Light Up (Your Home) Everybody!

September 18, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Remodeling 

Did you know that effective lighting can make a dramatic improvement in the way your New Jersey home looks? Lighting is often overlooked in home improvement projects. Many New Jersey homeowners do not realize that lighting can affect the looks and ambiance of their home. Learn about the different aspects of lighting for the home, both indoors and outdoors. Consult your New Jersey remodeling contractor about the various options available for all your interior and exterior lighting needs.

Security Lighting

Your New Jersey home may benefit from exterior security lights. They can be equipped with motion sensors that will turn the light on when someone approaches the house. The light can serve as deterrent especially if it alerts someone sleeping in the house. You can also have them come on even if nobody is home.

Exterior Light

Outdoor lighting can also improve your home. With good outdoor lighting, you can entertain guests outside in a relaxing environment. You can install mood lights in the patio or dining area. Put them in trees or outdoor fairy lights around the patio will look particularly beautiful. You can even develop your outdoor lighting for a party atmosphere.

Interior Lights

Interior lights are very important in any New Jersey home. You will need good task lighting in the kitchen as well as the bathroom. These two rooms need good lighting so that you can cook, chop vegetables, apply makeup, etc. You may also need to turn down the lights in these rooms while enjoying your meal or taking a bath. Dimmer switches in the bathroom and kitchen can accomplish this.

You may also want to turn them down in the sitting room for a relaxing evening. A reading lamp will come in handy if you need more light. In your bedroom, you may need a good reading atmosphere. Likewise, a desk will need a separate desk lamp.

Light Fixtures

There are many different types of fixtures that are both functional and decorative. Choose the best light fixture that will complement your New Jersey home style and décor. The following types of fixtures are available for your indoor lighting needs:

 Interior fixtures. These come in different shapes, colors and styles. They can be used on floor and table lamps, mounted fixtures or recessed lighting. The right fixture will accentuate your home’s interior.

• Chandeliers. Large and ornate chandeliers can be mounted to the ceiling. They usually feature two or more light-bearing arms. You can choose from an array of shapes, types of crystal, number of lamps, etc.

• Pendant. Pendants are suspended from the ceiling with a cord. A wide selection of pendants are available with different sizes, materials, colors and finishes.

You can enhance the décor and ambiance of your New Jersey home with the right lighting fixtures. This home-improvement idea does not have to cost much but it can have a huge impact on the way your home looks.

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Anthony

If you’re looking for a professional New Jersey remodeling company, then give us a call today at 800-734-3737 or complete our request for a design and budget consultation.

Let’s Talk Home Improvement Funds in New Jersey …

September 5, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Remodeling 

Finding funding may be a project itself, depending on the scope of your New Jersey home improvement plans, For smaller projects, you may be able to save for it from your regular household budget. But for major home improvement projects, you will probably need financing. It may be possible to borrow against the cash value of your life insurance policy. Talk to your life insurance agent for information about this option.

Contact your bank, savings and loan, or credit union for information about home improvement loans. Compare interest rates, repayment options, and penalties from a few lending institutions before selecting one of the following options:

Second mortgage: A second mortgage is loan against the equity in your New Jersey home –  in effect, an additional mortgage. Typically, financial institutions let you borrow up to 80% of the appraised value of your home, less the balance on your original mortgage. For example, if your home is appraised at $100,000 and your current mortgage balance is $70,000, you may be able to obtain $10,000 by a second mortgage. You may also have to pay all the fees normally associated with a mortgage, including closing costs, title insurance, and any fees. Your tax advisor can tell you if the interest on a second mortgage is tax-deductible.

Refinancing: This option pays off your current loan and takes out a new mortgage on your New Jersey home. Generally, you’ll need to have equity in your home, a solid credit rating, and a steady income. Again, you’ll incur all the closing costs that you’d pay on a new mortgage. Unless your remodelling project is extensive and you can get an interest rate at least two points less than you currently pay, refinancing may not be a good choice for you.

Home Equity Line of Credit: A home equity loan-like a second mortgage-lets you tap into up to about 80% percent of the appraised value of your home, minus your current mortgage balance. Because it’s set up as a line of credit, you won’t have any interest charges until you make a withdrawal, but you will pay closing costs. You can make withdrawals as needed when you start paying your New Jersey remodeling contractor and suppliers. The interest rate is usually variable and may be based on the outstanding balance.

Make sure you thoroughly understand the terms of the loan. For example, if your loan stipulates that you need to pay interest only for the life of the loan, you’ll have to pay back the full amount borrowed at the end of the loan period or you could lose your home. Ask your tax advisor if the interest on a home equity loan is deductible.

Unsecured Loan: Although the interest rates on unsecured loans are frequently higher and you generally won’t get a tax deduction for the interest you pay, the costs of obtaining an unsecured loan are usually lower. And the relative ease of getting this kind of loan may make it a good choice for small projects of $10,000 or less. The lender will evaluate your application based on your credit history and income.

You’ll be happier with the outcome of your home improvement project if you plan carefully and do your homework. The information in this article and a realistic idea of your needs and budget will help you make your New Jersey home closer to your dream of perfection.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neville_Adomi

If you’re looking for a professional New Jersey remodeling company, then give us a call today at 800-734-3737 or complete our request for a design and budget consultation.

Next Page »