Month: April 2018

2018-01-09T13:29:00

(BPT) – This time of year, many Americans are setting (or already breaking) New Year’s resolutions focused on getting healthier, saving money, spending more time with friends and family, etc. These are great resolutions, but perhaps this year, you’re thinking about ways you can make a difference. Giving back by donating to a nonprofit can help you feel more connected to your community and more gratification in knowing your New Year’s resolution will have a lasting impact for someone else.

In many cases, however, starting the process of where to donate your hard-earned funds can be overwhelming. After all, the array of groups requesting donations is substantial and includes 1.5 million registered nonprofits in the U.S. alone.

In 2016, generous individuals donated a whopping $281.9 billion to U.S. nonprofits, a 4 percent increase from 2015. Because there are more than a million nonprofits to choose from, the decision of where to donate requires serious thought. When looking to donate, you should set some key criteria for choosing a group that means something to you. During that process, you should consider seeking answers to the following five questions:

1. Does the organization have a history of success? Take a good look at when it was founded, exactly how it has helped people and what it has accomplished to date. Do its achievements align with your ideas as to how the world can best be improved? Will this nonprofit have a real and lasting impact on a cause that you deeply care about?

2. Do its contributions appeal to you emotionally? Contributing to a specialized nonprofit that pulls at your heartstrings can be the most fulfilling option. As such, you should seek an organization that clearly communicates how your money will be spent and how it will help people in real, tangible ways. For example, for more than three decades The National Children’s Cancer Society (NCCS) has supported the families of nearly 42,000 children battling cancer, providing more than $65 million worth of transportation, emergency and emotional assistance, helping families stay strong, stay positive and stay together.

3. Can you easily find examples of individuals or families that have benefited from the organization? Actions speak louder than words. An organization may say how it helps others, but showing how it helps others is a proof point you should look for. Here’s an example of what you should be looking for. The NCCS was approached by a mother whose then 19-month-old daughter, Paisley, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Paisley spent several drawn-out months in the hospital, along with unexpected emergency room visits due to high fevers. Paisley’s mom, Paula, was a single mom spending enormous amounts of time caring for her daughter, and ultimately lost her job. Unemployed and with travel expenses quickly adding up, Paula almost lost her car. Paula was referred to the NCCS by her hospital social worker, and from there on out, the NCCS has been by Paula and Paisley’s side. Through the Emergency Assistance Fund and the Transportation Assistance Fund, NCCS helped Paula keep her car and pay for mileage expenses, ensuring that Paisley will get to each and every doctor’s appointment.

In another example, donations to the NCCS completely changed the lives of a family whose child has been struck three times by retinoblastoma, cancer of the eye. Parents Daniel and Marian are blind, and two of their three children, now 5 and 9, have endured multiple treatments since having potentially fatal eye tumors removed as infants. NCCS has helped by funding transportation and lodging for appointments, allowing the children to receive medical evaluations and surveillance. As of now, the chance their cancer will return stands at only 5 percent.

4. Does it serve people beyond just funding? Multiple organizations can redistribute your money to support worthy causes, but you may prefer to find one that also assists people in more personal ways. NCCS, for example, equips families with skilled case managers who provide practical and emotional support to help parents and caregivers navigate throughout their daunting childhood cancer journeys. Further, youth 10 to 17 are offered emotional support by young-adult mentors who have already survived cancer.

5. Is it credible? Is the charity you’re looking to support accredited by the Better Business Bureau? That organization sets standards for charity accountability that include governance, fundraising practices, solicitations and more. While having an emotional tie to a charity is important, recognition by a comprehensive, in-depth evaluation service like the Better Business Bureau is imperative.

Families and the vast network of social workers who refer them know what they get with NCCS — a reliable, compassionate and transparent partner that truly understands the landscape of childhood cancer, and the mountains families need to move to come out the other side victorious. If you’re looking to make a lasting impact with your New Year’s resolution this year, consider donating to NCCS today.

2018-01-15T15:53:00

(BPT) – If you’re thinking of buying your first home, you’ve probably wrestled with the decision to rent or own your home — and for good reason.

Owning a home is a big commitment. With it comes a lot of responsibility and a long-term financial relationship.

But which is right for you? To answer that, let’s lean into the facts.

The improving housing market

Good news! Since the depths of the recession, the housing market has made a heroic comeback. That can be attributed to a number of factors, including a drop in unemployment and a stronger economy.

But as the housing market has recovered, it has experienced some growing pains. With a sharp increase in demand, housing supplies are being strained. This means, among other things, that prices are going up.

For families and individuals still recovering financially, finding affordable housing options can be difficult. This applies to home sales and rentals.

Making the decision

With rental and sales markets heading toward record highs, the decision falls back to what is best for you. Specifically, what is financially feasible.

Let’s look at the basic numbers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median gross rent paid from 2012 to 2016 was $949 monthly. Compare that with the median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage, which was $1,491 over the same time period.

Then there are utilities. The median monthly electricity cost for renters in 2015 was $82, with owners paying $117. For piped gas, the median amount renters pay monthly is $42, while owners pay $58.

For renters, it is wise to carry renter’s insurance. Some landlords will also charge maintenance and other fees. Utility costs will also vary depending on the quality of the structure and materials used as well as size of the rental space.

Homeowners will pay property taxes, insurance and an estimated $500 annually for routine maintenance, according to the Census Bureau.

The benefits of homeownership

At a glance, it may seem that renting is the lower cost option. But there are certain benefits to homeownership that may offset the additional regular costs. According to the Tax Policy Center, the primary benefit to owning a home is imputed rental income. Simply put, making a monthly payment on a home that you own is like paying rent to yourself.

While that money is not taxed, it comes with another benefit — potential tax deductions. When you file your federal taxes, you may be able to deduct a portion of the mortgage interest you pay. Talk to a tax professional for more information on the expenses you can deduct and the limits for those deductions.

Beyond the numbers

Homeownership provides a variety of benefits beyond the numbers. For many people, a home is the largest investment they will ever make. The upgrades, work and care put into the home that you own can add value to your investment. It also adds a sense of pride knowing that it is yours.

“Having a place to call your own, a place to return to at the end of the day, makes life better,” said Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. President Eric Hamilton. “You can see it from the moment they make the decision — that sense of pride. It’s a life-changing event and a memory that will last a lifetime.”

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2018-01-24T06:01:01

(BPT) – Ready to tackle your next home remodeling project and showcase your Do-It-Yourself (DIY) skills? Or maybe you’re an aspiring DIYer, hoping to channel your creative spirit and try your hand at the next home improvement project? Now is the time to get started.

According to experts from the National Association of Home Builders, the amount of money homeowners spend on remodeling projects is predicted to grow nearly 5 percent in 2018. Some of these dollars will be spent on large comprehensive rebuilds and others will be spent on smaller fix-it-up projects. No matter the spend, it’s a good bet much of this money will go to fund DIYers in their home improvement efforts, and many of them will be taking on projects for the first time.

Here are five bathroom upgrade projects that can be completed in a weekend. So now you can reinvent your bathroom and employ your DIY skills at the same time. Go ahead, pick the project that appeals most to you, and let’s get this project underway:

* Upgrade your bathroom fixtures. The focal points of your bathroom can easily be replaced, making a big overall impact with little outlay of effort. Tapered design lines and modern styling, like those in the American Standard Townsend bathroom fixtures, can beautifully enhance your bathroom. Consider replacing an old vanity with a new smoked gray vanity or washstand. It can be accented with a softly angular sink displaying generously sized side ledges to conveniently accommodate toiletries. Finish the room with matching accessories – towel bars, toilet paper holder, robe hook – and you’re on your way to a whole new level of style, all done with your DIY expertise.

* Install a new shower door. A shower door replacement can be made for cosmetic reasons; plus, there are very real potential benefits behind it as well, provided you pay attention to the details. Follow the process to install your door and be sure to apply silicone caulk at the end along the edges of the base track — both inside and out — and along the jams. This will make your new door water tight and keep your whole bathroom cleaner and drier.

* Replace your sink faucet. The faucet in your bathroom gets used every single day, so why not make it one you love? American Standard Studio S bathroom faucets showcase a fashion-forward geometric silhouette with minimalistic surface details. You can choose an easy-to-operate single handle model, or distinctive two-handle configurations, depending on what works for your home and family. These faucets are easy to install, and the WaterSense-certified 1.2 gallons per minute flow rate will save you water — up to 45 percent over conventional models — and money without compromising your experience.

* Lay the tile. Whether you’re motivated by structural needs or an outlet for your own artistic expression, laying new bathroom tile is a project that immediately ups the wow factor. Tile is incredibly impervious to water and stains, making it perfect for the bathroom. But it won’t lay properly unless you thoroughly clean the surface beforehand. Fill those backboard seams with mortar, apply a fiberglass mesh and then you’re ready to lay a tile design that matches your unique look.

* A spot for the perfect seat. If you’ve ever wished your time on the toilet seat was a little more luxurious, now is the perfect time to upgrade to an American Standard SpaLet bidet seat. It’s easy to install and provides the ultimate personal experience with a wide array of features like heated seat, water temperature control, spray strength, nozzle position, and even a deodorizer. Now, you can bring a spa-like environment right to the comfort of your own bathroom, without much time or cost invested.

Start reimagining your bathroom today

As one of the most used rooms in your home, the bathroom is the perfect place to start your weekend warrior home improvement projects. Simple upgrades to the elements in a bustling family bathroom, cozy master bath or heavy-use powder room can often be done with DIY know-how and enjoyed for many years to come.

2018-01-24T06:01:01

(BPT) – Whether you’ve been a loyalist to the same shade of green for the last decade or if you’re an evolving follower of trends whose color choices have shifted over the years, the trending color of 2018 is sure to surprise and intrigue you. Indeed, black is back. But how was this classic shade named the trending color of the year? While many assume the choice is random, trending colors are based on many influencers, but where do they really begin? Trending colors arise from consumer preferences, which are formed by societal influences, such as politics, economics, lifestyle and overall sentiment. We as a society hold the power of prompting new color trends based on our ever-changing attitudes, ideas and actions.

Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager for PPG, a leader in paint and color, understands the path to determining each year’s top trending color. Schlotter and more than 20 PPG color stylists from around the world meet annually at the company’s Global Color Trends Workshop. “Our team of global color experts assess societal and cultural influences to forecast what colors will be popular in home decor, consumer goods, automotive and even airplanes for the upcoming year,” Schlotter says. “We also look at what’s happening in society, and the state of people’s emotions because of current events. All of this information helps us predict what colors will truly resonate with people in the coming year, especially when it comes to the paint in their homes.”

2018 finds its color of the year in a reflection of people’s daily lives and their need to find an escape.

‘Black’ to basics

“The PPG Paints brand’s 2018 Color of the Year is Black Flame (PPG1043-7). It offers the silencing impact of black with the possibility and hopefulness of indigo seen in the color’s undertone,” says Schlotter.

Schlotter adds that black will be very popular in 2018 because it offers a break from an often chaotic and over-worked world. “With society facing overstimulation and a need to take refuge, the color black offers a comforting retreat, and a chance to start new and get back to the basics,” she says. “Black Flame represents that necessary void and the need for nothingness that helps us recharge, making it a timeless and classic color in home decor.”

A palette of options

While going darker can seem intimidating at first, incorporating black into your existing decor is a lot easier than you think.

Many people mistakenly believe that all blacks are the same. However, black, like any other color, is available in a wide array of shades. For example, Glidden paint’s 2018 Color of the Year, Deep Onyx (00NN 07/000), is a deep and rich black that encourages a less-is-more attitude when applying to home decor, while Black Magic (OL116), the 2018 Color of the Year for Olympic paints, is more glamorous and looks great as a statement color for walls. And, if you’re looking for some darker inspiration outdoors, Olympic stain’s Maximum product in a Cinder semi-transparent stain color (905) is a great complement to Black Magic when applied to exterior surfaces like doors, window trims and shutters.

Any of these black hues can be a defining piece in your decor while providing you with the mental escape you need. Schlotter adds that capitalizing on this year’s color trend isn’t solely about the color itself, but what you pair it with. Consider some of her other tips and tricks, including:

* Pairing the PPG Paints brand’s Black Flame with Millennial orange-pinks, teals and warm gray or mocha browns for an enveloping, rich look and feel.

* Feeling a bit more daring? Make an impactful statement with black by applying it from floor to ceiling on an accent wall or in an entire room. Completing the look with lighter elements and furnishings will make the decor stand out, because the dark walls will highlight artwork and accessories while providing depth and character, creating a perfect space for respite and conversation.

* To keep a space more fresh and modern, consider pairing a black hue with whites, matte finishes or light-grain wood finishes.

“Outside of paint, reinvented versions of the classic black hue are showing up in key design elements — from faucets, to matte black appliances, to black veined granite countertops, black windows and marble floors,” says Schlotter. “The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to adding this misunderstood neutral in the home.”

2018-01-24T08:46:00

(BPT) – From smartphones to mattresses, almost everything you buy comes with a warranty. How can you ensure you get the most benefit from a warranty, especially for a major investment that’s critical to the comfort of your home, like a new furnace?

“Warranties are meant to assure a homeowner that the furnace they’re purchasing will do what it’s supposed to, is free of defects and meets applicable government regulations or standards,” says Chip Wade, HGTV expert. “However, warranties are often very specific about the circumstances under which the manufacturer will repair or replace the furnace if it doesn’t work properly. It’s important to carefully read your furnace’s warranty to ensure you understand exactly how it works.”

Warranty terms

Because written warranties are legally binding documents, you may come across unfamiliar terms as you’re reading yours, including:

Product warranty — This is the guarantee that comes from the company that manufactures the furnace. Contractors and installers may offer extended warranties that apply to their work, including the labor required to install the furnace. York, for example, manages its own extended warranties. Other manufacturers often work with outside firms.

Warranty term — The length of time the coverage is offered is called the warranty term. These can vary significantly.

Parts warranty — Most furnace warranties will cover replacement of specific parts if they malfunction within the warranty time frame and the problem is a result of a manufacturer’s defect. Most warranties have different coverage periods for different parts.

Non-transferable — When you have a new home comfort system installed, if the furnace warranty is non-transferable, the coverage will not transfer to the new owners if you sell the house before the end of the warranty term.

Protect your warranty

“No homeowner ever wants to hear their warranty has been voided by something they did or something they were supposed to do but didn’t,” Wade says. “That’s why it’s so important to read your detailed furnace warranty very carefully, so you know what the manufacturer and installer require in order to honor the warranty.”

Actions that help ensure a valid warranty:

* Register the product purchase with the manufacturer. Most manufacturers require homeowners to register their furnace with the manufacturer within a specified window of time after the purchase and installation. If the contractor does not register the warranty on behalf of the homeowner, homeowners are required to register within 90 days of installation.

* Work with a qualified contractor who can properly install the product. If a part doesn’t work because it wasn’t installed properly, the manufacturer will likely say the installer, and not the manufacturer, is liable for fixing the problem.

* Use branded parts or parts the manufacturer has certified for the furnace. Otherwise, you may void the manufacturer’s warranty, even for parts that would normally be covered.

* Follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations. For your furnace to operate as it should, it will need to be professionally serviced every year. Keep service records for reference, in case an issue arises.

York heating and cooling offers a lifetime heat exchanger warranty on its Affinity gas furnaces. In addition, it offers the Complete Assurance Warranty Pledge with this furnace. If the heat exchanger fails within 10 years of installation, the company provides optional furnace replacement in lieu of heat exchanger equipment.

“A new furnace is a big investment, and it’s one that’s essential to preserve the comfort of your home,” Wade says. “A good manufacturer’s warranty can help you be sure you’re getting a quality product that’s backed by a company that will stand by its work.”

Visit www.york.com/warranty to learn more about warranties.

2018-01-25T12:01:00

(BPT) – Now is a great time to establish year-long goals and resolutions, including home improvement goals you’d like to tackle this year. The first step is to create a pest control plan for your home. It’s important to establish good habits early in the year to help prevent potential pest problems. Unchecked, pests can wreak havoc in your home, but there are several steps homeowners can take to help avoid an infestation and keep their home safe and their family happy.

Sanitize

Clean your kitchen, pantry and any other places where food is stored. Remove crumbs and wipe up sticky drink residue to avoid attracting cockroaches and ants. Drains and sinks can be breeding grounds for flies, so keep them clean and clear. Regularly vacuuming and dusting can help prevent pests during the winter months.

Repair home damage

Engage in regular home maintenance to help avoid unwanted pest entry. Insects can come in through tiny cracks and openings, rodents can squeeze through a hole the size of a dime and raccoons and squirrels can enter through large holes. Basic maintenance steps include fixing gaps or holes in broken screens, doors and cracks in your walls and repairing any other exterior home damage.

Maintain your yard

Trim branches and trees touching your home to prevent easy access for pests. As expected by the name, roof rats and even squirrels can crawl across branches and enter your home through the roof. Keep outdoor trash cans secured to reduce the attractiveness to rodents and raccoons. Cardboard boxes and trash in your yard can provide shelter for spiders and insects. Yard clutter, such as leaf and wood piles, may be a source of food or shelter for a variety of pests.

Monitor your home

In the new year, step into a new routine of monitoring the exterior and interior of your home for holes, cracks and crevices. But also monitor for droppings, as well as chewed or damaged spots in your home. Regular monitoring for visual cues can help quickly address pest problems, and prevent future issues.

Know when it’s time to call a professional

As hard as we work to keep pests out, they are working hard to get in. Even the most vigilant homeowner can experience infestations. To prevent further damage and ensure you are safe in your home, it’s important to know when a pest problem is beyond your control. Professionals are trained to locate the specific sources of infestations and provide treatment options to eradicate the problem from your home. A trained professional can use proper techniques and tools that will provide the best solution to eliminate your pesty problem. Most companies, like Terminix, offer a free pest inspection to evaluate the situation. For more information, visit Terminix.com.

2018-01-30T11:49:00

(BPT) – Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in residential design. It’s not hard to see why.

“Many homeowners hear the term ‘barn door’ and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not be a look they’re interested in,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We’ve noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for sliding doors, which not only gives them satisfying heft but is also a great way to bring the warmth and character of natural wood into an interior.”

New York–based interior designer Laura Bohn agrees. “I’ve installed hardwood barn doors in many projects, both in the city and the country,” she says. “They provide a lot of decorative interest, particularly hung in pairs. I’d choose a clean, sophisticated design in a subtle wood like maple or birch for an urban interior. Poplar planks painted a cheerful color, or characterful woods like hickory and cypress would be better for doors in a country house.”

Along with their decorative qualities, barn doors often provide a functional alternative to conventional swing doors. “Barn doors, either singly or in pairs, offer a simple and effective way to divide large spaces — a kitchen from a living-dining area, for example,” says Laguna Beach, California–based designer Lisa McDennon. “They can create instant separation and privacy in even the most open-plan house, which allows for greater flexibility in daily use.”

“A traditional door can use up to nine square feet of space, which is a lot in city apartments where every inch counts,” notes New York–based designer Glenn Gissler. “A barn door only takes up a sliver of floor, making it a terrific solution in tight situations such as hallways and narrow rooms. You just need enough adjacent wall footage to slide the door over.”

Barn doors offer economic advantages, too. While pocket doors have similar space-saving benefits, installing them requires wall reconstruction — a messy and expensive business. Because barn doors run on hardware installed outside the frame, they need no such preparatory construction, saving time and money. And the tracks themselves are part of the doors’ decorative appeal. “There’s a terrific selection of barn-door hardware available,” Bohn says. “Use sleek, high-tech tracks in brushed aluminum or satin-finish stainless steel for a modern urban vibe. For a more rustic or industrial statement, think blackened iron or raw steel, both of which look powerfully graphic against natural or painted wood.”

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about residential design trends and other applications and products using American hardwoods.

2018-01-30T14:35:00

(BPT) – It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with market trends, considering 60 percent of homebuyers buy with a down payment of 6 percent or less, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by paying for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price — not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent, according to calculations by U.S. Mortgage Insurers using a methodology developed by the Center for Responsible Lending; a lot can change during that time, in the family’s personal finances and in overall mortgage market trends.

How can buying now save you money later?

Consider you want to purchase a $235,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $11,750 versus $47,000 in cash for 20 percent down. With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent.

With home price appreciation, today’s $235,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As federal rates rise, so too can the costs associated with financing a mortgage. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. Another factor is that rents are on the rise across the nation, leading to a reduced capacity for many would-be homebuyers to save for larger down payments.

If you decide to buy today with a low down payment mortgage option, it is true that MI is an added cost on top of mortgage principal and interest, but keep in mind that it is temporary and goes away. Again, it typically lasts about five years. Private MI can be cancelled once a homeowner builds approximately 20 percent equity in the home through payments or appreciation and automatically terminates for most borrowers once he or she reaches 22 percent equity. And when MI is cancelled, the monthly bill goes down. Importantly, the insurance premiums on an FHA mortgage — the 100 percent taxpayer-backed government version of mortgage insurance — cannot be cancelled for the vast majority of borrowers with FHA mortgages.

So, do the math and let the numbers guide you. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.

2018-01-31T06:01:00

(BPT) – When homeowners get the urge to remodel and renovate their homes, two rooms immediately top the list: the kitchen and the bathroom. In the last decade, we’ve seen something of a renaissance in home bathroom design. From an innovative use of materials to radically reimagined bathtubs and toilets, today’s bathrooms offer a dream space with comfort and convenience in a stylish package.

This dream, however, comes with a price tag. A mid-range bathroom remodel that includes a steel tub, a pressure-balanced shower, ceramic tile floor, vanity and integral sink could cost almost $20,000, and that’s for a 5-by-7 room. An upscale remodel might cost as much as $60,000!

But before this sticker shock scares you away, know there are secrets to saving money and still getting a beautiful bathroom. We sat down with Lynn Schrage, interior designer at Kohler Co. to learn some of her tips and tricks. Here are five of the best.

1. Find a focal point

You don’t need to have top-of-the-line everything to create a stunning bathroom. Think in terms of what piece you want to be the star of your bathroom. Maybe you want it to be the sink, a freestanding bathtub or a spa steam shower. Pick one fixture that will draw the eye in and take center stage. You’ll be amazed at what this does for the overall effect.

2. Incorporate creative storage solutions

In remodeling a bathroom, it’s always exciting to stumble upon a solution that brings together the practical and the beautiful. This happens a lot when you try to figure out how to store toiletries, towels and more. Wall cabinets, wicker baskets, storage ladders and storage towers create charm and keep your essentials orderly.

3. A touch of luxury goes a long way

One of the most effective ways to create a stunning overall effect is to mix a touch of luxury with quality materials. For instance, coordinate wooden cabinets with a tiled paneling treatment around the bathroom. Also ripe for coordination are choreograph shower panels with stone or porcelain tiles. Focusing and investing in these luxury elements while using quality material will help offset costs and give you the look you’ve dreamed of.

4. Select an integrated vanity top sink

Looking through your many choices of sinks, showerheads, toilets and other fixtures is downright inspiring, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start. Of all the options available, consider setting your eye on a vanity top with sink mounted on any number of vanity styles you like. This combines style with functionality in a timeless design and cuts down on clean up and your installation cost.

5. Work with a professional

Many people who want to save on a bathroom remodel think the most economical way is to go it alone and take the DIY route. However, a professional designer can help you discover the style that fits your personality and budget — and help you avoid costly mistakes. For instance, Kohler’s Bathroom Design Service provides expert advice, 3-D bathroom renderings and logistical guidance.

To discover more inspiration for your bathroom, visit ideas.kohler.com, where you’ll find the ideas and advice that will get you started on your journey to your dream bathroom.

2018-01-31T08:01:00

(BPT) – A strong housing market is giving homeowners the confidence to invest in remodeling. In fact, homeowner spending on improvements and repairs will approach $340 billion in 2018, an increase of 7.5 percent from estimated 2017 spending, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Remodeling can add value to your home while also making it more livable, but not all remodeling projects are created equal. While the choice to remodel is individual, there are many studies that show some projects return more on your investment than others. Fortunately, some of 2018’s leading remodeling trends also have great ROI.

Trend 1: Bathroom additions

Adding a bathroom can add comfort and convenience for current homeowners, plus catch the eye of potential buyers. A bathroom addition recoups about 60 percent of the cost, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report.

A top trend in 2018 is adding bathrooms to unique spaces, meaning not letting existing plumbing limit your options. This might include adding a small powder room on the main floor or adding a full bathroom to the basement where there is no current drainage.

Homeowners can get the valuable bathroom addition they want without cutting concrete or undermining the structural integrity of the home by opting for above-floor plumbing features such as a macerating toilet and drain pumps from Saniflo. The Saniaccess3 is a smart choice for full baths, and the Saniaccess2 is ideal for powder rooms.

These compact systems can fit into a closet, beneath a stairway or even be built into the wall. When the project is complete, it will look like any conventional bathroom, but above-ground plumbing options make it possible to put a bathroom virtually anywhere — even in the garage or outside. Learn more at www.saniflo.com.

Trend 2: Home exterior updates

You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this is true for houses as well. With this in mind, homeowners are focusing their efforts on the house exterior in 2018.

Some exterior remodeling projects can be costly and time-consuming, such as replacing siding and windows or redoing landscaping. To get a big visual bang for your buck with great ROI, consider replacing your garage door. The average garage door replacement job cost is $3,470, according to the Cost vs. Value report, plus it has a whopping 98 percent cost recouped at resale.

Want to take exterior upgrades one step further? Consider replacing your existing entry door with a new steel option that matches your new garage door. Your house’s facade will be completely refreshed, plus that door recoups 91 percent of the cost.

Trend 3: Smart home upgrades

You have a smartphone, smart watch and smart TV; it only makes sense that you also want to bring the convenience of technology into your remodeling projects with a smart home.

Smart homes have been trending for some time, but in 2018 this trend could reach a tipping point thanks to wider availability and more affordable options. What used to cost thousands may now only cost hundreds, and you might be surprised how many DIY options you can now find at your local home improvement store.

Some of the most popular technological enhancements for the home include smart lighting controls that save energy and let you customize lighting in every room of your home. Smart door locks and security systems are also valuable additions.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to enter into the smart home market, consider a smart thermostat or smart smoke detector. Technology is bound to make your home more comfortable and safe while boosting the bottom line come sale time.