When remodeling your home, any major repairs must yield increasing returns.  For example, if you spend $1000 to enhance part of your home, it must yield more than $1000 when you are ready to sell your home. These areas show increasing returns:

* Bathroom remodeling

* Master suite addition

* Bathroom addition

*Family room addition

* Roof replacement

* Window replacement

HIRING A REMODELING CONTRACTOR

*Get written estimates from at least three contractors

* Check references, including past clients

* Call local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints

* Make sure your contract is clear and specifies what the job entails, including time, price and changes.

* Do not pay in full. Make a down payment on services rendered.

* Check that all permits, licenses and insurance needs are met by the contractor.

* Many contracts have a 3-Day Rescission to protect you, should you change your mind!

* Ask who will do the work.  Will it be the contractor or what portion will be sub-contracted?

* Ensure that all work completed complies with local building codes and/or regulations.

* Hold contractors responsible for clean up and any damage that occurs during work completed.

* Guarantee that materials used are what you requested.

* Once you are satisfied, then make the final payment.

SHAMELESS PLUG -

If you are thinking about doing some remodeling or need some household repairs.  My husband Steve who has thirty years in the construction business – both in remodelling and home building – has just started up a General Contracting Business.  It is called S and G Contracting.  He has done both commercial and residential construction and has earned the National Association of Home Builders Master Builder Designation.  He has built hundreds of homes in the Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee and western suburbs. Not just a few homes but complete developments.  His price range goes from $180’s up to a few million in the custom Mastercraft neighborhoods.  Since he is starting out, no job is too small or too large. He is a carpenter by trade but also has quality sub-contractors who will be working for him. He can build decks, finish basements, remodel kitchens and baths, replace windows and doors.  Just about any kind of repair that a home could need. Call him today for an estimate at 515/577-2295.  I will have an e-mail address for him soon. 

FIVE HANDY HOUSEHOLD TIPS

1. Kitchen odors? Boil lemon and orange slices inw ater on the stove with a few cinnamon sticks and cloves for added scent.

2. Is your garbage disposal smelly? Throw some baking soda and citrus peel in the garbage disposal and grind away.

3. Double bagging your trash can add strength–place a dryer sheet in the bottom for deordizing.

4. Smelly shoes? Simply fill a tub sock with kitty litter, baking soda, or tea leaves; tie the end closed; and place in shoes when you’re not wearing them.  These sachets can be used over and over in any kind of shoe.

5. Dust the television with a sheet of fabric softener.  The static guard int he sheet will keep dust from re-settling.

If you have real estate or home owner questions or comments, please reply.  Also if you have suggestions as to how I can improve this site for you, do let me know.

Planning a move this spring? Many people hold a garage sale to get rid of items they no longer need or want.  If you’re planning a sale, here are some ideas to make your garage sale a success!

ADVERTISE Many newspapers offer inexpensive ads for garage sales.  Make a note of the location, the start and end times, and any special items that will be available, such as antiques or collectibles.

DISPLAY Group items in large boxes and write a price ( 25 cents, $1, etc.) on each box.  Place items in the boxes according to what you think each is worth.  Items such as clothes, toys, and collectibles sell quickly.  Large pieces such as furniture and appliances should also do well.

BE PREPARED Have small boxes and strong bags for purchases.  An extension cord will allow you to prove that appliances work.  Have an ample supply of cash so that you can make change, and a calculator to avoid any mistakes.

HAVE ASSISTANCE Your kids can help by offering lemonade or cookies to people who are browsing through your items. Enlist friends or family members to staff the garage sale, and answer any questions your customers may have.  Music is a nice touch and will often draw attention to your sale.

MOST IMPORTANT If you’re planning a move, give me a call! I have the experience and expertise to bring a sale quickly and easily.  I’ll provide a free Market Analysis showing how long it should take to sell your house, as well as the price it should bring.

If you’re moving to another part of the city or to another state, I can provide a list of homes that will fit your needs, from price, to location, to size.  In addition, I work with many lenders who can customize a loan for your home purchase.  Call me today for information on my full suite of services!  Thanks.  515/577-2412 or email me at Virginia@realestateconcepts.net.

TRIVIA – Still looking for a winner with my contest this month.  If you live in the Des Moines area, feel free to play.  The first person who contacts me with the correct answer will win 2 free movie tickets. The question is – In the movie Beauty and the Beast, a road sign points to 2 California cities. What is the name of those two cities?