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Sustainable home renovation tips: 6 expert ideas |

Inez Caron June 5, 2024

Renovations present a unique opportunity to make your home greener, creating environments that combine aesthetics and practicality with environmental consciousness.

Every decision made during a home renovation can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle, from choosing eco-friendly gadgets and materials to minimizing waste and reducing energy consumption.

Understanding how to be sustainable at home is one of the most fundamental practicalities to consider before you start renovating. Beyond reducing your environmental footprint, it is a great way to future-proof your home, enhance its curb appeal, and cut energy costs.

Sustainable home renovation tips

'In an era marked by environmental consciousness, the concept of renovating with sustainability at the forefront has gained considerable traction,' says interior designer Nina Lichtenstein. 'As homeowners seek to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace eco-friendly practices, renovating with sustainability in mind has become both a responsible choice and a trendsetting endeavor.

'However, renovating with sustainability in mind is more than a trend; it's a commitment to responsible living and supporting ethical practices.'

1. Planning

european looking living room with large windows and olive trees

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan / Photography Julie Soefer)

The first step towards a sustainable renovation is careful planning. To do this, Nina Lichtenstein says: 'Start by setting clear goals: utilize non-toxic and natural materials, prioritize energy efficiency, or incorporate renewable resources like solar energy. Develop a strategy for waste reduction, including recycling and repurposing materials during the renovation process.

'A detailed assessment of your home's current state will help identify areas that can benefit the most from sustainable improvements.'

Consider the points below when devising your renovation plan.

Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal home designer at her eponymous design studio, based in Westchester, NY. Nina believes that home design should capture a family’s unique spirit by how it serves the family's daily needs while nourishing the soul. She has been celebrated for designing, renovating, and building elegant living spaces.

2. Choose sustainable materials

blue kitchen with open wooden shelving

(Image credit: Future)

Choosing sustainable materials is another crucial aspect of eco-conscious renovations. Eco decor not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes a healthier indoor environment, enhances long-term durability, conserves resources, and supports ethical practices in production and sourcing.

Shop sustainably by looking for materials that are recycled, reclaimed, or renewable. For example, using reclaimed wood for cabinets, countertops, flooring, or accent pieces will reduce the demand for newly harvested timber.

When decorating, choose eco paints and VOC-free finishes. Opting for products that are plastic and solvent-free minimizes environmental impact and improves indoor air quality by reducing harmful emissions.

3. Consider energy efficient upgrades

Modern kitchen with large island

(Image credit: Neolith)

Enhancing energy efficiency in your home is a cornerstone of sustainable renovation.

One of the best ways to do this is to choose energy-efficient appliances and install smart home must-haves, such as programmable thermostats or smart lighting. These improvements not only reduce your carbon footprint but also lead to long-term savings by helping you cut energy bills.

EnergyGuide labels will show an appliance's average annual energy consumption and operating cost so that you can compare them to your current model. Additionally, appliances controlled by smart electric meters or home energy management systems can adjust their operations according to your usage patterns or energy demand to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

'Smart appliances don't just turn off during times of peak electricity demand – instead, they use subtle ways to shift energy use,' explain experts at The U.S. Department of Energy. 'Your water heater may adjust its heating cycle to operate when energy costs are lower, without impacting their performance, or your laundry or dishwasher can be scheduled to operate when electricity rates and demand are lower.' A smart thermostat can adjust schedules according to your temperature preferences and routines, reducing energy consumption by adjusting temperatures according to your schedule.

4. Reduce your reliance on electricity

eat-in kitchen dining nook with large windows and views of trees

(Image credit: Jenn Verrier)

You can also improve energy efficiency in your home by evaluating its energy sources and finding methods to reduce your reliance on electricity. For example, Nina Lichtenstein says: 'Increasing natural light and ventilation not only reduces the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning but also enhances indoor comfort. During a renovation, prioritize strategies like installing larger windows and and skylights.'

'Insulating your home is also crucial for energy efficiency,' says Himadri Shakya, home renovation expert at Architecture. 'Many older homes lack proper insulation, so a renovation is the perfect opportunity to address this issue. Speak to your builder about the best insulation options for your home and consider using recycled or natural insulation materials like cellulose or sheep's wool.' Implement measures such as caulking, insulation, upgrading windows for efficiency, and sealing plumbing. Consider using light-colored reflective roofing materials to reduce heat gain.

Furthermore, consider installing solar panels. With long-term savings and minimal maintenance costs, solar energy offers a reliable and sustainable way to generate electricity for your household, helping you to depend less on non-renewable energy.

5. Incorporate water-saving fixtures

Wallpaper, wetroom, grey floor

(Image credit: Selected Wallpapers)

Another way to make your home more sustainable is by incorporating water-saving fixtures and technologies that can significantly reduce water consumption.

'Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, and incorporate water-saving appliances like dishwashers or washing machines to minimize water waste without compromising performance,' suggest Nina Lichtenstein.

'Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems can also be integrated into landscaping to reduce reliance on municipal water.' Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to reduce your water consumption for various purposes, such as watering your indoor herb garden, and cleaning fruits, vegetables, and dishes. Filtered water can even be used for cooking after boiling.

6. Reduce waste

green kitchen with light green walls and dark green cabinet

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Sustainable living isn't just about energy savings; it's also about reducing waste.

'Meticulously plan projects to minimize off-cuts and unused materials,' advises Kristin Hintlian, co-owner of Bonsai Builders. 'When demolition is necessary, prioritize deconstruction over destruction to allow materials to be repurposed or recycled. This methodology has a dual benefit: reducing landfill waste and conserving resources by giving materials a second life.'

You can also minimize renovation waste by salvaging and repurposing materials wherever possible – some reclaimed materials look better than new. Consult with architects, contractors, and designers experienced in sustainable renovations. They can offer innovative solutions tailored to your home's unique needs while ensuring adherence to green building standards and codes.'

Donate usable fixtures, cabinets, and appliances to charitable organizations if possible.

Before you begin your renovation project, it's important to assess your current energy usage and identify areas for improvement. This could include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or improving insulation in your home.

Edmonton Renovation Show: Find the expert advice you need

Inez Caron February 2, 2024

Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield will offer tasty advice on renovating the kitchen.

Published Jan 12, 2024 • 2 minute read

Jamie Banfield headlines at the Edmonton Renovation Show, to be held Jan. 26 to 28 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Photo by Supplied /Postmedia

Discover what’s in store for 2024 in the world of home improvement, design and technology at the Edmonton Renovation Show, running Jan. 26 to 28 at the Edmonton Expo Centre. From smart homes to renewable energy options, DIY makeovers and eco-friendly building materials, show goers will draw inspiration and ideas from more than 200 exhibitors, Main Stage speakers and celebrity influencers.

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HGTV’s Gemini-award winning handyman Bryan Baeumler, host of multiple network shows such as Renovation Resort and Bryan’s All In, will anchor the Main Stage at the three-day reno show. Baeumler’s breadth of knowledge, ability to translate trends into tangible projects and entertain audiences with his down-home humour makes him immensely popular on the Canadian home show circuit.

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“Bryan has a massive fan base in Edmonton. He is incredibly popular here and homeowners can’t seem to get enough,” says Kristy Cairns, Edmonton Renovation Show group manager. “This show is great for any homeowner, renter or DIY enthusiast who may be looking for some inspiration or tips for projects in 2024.”

Also appearing on the Main Stage is Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield who will cook up tasty advice on renovating everyone’s favourite room, the kitchen.

“Kitchens are one of the spaces I love the most. I grew up around cabinetry and millwork,” says Banfield, who has designed kitchens for every type of space, from tiny homes to West Coast mansions. “They can be a sore spot for people.”

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His presentation covers simple kitchen makeovers that add charm and texture. “There are ways to add life to your kitchen, even when you rent your home,” he says.

Planning and self-examination about how the kitchen functions is the place to start, followed by building a budget and engaging with professionals.

“It’s important to understand what kind of kitchen fits you. Instead of looking at Instagram or Pinterest and saying, I want that kitchen, you should figure out what function means to you and your family. If you build something that works, chances are it will work for the next family that moves into your home. So, resale can be an important aspect of your design, too,” he says.

Other presenters include renovation specialist Adam Weir, a project manager for HGTV programs and building talent in his own right. Appropriately, Weir will take audiences “behind the scenes” of a home renovation. Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault from Cityline is back with a sneak peek of a luxe Parisian-inspired space created on a shoestring budget in her presentation titled DIY versus BUY. Social media strategist Bree Tetz, one of Edmonton’s most ingenious thrifters, will also share her first-hand knowledge of second-hand home decor.

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“Some of our features on the show floor include Tranquil Spaces, designed by Fresh Space by Grace, a wellness inspired feature for fitness aficionados, and A Breath of Fresh Design by Turquoise Chair, which will showcase 2024 design trends,” says Cairns.

THE DETAILS

WHAT: The 2024 Edmonton Renovation Show

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 26 to Sunday, Jan. 28

WHERE: Edmonton Expo Centre

HOURS: Jan. 26 from noon to 9 p.m., Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $13 full day/$6.50 half day for ages 13-plus; $11 for ages 60-plus; free for children 12 and under. Save $2 per ticket by purchasing online in advance.

INFORMATION: edmontonrenovationshow.com

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6 Expert Suggestions for Transforming Your Property (Although Dwelling in It)

Inez Caron August 29, 2023

Wouldn’t it be good if you could say good day to your dwelling renovation—and goodbye to your dwelling at the similar time? That would allow you to go away driving all that development mess though your spot receives a experience-raise.

Alas, most of us can not afford to pay for to pay for a property finance loan and a extensive-term rental, leaving us to juggle trying to sustain a semblance of normalcy (and sanity) although living in a house for the duration of a renovation.

So irrespective of whether you just moved into a new household that requirements perform or are last but not least tackling your long list of renovation initiatives, we put alongside one another a checklist of professional recommendations to support you survive a live-in renovation. Below are six expert insights you are going to want to know.

1. Set a timeline

The 1st point you are going to want to do when preparing for a renovation is to established a get started date—and an end date. Despite the fact that it’s likely to modify, owning a rough timeline in spot will assist you monitor your project’s development and help you program financially (and logistically) for it.

“Figure out what wants to come about very first,” says interior designer Raf Michalowski, of Meble Furniture. “Then approach out the get of renovations so that if one thing isn’t heading as planned, it will not have an effect on the development of other sections.”

For example, you may possibly be on a restricted timeline to finish the messier factors of a renovation (like setting up wooden flooring) just before your new furniture arrives.

Preserving sensible anticipations of prolonged jobs will help you stay clear of snafus like a truckload of new household furniture and nowhere clear to keep it.

2. Crack down huge jobs

Start out mapping out the huge-image tasks in advance of your job definitely kicks off. And then determine out the infant ways it requires to get there.

“It’s significant to split down greater projects into more compact responsibilities and buy them centered on precedence,” suggests Do-it-yourself expert Tommy Mellow, of A1 Garage Doorway Service.

So if you are redoing an total kitchen with all new appliances, map out where they will go (and what electric or plumbing work requirements to be completed to accommodate them) just before you begin setting up cabinets or portray partitions.

3. Prep your house

Each time you’re renovating a room while residing in it, it is critical to guarantee the tasks don’t impact your each day daily life extra than required.

“You can prepare for the dust and sounds by covering home furniture and sealing off parts of the house,” claims Mellow.

To safeguard your home, make investments in protecting plastic boundaries like ZipWall (which is just what it sounds like). These helpful plastic dividers will enable include the mess to just the areas under building.

Other suggestions consist of receiving throwaway booties (to prevent messy footprints) or strategically placing mats for wiping filthy sneakers.

“Also, connect with your contractors to make certain that the undertaking stays on track and that you have access to the regions of the property that you need to have,” states Mellow.

So never renovate each and every single bathroom in your house all at after. And make positive you have areas to consume, do the job, and rest.

4. Strategy your do the job sensibly

A different important part of preserving your undertaking on timetable although protecting some semblance of a typical plan? Setting up when and how the perform will take place.

“Schedule noisy or disruptive responsibilities when they will minimum have an effect on your day by day plan,” advises DIYer Benas Leonavicius, of Dwelling Caprice. “And don't forget, it is Okay to take breaks and action away from the undertaking when required. Your house is nonetheless your home, not just a construction web site.”

Moreover trying to keep noisy responsibilities time-boxed, it’s also a excellent notion to imagine about significant-photograph things, like any holiday seasons or daily life situations. Reworking assignments can frequently be delayed by several weeks, depending on product and contractor availability. So really don't plan to host Thanksgiving meal the week soon after your dining home is scheduled to be accomplished!

5. Hold it risk-free

Do not reduce keep track of of your all round wellbeing and basic safety when you enter the trenches of a prolonged home venture.

This may possibly be as very simple as donning protective gear or trying to keep tools and poisonous substances absent from animals and young children.

“And be certain that your contractors are cleaning up after on their own and not leaving loose nails all all around your house,” says house specialist Stephane Achille, of House and Tech. “Also, get the air purifier up and functioning. A superior-potential air purifier is an crucial expense for any reworking assignments that consist of placing up new partitions or having them down.”

6. Come across lodging in advance

If you prepare to have any function done that requires painting or other chemical fumes, it is a excellent strategy to rest elsewhere for a couple evenings. You can conserve some money (and strain) by making these options forward of time. Talk to good friends or relatives who can host you, or take into consideration reserving a lodge.

“For some reworking initiatives like floor refinishing, it might not be possible to live in your residence whilst the get the job done is getting put,” says Achille. “The smell of the varnish is unbearable.”

Coordinate with your contractors to greater realize when unique duties will just take position, then agenda your absences all over that. Try out to e book your stay with resorts with no cost cancellation policies. That way, you can stay away from shelling out any added charges if strategies alter.

Interior Expert Reveals the Structure Mistake You might be Generating in the Bedroom

Inez Caron August 22, 2023

Eager to give your bedroom a high-class contact with no breaking the financial institution? One female statements a critical "style error" may be trying to keep your bedroom from possessing a superior-end feel.

The style error was highlighted in a viral TikTok video clip posted on July 29, by Kiva Brent (@kivabrent), who is "a scientist turned interior stylist" in accordance to Brent's YouTube channel.

Brent suggests in the online video: "Your bedroom will in no way search higher-finish if you hold generating this style oversight. Your rug is much too smaller." The footage demonstrates diverse pictures of a bedroom with a rug.

Bedroom space with rug and chairs. — A inventory image of a bed room with a rug position beneath the bed. A online video highlighting a key "design blunder" stopping your place from searching "high close" has long gone viral on TikTok.
iStock / Getty Photos Additionally

House decoration purchases noticed an "unprecedented" increase in popularity last year, according to a study of 46,118 U.S. householders aged 18 and more mature, which includes 24,667 who renovated their houses in 2022, conducted by Houzz, a home style and design web site.

Rugs have been between the prime interior decor purchases, with 54 % reported to have purchased a rug for their dwelling in 2022. The study also discovered 13 p.c obtained rugs for outside decor purposes.

A caption shared with the newest viral clip reads: "This structure oversight is the reason why your bed room will in no way search large conclusion!"

Brent claims in the online video "When your rug looks like this, it can be much too little," pointing to a ground program exhibiting an aerial watch of a mattress with a rug placed vertically beneath it. Most of the rug seems to be hidden by the mattress, with about a third of it sticking out further than the base edge of the mattress.

"When it appears like this, it wants to be shifted up really a bit," Brent continues, pointing to a floor plan displaying a rug placed horizontally beneath the bed. Most of the rug is shown outdoors the bed body.

"As a substitute, you want them to appear like these," she points out. The footage exhibits two flooring strategies with rugs underneath the beds but shift nearer in direction of the head of the mattress. The amount of rug area sticking out of the mattress body appeared to be equidistant close to the perimeter of the mattress frame.

"If you are not able to afford to pay for to get a larger rug, keep in mind that you can usually do two runners on either aspect," Brent notes, as the monitor displays a home with two tiny rugs placed on the still left and correct sides of a bed.

"Or an oblong rug like a cowhide," she adds, as the clip exhibits an example of a place with an irregularly formed rug beneath a mattress.

TikTokers were being delighted by the most up-to-date design recommendations.

User jaimebsparkly wrote: "Holy cow..never ever imagined of two runners! a great deal much more affordable. the bed addresses up most of the rug."

Mamasawn agreed, noting: "Two runners is brilliant thx."

Consumer Me said: "Oooo, thank you it made all the big difference."

Various consumers questioned whether or not it is advisable to have a rug when your room is carpeted, these as user9515317757557 who requested "is a rug in a area with carpet a terrible notion?"

The primary poster replied: " I like when folks do that since carpets are uninteresting."

Newsweek has contacted the authentic poster for comment through TikTok.

Do you have any inside layout ideas to share? Enable us know by means of [email protected] and your tale could be highlighted on Newsweek.

Very best of Summer season: Expert Tips for Bettering Your Home’s Suppress Enchantment

Inez Caron July 17, 2022

Image BY MARTHA SWISS

Initially impressions make a difference.

In today’s scorching authentic-estate market place, in which residences typically go underneath agreement within just times, future customers might make your mind up no matter if or not to look into the inside of of your dwelling centered on what it seems like on the exterior. Even if you’re not providing proper now, it is critical that your household appears to be inviting to you.

There are a handful of simple tenets of superior suppress attractiveness and lots of that are fast and affordable. So the future time you method your property, retain these guidelines in head as you just take a cold, really hard glance at the information the entrance of your household sends.

Images: SHUTTERSTOCK

Display them the doorway.

Men and women shouldn’t experience as while they have to have a machete to arrive at your front door. It is basic human mother nature to want to see wherever we’re going, so show them the doorway — or at the very least the walkway that prospects to the door.

Although vegetation is good for softening the tough edges of a residence and furnishing shade, gardens at the front of a dwelling should really be maintained.

A person effortless-to-treatment-for shrub to look at adding to your residence is boxwood. A speedy springtime shearing in regardless of what shape you like provides a effectively-coiffed picture for the relaxation of the calendar year.

Any trees or shrubs that have a compact development habit also have a tendency to work very well at the front and corners of a property. Illustrations of some naturally tidy shrubs include things like slender deutzia, Sixteen Candles summersweet, Yakushima rhododendron, Duke Yard Japanese plum yew and Very small Wine ninebark.

Little trees that add texture to your landscape with out obscuring the front of your home contain Japanese maples, native dogwood, some flowering crabapples (Malus there are quite a few versions, test the tag for experienced sizing), serviceberry and redbud.

You also want to make sure to thoroughly clean up previous plant debris and slash back or get rid of overgrown shrubs. For any trees that will need to be trimmed or taken off, seek the services of an arborist.

Whether you put them on your mailbox or immediately on the dwelling, popular home figures search beautiful and also aid individuals know they have the correct tackle. If there is much more than one entrance entry to your house (which is surprisingly common), present visible cues as to which doorway to use. This can be as easy as adding a attractive pot containing seasonal plantings, a door mat, a mailbox or a wreath on the door you want individuals to enter.

Repair service it.

A crooked mailbox, peeling paint or a cracked or damaged walkway all signify neglect. If that is the information the outdoors of your household sends, prospective purchasers may well not give it a next seem. At times, a simple ability clean is all that’s needed to spruce up filthy siding or shutters.

A contemporary coat of paint on the entrance doorway in an appealing coloration also is an simple way to brighten up your house. Blue is a trending color ideal now for entrance doorways in a broad selection of hues, from deep slate blue to turquoise to aqua. Really don't be scared to go for anything bold, like chartreuse, black or purple. You can conveniently repaint if you don’t like it.

Apart from aesthetics, walkways and measures shouldn’t be tripping hazards if yours have observed far better times, take into consideration repairing or changing them. A protected handrail also is crucial to have on actions.

Go outside and see how your household seems at evening. Is the lights adequate for a secure journey from sidewalk or driveway to the front door? If not, there are tons of lighting solutions available at dwelling advancement retailers, such as entrance door sidelights, pole-and-floor fixtures and accent lights. Lots of are photo voltaic driven or have a dusk-to-dawn characteristic.

A masking above the front doorway also presents a location exactly where site visitors can get out of the weather conditions, as well as a place wherever deliveries may well be securely still left. Past a front porch, a doorway overhang, portico or awning can be an desirable solution to insert to your entrance entrance.

Stash it.

Trash and recycling containers aren’t attractive, so shop them all around the facet of the residence or put in fencing to cover them. Make certain to put away snow shovels and baggage of deicer at the conclusion of winter season take away muddle these types of as piles of bricks and stones, making supplies, unused sports devices and children’s toys from the front of your house.

Defunct vehicles and motor properties can also signal neglect, so if you have a person in your driveway, look at selling or donating it. There are a lot of charities that acknowledge outdated motor vehicles.

Costume it up.

Think about investing in a couple of matters to make your residence appear inviting. These could include things like a several substantial planters, an arbor about the entrance walkway, or a wreath on the entrance doorway. Shifting planters and doorway decor seasonally also retains control attractiveness fresh.

Relating to containers, there are a broad assortment of planting choices at the backyard middle. New types of million bells are flowering ability properties all year, and most types of scaevola stay tidy and flower from spring by way of late summer months. Euphorbia, or “Diamond Frost” and “Diamond Snow,” can also provide a frothy texture to containers.

Really don't forget about about foliage — you just cannot go mistaken with daring coleus, and they come in an eye-popping array of hues. Perennial coral bells also have leaves of many hues and enable anchor a container planting.

With massive containers, think about utilizing compact versions of woody shrubs these types of as boxwood, cotoneaster, hydrangeas or roses. Lesser Japanese maples also make beautiful specimens in containers.

Just maintain in head that most shrubs and trees will sooner or later get way too substantial for the pot, but that provides you a explanation to adjust issues up — and the plants can be relocated into your landscape.

Introducing furniture to a entrance porch is one more way to make it seem inviting. Spruce up your tired household furniture by cleaning it and providing it a fresh new coat of paint, then insert new cushions and pillows that enhance your home’s colour plan.

A several very well-placed products these kinds of as statues and flags may perhaps also insert identity, while you may possibly want to eliminate these issues if you are providing your home simply because they can distract from — fairly than improve — a initially impression.

Discover inspiration.

You can always come across suggestions for strengthening your home’s suppress attraction by using a wander or travel via numerous neighborhoods, viewing home enhancement demonstrates, going on backyard and house tours, perusing publications, and scrolling via on the net resources these kinds of as Pinterest. Choose shots and note the concepts that would perform for your property.

In the meantime, roll up your sleeves and get rid of what does not make your property glance welcoming, then clean up and restore the rest.

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The Genuine Estate Expert: Answering Housing Marketplace Concerns

Inez Caron July 17, 2022

Aid THIS Unbiased JOURNALISM
The write-up you’re about to read through is from our reporters executing their essential work — investigating, investigating, and creating their tales. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that link you to the individuals, concerns and alternatives within just our group. Journalism necessitates heaps of resources. Currently, our company design has been interrupted by the pandemic the vast greater part of our advertisers’ firms have been impacted. Which is why the DP Occasions is now turning to you for monetary support. Find out extra about our new Insider’s application here. Thank you.

By Phil Immel

Issue: Expensive Expert, is now a great time to provide my home?

Respond to: Possibly not. The good information is that house values have soared to document values given that the pandemic. This happened mainly because of historically small home finance loan curiosity fees (2.6%-3%) for a 30-12 months set and also for the reason that of an severe deficiency of inventory (listings).

Given that January, prices have skyrocketed from 3% to 6.25%—more than doubling. The fed is raising interest prices to suppress inflation, and it has crushed affordability. More amount hikes are predicted.

Even the luxury market, which typically produces all-cash product sales, has cooled significantly for the reason that of stock current market volatility. Simply because of the uncertainty in the market, I would wait around to listing your house in the 1st quarter except if there is a far more urgent have to have.

Residential authentic estate values peaked in March. Inventory has greater, but it is nonetheless really small compared to background.

Sellers really should also be aware of “seasonality.” That signifies there are prime instances of the year to sell, when buyer demand from customers boosts, and sluggish situations of the year, when consumers are preoccupied with holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so forth.

The fourth quarter of the yr is the slowest for gross sales. The next and third quarters are the busiest! Listing now would not be smart, as summer time will be above right before we know it and headed into drop/wintertime.

Declutter and prep/repair your residence up in between now and January. Checklist it the working day after the Tremendous Bowl, and you will likely optimize your price.

Q: I have a house improvement issue. My husband or wife and I are debating if we need to place a pool in the yard or remodel the kitchen. Both will charge about $100,000. What do you endorse for the ideal money return?

A: Although a pool will aesthetically be satisfying to seem at working day and night time, a new kitchen area will be more simple and have a everyday usability profit.

When you do any significant home enhancement, normally take into account what will optimize your investment decision when you market the household. A pool is generally worthy of 50% of its price tag when you provide. Why? Not absolutely everyone desires the maintenance and price of a pool.

It may perhaps also be a legal responsibility if somebody fell in and are unable to swim.

Usually, a pool is employed additional often in the summer time months than the winter. Conversely, a new kitchen has an day-to-day use and may possibly most likely create value over and above the price.

Base line, do the kitchen area, not the pool.

Q: How do I pick a listing agent?

A: I recommend interviewing three brokers, preferably with three distinct corporations. You must create a spreadsheet with thoughts you need to have to talk to the agent. Here’s a sample of some of the concerns, but not all:

Are you a broker or salesperson?
What is your educational history?
How very long have you been in the organization?
Are you element-time or total-time?
How a lot of houses have you offered in my neighborhood?
What advantages do you or your firm have vs . the level of competition?
What is your commission charge, and do you split it in the MLS with the other agent?
If you have a genuine estate staff, who will be my main call from time of listing via shut of escrow?
How responsive are you with all varieties of communication?
Can you present me with a checklist of earlier vendor referrals?

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Milestone Senior Expert services launches fundraising campaign for creating renovations in Kalamazoo

Inez Caron May 22, 2022

KALAMAZOO, MI — Milestone Senior Companies declared a “New Home, New Hope” fundraising marketing campaign Thursday to elevate $3 million to help renovations at their facility on 918 Jasper St.

“This campaign will assist us to proceed to assist the perform we do and provide expert services to all our group members,” Richard Klein, president and CEO of Milestone Senior Products and services, claimed at a push meeting Thursday, Could 19. “If individuals do not know who we are and what we do, they just can't access our companies.”

Milestone Senior Solutions supports seniors and individuals with disabilities in their homes so they have preference about remaining in their residences or shifting to an assisted dwelling facility. The organization serves inhabitants in Allegan, Branch, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties.

“We can definitely see 1st hand the impression we have on individuals we provide,” Klein claimed. “You can see that isolated senior’s deal with light up when they see a acquainted deal with, that driver which is there two, three, four times a week. When you see the impact you have with the selections persons have to make in between food items or medication or feeding their pet for instance or on their own, we can make a huge variance there.”

Donations will go toward fixing flooding difficulties in the developing, replacing the HVAC system and purchasing new kitchen area machines. $1.5 million has been elevated from donors right before saying the marketing campaign to the community.

The concept for a campaign blossomed right after Cassandra Boyd, the organization’s fund improvement director, arrived at out to the Irvin S. Gilmore Basis for assistance in updating their making.

“We begun off with a feasibility research that we did, we interviewed more than 33 community associates and from that we went to our board and they accepted that we could get heading on a cash campaign,” Boyd mentioned.

The marketing campaign finances is separated into 4 classes: $2.25 million for typical making renovations, fixtures and furnishings $460,000 for mechanical updates for effectiveness and $160,000 for flood mitigation. The remaining $125,000 will go towards campaign bills.

Boyd is optimistic Milestone Senior Products and services will surpass the fundraising intention.

“I’m speaking that into the universe,” Boyd reported. “I am really hopeful that we will surpass that purpose when people today certainly come across out what we do and how we provide our neighborhood. We just can't ignore our seniors.”

Sheri Welsh, a single of the campaign cabinet customers, claimed she feels Kalamazoo has a ‘magic’ that will convey persons jointly to guidance Milestone Senior Services.

“People truly treatment deeply about having care of the people that dwell listed here so persons are generous not only with their finances but with their time and talent,” Welsh said. “We didn’t get compensated to do any of this type of stuff, we did it since it is the proper point to do. We want to choose care of our community.”

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Minnesota expert offers tips for how to ‘live green’ at home

Inez Caron April 19, 2022

When Christopher Mohs started renovating his Twin Cities home, he knew how to do it sustainably. And if he had questions, he had a team of expert TV hosts willing to answer them.

The Minneapolis resident is the co-founder of Smart Healthy Green Living, a home, garden and lifestyle streaming service on sustainable living. Homes across the country, including those in the Twin Cities, spotlight how green living enthusiasts are creating eco-friendly spaces.

Topics range from sustainable design to organic gardening and smart homes to tiny houses. In a feature called Sustainable Home Tours, three of 14 homes spotlighted in this first season are in Minnesota.

In one episode, a Minneapolis couple talk about their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified home with features such as a green roof and solar panels. Two Twin Cities families meeting Passive Home high energy efficiency standards also take center stage — one in Minneapolis and another in Afton — in separate episodes. h

With Earth Day just around the corner, we checked in with Mohs to learn about his sustainable living education platform. A firm believer that a sustainable lifestyle can start in one's own backyard, the green living expert also offers tips on going green. For more information on Smart Healthy Green Living, visit bit.ly/SHGLiving.

Q: What led to your interest in sustainability?

A: I've always had a fascination and appreciation of nature. I remember setting up recycling sorting bins with my dad. This was back when you had to transport your recycling yourself, filling up the trunk with everything and driving to the center.

In 2015, I began collaborating with Sabine H. Schoenberg on the production of "Sabine's New House," which showcased the sustainable construction of a home in Greenwich, Conn., which was featured on her YouTube Channel and now on Smart Healthy Green Living. The entire process had me convinced that this was the wave of the future and something more people should know about.

Q: You and your co-founder debuted your sustainable living streaming service during the pandemic. How did that help or hurt your launch?

A: We launched in early April (2020), around the time that all of us were experiencing the lockdown. DIY was huge. We were all working from home. We needed to retrofit home offices.

That summer had that big building boom, but there were shortages of supplies. I think consumers were looking for ways they could tackle some of these needs on their own, and Smart Healthy Green Living had a lot of those projects and those answers within the content library that we had at launch. That all just culminated in a scenario that linked to a successful and robust launch.

Q: You describe your service as "approachable sustainability." What do you mean by that?

A: Really simplifying it down. I think a lot of people shy away from the sustainability concept in their homes and their gardens because it's overwhelming.

When we talk about approachable sustainability, it's not just doing it all. But as is the namesake of one of the campaigns that we have out there — "The Do-One-Thing" campaign— that's a challenge to our audience to find one thing in their everyday life that they can do to be more sustainable. It's the simple things that can really add up and make a difference.

Q: And how does your service compare to what people might see on HGTV?

A: Smart Healthy Green Living really focuses on educating and informing as well as entertaining the consumer. So we don't see ourselves purely as entertainment.

We want the consumer to walk away from our shows not just seeing amazing designs and amazing gardens, but also to feel empowered to tackle DIY projects, gardening ... and also know the language and know the innovations that are out there when dealing with larger-scale projects or home renovations.

Although we definitely like to know, like to say, that our content is entertaining and our hosts of the shows are very dynamic and wonderful.

Q: Who's your audience?

A: By no surprise, we touch a lot of "Xennials" — the generation between Gen X and millennials — and millennials, but the great thing is that we are seeing fairly even distribution across Gen Xers and baby boomers, as well. Really, in today's world, we're very much aware of how our lifestyle choices impact our health, the environment. It all comes together, and I think our growth and our audience demographics that we're seeing is really akin to that overall trend and the growth and awareness in those smart healthy and green areas of our life.

Q: Why should people give your service a look?

A: It is free, so there's really no risk involved other than downloading it on your Roku, your Apple TV, your Amazon Fire TV Stick or even your phone or tablet. It's a great resource for ideas. With Earth Month [in April] and Earth Day coming up on April 22, why not jump in and get a little bit of an inside look of what sustainability can mean for your home, garden and life, and what approachable sustainability means?

Sustainable living tips

For Mohs, a manageable approach is key to getting started in eco-friendly practices. Here, he offers tips on easy ways people can live a greener life at home:

• Change your furnace's air filter regularly. A dirty air filter means your home has to work harder, requiring more energy to be used. Plus, you'll gain on air quality and save on energy costs.

• Ask for "zero-VOC" paints when you're at the hardware store. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

• Use LED lighting. Replace incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting, which can be up to 80% more energy-efficient.

• Add native plants to your landscaping. They need less water and "hibernate" during droughts. It's a win-win.

• Consider installing a bathroom humidity fan sensor. It detects the humidity in the room, so your fan won't run for hours when you forget to turn it off.

Edited and condensed for clarity.

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Sustainable home renovation tips: 6 expert ideas |