Home Improvement

Simple fixes and upgrades can have a large impact on your home's value. Our local experts help you identify what improvements are worth making to get your home list-ready.

How much does it cost to add a second story?
Home Improvement
How much does it cost to add a second story?

The cost to add a second story to your home isn’t cheap, but it’s still likely less expensive than buying a new home outright.

How much does it cost to rewire a house?
Home Improvement
How much does it cost to rewire a house?

Rewriting a house can cost at least a few thousand dollars and over $20,000 depending on the size and age of the home.

How much does it cost to plant a tree?
Home Improvement
How much does it cost to plant a tree?

The average cost of planting a tree is $300 but may range from $150 to several thousand dollars. The maturity of the tree most affects the cost of planting it.

Do fireplaces add value to a home?
Home Improvement
Do fireplaces add value to a home?

While fireplaces generally enhance home value, it's important to note that the installation expenses can be substantial and you may not recoup them.

Do hot tubs add value to your home? Are they worth it?
Buying Your First Home
Do hot tubs add value to your home? Are they worth it?

Hot tubs are worth it if you prioritize relaxation, socializing, and well-being — and you’re willing to invest in the cost of installing and maintaining one.

How much value does an extra bedroom add?
Home Improvement
How much value does an extra bedroom add?

An extra bedroom typically adds to your home's value, but it depends on its square footage and usefulness, too.

11 home improvements that don’t always add value
Home Improvement
11 home improvements that don’t always add value

Not all renovations are created equally—these 11 home improvements don’t always add resale value to your house.

How much value does a bathroom add?
Home Improvement
How much value does a bathroom add?

Generally, a midrange or luxury bathroom will net an ROI of up to 55%, it will depend on the size and extent of the renovation.

The 6 best green building materials
Home Improvement
The 6 best green building materials

Green building materials refer to recycled or eco-friendly materials like bamboo, cork, hempcrete, or recycled steel and glass.

Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?
Home Improvement
Do I need an electrician to replace hardwired smoke detectors?

You can install a hardwired smoke detector yourself, but you really shouldn’t unless you have at least an apprentice level of electrical experience.

A guide to finding and hiring an electrician
Home Improvement
A guide to finding and hiring an electrician

To hire an electrician determine what type of electrician you need, look for recommendations, and ask them questions to make sure they're right for the job.

Does a deck add value to your home?
Home Improvement
Does a deck add value to your home?

The true measure of how much value a deck adds to your home is contained in how much enjoyment you derive from using it regularly.

Do solar panels increase home value?
Home Improvement
Do solar panels increase home value?

Whether or not solar panels increase a home's value depends on a number of factors, like where you live, how you own the panels, and their quality.

How to hire a plumber for home improvement
Home Improvement
How to hire a plumber for home improvement

To hire a plumber, start with research. Layout the scope and budget of your project and verify the credentials of your candidate before hiring them for the job.

Is a tankless water heater worth it?
Home Improvement
Is a tankless water heater worth it?

Tankless water heater installation can cost $1,200 to $3,500, but they are more energy-efficient and perform better than traditional tank water heaters.

What does an interior designer do?
Home Improvement
What does an interior designer do?

Interior designers create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces by selecting and arranging decor elements. They can even help boost your home value.

A guide to ADUs in real estate
Home Improvement
A guide to ADUs in real estate

An accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. They can be a costly investment but boost home value.

The best wood for decks: A comprehensive guide
Home Improvement
The best wood for decks: A comprehensive guide

The best wood for decks isn't just a matter of aesthetics, it's a matter of durability and stability. These are the best wood for decks in any climate.

How to install an exterior door
Home Improvement
How to install an exterior door

Installing an exterior door varies slightly based on whether you need a new frame or it's pre-hung.

What home improvements have the best ROI?
Home Improvement
What home improvements have the best ROI?

Orchard's report surveyed licensed real estate agents and renovation professionals about the most worthwhile home improvements.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Home Improvement
How long does a kitchen remodel take?

The average full kitchen renovation is about six to eight weeks from start to finish but ultimately depends on the size, scope, and complexity of your kitchen.

Repair the roof while the sun is shining: The six best roofing materials
Home Improvement
Repair the roof while the sun is shining: The six best roofing materials

Slate has been the preferred roofing material for centuries, but what's best for you depends on your climate and energy-efficiency and durability needs.

The ultimate guide to bathroom ceiling light fixtures
Home Improvement
The ultimate guide to bathroom ceiling light fixtures

Light fixtures are vital components of bathroom design and functionality and there are a few different types to consider.

How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?
Home Improvement
How long does it take to remodel a bathroom?

Bathroom remodels can take two to six weeks to complete, or even longer depending on your specific plans.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
Home Improvement
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

The cost of your kitchen remodel all depends on size and complexity. Generally, though, you should expect to spend anywhere from $14,000 to $130,000.

How much does a screened-in porch cost?
Home Improvement
How much does a screened-in porch cost?

Understand the costs of a screened-in porch, which typically costs homeowners between $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the size and materials used.

Are home improvement loans a good idea?
Home Improvement
Are home improvement loans a good idea?

Looking for the best home improvement loans? Discover the top options for financing your home improvements in our guide to the best loans for home improvement.

What’s the best brand of kitchen appliance?
Home Improvement
What’s the best brand of kitchen appliance?

Your kitchen appliances can boost your home value by 7%. Use this guide to the best kitchen appliance packages to find the perfect fit for your home.

S**t or get off the pot: Just remodel your small bathroom already
Home Improvement
S**t or get off the pot: Just remodel your small bathroom already

A small bathroom remodel can be relatively cheap, costing only a few thousand dollars but it can also cost tons more. Learn why and how to keep the costs down.

How much does it cost to install central air?
Home Improvement
How much does it cost to install central air?

Homeowners in all climates may be tempted by the comfort of central A/C, but how much does it cost to install central air. This article breaks down the costs.

Home renovation costs 101
Home Improvement
Home renovation costs 101

Everything you need to know about how much it costs to renovate a house, including the impact of different factors on budget as well as cost saving tips.

What is wainscoting?
Home Improvement
What is wainscoting?

Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is typically installed on the lower half of an interior wall for decorative flair and insulation.

8 tips for hiring a contractor for your home renovation
Home Improvement
8 tips for hiring a contractor for your home renovation

Hiring a contractor is like buying a house — it takes some time and research. Here's how to find and hire the best contractor for your needs.

Basement remodeling and finishing: cost, tips, and ideas
Home Improvement
Basement remodeling and finishing: cost, tips, and ideas

Finishing a basement can cost over $10,000 depending on the size and scope of the project but it can increase your home's value and provide more living space.

How much does a new roof cost? Do I really need one?
Home Improvement
How much does a new roof cost? Do I really need one?

The true cost of a brand new roof depends on the roof materials, size, complexity, and the labor involved to install it.

The most expensive home repairs, in order
Home Improvement
The most expensive home repairs, in order

Several home repairs can be costly, but some of the most expensive ones include foundation repairs, roof replacements, and HVAC system replacements.

Low water pressure in your house? Here's why and how to fix it
Home Improvement
Low water pressure in your house? Here's why and how to fix it

 Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of factors, such as clogged pipes, leaks, or problems with the municipal water supply.

The 9 best ways to protect your garden from animals
Home Improvement
The 9 best ways to protect your garden from animals

The best way to protect a garden from animals depends on the exact critter, but using natural repellants can help. Here are eight other methods.

Crawl space maintenance checklist
Home Improvement
Crawl space maintenance checklist

with a few simple crawl space maintenance tips and tricks, you can ensure that your crawl space is in great shape for potential buyers.

What’s the cost of a finished attic and is it worth it?
Home Improvement
What’s the cost of a finished attic and is it worth it?

Finishing an attic has its benefits, but costs anywhere from $4,000 to over $40,000 depending on how extensive the renovation is.

How much does it cost to carpet a 10x12 room?
Home Improvement
How much does it cost to carpet a 10x12 room?

Carpeting a 10x12 room costs around $200 to $800, and you can save money by installing it yourself or choosing cheaper fibers.

A guide to decluttering your home
Preparing to Sell
A guide to decluttering your home

Learn the eight steps to completely declutter your home, useful if you just want to simplify your life or right before selling your home.

Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes
Home Improvement
Are home improvements tax deductible? Here are 5 repairs you can deduct on your taxes

Home improvements are only tax deductible if they count as medical expenses, help with energy efficiency, or are repairs made to a home office or rental home.

Checklist: How to winterize your home
Home Improvement
Checklist: How to winterize your home

Here's a list of what you need to do to winterize your house in preparation for colder months.

6 reading nook ideas
Home Improvement
6 reading nook ideas

You can build a reading nook even if you're short on space. Here are six ideas to get started.

What not to fix when selling a house: 7 things you can skip
Home Improvement
What not to fix when selling a house: 7 things you can skip

While you should do what you can to make your home appealing to buyers, there are some repairs and renovations that just aren't worthwhile when selling a home.

Do you need a permit for a renovation or remodel?
Home Improvement
Do you need a permit for a renovation or remodel?

Always check for and get required permits. Failure to do so could result in stopped or stalled renovations, or later complicate or cancel a home sale.

How much does a major home addition cost?
Home Improvement
How much does a major home addition cost?

Most of the time, adding a room or expanding a bathroom, kitchen, or living space is a good investment, but there’s a lot to consider before taking action.

How to get rid of that old house smell
Home Improvement
How to get rid of that old house smell

When mold is stinking up your home or you've had pets or visiting smokers leaving a scent, learn how to get things cleaned up and smelling fresh.

Painting a room or house: How long does it take?
Home Improvement
Painting a room or house: How long does it take?

Painting a room in your house takes some time, but it can do wonders for home value. Even a professional team's effort can take more than a day to complete.

Your ultimate home maintenance checklist
Home Improvement
Your ultimate home maintenance checklist

Looking to get your home in tip-top shape? Use our home maintenance checklist to prevent costly repairs and avoid dangerous situations.