4 Sensible, Affordable Ways To Give Your Bathroom Spa-like Panache

(BPT) - Americans' love of a spa-like bathroom experience continues to be strong, with industry watchers reporting that luxurious touches like freestanding bathtubs, separate vanities and top quality materials remain in demand. But if you've delayed renovating your bathroom, thinking that creating the ultimate spa at home won't fit your space, budget or lifestyle, think again. It's possible to create a spa experience that's as sensible, space appropriate and affordable as it is lavish.



Bathroom renovations remain the most valuable home improvements you can undertake; a midrange bathroom remodel can return up to 70 percent of your investment at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report.



Here are four spa-like bathroom trends that are affordable and achievable in virtually any bathroom renovation:



1. Freestanding tubs



Freestanding tubs are among the top 10 trends in bathroom design for 2015, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2015 Kitchen & Bath Style Report.



"A freestanding tub, in addition to a shower, really adds to the bathroom and the value of the house," says Jean-Jacques L'Henaff, vice president of design for American Standard. "Soaking tubs are about that wonderful experience. The bath is the place to which you escape within your home, to de-stress and relax after a long day."



"Adding a freestanding tub is a cost effective way to evoke a spa-like atmosphere in any bathroom, and it's one that really helps elevate the user's overall experience," L'Henaff says.



2. Calm color palette



The effect of color on mood is well documented. Around the world, the finest spas all boast color palettes designed to create a calm atmosphere. Earth tones create a soothing backdrop for accents of subtle hues.



In your bathroom renovation, consider the flooring and cabinetry as foundations for your color scheme and choose neutral, natural tones like creams, tans, light browns or pale grays. Walls, countertops and accessories can then sport a bit more intensity, as long as you choose traditionally calm hues like gentle blues, seafoam greens, barely there lavender or even faintest yellow. Whatever palette you choose, remember peaceful, elegant combinations are the hallmark of the spa atmosphere.



3. Luxuriant lighting



Few rooms in the house require the lighting versatility needed in a bathroom. Suitable illumination facilitates makeup application and shaving, while softer lighting enhances a luxurious soak in the tub. Sconces or above-the-mirror lights can provide illumination in work areas. Dimmable overhead canister lights allow you to achieve maximum brightness when you need it, and a softer glow when you want to create a mood. Spas typically have layers of light, so your spa-like bathroom renovation should include multiple light sources.



Accent lights can further elevate the atmosphere while serving practical purposes. A heat lamp above the shower, for example, provides warmth and illumination, while a light within the linen closet or medicine cabinet is eminently practical though seen less often.



4. Leading-edge amenities



Innovations in bathroom technology often emerge from the spa industry to enter American homes. From a TV above the soaking tub and multi-jet showerheads to heated flooring and towel warmers, adding one or two upscale amenities to your bathroom renovation can underscore the spa-like atmosphere. Designer accessories like sleek towel bars, soap dispensers and toothbrush holders carry the upscale resort effect throughout the room. Versatile storage options are another amenity associated with the finest spas. Open shelving and hidden outlets complement the airy and uncluttered calm of a quiet retreat.



It is possible to beautifully endow your bathroom remodel with spa-inspired features that enhance the experience of the room as a relaxing retreat, right at home, all within your budget.

Top 10 Common Home Repair Costs

In the life of every home, repairs happen. Here are the top 10 most common repairs that, sooner or later, your house will require.





1. Replace Toilet Fill Valves



That annoying sound of water continually filling and draining from your toilet tank is often caused by leaky fill valve, which a plumber can replace, stopping water waste and restoring quiet. Plumber rates vary widely around the country, from $45 to $150 per hour, and the job will take about two hours — the minimum some plumbers require just to take the job.



Labor: $50 to $200



Materials: $11 to $23



Total: $61 to $223



Related: Home Maintenance 101: 7 Things Every Homeowner Should Know



2. Repair a Leaky Faucet



The water torture drip-drip-drip from a leaky faucet won’t just drive you insane, it can drive up water bills, too. Depending on the type of faucet you have, fixes typically involve replacing damaged rubber washers (10 for $2), O-rings (10 for $2), or a faucet cartridge ($8 to $30).



Labor: $95 to $300



Materials: $2 to $30



Total: $97 to $330



Related: The WaterSense Label: What to Look For



3. Replace Ceiling Fan



If you’ve got a ceiling fan , sooner or later the motor will burn out, the blades will warp, and fashions will change, so you’ll need to replace it. Replacing isn’t a big deal, because upgraded wiring, a reinforced ceiling box, and a light switch with ceiling fan controls are already in place. What you’re paying for is an electrician’s time — one or two hours — and a new fixture.



Labor: $50 to $200



Materials: $54 to $1,000 and up



Total: $104 to $1,200



Related: Ceiling Fans: Know the Spin Before You Install





4. Repair Drywall



Nicks, gashes, and smashes inevitably mar your beautiful walls. You’ll have to patch and paint to make them look as good as new. A painter can do both jobs and will probably give you a flat rate that will include patching or filling blemishes, then sanding, priming, and painting.



Painters charge $25 to $62 per hour for labor or $2.68 to $4.60 per square foot including materials. Figure it will take about three hours to repair a wall , including drying time for the patching compound and paint. It’s a good idea to save up painting chores so you have enough to keep a painter busy while repairs cure.



Materials include paint at $12 to $50 or more a gallon, which should cover about 350 square feet; plus another $10 to $50 for brushes, rollers, drop clothes, and drywall patching compound.



Labor: $75 to $186



Materials: $22 to $100



Total: $97 to $286



Related: Patch a Drywall Hole



5. Repair Cracked Tile



Tile is hard and durable, but drop something heavy on it and it’s likely to crack — a reason to always order more tile than you need so you’ll always have spares. To replace cracked tiles, a handyman must pry out the damaged tiles, scrape away old fixative, re-glue new tiles, and spread new grout. Replacing a 2-foot-by-2-foot section of tile should take one to two hours, not including the drying time required for the adhesive to set.



Labor: $30 to $125 per hour; with possible $150 to $350 minimum charge for a handyman



Materials: $1 to $20 per square foot



Total: $34 to $430



Related: Smart Tips for Choosing Bathroom Flooring



6. Replace Caulk Around Tubs, Sinks, and Showers



Caulk is the waterproof seal around sinks, tubs, and showers that prevents moisture from seeping through gaps and onto drywall and flooring. When caulk cracks or peels, it should be replaced immediately to prevent mold and rot.



A handyman can dig out old caulk around a tub and reseal with new in about an hour.



Labor: $30 to $125 per hour; with possible $150 to $350 minimum charge for a handyman



Materials: $1 to $4 for a tube of bathroom caulk



Total: $31 to $354



Related: How to Remove Caulk



7. Fix Gutters



Gutters and downspouts carry water from rain and snow away from your house and onto the ground. Sometimes the weight of wet snow and soggy leaves puts too much pressure on gutters, causing them to pull away from the house or pitch at inefficient angles.



A gutter contractor will clean gutters, and replace or reinstall supportive hardware and hangers. To restore the correct pitch, the contractor must detach and reattach each gutter section.



Labor: $127 to $282 (depending on length of gutter)



Materials: $10 for five hangers; $6 to $9 for gutter sealant



Total: $143 to $301



Related: How to Unclog a Gutter



8. Fix Out-of-Alignment Doors



Over time, your house moves as its foundation settles and building materials expand and contract with changes in humidity. The movement often is noticed when doorframes shift slightly, causing hinges to creak and doors to not shut properly.



Adding wooden shims to frames and hinges can bring doors back into alignment and let them easily open and close once again. Replacing worn-out screws with longer screws helps secure hinges tightly.



A handyman can fix a door in about an hour. Materials will include shims and screws.



Labor: $30 to $125 per hour; with possible $150 to $350 minimum charge for a handyman



Materials: $5



Total: $35 to $355



Related: Cool Improvements: Replacing Your Interior Doors



9. Repair Ice Damming



If your house isn’t insulated correctly or your roof isn’t designed correctly, melting roof snow can run off and freeze around roof edges. Eventually, this can form an ice dam that creeps up your roof, damaging shingles and forcing melting water into your home.



One popular solution to ice damming is to install a heating cable along the roof’s edge, which warms the area and prevents freezing. It’s not a DIY job. Roofing contractors will install the cable, and an electrician will install outlets that will juice up the cable. If you want a thermostat to turn the cable on and off automatically, that’ll be extra, too.



Labor and materials: $30 to $60 per linear foot



Total: $371 to $1,319 (average job cost)



Related: How to Prevent Ice Dams



10. Fix a Faulty Light Switch



Sometimes you turn on the light but nothing happens; or sparks crackle, and the light turns on. It’s disconcerting, but most likely it’s an easy fix. An electrician will turn off the power, take off the faceplate, check and perhaps tighten wires; or replace the switch. All told, it will take less than an hour.



Labor: $50 to $100 per hour



Materials: $1 to $6 for a single pole light switch



Total: $41 to $106



Related: How to Repair a Light Switch

Article by HouseLogic.com, Writer: Lisa Kaplan Gordon

Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/repair-tips/home-repair-costs/#ixzz3j5HakIwc

8 Traits Of Successful Real Estate Investors

Take a few minutes to think about the successful people around you, not only financially, but also those who embody personal success. Consider the characteristics each of them possess and how these characteristics have fueled their achievements in their given field. Over the past several years I have come in contact with quite a few real estate investors, both directly and indirectly, and have recognized many I consider to be very successful. These people have not only started successful real estate businesses, they also seem to have mastered balance in their life, a very difficult goal to achieve. I have identified 8 key traits that these investors display, (not surprisingly, this same list can be applied to the leaders in any field):



The 8 Traits that Successful Real Estate Investors Embody



1) Passion for investing: The time and personal equity that is required to become a successful investor is overwhelming for many people, which is why most people who plan on becoming real estate investors fail. Passion fuels drive and drive fuels action; without action the chance of becoming successful is zilch. Passion provides the boost needed for difficult days and enthusiasm on routine days. In short, without passion, real estate investing is just another job.



2) Discipline in decision-making: I have yet to meet someone I would consider both undisciplined and successful, and doubt I ever will. While discipline may be a difficult trait to define, I find it is often fairly easy to pick out, as disciplined people plan for the future, work diligently in the present, and learn from the past.



3) Understanding core principles: Failure is almost certain if you do not understand the foundational principles of business, real estate, and the specific niche you are engaging in. Long term success requires not only an understanding of buying and selling real estate, or how to be a landlord, but also basic economic principles. Understanding market fluctuations, economic cycles, monetary policy and other facets of economics will ensure you can react intelligently when changes do occur. Learning the basics is not always fun or exciting, but it is critical in achieving long-term success.



4) Integrity in business dealings: Real estate is notorious for attracting people looking for a quick buck at all costs, but if you look at successful investors, their success spans years and is attained through incredibly hard work. While it may seem easier to look for a short cut (and rip someone off in the process), a long real estate career must be built on a solid reputation.



5) Flexibility: Murphy's Law is alive and well in real estate, and to survive inevitable surprises, market fluctuations and bad deals, you must be flexible enough to adapt your plan as you go. Planning is absolutely critical, but equally so is the ability to quickly decide when it is necessary to deviate from the plan. Successful real estate investors know when they need to re-evaluate their current blueprint and make adjustments to preserve the long-term success of their investments and business.



6) Money management skills: Most small businesses fail due to poor money management. Forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning is becoming a lost art among small business owners, and it can be lethal to your business. This is why understanding the basics of accounting, tax law, cash flow management, debt management, and other financial principles is so important, even if you have a great accountant and book-keeper.



7) A Team of Successful People: You can only take your business so far, and at some point you will be forced to rely on other people. Real estate is a people business and every real estate transaction requires a team of people to close. Once a transaction is complete, even more people are involved so it is important to form and maintain relationships with lenders, attorneys, contractors, agents, accountants and other people who can contribute to the growth of your business.



8) Superior communication skills: You have probably heard it a million times but that is because it is true, being able to effectively communicate with other is vital. How else will you be able to negotiate prices, interview contractors, screen potential tenants, partner with others, and so many other daily tasks? Communication goes beyond face to face discussions too, email and text messaging are ever-growing in the life of most business people, and the occasional written note will never go away, so make sure you hone your writing skills as well as your verbal skills.



All investors can say they are involved in real estate, but very few can say they are among the best. Find those whom you consider to be the best and study their habits and practices. Try to understand where they have been and how their skills helped prop them up during difficult times and propelled them during good times. Figure out which areas you have mastered and which you can improve upon; self-realization will lead to positive changes and others will begin looking to learn from you.



Author: James W. Vermillion III



James W.'s Website: http://www.kandvinvesting.com

8 Ways First-Time Homebuyers Can Make Themselves Mortgage-Ready

(BPT) - It's rare to get something right the very first time you try it, but when it comes to buying your first home, a lack of knowledge and experience can lead to costly mistakes. One in four first-time homebuyers say they are completely unfamiliar with the mortgage financing process, according to a report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Even among those with an understanding of the overall process, the report found that many first time homebuyers still had significant knowledge gaps in important areas such as available mortgage rates, closing costs, down-payment requirements and income required to qualify for a loan.



"Not having all the information available could lead to consumers paying a higher interest rate or failing to secure an affordable mortgage for the home they want," says Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. "While most first-time homebuyers understand the importance of their credit report score in securing a mortgage, it's important they arm themselves with comprehensive knowledge. Fortunately, there's plenty of useful information out there for borrowers who want to do their homework before diving into the loan process."



Here are eight tips for first-time homebuyers:



1. Adjust your budget. A mortgage payment can increase your monthly housing expenses, so prepare by calculating what that amount will be and begin saving that same amount every month so you can get used to the budget change in advance. Use a free online payment calculator to help you predict your payment and understand your current debt-to-income ratio.



2. Plan for a down payment. Nearly all home loans will require you to put some money down as a down payment. Some home loans may require as much as 20 percent of the purchase cost as a down payment, although some Federal Housing Administration loans may require less. Decide on the amount you think you'll need and create a savings plan to help you reach that goal.



3. Consider the location and type of home you want to buy. Many factors influence the cost of a home, including its location, size, style and more. A larger home in a high-income area will generally cost more, and property taxes will be higher on a bigger, newer, well-located home. Many first-time homebuyers find manufactured or mobile homes are a good option. Knowing the estimated cost of the type of home you want to purchase can help you better manage your budget.



4. Stay on top of your credit. Lenders will consider your credit score and report history when determining your mortgage eligibility and the interest rate they may offer you. Make sure to review your credit report in advance. If you're planning to apply for a mortgage, it's a good idea to review your report more frequently and to consider paying to obtain your credit score from at least one major bureau. If your report contains errors, work with the credit bureaus to have them corrected before you apply for a mortgage.



5. Keep current on monthly bills. While it's important to save toward a down payment, don't let monthly bills slide. Paying your bills on time every month can help increase your credit score, and a good payment history is something lenders look for when reviewing your credit report. Use online tools like email reminders and automatic payment options to help ensure you never miss or make a late payment.



6. Work on your debt. If you have delinquent balances, bring them up to date as quickly as possible. If you carry a lot of revolving credit card debt, you may want to work to reduce it by paying more than the monthly minimum payment. While it helps to have a report that shows no late payments, the most important thing is to not have any delinquent balances before you apply for a mortgage.



7. Plan for escrow. In addition to the amount you will need each month toward repaying your mortgage, you'll need escrow - an amount added to and collected with each monthly mortgage payment that is applied toward annual homeowners' insurance premiums and/or taxes. Estimating taxes and total insurance costs can help you better understand how much your escrow will be each month, and you'll be able to budget more accurately as you prepare for home ownership. Don't forget that this amount may adjust every twelve months if your insurance premium or taxes change for the next year.



8. Take advantage of educational resources. From lenders' websites to government agencies, it's easy to find plenty of information online. Check out resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration.

10 Tips To Help You Save Home Energy

Before you spend money on the latest energy-efficient gizmo that's supposed to save you money, let's look at some energy saving ideas that will really help you save home energy. The strategies that we will look at will maximize the effort you put in, and help reduce your home energy consumption.



First sit down and think about all the different ways your family uses energy around the house. Now put an approximate type and cost of energy used. You may have trouble breaking down the cost but try to do it. Now all you have to do is find ways to save on your resources at the same time cut your costs. You may have to think creatively but it can be done.



So here are some tips to get you started:



- Turn the lights off when you're not using them. This is really simple and easy to do. Do you really need your bedroom light on when you're in the living room? Do you leave lights on when you leave the house? Do you even need more than one light on in a room for what you are doing? Believe it or not it makes a big difference.



- Turn all electronics and other appliances off when you're not using them. No one can do everything at the same time. Can you really listen to a radio, watch television, and use your computer all at the same time?



- Set your thermostat down a couple of degrees in winter, or up in summer, to conserve energy. And dress appropriately indoors for the time of year it is. For instance in winter, put on a sweater or some extra clothing, or may snuggle under a blanket to stay warm. In the summer, wear less and stay cooler naturally.



- Only turn an appliance on when you have a full load. This is true especially for the washing machine, dryer and even the dishwasher. It is amazing how much extra energy is used doing multiple small loads in comparison to one full load.



- Do regular maintenance on your appliances. Keeping them clean means they don't have to work as hard. Changing filters reduces the energy needed to accomplish a task. Regular care will also mean any maintenance bills that you might come up against may well be cheaper.



- Be careful how you use your water. Like when brushing your teeth or washing your hands, use only the water you need. Don't let the water run the entire time. Also, try and use less water if you take a bath, or control your shower times.



- Simply let your hair air dry, instead of using a blow drier every day.



- Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees F.



Don't forget the bigger projects as well.



- Seal the cracks around your doors and windows. You are paying for your hot air that escapes through cracks all around your house. You need to make sure you are doing all you can to keep the warm air you're paying for inside your house.



- You also need to check your house's insulation. Though this has been done by many homeowners nevertheless you still need to do it before you pass it over. It is probably the biggest thing in reducing heating costs.



Now some of these things may seem trivial to you but let me assure you that even the small things add up over time. And really most of them you won't even notice the difference to your life except your bills.



These tips and suggestions will make your home more affordable, and take some strain off of our world's resources. Just think if all of us would make a few of these changes, it would make a huge difference.



by: Dave McIntosh

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7258.shtml