It’s called home improvement for a reason – because your home is objectively better after the work is done. However, it’s important to consider all the effects of a home improvement, including the impact your home upgrades may have on your property taxes.

Since property tax is assessed based on the value of your home, it’s possible for a home improvement project to raise your property tax bill. Some projects won’t have any effect at all, but some will. This quick guide is designed to show you exactly what type of home improvements increase property taxes.

What Causes Property Taxes to Increase?

Property taxes can …

The comforts of home only increase with age. After decades in the same house, the space is so familiar that it’s hard to imagine living anywhere else. For that reason, it’s totally understandable that many people prefer to remain in their own homes rather than move to a more supported living environment. Luckily, aging-in-place is more feasible than ever. All it takes is planning, preparation, and some adaptation to the existing living space. As long as you make the right adjustments and enhancements, there is no reason someone can’t continue to live comfortably and safely in their own home. Follow this checklist to ensure your …

Curb appeal is hard to define but impossible to miss. Some homes just seem to grab your attention, hold your gaze, and demand a second look. These homes are the beacons of the block, becoming the pride of the owners and the envy of neighbors. And, not surprisingly, homes with curb appeal really stand out to prospective buyers too.

The city of San Diego was founded in 1769. In the 250 years that followed, the area has grown, evolved, and embraced almost every architectural style imaginable. Thankfully, much of that historic architecture still stands, giving the city its distinctive feel.

Historical preservation is a source of civic pride, but it creates complications for homeowners who commit to living in older homes. Due to age, many of these homes need updates and improvements. Their historical status, however, restricts some types of home improvement projects. It’s important for anyone currently or potentially living in a historical home to understand their renovation options.

Where are the Historical …

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When you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, you have a lot of choices to make. One of the most challenging is the type of countertops you’ll select. In addition to weighing options based on budget, you’ll also want to consider your lifestyle and how the countertops will be used. For example, do you entertain a lot (wine spills can spell disaster for some materials)? Are you a home chef that needs countertops that can withstand high temperatures? Or is the aesthetic look of the countertops your primary concern? For many it comes down to making the choice between quartz vs. granite countertops.  Picking out the …

One of the best ways to gain additional space on your property is through a granny flat construction or remodeling project. Using this smart design option involves converting the home’s garage space into living space, which enhances the value of your home in a cost-effective manner.

Converting a Garage to Living Space

Because a garage often is an open area, it works well for remodeling into living space. You almost have a clean slate with this type of remodel, giving you the ability to create a custom space that has the perfect luxury features to meet your needs. Here are some pros and cons to …

Should I stay or should I go? It’s a question almost all homeowners ask after a few years in the same space. Most houses aren’t perfect. But is the solution to remodel the existing floor plan or move to a different home? Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and the answer is different for every homeowner. Only you can determine which option is better for yourself, your family, and your home. Before you decide whether to remodel or move, ask yourself these questions:

Do You Truly Love Your Home?

People develop sentimental connections to their homes. The spaces are filled with fond memories and surrounded …

Typically you renovate your home to make it more stylish or spacious. What if you also made it smarter at the same time? Thanks to technologies like wireless internet and connected devices, you can enhance your home with artificial intelligence. It may sound like something from the Jetsons, but it really just makes your lifestyle more convenient and comfortable.

Smart home technology has advanced a lot in recent years while also becoming simpler and more affordable. Almost any home can now incorporate next-generation capabilities. And once they’re in place you’ll wonder how you ever lived without smart home technology. Here are five options that seriously …

Finding the best kitchen appliances isn’t as simple as Googling “best kitchen appliances” and picking the dishwasher, oven, or refrigerator with the best reviews. Why? Because what’s best for one person could be just satisfactory for you. For example, let’s say you look up the best oven and discover numerous lists that say that one particular high-end range is the best option. It has two ovens, six burners, and is very traditional looking. However, your home has a smallish kitchen, you rarely cook for more than two people, and your preferred style is very modern. The oven has great reviews, but it’s not right for …

Kitchen designs range from classical to contemporary, with a whole myriad of options in between. When choosing the right kitchen style for your home you need to think about two key things: the styles you like and the styles that will work in your home.