowners. But you may be wondering how you can get the most for your investment, since creating below-floor drainage for new plumbing fixtures is messy, costly and time-consuming.

One savvy idea is to choose a Saniflo up flush toilet for your new bath project. Because this type of technology – macerating plumbing – doesn’t require digging, a completely new, full bathroom can be installed quickly and for a lot less time and money than conventional plumbing. What’s more, an “up toilet” can go anywhere in your home. Even in the basement.

With up flush technology, there is no need for digging up cement floors. The unique technology pumps waste and water upward, through small-diameter piping, directly into your sewer or septic tank. And unlike sewage ejection systems, up flush toilet waste is removed with every flush, so there is no need for undesirable waste storage.

For smaller homes, nothing could be easier than adding a bathroom with an up flush toilet. These systems can be installed in any room and are ideal for small spaces. An unused closet or the area underneath a stairway can easily be converted to a bathroom.

Here are some ways you can save even more:

Federal tax credits: Energy-efficiency improvements to existing homes can net you big tax credits. Visit www.EnergyStar.gov to see if your project qualifies. Examples include HVAC improvements, insulation, storm windows and certain water heaters.

Save water: According to the AIA survey, water-saving toilets are one of the five most popular bathroom products. The Sanicompact is a low-flow, up flush toilet that uses only 1.3 gallons per flush.

Use LED lighting: Long-lasting light-emitting diode lighting can use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights. Choose a product that is Energy Star qualified.

Go door-less: A walk-in shower saves space and requires less cleaning. Depending on your design, you may even save money with this option.

Contact Aspen Remodelers for your MN home remodel and home improvement needs. 612-490-3560

Timeless decks with natural looks

composite deck material

In the past decade, alternatives to wood decking products have made many claims of low-maintenance. However, if your deck has stains and is in an environment that breeds mold and mildew, maybe it’s time to look at some new options on the market. If your decking product contains wood fibers, it may be absorbing stains and getting scratched in everyday use.

“There are low-maintenance products that give homeowners a rich selection of deeper deck shades, tropical hardwood looks and durable, sturdy railings that complement these colors,” says Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. He says the secret is cellular PVC technology, which resists food stains – even red wine – and stands up to the most high energy kids, dogs or neighborhood deck parties. Low-maintenance decks also increase your home’s value because they economically add living space and are easy to clean.

Lattice entertain you

decorative window box

These durable items do not need liners and come with pre-drilled drainage holes. Beautifully crafted window boxes are charming accents to your home and bring color right outside your window. Adding architectural details also makes your home stand out in the neighborhood. The company offers free catalogs at (800) 343-6948 or visit www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Stay pumped, go green

Following one of the wettest winters on record in many areas of the country, keeping your home safe from damaging flood waters is critical. Now, there are sump pumps that offer maximum protection, save energy and are very easy to install. They also feature backup battery pumps and alarms for extra protection in case of power outages. This increases peace of mind for homeowners and could be a make or break selling point.

The experts at WAYNE Pumps advise that if your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may need to be replaced with new technology. “Our sump pump hydraulic expertise has evolved to where we can offer pumps that move more water faster using up to 50 percent less energy,” says President Joe Mauro. “We’ve also developed features like quieter operation and the new iSwitch that uses a microprocessor to sense rising water levels before they could become a problem.” He points out that investment in a reliable sump pump and battery backup system is minor compared to the damage water can do to valuables, family heirlooms and your home’s resale value. Self-testing features to keep backup pumps in top shape and wireless alarms offer even more layers of protection for your home.

Repair cracks to prevent future damage

A small crack in your driveway or cement steps can become a crater, due to harsh weather and temperature changes. Crumbling concrete or cracked driveways can detract from curb appeal and reduce resale value. However, if properly sealed with the right caulk product, your outdoor masonry or blacktop areas can be repaired without continuing to deteriorate. You can also seal off energy leaks and keep out damaging moisture, indoors and out, such as around windows, receptacles and under the door step.

“We’ve been developing new caulks, such as our new RD 3000 advanced sealant line formulated to move and remain flexible once cured, allowing more stability through climate changes or pressure,” says Jason Ringling, marketing director at Red Devil, Inc.

He noted that driveways, concrete steps and walkways can experience movement from car and foot traffic and endure the freeze/thaw cycles of the seasons. “You need a durable sealant that stands up to the elements to prevent the damage from spreading,” he says. Always look for products specifically for concrete, blacktop, gutters and windows and doors. A simple caulk job reportedly can save you up to 20 percent in energy bills and big bucks in outdoor repairs.

Homeowners can make informed, smart choices about products that will improve their home’s resale value and add enjoyment to their current lifestyle.

Courtesy of ARAcontent