House Renovation Tips

Plant Shapes
Professional landscapers choose plants by their shape first, to fulfill a particular function. Only then do they select the species. Here’s how to choose plant shapes.
For shade, select a broad-spreading or vase-shaped tree for lawns or a small round tree for patios. If you want sun to come through in winter, select a deciduous [...]

Marking Easements and Utility Lines
Before breaking ground on your project, use special landscape paint (or powdered chalk, sprinkled flour, flags, or stakes and string) to mark the locations of all utility lines. If you don’t, you may cause damage or accidents.
Underground utilities lie at different depths, from a few inches to several feet. Ask your [...]

Check local ordinances and building codes and obtain permits
These projects are often governed by local ordinances or require building permits: grading, erosion control, spas and swimming pools, fences, retaining walls, sprinklers, lighting and electrical systems, patio roofs, gas piping, and off-grade or cantilevered decks. Getting a building permit can be as simple as a one-time [...]

Retaining walls of wood (shown in cross section, right) are probably the least expensive and easiest to build. Because the wood contacts the soil directly, you’ll need a rot-resistant type such as redwood, cypress or pressure-treated wood rated for ground contact (the longest lasting of the three).
Most walls have posts made from 4-by-4s, 4-by-6s or [...]

Holes and cracks in concrete only get worse if left alone, especially in colder climates with freeze/thaw cycles.
As long as you’re patching a hole, it’s a good idea to clean and seal the concrete too. Clean one section at a time, do your repairs, then apply a water seal. Since concrete’s worst enemy is water, [...]

Sanding
Take the time to sand rails until they’re smooth to the touch. For most lumber, 80- or 100-grit sandpaper should do the job. If the wood is too wet to sand, wait a month or so until it’s drier. Try to round over any sharp edges, especially where the grain seems prone to splintering. Use [...]

1. For return on investment, the best home renovation is to upgrade an old bathroom. Kitchens come in second. If the only reason for renovating a house is to increase the possible sale price, the best way is to go with renovations that research shows return more than the cost to renovate. Adding extensions and [...]

Top 4 tips you need to know before even thinking of renovating your home.
1. Do it now
If you’re looking to remodel this year, now is a good time. You may even be able to get your contractor on the phone… on the first try!
The remodeling market has slowed down and contractors may not be as [...]