7 Remodeling Projects to Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Add Value to Your Home by Remodeling

Are you thinking about selling your house in 2014?  Does it maybe need a little work before its ready to present to the market?  We have put together a list of remodeling projects that will add value to your home and help you make a better return on your investment when you sell it next year!

Kitchen Remodel.

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house and what better way to make an impression than with a brand new, updated kitchen!  Choosing laminate over granite can save you money, but still allow for an updated look.  Avoid custom cabinets or consider just resurfacing the ones you have.  Replacing the sink and faucets is also another simple way to add value to your kitchen.  Consider adding an island, if you don't already have one for extra counter space.  Durable floors are also a must for a new kitchen. For a remodeling estimate in Lake of the Ozarks, call All-Star!

Bathroom Remodel.

One project that is typically long overdue would be a bathroom remodel.  Whether its something minor like needing more room to move around or a little more major like mold behind the shower walls, a new bathroom will make your home stand out.  Simple maintenance repair is a great place to start, fix a leaking faucet or toilet.  Be careful not to get too trendy, because your bathroom can become outdated quickly and prospective buyers don't want that.  Many people don't have time for baths anymore, so the big whirlpool tubs that take up a bunch of room, are being replaced with large walk-in showers.  Also, you may want to consider adding a bathroom on; older homes have a lot of charm, but often don't have adequate bathroom space for the amount of bedrooms.  

Replacing the Siding. 

When choosing what type of siding to use, keep in mind the neighborhood you are in.  If your neighbors all have vinyl, then vinyl might be the best choice.  Both non-foam and foam backed vinyl get about the same return, but the foam back costs a lot more.  Fiber-cement siding is a stylish choice for a more upscale community.  

Adding a Wood Deck. 

A deck is a great way to create a smooth transition from the home to the outdoors.  A small deck with a little bench and planter is great or if you have a larger house, a large deck for grilling and entertaining may be ideal.

Attic or Basement Remodel. 

People need more and more room these days, whether its for company coming to visit or rooms for hobbies. Turning the attic into an extra bedroom or remodeling the basement can add more space and more value to your home.  Converting unused space into an additional living area is less expensive than an addition and doesn't take up any of your yard space.

Updating Electrical and Plumbing. 

Electrical and Plumbing are two of the most important things about your house.  If there is an issue with either, the buyer will most likely ask you to fix them or lower your price.  To eliminate this problem, fix these items before you put it on the market; your house will be more attractive to buyers if they don't have to worry about those types of issues.  Buyers are more interested in having a home that functions properly, than having a brand new bathroom or kitchen.

Outside Maintenance. 

Last, but definitely not least, make your home inviting from the outside.  The exterior of your home is the first impression that people get when looking to buy.  If the outside is a mess, they may not even care to take a look inside.  New siding would be a great start, but also consider replacing the front door and maybe the windows.  These will both look good inside and out.  Switching from a wood door to a steel door requires less maintenance.  One thing to keep in mind, is that you actually lose more heat from cracks in the door frame than through the actual door, so you can choose a door based on aesthetics rather than energy-efficiency.   Replacing street facing garage doors also boosts curb appeal for very little money.

There are many projects from small to large that you can do to improve the value of your home.  Talk with your neighbors and real estate agents to see what people are looking for specifically in your area. And if you are remodeling at the Lake of the Ozarks, call All-Star to get these projects done!

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

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Cure Your Winter Blues with these 5 Home Improvement Projects

Fun, Easy Projects to Keep You Entertained

Is the thought of being stuck inside all winter driving you crazy?  As the days get shorter and the temperature gets colder, many people start to experience what many like to call the "winter blues." The Sioux City Journal has some great home improvement projects to keep you entertained this cold, winter season!

1. Create Walls that Wow.

With a splash of paint, some modern trim work and crown molding, you can create a whole new look to your room without doing a complete renovation.  Winter is the perfect time to add a fresh coat of paint to your walls because the dryness of the winter months allow the paint to dry faster.  Try a new, bold color or even use painter's tape to create designs.  Wallpaper is making a comeback and would be a great alternative to painting.  Another popular trend is replacing typical baseboards with ones that are at least five inches wide.  You can really bring some life back into a room with custom trim and crown molding projects.

2. Add a Splash of Personality to Your Kitchen.

Adding a backsplash is the perfect way to spice up  your kitchen Home Depot even offers do-it-yourself workshops to prepare you for this easy, winter weekend project.  Installation of tile is relatively simple, but can be tedious which is where the peel and stick tiles come in handy.  Not only do these tiles save you time, but they eliminate a lot of the mess.  Two important things to keep in mind are to take the time to prepare and lay out a template so you don't get irregular lines or extra gaps, and to clean off any extra grout, because once its dry, its almost impossible to get off.  And if you aren't up for the challenge, you can call All-Star Home Renovations to help with your home improvement projects at the Lake of the Ozarks.  

3. Lighten Up Your Rooms.

Another easy, affordable way to add style to your room is with new lights, lamps or ceiling fans. New lights are perfect to accent kitchen and bathroom renovations, while ceiling fans are great to help save on your energy bill because they can push the heat back down.  LED-style lights and dimmer switches also provide money-saving options, while allowing the homeowners to customize the ambiance of the room.  Another emerging trend is Steampunk, which is a cross between vintage and industrial designs.  But a crystal chandelier is still a timeless choice if you are looking for that softer feel.  When installing and dealing with electrical issues, its best to hire a professional such as All-Star Home Renovations so that you know the job is done right.  You definitely don't want your ceiling fans loose or wobbly.

4. Turn Dull Doors into Classy Decor.

Sometimes the things you use the most are the home improvement projects that can go unnoticed. After a closer look, you may notice scratches, cracks, old hinges and outdated styles that are now hard to miss.  Replacing your interior doors with unique or more modern ones is an inexpensive alternative to a complete remodel.  Some options that many people don't think about include double doors, a more functional and attractive alternative to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, and French-style doors which can add natural light and architectural detail to a space.  Another big thing right now is updating the hinges and doorknobs with more modern colors such as brushed nickel or aged bronze. Although you can replace doors yourselves, sometimes the task becomes bigger than expected.  Most jobs involve cutting, trimming and shaping the door to size, and sometimes even replacing the molding.  In this case, sometimes its better to hire a professional such as All-Star Home Renovations.          

5. Take Your Bathroom from Drab to Fab.

For a more ambitious project, turn your boring bathroom into a spa retreat.  If you just want to replace a faucet, re-grout the tile or repaint, you can probably easily do it yourself.  But for those larger projects such as replacing the tub or adding tile floor, call All-Star Home Renovations for your bathroom remodel at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Although it is a bigger investment, a complete remodel might be worth considering.  Many older homes were not built using mold-resistant drywall, so that's one of the best places to start.  You also want to make sure the plumbing is done right, because once the walls are closed up, a leak can go unnoticed for a longtime and cause serious damage.  If you are going to make the investment of upgrading your bathroom, its better to do it right the first time.    

When deciding where to start on your home improvement projects, keep in mind those that will increase your property value, save you money on your electric bill and bring a smile to your face. And remember if you need some help with your home improvements at Lake of the Ozarks, All-Star has you covered.  From kitchens to bathrooms, we can handle any home remodeling project you throw our way!  

For the full Sioux City Journal article, click here: http://siouxcityjournal.com/places/offers/home-improvement-projects-guaranteed-to-cure-the-winter-blues/article_20ecd280-6802-11e3-845a-001a4bcf887a.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+

Keep the Heat in and the Cold out while saving some money!

Keep Warm and Save on Your Energy Bill This Winter Season

The weather is changing and temperatures are dropping!  That snow and ice has already hit some places pretty hard this year and we have more to come.  Yes, you can stay warm by layering your clothes, covering up in blankets or turning your heat way up, but that doesn't help with your electric bill.  Here are some tips to help you not only keep your home nice and toasty, but save you some money as well.

1. Check Your Heating System.

Be sure to check your air filter as well as all of the ducts in your house.  A clean air filter will reduce the amount of energy used to make your heater work and will reduce the amount of dust in your home.  When taking the filter out, it would be a good idea to use a handheld vacuum to clean up some of the excess dust that didn't stick to the filter.  Vacuum out the ducts as well and seal any loose connections with metal-backed tape.

2.  Don't let your pipes freeze.

When the temperature outside drops below freezing, you have the risk of your pipes freezing and possibly bursting.  To help prevent this, be sure to cover any exposed pipes with foam rubber sleeves that you can find at your local home improvement stores.  Pay special attention to any pipes that are in an insulated basement or a crawl space under your house.    

3.  Seal Any Leaks or drafts. 

Check for any places where cold air could be seeping in.  Seal all of your windows inside and out with caulking.  You can purchase temporary silicon caulk that will break loose easily when you are ready to open your windows in the spring.  You can also place draft guards on your doors to keep that cold air out.  Or maybe its time to replace those windows and doors, call your Lake of the Ozarks home repair guys at All-Star!

4.  Turn On Your Fans.

You may think fans are supposed to cool your home, and that is the purpose during the summer. However, they can also be used during the winter months to keep the warm air down.  You know that hot air rises and by reversing your fans, the blades will push the air down keeping the warmth at your level and in circulation.  A trick to knowing if your fan is set for winter, the blades will be moving clockwise.

5.  Close Off Unused Space.

Do you have any rooms in your house that don't get used very often?  Maybe a spare bedroom or a home office.  If so, close off those areas, shut the vents in those rooms and close the doors.  This will keep your warm air where you are and your heater won't have to work as hard to keep the entire house heated.

6. Take Advantage of Cooking. 

With the cold weather comes the holiday season, which typically means a lot of cooking and baking. Your oven can be used as a heat source; while you are cooking, lower your thermostat. This will help save on your electric bill and you can still stay warm!

So if you are one of those people that piles 5 blankets on at night because you don't want to pay a high electric bill, don't fret anymore.  You can keep warm without spending a fortune by following these simple tips.  While preparing you home for the winter, if you find any issues that you can't fix yourself, give All-Star Home Renovations a call!  We do siding, roofing, windows, doors and more!


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 Simple Ways to Spruce Up Your Exterior for the Holidays

Have the Best Decorations on the Block Without Breaking the Bank

Driving down the street this time of year, you see house after house glowing with Christmas lights.  Or here at the Lake of the Ozarks you could say Dock after Dock.  You think to yourself, “How can I make my house stand out this holiday season?”  Everyone thinks to hang Christmas lights, but there are many other ways to show your holiday spirit.  Check out these 5 simple ways to spruce up the exterior of your home this holiday season.

1. Hang a Christmas Wreath. 

You can easily purchase a Christmas wreath at your local store or small town thrift shop.  Or even better, make your own!  Pinecones and candy canes work great to make a wreath; then decorate it with simple Christmas items such as garland, mini ornaments, snowflakes and ribbon.  Many of these items, if not already lying around your house, can be found for $1 or less.  Now hang it on your door for the world to see!

2. Light Up Your Walkway.

Not only can lights along your walkway or driveway help decorate your home, they can also get you to your front door safely.  With the snow and ice, it only takes one wrong step and you could slip.  Having your walkway lit up can prevent you or your holiday guests from taking a fall.  If you don’t want to have an open flame, an alternative would be to purchase battery-operated luminaries to set along the walkway.  You can buy pillar size candles and wrap them in garland.  Or you can fill various glass containers with tea light sized candles and small Christmas items such as mini ornaments. 

3. Wrap a Garland Around Your Door.

Garland is another simple way to make your entryway more inviting this holiday season.  Grab a garland from your local store and decorate it with pinecones, ornaments and more.  Choose colors that match your door, red ornaments for a red door or blue for a blue door.  The garland can be easily hung with self-adhesive hooks. If you have pillars or railings on your porch or deck, you can wrap the garland around them as well. 

4. Fill Planters with Christmas Decor.

Planters have more uses than just holding your plants.  You can fill them with practically anything to accentuate the entrance to your home.  During the holiday season, think about placing some large plastic candy canes in a planter.  You could even create a “burning bush” by coiling up Christmas lights on top of soil in a planter and inserting branches to create a glowing sensation.  If you already have a planter with a plant in it, consider decorating the plant with lightweight items such as ornaments.  Make sure that the planter is positioned to where the wind won’t blow your decorations away!

5. Liven Up Your Window Sills.

Placing small shrubs in your window planters are a great Christmas alternative to the typical spring flowers found in window sills.  You can add lights and wire Christmas decor for a more festive look.  Or decorate the inside and let it shine out, place candles along the window sills to light up your windows at night.  Place Christmas decorations above the candles and they will illuminate with the flames of the candles.  Window decorations will not only look good to those passing by, but you can admire your work from inside your home as well.    

Now your house will be ready for all your holiday visitors.  Many of these simple decorating ideas can be made from old Christmas decorations you have lying around the house or can be found inexpensively at dollar stores.  Family and friends will think you spent a fortune trying to be the best decorated house on the block.  Spread the holiday cheer, not only inside your home, but out!

Follow our blog for advice on remodels, 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

Welcome to Our New Blog!

All-Star Home Renovations is now blogging!

We've got some great tips to share and we can't wait. Follow our blog for advice on remodels, 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 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