The notion that "home improvement increases value" is really true. In fact, home improvement is the smartest way to increase value. The profile of the house is the first thing that the buyers will notice.
2. Repaint regularly. In fact, many of the home value experts noted that repainting the exterior of the home will show formal returns in most markets.
3. Keep the original design of the home in mind. Stick with either similar materials for remodeling or complementing ones. It is just as important that you know how to make your home attractive and inviting for the buyer to fully submit his attention and interest. It's also important that you must try to think for some color scheme and decors for your home. Make additions as necessary. Certain research has noted that if there are some important things to be put up, such as putting additional deck or spacious basement for the children to play, then go for it. It will make your home look good and inviting.
o Write down every price quote, budget amount, phone number
o Take hundreds of pictures. Digital cameras make it cheap and easy. Shoot every angle of a building you like. You'll find more detail in the photos than you saw in person.
o Keep a scrapbook of magazine articles, newspaper articles, business cards, etc. Begin compiling a list of every detail you like from your various resources. The more information that you can provide to your architect or builder about paint colors, door hardware, plumbing fixtures, counter-tops, built-ins, stair details, appliances, etc. before you begin construction, the more likely you will hit your housing budget.
o Check out other examples of houses you like (friends, family, etc.) and learn about aspects of each.
2. Get organized. You need documents that contain information you've gathered which serves to direct your planning efforts. Accurate documents focus attention on facts. Basic information eliminates "Pie-in-the-Sky" dream scenarios which waste time, effort and people's patience. Start with a Requirements List. Make a Wish List separately so that you can add it to your design later, as you find you can afford. Spend approximately 30 days to 6 months on this part.
3. Find a scheme. You'll want to consider several different designs to find the scheme that best fits your needs. Schemes are freehand sketches drawn to capture the essence of a plan under consideration. They can be as simple as paper napkin sketches or professionally illustrated drawings. All are valid tools and each serves the purpose to convey a concept. This should take you about 3-6 months.
1. Do the kitchen and bathroom first. Remodeling of these rooms really offer the highest percentage return on home owners’ investments. In addition, bathroom and family room renovations offer a fairly high return to the home owner. 
2. Repaint regularly. In fact, many of the home value experts noted that repainting the exterior of the home will show formal returns in most markets.
3. Keep the original design of the home in mind. Stick with either similar materials for remodeling or complementing ones. It is just as important that you know how to make your home attractive and inviting for the buyer to fully submit his attention and interest. It's also important that you must try to think for some color scheme and decors for your home. Make additions as necessary. Certain research has noted that if there are some important things to be put up, such as putting additional deck or spacious basement for the children to play, then go for it. It will make your home look good and inviting.
How to Design Your Own Home
If you've already decided to design as much of your home as you can without the help of an architect, this planning scenario takes you through the beginning steps required to gather the information, resources and examples necessary to enable you to design your own home. You will begin to see some of the required knowledge that goes into the planning of the home of your dreams. Whether it's building a new home or remodeling an existing one, both processes are exactly the same. Remodeling folks have additional burdens of starting with a box that limits them, but hopefully this will help!
If you've already decided to design as much of your home as you can without the help of an architect, this planning scenario takes you through the beginning steps required to gather the information, resources and examples necessary to enable you to design your own home. You will begin to see some of the required knowledge that goes into the planning of the home of your dreams. Whether it's building a new home or remodeling an existing one, both processes are exactly the same. Remodeling folks have additional burdens of starting with a box that limits them, but hopefully this will help!
Steps
1. Get inspired. Planning your new home is the most critical moment of the process, and the most fun. Capitalize on the magical inspiration every project needs to make a house, a home - yours! Capture the lightning-in-a-bottle that motivates you in the first place to design your own home. Write it all down, keep a scrap book, bookmark pictures in books, take pictures, whatever your preferred method.
1. Get inspired. Planning your new home is the most critical moment of the process, and the most fun. Capitalize on the magical inspiration every project needs to make a house, a home - yours! Capture the lightning-in-a-bottle that motivates you in the first place to design your own home. Write it all down, keep a scrap book, bookmark pictures in books, take pictures, whatever your preferred method.
o Write down every price quote, budget amount, phone number
o Take hundreds of pictures. Digital cameras make it cheap and easy. Shoot every angle of a building you like. You'll find more detail in the photos than you saw in person.
o Keep a scrapbook of magazine articles, newspaper articles, business cards, etc. Begin compiling a list of every detail you like from your various resources. The more information that you can provide to your architect or builder about paint colors, door hardware, plumbing fixtures, counter-tops, built-ins, stair details, appliances, etc. before you begin construction, the more likely you will hit your housing budget.
o Check out other examples of houses you like (friends, family, etc.) and learn about aspects of each.
2. Get organized. You need documents that contain information you've gathered which serves to direct your planning efforts. Accurate documents focus attention on facts. Basic information eliminates "Pie-in-the-Sky" dream scenarios which waste time, effort and people's patience. Start with a Requirements List. Make a Wish List separately so that you can add it to your design later, as you find you can afford. Spend approximately 30 days to 6 months on this part.
3. Find a scheme. You'll want to consider several different designs to find the scheme that best fits your needs. Schemes are freehand sketches drawn to capture the essence of a plan under consideration. They can be as simple as paper napkin sketches or professionally illustrated drawings. All are valid tools and each serves the purpose to convey a concept. This should take you about 3-6 months.
