<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Small Projects … Big Impact</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) -<span> </span>Today’s sagging economy may make you hesitant to tackle large home improvement projects. With home values continuing to decline, credit options contracting and sales in a slump, there’s not a lot of good news for homeowners hoping for a huge return on investment for large-scale remodels. According to the National Association of Realtors, a full-scale renovation doesn’t return what it used to. In 2006, home sellers got only 80 percent of their remodeling costs back, down from 91 percent in 2005.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/2b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/2b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div></span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">But what about smaller, yet significant, upgrades? "Don’t fixate on each improvement’s immediate payback," advises Josh Garskof, Money Magazine contributing writer. "When you get around to selling after the market improves, you’ll probably recoup most (though not all) of the costs." </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">If you’re willing to tackle those smaller home projects now, start with two rooms that typically offer a great return on investment — the kitchen and bath. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Kitchen Face Lift</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">In the kitchen, start with the largest, and typically the most costly project — cabinets. If your existing cabinets are solid wood and in fairly good condition, you may be able to give them a new look with a simple paint job or resurfacing. Not only will you save money on purchasing new cabinets, but you will also help the environment by reusing your current cabinets instead of sending them to a landfill. It’s simple to change out existing cabinet door panels with new decorative fillers, such as glass, stainless steel or tin. Or, sand and repaint your current cabinets to create a completely new and updated look. </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Granite countertops make a stunning upgrade, but if a complete countertop overhaul is not in your budget, you can still select a feature area in your kitchen. Focusing on an area, such as a kitchen island, to install granite tile can achieve an upscale look at a much more affordable price.</p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Decorative details, such as faucets and fixtures, go a long way in improving the style of your kitchen. Consider upgrading to a new kitchen faucet that improves both aesthetics and functionality. The new Level kitchen faucet from Moen features sleek and contemporary lines that coordinate beautifully with today’s modern interiors. Plus, Level’s pull down wand simplifies everyday tasks, such as filling large pots, pitchers and vases in and around the sink.<span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>Bathroom Refresh</strong> </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">In the bath, you have plenty of room for improvement — from painting to plumbing. But where do you start? An elegant and affordable showpiece will make a huge impact in this small space. For an inexpensive and eco-friendly project, try repurposing an old dresser or buffet into a bathroom vanity. Top that vanity off with a stunning centerpiece, like Moen’s Rothbury bathroom faucet, featuring cottage styling and a variety of decorative finishes. Plus, Rothbury bathroom faucets feature a flow-optimized, water-saving aerator, which uses 30 percent less water, without sacrificing performance. To carry the look of your new vanity throughout the bath, install matching tub and shower fixtures, as well as coordinating accessories, like towel bars, robe hooks, a pivoting paper holder and a tank lever, all available within Moen’s Rothbury collection.<span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Similar to old fixtures, almost nothing dates a bathroom more than tired, cracked linoleum or an outdated floor pattern. A new floor can lend fresh vitality to the bathroom, particularly using today’s cost-effective resilient sheet flooring — it offers an attractive option for a high-end appearance with the latest styles and patterns in a wide array of colors, designs and textures. One such example, Tarkett’s FiberFloor resilient flooring, stands up to what consumers desire most in their new bath — warmth and comfort; water- and moisture-resistance; scratch-, stain- and indentation-resistance; and of course, easy cleaning. </p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Once you have completed updates to your kitchen and bath, consider opportunities in the rest of your home. Try purchasing ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, which incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. New paint and window treatments help to change the mood of a room. Bookshelves are a great way to fill empty space, adding charm and character. And, as a finishing touch, adding a fresh coat of paint and a new decorative handle to your front door will create a welcoming tone for your entire home.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/3b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/3b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">When it comes to today’s home improvement, you can add the most value to your home (and keep some money
in your pocket) by tackling small, but noticeable projects. Take these on, and you will notice a difference in no time.<span> </span></p> <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">For more information on the Level pulldown kitchen faucet, the Rothbury bathroom suite or other Moen products, visit <a href="http://www.moen.com/">www.moen.com</a> or call (800) BUY-MOEN </p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">(800-289-6636). </p> <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>
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