Home improvement has definitely proven to be a wise way to spend your hard-earned money that not only brings back a good amount of return on investment and added home value, but also affords the family improved quality of living throughout the months and years. Most of the time, New York homeowners are stuck at the first phase in planning and that is in gathering great remodeling ideas. If you are one sharing this dilemma, here are top resources to get remodeling ideas that you can use whether you are in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, or Long Island.

The Internet

Technology has brought forth amazing advancements that makes just any information be at your fingertips. The Internet is your easiest way to get to remodeling ideas that offers the widest range of choices that you can get. Get a treasure chest of information on budget-saving tips, remodeling ideas, home and room plans and so much more.

Though this resource can be super beneficial, this same advantage can be its disadvantage. Only a couple of searches would end you up with more information than you can handle and this could be overwhelming. Now you thought you have the remodeling idea of your dreams, the next website you visit, you might change your mind.

Interior Design Magazines

These are great sources to get remodeling ideas from. Interior design magazines feature the most current fashionable home settings with all the trendiest pieces. And what’s great about this source is that most featured remodeling photos also offer information on the brands and prices of what has been integrated into the design.

Showcase Homes

Showcase homes can be found in most every housing community. The best thing about actually looking into model homes, showcase homes or just new homes is getting a remodeling idea on not just how things would look but how the design actually works. Getting a good feel on the design is one great advantage over just looking at photos. With showcase homes, you can feel the fabrics, actually see the result of certain lighting moods to specific settings, and see how comfortable the remodeling result is.

Home Improvement Stores

Home improvement stores also showcase products. By actually seeing the wide array of variety that a specific feature, material or product comes in; you can make better comparisons. In a home improvement store, getting ideas can not only be done through window shopping alone as getting knowledgeable answers is also possible. Stores of such kind often have room plans available. This could help you get a viable remodeling idea and save you from trouble, costing you less time and effort.

Imagination

If you trust that your creativity could get you further when it comes to remodeling ideas, then the imagination could be your bets bet. To be able to come up with a feasible home improvement idea that could bring in much comfort, functionality and style; find inspiration in things around you. From these inspirations, make your creativity go to work and from there, realize remodeling ideas.

Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid remodeling pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened New York contractors.

Visit us for more on remodeling ideas New York.

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The focal point of any kitchen is a beautiful countertop. Ceramic tile is perhaps the most suitable option for it, as it is ideal give an upscale as well as artistic appearance to countertops. They are resistant to heat scratch and stain. Cost-effectiveness, durability and versatility are their other advantages.

Usually, ceramic tiles can be installed on all types of countertops like those made of plywood, cement and lightweight aggregates.

Installing ceramic tile flooring in the whole bathroom is often done without even without blinking an eye. Altogether, they create a magnificent kitchen floor. These tiles are one of the most common building materials, are used everywhere on walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces etc. Besides these tiles being tough and enduring wall covering material, they are considered best for remodelling or construction of a new project as they have an extraordinary and presentable look. Ceramics are in used not only today but its usage goes back over four hundred years. Ceramic tiles are always taken as a long lasting and beautiful flooring aid which suits any home interior.

The ceramic wall tiles have increased the beauty of several households and commercials, their shine and luster adds on to the grandeur of the beautiful places. Hence, people have started utilizing their versatile colors and design to construct a unique tile layout for their homes. There are end number of shapes for such tiles such as diamond shape or rectangles, octagons, squares, hexagons and many others in the list. Hand crafted designs have a special appeal and can add a charming feel to the house.

Some of the key features of Ceramic tiles are as follows.

- Water Resistant: They are highly suitable for areas that are prone to spills of water. Hence these tiles don’t get deteriorated and provide great service.

- Fire Resistant: Ceramic tiles have a non- combustive composition which makes them resistant to heat and temperature. Hence, you can utilize them as kitchen wall tile installation.

- Dirt Resistant: These tiles are easy to clean and maintain and therefore they require regular cleanliness regime to maintain the beauty of your floor and wall tiles.

- Permanent Color: These tiles maintain their beauty for a long time. There everlasting color and texture makes them suitable for decorating outdoor walls and floorings.

About the Author: Thomasan Adison is a renowned writer in the field of tile installations. He has the expertise in the installation, grouting and maintenance technique for the natural stone tiles. His expert guidance would solve your queries related to ceramic tiles, granite tiles, travertine tiles, etc. You can go through his informative content and get easy solutions for your household projects.

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If you’re in the “we’re only thinking about it” phase of a home remodel, you’ve taken the first step to improving your home to meet your needs. If you’re ready to speak with professionals about your remodeling, find a remodeling company near you now! However, if you’re still planning, here are a few other steps that will help ensure your remodel meets your needs and your budget.

1. Create a design book – Get a notebook, a manila folder, or a 3-ring binder and build your design book. The more you add to it, the better your designer will be able to understand your dreams.

• If you see the perfect cabinetry in a magazine, cut out the picture and add it.

• If a sink, tile choice, or flooring option catches your eye, add notes and pictures.

• Look at design websites and print out pictures of what you like.

• Take photos of friend’s homes.

• Make sketches and pick up countertop color samples.

2. Establish your goals – Think about the goal(s) of your home remodel.

• If the layout of your kitchen works for you, but your design book has a hundred pictures of concrete countertops, then maybe you only need a home facelift.

• If you’ve always wanted a soaking tub and your current bathroom only has a shower, you may need a slightly more ambitious custom remodel.

3. Designate wants and needs – Consider every element of your home remodel and decide if it is a “need” or a “want.”

• Structural problems such as broken tiles or damaged walls are most likely a “need.”

• Outdated colors or styles of tiles may be a “want.”

• Remember that a want today can still be a “have to do someday.”

4. Decide on a budget – Look at your needs list from step 3, look at your finances, and decide how much you can comfortably spend on your remodel.

• If you need to stick to a budget, err on the low side to allow for items such as furniture or decorative items.

• If money is not a primary factor, creating a budget will help you prioritize your wants and needs.

5. Consider the extras – Consider the extras and options.

• If you decide you have to replace your tile, consider not only the style but the price. If you fall in love with a particular style that’s $35/square foot, you may be able to find a similar style at $5/square foot, which can be a $9,000 savings in an average bathroom, leaving more money for other elements.

• A vessel sink may require special installation and fixtures.

• Different countertop materials offer different benefits.

6. Plan for your future – Weigh future plans.

• If you’re planning to sell your home in a few years, you may not want to invest in top quality applicants.

• If you plan to stay in your home through retirement, you may want to consider adding an onsuite bathroom to a ground-floor bedroom instead of a second-floor bedroom.

7. Allow for upcoming events – Make notes of important upcoming dates and events.

• If you have family coming tomorrow, it’s probably not be the best time to pull out the fixtures in the guest bath.

• If you have a wedding or the holidays on the horizon, you need to ensure your remodel is finished well beforehand.

8. Learn from others – Learn from friends and family.

• Your cousin may have worked with the same remodeling company for over a decade, while your brother can tell you the place down the street has a hard time meeting deadlines.

• You may get tips and advice on the things to look out for if you try to do some of the work yourself.

9. Talk with professionals – Gather professional advice.

• Most reputable companies will provide a free consultation. Take them up on it to see if you like the company. Make sure they ask you questions and listen to your answers.

• Don’t feel you have to sign with the remodeling company the first day. A good company will give you the information you need to make a decision without a hard sell.

10. Hire the right company – Work with a professional company that guarantees their work.

• The industry standard is one year. If your remodeling company doesn’t meet or exceed that guarantee, keep looking.

• Even after a guarantee runs out, the best remodeling companies will help to keep you happy with your remodel. They want you to be a client for life.

Joaquin Erazo, Jr. is the senior vice president of marketing and public relations at Case Design/Remodeling, Inc., the country’s largest home remodeling company.

Case Remodeling employs the most highly educated and trained group of carpenters and designers in the country. Our team members ask the right questions, keep your home as clean as possible during remodeling, and guarantee our remodels. One of our offices was recently named Professional Remodeler magazine’s 2010 Remodeler of the Year. Isn’t that the kind of company you want to work with? Find a remodeling company near you now!

(c) 2010 Joaquin Erazo, Jr

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These seniors are choosing to remain living independently in their own homes- “aging in place” as it is termed by seniors’ advocates – for as long as possible so remodeling their current residence to suit their changing needs is increasing in popularity.

If you do choose to remodel your home for safety and accessibility what work should you be commissioning? Here are some of the essential elements of a senior friendly home.

Overall Floor Plan – A single story home is, of course, the ideal option but if you own a two story home consider having a downstairs room (an underused dining room perhaps) converted into a comfortable master bedroom. A master bedroom suite would be preferable as having a bathroom downstairs is almost an essential for less mobile members of the household.

Bathroom – Whether upstairs or down, there are a number of adjustments that can be made to ensure that bathing is a safer experience for seniors. Grab bars around the bathing and toilet areas are a must and replacing a traditional bath tub with a step in model minimizes the risk of bath time slips and falls.

Kitchen – Upper wall cabinetry should be at least 3 inches lower than is considered “usual” so that no one has to strain to reach them or use an unsteady step stool. The path through the kitchen should be open and unobstructed.

Flooring – Slippery tiled or high sheen surfaces are a no-no but while carpeting may seem like the obvious solution installing one with a pile deeper than ½ inch or without proper under padding can be just as hazardous. For safetys sake always have any new flooring professionally installed to ensure that it is properly secured in place.

Home Exteriors – The exterior of the home should be well lit for security purposes and some seniors choose to have a flashing emergency light installed so that the home is easily located by emergency services should it be necessary. Pathways should be well lit and any steps should have sturdy hand rails.

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Home remodeling projects are wise investments that offer benefits to last a lifetime and even beyond. That is… if the project is done right. Each year, a good number of New York homeowners jump into the renovation bandwagon to achieve an airier kitchen, a luxurious bathroom, a more appealing yard, or just any change that could make big-city life notches better. So whether you are in Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Long Island; it will be beneficial to have a game plan and not just any, but one that is well detailed. To avoid project failure, take note of these important planning tips.

Start with an Idea.

Your remodeling idea would be that little seed from which greater things would sprout and eventually grow. It is important to have an idea to pursue from where every other task that follows will be guided on. Whatever your personal style is from classic, elegant, contemporary to eclectic; you are sure to find great inspirations from the Internet, interior design magazines, home improvement books, and other resources. And sometimes, just looking around the house could help spark the greatest of ideas.

Do Your Homework – Research.

The time and effort you put into knowing everything there is to know about the remodeling project you plan to take on would surely pay off in the end. Find out what details to include when drafting your home remodeling specifications plan. Get familiar with the latest trends when it comes to design and products. Scour for top tips on how to work with design challenges like space issues and such. In the Internet alone, you would be able to find great resources on what are needed and how to go through your renovation for a successful project.

Draft the Plan.

Now that you are already equipped with the knowledge, it is high time to develop the actual plan. But before doing so, contact the City Hall to know if the home remodeling project you will be undertaking needs plan drawings and not just work description for permits to be issued. If so, then the services of an architect will be needed. Already having hired a professional remodeler during this early but critical stage would help. A qualified contractor can help you during this stage of the project by laying out viable options and discussing the improvements you can achieve to match your preferences that are within your budget.

Find a Qualified Contractor.

Craftsmanship is one of the vital keys that could help homeowners achieve not only added appeal but quality of the job as well. With qualified hands to put your ideas to work, you will be able to enjoy beautiful and functional results that could outlast expectations. And as a remodeling project is an investment, and an expensive one at that, you should be careful when hiring a contractor. When looking for one consider:

. Proper and valid license,

. Reputation,

. Membership and good standing with your local Better Business Bureau,

. Professional history,

. Proper insurance coverage,

. and check references

While at the process of screening possible contractors to work on your home remodeling project, getting multiple bids of at least three would help you land with a qualified contractor that would bring the best value to your money.

Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid remodeling New York pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened remodeling New York contractors.

Visit us for more on Renovations Brooklyn.

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The kitchen is one of the areas of a person’s home that is most often improved. Many people are simply not satisfied with the kitchen that their house or apartment has when they move in. Lots of people ultimately look to redo their kitchen lighting, possibly by adding sky panels. There are lots of television shows that can in fact help people decide what to do with their homes, or whether to buy a new one entirely. While watching these shows people can see some renovations done on other people’s homes and decide if the same renovations or similar ones would be right for their homes.

One show that can both entertain and sometimes help viewers decide what to do with their homes is the show called House Hunters on HGTV. The show features a person or couple that is looking for a new home. They are then taken around by a real estate agent in their chosen city and shown three houses from which they can choose. Each of the places the participants are shown usually has their own pros and cons, some are too expensive, some do not have the proper floor plan and others are too much in need of fixing. At the conclusion of the show, an offer is put in by the person looking for a new home and then an update is given on what they have done with their new living space since moving in and how they like it.

Another show that can sometimes help people with their own home renovations is Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. On the show the crew, including a carpenter, various designers and decorators, takes a family that is down on their luck and helps them redecorate and completely redo their house. This can help people watching at home because again, some of the renovations seen on the show could be appropriate for the home of the viewer. The people on the show are some of the best in the business when it comes to carpentry and interior design and decoration so it could be very beneficial for people looking to do home improvements to watch the show and see what each of the experts’ think of certain things regarding home makeovers.

Finally, a last show that can help people with home renovation ideas was Trading Spaces. Currently in syndication, Trading Spaces revolved around two neighbors who trade houses. Then each neighbor, with the help of the team of designers and carpenters that the show provides, renovates one room in their friend’s house. This is another show that could ultimately help people decide what to do with their own renovations from watching what the people on the show do.

In tough economic times and with the housing market not doing well home improvements are a very important part of the economy. By watching just a few episodes, or for those with very small amounts of patience a few minutes, of certain television shows people might be able to figure out what they want to do with their house renovations.

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Connor R. Sullivan searched the internet for kitchen lighting for a home remodeling job he and his wife are completing in an order to become environmentally sound. He installed sky panels in his son’s bedroom.

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Home renovations will always be one of the most important concerns of homeowners for a variety of reasons. Surprisingly, many homeowners even consider it as an urgent concern even while we are struggling to find ways to survive this lingering economic turmoil. You may be motivated by the necessity to add value to your home before your planned listing. Or you simply want to preserve your most cherished possession. Whatever your reasons are in performing the project, it is essential that you get the best value for every dollar that you spend.

But before you finally start, you must have to consider several things to ensure that you are not spending more than you should.

Prepare a comprehensive plan:

This is the first thing that you must attend to. It is unwise to go straight to your home renovation job without one. The road map for your project shall include your plan, your budget range and the project time line. Your plan is essential whether you are taking the DIY route or hiring a professional to do the task.

You must have a cost estimate for both materials and labor. You must allocate a certain portion of your budget as buffer for unexpected or un-programmed jobs that may arise while the project is ongoing. A detailed plan will also be your best assurance that you and your specialist are in the same page as to the details of the project is concerned.

You will also be able to make adjustments and adequately work on your schedule once the project time line is established. The agreed time line shall be your reference to ensure that the project is completed at the soonest time possible.

Manage your materials cost without sacrificing quality:

You may deem it necessary to manage your budget by reducing your material cost. Easily, this item accounts for a larger portion of your cost. Your cost reduction opportunities will most likely involve the materials you are going to use in your home renovation project. There are practical saving measures you can adopt without having to sacrifice the quality of your work.

Going for recycled materials is a practical alternative if you want to significantly cut down on material cost. “Found” wood is gaining popularity among specialists. You will be saving a lot of money while infusing that rustic look to your home interior with the use of floor materials from old log cabins. You can still manage to reduce your material cost even if you are contemplating high end materials for your home project. There are numerous construction and specialty outlets that sell used and surplus building materials.

Go for high value:

This may seem pretty obvious – you are going for the project primarily to add value to your home. But are you are aware that there are some jobs that provide higher value than others? In deciding the details of your renovation job, you must be able to establish your priorities by going for those tasks that can significantly enhance the value of your home.

When it comes to aspects that have the highest potential, the following are your top choices:

o Exterior and interior painting

o Kitchen renovation

o Bathroom renovation

Other options which you might consider include replacement of roof shingles, renovation of the basement, installation of a fireplace, expansion/construction of a garage, floor renovation, and replacement of door/windows.

Home renovation doesn’t have to be a costly investment. If you are aware of you best options and your priorities, you will be able to perform home renovation tasks that are most beneficial to you.

Learn how to sell your own house here: For Sale By Owner.

If you’re looking to buy a home from an FSBO listing check here: FSBO Listings.

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If you live in the Brisbane area and have been thinking about performing major home renovations, you should hold off on them until you learn a bit more about the dangers of asbestos. A one-time exposure to this harmful substance can cause mesothelioma – an incurable cancer of the lining of the lungs. Before tackling any major home improvement project, bring in an experienced Brisbane roofing company to take a close look at the premises.

Sobering Statistics Warn Of Asbestos’ Dangers -

Every year, approximately 3,000 people in Australia die because of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Experts expect that figure to double over the next ten years, as those who were exposed several decades ago begin to be diagnosed with the disease. One in five of those who come down with mesothelioma will be from Queensland, and that figure is expected to rise as well. These numbers put a strong emphasis on the need to carefully look over a home before performing any work on it.

Renovating? Not So Fast -

When a renovation project is being developed, it is tempting to jump right into it. After all, the sooner you get started, the sooner your home will enjoy a fresh new look. It’s important to keep in mind that all it takes is a single exposure to asbestos to develop mesothelioma. Most of the time, the disease doesn’t even appear until twenty, thirty or even forty years later. Why risk it? Hire a Brisbane asbestos removal firm to look your home over for your safety.

Inspections Matter -

As the old saying goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” Although it will cost you a bit of extra money, having your home inspected for asbestos is the best way to protect your health – and that of your family, as well. Asbestos exposure is a very real danger; if your home is relatively old, it is imperative to have it looked over carefully. Since mesothelioma has no cure, inadvertently exposing yourself to asbestos is tremendously dangerous – and irreversible. The peace of mind that goes along with having your home inspected is also priceless.

Protect Your Health -

Once your home gets a clean bill of health from the inspectors that you hire, you’ll be able to get on with your exciting renovation project. As the work is being performed, you’ll be able to rest easy in the knowledge that nobody is being exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. Inspections are the simplest way to ward off the danger of asbestos and should always be performed by experienced professionals. Having them done will not only protect those who perform the renovations, but will keep your family safe and healthy going forward.

When renovating a home, you should make hiring a roofing Brisbane professional such as Metal Technology Roofing a top priority. Why? Because a Brisbane asbestos removal crew can help ensure that there is no asbestos lurking around in your home. Having such inspections performed is a great way to protect your health.

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Converting your home to look minimalist, modern may not be as difficult as it seems. Depending on your budget, you can completely renovate the house from head to toe or just apply some minor changes in some of the accessories. The more important thing is how this change of look will affect your wellness. Exteriors and interiors of a home reflect the taste and perhaps is an extension of the occupant’s personality. For some, the home is meant to be livable and child friendly while for others, it is designed to fit a certain lifestyle. There are no judgment calls when designing a home. The architect and or interior designer will service you and perhaps guide you to making choices that are functional as well.

One of the things you can first do before truly renovating your home is to start with some accessories. Replace the old brass and steel door knobs with glass door knobs. This replacement to glass door knobs will influence the look of the house. If this fits your style, then slowly start minimizing your home by taking away all non essential items. Fewer couches, less tables, more space and you get to see how living in a modern and minimalist home feels like. Most modern homes are minimalist in the sense that there is less clutter and every item found there is well thought of and placed with intention. If you are able to live in such a home, then by all means do the major renovations next but do the numbers first. Sometimes, it may be better just to sell your home and buy a new one as well whose architecture reflects your new minimalist taste. These days there are great deals for such houses and if you have the budget to get an architect to design your home, then with the housing market and by default, construction industry still reeling from the financial crisis, you will get a lot of competitive rates and great deals. This is so if you have the money to spend.

For those who cannot afford or are on a budget, then accessorize your existing home. Think of making a Zen garden or a mini Zen garden at your backyard. Even adding Zen fountains in the living room will do. Perhaps changing the colors of the interiors may help. Sell off all your furniture and replace them with less furniture is a good way to start. It should not be expensive to do this, but it may not also be cheap. But if it will affect your peace of mind, then go for it.

Renovating your house soon? Glass door knobs are great options! If you want that sophisticated feel in your home, these door knobs are sure hit! You can also check out other discount door knobs in the net.

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So, if you must borrow, what are your options? What is the best way to borrow the money?

Here are three rules of borrowing that I’ve found to be helpful.

1. Always spend time looking for the lowest interest rate.

2. If you need low payments, go for the longest term.

3. If you can handle high payments, go for the shortest term.

Always Spend Time Looking For the Lowest Interest Rate

This is not the no-brainer is seems to be. Sometimes it’s hard to know which of several loans has the lowest rate. For example, you go to bank A and it offers you a three-year loan for 7 percent the first year and 9 percent for the remaining two years. Bank B offers 8 percent for full three years. Bank C offers 12 percent, but there’s no interest charged for the first six months. Which bank has the lowest interest rate?

Before you get out your calculator, be aware that you can’t really tell from the information given above. You need to know more. For example, is the loan amortized (paid off in equal installments) or interest-only? There’s more interest on an interest-only loan because the balance you owe doesn’t decline over time.

Lenders are very tricky when presenting information about their loans. They emphasize the positive of their product, while tending to overlook the negative points. Of course, many people rely on the APR (annual percentage rate) to tell them the true costs of borrowing. Don’t. The APR is no longer a reliable measurement.

The reason is that today creative lenders have come up with all sorts of “garbage” fees that are not covered by the APR. As a result, a loan with a higher APR, but no garbage fees, may actually be cheaper in the long run than a loan with a low APR and lots of garbage fees.

Here’s a simple way to compare loans. When borrowing money from any lender, ask how much the total interest and fees will be for the full length of the loan. For example, if you’re borrowing $10,000 for three years, find out the total interest charged over that time, then add in all the fees for getting the loan. This is your true cost. Now go to the next lender and ask the same thing for the same amount for three years. When you’re done, simply compare your total loan costs (the true amount you’re being charged). Now you’re comparing apples with apples and can figure out what your true costs are.

If You Need Low Payments, Go For the Longest Term

The longer you pay, the lower your payments. This is simple mathematics. If you borrow $10,000 amortized at 8 percent of your unpaid balance, your monthly payments will be $313 for three years, $203 for five years, $121 for 10 years. Of course, at the end of any of those time periods, you will owe zero.

On the other hand, you can pay interest only. In that case, your monthly payment will be only $67 a month! But you’ll continue to owe the full $10,000.

Many people opt for low-payment interest-only home loans, figuring that price appreciation will cover the unpaid balance and it will all come out in the wash when they sell. Maybe so, but what they are actually doing is trading off a very low payment for reduced equity in their home.

If You Can Handle High Payments, Go For the Shortest Term

This is the corollary of the previous rule. The idea here is to pay off that renovation loan as quickly as possible. There are many reasons to do so:

- You can borrow the money again for another project.

- You reestablish your borrowing limits.

- You cut out the extra interest you’re being charged for a longer term.

Keep in mind, however, there can be good reasons for keeping a loan and not paying it off.

Get a Loan with Tax-Deductible Interest

Years ago all interest was deductible. Not so today. Interest on credit cards, for example, is not deductible. Interest for personal loans is not deductible.

But interest on a real estate loan, up to certain limits, may be deductible. Generally speaking, when you purchase a home, the interest on the mortgage up to $1 million may be tax deductible. Further, if you refinance, the interest on the refinancing up to $100,000 may be deductible. Certain rules apply, so check with your accountant.

If you can swing it, it obviously makes far more sense to borrow on a loan where you can deduct your interest than on one you can’t.

Be sure, before you borrow, that you can deduct the interest. Don’t relay on the lender’s assertions. Some lenders will say almost anything to get you to borrow and others may simply not know in your situation. Check with a good accountant or CPA who is familiar with your tax situation.

Know Your True Conditions and Costs of Borrowing

Be aware of special loan conditions that may affect you. For example, today many home equity loans contain prepayment clauses. They will typically say that if you pay the loan off before three years, you will owe a substantial penalty, sometimes $500 or more.

Also, many home equity loans require that you personally occupy the property. If you rent it out, you may be violating the conditions of the loan, and the lender could call in the entire amount or refuse to lend you more (in the case of a line of revolving credit).

In the case of credit card loans, be aware that the interest rate the lender charges is not regulated (with a very few exceptions in certain states that still retain usury laws). A common practice today is to issue cards with a relatively low interest rate-say, 7 percent. Then the original lender sells your account to another lender that changes the conditions of the account and ups the rate to 20 percent or higher.

Also be aware of all the conditions of your loan: which ones are cast in stone, which ones can be changed, and which ones are most likely to affect you.

And, know your true costs. The true interest rate on the money you borrow, which we calculated above, may be different from your actual cost for borrowing funds.

For example, you may have $10,000 invested in the stock market earning you 11 percent. If you cash in your stocks to pay for a renovation, you lose that 11 percent you would otherwise get. On the other hand, you may be able to get a loan for a true interest rate of 8 percent. By keeping your stock and borrowing the money, you’re actually making a 3 percent profit.

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Once you have renovated your house, you might want to learn how to make a wooden windmill outside your house and also how to lay carpet in your newly renovated house.

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