Articles about Home Improvement and Home Maintenance

Smart House Technology Now Affordable to the Masses

I’m sure there are many of you who thought we’d all have homes like The Jetsons by 2012. Am I right? Automatically open/close doors, conveyor belt indoor sidewalks, food dispensers that could whip up almost anything in mere seconds… well, the dream is still alive.

Photo of home with Smart House technology
Smart house technology can be as simple as a changing light setting at timed intervals, or as complex as controlling every electronic device in the entire home.
(more…)

Continue ReadingSmart House Technology Now Affordable to the Masses

The Latest in Home Security From ADT

Photo of a hand with boxes floating
Controlling the functionality of your home keeps getting more high-tech.

Advancements in technology continue to be the driving force behind new changes in home security. To completely protect your home today, there are many new options, like mobile products designed to provide more comprehensive home coverage than ever before. One well-known security company is ADT. They offer a complete suite of packages revolving around new devices and technologies that provide peace of mind about your home.

(more…)

Continue ReadingThe Latest in Home Security From ADT

Top 5 Finishing a Basement Ideas

As of this writing, there are 6,326 active listings for Single-Family Homes in Louisville, according to our MLS. Of those, 3,717 (58%) have basements. If your home currently has an unfinished basement, I’m sure you’ve thought about the prospect of finishing it and adding to your home’s usable space, right?

Photo of a gorgeous finished basement in Louisville
The idea of finishing a basement is great, right Louisville? It’s a less expensive way to add additional living space. Just make sure you make the right choices.
(more…)

Continue ReadingTop 5 Finishing a Basement Ideas

Does Solar Energy for Your Louisville Home Make Sense?

Despite powerful incentives like historically low mortgage interest rates, a surplus of home inventory, and bargain home prices, the Louisville real estate market remains sluggish. Without a great push in these final three months, there will be fewer homes sold in 2011 than there were in 2010.

Photo of Dan Hofmann in front of a Louisville home with solar panels on the roof
Dan Hofmann, President of RegenEn Solar, stands in front of a great home in The Highlands showing off the new thin film solar solution.
(more…)

Continue ReadingDoes Solar Energy for Your Louisville Home Make Sense?

Home Improvements To Avoid When Selling Your Louisville Home

A basic concept in marketing anything is having an item appeal to the most amount of people possible. This concept also applies to selling your Louisville home. The more appealing it is to the market as a whole, the faster it will sell.

Photo of a Louisville home with a beautiful pool
While a home with a gorgeous pool may strongly appeal to certain house hunters, it won’t to the bulk of Louisville home buyers. | Photo: Tre Pryor
(more…)

Continue ReadingHome Improvements To Avoid When Selling Your Louisville Home

Tax Credits Still Exist for Certain Louisville Home Improvement Projects

Nobody likes taxes. Well, almost nobody… there is this loopy bird who wants Obama to raise his taxes. But for the remaining 99.999% of us, lower taxes is a good thing. If tax credits still exist for certain projects, which ones are they? No fear, let’s check them out!

Photo of solar panels on a residential roof - Tax Credits Still Exist for Certain Louisville Home Improvement Projects
There are tax credits available to homeowners for more than just solar panels but the prices have reached a point where certain homeowners should consider them.
(more…)

Continue ReadingTax Credits Still Exist for Certain Louisville Home Improvement Projects

Maximizing Your Home HVAC, Tips From a Pro

I had a chance to sit down and chat with Rob Benefiel, owner of Certified Comfort to learn more about his company and gain some insight into the best ways to make sure that your Louisville home is cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter.

Residential AC Unit in Louisville KY
Do you know what it takes to keep your home’s HVAC in top running condition?
(more…)

Continue ReadingMaximizing Your Home HVAC, Tips From a Pro

Quick Updates with Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures Make Big Impact

If you’re thinking about a quick and inexpensive way to update your home, consider kitchen and bath fixtures. Whether you’re selling or remodeling, take a look at your cabinetry hardware. Is it worn or outdated? Consider new satin or polished nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finishes. Simple, sleek contemporary or trans-modern styles are popular at Willis Klein Showrooms in St. Matthews, says Director of Marketing Rebecca Johnson.

Photo of a couple of new faucet styles
Looking for some pizazz? Bright and shiny new faucets might just be what you’re looking for in your Louisville kitchen or bath.
(more…)

Continue ReadingQuick Updates with Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures Make Big Impact

Louisville Home Garden and Remodeling Show Starts… Now!

Amid the dozens of bathtub overlay companies, tool shed builders, and assorted specialty sales companies (need a new cell phone case?) you’ll find some intriguing booths at this year’s Louisville Home Garden and Remodeling show which starts today.

Photo of Kentucky Fairgrouns
The Kentucky Fairgrounds and Exposition Center is home to the Louisville Home Garden and Remodeling Show, March 11-13. | Photo Tre Pryor
(more…)

Continue ReadingLouisville Home Garden and Remodeling Show Starts… Now!

Louisville Home Improvement Costs vs. Values for 2010

For the past three years we’ve published the Remodeling Cost vs. Value data for Louisville remodeling projects. For reference, I’ll link them up for you here.

Photo of an Updated Kitchen in Louisville KY
Performing a major kitchen remodel in Louisville KY with midrange quality items brings a 72.6% return on investment. Using upscale items just a 60.5% return. | Photo: Tre Pryor
(more…)

Continue ReadingLouisville Home Improvement Costs vs. Values for 2010