Sometimes selling a home requires a bit more than staging. Checkout our advice on home improvement, painting, remodeling, appliance upgrades, tools, and products.

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When you hire a contractor for your home renovation, should you really have to worry whether the new refrigerator will fit? Whether the outlets are wired to current standards? And who will be responsible for paying the plumber? Choosing the right contractor and knowing how best to work with him or her can make an expensive and stressful project run better. 
 The first question to ask, says Ryan Teicher, president of HIT Construction Group in Scotch Plains, N.J., is whether the contractor is licensed and insured. And he or she should be someone you trust, says Kim Moldofsky, a <a href="/topics//Chicago,_IL">Chicago</a>-area homeowner who extensively renovated her fixer-upper. 
 "The contractor we chose came with strong word-of-mouth recommendations," says Moldofsky, who documented her home's overhaul at ReluctantRenovator.com. "No major renovations go off without some problems, so having someone you can trust, who is keeping your best interests at heart, goes a long way toward making the process easier." 
 There are other ways to ensure you have the best relationship with your contractor as well. 
 At the start, understand your style and budget, so the contractor can properly price the project. "I need to know if they want a Cadillac, a Yugo or a Mercedes," says Teicher. 
 Once the process starts, it's easy to ask for additional upgrades or improvements that will cost more, says Moldofsky. "It was rare that a contractor presented us with an idea that raised our price -- it was usually us. We were the ones who drove up the cost, not our contractor." 
 Permits are required for any structural, mechanical, electrical or plumbing residential changes, says Devra Goldstein, senior building inspector for New Orleans. 
 That said, not everyone pulls permits. "There are contractors who will say they don't need permits, and they'll offer a better price," says Moldofsky. 
 But the reason there are permits and inspections is to protect the homeowner. Showing that the upgrades were permitted can help when you refinance or sell a home. "You can show the work was done to code," says Goldstein. 
 It may be cheaper to hire an unlicensed or uninsured electrician or plumber, but "it's against the law," Teicher says. "If the guy gets hurt or does something wrong, he doesn't have insurance to back it up. It's a state requirement to be licensed." 
 In addition, improper plumbing is a health hazard. "It can result in the introduction of pathogenic organisms into drinking water and the escape of toxic gases into the environment," says Melaney Arnold, a manager at the <a href="/topics//Illinois">Illinois</a> Department of Public Health, which regulates and licenses the state's plumbers. Arnold adds that homeowners and contractors can be fined for using an unlicensed person. 
 One thing to hammer out is who buys and pays for supplies, whether it's paint and drywall or tile and countertops. "On bigger jobs I try to supply everything," says Teicher. "My philosophy is that this work should be relatively stress-free for the customer. If they're paying me to build something, they shouldn't have to worry about anything. I also don't want to have to run out to the hardware store during the day. I will have all the necessary parts on hand. That makes the job move smoother and quicker." 
 Teicher says that with online shopping, clients sometimes want to buy materials, though it's more challenging for him. One of his clients saw a $300 farm sink on <a href="/topics//eBay_Inc.">eBay</a> that typically sells for $1,500. "I refused to install it because I don't know its quality. I don't know what I'm in for when it arrives. Will it be the right size? The right product? Will I need extra parts?" 
 To a homeowner, it may not seem like changing your mind on a lighting fixture is a problem. But it can be, and it may cost you extra. "If someone wants recessed lights, we have to know that in advance," Teicher says. For bathrooms, a large vanity might have one long fixture with eight bulbs, or two smaller fixtures instead. That means placing different electrical boxes in different places. 
 Teicher prefers that the plumbing, lighting fixtures and appliances are picked out toward the beginning of the job. "I don't like doing things on the fly," he says. "There are too many moving parts. The wiring and plumbing roughs have to be in the right place." 
 Get a contract and make sure you agree with everything in it. Teicher provides his clients with a detailed estimate, including a scope of work, payment schedule and list of who supplies which materials. Permitting fees are excluded. 
 Setting up clear expectations at the start will help your project move forward with ease, as will choosing a contractor with personal and technical skills. Keeping your initial vision and budget in mind keeps things streamlined, making a smooth project for your contractor and, ultimately, you. 
<hr> 
 Mortgage rates jumped May 22, 2013 for the third consecutive week as the <a href="/topics//Federal_Reserve">Federal Reserve</a> hinted that it may slow down its bond-buying program in coming months. 
 The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose 3 basis points to 3.74 percent. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point. 
 The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rose 5 basis points to 2.97 percent. The average rate for 30-year jumbo mortgages, or generally for those of more than $417,000, was 3.99 percent, the same as last week. 
 The 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage rose 2 basis points to 2.7 percent. With a 5/1 ARM, the rate is fixed for five years and adjusted annually thereafter.

reCONTRACTOR28

Home improvement projects depend on strong relationship with contractor

Home contractor -crop

Children eager for get-out-of-school snow days may get giddy over blizzards. But homeowners face the more sobering reality that the storms can cause expensive damage and disruptions. 
 In 2011, the $2 billion in insured losses from winter storms outranked every natural disaster in the U.S. except for severe thunderstorms (a category that includes tornadoes) and hurricanes, according to <a href="/topics//Munich_Re">Munich Re</a>, a German firm that insures insurance companies. 
 Your homeowners insurance generally will cover the punishment that severe storms and blizzards can inflict on a home, including roof collapses, wind damage, and water leakage resulting from pipes bursting or gutters becoming clogged with ice, says the trade group Insurance Information Institute. 
 But roof damage and burst pipes raise specific issues you need to know about, factors that could jeopardize a home insurance claim. 
 Your roof damage or collapse may result in a much different insurance payout than your neighbor's -- even if you have the same insurer. 
 "Each roof-damage case comes with its own set of unique factual circumstances to consider," says Loretta Worters, a vice president with the Insurance Information Institute. 
 Those include: 
 -- Evidence that the roof was indeed harmed by an insured peril. If wind gusts during the blizzard pushed a tree onto your roof, take photos, Worters advises. "Insurers are concerned that people will say they had storm damage when they really didn't," she says. 
 -- Age and condition of the roof. Your claim may be denied or you may get very little back if you didn't maintain your roof or replace it when it was old, Worters says. 
 -- Type of roof material. 
 -- Available maintenance records. 
 Be aware that insurers are on the lookout for fraudulent claims stemming from roofing contractors who go through neighborhoods after a blizzard and tell homeowners they need a new roof, Worters warns. 
 Those contractors sometimes intentionally damage the roof, or there may be no damage at all, she says. 
 "It's just a way to get the insurer to pay for a new roof," Worters says. "This has been a huge problem in <a href="/topics//Texas">Texas</a> and <a href="/topics//North_Carolina">North Carolina</a>." 
 Check with your state insurance department or the Better Business Bureau for complaints against a particular contractor. If you suspect you're being duped, Worters recommends contacting the National Insurance Crime Bureau. 
 Frozen pipes that burst and leak water are one of the most common problems of blizzards and winter storms, says Bob Blume, a State Farm claims team manager in <a href="/topics//Colorado">Colorado</a>. 
 The root cause is a lack of heat. That can be from cold air finding entry into your house through openings from the outside. Or, it can happen when the furnace malfunctions or stops working during a power outage, he says. 
 State Farm's policies require homeowners to take reasonable steps to try to prevent pipe freeze-ups if they will be away from home. 
 Why do insurers care so much about your pipes? Because water can cause even more extensive damage than fire, says Blume. 
 State Farm tells its home insurance policyholders to maintain heat in the house or shut off the water supply if they go away during winter storm season. If you do shut off the water, be sure to drain the lines because the remaining water still can freeze, Blume says. 
 "If they don't take reasonable steps (and damage occurs), it becomes an exclusion," he says. Meaning, your insurance won't cover the damage. 
 "If you left and intentionally turned off the furnace but didn't turn off the water, that (resulting damage) would probably not be covered," Blume says. 
 If you're going away for a while, keep the heat on, but turn it down. Blume says a chilly 50 to 55 degrees in the house is warm enough to keep pipes from freezing. 
 Leave doors open on kitchen and bathroom cabinets where the plumbing enters through the wall. That allows heat to circulate, he advises. 
 For good measure, have a neighbor or relative check your house when you're gone, particularly during blizzards, advises emergency management expert John <a href="/topics//John_Lindsay">Lindsay</a>, a member of the <a href="/topics//American_Red_Cross">American Red Cross</a> Scientific Advisory Council. Lindsay says he has someone visit his home every two days when he's away. 
 State Farm also recommends that you have someone check on your home but doesn't require that for homeowners insurance, Blume says. 
 X...X...X 
 Mortgage rates dropped slightly this week after rising for two consecutive weeks. 
 The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 3 basis points to 3.59 percent. A basis point is one-hundredth of 1 percentage point. 
 The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 2 basis points to 2.87 percent. The average rate for 30-year jumbo mortgages, or generally for those of more than $417,000, was 4.07 percent, the same as last week. 
 The 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage fell 1 basis point to 2.77 percent. With a 5/1 ARM, the rate is fixed for five years and adjusted annually thereafter. 
 Reach Terry Sheridan at editors@bankrate.com

reSTORMS29

Take steps to protect property from winter storms

Storm -- cropped

Worried about the next Sandy? There is one surefire way to avoid the mayhem that comes with East Coast storms. Pack up the van and move to Mesa, Ariz., a suburban community just outside of Phoenix singled out as the place with the country's fewest natural disasters. 
 Maybe that's a bit radical. But those sticking around are going to have to put on their Scout uniforms and prepare for the next tempest, whether a run-of-the-mill nor'easter or a hurricane surge. One of the best ways to do that is to stormproof your home. 
 Obviously, there is no way to completely safeguard a residence against all damage, housing experts say. And even the best preparations can't prevent a weather assault on homes at the shoreline. 
 "You can't stop floodwaters if you're at that elevation," says Artie Cipoletti, president of da Vinci Construction of <a href="/topics//Wantagh,_NY">Wantagh</a> and one of the directors of the <a href="/topics//Long_Island,_NY">Long Island</a> Builders Institute, an industry group. 
 But for most people, an ounce of storm-proofing now may prevent tons of problems later -- things like smashed roofs, flooded basements and having to spend weeks shivering and without power. 
 Here are some ideas on what to do and how to get started: 
 GET READY OUTSIDE 
 There is good news and bad news: The bad news is, exterior building materials vary in degrees of vulnerability. The good news: No matter what it's made of, if your house is well constructed, it will probably stand up to the storm. 
 "It's like the story of the big bad wolf blowing away the little pigs' houses," Cipoletti says. "Brick homes fare the best. But rest assured that whatever the type of exterior construction you have, if it's done properly, it should withstand most types of bad weather." 
 Roofs, though, are another matter. One storm-hardening tip from Cipoletti is to put down an ice and water shield, a protective membrane that is placed between the wood sheathing and the shingles. He also suggested replacing three-tab shingles with architectural shingles, which are more resistant to wind. 
 "I looked at two houses in a neighborhood the other day," he says. "One had a roof with architectural shingles and was in decent shape. The other had the three-tab kind, and I could see the plywood." 
 Also, examine your gutters and leaders to see if they're cleared of debris and of the proper size and position to carry water away from your home and basement. 
 Simple things like lawn furniture can become dangerous projectiles when the breezes blow. To avoid this, Cipoletti advises tying everything together -- lawn furniture, barbecue grills, propane tanks, etc. -- to make them harder to lift. 
 Windows and doors are particularly vulnerable. Among the recommendations from Jeffrey Colle, a Hamptons contractor who builds mostly high-end homes, is to install impact-resistant glass in window and doors, which is available in different types and degrees of resistance. "It's pretty tough stuff," he says. "You can get glass that's virtually bulletproof." 
 State building codes don't require this type of window in new construction, though they may in a couple of years, says Mitch Pally, chief executive of <a href="/topics//Long_Island,_NY">Long Island</a> Builders Institute. 
 If impact-resistant glass is too pricey, Colle suggests measuring your windows and doors, then pre-cutting and storing plywood that can be quickly screwed into place. Colle also advises reinforcing garage doors, which can be blown in during high winds, and checking the flashing around windows and doors to be sure it's waterproof. 
 Cipoletti says he likes storm shutters, more commonly found in places like hurricane-prone Florida, but which can be a fast method to get ready for big winds. 
 Storm doors, which are meant to protect against driving rain, also should be looked at, he says. Stay away from those with a full pane of glass. Instead, pick ones with a half pane or less, a design that provides more protection. 
 "Storm doors are great, but people tend to think of them in terms of their aesthetic value rather than practical value," he says. 
 GET READY INSIDE 
 Nearly everyone in Sandy's path on Long Island lost electrical power. That's why Cipoletti recommends buying a generator and getting it pre-wired, ready to switch on during the next blackout. Have an electrician create a "quick connect" from the circuit breaker panel to the generator to power necessary areas in the house -- a bathroom, a family gathering spot and the kitchen. That way, your family will have lights, a living area, a refrigerator and a microwave. 
 If you're going to prep your basement, consider elevating boilers and furnaces with concrete blocks to keep them from being flooded, Colle says. He also suggests adding a dry well at the bottom of the basement stairs to keep water away and a sump pump to prevent water levels from rising. The pump would require electricity, but could be connected to the emergency generator. 
 Homeowners may renovate with materials that can resist potential storm damage. Eco Building Products Inc. in Vista, Calif., for example, makes treated wood products that the company claims can help protect against fire, mold/mycotoxins, fungus, rot-decay, wood-ingesting insects and termites. 
 There are also mildew-resistant wallboard materials, but for absolute protection from mold, Cipoletti says, replace your wall studs with steel ones -- an extreme solution, but one that also gives walls greater wind resistance. 
 GET CHOPPING 
 Trees are wonderful things to stretch a hammock between, but they can be dangerous when storms hit. Trees were toppled like tenpins in Sandy's gales, crushing roofs, cars and people. 
 "This kind of storm opens people's eyes as to what Mother Nature's wrath can do," says James Presutti, president of the <a href="/topics//New_York_(state)">New York</a> State Nursery Landscape Association and owner of Hudson Valley Horticulture Services Inc. in upstate Newburgh. 
 The best way to avoid this is to have a certified arborist take a walk around your property to assess your trees, he says. He or she can tell you which ones should be pruned, strengthened with a cable or possibly removed. Don't get agitated just because a tree looks dangerous. 
 "People say, 'Wow, that tree is two times as tall as my house. It has to be removed.' That's not necessarily true," Presutti says. 
 Some types -- like silver maples -- have weak branch unions that make them more susceptible to wind damage. But stress is what actually puts a tree in danger, the arborist says. This happens where the root system is inhibited from spreading out by barriers such as a sidewalk or driveway. 
 Presutti tells his clients to have their trees pruned every three years to remove deadwood, vines, etc., to help them survive a storm's onslaught. You can do some of the work yourself if the trees are small enough, he says. 
 GET A KIT 
 It may not exactly prevent damage, but gathering an emergency kit before the next storm can help during the recovery period. 
 The one proposed by <a href="/topics//Federal_Emergency_Management_Agency">Federal Emergency Management Agency</a> authorities -- detailed at ready.gov -- recommends packing enough water, nonperishable food and supplies for three to six days. Throw in a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights and extra batteries, maps, dust masks, towelettes, tools such as a wrench or pliers, a whistle (to call for help), a <a href="/topics//Cellular_Phones">cellphone</a> with a charger and a first aid kit, along with sheeting and duct tape for a makeshift shelter. 
 If you have time, collect sleeping bags and a change of clothes for family members along with needed medications and glasses. Put in some mess kits and/or paper plates along with books, games and puzzles. 
 In addition, learn how to safely shut off utilities before you leave and plan what to do with your pets. Take along some cash and checks. Store important documents in a secure, waterproof place and put copies at another location. Last, consider making a video of the interior and exterior of your home for insurance purposes. 
 GET SERIOUS 
 Cipoletti had two final words about storm preparation: Pay attention. 
 "When the newscasters put out a warning, people sometimes ignore it because it seems like they're wrong half of the time," Cipoletti says. "But this isn't something you should gamble with. This is about preserving your life and property. Don't ignore it, and make sure you prepare for the worst case scenario."

Things to Do

LSMAIN14.WEB

Storm-proofing your home, before the next time

lsmain14.web  crop12.13.12

LSREPAIRBOX202.WEB

Repairing the damage Sandy did to your home

LSREPAIRBOX202.WEB  crop11.1.12

Even with today's real estate worries, our homes remain the single largest investments most of us make. And, regardless of the market in your area, it's always a good idea make improvements that keep your home updated and refreshed. Some home improvements can take years to return the investment, while others are simple, calling for more elbow grease than money. 
 WHEN TO GO PRO 
 When it comes to making improvements that add instant value, such as curb appeal, it helps to bring in a professional. If a designer or architect is out of your budget, look for one on <a href="/topics//Craigslist.org">Craigslist</a>.com or through a local university who will work on an hourly basis. Landscape designers can help you create a cohesive landscape plan -- something that helps maximize your budget and prevents costly errors. Some nurseries will provide a landscape plan, or one at reduced cost, if you purchase the plants through them. 
 Another great investment is a professional home inspector, who can advise you on problems with your house, helping you prioritize improvements. 
 WORK FROM THE OUTSIDE IN 
 To launch your home makeover, start at the front door; repaint in a color that contrasts with the trim. Give the front of your home a good cleaning and replace any dated house numbers, light fixtures and handle sets. Stain or paint porches or steps to make the house appear more polished. 
 Remove any trees or shrubs that are in line with the front door to boost curb appeal. If your home lacks trees or shade, invest in the largest tree possible and have it professionally installed. Other easy improvements are sod and hardscaping. If the yard is full of weeds, re-sodding is easy and makes a bit impact. Adding simple gravel or mulched walkways in the garden or from porches to the driveway instantly gives a neat look. This is especially true of homes that lack walkways to the front door or that have trails in the backyard from pets and people. 
 UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE 
 If your home has dated elements like popcorn ceilings, bright gold bathroom fittings, and old wallpaper or fixtures, tackle these next. Lighting fixtures can be changed easily and inexpensively, often without the need for a professional electrician. Strip off wallpaper in favor a neutral coat of paint. Replace dated tile with a new wood floor. Many wood floors can be laid right on top of tile. 
 If there's money left in the budget, go for energy savings with updated appliances that are energy efficient, and don't forget to replace your water heater; give some thought to a tankless model that only heats water when you need it. It can account for a giant cost savings over a traditional model that keeps water hot all the time. 
 (For more information, contact Kathryn Weber through her Web site, www.redlotusletter.com.)

re-IMPROVEMENT

These improvements add instant value to your home

re-IMPROVEMENTS

Even with today's real estate worries, our homes remain the single largest investments most of us make. And, regardless of the market in your area, it's always a good idea make improvements that keep your home updated and refreshed. Some home improvements can take years to return the investment, while others are simple, calling for more elbow grease than money. 
 1. Bring in a professional 
 When it comes to making improvements that add instant value, such as curb appeal, it helps to bring in a professional. If a designer or architect is out of your budget, look for one on <a href="/topics//Craigslist.org">Craigslist</a>.com or through a local university who will work on an hourly basis. 
 Landscape designers can help you create a cohesive landscape plan -- something that helps maximize your budget and prevents costly errors. Some nurseries will provide a landscape plan, or one at reduced cost, if you purchase the plants through them. 
 Another great investment is a professional home inspector, who can advise you on problems with your house, helping you prioritize improvements. 
 2. Work from the outside in 
 To launch your home makeover, start at the front door; repaint in a color that contrasts with the trim. Give the front of your home a good cleaning and replace any dated house numbers, light fixtures and handle sets. Stain or paint porches or steps to make the house appear more polished. 
 Remove any trees or shrubs that are in line with the front door to boost curb appeal. If your home lacks trees or shade, invest in the largest tree possible and have it professionally installed. Other easy improvements are sod and hardscaping. If the yard is full of weeds, re-sodding is easy and makes a bit impact. Adding simple gravel or mulched walkways in the garden or from porches to the driveway instantly gives a neat look. This is especially true of homes that lack walkways to the front door or that have trails in the backyard from pets and people. 
 3. Update, update, update 
 If your home has dated elements like popcorn ceilings, bright gold bathroom fittings, and old wallpaper or fixtures, tackle these next. Lighting fixtures can be changed easily and inexpensively, often without the need for a professional electrician. Strip off wallpaper in favor a neutral coat of paint. Replace dated tile with a new wood floor. Many wood floors can be laid right on top of tile. 
 If there's money left in the budget, go for energy savings with updated appliances that are energy efficient, and don't forget to replace your water heater; give some thought to a tankless model that only heats water when you need it. It can account for a giant cost savings over a traditional model that keeps water hot all the time.

re-value

Adding instant value to your home

re-value crop9.20.12

Here are five typical projects included in the survey, along with advice from <a href="/topics/Long_Island">Long Island</a> <a href="/topics/Real_Estate">real estate</a> experts and other professionals. While projects tend to recoup less than 100 percent of the money invested when the home is sold, experts point out that projects like these can mean the difference between a timely sale and a home that lingers on the market. 
NOTE: Project totals and descriptions come from Remodeling magazine, which calculated the costs based on the price of labor and materials in the mid-Atlantic region of the country. 
DECK 
Project: Add a 16-by-20-foot deck supported by 4-by-4 posts on concrete piers. Include a built-in bench and planter, three-step stairway and railing with posts and balusters. 
Cost: $10,676 
Amount recouped on resale: 83 percent 
What the experts say: Surprisingly, although a deck is one of the cheapest home- improvement projects, a number of <a href="/topics/Long_Island">Long Island</a> real estate agents are of the opinion that it's often not worth the effort. "If a deck is old or rotting, you're better off just tearing it down," says Mark Malsky, owner of <a href="/topics/Babylon">Babylon</a>-based RE/MAX Signature Real Estate. "No deck is just as good as a new deck, even if everyone else in the neighborhood has a deck. Most buyers can imagine what a deck would look like and cost." 
SIDING 
Project: Replace 1,250 square feet of existing siding with new fiber-cement siding - a more upscale and durable siding. It should be factory- primed and -painted. Include all 4/4 and 5/4 trim, using either fiber-cement boards or cellular PVC. 
Cost: $13,359 
Amount recouped on resale: 86 percent 
What the experts say: This kind of project falls squarely in the realm of curb appeal - the kind of project every real estate agent tends to favor. Outdated - or, worse, damaged - siding can be a liability from the moment the buyer sets eyes on the home. This is where it's worth spending money and, comparatively, the price of the project is still on the low end. With painting, siding is "the No. 1 place to make an improvement for a sale," says Dottie Herman, president and chief executive of <a href="/topics/PRUDENTIAL">Prudential</a> <a href="/topics/Douglas_Elliman">Douglas Elliman</a> Real Estate. 
WINDOWS 
Project: Replace 10 3-by-5-foot double-hung windows with insulated, vinyl windows. 
Cost: $11,083 
Amount recouped on resale: 77.8 percent 
What the experts say: Windows are like siding - extremely important in first impressions. As a prime curb-appeal project, they return a high rate on dollars spent. "What you notice first is usually the impression that lasts," says Hofstra's <a href="/topics/Robert_Campbell">Robert Campbell</a>, who teaches real estate. "Windows are always important." 
BATHROOM 
Project: Add a new bathroom - in Remodeling magazine's example, it is 6 by 8 feet. Include a marble vanity top with molded sink; standard chrome faucets; fiberglass tub/shower with ceramic tile surrounding. 
Cost: $40,290 
Amount recouped on resale: 55.4 percent 
What the experts say: The return on investment numbers here is not great, but local experts suggest you not base your decision on numbers alone. "It's like trying to convince someone to continue investing in a stock that is declining in value," says <a href="/topics/Robert_Campbell">Robert Campbell</a>, who teaches real estate and finance at <a href="/topics/Hofstra_University">Hofstra University</a>'s <a href="/topics/Frank_G._Zarb">Frank G. Zarb</a> School of Business. "Except you already own the home," he says. And spending the money on a project may mean the difference between a quick sale and a home that lingers on the market for many months. So those who look at just the numbers to calculate a return are probably missing the point, he says. 
KITCHEN 
Project: Update kitchen - in Remodeling magazine's example, it's 200 square feet - with 30 feet of cabinetry, as well as countertops, sink and faucets. Replace cabinet fronts with new wood doors, and change drawers and hardware. Install new energy-efficient appliances. Replace flooring. 
Cost: $21,908 
Amount recouped on resale: 77 percent 
What the experts say: Dottie Herman, president and chief executive of <a href="/topics/PRUDENTIAL">Prudential</a> <a href="/topics/Douglas_Elliman">Douglas Elliman</a> Real Estate, points out that money spent on renovating kitchens and baths can be crucial. "People notice an outdated bath or kitchen very quickly," she says. "But you don't want to do anything out of the ordinary. " A restrained approach is best. "We recently had to sell a home where the seller had just built her dream kitchen. What she didn't realize was that her favorite yellow was not to everyone's liking," Herman says.

ny-hocov5856684sep26

Five things to improve your home's value

1. Don't ignore safety 
This goes for any home-improvement project. Simple precautions like wearing safety goggles, not overloading outlets and turning off breakers will take only a few minutes or a few extra bucks - but these steps can save you from disaster. 
2. Don't forget about the subfloor 
Laminate flooring needs an underlay/vapor barrier for almost any surface it is being installed over. Not only will a subfloor protect flooring from moisture, it also will help with soundproofing. Hardwood floors need an even subfloor; use subfloor compound to ensure a level surface. If laying tile in a bathroom, cement backer board should be used underneath. 
3. Don't skimp on the grout sealer 
You can spend a lot of time and money installing tile, but if you don't properly seal the grout it can absorb water, dirt and other stains. 
4. Don't get the wrong pro 
If you need to hire a pro, make sure the person is qualified for the job. Never let anyone other than a licensed electrician repair or alter the wiring in your home. <a href="/topics/The%7CBX%7CNYSE_Blackstone_Group">The</a> same goes for plumbing - on Long Island, plumbers receive a license through towns and villages. Find out if they are licensed by checking either with your local municipality or the New York State Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Inc. (nysphcc.org). 
5. Don't skip the primer 
The key to a successful paint job is comprehensive preparation. A coat of primer will seal the surface, provide durability and create a solid bond to which the paint can adhere. The only time primer may not be needed is when painting latex over latex, and the colors have a similar intensity. 
6. Don't forget the building permits 
The last thing anyone wants is to spend time and effort building a beautiful deck only to find out it must be ripped up because there was no permit. Check out the rules and regulations for building permits, codes and inspections before you start any remodeling project. 
7. Don't get the wrong style of window 
The wrong windows can have consequences on both the interior and exterior of the home. When choosing windows, make sure the style matches the appearance and architecture of your home's exterior. On the inside, windows will affect the light, ventilation and temperature of the house.

LSIMPWEB08

7 home improvement mistakes to avoid

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Home improvement tips

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Barely four months into the job, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh is stuck between two strong but opposing forces: Financial markets that anticipate the central bank will raise interest rates, and President Donald Trump, who wants the Fed to cut them or leave them unchanged.

Warsh likely to side with financial markets over Trump as Fed rate hike expected

Japan's trade deficit totaled $7 billion last month, as surging oil prices sent the cost of imports soaring.

Japan records a trade deficit for 4th month as oil imports soar

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Ken 'Batman' Buffa heads to 4th World Comics in Smithtown.

LI Works: The Dark Ken sells comic books

NewsdayTV's Andi Berlin visits No Good Burger Joint in Baldwin.

Newsday's Top 50 restaurants: A burger joint joins the list

New York State is mailing out energy rebate checks between $100 and $200 to taxpayers who qualitify. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'A check is always nice. A little more would be nicer.'

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed checks out a beloved local staple where visitors near and far gather to grab tomatoes for their Sunday sauce.

Out East: Lenny Bruno Farms

As New York picked up the pieces and began to rebuild after 9/11, Newsday's photographers were there. NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland has more.

Picture This: When New York and America rose from 9/11

Steel beams from the World Trade Center have become memorials to those who were lost in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and can now be found scattered throughout Long Island. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'It's a beautiful testament'

FDNY firefighter Ronnie Gies, of Merrick, was killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Since then, his three sons have honored his legacy by becoming firefighters themselves. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I still grieve every day'

NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn looks at how Long Island schools are using first-person memories and immersive experiences to teach about 9/11, 25 years later.

How LI schools are teaching 9/11 to those who didn't experience it

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa checks out this viral social media hit that has customers flocking to Chefs Corner in Mineola.

Trendy Bites: Lemon curd pancakes in Mineola 

The proposed Amazon warehouse and distribution center in Holbrook would be one of Amazon's largest facilities in the U.S. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Residents oppose proposed Amazon warehouse

Business Video Playlist

Affordability concerns on Long Island leave some residents wondering if it's worth staying. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday business reporter Brianne Ledda have more.

'Yes, I would leave'

ScieGen Pharmaceuticals wants to build a 60,000-square-foot factory and warehouse in Hauppauge to meet consumer demand. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Very important for us'

Housing advocates and local officials were set to break ground on Thursday on a building with 52 affordable apartments slated to replace blighted commercial buildings on Port Jefferson's Main Street. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Port Jefferson entering new phase of revitalization

Bonsai tree-making classes, trivia nights, mocktails and private events are among the ways local venues are trying to draw customers. Newsday business reporter Tory Parrish has more.

'We have a lot of different things going on'

Some East End businesses already house workers priced out of the area. Now East Hampton is weighing rules that could expand the model — and the debate over tying housing to a job. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'It's something I felt we had to do'

If the deal goes through, Giunta's Meat Farms will also acquire four Wild by Nature natural food stores. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Giunta's Meat Farms acquiring 24 King Kullen stores

Fake listings, bogus fees and stolen data target renters squeezed by Long Island's high housing costs. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's been a nightmare'

The price of childcare can be prohibitive for many Long Island parents. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports along with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa, Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio and daycare owner Janna Rodriguez.

'Probably as much as rent or mortgage'

The overall inflation rate for the Long Island area is now 5.1%, up from 3.4% in May 2025. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'Long Islanders are feeling the pain'

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'If it ain't now, it ain't happening. It's a dream.'

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

'There are steps still to go'

The Riverhead Shake Shack, opening June 30, will be the chain's first on the East End.

Shake Shack set to open at Tanger Outlets

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Long Island real estate news, recent home sale prices and advice for homebuyers, sellers and renters. Plus, Long Island neighborhood profiles.

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