When your home needs repairs that can’t wait, such as a leaking roof during a storm or a heating system that breaks down, there are resources available to help you with the cost of these emergency home improvements. The government offers assistance to help homeowners make certain kinds of repairs, and there are also home improvement grants that offer a lower interest rate than typical loan options.
The home improvement programs offered by the federal government, states, counties and cities vary widely as well, so check with your local authorities to see what is available in your area. Your state’s housing agency will have information on a range of different programs from homebuyer help to homeowner funding, and many major counties and cities will also have their own specific programs for seniors.
If you are a senior citizen, there are some special programs that provide free home improvement help to improve safety and health. For example, Rebuilding Together provides a program called RESTORE that provides funds to very low-income elderly homeowners to repair homes to address health and safety hazards. It also assists with weatherization, including air sealing (caulking), attic and wall insulation, insulating hot water tanks and pipes and improving lighting. It may also cover radon mitigation, if needed.
Some long-term care insurance policies also pay for home modifications or assistive devices, such as a bath transfer bench, toilet safety frame or hospital bed. Medicare and Medicaid usually don’t pay for these items, but some organizations will provide them to eligible seniors at a reduced fee or on a sliding scale, depending on income.
Many home improvement contractors rely on referrals or word-of-mouth marketing to find new clients. While these tactics can be effective, more homeowners are researching online reviews before contacting a contractor. Home remodeling review sites showcase client testimonials and can lead to more online referrals for your business. Learn how to boost your home improvement business with a strong review marketing strategy.
Home improvement referral services connect homeowners with contractors for home repair, maintenance and remodeling. They are usually based on a paid subscription and include a project database, bid opportunities and contractor profiles. They are often considered the yellow pages for the modern age and provide a convenient way for consumers to compare local contractors. Unfortunately, some referral services are abused by fraudulent contractors and tarnish the reputation of the entire industry.
A quick search on Google will reveal a variety of home improvement referral websites. Some of these sites function as little more than community bulletin boards for contractors, while others are strictly limited to vetted and licensed contractors who have passed background checks. Others are more robust and offer additional conveniences to the consumer such as coordinating pricing, scheduling and facilitating payment.
The most popular home improvement referral site is Angi (formerly Angie’s List). Angi has the distinction of being one of the oldest and most reputable referral services. Unlike other home improvement referral services, which are free for contractors to join, Angi requires that contractors pay for leads. Despite this, Angi is still an excellent resource for finding home service professionals.
The Home Improvement episode “Eye on Tim” is a satire of the TV show and reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”. It also pokes fun at home improvement shows in general.
Jill (Patricia Richardson) tries to spruce up the house for the arrival of a visit from her visiting sister Carrie, a newspaper photojournalist. Carrie annoys Jill by passive aggressively insulting the suburbs, their family and their suburban life. Tim’s (Tim Allen) obsession with cars and tools leads him to modify or rebuild a vehicle with his “man’s way”. He often says, “More power!” to which the audience responds, “Darn right more power!”
Despite his expertise as an auto mechanic, Tim is very accident-prone when using power tools. He is constantly spraining his fingers, breaking things and otherwise destroying property with his devices. This is done to demonstrate the risks of improper use of power tools and the importance of safety precautions.
Al Borland (Richard Karn) is a grumpy, slightly overweight neighbor who often has trouble with his own idiosyncratic mannerisms and the ways of the modern world. He is always wearing a flannel, which was his father’s trademark. Al is a straight-forward, practical man who serves as the show’s contrast to the wacky and sometimes irresponsible Tim.
Each episode of the series featured Tool Time, a show-within-a-show hosted by Tim and co-host Al. It featured various projects, pranks and other humorous events relating to the improvement of homes. The show was nominated for multiple awards and won several throughout its run.
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Home improvement projects are a great way to improve your house’s aesthetic. A fresh coat of paint, a new rug, or a new set of kitchen appliances can make a big difference without breaking the bank.
Marty Maynard is an exterior remodeling consultant for Richmond Exteriors in Massachusetts. He has a wealth of experience and enjoys helping homeowners with their exterior renovation projects. He also loves camping with his family and helping them solve problems while outdoors.
Briefed to extend and enhance this suburban Melbourne home, Maynard sought simple, pragmatic means to boost the home’s performance. A folded steel stair saves a riser; the kitchen bench becomes part of the stair; council-mandated screening reflects heat and glare, eliminating the need for curtains; insulation is everywhere, including inside the roof space; and the design avoids any gimmicks or ‘green gadgetry’. These are clever, well-thought-out strategies that make good use of the existing footprint and resources.
Home improvement is already a booming industry, with many Americans looking to upgrade their homes before they retire. This activity has been even more robust during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many homeowners spending billions on projects to improve their properties. This trend should not be surprising, given that many millennials will be entering the housing market at the same time as older homeowners looking to improve their existing properties.
In addition, new laws have made it easier for homeowners to build ADUs on their property. For example, in 2021, the Terner Center estimated that more than 700,000 homes could be built on single-family lots through SB 9, which allows owners to split their land into multiple units and eliminates single-family-only zoning. However, it’s important to remember that the number of SB 9 applications is a small proportion of the total number of homes that could be built on these sites. Planners have told us that while SB 9 applications are low, inquiries to their departments are high. This suggests that the low number of SB 9 applications may simply reflect the fact that homeowners are not interested in taking on the complexity and expense of an SB 9 project. Instead, they may be opting to pursue an ADU instead.
Sb home improvement in Jeffersontown, KY is a well-known construction and remodeling contractor that provides services for a variety of renovations. They have been recommended by many local homeowners for their quality work on various projects, such as basement remodels and deck expansions. Their team of experts is highly qualified and experienced, making them a great choice for any homeowner looking to update their home.
A few simple, affordable DIY home improvement projects can make a huge impact on your space. Add a pop of color with an accent wall; paint the ceiling to give your room drama; or update the cabinets with a fresh coat of stain or paint. These inexpensive upgrades make a dramatic impact on your décor and help your space work harder for you.
Add more storage to your kitchen with a built-in breakfast bar. This smart, budget-friendly project will create a new gathering spot for families to dine together or entertain guests. You can also mount a wine rack in a corner or next to upper cabinets for easy access to your favorite vino.
Invest in a new set of window treatments to refresh your space. Roman shades are versatile, stylish and easy to install. With the right fabric and pattern, they can really tie your home design together.
Installing a backsplash in your kitchen is another low-cost way to upgrade your space. This practical DIY project takes just a day or two and requires minimal skills.
Paint can make a dramatic change to your space and is one of the best DIY home improvement projects for beginners. You can use a light color to brighten a dark room or opt for a deep shade for a dramatic statement.
Adding an outdoor fireplace to your backyard is a fun project that transforms an unused space into a cozy place for family and friends. It’s also a great opportunity to learn basic concrete and hardscaping skills, as well as masonry, that can evolve into a wide variety of other DIY projects for your home.
Do-it-yourself home improvement projects are a great way to add value to your property and personalize it without spending a fortune. Whether you’re looking for ideas to revamp an entryway or give your bedroom a quick refresh, there are plenty of DIYs that don’t require professional help.
A fresh coat of paint does wonders for a room, especially when it’s a bold color that makes a statement. Whether you’re repainting cabinets in the kitchen or giving your living room a new look, this easy project offers an immediate return on investment.
For another simple DIY home improvement, consider a wall-mounted spice rack or kitchen hooks to make it easier to store and grab cooking supplies. These easy-to-install projects will keep your space organized and can have a big impact on functionality.
If you love the look of a pretty tile backsplash but don’t want to commit to the labor and cost of installing it yourself, try this cool tutorial for a faux shiplap backsplash that uses adhesive flooring—no woodworking skills required!
A messy interior entryway can detract from the overall look of your home. Organize yours with a bench and hooks to create a functional mudroom, or add a new rug for style and comfort.
Whether you’re a total DIYer or have a team of contractors on your remodel, a home renovation is a massive undertaking. No matter the size of your project, it’s important to plan ahead to keep things as stress-free as possible. From planning and budgeting to hiring contractors, there’s a lot to think about. Download our free home renovation template to help you stay organized.
When you’re new to DIY home renovation, starting small is a great way to get familiar with the process and build your confidence. Replacing cabinet handles, for example, is a fairly simple project that can give your kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank. If you’re a novice, Family Handyman’s step-by-step guide is an excellent resource for learning how to do it properly.
For the more ambitious beginner, constructing non-load-bearing walls is another great place to start. As long as you’re not tampering with electrical wiring, this is a fairly straightforward project that can really help add value to your home. As an added bonus, if you choose to move on from your home, this project is one of the best ways to turn it into a rental.
Before you begin a major remodel, make sure to talk to your accountant about what kinds of updates may be eligible for tax deductions. It’s also a good idea to open a separate savings account specifically for your home renovation so you can avoid mixing personal transactions with those that are related to your remodel. This will save you the headache of trying to weed out the relevant receipts at tax time.
Home improvement is an extremely popular niche in the internet. For homeowners, interior designers and contractors alike it’s easy to find inspiration and advice with a few quick searches on Google or one of these top home improvement websites.
These sites are a must-visit for anyone interested in sprucing up their living spaces. They offer up plenty of tips and tricks for upgrading a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom as well as ideas on how to design a new space. They’re also full of great photos, before & after projects and do-it-yourself ideas to inspire a major makeover or a small weekend project.
Bob Vila: Bob’s website includes his signature DIY videos, an extensive how-to center and all kinds of articles that can help you tackle any home improvement project. He has a section on everything from remodeling your bathroom to adding curb appeal to your yard. He’s got a huge following so his advice is highly sought after and trusted.
Remodelista: Similar to Dwell, this site has an excellent gallery of before and after photos that can inspire a major remodel or a minor change. They also have a variety of styles so that you can get a good idea of what to look for in your own house.
This Old House: A name synonymous with home renovation, this website has all sorts of projects that can be done in a day or over the weekend and it features expert advice from the people who know best. They even have a section on how to remodel without breaking the bank.
Home improvement expert Danny Lipford founded his remodeling company, Lipford Construction, in Mobile, Alabama, at age 21. He grew his business into a national brand, and in 1988 he started the nationally syndicated television show Remodeling Today, which later became Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford. Now in its 25th season, the program is filmed at real homes and features DIY projects that are easy for homeowners to replicate. The show also covers tips, products and trends in the home improvement industry. Danny is a regular contributor to popular magazines and is the go-to source for advice on all things related to home ownership.
On location in a historic house in midtown Mobile, Danny is building a pair of closets on either side of a window. Zach and Kelsey Gross moved into the home just a month ago and desperately need storage solutions. The young newlyweds found out about the show through a NextDoor app, and they jumped at the opportunity to appear on it.
The room is buzzing with people – Danny, his daughter Chelsea Lipford Wolf, a crew member and two cameramen. They’re surrounded by tools, dust, dropcloths, a Shop Vac and cords.
As he works, Danny is patient and encouraging, guiding his crew through each step of the process. He knows that many of his viewers have never built anything before and wants to give them the confidence they need to tackle their own home improvement projects.