The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker recently completed an online sampling of homeowners, regarding home improvements and selling their home. A majority of them (53 percent) feel investing in their present property is a wiser move than trying to sell in this down market.
In addition, 62 percent plan to make home improvements this year and, in doing so, spend on average $6,200.
Not all home improvements are created equal - especially if you’re looking for “resale value” back from your work.
An article from The Wall Street Journal explains that function beats flash these days, so be wary of where you spend your money.
Like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes, Martha Stewart has managed to bury her legal issues in an ash heap and land back on her feet as a do-it-yourself icon. That’s how the nation’s largest home improvement chain Home Depot sees it, as they are now carrying a number of Martha Stewart Living products. By hitching their wagon to Martha’s “star” quality, Home Depot is looking to draw more women shoppers into their stores.
The Environmental Protection Agency has important information to share with homeowners considering remodeling. Beginning in April, federal law will require contractors who work in homes (as well as childcare facilities or schools) built before 1978 to receive special training and certification for the removal of any surfaces covered with lead paint. Contractors will also have to follow stricter work practices to prevent lead contamination.
These regulations are being set up to more effectively prevent children from inhaling or swallowing toxic lead and to protect contractors from costly lawsuits. The risk of lead poisoning in children is still a health issue, although lead-based paint has been banned in this country since 1978.
When I was young, my mother had a friend who was also our next door neighbor. As I recall, she 
was the only grown-up who let me call her by her first name, Esther. My sister and I played with her two children until we moved several blocks away. The ladies talked often on the phone, but we only visited with them every three months or so. Esther would invite us for dinner and after we ate, my mother would give her hair a “home permanent.”
These days, most women leave their coiffure to the professionals. But the idea of neighbor helping neighbor is having a bit of a resurgence.
Last week Lowe’s, the nationwide home improvement company, announced that it is now stocking and selling home solar panels in 21 of its California stores. Lowe’s plans to make the panels available across the country starting next year.
Akeena Solar, Inc. is the manufacturer of the panels. Their system was designed with the do-it-
yourselfer in mind. CEO Barry Cinnamon said, “It’s really not a big deal. The most dangerous thing is learning about ladder safety.”
Producing AC power, panels plug directly into a home’s circuit breaker. In daylight hours they perform like a large battery, distributing energy through the breaker to the home’s appliances. At night or on overcast days, homeowners would need to draw electrical energy from the grid.
Approval of installation is necessary from your municipal utility company. Each Lowe’s store provides an information station to assist homeowners with questions concerning their energy needs and about Akeena’s products.
The panels are priced at $893 each. Weighing in at 40 pounds per panel, the system is set up for installation of one panel at a time. Additional panels can be snapped on to the first, “kind of like Legos.”
To learn more about Akeena residential solar panels, visit their web site.
TALK BACK: Would you consider installing DYI solar panels on your home? Why or why not? Post your comments below.
Posted by Sharon Walker
During the past four years, the Shelton Group has conducted a national survey of homeowners regarding their top choices in making home improvements. This year’s survey revealed that Americans are more likely to make aesthetic home improvements over money-saving energy improvements.
Surveyed by phone, 504 consumers were asked, “Assuming you were suddenly given $10,000 to make home improvements, which two of the following would you choose?”
Not all home improvements are created equal. Whether you have a need to sell your home now or are 
looking to make changes for a future sale, it’s important to know what home improvements will give you the best return on your investment.
Making a good first impression is a must.
Universal Design. I confess the term is new to me, even though it appears my peer group - the Baby Boomers - may be one of the strongest advocates for its use.
What is it?
“For the times they are a changing.” So sang Bob Dylan. And so it is that we’ve said goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Morning and evening temperatures are starting to prod us to have a sweater or jacket handy, and when our bare feet hit the vinyl flooring, we know it’s time to grab our slippers and turn on the heat.
Before heading to the thermostat, you should consider having an energy audit.