Fort Lauderdale Blog

Painting Project in the Works? Consider the Colors of 2018

Painting Project in the Works? Consider the Colors of 2018

 
When it comes time to refreshing our walls with a new coat of color, we all have our favorite hues. But it’s always worth taking a look at the colors the experts choose as trending shades for the year ahead.

Should I Dip Into Equity and Renovate?

Should I Dip Into Equity and Renovate?

Many homeowners will be taking advantage of winter savings on supplies and the off-season availability of contractors to use a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to finance home renovations.

According to recent research from TD Bank, more than three quarters (80 percent) of responding homeowners with existing HELOCs who said they were planning home renovations for winter also said they would consider dipping into their home equity for funding.

Home Remodeling Brings Enjoyment and Equity

Home Remodeling Brings Enjoyment and Equity

 
A new report shows that homeowners who remodel gain not only equity and more resale value in their home, they are also more likely to find satisfaction and enjoyment from their home.
The 2017 Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, with insights from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, surveyed REALTORS®, consumers who have completed remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

How to Turn Your Garage Into Living Space

How to Turn Your Garage Into Living Space

If you’re looking to add a little more usable space to your home without tackling a major addition, you might want to look to your garage. Here are some important considerations to think about first:

• Are you currently using your garage? This may seem obvious, but start by thinking about how much you actually use your garage to park your car and as storage space for tools and lawn equipment. If you don’t have alternatives for parking and storage, turning the garage into living space isn't a great option.
• What would you use the space for?  While a garage might be perfect for a play space for your kids, an exercise room, or a makeshift office, it’s not necessarily ideal for a guest room. You only want to renovate to the extent that you’ll be able to use the space as a garage again if and when you want to.

Just Bought a Home? Here's What Not to Do

Just Bought a Home? Here's What Not to Do

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, putting you on the path to a smart financial future. There are certain traps you can fall into as a new homeowner, however, that can put your financial well-being at risk. Avoid doing the following too soon:

Remodeling. Unless there’s something in need of serious repair, hold off on any remodeling projects. This will give you time to assess the cost vs. value of the project, ensuring that the money you put into it actually increases the value of your home. Waiting will also give you time to research and secure the best professionals to work with.

Dog vs. Yard: How to Keep Your Landscape and Your Pet Happy

Dog vs. Yard: How to Keep Your Landscape and Your Pet Happy

Any dog owner has likely watched their beautiful new garden dug up by their four-legged family member, or their beloved new grass become Spot's outdoor toilet.  With this in mind, TurfMutt offers their top five tips for ensuring the family yard is a place everyone can enjoy year-round.

Consider your dog's needs
Each dog – senior, puppy, small, big, active breed or not-so-much – has different needs. Is your dog a water hound? Maybe you should include a splash pool or water fountain. Got a digger? A sand pit might work well to keep your dog entertained – and the mess contained. Does your dog love to run the perimeter of your yard? Design your yard with his path in mind. Does she have dog friends next door? Maybe an eye-level hole in the fence would keep her from barking. Jot down everything your dog needs from your family yard, then you map out your landscaping accordingly.

How to Up the Cozy Factor in Your Home

How to Up the Cozy Factor in Your Home

Looking for a home so cozy you almost want to cuddle with it? The follows design elements can create a comforting, warm space that you will never want to leave.

Warm colors. Add warm colors to your walls, accents, linens window hangings and more to create a snugly vibe inside. Deep orange, rusty reds, buttery yellows and soft off-white colors can all add a “stay at home” vibe to your space.

The Possibilities of Paint: How to Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

The Possibilities of Paint: How to Revamp Your Home’s Exterior

If you’re hoping to up your curb appeal or just give your home a face lift, then you may already know that fresh paint is the easiest and most cost-effective route.

"Just add a pinch of a new paint color here and there.  It's a simple recipe to make even the plainest home more interesting," advises Debbie Zimmer, design expert with the Paint Quality Institute.

It’s Electric! How to Keep Yourself Safe During Home Improvement

It’s Electric! How to Keep Yourself Safe During Home Improvement

 
Electricity is coursing around us every day. From the power lines overhead, to the cables connected to our favorite devices, we live in an electric world. Considering how often we come into contact with electricity, it makes sense that safety should be top of mind -- especially if you’re embarking on a home improvement project.

Since 2014, Dominion Energy has received nearly 100 reports of homeowners, private contractors and individuals accidentally coming into contact with electrical lines at a home or business. Every incident was preventable with proper knowledge about the risk of electric shock.

How to Prep Your Home for Floods

 

How to Prep Your Home for Floods.

Floods in your home are often unexpected. Whether from immense rain or a busted pipe, there is often little time to act. With this in mind, it’s important to have a few things prepped in case of a sudden flood.

Here are a few tips from Puzio to help homeowners prepare before a flood occurrence: