10 Secrets to Getting Your House to Sell

All-Star Home Renovations wants to help you get your house ready to sell!  From minor home improvement projects to total kitchen remodels, your Lake of the Ozarks renovation company has you covered.  Check out this great list of tips from HGTV.com on how to get your house in tip top shape to put on the market!

1. Find a Great Broker

Hiring the wrong broker can be an issue. Make sure you have someone that is completely informed and knows what they are doing. Ask for references and credentials to make sure they will do a quality job.  They must constantly be monitoring the multiple listing service (MLS) to know which properties are going on the market and know the competitors in your neighborhood.  A tech savvy broker has many tools to get your house sold!

2. The Price is Right

First you will want to find out what your home is worth.  Then take about 15 to 20 percent off of that and you'll have multiple bids thrown your way from buyers.  They'll bid up that price possibly even over the price that its worth.  Most sellers don't want to risk it, but its one of the best strategies to sell a home in today's market.

3. Make a Good First Impression

Curb appeal is a key aspect in selling your home.  The exterior of your house gives the buyer a first impression and they will judge the property before even taking a look inside.  Spruce up the exterior of your home to make sure prospective buyers will give the inside a chance.  Add some shrubs and flowers in addition to keeping the grass trimmed.  You also want to think about the entry way, maybe add a new coat of paint to the trim and updated the doorknob.  Make sure your shoes and coats that typically sit just inside your door are put away and replaced with some flowers or cookies.

4. Plenty of Storage

Buyers can never get enough storage space.  Take about half of the stuff out of your closet to make it look larger, like there is plenty of room.  Then make sure everything is organized because buyers are sure to snoop around.  They want to see every inch of the place to decide if its right for them.

5. Lighten Up

Aside from location, good lighting is the one thing every buyer says they want in a home.  Try to maximize the light in your home by taking down the drapes, cleaning the windows, changing lampshades and even changing the wattage of your light bulbs.  If you have bushes or anything blocking the windows be sure to trim them down or remove it. Making the house bright and cheery will help it sell.

6. Sell the Kitchen 

Your kitchen is the most important part of your home when it comes to selling!  The benefits of remodeling your kitchen at the Lake of the Ozarks are endless and you will likely get 85% of your money back.  Would you rather throw in a few thousand dollars to replace your countertops or have the buyer knock off several more thousand because your kitchen is outdated?  At the least, give your kitchen a fresh coat of paint and add new cabinet hardware.

7. Don't Over Upgrade

When selling your house, quick fixes always pay off, while huge renovations rarely do. Consider updates that will pay off and get you top dollar for your home.  For example, slapping a new coat of paint on the walls, cleaning the curtains or buying some new ones, replacing door handles and cabinet hardware, making sure closet doors are on track, fixing leaky faucets and running toilets and cleaning the grout would all be great small home improvement projects to get your home ready to sell.

8. Put Away the Pets

Your cuddly dog or cat may seem like a little angel to you, but not to a buyer.  Not everyone is a dog or cat lover.  Buyers don't want to walk in to see your pet's food bowl, smell a litter box or get hair all over their clothes.  These things will give the buyer the impression that your house is not clean.  So if you are planning an open house, its best to send the animals to a pet hotel or a friends house for the day.

9. De-Personalize the Space

They buyer wants to be able to picture themselves living in the space which is hard to do if you have all your personal belongings laying around.  Start packing up some of your stuff and put it in storage before you start showing your home. Take all the family pictures down and any other personal keepsakes. Not only will this de-personalize your home, but it will also make it seem larger with less stuff in it.  Consider hiring a home stager to showcase the floor plan and maximize the full potential of your home.

10. Always Be Ready 

You never know when a prospective buyer could walk through your front door.  They could be strolling the neighborhood, see the sign and walk right up to your doorstep.  You have to be ready when they show up so you don't miss out on a great prospective buyer.  Make sure your house is constantly in tip top shape, meaning no dirty dishes in the sink or dirty laundry lying around.  It may seem like you are constantly cleaning, but it'll be worth it when your house sells.

Following these tips and tricks will not only help you sell your home faster, but will help you get top dollar for your property.  If you need help with any updates or home improvement projects at the Lake of the Ozarks, give All-Star Home Renovations a call.  Request a free estimate on your next project today.  From full kitchen remodels to custom trim at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are standing by ready to help you get your house on the market and sell it for what its worth!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

6 Ways to Beautify Your Deck

Your deck at the Lake of the Ozarks has many purposes.  For you, maybe its to enjoy a meal on the grill or maybe a place to sit and relax to enjoy the outdoors.  Either way, you want your deck to feel like a part of your home, an extension of your home.  All-Star Home Renovations can put the deck in for you, but then it's your job to make that new space your own.  Here are a few tips we've gathered to help you beautify your deck!  

1. Go Green

Plants are a great way to add a little something extra to your deck area.  Hanging baskets full of natural, vibrant colored flowers can brighten up your simple wooden deck.  Flower boxes are easy to hang over your railings and you can buy special brackets that make attaching them a breeze.  You can also use different sized and colored pots to bring some depth and design to the space.  You could even start an herb garden.  Not only will the aroma accentuate your space, but you can save money with home grown herbs that always taste better than the store bought ones.

2. Lighten Up

Create a whole new ambiance on your deck with lighting.  You can use artificial lighting such as flood lights or natural lights such as tiki torches to set the mood.  Hang strings of lights or lanterns for a romantic feel or use candles on the table for an evening meal.  Now your space is usable not only during the day, but also at night!  You can also use lamps with shades or screens to keep the nighttime illumination at a minimum, mimicking the light typically provided by a full moon.  

3. Create Comfort with Style 

From low chat seats to bar-height seating, you can find deck furniture to suit any style of deck. Consider the use of your deck and find furniture that will best fit that need. Find comfort on your deck by piling on the pillows.  You can find durable, outdoor accent pillows that will stand up to the sun and rain in your local home stores. Remember that color is your friend and cheery, bright prints will liven up your deck area and draw people in.  Accessorize with outdoor rugs.  They can bring a cozy feel and help tie the color scheme together.  They also put texture under your feet to keep things from being tracked inside.  


 

4. Block the Sun

Your deck can be a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but what about when that blazing sun is shining down on your space?  Consider some giant umbrellas for shade and style.  Or if you have wooden panels that go across the top of your deck, you can easily throw some colorful outdoor fabric up there to help block the rays.

5. Add a Fountain

Do you love the sweet sound of water trickling down rocks?  Consider adding an outdoor garden fountain to your deck.  Not only will the fountain provide the beauty you are going for, but it will bring a calming presence to your deck.  You can relax and listen to the water as it cascades down the fountain.  Your deck will become your oasis!

6. Keep out Critters

Now that you have this beautiful new deck, you want to keep it that way.  There are many different things you can do to keep the critters away.  Buy citronella candles to keep the bugs away or consider a bug zapper.  You may also want to consider fencing in the under side of your deck to keep rodents and other small critters from taking up residence under there.

From outdoor art to some simple colored fabric, there is so much you can do with your outdoor space to make it inviting for not only your guests, but also yourself.  If you don't already have a custom deck at the Lake of the Ozarks, consider having All-Star Home Renovations to install one for you. Give them a call today at 573-286-2569 to get a free estimate.  And if your house is on the water, consider having them customize your dock too!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

Countertop Choices for Your Kitchen Remodel!

Thinking about doing a kitchen remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks?  Picking out your countertops can be a daunting task.  With so many different choices on surface materials, where do you even begin? We have put together a list of countertop materials available with some pros and cons from Houzz.com to help make your decision a little easier.

Granite 

Pros: Granite is one of the top choices in countertop materials.  It is unique in that the colors and patterns are found in nature, rather than being designed by man.  You can choose from many colors and either a polished or matte finish.  It stands up well to splashes, knife nicks, hear and other wear and tear.    

Cons: Granite, like most other stone, has to be sealed regularly to avoid staining.  Also, it is very heavy so you will need cabinet boxes that can hold all that weight.

Marble

Pro: Marble provides sheer elegance and nothing is more glamorous for your countertops at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Since it remains perennially cool, it stands up to heat well. Therefore, it's a traditional choice for pastry and baking stations.  For example, your dough won't get too soft!

Cons: Marble is extremely susceptible to stains, even with sealing.  For that reason, it is often limited to one or two areas rather than used throughout the entire kitchen.  It can also scratch and chip easily.

Quartz 

Pros: Quartz is a good compromise between the beauty of natural stone and the easy care of solid surfacing.  Maintenance of quartz is minimal and its available in a far greater range of colors than natural stone.

Cons: Quartz doesn't have the natural variegation of granite, so it may be evident that it is engineered. It is relatively pricey, although its durability can make it a worthwhile investment.

Laminate

Pros: Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials out there.  It's low in maintenance and easy to clean, while it's light weight doesn't need the support of a thick (more expensive) cabinet base.

Cons: Laminate is prone to scratching, burns and even staining sometimes.  Layers can also peel with wear and moisture exposure.  You can't use it with under-mount sinks due to the raw particle board core and it's difficult to repair if it gets damaged.

Soapstone

Pros: Soapstone offers a subtle nuanced beauty, yet feels humbler than natural stone.  It has a softness and depth that fits well with older and cottage-style homes.  Although it starts out light to medium gray, it darkens with time (which could also be a con).

Cons: To keep soapstone in tip-top shape, it needs polishing with oil regularly.  It cracks easily over time and can't handle knife scratches and nicks as well as other materials can.  The natural roughness of its surface can even scuff glassware and china.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Pros: Not only is it good for floors and back splashes, but you can also use tile for countertops!  Tile provides nearly limitless options for color and designs, while being inexpensive.  It holds it's own against heat and sharp blades and resists stains.  It's fairly easy to replace one or two tiles if they chip, rather than having to replace the entire countertop.    

Cons: Tile creates an uneven surface making it difficult to balance a cutting board or roll out some dough.  Unsealed grout is prone to staining and standing moisture can damage it and contribute to bacteria growth.

Concrete

Pros: Concrete isn't just for floors, its versatility is perfect for a countertop material.  It can be cast into any shape and custom tinted to your desired shade.  You can easily add inlays such as glass fragments, rocks or shells.  Although it isn't as heat resistant as other materials, it stands up well to heavy use.  A slightly edgier material, concrete provides industrial chic.

Cons: Because it is porous, concrete has to be sealed frequently to avoid staining.  With time and settling, small crack will develop.  Also, concrete is extremely heavy and will need very strong support underneath.  The custom creation increases the price just like with stainless steel.

Solid Surfaces

Pros: More commonly known as Corian, which is actually a brand name, solid surfacing is nonporous therefore it's virtually maintenance free.  You don't have to reseal it all the time and no special cleaning is required.  Scratches and burns are easy to sand out.  Since it's not natural, you can choose from many vibrant colors such as red or turquoise.  Seamless installation means there are no cracks to trap dirt and debris.

Cons: Solid surfacing can have an artificial look and feel, but can still approach the price of natural stone.  Also, it doesn't stand up to hot pans or sharp knives as well as some of the other materials available.

Stainless Steel

Pros: Stainless steel is nearly indestructable, while resisting heat and bacteria.  It also provides a very distinctive look that feels appropriate in contemporary and industrial style kitchens.

Cons: Fingerprints must be wiped of frequently and stainless steel can dent easily.  It can also be loud as pots, pans and other dishware clang against the surface.  Chemicals can affect its color and cause unwanted etching.  It is also extremely expensive due to the custom fabrication.  

Butcher Block

Pros:  Butcher block has a classic appeal and always looks fresh.  It is especially fitting for traditional, country and cottage-style kitchens.  They provide a warm, natural apperance and varigated wood tones.  Although knives scratch it, many people like the worn look that develops. However, you can easily sand the scratches down.

Cons: Since wood swells and contracts with moisture exposure, it harbors bacteria and needs frequent disinfecting.  You must oil it to fill in scratches and protect the surface.

Once you have decided on the type of countertops you want, call All-Star Home Renovations to come install them for you.  We specialize in kitchen remodels from small home improvement projects to complete home renovations at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Whatever your kitchen needs, we've got you covered.  Give us a call today at 573-286-2569 for a free estimate on your kitchen remodel!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

Awesome BBQ and Paty Area Ideas for Waterfront Homes!!!

With summer rapidly approaching, we thought we would have a little fun this week by featuring some unique home improvements.  All-Star Home Renovations can build you a unique custom dock bar or other outdoor party area.  Check out these cool ideas for additions to waterfront homes, perfect for that summer BBQ party!

Ensure Your Drinks are Cold with a Custom Dock Bar like this! 

Photo from - http://blog.estately.com/2013/02/1-reason-to-buy-a-home-in-texas-party-barns/

A Party Dock like this is Fun for the Whole Family!  Check out that Slide! 

Photos from - http://www.vrbo.com/228396

How Cool is this Cylindrical Dock featuring a Waterfall Off the Second Floor? 

Photo from - http://inhabitat.com/bercy-chen-studios-cylindrical-boat-house-in-austin-has-its-own-waterfall/

What would you include in your custom dock bar at the Lake of the Ozarks?  If we can help you build that dream outdoor area for your house or dock, give us a call at 573-286-2569!  We will provide you with a free estimate for your home improvements at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

3 Solid Reasons Adding a Deck to Your Home is a Good Investment

The sun is shining and you want to be outside enjoying that beautiful weather, but the ground is still wet from the morning dew. What you need is a brand new deck!  Decks provide a nice dry place for you to enjoy the outdoors with out stepping out into the itchy, damp grass.  Decks are a great asset to your home, especially here at the Lake of the Ozarks.  If you are on the water, you want to be able to enjoy the beautiful view and feel the breeze as you watch the boats cruise by.  Below are some three solid reasons why adding a deck to your home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a good investment.

Functionality of Space 

Decks have thousands of different uses and before you decide to start building, you should think about what you want to use your deck for.  Here are some of the more common reasons people want to build a deck onto their home:

• To Enjoy Morning Coffee Outdoors
• To Provide a Play Area for the Children
• For Sunbathing 
• For Weekend Brunches or Lunches
• To Grill Burgers or Steaks for Dinner
• To Read the Newspaper or a Book Outdoors
• For a Home Office with a View
• To Celebrate Family Reunions, Graduation Parties or Birthdays
• To Host a Block Party 
• To Relax in a Hot Tub
• To Create a Private Retreat
• To Enjoy the View of the Water
• To Add Value to Your Home

Aesthetically Pleasing

Once you have decided the function of your deck, you can start thinking about the design you want. Not only do you want your deck to be a functional, outdoor living space, but you want it to compliment your house and provide beauty to your home. Some questions you will want to answer may include: How large does the deck need to be to serve its purpose and look good attached to the house?  Do you need seating for several people? Do you need room for a hot tub or a grill?  What kind of decorations do you want?  Is there a certain theme you are going for?  Using the answers to these questions and more to create a plan will help the builder get a vision for what you want the space to be like. After you have thought up your dream deck, you will need to consider a budget. This is the time to call All-Star Home Renovations for your free estimate.  With years of experience with deck additions at Lake of the Ozarks, All-Star Home Renovations can give you a professional opinion on what you might want to cut back on to stay within your budget.

High Return on Investment

One of the most worthwhile investments to your home is the addition of a deck.  According to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition project returns an average of about 87% of the original investment.  This is one of the highest values in the entire survey.  One of the main reasons that a deck is such a good investment is because it increases the living area of your home at a minimal cost.  The national average construction cost on an average size home is $85 per square foot, whereas construction costs for a wood deck are less than $35 per square foot according to the National Association of Home Builders. Although your return on investment will vary depending on region, building a deck is a pretty solid investment. For more detailed information for return on investment in your area, visit: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/decks/deck-addition-value/.
 
No matter what your vision, All-Star Home Renovations is standing by, ready to create the deck of your dreams just in time to enjoy the summer season!  Temperatures are rising and its time to make the most of it by spending time outdoors on your beautiful new deck!  For examples and pictures of deck additions and home improvement projects at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our online gallery at: http://yourlakeremodeler.com/gallery.html.
  

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

5 Tips for Resealing Your Deck this Spring

Spring is here, the weather is getting warmer and you want to be outside enjoying the sunshine! What better place to do that than on your deck? It provides a dry, comfortable place to entertain guests and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, the winter weather has probably taken its toll on your deck at the Lake of the Ozarks. Follow these tips from SFGate.com for resealing your deck and it will be in tip-top shape for grilling season!

1. Sweep and Clear the Crevices

Before resealing your deck, you want to make sure to remove any dirt and debris that would get in the way.  Leaves, twigs, flower petals, pollen and more have probably taken over your deck throughout the past couple of months, so be sure to remove all of that.  Pay particular attention to the spaces between the boards because debris can slip down in there and get stuck. Leaves that are stuck there can rot which eventually lead to rotting boards.  One easy way to reach those crevices is with a putty knife.

2. Scrub and Strip the Wood

You must remove any leftover sealant from the last time your deck was coated.  The wood also needs to be thoroughly cleaned before applying a new coat.  Mechanical processes for removing old sealant and dirt such as sanding or the use of steel wool will gouge the wood and leave metal deposits that cause rust streaks.  Use chemical strippers and cleaners to remove the residue instead.  You can use a pressure sprayer to help remove tough dirt or leaf stains, but be sure to keep the water moving and simultaneously use a cleaner to prevent damage to the wood.  

3. Apply Sealant Early

When you see cracks or lightening on the surface of your deck, damage has already been done. Resealing will prevent future damage, but if possible you want to reseal your deck before you see these signs of wear and tear.  One way to test your deck to see if it needs resealed is to splash water on it.  If the water beads up, your deck is still properly sealed, but if it soaks into the wood, its time to re-apply the sealant.

4. Mind the Weather Conditions

Make sure that your deck is thoroughly dry before proceeding to apply a sealant.  You also want to make sure that is isn't too cold for the sealant to dry properly once its applied.  Any months where the temperature remains above 50 degrees work well for resealing your deck.  Cold weather slows down the drying process allowing dirt and debris to stick into the sealant.  Rain or snow will also ruin the sealing process and will require you to start over.  

5. Choose the Right Product

Most deck sealing products are oil-based because wood absorbs oil easily, but these oils encourage mold and mildew growth.  These sealants also don't protect the wood from UV (ultraviolet) damage that turns most woods gray after a few years. Although clear epoxy deck sealers are more expensive and require more prep beforehand, the benefits outweigh these issues for homeowners who want to maintain their natural deck color.

Due to the harsh weather exposure, decks should be cleaned and sealed every year.  You should also check regularly for signs of rot and to ensure structural integrity.  With proper maintenance, your wood deck will last you for years.  If you don't have a deck, then what are you waiting for?  Call All-Star Home Renovations today to have one custom built just for you!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+

13 Ways to Add Curb Appeal to Your Home this Spring!

The first impression people get of your home is the curb appeal.  Make it great so passersby, especially prospective home buyers, will be dying to know what's inside!  All-Star Home Renovations is here to help with your home improvements at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Check out these home improvement projects from Better Homes and Gardens that will transform your curb appeal from drab to fab!

1. Decorative Door and Door Step

The front door is the focal point of your homes curb appeal. Consider replacing your doors at the Lake of the Ozarks if they're really old or maybe just splash a new coat of paint on there to make them stand out.  Clean off any dirty spots near the knob and polish up the fixtures. Possibly add a wreath to the door as a reflection of your personality and how the inside of the home looks.  Create a permanent welcome mat by tiling or painting a design that contrasts with the porch floor or front stoop.  Impress your visitors with your creativity and don't worry about replacing that ratty old door mat anymore.

2. Updating Hardware

Hardware elements can add style and interest to your home's exterior.  Consider adding or replacing house numbers, the entry door lock set, a wall-mounted mailbox, and/or an overhead light fixture.  If these elements are out of date, dingy or mismatched, you may not be conveying the aesthetic you want.

3. Upgrade Railings

If not treated properly, porch and stoop railings can deteriorate quickly.  If your railings are past their prime, look for quality wood or metal components to replace the existing material.  Make sure the color, scale, design, details, and material are compatible with the home's main features.

4. Extravagant Entry

You can draw attention to your front door, even with a small budget.  Molding acts like an architectural eyeliner that you can apply around your doorway to make the door pop.  Make your home feel warm and inviting with well-designed walkways.  For a dramatic improvement to a straight concrete path, replace it with a contoured one made of stone or brick. For a simpler upgrade, resurface the old walkway with color, then edge with stone or brick borders.

5. Luminous Lighting and Symmetry 

While providing safety and security, low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home's curb appeal.  Fixtures can illuminate a walking path or add accent lighting to the trees and house.  Solar fixtures are a great alternative if you aren't able to use lights that require wiring. Symmetry is simple to arrange and pleasing to the eye.  Symmetrical compositions of light fixtures and front-door accents create welcoming entryways.

6. Garden Glamour

If you are looking for quick and affordable, container gardens add a welcoming feel and colorful appeal to any home exterior.  For most landscapes, a staggered, asymmetrical arrangement works best to create a dynamic setting.  If you are feeling a little more adventurous, consider creating a new planting bed.  Add contrast and color to your home with flowers and plants at the front corners of the yard, along driveways or walkways, and immediately in front of the house. When creating a new bed, choose features that will frame your home rather than obscure it.  If you already have one, renew it by pruning growth, pulling weeds, planting flowers, and adding new mulch to restore color that was taken away by sunlight and harsh weather.  Clean and reset any stone or brick pieces that are soiled or dislodged from the border of your garden.

7. Window Boxes 

A fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home's exterior is by installing window boxes. For a traditional look, use boxes made from copper or iron or use painted wood for a cottage-like feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.

8. Art Ambiance

Add weather resistant artwork to your yard for a little spunk.  Some good choices for outdoor art include birdbaths, metal cutouts, sculptures, and wind chimes.  Use your home's natural palette and exterior elements to choose complimenting pieces.  Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler.

9. Mailbox Makeover 

Your mailbox is another reflection of your personality and should compliment the home.  When choosing a hanging drop box, pick a box that matches your home's trimmings. Dress up mail boxes by surrounding it with flowers or painting the wooden post to match your home's exterior.

10. Arbors or Fence Panels

Enhance your garden and the value of your home with arbors, garden gates and/or short sections of decorative fence panels.  You can find these in easy-to-build kits or prefab sections you simply connect together. For best results, paint or stain these additions with colors already on your house.

11.  Dress-Up the Driveway

If your driveway is cracked or stained or has vegetation sprouting from it, you can upgrade it without doing a complete redo.  Start by killing any weeds and then repair the cracks and stains. Once its all fixed, dress it up by staining the concrete or affixing flagstones.  You can even widen the drive with stone, brick or pavers for more room to move your car around or park.

12. Paint, Siding, Shutters and Trim

An exterior face lift automatically transforms the look of a home.  Keep your house looking its best with periodic maintenance of the exterior surfaces.  Any obvious defects, such as cracked or rotting material, can downgrade the aesthetic and quickly turn away potential home buyers. For your new siding at the Lake of the Ozarks, call All-Star Home Renovations to install it.  After the defects are repaired, use color, trim or shingles to add personality to the exterior of your home.  Add a welcoming layer of beauty through shutters and trim.  In addition to design advantages, shutters control light and ventilation, as well as provide additional security.   Exterior shutters can be made of wood, aluminum, vinyl, composite, or fiberglass.    

13. Gutters and Downspouts

Older gutter systems that are suffering from peeling paint, rust spots and more, convey a sense of neglect.  You can replace old systems with newer, snap-fit vinyl gutter systems that go together easily and don't require painting.  While pricier, copper systems  convey an unmistakable look of quality.

Whether you are looking for a weekend project or full blown home remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks, there are so many different things you can do to increase your curb appeal.  All-Star Home Renovations is here to help make your dream home a reality.  Give us a call today for a free estimate and you're on your way to a brand new look for your home!

For the full article from Better Homes and Gardens visit: http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/ways-to-add-curb-appeal/

Follow our blog for advice on remodels at the Lake of the Ozarks, minor home repairs and improvements, tips to improve the value of your home, and so much more.

All-Star Home Renovations serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks area. We can handle everything from your most complex home improvement and remodeling projects to the simplest.

All-Star Renovations has 25 years experience and is fully insured!

• Kitchen Remodels
• Bathroom Remodels
• Deck Additions
• Siding, Roofing, Windows & Doors
• Tile & Flooring Installation
• Screened Room Additions
• Custom Trim Finish Work
• ... and so much more!

Request a free estimate on your next project!

Serving the Entire Lake of the Ozarks Area

Adam : 573-286-2569
adam@all-star-renovations.com

Jay: 573-480-4757
jay@all-star-renovations.com

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

Follow us on Google+