You may have read the recent CZ Blog post, "2008 Cost vs. Value Report," discussing cost-effective home improvement projects.  Now is a great time to upgrade your home to increase its value AND enjoy the upgrades until it is time to sell.  You might even save some money.  Check out some of my helpful handyman hints...

Be Creative

Create a more open floor plan in your existing space. Remove the doorways between rooms, open the wall between the kitchen and dining room, replace that solid door for the basement with a glass door, add mirrored panels to existing doors to make rooms appear larger.  Look for unused, but usable-spaces in your home. Obvious places are basements, attics, under staircases, and in your closets.  Look outside at the porch that may not be enjoyed often because of mosquitoes... Consider screening the porch to make a comfortable, cozy (bug-free) room.

Make it More Modern

Consider adding some modern touches that today's buyers love (and you will too).  Revisit your "high traffic/high use" areas including bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and dining areas.  Imagine what new features might help streamline the tasks undertaken there.  Perhaps add a flat screen TV in the upper corner of the kitchen or add a second sink in the bathroom so your kids do not argue over who's next.  In the kitchen, add more counter space or an island with wheels, a small chef sink and disposal or additional shelving for displays.  Upgrade your laundry room with matching side-by-side front loading units with folding counters and shelves.  Check out mysimon.com when buying new appliances for the top 5 lowest prices in country.

Indulgences 

Where else to get started but in your bathroom?  Let your imagination go!  Considering transforming your master bathroom into a spa-like retreat.  OK, space might be an issue, but adding a towel warmer or changing that old tub out for a new high-end shower set with multi-jets might be an option.  Simply adding dual shower heads is a plus.  Today, installing a heated-tile floor system is made easy with Sun-touch products.  You could even put a LCD TV that hides behind a mirrored pane (when the TV is off, the glass looks like a mirror).

Before you begin your next project, be sure to call us.  Selecting a few great projects that suit your situation is the secret to maximizing your home's value in this market.  HB Services, LLC is locally owned and operated by Harry Hink.  Visit us on the web at www.hbservices.biz or call (703) 764-0498 for more information.