Home Improvement Tips & Contractors

Your home is likely your biggest asset. Whether you just bought your first home or have nearly paid off your mortgage, home improvement projects, both large and small, are always popping up. During tough economic times like these, it is often difficult to know what home improvements are good investments and which simply cost too much with too little return. There are six homes improvement tips that won’t break your bank or your back.

Many of these improvements are inexpensive and can be financed when you apply for a Plain Green Loan.

1. Doors and Windows

Doors and windows should let light in and keep your heated or cooled air in. Even small breaks in their seals can result in a major drain to your pocket book. Consider inspecting all your doors and windows. Check their seals and any weather or pest strips. Replace seals or re-caulk as needed.

2. Gutters

Gutters can become clogged with leaves and other debris. Not only does this impede the flow of water during rain storms, but it also can cause additional problems, like ice dams, in areas that are snowy. Instead of regularly cleaning out your gutters, install leaf guards. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Insulation

If your home has an attic space, take the time to inspect the insulation and reinstall it if needed. This is a simple and inexpensive way to help keep your heating and cooling costs down.

4. Basements

While finishing a basement is a bit more expensive than the previous repairs, a finished basement will add a lot of value to your home. In some cases, it can double the living space. Keep costs down by using a drop ceiling. Consider working on this project over several months and apply for a Plain Green Loan to defray the costs.

5. Plumbing

Consider replacing the plumbing under all of your sinks with PVC and changing your fixtures. Updated fixtures look great if you’re attempting to resell your home. Additionally, while you’re making the replacements, you can address any leaking or dripping faucets.

6. Lights

Change all your lights over to LED lights. The bulbs put out far less heat than traditional bulbs, are less expensive to run, and are environmentally friendly.

If you are having difficulty financing any of these home improvements, apply for a Plain Green Loan. Each of these home improvements will add value to your home and, in many cases, save you money.

Just like fashion trends have a tendency to change from season to season, design and decor trends will also change with the times. 2010′s top interior design color trends will have evolved from the top design color trends of 2009, which evolved from 2008′s trends, and so on. Here is a look at some of the top interior design color trends of 2010 and what you can do with them.

1. Purples

Purple is definitely making a comeback as far as interior decorator colors go. You can work with a mix of different purples including rich plums and vibrant violets. Purple is always popular for interior design and decor, but usually only in small amounts. For 2010, on the other hand, purple began to see dramatic changes in its use, and now purple is breaking into the decorating scene in a very big way, especially since purple is often associated with luxury and royalty.

2. Pinks

Pink may once have been utilized only in bedrooms designed to suit little girls, but now it is beginning to take the decorating world by storm. Pink on pink in various forms is becoming increasingly popular, especially when dealing with bold and saturated pinks that are feminine but strong in nature. Pink makes a statement in a bold, warm and sophisticated manner, especially when paired with softer pinks like pastel tones.

3. Soft Greens

Soft green tones are increasing in popularity, especially when you consider their link to “green living.” Soft and diluted greens are at the head of the pack when it comes to home decor and interior design with an earth-conscious bent. Avoid deep-forest and jewel-tone greens in favor of soft hues to create a soothing palette, especially in combination with brushed metallics, wrought iron and deep wood colors.

4. Orange

Orange cannot always stand on its own, but it does work well in conjunction with other colors, especially when combined with purples or pinks. Orange is a bold color that you can use sparingly to make a splash in any room. Try adding orange into a room through accents and bold patterns, especially when using other bright, bold or saturated colors.

5. Earth Colors

Earth colors come and go as trends from year to year, but because there is such a big focus on green living and eco-friendly design, they are gaining notoriety again in a big way. Rich greens, rustic woods, clay reds and similar colors are excellent for these purposes because they tie in well together and can really bring an interior design to life.
This is just a brief glimpse of some of the hottest interior design color trends over the past year. These color trends are already shifting and evolving for the next season, and it is always interesting to see what the new year is going to bring in terms of interior design colors. What will you choose as your next color palette?

Fantastic- Your house has a basement! Basements are fabulous spaces that add value to your home and space for family, friends, or stuff to spread out.

However, a lot of basements are more akin to caves than family rooms, and only washing machines and old stuffed animals are making use of them. If that sounds like your lower level, maybe it’s time you reclaimed it…right? You don’t have to bring in a crew to make your basement functional; just check out these 5 simple improvements that will let you take the fun—not just the laundry—downstairs.

1. Protect Against Water Damage

Basements have an unpleasant tendency to attract water—and who wants to spend time in a damp, drippy basement? Assess problem areas and bring in professionals if necessary to patch or fix them. Invest in an excellent sump pump, back-up system, and warning system to thwart flooding. Do you have flood insurance for your home? Considering a basement’s tendency to flood, it’s a safe-guard worth going for.

2. Take Advantage of Pluses – Natural Lighting

Most basements these days are equipped with an egress window—a place for easy exit if necessary. That means there’s some natural light to use. Walkout basements have plenty of light, but the small egress requires a bit of creativity to take full advantage of it. Arrange spaces so all can have some light if possible. You may even consider enlarging your window or having one installed—talk to a pro for the how-to and pricing.

3. Fix the Negatives – Cold, Hard Flooring

Unfinished basements have the trademark concrete flooring; uncomfortable, cold, and hard isn’t exactly welcoming, especially if anyone has foot problems. Once you’ve waterproofed your basement, put in some inviting flooring. Carpeting is great, but go for something you won’t mourn the loss of should some unexpected water show up. Tile, laminate, or hardwood can be softened with cushy rugs.

4. Purge and Rearrange

No one will want to take their party to the basement if the poothat l table is covered with boxes of old scrapbooking supplies. Basements are great for storage, but there should be some method to the madness. Devote an area or room to storage and invest in tidy containers. As for other stuff… have a garage sale, hock it on eBay, or make use of the local dump.

5. Talk to a Pro

If you want a truly functional and finished basement, you may want to bring in a pro. A professional can help you plan your lower level, install walls and drywall, take care of plumbing and electricity, and advise on tricky spots. Some of this is DIY if you have the right tools and a little know-how, but some stuff requires a professional job. It’s probably best not to guess with those wires…

With these steps, having a basement you can actually enjoy isn’t just a future dream after all! Now, you really can have that music studio you’ve always wanted… just double check on flood insurance for your home…

If your company allows it, there are some great ways to personalize your office.

You don’t want it to end up looking tacky, but having a few personal touches here and there let you feel more comfortable in your office. Since most people spend a large portion of their lives at work, it is essential that you feel at ease. Following are four ways you can keep comfortable in your office, without going too far.

1. Decorations

There are some types of decorations that are great to have, and others that go a little too far. It’s great to have a few birthday decorations, for example. These are a great way to let other’s know you are thinking about them as well. You may not feel appropriate decorating your own desk with Happy Birthday stuff, but you can have fun with a coworker’s desk on their birthday. You may also want to consider holiday decorations, but make sure that you talk to HR before you put any of these up.

Since there are so many holidays, and a majority of them are religious in nature, you will want to make sure that there are not any policies against holiday decorations.

2. Pictures

Having a few pictures of your family, pets or friends is a great way to personalize your office. When you are picking out pictures or putting together picture frames, make sure that you do consider the fact that you are in a professional environment. The picture of your bachelorette party may not be the best option; a family picture with the kids would be much better served for this purpose.

3. Plants

Many people today like to have a small plant at their desk. Depending on the size of your desk and the size of the plant, this could be a great idea. You want to make sure that it is something that can go a few days without water; you don’t want it to die when you take a vacation! Having a cactus, a bamboo shoot or something similar can help brighten up your work space.

4. Organize

Organize your office the way that works best for you. Find a place for everything, but keep the things that you use on a regular basis in a quick-to-grab spot. This will help you be more efficient, but it will also give a bit of a personal touch to everything. If you are always scrambling to find the pens that you need, you will never feel comfortable in your own office.

Having your personal touch in your work space can keep you working better. When you are comfortable with where you are, you are much less likely to get off task. Having these personal items and touches can keep you happier in the work place, as well. Make sure that you find out the rules for personalization in your company before you take on a huge project of personalization.

What ways do you keep your office personal?

During the early stages of pregnancy, you should start thinking about decorating ideas for your older children.

They will feel less left out when you move them into different rooms or redecorate their existing rooms. From the most organized toddler space to the trendy teen bedroom, some of the best decorating tips for children’s rooms are listed below.

Double Up

If you find yourself having to move two children together to make room for the newborn, there are fabulous ways to do this. One trendy way to combine living spaces is to add a sliding room divider to the room. The divider can be pushed back for spending time together and extended for private time. You should start this project early, depending upon which stages of pregnancy you are in at the time (or even after you have your baby)

Double Time

If your children’s new room is small, find creative ways to make the existing space perform double duty. A great decorating tip for children’s rooms involves using furniture items that double as organizers. Beautiful headboards are available that incorporate shelving and drawers for the child to use for storage or personal items. Some have a mirrored background and can take away the necessity for a wall mirror. Drawers under beds can also allow for stylish storage and functionality.

To Do or Not to Do

The following list of do’s and don’ts include additional advice and decorating tips for children’s rooms.

Do:

• Do ask their opinions on the type of room that they would like to have. From the overall theme to the colors of the walls, everything can be based on their own sense of style.
• Do make a room for them they will remember and treasure, even after they have kids of their own.
• Do let the children help, especially if you are in the later stages of pregnancy. You may need an extra hand or two.
• Do shop around before making big purchases. Second-hand stores and discount shops are good places to buy dressers, toy boxes and bookshelf units. Also, friends and family members may have items they’re not using anymore.

Don’t:

• Don’t overcrowd the room with unnecessary things just because you think they are adorable in the store. Try not to over accessorize the room or it will just look cluttered.
• Don’t wait until the last minute or you could get overwhelmed during the last stages of pregnancy.
• Don’t try to make the children’s room something that you enjoy as an adult; make it uniquely theirs and let their personality dictate the theme.
• Don’t try to fit growing teens into twin beds or you may be shopping for a new bed in a couple of years.

Let your children help design the room of their dreams. Taking their thoughts into consideration and shopping together will also build lasting memories for all of you. There are as many decorating possibilities as the mind can imagine, and these are only a few. What additional advice or decorating tips for children’s rooms would you like to share?