When square footage is maxed and finances are tight, buying a new home or tackling a major remodel are unrealistic options for many homeowners who could really use a little more living space. If the walls of your small home seem to be closing in on you, there are plenty of big ideas and budget-savvy […]
Tag: coloradoan
Older Home Renovation May be a Test of Character
Older homes are filled to the rafters with character and charm. The craftsmanship and detailing can be amazing, and the wood floors and trim are often warm and appealing. But the cost of fixing up older houses can be a shock for some homeowners. First, there can be a big price difference between the cost […]
Know When to do it Yourself or Hire a Pro
May is National Home Remodeling Month. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a do-it-yourself homeowner, one thing is for certain – remodeling continues to grow in popularity. According to the National Association of Home Builders, Americans spent $116 billion on home improvements in 2010. As our housing market slowly recovers, a spending increase to $131 […]
Is Solar the Right Move for You?
Colorado enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year. You would think with all that solar exposure every house on every street would have at a least a few rooftop panels to soak up this free and abundant energy source. So what’s stopping us from tapping into solar power? Many people like the clean-energy […]
It’s Time to Plan Outdoor Living Spaces
After months of cold, snowy weather, spring is finally just around the corner, and summer will be here before you know it. Nothing beats the winter blahs like thinking about backyard retreats and outdoor living spaces. Establishing an outdoor living area or open-air room creates additional space to relax and entertain, and Northern Colorado’s mild […]
Keep Home Fires Burning Efficiently
We’ve been fielding a lot of calls lately about fireplaces and wood-burning stoves. Many homeowners who braved the recent cold snap are sticker-shocked by their energy bill and looking for alternative heating options. Others are pure romantics who just want to cuddle up with their valentine by a cozy fire in the family room. While […]
How to Finance Construction in a Tough Economy
Last week, Allied Van Lines released its 43rd annual Magnet States Report that ranked Colorado as the second-most attractive state for new residents in 2010. And according to a recent Coloradoan article, Fort Collins has been pegged by real estate search engine Trulia.com as one of the country’s top 10 housing markets to thrive in […]
Upgrades Take a Cookie-Cutter Home off the Beaten Tract
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving will be here next week. It makes the two of us reminisce about great turkey dinners shared with friends and family in our homes. We often give thanks for the food, our health and our loved ones, but sometimes we forget to be grateful for that wonderful roof over our […]
Treat Yourself to a Tricked-out Garage
It’s finally starting to feel like fall in Northern Colorado. Nights are colder, animals are getting ready for winter and many people are spending more time indoors. As we head inside, some of us are eager to squirrel away gardening tools and patio furniture for the season. Others dream about retreating into a man-cave where […]
Plan on Plenty of Planning Time for Your Remodel
It’s fun to talk to homeowners who are ready to remodel. They are animated and all smiles when describing their dream kitchen, man cave, walk-in closet or new garage complete with workshop. Who wouldn’t be? But the dream of the new space may turn into a nightmare without taking adequate time to plan. If you’re […]
