Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Home Community Calendar About Us Current Issue Reader Survey Subscribe Advertise Contact Us Login		Spring is here, and new life is budding out and blooming everywhere. So why not add some new life to your home? Whether you just freshen things up or embark on a full-blown remodel, keep this list in mind. A fresh layer of paint works wonders. Add some pizzazz with color or keep it neutral. Whichever, walls minus smudges and dings will be all the more welcoming—to you and your guests. 1. Paint Update Spring is here, and new life is budding out and blooming everywhere. So why not add some new life to your home? Whether you just freshen things up or embark on a full-blown remodel, keep this list in mind. A fresh layer of paint works wonders. Add some pizzazz with color or keep it neutral. Whichever, walls minus smudges and dings will be all the more welcoming—to you and your guests. 2. BATHROOM BEAUTIFICATION Lifestyle home improvements almost always impact a home’s value for the better. Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are often the most important rooms to update. Start simply with things like new cabinet pulls, a new toilet seat or a pedestal sink. 3. A COOKIN’ KITCHEN The kitchen is the heart of the home, so any money spent in this room will be well worth it, whether you’re getting ready to sell or plan to live in your home for years. 4. OUTDOOR OPTIONS Our area enjoys a pretty comfy climate for most of the year, so our backyards are favorite places to live and lounge. Add a deck or perk up your patio. 5. ENTERTAINING EXTRAS Movie night, anyone? Outfitting your den with the latest and greatest media room gear promises an investment in family fun. 6. STORAGE STEP UP If you have cramped storage areas, adding do-it-yourself wire and laminate closet systems to bedrooms, pantries and entry closets can help cut down on clutter. 7. FLOOR FACELIFT Dirty carpet is such a downer. New or newly cleaned carpeting can quickly update any home. A professional carpet cleaning is an inexpensive investment. But if you’re about to put your home on the market, you may want to hold off on replacing carpet unless it is truly hideous. Many buyers would prefer to choose their own new carpet or install other types of flooring. 8. CREATING CURB APPEAL Do you have a flimsy little knob on your front door? If so, spring for an elegant, substantial-looking handle-and-lock set. And consider the condition of your front door. You—and your house—only make a first impression once. 9. LAUDABLE LANDSCAPING A few well-placed shrubs and a neat, clean walkway make any place look better. Landscaping can be as inexpensive or costly as you want, but the basics include pulled weeds, trimmed hedges and well-kept flowerbeds with fresh mulched or pine-straw. Don’t have any flowers? Get some! 10. THE DELICATE DETAILS Don’t forget the little things like sleek, sophisticated outlet covers. How about adding some trim in the dining room? Take a discerning look around your house, and you’re sure to find some small changes that can make a big difference.