The Home Blog

Are Home Improvements at Good Bet in a Down Market?

CNNMoney has some interesting numbers that point to the fact that home improvements, usually known as a good investment in a higher selling price, just aren't pulling their weight in today's down housing market.

"Pay-back for high-end projects has declined over the past few years," said Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). "People planning to sell shouldn't over-improve," he said. "They won't get the money out if they sell in the next two or three years."

NAR's survey revealed that returns on investment for a wide range of high-end interior redecorations dropped in 2007. An upscale bathroom renovation cost an average of $50,590, nationally, but only added $34,588 to house value - a 68.4% return. In 2006, a high-end bath renovation returned 77.4% of its cost.

Adding a brand new bath didn't pay off as well either, earning just a 69% return in 2007, compared with 72.8% in 2006. High-end kitchen remodels held up better, adding value equal to 74.1% of the cost, compared with 75.9% in 2006.

I know we were bit in our housing purchase by not negotiating enough over certain home improvements that were necessary. And when we sold our house the one thing we thought was our largest asset (the acreage) turned out to be its biggest liability (everybody added the cost to landscape it on top of the sale price). (Read)

Review: The DIY Blog

The DIY Blog is a homespun blog that documents the various home improvement projects that focuses on faux finishing, woodworking & art projects. While his descriptions aren't necessarily "for dummies", these supply great tips and advice for the already experienced DIY-er.

A great example is his series of blogs detailing how he tiled his bathroom with slate tiles. Each entry in this series (found under the aptly titled "bathroom" category) gives a couple of hints and directions that people interested in duplicating might use. One detail I liked was in calling attention to the different hues of the tiles so that the project is more artistic. But he also includes some practical advice, such as the best way to clean the slate tiles. As someone who enjoys slate as a surface, this information will prove invaluable.

Joe, the blogger behind the DIY blog hasn't updated his blog since August 2007, but the archive information is still available. I wish he would update this so that information would remain current, and that he would include more pictures. But, as far as references go for home improvement, the vast variety of projects he has written about makes his an very useful website. (Link)

HomeBlogs.net - Online Community Hits Nail On The Head

HouseBlogs.net is a community of home improvement bloggers full of stories for the dwelling obsessed. Some of my favorite stories from the blogs are the fantastic finds they make for improvements to their homes. It's also a great place to spend some time if you're considering taking on a home renovation project yourself. You might talk yourself out of it, or you just might find some inspiration.

Beach House

Beach House is another remodeling blog. This follows the refurbishment of an Andrew Geller designed home in the Long Island New York area. You might know Andrew Geller from his famed Pearlroth house, which unfortunately is struggling to complete a renovation to it's original form right now.

The Beach House features beautiful redwood exterior and a modern interior. A recent post highlights how some of her design choices are similar to those of that Geico Caveman in his online crib.

Home Remodeling DIY Examples

One of my secret internet pleasures is finding a Do-It-Yourselfer's home remodel journal. These are people who believe that if you want something done right you should do it yourself. Their stories of overcoming challenges, finding success, and building a better life for themselves inspire me to do the same at my home.

I just found Manley House - A cute bungalow style home in Madison, Wisconsin that the owners (Alyska and Jeffrey) bought in 2005. They've slowly been improving the Kitchen, bathroom, and then wiring the house for the digital age. There's both a website with galleries and a livejournal (blog) to track the progress.

If you have a website like Manley House or have one that you like to read, please add it in the comments so we all can enjoy.