New Year’s Resolutions, how about Home Resolutions?  This time, it’s going to be different. A brand new year, brimming with possibilities, and you’ve resolved to move through your house like a whirling tornado of can-do, fixing, painting, and organizing. This year, nothing will stop you. Welcome to your home improvement New Year’s resolutions put together by Time Magazine and House Logic.

1. Lose weight (cut energy use)
2. Quit smoking (purify indoor air)
3. Get out of debt (budget for improvements)
4. Learn something new (educate yourself on home finances)
5. Get organized (de-clutter)
6. Volunteer (support your community)
7. Drink less (curb home water use)
8. Spend more time with the family (share home improvement projects)
9. Get fit (exercise your DIY skills)
10. Be less stressed (use maintenance-free materials)

Many people justify making home improvements by thinking they will increase the value of their home, but in reality, many of these turn out to be bad home improvements that never recoup the cash they spent.  Some home improvements make sense in certain areas of the country and not in others and some just never make sense.  Especially in the cooler climates we tend to go out and spend money on outdoor items when the weather starts warming up in the spring but you need to really think over your projects before you throw away your money on something that will not add to your homes value. (more…)

According to Remodeling Magazine, major home improvements recoup just 58 cents on the dollar so what can you do to help sell your home and not lose money?  There are a few important minor repairs that are easy and inexpensive. (more…)