The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest “One Cool Thing” from the California Association of Realtors about tackling your next home remodel:

The reason homeowners undergo a home remodel is because they desire better and newer amenities or they feel compelled to repair or replace old components in their homes. The following are some reasons homeowners take on a remodel:

On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 = Never/Almost Never, 5 = Very Often):

• Desire for better/newer amenities: 4.3
• Need to repair and or replace old components: 4.1
• Desire/need for more space: 3.8
• Want to avoid moving or having to buy another home: 3.5
• Desire to be able to age in place: 3.4
• Repairing a damaged property: 2.8
• Desire to be energy efficient and concerned for the environment: 2.4
• Family growing in home: 2.3
• Want to accommodate multi-generational living: 2.2
• Want to resell an ordinary non-distressed property: 1.8
• Need to get a property ready for REO/short/other distressed sale: 1.4

Source: National Association of Home Builders

Looking to buy or sell instead of remodel? Give The Lawhead Team a call!

The Lawhead Team would like to share the latest One Cool Thing from the California Association of Realtors about the value of a remodel.

A recent resurgence of several big ticket projects including attic bedroom and basement remodels with average prices tags of $49,438 and $62,834, respectively, shows that consumers are signaling confidence in the value of remodeling.

What are their home remodel projects of choice?

Attic Bedroom Remodel:

72.9% remodeled their attic bedroom in 2013.

84.3% remodeled their attic bedroom in 2014.

Deck Addition:

77.3% built a deck addition in 2013.

87.4% built a deck addition in 2014.

Home Office Remodel:

43.6% added a home office in 2013.

48.9% added a home office in 2014.

Bathroom Remodel:

65.2% remodeled their bathroom in 2013.

72.5% remodeled their bathroom in 2014.

Basement Remodel:

70.3% remodeled their basement in 2013.

77.6% remodeled their basement in 2014.

Not only is painting an inexpensive home improvement project you can do on your own, but it can completely change the look and feel of your home.

If you are thinking of starting a painting project in your home or office, follow these helpful painting steps to ensure a flawless paint job:

• Prepare – Remove dust, dirt and grease spots from your walls with water, a little mild dish washing detergent and semi rough sponge. Rinse the walls with clean water to ensure the soap residue is removed.
• Painters Tape – Get some painters blue tape to apply to the trim, windows, door frames and any other areas you don’t want paint to get to.  Make sure to remove the tape immediately after painting, before the wall dries so you don’t peel off any paint with it.
• Primer – Don’t skip out on the primer.  It not only provides a good surface for the pint but also brings out the paint’s true color.
• Make the Paint Stick – Take the time to prep.  Your painting surface must be clean and non-glossy.  Paint won’t stick to the wall if you haven’t taken the proper steps in advance to putting color on the walls.
• Skills – It doesn’t take too many skills to paint like a pro when you use the proper tools.  Use an edge pad for clean lines around door frames, ceiling edges and corners so your walls looks perfect.
• Type of Brush – Use a smaller paint brush around the trim and corners of the walls, where your roller won’t reach.  Using an angles crush is best and extend it out two to three inches from the windows, doors and moldings.
• Technique – For best efficient results, start in a corner of the wall and roll on a 3×2 foot W or M patter, filling it in with horizontal and vertical strokes, without lifting the roller.  Continue in small sections like this focusing on just one wall at a time.
• How Much – Pros recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet.  However, if you are covering textured, rough or un-primed surfaces, it may require more.
• Pick your Day – Moisture in the air keeps water based paint from drying so it is important to pick a dry day to paint.
• High Traffic Areas – Use a semi-gloss for areas that experience high traffic.  It is shiny and durable and you won’t have to be making touch ups all the time on it.
• Scrape it Off – If you notice your old paint flaking off, it’s a good idea to get a paint scraper to take it off.  Once your old paint is gone, sand the surface smooth, prime the walls and your new paint is ready to go on.
• Don’t Look Back – Once an area starts to dry, it is best to leave it alone.  If you go back over it when it is drying, it can leave marks and streaks on the paints surface.
• Drop Cloth – No one likes to see paint dots on their floor.  Get a drop cloth and use it!  It is an easy way to save you from causing even more clean up and headache.
• No Shine – If you are painting over a surface that already has a glossy surface, use light sandpaper to take off the gloss so your paint can stick like it should.
• Get a Roller – If you are painting a large room, definitely go with a roller.  It will apply the paint more evenly than a brush and save you tons of time.
• Plates Off – Make sure to take off all the wall plates to ensure a professional look and avoid getting paint on anything that shouldn’t be painted.
• Patience, patience, patience – Don’t rush your painting project.  Make sure to let each coat dry before going back over it again.  This will ensure an entirely professional looking outcome.
• Trim – Once the walls are completely dry, tape where the wall meets the trim and paint moldings, doors and window frames with a two-inch angled brush.