Paying attention to the worst decisions can help ensure you make the best ones. Learn from those who have made the mistakes so you don’t have to! Here are seven of the most common terrible ideas for your kitchen remodel.

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1. Choosing a material without testing it first

Want to do a cabinet refacing with laminate? Go to the store and see how it feels under your hands. Look at laminate in other kitchens to see how well it holds up over time. Want that gorgeous soapstone countertop? Get a piece of soapstone and use it in your home as a trivet for a few months.

2. Not being around for the complete remodel

Don’t plan a remodel during a very busy travel time, such as the holidays. Don’t walk away from the remodel, either. Going on vacation right in the middle of the job leaves the contractor with no one to oversee the work, and that can lead to results you might not like. Though it isn’t easy to plan your whole life around the remodel, it is the best thing to do to ensure you get it done right and on time.

3. Choosing unconventional designs

Though going with an unusual design can be suitable for some situations, it can also create problems you didn’t expect. For instance, moving your kitchen sink to a corner instead of giving it open space near a window can lead to a blowback of steam when you pour hot liquid out of pots. Consider every possible use for that area of the kitchen to determine if an unusual design makes sense.

4. Skimping on the appliances

Though it might seem like a good idea to save money by choosing that smaller refrigerator or the noisier of the dishwashers, keep in mind that the appliances will get the most use of all the elements in your kitchen. Spending a bit more money on those can make your remodel a much more comfortable investment. Remember too that newer kitchen appliances are held to more efficient energy use. So, new appliances can save you money in the long term, too.

5. Budgeting to the last dollar

Keep a little wiggle room in your budget for the things you didn’t expect. For instance, cabinet refacing cost might be less than you anticipated, so it seems you can budget even more for that high-end countertop, right? Not so fast. What if something goes wrong with the flooring and you need more than you anticipated? That little cushion of cash in your budget can be a financial lifesaver.

6. Rushing the plans

When you rush the plans, you are bound to make mistakes or go over budget. Telling the designer to simply “add that in” without doing the homework can lead to sticker shock or a look you really don’t want. Take your time with the design, envision it, and learn to live with it before it becomes reality.

7. Choosing the lowest bid contractor

Though the lowest bid might be tempting, choosing a contractor should mean more than the bottom line. This is a person who will practically live in your house for several weeks, so keep in mind that you must be able to get along, and you must have a level of trust in their work. Sometimes that doesn’t happen with the lowest bid, and it is worth spending more for peace of mind.

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Avoiding these mistakes now can save you a great deal of money, time and frustration in the long run. Before you start any remodeling project, make sure you are as well-prepared and realistic as possible.

Though it is true that newly remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, deck additions and other improvements can add to the value of your home, look closely at the true return on investment before you leap into the project.

These home improvements might pay for themselves

Each year, Remodeling Magazine compares the average cost of the most popular home improvement projects and compares them with the average value the project adds at resale time. If you are thinking about putting your home on the market in the next few years, these home improvement projects could offer the biggest bang for your buck.

1. Minor kitchen remodel

The kitchen is often what sells the home, so it pays to make it as welcoming as possible. A minor kitchen remodel can offer an average return on investment of 72.1 percent. The recoup can be even greater when you turn to money-savers like cabinet refacing and vinyl tile flooring. Think a more expensive remodel is better? Think again. The 2011 average return on investment for a major kitchen remodel was 57.4 percent–much less than you might make back by taking the cheaper route.

2. Siding replacement

At a 78 percent return on investment, adding fiber cement siding is definitely a good idea for a home improvement project. Vinyl siding can also be a good option, giving you back 69.5 percent of what you put into it.

3. Entry door replacement

The front door makes a first impression and provides security for your family. Opting for a steel entry door can provide beauty and safety while giving you a nice 73 percent return on investment. With an average cost of $1,238 per project, it is also one of the most affordable improvements you can make.

4. Creating an attic bedroom

The more bedrooms you have in your home, the more potential home-buyers you will attract. Adding an attic bedroom can give you a 72.5 percent average return on investment. In some cases, since the bones of the room are already in place, an attic bedroom can be substantially cheaper than a new construction addition.

Other upgrades to consider

There are many other common home improvement projects that can bring you a boost when it’s time for resale. Other good options include vinyl replacement windows and the addition of a wooden deck. Replacing your garage door with a new one is one of the most affordable projects at an average cost of $1,512, and it is also one of the nicest returns, giving you back an average of 71.9 percent on investment.

Doing your research pays off

Before you choose to sink money into a remodel, look into what the latest trends are and what potential home-buyers in your area are looking for, then plan your improvements accordingly. If the goal is to enjoy the improvements for a few years and then sell the house for a tidy profit, these four projects can help you make that plan a reality.

Thanks to Shannon Dauphin at Build Direct

December 2011 –

The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and house prices for at least six consecutive months.

New entrants to the list in December include the following:

Ann Arbor, MI
Athens, GA
Boulder, CO
Burlington, VT
Canton, OH
Charleston, WV
Danville, VA
Fort Wayne, IN
Grand Forks, ND
Jackson, MS
Kingsport, TN
Laredo, TX
Lincoln, NE
Muncie, IN
Muskegon, MI
San Jose, CA
Scranton, PA
Toledo, OH
Washington, DC
Winchester, VA

“The increases we continue to see in the number and geographic diversity of improving metros are quite encouraging, and evidence of the fact that all housing markets are dependent on uniquely local factors,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev. He noted that as of December, a total of 21 states and the District of Columbia are represented on the improving markets list — up from14 states represented in November.

“The December IMI results are very much in keeping with the latest government housing data and our own builder surveys, which have shown modest signs of improvement in certain individual markets where employment is gaining and distressed properties are not as numerous,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “These gradual improvements are now becoming evident not just in small, energy-producing metros that have previously dominated the IMI, but also in several larger markets and areas with more diverse economies.”

The nine markets that dropped off the IMI in December include Alexandria, La.; Fairbanks, Alaska; Hinesville, Ga.; Houma, La.; Jonesboro, Ark.; Lima, Ohio; Pine Bluff, Ark.; Sumter, S.C. and Waco, Tex. All but two of these metros fell from the list due to softening house prices. The exceptions to the rule were Jonesboro and Waco, where declines were registered in employment and single-family housing permits, respectively.

The total list of improving housing markets in December, as defined by the IMI, includes the following 41 entries (listed alphabetically by state):

Anchorage, AK
San Jose, CA
Boulder, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Washington, DC
Athens, GA
Davenport, IA
Waterloo, IA
Kankakee, IL
Fort Wayne, IN
Muncie, IN
Monroe, LA
New Orleans, LA
Ann Arbor, MI
Muskegon, MI
Jackson, MS
Fayetteville, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Bismarck, ND
Grand Forks, ND
Lincoln, NE
Canton, OH
Toledo, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Scranton, PA
Williamsport, PA
Kingsport, TN
Amarillo, TX
Corpus Christi, TX
Laredo, TX
McAllen, TX
Midland, TX
Odessa, TX
Sherman, TX
Tyler, TX
Danville, VA
Winchester, VA
Burlington, VT
Charleston, WV
Casper, WY
Cheyenne, WY

The IMI is designed to track housing markets throughout the country that are showing signs of improving economic health. The index measures three sets of independent monthly data to get a mark on the top improving Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The three indicators that are analyzed are employment growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, house price appreciation from Freddie Mac, and single-family housing permit growth from the U.S. Census Bureau. NAHB uses the latest available data from these sources to generate a list of improving markets. A metro area must see improvement in all three areas for at least six months following their respective troughs before being included on the improving markets list.

Please visit www.nahb.org/imi for additional data, tables and a list of future economic release dates.

Editor’s Note: The NAHB/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI) is released on the fourth business day of each month at 10:00 a.m. ET, unless that day falls on a Friday – in which case, the index will be released the following Monday. A full calendar of future release dates can be found at www.nahb.org/imi.

A new report has found that consumers who previously purchased green products have decreased their green purchasing as a result of the recession.

In the study by Massachusetts-based Grail Research, 43% of “light green” consumers—those who buy some green products—said they have reduced their usage of green products or switched to conventional ones. At the same time, the percentage of non-green consumers rose from 15% to 22%.

“Although it’s clear that the market for green products is here to stay, the number of green consumers declined over the past two years,” notes Annica Blake, global head of research services at Grail Research.

Conversely, Blake says, the number of “dark green” consumers—those who select earth-friendly products for most of their purchases—increased by 1% and now make up 9% of the consumer market. Other key findings of the “Green Revolution” report include:

·         Sixty-five percent of respondents changed their purchasing behavior as a result of the recession, with most turning to less expensive green products.

·         Nine percent of consumers said they never consider buying green products, an increase of 4 percentage points since the previous report.

·         Only 11% of consumers reported that they seek information on green companies and their products.

·         Packaging still remains the most important source of information for green products, with more than half of consumers saying it impacts their purchasing decision.

·         Consumers are more likely to find green claims compelling if they provide quantitative information in an easy-to-visualize description that communicates the impact on the environment.

To improve consumer awareness, manufacturers should work to effectively articulate their products’ green attributes, says Blake, adding that the success of the green market will be determined by how well marketing messages resonate with buyers.

“It’s no longer enough to just say you’re green,” she says. “Consumers now expect comparable value and performance.”

Thanks to Jennifer Goodman, Senior Editor for EcoHome.

The measure split Republicans, many of whom supported retaining the lower limit of $625,500. As a result, efforts to restore the higher limit fell short until the Senate attached an increase to a package of spending bills that were passed yesterday by both the House and Senate.

The higher FHA limit is expected to become law after the president signs the spending measures, which he must do by the end of today to avoid a government shutdown.

“Restoring the higher loan limits for the FHA will provide homeowners and homebuyers with safe and affordable financing, while providing a much-needed boost to housing markets all around the country,” James W. Tobin, chief lobbyist for the National Association of Home Builders, wrote in a Nov. 16 letter to Speaker John Boehner, an Ohio Republican.

Lawmakers who backed higher limits said withdrawing federal support could further undermine a housing market still struggling to recover from the 2008 credit crisis.

The final compromise, which dropped a similar increase to loans backed by mortgage firms Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, represents a mixed victory for the housing industry.

While the increase to $729,750 is expected to spur some additional homebuying, it’s not clear by how much. FHA loans make up a smaller share of the market than those purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

5.3 Million Homes

Still, the measure was fully embraced by trade groups for homebuilders and realtors. The National Association of Homebuilders has estimated that 5.3 million homes lost their eligibility for conforming loans when the higher limits expired on Oct. 1. Nearly 670 counties saw their loan limits decline, according to the National Association of Realtors.

On the other side were a number of interest groups that push for free-market policies and against government support to the housing market. Those groups, which include the Club for Growth and Heritage Action for America, play a large role in the House Republican conference and can influence campaign funding for the next election.

Republicans backed by the groups thought efforts to increase the loan limits had been defeated earlier this year, particularly when the White House announced support for allowing them to go back down to pre-crisis levels.

‘Completely Bizarre’

“This is completely bizarre that the Congress would be to the left of this president on housing finance,” Representative Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview.

House Republicans who opposed the provision seized on the FHA’s annual actuarial report released earlier this week, which said the agency has a 50 percent chance of needing to seek taxpayer aid to bolster its insurance fund.

The FHA, which provides liquidity by protecting lenders against borrower defaults, has increased its share of the mortgage market in the wake of the credit crisis. The agency, created in 1934 during the Great Depression, now guarantees a third of U.S. mortgages, according to the report.

The House-passed legislation, approved in a 298-121 vote, was opposed by 101 members of the House’s Republican majority, some of whom said they opposed the measure primarily because of the loan-limit increase.

Representative John Campbell, a California Republican who pushed for the increase, called the compromise on the provision “just a bad deal.” Campbell said he would have preferred that lawmakers boost the limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac over raising the FHA limit.

‘Short-Term Fix’

“I’m glad something got done, but because they got it backwards, this will be a much more short-term fix than I would have hoped,” Campbell said in an interview.

The Senate followed the House’s lead a few hours later, voting 70-30 to clear the measure for Obama’s signature. The provision was once again cited by several Republicans as a reason for their opposition.

“Raising the loan limits at FHA only, an unprecedented move, will simply drive more business into Ginnie Mae securities and put the FHA at even greater risk of losses to taxpayers,” Senator Bob Corker, a Tennessee Republican, said yesterday. “If we cannot even take this simple step, we risk crowding out the private sector for years to come.”

Thanks to Phil Mattingly at Bloomberg News

Choosing the perfect flooring for your bathroom is incredibly important. Before you jump in at the deep end, have a read through some pointers which will help you to decide which flooring will most suit your bathroom.

Vinyl tile floors

Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular bathroom flooring choices and there’s a very valid reason behind it. Generally reasonably priced, it’s available in so many different designs and styles that you can find one to suit any bathroom. They are generally made in sheets or tiles but, like all types of flooring, they MUST be laid on an even floor. If your floor isn’t even, you’ll notice bubble-like lumps appearing.

Perfect for: So versatile and widely available there’s a design to suit every bathroom. Checkerboard vinyl tiles are the ultimate flooring for Victorian bathrooms.

Stone tile flooring

Stone flooring is incredibly fashionable due to its sleek appearance and durability. Stone tile flooring needs sealing before suitable for use in the bathroom as they can be porous. They’re generally available in limestone and granite and can really add an air of class to a modern bathroom.

They typically come with a higher price-tag than vinyl, so you need to be sure on your choice before splurging!

Perfect for: Creating a spa-like bathroom which wouldn’t be complete without a whirlpool bath.

Porcelain and ceramic tile

Porcelain and ceramic tiles mimic stone flooring but are available at a lower price. They’re hygienic as they’re easy to keep clean. It’s also suitable for use with underfloor heating, which can be a great luxurious touch to a modern bathroom.

You needn’t worry about coordinating your wall covering with your flooring either as porcelain and ceramic tiles are suitable for on the walls.

Perfect for: Creating a modern, luxurious bathroom without the high price-tag.

Wood flooring

Although solid wood flooring isn’t a suitable choice of bathroom flooring, engineered wood flooring has been used as bathroom floors. It has a top layer of hardwood flooring that is protected from expansion by a core layer due to higher levels of humidity, for which bathrooms are known. This makes it more durable for the everyday use of bathrooms.

Some engineered wood flooring is suitable for use with underfloor heating as well, although it’s advisable to check with your manufacturer or fitter before installing. Also, double check warranties for bathroom installations, too.

Rubber floors

Rubber tiles are ideal for bathrooms are they’re extremely hard-wearing and can cope under the moisture and varying heat conditions. They’re also really easy to clean so they’re well suited for busy bathrooms. They’re available in many different colors, shades and textures. Studded patterns are popular as they have non-slip qualities.

Perfect for: Homes for the elderly or those with limited mobility as they are non-slip which provides a safe flooring particularly when wet.

Bathroom flooring: think practicality along with beauty

When choosing the floor covering for your bathroom you need to be aware of some which are simply a no-go for the bathroom. Carpet may appear tempting and the cushioned feel underfoot when you step out of the shower may seem ideal but they’re simply not built for bathroom use.

The moisture causes them to harbor smells and you’ll find the carpet is constantly saturated and not actually that pleasant for your feet! If you really need the cushioned feel under your feet invest in some plush bathmats which can be washed and dried after every use – they can be a great accessory when used adhering to your bathroom’s accent color!

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Thanks, Stephanie!

Stephanie Staszko wrote this on behalf of Designo Radiators.

Arieff is certainly correct that if there was ever a time to re-envision housing and community development, it’s now. Housing starts in 2010 numbered fewer than 600,000—roughly one-fourth of the level in 2005. While the earth-movers are idle, households and policymakers have time to catch their breath and challenge the notion that a single-family unit on a large lot is housing’s best incarnation.

Demographic trends suggest that the demand for large, single-family homes in auto-oriented communities should be on the decline. For decades, households have been getting smaller, and our population has been getting older. Combined with rising gas costs and concerns for the environment, these trends suggest that large homes in auto-dependent neighborhoods may not be the most practical option going forward. A university professor speaking at a recent research and practice forum hosted by HUD claimed that the United States already has enough detached single-family housing to satisfy demand for the next several decades, and that the real unmet demand was for attached or multifamily units in urban, transit-oriented environments.

Consumer preference may not be responding to these trends as expected, however. Survey data collected by the National Association of Realtors and reported by RCLCO show that only 19 percent of respondents want to live in a city, with the remainder split between suburbs and small town or rural areas. The most-preferred setting, appealing to 28 percent, is a suburban environment with a mix of uses, rather than one that is solely residential.

As society struggles with the tension between the type of housing that it wants and the type of housing that it – and the environment – appears to need, it must also come to grips with the type of housing it can afford. Regardless of the form and context of tomorrow’s communities, the majority of households today live in the suburbs. Will future generations want to live in the homes that we’ve already built? More importantly, will they be able to afford to?

Aron Chang wrote recently about ways that today’s suburbs can be transformed to accommodate higher densities, a mix of uses, and more affordable options. His ideas include zoning to allow for the construction of accessory dwelling units and the subdividing of single-family homes into smaller units for extended families, tenants, and even businesses.

These are but a few ideas that communities can use to retrofit their current housing stock to residents’ preferences if and when demand for the suburbs wanes. Will these strategies be effective? Are there others?

Thanks to Keith Wardrip, Center for Housing Policy

Making efficient use of the space can make your kitchen seem much larger than it is.

Finding the right sized kitchen appliances

Smaller and more compact gadgets and appliances are better for smaller kitchens, especially when these gadgets need to stay on top of the counter. Huge appliances can swallow up an entire counter, even when there are only a couple of them. Consider buying a stove with two burners instead of four, and a smaller oven and fridge.

De-clutter and Maximize Storage Space

Any unneeded clutter, whether on the counter or on the floor will definitely make a small kitchen feel cramped. If you get rid of anything that is not essential and put things where they belong when not in use, your kitchen will surely appear larger.

Even after de-cluttering, you will probably need some storage space. Splurging on deeper than normal cabinets or shelving units on top of counters can be great ways to make use of small spaces.

If you’re lucky enough to have very high ceilings, you can hang more overhead cabinets. Hanging a ladder on the wall to reach those high cabinets can be funky and functional. Use any empty wall space for extra cabinets. Glass-fronted cabinets and cabinets and shelves of different sizes can be a great way to use the space and give a great hip look.

Lighting a small kitchen

Lighting under cabinets or under counters can create an illusion of more space, too. Using lights like this as well as mirrors along walls opposite windows can make a small room to look almost enormous. Speaking of windows, the bigger, the better, if you have the choice.

Flooring fit for kitchens

The use of big, glossy kitchen tile can trick the eye, too. The gloss will toss the light around and your vision won’t be broken up by many lines of smaller tiles. In tight spaces, it’s best to use light-colored flooring.

Minimalist kitchen furniture

Smaller, minimalist furniture is best for small kitchens. Use chairs with no arms and place a long table along a wall instead of in the center of the room. If at all possible, use stainless steel, which will cause light to bounce around and make the room feel bigger and look gorgeous.

Using hanging pot racks is a fun way to show off your goods as well as save space. If you’ve got the budget for it, sliding counter tops are terrific space savers. Try utilizing the space over and around your sink for open shelves for fruit bowls and glasses. Don’t be afraid to move furniture and large appliances around to see what works best.

Work with color

The use of contrasting colors such as white walls and dark cabinets can add depth to the room. You could also paint the walls in contrasting colors, for example, by painting a small wall a really bright color while making the rest pale.

A lot of home decorating ideas, especially for smaller spaces, has to do with light and correct utilization of space. Remember that small kitchens don’r always have to be the “everything room” – used for laundry, schoolwork, recipes as well as cooking.

Enjoy your small kitchen in style

In a small kitchen, try to keep everything that doesn’t specifically have to do with cooking out of the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of most homes, so this might make for quite an adventure, but if you utilize as many of these tips as you can, you’ll be enjoying a nice cup of tea with a friend comfortably in no time.