Creative Ways to Make the Most of Your Home’s Storage

 

When buyers look for a home, there are many factors to consider. A good location, hardwood flooring, energy efficient/smart appliances and a laundry room are all desirable features. And then there’s storage space. People want to have ample storage. 

Also, important are exterior and interior spaces that will accommodate all their belongings. It seems that no matter how much storage space a person has in their home they tend to outgrow it. Things accumulate and they are rarely checked to determine what needs to go. But decluttering regularly, along with implementing ways to create more storage in your home, can help you optimize space.

This article will focus on how to make the most of your home’s storage.

Tips for Decluttering

One way to optimize storage space is to declutter regularly. That way, you won’t have items you don’t need taking up precious real estate.

• Declutter on a Regular Basis: If you put yourself on a decluttering schedule, you will be less likely to let clutter accumulate. The schedule you create will be up to you. It can be weekly, monthly, or seasonal. Remember, the more time you leave between declutters, the more items you will have to deal with.
• Throw Away Things You Don’t Want Immediately: That piece of junk mail that just came in, that Christmas card that’s been sitting on the dining room table for a week. Instead of leaving them on a table or storing them somewhere where they will end up getting thrown out months later, put them in the trash right away. That dress or suit that you have not worn for decades. You will not miss them once you give them to Goodwill or another charitable organization.
• Be Hard on Yourself: When things hang around for a long time, they tend to gain sentimental value. But you must be tough when you declutter. If the item is just going to collect dust for the next few years, throw it out.

Tips to Create More Storage in Your Home

• Buy Multi-functional Furniture: There are plenty of multi-functional furniture tips and options that provide terrific storage solutions. For example, you may consider purchasing a coffee table with shelves underneath. There are also beds with headboard areas that can be used for storage.
• Add Shelving: Shelving is a great way to create more storage in your home. You can install them up high, so they don’t take up floor space. You can use them to hold books as well as decorative items so they will enhance your home’s aesthetic.
• Use Under-Bed Space: Beds take up a lot of room, but you can get some of this space back by storing items underneath. Some beds even come with drawers and fold out compartments on the bottom that are ideal for this purpose.
• See Through Storage Containers Are Ideal: See through storage containers can serve as great makeshift dressers. You can stack them in open areas to store clothing, art supplies, tools, devices and more. You can also put them inside closets to keep them more organized.

Optimizing Your Space When Selling Your Home

When it comes time to sell your home, you want to declutter it and make the most of your storage space. This will help show the property to its fullest potential.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/creative-ways-to-make-the-most-of-your-homes-storage/

What Makes Printers Row One of the Most Exciting Chicago Neighborhoods

 

There are so many great neighborhoods in Chicago to enjoy. Printers Row is one that has withstood the test of time as a community that continues to develop and thrive. Printers Row is in downtown Chicago in an area known as the Loop, although it’s technically more part of the South Loop.  It is defined by Ida B. Well Drive on the north, Polk St. on the south, Plymouth Court on the east and the Chicago River on the west.  Printers Row is a neighborhood that has a special place in my heart.  I moved to the area back in 1985 and, even then, it was flourishing.  I worked to find many clients the perfect properties in the community, some of which were over 100 years old. In recent years, the community has experienced a huge boom in building, restaurants, and river development providing new attractions on a regular basis.  Read on for a Printers Row Guide that lets you know the things you can enjoy when you explore the area.

Printers Row is so called because the area was once populated with businesses that specialized in printing and publishing. Today, many of these buildings have been converted into fun and trendy residential lofts. The attractions, shops and restaurants contribute to the neighborhood’s fantastic urban vibe.

Key Real Estate Attractions and Living in Printer’s Row

There are several great looking historic buildings on Printers Row, Chicago. The ones you will want to check out include:

M.A Donahue: This historic 19th century building was designed by Julius B. Speyer and built in 1883. Its design is considered Romanesque. The building features a rounded arched sandstone and granite entry bay and historic vault lights.

Franklin Building: This 14-story brick building is one of the many historic buildings in the City of Chicago Printing House Row landmark district.  It was designed by George C. Nimmons and built in 1916 and is an example of Chicago school architecture.  It features large skylights; terracotta tiles and it is topped with a unique parapet.  The Franklin Building also contains a mural over its main entrance depicting various artisans involved in the printing process.

Dearborn Station: Dearborn Station was in operation from the late 1800’s through to 1971.  It was one of six intercity train stations serving the downtown Chicago area.  The building is now a shopping mall and entertainment space. The exterior is characterized by a 12-story clock tower made of pink granite and red pressed brick.  It is topped by various steeply pitched roofs.

Cultural & Entertainment Attractions

Chicago offers its share of attractions throughout the year and many take place in the Printers Row, Chicago area.  They include the following:

Printers Row Literary Fest: This annual event brings the community the largest free literary showcase in the Midwest.  The Fest happens over the course of a weekend in mid-September.  It includes speakers, exhibitions, children’s programs, reading, workshops and more.

Printers Row Park: Printers Row Park is a small green space that spans .38 acres.  The Park offers a community garden, seating, and a fountain sculpture.

Jazz Showcase: The Jazz Showcase is a great venue for celebrating the city’s musical heritage.  It features local, national, and international acts.

Printers Row Nearby Attractions

There are also several attractions near to Printers Row, Chicago.  These include:

• Grant Park is an urban public park that spans over 300 acres.  It contains Maggie Daley Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum Campus and Millennium Park.
• Shedd Aquarium is a terrific place to check out a variety of aquatic animals.
• Field Museum is a natural history museum that offers interactive, educational exhibits.
• The Adler Planetarium is a fantastic destination for learning about space.
• The Art Institute is one of the world’s most famous art museums featuring collections from around the world and various time periods.

Printers Row Restaurants, Bars and Shops

Restaurants and Bars

Chicago is known for its great food and drinks.  Bars and restaurants in the area you should be checking out in the Printers Row, Chicago area include:

• Chicago Curry House Indian Restaurant is the place to go if you’re in the mood for Indian & Nepalese Himalayan Cuisine.
• Bar Louie is a casual dining chain that offers quality American cuisine, martinis and microbrews and happy hour specials.
• Roots Handmade Pizza is your destination for authentic Chicago style pizza. It also offers draft beer in a modern setting with a retractable roof.
• Umai: This Japanese restaurant offers a sushi bar, a full bar and authentic cuisine in a loftlike space.
• Sociale: Sociale is a great place to find wood fired pizza and authentic Tuscan specialties.  Its casual atmosphere is ideal for socialization.
• Half Sour: Half Sour is a unique deli style restaurant that is new to Printers Row.  Stop in to try one of their innovative dishes served in a casual setting.
• Amarit Thai Restaurant: Amarit Thai has become a cornerstone of the Chicago community.  It is known for its excellent cuisine, superior service, and fresh ingredients.
• Sofi: Sofi features classic Northern Italian dishes with an authentic flair.  It offers delectable desserts, house made pastas and an extensive wine list.

Shops

If you enjoy shopping, there’s plenty of cool shops and boutiques in Printers Row Chicago to enjoy.  You won’t want to miss out on a trip to:

• Printers Row Wine Shop is a terrific place to find unique wines and features a very cool wine bar.
• Sandmeyer’s Bookstore is the perfect addition to Printers Row.  Established in 1982, it’s a mom-and-pop shop offering the hottest new books.
• Totto’s Market is a recently established, hip grocery market offering fresh food and great customer service.

Schools and Colleges Near Printer’s Row

There are several schools and colleges in the Printers Row community. Top rated public schools include the South Loop Elementary School and William Jones College Preparatory, a selective enrollment high school.

There are also many higher education facilities in the area. The University Center of Chicago houses over 3000 students. Other nearby colleges include IIC John Marshall Law School, Roosevelt University, the Loop campus of De Paul University, Columbia College and Robert Morris University.

Check out the South Loop page of my website to find out about more schools in the area.

Medical Facilities and Hospitals

It’s convenient to live in a neighborhood with quality medical facilities and hospitals close by.  There are several near the Printers Row area including:

• Northwestern Hospital: Northwestern offers several doctors that specialize in a variety of conditions as well as emergency services.
• Rush University Medical Center: Rush ranks as number 19 on the Best Hospitals Honor Roll. It is known for providing top notch adult specialties, procedures, and facilities.  It is a general medical and surgical facility as well as a teaching hospital.
• University of Chicago Medical Center: The University of Chicago Medical Center offers 75 specialties and services. Their research and discovery program has paved the way for breakthroughs in the medical field.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/printers-row-exciting-chicago-neighborhood/

Understanding Home Renovation Costs: A Practical Guide

 

Before you even think about selling your home, you have probably wondered what sort of changes to your home to make it show ready should the time come to put your home on the market. If it is show ready currently, good for you, let the showings begin! Most people, however, are faced with the reality that small projects to major renovations will be required to get their homes ready for sale. Of course these projects also have a range of costs associated with them. Let’s delve into understanding home renovation costs so you might determine how much you can expect to pay as well as how remodels can increase your property’s asking price.

How Do Home Renovation Cost Factors Figure Into Your Expenses?

The amount renovations cost will depend on the area being renovated and how involved and high quality the work is.  This Home Renovation Guide provides detailed estimates, potential recoup value, and other considerations of most home renovations.

Here’s an idea of what you may be spending on some of the most common renovations that are likely to get you the biggest return on your investments.

Bathroom Addition

An extra bathroom can greatly increase the value of your home. Think of how much better it is when everyone in the home has a bathroom to use!

Bathroom additions can be midrange or upscale. Here’s an example of what’s involved with each.

Midrange Bathroom:

This involves the addition of a bathroom that’s around 6 x 8 square feet. Typical features include:

• A stone vanity countertop
• A molded sink with chrome faucets
• A fiberglass tub and shower combo
• Ceramic tiling
• A mirrored medicine cabinet
• A small storage cabinet or closet

Cost and profits: A midrange remodel will cost around $65,362 and yield a resale value of $33,699, providing a 51.6% return.

Upscale Bathroom:

An upscale addition will refer to a 100 square foot bathroom added to a master bedroom. It may include the following features:

• Ceramic tile walls
• A neo-angle shower with a frameless glass enclosure
• A freestanding high-end tub
• A stone countertop with two sinks
• Two mirrored light-up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode area
• A humidity control exhaust fan
• Ceramic tile floor
• Custom cabinetry

Cost and Profits: An upscale addition costs around $115,431 and has a resale value of $60,475. It will get you an ROI of 52.4%.

Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel will add considerable value to your home. Its spa like atmosphere will provide the perfect escape after a long day at work. Here’s what’s involved in midrange and upscale renovations.

Midrange Bathroom Remodel:

A midrange remodel on a 5×7 square foot bathroom may include replacing all fixtures and upgrading them with the following:

• A porcelain on steel tub
• Ceramic tiling
• A temperature and pressure-controlled shower
• A new toilet
• A sink and vanity
• A mirrored light up medicine cabinet
• A new paint job

Costs and Profits: A midrange bathroom remodel will set you back $27,570. It will yield a resale value of $16,059, for a total of 58.3% of costs recouped.

Upscale Bathroom Remodel:

An upscale remodel performed on a bathroom 35 to 100 square feet inside will include the replacement of fixtures. Features to add are as follows:

• Ceramic tiling
• Neo angle shower with frameless glass enclosure
• Two mirrored, light up medicine cabinets
• An enclosed commode section
• A freestanding soaker tub
• A humidity-controlled exhaust fan
• Custom cabinetry
• Spot lighting

Costs and Profits: An upscale remodel will cost about $82,838 and produce a resale value of $46,840. Sellers can look at a 56.5% return.

Kitchen Remodel

The kitchen is a part of the home that people spend the most time in and make the most memories in. A stylish one can produce a considerable increase in your property value. Here’s what you will be looking at in terms of renovations and costs involved.

Midrange Kitchen Remodel:

This will involve a major overhaul of a 200 square foot kitchen. Here are the renovations you’ll be looking at.

• 30 feet of semi-custom wood cabinets
• A 3×5’ island
• Laminate countertops
• A double tub stainless steel sink
• An energy efficient range
• New appliances including a dishwasher, microwave and garbage disposal
• New paint and flooring

Costs and Profits: A midrange kitchen remodel will cost around $81,820 and bring in a resale value of $47,274 for a total recoup of 57.8%.

Upscale Kitchen Remodel:

An upscale kitchen remodel on a 200 square foot kitchen requires the replacement of current items with new fixtures including:

• 30 feet of top-of-the-line cabinets with siding shelves
• Stone countertops
• A ceramic or glass backsplash
• A high-end sink with water filtration
• Built-in accessories including a refrigerator, microwave, cooktop and wall oven
• Hardwood flooring

Costs and Profits: An upscale kitchen remodel costs around $160,815 and will bring in a resale value of $86,396 allowing you to regain 53.7% of what was invested.

Garage Door Replacement

A garage door replacement is recommended as it increases functionality while adding to the property’s curb appeal. It requires replacing a 16 x 7’ door with a heavy-duty door that runs on galvanized steel tracks and features windows, thermal insulation and a lifetime guarantee.

The door will cost around $4,132 and bring in a resale value of $3,967 meaning you’ll get 96% of your investment back.

Deck Addition

A deck adds instant appeal to your home. It provides a terrific area for recreation.

Decks can be composite or wood. For one that impresses, include a built-in bench and planter, stairs and a railing.

A composite deck addition costs $24,592 and makes for a resale value of $15,503 allowing you to recoup 63% of expenses. A wood deck will cost $19,935 and yields a resale value of $13,328 which adds up to a 66.9% return.

Fiber Cement Siding or Vinyl Siding

Fiber cement siding is customizable, and it will hold up well to the elements.

In Chicago, you can expect the cost of fiber cement siding on a 1,250 square foot home with a 4/4 or 5/4 thickness to be about $24,321 for a resale value of $15,985. You can recoup 65.7% of cost.

Vinyl siding will update the look of your home and it is a more affordable option as compared to fiber cement. The average cost of vinyl siding on a 1,250 square foot home is $21,564 with resale value of $15,121, for 70.1% recouped cost.

Vinyl Windows

Window replacements will make your home look more attractive, and they can add to its energy efficiency. Vinyl windows are a great choice because they are available in a variety of colors, and they hold up well over time. Look for ones that are Low-E (low emissivity) and double paned for the ultimate in energy savings.

In Chicago, the average cost of vinyl windows is about $21,564 and the resale value about $15,121, recouping 70.1 of the cost. The prices above are based on 10 existing 3×5-foot doublehung windows with insulated, low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows with a custom-color exterior finish.

Conclusion

There are many other different renovations and approaches based you could consider on the condition of the home and your goals.  This home renovations cost estimation worksheet from HomeGuide gives you a structured tool to itemize, plan and control your expenses.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/understanding-home-renovation-practical-guide/