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Consider:Ceiling Décor, Ceiling Tiles, Flush Clip Mount Ceiling, Suspended and Drop Ceilings, Tin Ceilings, and Wood Furring Strip Ceilings.Get the right scale and architectural features for the room. People love high ceilings, but homeowners often run into the problem of how vaulted ceilings and cathedral ceilings making the room feel smaller in relation to the ceiling.

Consider:Bathroom Accessories, Bathroom Cabinets, Bathroom Floor Installations, Bathroom Lighting, and Bathroom Linen Cabinets.

Bathroom remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects. Whether adding a new bath or remodeling an old one, there are a number of things to keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of the project. Bathrooms are typically among the smallest rooms in the house, yet we use them for many daily routines. Often, several household members want to use the bathroom at about the same time.

Consider: Basement Flooring, Basement Remodeling Ideas, Basement Waterproofing, Finished Basements, and Foundation Repair

Here are some design tips that may help guide your decisions on the size and scope of your basement ‘transformation”:

1. Make it bright! Don't be stingy with artificial lighting; a basement should be lit more heavily than above-grade areas, especially if it will be used as a children's playroom.
2. Maximize window area, for emergency escape as well as maximum daylight.

Consider: Attic Fans and Insulation, Attic Storage, Finished Attic Remodeling, and Planning for Attic Remodeling.

Adding extra insulation in your attic is one of the best ways to save money on winter heating bills. Heating and cooling accounts for 40% on average of home heating and cooling. Heating is at least half of that amount, so the savings is very real since heat rises up and out of your home through your attic.

For small scale projects: Ask for references and check them. Make sure to pay on the performance rather than in advance. Consider the implications of: Contractor Disputes, Contractor Guarantees and a Home Warranty, Hiring a Contractor and Payment Terms, and Relationships with Contractors.

For renovations, additions, or a new home: Review the guide below that outlines what to look for in selecting a contractor.

Consider: Energy Saving Insurance, Grants for Energy Savings, Home Product Rebates, and Tax Credits for Home Improvement.

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.” This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009.

Consider: Energy-Efficient Financing, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Home Equity Loans, Home Loans, and Low Rate Construction Loans.

Home Energy Rating

Most energy-efficient financing programs will encourage you to have an energy rating for your new or existing home, which will tell you and the lender how energy-efficient it is. A rating typically involves an inspection by a professional energy rater who is certified under a nationally or state accredited home energy rating system (HERS).

Consider: Choosing the Right Contractors and Subs, Home Budgeting & Cost Averages, Integrating a New Addition with an Old House, Reviewing other House Plans, Working with Architects, Working with Interior Designers, and Working with Project Managers.

When it comes to home design and planning, choosing the right ‘Green’ Architect and contractor is the key to success.

Homes affect resource, human health, and ecological integrity. Besides basic health and safety measures outlined in the building code there’s no requirement to minimize these impacts.

Consider: Eco-Friendly and Healthy Houses, Environmentally Friendly Home Materials, GREEN Payback Time and Return on Investment, Healthy House Materials, and LEED Homes

By taking the initiative to transform your existing home in to a ‘green’ home or building a new home, you will save money and the environment as well as improve your family’ health.

Consider: Energy Saving Tips, Energy Saving Whole-House Approach, Energy Savings Calculators, and Home Energy Rating and Audits

Energy Saving Tips

Low Cost Recommendations

1. Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save 75% of lighting costs.
2. Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.