Dan Auito asked:




Your Own Homes Improvement Outline

(One for the Ladies)

Let me begin by saying what a home improvement plan will not do! I have seen this happen more than once, so I will say this now. A home improvement project, addition, upgrade, remodel, or makeover will not make up for a troubled marriage. So for those that think home improvement may save a marriage, I’m telling you now that it will add more stress and it is a poor substitute for proper counseling.

With that said, when you see a home being sold due to a divorce, take a good look at the house because you may see evidence of a great remodel job. However, the marriage still failed. The scenario above leads into other areas of home remodel, acquisition and selling points. Gentlemen, pay attention here! It is generally recognized that women are responsible for 80% of all decisions on whether or not to purchase a particular home.

So what influences the ladies in their decisions concerning home purchases and remodeling? By far the two biggest items are the kitchen and the bath. If I had to choose one or the other, I believe I would look at which area was in need of the remodel more, while at the same time looking at the costs of both options.

As for the men, what do they want? They would be happy with a large garage/workshop plus a secluded den or office to carry on with business or to retreat to the solitude of a “cave.” Men, as we can see, really don’t spend as much time feathering the nest so as a result we see that contrary to popular belief, men really tend to follow the female’s lead.

Generally speaking, you’ll find that men don’t pay much attention to draperies, window treatments, flower boxes, state of the art appliances, Jacuzzi tubs, well-lit bathrooms, large closets or floral patterns of any kind. They often prefer brown and gray everything, with a big garage, a shed, a sprinkler system and a privacy fenced back yard for barbeques and lounging in private. Men also like low maintenance houses so they aren’t constantly being asked to fix or repair things. If left up to the men to decide, you would find that faucets, toilets, sinks, baths, floors, mirrors, cabinetry, appliances and furnishings would tend to be favored by their industrial strength qualities as opposed to beauty.

Those are general observations and many times they will not apply. However, by keeping them in mind and using the 80/20 rule, they may help in the decision making process. So now using what we know, it would be wise to slant your remodel towards the light and bright feminine side of life. It seems to make sense that if the women are the decision makers then we should let them decide on what really needs attention first!

Let’s look at the kitchen first. Can you paint or refinish the cabinetry and change the knobs and handles to get the new look? Would new Formica laminate over the old counter tops with a matching backsplash do the trick? Maybe a white ceramic sink with a new faucet will achieve the desired effect. Quite possibly you may decide to rip it all out. If that is the case, then paint the walls and consider tiling the floor also. Often times, adding some minor electrical and lighting upgrades will help transform and modernize the entire effort. Don’t forget the new built in dishwasher and plumbing as well.

Custom cabinets, if designed, built and installed by a local reputable cabinetmaker with references and a picture book of previous work done, are often very attractive in price and quality. I use craftsmen with low overhead who work on one job at a time. Often I will ask them to make, in addition to the kitchen, a base cabinet for the bathroom to match, all for one low price. When working with kitchens I always look to see if a wall can be opened up to create a pass through or bar stool counter top. This lets in more light and allows the person in the kitchen to talk with and see the people in the adjoining room. It also creates the effect of a more spacious kitchen.

The bottom line is that a well-lit, light, bright and spacious kitchen, well equipped with modern appliances, plenty of storage space and decorative tiles, paint and window treatments, will add value and appeal to any home’s remodel plan.

Next, lets look at remodeling the bathroom. Here again, we look to the feminine side as the women seem to spend more time here then the men. So with the ladies in mind concerning the upgrade, I will often bite the bullet and rip it all out, the tub being the only exception! If I can leave the tub in, the job is easier, faster and cheaper. However, if I am looking at an olive green or yellowed chipped up and rusting ceramic eyesore, than a new fiberglass insert with a sliding glass door is going on my list of items to buy at the local Home Depot.

Jet tubs are the in thing, so I won’t rule them out as a possible upgrade. This decision again is based on the female as most men don’t take candlelit bubble baths or require a pulsating massage. Walls are painted with Sherwin Williams semi-gloss paint which creates an excellent moisture barrier to the walls. With regard to walls, by adding tile or laminate half-wall wainscoting to the lower three to four feet of the wall, you’ll add a nice touch. Since you have torn out the old toilet and base cabinet, now is also the perfect time to rip up the old vinyl and put down ceramic floor tile before the new fixtures are installed.
New lighting, mirrored vanity cabinets, G.F.I. electrical outlets, wallpaper borders, towel rings and bars are usually the finishing touch. Even a man can appreciate coming home to a spacious, clean, modern, functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen and bath. One final note here: Be sure to caulk everything when you’re through. You’ll want to protect your new investment from rotting, from the inside out. Dampness and wood eating insects are your homes worst enemies.

Now with the kitchen and bath out of the way, what do you feel is next? I myself spend on average about seven hours a day in the bedroom, so I tend to go there next. Once again, the closet is of importance to the ladies so I will look to paint that bright white, upgrade the lighting and install a closet organizing system to maximize the space that is available. A tip for the guys! Put in a shoe rack for the ladies, as most of you wouldn’t even think about that little upgrade.

Once the closet is done, I’m back patching and painting the rest of the room. Another smart thing you can do is to let the female decide on what color of Sherwin Williams brand satin super paint they would like to have applied. I always make sure I get enough paint to do the ceiling as well because when you’re on your back, you will be looking at it. Once the walls and ceiling are done, the ceiling fan with light kit and dimmer switch go in. Then the baseboards are prepared for installation before the carpet goes down. Usually I paint them a shade darker than the walls and tack them to the wall about one-half inch above the floor.

Now that the paint is put away, it’s time to install the plush carpet and a dense quality pad beneath it. In order to really bring the room together you will need to take a paint swatch or chip to the carpet dealer to choose the carpet color that really sets off the walls and base board trim. As for final touches, those include mini blinds, a curtain, and decorative switch plates and receptacle covers. A solid core door represents today’s modern standards with a keyed lock set for security, so I will add that factor in too. Just add candles and you’re done!

As for the rest of the house, I will choose one-color paint and use it throughout all the remaining areas that are to be lightened and brightened. Earth tone, eggshell or tan sand colors are a neutral favorite of many, so unless you have a floor that is going to clash with it, earth tones are a safe bet. Speaking of floors, I will follow appraisal rules that tell me wood is better than carpet, except in bedrooms. And tile is better than vinyl. With that in mind, I will use tile and Pergo flooring everywhere else. Once the tile and wood are installed, I never have to replace it and maintenance is a breeze. The appraiser also looks upon wood and tile as an upgrade, so at the earliest opportunity, they are getting incorporated in my plans.

There you have it! A general Joe homeowner remodel job, but what about the infamous addition? With this consideration, you’ll have many more options to weigh, so let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of adding square footage.

When does it make sense to add square footage?

#1. Is it physically possible, legally permissible, and financially feasible? Will the new addition serve your intended purpose to the maximum extent?

#2. Does the current floor plan, layout or design of your home allow for a smooth flowing traffic pattern in, out and through the proposed addition?

#3. Will your lot size accommodate a larger dwelling and will the neighborhood surrounding your home support the higher value that you expend?

#4. How long do you intend to stay in the house that this upgrade is planned for? Five years from now, will the addition return, dollar for dollar, the money you have spent to the sales price of the home if you sold it?

#5. Are you prepared to deal with draftsmen and plans development, contractors, building officials and permits? Will you mind living on a construction site for about 6 months? Are your finances in place with an additional 10% set aside for cost overruns? Has everyone agreed upon what this addition should look like and the purpose it will serve?

Let us say you have considered the above and would like to continue towards the improvement. From here, we should consider the economic principle of what is called progression. Example: You have a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, located in a neighborhood of more expensive 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes. In this case you could, with more certainty, add another bedroom and bath and expect to be able to realize or achieve the value from the addition’s expense as the more expensive homes around you will tend to pull the value of your home up along with theirs.

Now the reverse is also true, so you must consider the opposite case that is called the principle of regression. That says that if you over-improve beyond the value of the homes that are surrounding you, then those lower value homes will tend to keep the value of your home in the lower price ranges. So putting it another way, try not to pass the point of diminishing returns. In essence, saying that you can only improve so much before you reach a point where, for every dollar you spend, you will receive less of that same dollar back when you sell.

A good rule of thumb to use is to try to get at least two dollars of increased value for every dollar you spend. Once you begin to approach “break-even,” then you should consider maintaining what you have as opposed to adding to it. A simple way to say it: Don’t over-improve!

Another watchword to know is super-adequacy. That would be like putting gold faucets in a mobile home. It’s overkill and too high-end for the properties overall value, so the final decision on remodeling and additions comes down to balance and a happy medium being reached. Also, take into consideration the cost, aggravation, the net gain, the need for improvement, the improved quality of life, the suitability to all occupants taste, needs and desires and in the end the ability to receive a higher sales price.

I choose to remodel more often than add-on because it goes much faster and the profits role in quicker too. If I need more space to live in, I simply remodel the house I’m in and rent it out for top dollar, and then get an equity line to buy a bigger house! When remodeling my own home I will attempt to do everything myself, aside from building cabinets or rewiring electrical circuits. As with everything else, if I get in over my head, I will concede defeat and call in an expert to finish what I started while I learn where I went wrong by watching them finish it up.

Here are a few parting shots that you may or may not know:

Painting everything inside and out is the greatest value producing improvement that you can make on a dollar for dollar return basis. When painting, ensure you buy the absolute best paint available, as it is true that the expense of painting lays in the application of the paint not the paint itself. So if you have to apply two coats because of an inferior watered down paint then the cost just doubled in time and the added paint needed to get the job done.

This next tip alone will save you the cost of this entire book and here it is. Without naming any names, whether it be the manufacturer or the distributor of the product, there is a problem out there with what used to be considered top brand, quality paints. It has been said that some manufacturers have thinned out their paint and left their good name on, all in the name of allowing certain retailers the ability to sell hundreds of thousands of gallons a month at what appears to be a bargain price. Unfortunately, the consumer is fooled by the name and ends up coming back for more paint when they find that it takes more of the thinned out product to get complete coverage.

I, for one, as you can well see by now, am a real fan of Sherwin Williams brand, super paint. This blend is so superior in my mind to any other paint available to the little guy, that I refuse to use anything else. I have applied it to exterior walls located in the worst conditions and climates and ten years later its still as good as the day I put it on. The elasticity, color and protection are still in place with absolutely no chalking, cracking or deterioration of any kind, The same goes for interior paint as well. The coverage and wash ability are unmatched!

I also would like to say Sherwin Williams has not paid me to say one word of this. It is for your sole benefit that I harp on it to the degree that I do, as it burns me to no end to see trusting people get ripped off and not even know it!

But wait! It gets even worse. As if to add insult to injury, the retailers don’t really even shoot for the highest profit margin on the paint. They make their profit when you start buying all the tape, rollers, trays, brushes, handles, scrapers, sand paper, buckets, screens and new fangled gadgetry along with a host of other products that may be required to finish all phases of the job at hand.

Has anyone ever told you that? If you doubt it, take a viscosity cup and run the super paint through it and then do the same with the other paint. After this test, you will need no further proof of which paint is going to save you time and money in the long run.

Well, enough said. I hope you get the point on paint. Now another thing you can do to improve your home substantially is landscape it. Landscaping, if done right, can add up to 30% to the value of your home. I prefer to plant shrubbery and low maintenance hardy plants and trees of all types. A few flowers to add color and my job is done.

Back to the addition. If you decide to add a room or two, it has also been proven that you can save about 30% here too by being your own contractor. I would encourage you to get a book titled, “How to Be Your Own Contractor,” as it will often take an entire book to give you a proper grounding on the subject. Just know this! It is entirely within your realm of ability to tackle the over site and scheduling that you would pay that 30% to the general contractor to do. If you feel up to the task, get a book and be vigilant. In the end, you will have that new addition at a significantly lower price.

chillwill asked:


Does anyone know of a simple easy to follow book or something with simple lanscaping designs that I can use to fix my front / back yards? Everytime I go to the nursery at Lowes / HomeDepot, I get overwhelmed and walk out with nothing. I need some simple ideas. Suggestions?

Karen Dennison asked:




Every business in America, no matter how big or small, must adhere to governmental rules and regulations on the state, local and federal level. However, the weight of being in compliance with federal, state and local regulations is heavier on small businesses than on the larger corporations, giving the larger companies an unfair financial edge.

Regulations have been put in place over the years to protect not only the worker, but the environment, and community. There are many different types of regulations that companies need to comply with in order to do business that include such things as paying taxes, retirement plans, labor laws, workplace safety issues, environmental impact issues, waste disposal and international commerce.

While larger companies have the funding to handle such compliance, a smaller company with less than 20 employees could quickly fold with the burden of having to keep up with these regulations, especially for companies that are just starting out. However, to compete with other businesses and become successful, it is important that all small businesses stay in compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

But at what cost? A small business can structure itself in many ways. A sole proprietorship does not have all the same regulations as a Limited Liability Company that has employees. However, not every company can be a sole proprietorship. In fact, most aren’t. Small businesses, which are considered companies that have less than 500 employees, make up 99% of all employer firms in the United States. However, companies with less than 20 employees pay over 25% of all compliance costs. That’s a heavy burden for the smaller companies to carry. Let’s look at the numbers.

To be compliant in the area of environmental, workplace safety, tax and economic regulations, the average cost per employee for a small business with less than 20 employees is $7,645. For a larger company that has 500 or more employees, the cost drops to $5,282, with companies between 20-499 coming somewhere in between that number. This is a staggering difference in cost in that statistically the revenues generated by larger companies and the tax benefits afforded them by the government are higher than those for smaller businesses. This leaves the small business owner needing to produce more revenue to keep up with its larger competitors while still fulfilling its obligations regarding federal, state and local regulations.

Another disadvantage is that it is more costly for smaller business to handle all the required paperwork to stay in compliance. Laws are changing all the time. Papers need to be filed and approved. Inspections need to be done. Because of this, it is easy for important details to fall the by the wayside during the normal course of business.

While a large company will have a dedicated person, team or department to deal with all the compliance regulations, a small business owner usually will either assume the role of contact for all federal, state and local agencies they need to work with or have a dedicated person within the company wearing two hats. One for their regular job and one for incremental activities to keep up with compliance issues. While some of the foundational tasks would be present for normal operation, the cost of hiring a dedicated employee to handle the incremental tasks (tasks that are put in place just to keep up with compliance) is not always possible without considerably eating into profits.

Many businesses don’t always know where to go to keep up with the changing laws regarding compliance. However, icancomply.com is a website dedicated to giving up to date information about current laws, regulations and forms needed to help comply with these regulations make compliance a little easier than it was years ago. Still, the process is both costly and time consuming for the small business owner.

The Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA) was put in place to recognize the unfair advantage of larger corporations over small businesses and to help small businesses with reaching their goal of compliance. As a result, small businesses name a dedicated person within the company to act as liaison with the SBPRA.

Although systems have been put in place to help the small business owner with federal, state and local regulation compliance, the cost burden on small businesses has not changed and continues to be a hurdle that many small businesses must leap over to be successful. The very idea of not complying as a cost savings strategy might be tempting for some businesses, however, this is unwise and can have detrimental financial consequences.

Still, because of the high cost of compliance with federal, state and local regulations, many large companies are willing to take a “slap on the wrist” and pay a steep fine, sometimes as high as $200,000 for not being compliant with regulations because financially it is more profitable for the company. Without someone policing their every move on a regular basis, it may be easy to stay under the radar. Unfortunately, that same risk to small businesses could be financially devastating.

As long as programs are in place to help small business keep up with federal, state and local regulations and they continue to have a voice with OSHA, the EPA and other federal agencies by way of the SBREFA, small businesses will be able to thrive and remain a vital part of our economy.

For free small business regulations checklist, visit http://www.icancomply.com

Tiffany asked:


What kind of small business owner are you?
What do you specialize in?
What do you have to do on a typical day?
How is your job related to the law?
What are the educational requirements to become a small business owner?
Why did you become a small business owner?
How long have you been one?
What do you enjoy about being a small business owner?
What’s challenging about it?
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to run their own small business?

Mallory Kramer asked:




The work of carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other hands-on professionals is often tiring and tedious – squeezing into tight spots, hauling heavy tools and cumbersome cords. Right now somewhere, a mechanic is struggling to reach through a dense jungle of car parts, a carpenter cranes uncomfortably into a tight corner, plumbers and electricians are squeezing through mazes of pipe and wire, and all of them are searching for a better way. But just as it seems the clouds are about to burst, instead they begin to clear away revealing the right angle drill.

Before an electrician can pull wire, or a plumber run pipe, he needs to drill a constellation of holes. “Isn’t there better way,” he might ask with a hand on his brow. The answer is yes. To every skilled tradesman, the answer is a resounding yes, there is a better way. A right angle drill will simplify your work day and may even put a spring in your step.

Right angle drills are designed with the chuck set at a right (or 90 degree) angle to the body of the tool. This “breath of fresh air” design enables craftsmen to access tighter, more enclosed spaces and to reach them more easily than ever before. The right angle drill solves the dilemma of close quarter applications and makes reaching the final frontier within the grasp of any tradesman. Most right angle drills also have a variable speed option that delivers maximum torque to drill even the largest holes and grind through the toughest stock. With the power and versatility, the optimal functionality of a right angle drill, professionals throughout the skilled-trade industry will throw their hard hats to the sky in triumph knowing that it has made their lives just that much easier. A right angle drill is the master of close quarter applications, challenging all tight spaces with its teeth bared.

Now, those same carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and other hands-on professionals can breath easier, can more comfortably drill, drive, tighten, and so-forth because they possess the power, torque and promise of the right angle drill. Please read on for more information on Makita and DEWALT angle drills.

The solutions to your tight-spot conundrums follows in a brief summary of two excellent tools.

The Makita 18v Lithium Ion Cordless 3/8in Angle Drill: Makita products are known throughout the tool industry as some of the finest on the market. M&M Tool is particularly excited about Makita’s 18v cordless angle drill. This tool is built with exceptional precision and new, innovative features that maximize its value and productivity.

This power tool delivers a powerful 121 in/lbs of torque and 0-1,800 RPM with a variable speed option to offer a wide range of drilling and driving capabilities. The BDA350 angle drill is designed with a comfortable ergonomic shape for easy operator control and decreased user fatigue. It has a large, easy to handle paddle switch with a soft grip for extra comfort and convenience on the job. The drill has a 3/8″ keyed metal chuck which offers improved gripping power and a low profile that allows for close quarter, tight space applications. This angle drill is the perfect tool to manage small spaces and tight corners.

Makita has also designed this power tool with a built-in LED light. This light illuminates work areas for optimal precision. The tool is powered with Makita’s superior lithium ion battery system. This lithium ion technology offers extended battery life and longer run-time; essentially allowing operators to spend less time waiting for a charge, and more time on the job. This angle drill utilizes that LXT lithium ion battery system with Makita’s 30 Minute Rapid Optimum Charger. This charger is designed to communicate with a chip built into the battery forming a circuit between battery and charger. This communication optimizes overall battery life through controlling its current and voltage; and with a built-in battery cooling system, the charger monitors the battery’s temperature and thus, maximizes total performance.

The unique and comfortable features of this angle drill make it an ideal tool for plumbers, carpenters, electricians and hobbyists alike. Its cordless design offers extra convenience, mobility and simplicity on the job. The Makita BDA350 18v cordless angle drill is backed with Makita’s nearly 90 years of experience, their good reputation, and high quality materials. The tool also comes with a three year factory warranty and a one year factory warranty on battery and charger.

The DEWALT 18v Cordless Right Angle Drill Driver Kit: DEWALT’s power tools are well known for their remarkable design and durablity, thus, M&M Tool’s excitement over their 18v angle drill comes as no surprise. This tool is built with supreme durability and is backed by DEWALT’s commanding reputation.

The DW960K-2 has a sleek two-speed design ranging from 0-500,0-1,500 RPM. This variable speed feature increases user flexibility providing a wide range of applications and allowing operators more speed control. This drill also has a reversing capability for greater ease and cleanliness. The tool a has a powerful 320 watts out delivering maximum power for heavy-duty applications. The tough job of turning large bits and fasteners is made simple with its impressive force. This angle drill also has a multi-grip trigger for increased comfort and convenience on the job. This multi-grip feature allows users to get into tighter spaces while still having access to the trigger.

DEWALT products are quality conscious and have engineered this tool with a durable, right angle transmission with a sealed ball bearing to increase to overall life of the tool. The drill has a 3/8in plastic, two-sleeve chuck that allows for easier close quarter applications. Small spaces and tight corners are this tool’s strong suit, and as it weighs only 4.7lbs, its compact structure and cordless design make the tool convenient and comfortable in the work space. The tools unique design make it the perfect tool for hobbyists as well as professional electricians, plumbers, and craftsmen.

The DEWALT DW960K-2 comes with a dependable one hour charger, two powerful 18v batteries, a screw-driving bit, and heavy-duty kit box for added security and convenience. The tool also comes with DEWALT’s one year free service contract and three year limited warranty.