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Remodeling Versus Moving How to Decide

28/9/2021

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A home in the midst of a renovation (Photo by Petra Keßler on Unsplash)
​A couple of years ago, your home seemed perfect for your family. Nowadays, not so much. You've outgrown it, there's barely any storage room left, and there's evident wear and tear present. Fixing it all up seems like too much work, so the thought of moving homes crossed your mind. Still, you can't seem to make up your mind. Remodeling vs. moving? What are their pros and cons? And which one would work better in your particular situation? Stick with us as we try to give you all the answers! #remodeling #homerenovations

Renovating Versus Moving What Is the Right Decision?

​Honestly, neither of the two is wrong. There are benefits associated with remodeling, and there are those associated with buying a new home. It's more of a question of what is suitable for you. For example, if your house seems a bit too petite for your current needs, building an extension could potentially solve your problems. If the neighborhood is troubling, then sadly, no amount of work around the property would suffice. Before making the ultimate decision, though, try asking yourself these questions:

  • To what extent would an addition expand the available space, and would that be enough?
  • Will a new home offer you something that the current one can't and never will?
  • Do you feel like you belong in the community? Would you miss it if you were to relocate?
  • Does buying in a new community mean you'll be closer to work, school, hospital, etc.?
 
While the above questions can simplify the decision-making process, you'll still have to weigh in the other factors as well. Keep reading for the 5 of the most prominent ones.

What to consider when deciding between a new build or renovation

​Cost-effectiveness
What pays more - to stay put and remodel or sell and move on? You'll have to figure this one out before you do anything about either. You may think buying a new house would prove more cost-effective, but that doesn't always have to be the case. There are lots of hidden expenses associated with buying properties that could add up rather quickly. The moving process itself is not to be taken for granted either. It's pricey, tough, and brings an enormous amount of stress into one's life.
 
Initially, you might think going through a renovation is not worthy, especially if it seems like there are too many issues to tend to. In some instances, though, the root of the problem can actually be solved with a smaller scale renovation. Would it make sense to sell if only a couple of thousands of dollars were stopping you from improving your home? Well, obviously, not.
 
Take up budgeting to determine the cost-effectiveness of both moving and renovating. If you find the latter would work the best for you, of course, you'll have to contemplate storing your belongings somewhere during remodeling. Make some space in adjacent rooms, garage, or the attic, if possible. Should everything else fail, there's also an option of renting a storage unit. #movinghomes
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Remodeling vs. moving? Which is more cost-effective? The answer varies and depends on the amount of work that must be done. (Picture Pexels)
Research the Current Real Estate Market
You absolutely must inform yourself of the current real estate market trends before opting for moving. The last thing you want is to buy property at the wrong time! Talk to an expert local realtor about the next course of action if you were to truly pursue moving. Figure out the value of your current home, and check out the prices of those in the area you wish to relocate to. Book an appointment with a mortgage lender as well, as a way to compare the latest rates with your current one. All this information could help you better understand the difference between remodeling versus moving. 

Don't Neglect Emotions
Are you ready to move out from the house you've been calling ''home'' for all those years? Are you honestly prepared to say goodbye to a place where you made all those precious memories? You must have a heartfelt conversation with your family about the matter to determine if the issues outweigh the emotional connection you've all got to the house.

Take Location into Consideration
The layout of a brand new home, the design, and the size may all work in your favor, but would they be able to beat the location of your previous home? You'll have to come to terms with what matters more to you. Is it the style or the comfort, the proximity to your children's school, your work, great accessibility to major roads? You know how life is - you can't have it all. There's a big chance you'll have to make certain sacrifices. It's up to you, though, to choose which ones.
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Would you be ok with making sacrifices if you choose to move? The ones, for example, involving location? Think about his before you take the leap. (Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels)
Weigh in the Benefits of Staying Put
​
Many people would say that moving is among the worst experiences in life. It makes one's skin crawl and isn't something to go through unless absolutely necessary. In most cases, you and your home would be better off with a renovation. These are a couple of advantages to improving your home.
 
  • We've already mentioned how stressful it is to move. Remodeling, while demanding as well, isn't nearly as arduous as swapping homes.
  • There are various fees associated with purchasing a property and moving. We aren't talking a couple of hundreds of dollars, but thousands. Think about the number of things you could do around the house with that kind of money.
  • You won't be just pouring money down the drain by opting to remodel. You'll be increasing the value of your home. To what extent exactly, though, it's hard to say as not all home improvement projects provide the same ROI (return on investment).
  • If you work with a quality designer and a top-notch contractor, you'll be able to convert the ugly duckling into a house of your dreams without having to go through neither the selling nor the buying process.
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: If you choose a quality contractor for the renovation project, you could be better off fixing the issues than moving. (Photo by Henry & Co. on Unsplash)
​Ultimately, when we talk about remodeling vs. moving, it seems that the favors are slightly shifting towards the first. Regardless of what you choose, however, remember that the road won't be easy. To get through either of them successfully, you'll have to surround yourself with professionals that deal with them on a daily basis. Professional that know exactly what they are doing!
​#remodelingvsmoving #homeimprovement #homebuilding
Other Useful Articles:
​
Thinking of Renovating Your Home - Consider A Dream Loft Conversion
Home renovators do you know if your home contains hazardous materials?
Restrictions which could impact your home renovation plans

Author

Samantha Jonson is a writer with a strong passion for home improvements. Currently, she is closely working with Simplify Valet Storage & Moving, for whom she handles customer relations.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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Click on picture to view books on Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
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Choosing Window Coverings for Your Home

21/9/2021

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Your Window’s Perfect Partner in Design

​Windows allow natural light into an environment and decorate it, adding depth, structure, and aesthetic value to a room. Accessorizing your windows with the right curtains and blinds is an important part of a room’s decor while also helping regulate the temperature and controlling the amount of light you let in. 
 
When choosing any blinds or curtains for a room, keep both the practical aspect and the aesthetic one in mind. 
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Shades, Curtains, Blinds – What Will You Choose

The choices in terms of window accessories are so diverse that making a decision is not always stress-free. It depends on the effect you want to achieve as well as the overall style of the room. 
 
To help sort through so many possibilities, we have compiled a shortlist of several main styles and options for you to gravitate towards and find the perfect window coverings for your home.
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Opaque curtains 
One of the most popular choices for bedrooms, media rooms, or even conference rooms, opaque curtains let you completely darken a room or let light in, depending on the situation. ​

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Sheer curtains
Sheer curtains let in natural light while still giving you privacy and decorating the room. You can add a special touch by using them as a window scarf, going for a Priscilla-style attachment, or playing with pleats.  
​

​Vertical blinds
Typically seen in offices, vertical blinds can be found in a great variety of styles and premium materials. They add personality and functionality to your office. 
 
Roman Blinds
Roman blinds combine the simplicity of a modern, ageless design with soft and luscious materials. They are great for your home, giving you the privacy you need, with a touch of discreet luxury. 

DIY or Call a Professional?

​When choosing a style, it’s crucial to have an idea of how to install it. Often we see blinds or curtains that are not correctly attached. It affects their intended purpose and their optimal shape. 
 
You can install simple, more rustic designs at home with no effort. Most curtains require a simple rod to attach them, along with metal or plastic loops.
 
However, blinds, shades, and some styles of curtains that are more complex require the help of a professional to get the perfect look. Properly installed window accessories won't have issues with mechanics such as loose slides. They will also be sturdier and last longer too. 
 
When a pro team installs your window accessories, make sure to ask what kind of maintenance you need for them, and we also recommend scheduling a visit from professional window cleaners for a final finish to your windows at the same time.
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As the Curtain Falls

With carefully chosen curtains, shades, or blinds for your windows, your rooms will look their best, and the completed style will be streamlined and balanced. However, most people tend to leave it at that and don’t put in any more work into the maintenance of their windows and window accessories post-installation. That often proves to be a mistake since it is an indisputable fact that no matter how gorgeous your curtains, shades or blinds are, a grime-stained and dirt-caked window is bound to diminish the visual appeal of your window accessories.
 
As such, don’t forget the importance of proper and regular window cleaning too, as these details can easily enhance the overall visual appeal of your home or office. 
​
Other Useful Articles:
20 Front Door Colors to Improve your Home and Add Value
How to stay cool without air-con
Our homes reflect who we are

Author

Acorn Window Cleaning is a professional window cleaning company based in Melbourne. Their technicians use sustainable, efficient, and modern window cleaning equipment and techniques. Acorn Window Cleaning are the best home and office window cleaners in the area, and they keep their customers happy by always focusing on the results their customers want to achieve. something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Picture
Click on picture to view books on Amazon
​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
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20 Front Door Colors to Improve your Home and Add Value

15/9/2021

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Photo by Landon Martin on Unsplash
If you are looking for ways to boost curb appeal and make your home feel like new, consider revamping your front door. Repainting your door is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your house and draw attention to your entryway. However, deciding on a paint color can be challenging.

Picking a paint color for your front door allows you to express yourself creatively and complement your home’s architecture. With most house colors being neutral, repainting your entrance provides the perfect opportunity to add unique pops of color.

Looking to showcase your identity through your interior? Check out 5 tips to remodel your living room here.

We’ve created a list of 20 of the most popular front door color choices and their benefits, plus several trending palettes to help you increase home value below.
#homerenovationideas #paintcolors 

Front door colors to give your home a new look

1. Sky Blue
Light blue shades help emit a peaceful atmosphere. A sky blue front door will help give your home’s entrance a soothing and calm feel, especially if you have white or off-white house paint. 

2. Salmon
For a unique yet soft touch, consider painting your door a salmon color. Salmon pink paint complements colors such as light blue, and also pairs well with cream-colored houses.

3. Navy Blue
Navy blue is a classic color that will give your entrance a sophisticated feeling. A navy blue door contrasts well against a light-colored house, and pairs well with most other exterior paint colors.

4. Golden Yellow
Yellow exudes positive and sunny feelings. If you’re looking to brighten up the entrance to your home, then look no further than the color of our sun.

5. Forest Green
Forest Green is a dark, dramatic color. A color choice that has gained popularity in 2021, forest green showing no signs of going out of style any time soon. 

6. Terracotta
If you want to cultivate an earthy feeling with your entrance, look into terracotta and clay colors. These colors are perfect for desert landscapes and homes with any tan or slate details.

7. Peacock Blue
A deeply saturated peacock blue is the perfect way to make a statement with your front door. This rich color pairs perfectly with other cool-toned hues and looks great with gold hardware.

8. Plum
Purple represents creativity and mystery. A door painted plum purple can add a truly unique flair to your entryway.

9. Light Pink
A romantic and feminine color, dusty or light pink can be the perfect, soft addition to a white house or cottage.

10. Ruby
For a welcoming and warm entrance, consider a rich, ruby red. A ruby red door is the perfect jewel tone to compliment a beige, tan, or white home. 

11. Lemon Yellow
Lemon yellow is a sweet, feel-good citrus color that can transform a house with a brighter and cheerful mood.

12. Greige
Gray-beige colors may be somewhat understated, but they’re guaranteed to integrate well with nearly any neutral house paint color.

13. Tropical Blue
For a tropical feel, consider a shade of blue that reminds you of the ocean. Aquas in particular look great with gold or bronze hardware.

14. Teal
A teal door may be a strong choice, but it’s one that can look stunning against a white or tan-painted house. 

15. Pumpkin Orange
A pumpkin orange door, combined with a sandy-colored house, contributes to a desert-like color palette. It can also create a cozy, autumn-inspired look.

16. Off-White
Can’t decide which door color to pick? A traditional white or off-white is popular for a reason. You can’t go wrong with a white shade that is bound to match the whole house.

17. Chocolate Brown
Create a deeply inviting look with a dark brown color that contrasts against tan or beige siding. Chocolate brown is a rich and stylish color for any front door.

18. Off-Black
For those concerned about going too dark, off-black allows for the same refined effect as jet black without being too striking. An off-black door contrasts best against light paint.

19. Walnut Wood Stain
A wood stain is a safe and stylish option for most homes, and a walnut stain in particular introduces a dark and sophisticated touch. 

20. Chestnut Wood Stain
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Chestnut is a popular choice for a front door wood stain. A lighter chestnut stain integrates well with other wooden porch decor.

More color ideas for your front door

For more front door paint colors and stains, check out these trending color palettes and mood boards by Angi. #homeimprovementtips

Bold and Moody Front Door Colors
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Consumer Reports notes that dark, moody exterior colors have recently risen in popularity. These saturated colors add a touch of drama and create elegant contrast against neutral homes They can even increase resale value—as found by a 2018 Zillow analysis, homes with black and charcoal gray front doors sold for more than $6,000 more than expected.
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Inviting and Natural Front Door Colors
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On the other end of the color spectrum are light, inviting colors that evoke nature and relaxation. Light greens and blues tend to integrate well with surrounding greenery, such as vines and potted plants on a porch. Wood stains can bring a rustic touch to both modern and traditional homes alike. 
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Warm and Earthy Front Door Colors
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These warm and welcoming doors look excellent against almost any neutral house paint with a warm undertone. Reds, oranges, yellows, warm tans, and browns all fit under this category. These earthy colors instantly perk up an entryway with newfound excitement and sophistication. 
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Inspired to give your home a new look?

Now that you’ve seen both timeless and trending front door colors, you can decide which one best suits your space and personality to give your curb appeal a boost. Just remember to always test your paints out in the sunlight to see what they’ll truly look like before making a purchase.
​#Homeimprovement #frontdoorcolours #frontdoorcolors

Other Useful Articles:
Tips for Selecting Exterior Paint Colours for Your Home
Home improvement ideas if you quarantined at home by coronavirus
Simple Tips to Make Your Small Home Feel Like A Big Space

Author

Hana Rehman is a digital content creator who helps Angi create helpful stories worth sharing. Her background in digital marketing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from interior design to renovations.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

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​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
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7 Signs Your Kitchen Needs Renovating

8/9/2021

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Photo by Watermark Designs on Unsplash
​If the way to a person's heart really is through the stomach, it's easy to understand why kitchens are so important. They provide us with hot beverages in the morning, feed us during the day, and never judge us when we visit for a midnight snack. Some wear and tear is expected with how much we use them, but how do you know it's time for more than just a bit of daily TLC? The next time you see a picture of a kitchen in an interior design magazine, pay attention to how you feel. Are you indifferent or in love? If the latter is the case - it's time! Not convinced? Keep reading for 7 signs your kitchen needs renovating that are a bit more tangible than the previous one.

When your kitchen needs remodelling

​1.  You keep asking yourself where to put things
Let's start with the obvious. If mismatched Tupperware falls on your head every time you open the cabinets or if you find yourself doing hard math while preparing meals because there is not enough workspace - it's high time for a kitchen renovation. No matter the size of your kitchen, a smarter layout and more storage space will undoubtedly make the time you spend in this room more pleasant and productive.
​

Find creative solutions for storing your kitchen accessories and appliances, and think of ways to create counter space from underutilized areas. Once you do that - contact a contractor. A good one will be able to turn the wildest of kitchen dreams into reality. #kitchenstorage
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Photo by Jason Briscoe on Unsplash
​2.  Functionality is not something your kitchen can provide
Familiar with the Bermuda Triangle? How about the kitchen triangle? Unlike the former, the latter is something you actually want in the place where you prepare and cook your food. Your stove, sink, and refrigerator should form the tips of the said triangle, but don't be afraid to turn this into any other shape you feel will work best for you. Try to figure out your most frequented kitchen areas and find a solution that will help you move quickly and conveniently, depending on your needs and available space. #kitchenfunctionality
​3.  Your kitchen needs have changed
So, most of your meals used to come in take-out containers, and your favorite restaurants would call to check in if you didn't order for more than two days. But now you have children you are trying to feed healthy, or you simply developed an unexpected love for cooking. Either way, the kitchen that used to serve its purpose now probably doesn't. If that's the case, put on your safety helmet because it's kitchen renovation time! A better layout, more cabinets, and modern appliances will enable you and your family to enjoy your home to the max.
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Photo by Jimmy Dean on Unsplash
​On the other hand, if your not-so-little ones are off to college, you might want your kitchen smaller. This would allow you to use that newfound space for all those things you could only dream of in the past. Home gym? Art studio? It's high time you spoil yourself.

4.   Your kitchen has more issues than Vogue
If your humble abode doesn't tick many boxes on a home safety checklist, that is a tell-tale sign your kitchen needs renovating. Outdated plumbing, electricity issues, and mold are just some of the things that represent serious hazards, and yet, they are often ignored. However, remember that addressing these kinds of problems on time means you will likely spend less money fixing them than if you were to let them grow up into angsty teenagers.

5.   You clean, clean, clean, and – it still looks dirty
You spend the entire weekend cleaning. You scrub oil splatters on your backsplash, deep clean the oven, wipe the counters a thousand times, and even put in the effort to cleanse your kitchen cabinets. If, after all this effort, you are still unimpressed with the look of your kitchen, you might have to turn to more drastic measures. Years of dirt, spills, splashes, and stains don't imply that you are not good at cleaning. They simply mean a kitchen renovation is in order. After all, everything has its expiration date, and countertops, sinks, flooring, grout, and other parts that make a kitchen are no different. #kitchencleaning
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Photo by Crema Joe on Unsplash
​6.   It looks more like a war zone than a kitchen
We've already established some wear and tear is normal and nothing to be upset about. After all, cooking is no easy feat, and all sorts of accidents can happen along the way. However, when you enter the kitchen, if all you can see are broken tiles, scratched flooring, and cabinet doors holding on to dear life, you can be sure your kitchen needs renovating. 

7.   You don’t feel inspired in it
It could be that there is nothing wrong with your kitchen, yet you never really feel good in it. If the color palette is wrong, the design outdated, and the materials far from aesthetically pleasing, you can take all of these as signs your kitchen needs renovating. Once you update everything you currently wish to hide, your food prepping and cooking sessions will reach a new level of comfort and satisfaction. Who doesn't want to pretend they're Gordon Ramsey while making pancakes? Feeling inspired and motivated to spend time in your kitchen is essential. And even if it doesn't seem so now, it is more than possible with just a bit of time, effort, and planning. ​#kitchen inspiration. #inspiringkitchens

Updating your kitchen

​A complete kitchen revamp might require you to temporarily change your residence, as the dust, noise, and other nuisances might be too much to handle. However, even moving out while renovating will surely prove to be worth it once you step into your brand-new kitchen.
Other Useful Articles:
The Dezeen guide to kitchen layouts including peninsula, island and galley styles
​
Designing Cooking Kitchens - Practical Advice For Your Dream Kitchen Part 1
​
Our homes reflect who we are

Author

Irene Riley is an interior design enthusiast and a moving consultant currently working with Tik Tok Moving and Storage. When she is not providing relocation estimates and tips to her clients, she enjoys scrolling through Pinterest in search of fun DIY home improvements or practicing yoga with her husband.

#homeimprovement #kitchenrenovation

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Picture
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​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
12 Comments

    Author

    I’m a construction professional, author of several successful construction management books, and a home owner. I’ve made mistakes in construction management, I’ve seen others make mistakes, but importantly I’ve had multiple successful construction projects and I’ve learned from the mistakes. I want to share these lessons and my knowledge with you.
    'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volume 1 Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home' are my latest books. packed with tips and information to ensure your home construction project is a success. Get your copy today from Amazon and other online stores.

    Also available from:
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    and 'An Introduction to Building Houses - Volume 2 Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home' ​
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Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
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    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
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