Given the instability of the housing market over the past several years, many homeowners are staying in their current homes. Compared to buying a new home, there are many potential advantages to making your existing home work better for you and your family.

Because of this need to make the most out of what we have available to us, home renovation and remodeling services are becoming increasingly popular. By making upgrades, improvements and additions to their current homes, homeowners that choose to remodel are increasing their home’s market value as well as their bargaining power if they do choose to sell.

The National Association of Home Builders conducts an annual survey of home improvement contractors called the Remodeling Market Index (RMI). 2011 RMI data shows that many families are very interested in remodeling the most used rooms in their homes. Bathroom remodeling was the most popular project amongst remodelers surveyed: 78% reported bathroom renovations as their "most common" job. In second place was kitchen remodeling with 69%.

Bathroom and Kitchen remodeling have been consistently the top 2 most popular home remodeling options since the NAHB began collecting data in 2001. Kitchen remodeling was most popular until 2009, when it was topped by bathroom remodeling. You can read the full findings of the survey here.

If you’re interested in learning more about how bathroom and kitchen renovations – or any other home remodeling project – can make your Wichita home safer, more efficient, or even more attractive to potential buyers, give Handyman Matters a call today at 316-773-0303.

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Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more extensive (and more costly) than others. While many jobs are affordable enough to be paid in full at the time of service, many homeowners are not prepared to absorb the cost of major renovations all at once.

Whether you’ve been planning on remodeling and are interested in new payment options, or an unforeseen event has left you needing major home repairs as soon as possible, Handyman Matters of Wichita offers a variety of home improvement financing options available.

It’s never been easier to pay for your home renovations. Whether you need financing for a bathroom remodeling project, kitchen renovations, or anything in-between, we can help you secure the resources necessary to make the work you need affordable for your family.

We even offer specialty financing specifically designed for aging in place and senior safety home modifications. If your remodeling project fulfills a medical or health-related necessity, unique financing is available to help you make your home as safe as possible.

Visit our Home Improvement Financing page for additional details on how to make sure that your next home repair job is affordable, or call us at 316-773-0303 to learn more!

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Crunch time for tax season is here, and as people are preparing their returns and meeting with experts, knowing what you can and can’t deduct is essential. Many of these deductions – like retirement contributions, charitable donations, and medical expenses – are well-known, but did you know that you may be able to deduct home improvement and aging in place expenses as well? Certain requirements must be met, of course, and only certain modifications are allowed, but if you made renovations to your home last year to increase senior safety and facilitate aging in place, some of those expenses may be deductible.

Home safety and aging in place modifications are mentioned by the IRS under their statements on Capital Expenses: “You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for special equipment installed in a home, or for improvements, if their main purpose is medical care for you, your spouse, or your dependent”. Like all medical expenses, only the amount of medical expenses 7.5% above your adjusted gross income may be deducted.

For example, if your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $50,000 and you had $5,000 in medical expenses, you could deduct $1,250. (50,000 x .075 = 3750, and 5,000 – 3,750 = 1,250). Conversely, if you had only $3,000 in medical expenses, you could not deduct any of it, because it did not meet the 7.5% threshold.

Specifically mentioned by the IRS as acceptable Capital Expenses are:

• Installation of entrance and exit ramps
• Widening doorways and hallways
• Installing railings and grab bars
• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets
• Modifying stairways
• And many more

Additionally, you can even deduct a portion of the expense of renovations that increased your home’s value! (The gain in home value is subtracted from the total cost of the project to arrive at the allowable deductible amount).

Read more about allowable medical expenses from the IRS here, and don’t forget to ask your tax professional about making sure you maximize your deductions for your aging in place remodeling project.

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If you’re thinking of doing anything with hardwood when planning for this year’s home improvement season, it would behoove your wallet, your planet and your sanity to install wood with a longer shelf life. “Of course,” you say to yourself. “That’s why I prefer cedar.”

But what if there was another type of wood that lasted twice as long as the toughest wood grown in North America? What if there was a type of wood that withstood the elements better, was more resistant to bugs and termites, and was more reluctant to bend and warp over time?

We may have to get our passports for this one.

Key Benefits of Central and South American Hardwood

Ipe. Cumaru. Garapa. Jatoba. Tigerwood.

These are just a few of the more well-known varieties of natural hardwood grown in Central and South America that have the potential to save you money and time in your next home improvement project.

 Here are the top 6 reasons these types of wood are better for you than their North American counterparts:

1. More Resilient

Central and South American hardwoods are more resilient in the face of adverse conditions and less prone to rot and decay – Central and South America are much harsher climates where the trees have to endure standing water for months at a time in addition to ravenous attacks by insects that put termites to shame. Let this hardwood turn the laws of Darwin in your favor.

2. No Annual Maintenance Required

Conventional hardwood requires annual pressure treatments with toxic chemicals to ensure long-lasting effectiveness. Central and South American hardwoods are much more durable and naturally last twice as long as North American hardwood without chemicals.

3. Better for the Environment

In the same vein, they are better for the environment due to this lack of chemicals. These toxic chemicals are harmful to the health of your family as well as the environment in the form of run-off – when it rains, the chemicals get into the groundwater and, ultimately, into rivers and lakes, poisoning natural wildlife in addition to our own water supply.

4. Last More Than Twice as Long as Conventional Hardwood

They are also better for the environment because they last more than twice as long – some for 40-75 years. The use of natural, longer-lasting materials helps to reduce waste accumulation, easily trumping woods like pine, cedar and redwood.

5. Fire Resistant

Some types of Central and South American hardwood, like Ipe, have a “Class A” fire rating – the same fire rating as concrete.

6. More Custom Color Options

A larger variety of shades and colors, like those offered by Brazilian hardwood, allow homeowners more choices to get the most custom look possible. Hardwoods like tiger wood have a unique texture with striking black and brown streaks – hence the name.

Composite wood substitutes, and what marketers have for years tried to pass off as the equivalent of natural wood, have largely been successful because they have only been compared to North American hardwood, so they tended to last longer and were less expensive.

But now it’s time to up the ante on your home improvement and go green with a more durable, longer-lasting and more attractive look. This can only be achieved via the preferential use of  Central and South American hardwood.

Jeff Hirz is a guest contributor to Handyman Matters and part-time DIYer. He contributed this article on behalf of www.bwdepot.com to promote healthy wallets and a healthy planet.

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Mark your calendars for June 18th to come see Handyman Matters of Wichita owner Phil Davis speak at the Positive Aging: “Protect Your Health, Wealth & Self” symposium. Phil takes the stage at 8:30 am, and will be delivering a 60 minute presentation titled “We Are Not Getting Older…But We Are Aging in Place”.

There are more Americans at or approaching retirement age now than ever before. As people and their family members begin to deal with the realities of advancing age, many are coming to realize that remaining in their own homes (aging in place) for as long as possible is their preferred choice. But what is required to age in place safely and comfortably? This is the question that Phil will be exploring in his entertaining talk that will cover many options ranging from the most affordable to the most comprehensive, with a special focus given to bathroom safety products and options.

The Positive Aging conference will go from 8:00am to 3:00pm on June 18th, and will be held at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center in Wichita. The price is only $10 per person, and includes a box lunch. Additional details about the event can be found here, hope to see you there!

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Recently, we mentioned how removing and replacing existing tile is a better, more cost-effective option in the long run. With that in mind there is still another installation option is readily available.

Like installing new tile, Onyx removes the old, fixes any underlying problems, and then proceeds from the ground up. Like shower overlays, Onyx products come in as few a pieces as possible making installation faster than tile, yet more efficient than an overlay. Without grout lines, the possibility of leakage or cracking along seams diminishes substantially. Onyx provides a polished, complete, water tight, custom finish for all showers and tubs.

Onyx can be installed by either a professional or DIY. The Onyx website has step by step videos and instructions starting with the correct way to measure for a fit all the way to the finishing seal. Handyman Matters works alongside Onyx to get you the best quality bath or shower installation.

This option, comparable in price to tile, is the most durable. With custom measurements, all available space can be utilized. Instead of covering up old problems, all problems are eradicated making room for a complete fix.

Though tile may be more appealing to some, onyx has over 60 colors and textures available to complete your look; from a smooth or matte finish to a stone tile appearance or slate texture.

Proudly made in Kansas, Onyx is guaranteed forever and it is hard not to see why onyx is the best choice for the long run.

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“We created this to reward valuable customers with the opportunity to complete their home renovations,” stated Andy Bell, Founder of Handyman Matters Franchise Corp.

Grand Prize Winner, Samuel Alexander, lives outside of Denver with his wife Tanya. Alexander had some home exterior siding repaired by his local Handyman Matters (Central Denver and Aurora location, franchisees Steve and Jan Attebery) in early 2012. Months later, he received a phone call informing him that he had won the Handyman Matters Great American Home Makeover Grand Prize, $10,000 bathroom remodel.

“My wife and I were ecstatic,” expressed Alexander, “We have wanted to remodel our bathroom for a while now.”

Working as a medical technician for HealthOne while also an Air Force Reservist assigned to a flying squadron at Peterson Air Force Base, finding the time to remodel his bathroom was difficult. The couple had discussed remodeling their bathroom in stages, doing little projects here and there. That discussion is now over, thanks to Handyman Matters.

Steve and Jan Attebery, owners of the Handyman Matters Central Denver & Aurora store, and their certified handymen executed the remodel.

Central Denver Handymen, Brian Attebery and Jon Boyer demolish the Alexander’s old bathroom on March 11 to begin the remodel transformation. Photo by John Murphy.

Most of the remodel materials were donated. The Alexander’s new master bathroom has a modern and natural ambiance thanks to a fresh coat of paint donated by Behr Paint; new marble sink and counter top donated by Benray Designer Marble; energy efficient faucets and fixtures donated by Moen; and a redesigned vanity area, donated by Creative Specialties and Elias Woodwork. M S International provided the tub to ceiling glass tile along with new flooring; and WEDI donated the waterproof shower backing.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

The finished bathroom was revealed to the homeowners on March 20.

Corporate team member, Ram Randolph, stops by to lend a helping hand in constructing new cabinets for the vanity area. Photo by John Murphy.

Samuel and Tanya Alexander in their newly remodeled bathroom. Photo by John Murphy.

Second Prize Winner, Amanda Doan, of Austin, TX, received a Handyman for a day, which was provided by Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County.

Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County sent out Aaron Kuntschik, one of their skilled craftsmen, to help Doan with the second phase of her bathroom remodel. Doan had already started on her remodel by tearing out the existing shower tiles.

In a span of only 8 hours, Kuntschik was able to remove the existing shower enclosure, perform the needed plumbing repairs, and install the backing to prep the shower area for the final phase of the remodeling project: the installation of the tile work.

Plumbing repairs are performed after the original shower enclosure is removed. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Backing is installed to prepare the shower area for tiling. Photos courtesy Handyman Matters franchisee, TJ Bass.

Doan later contacted Handyman Matters of Austin & Williamson County to thank them for their help and to let them know about her successful completion of the shower tiling project. Because of the superior service provided, Doan has requested their services again to help her with more of her planned kitchen and bath remodeling projects.

Customers who completed at least one, four-hour job with any participating franchise location between July 1 and September 30, 2012 were automatically entered for a chance to win one of the prizes.

More good news for these lucky homeowners, “The resale value of their home has increased,” says Colleen Teitelbaum of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

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There are several different choices and methods to consider when it comes time to replace old cracked and moldy shower walls. Simple ‘quick fixes’ such as bathtub and surround overlays and more the more involved method of installing tile are just two options you as a homeowner can decide upon.

With a complete bathtub/shower overlay it is possible to get rid of old cracked tile and moldy grout lines in one fell swoop. Not only is this revamp quick, it is easy, with a rep coming out once to measure and once to install. There’s practically no mess and since it only takes one day the added stress of having a bathroom under construction for weeks on end is obsolete. Shower overlays provide clean lines and an easy-to-clean surface.

Since a shower overlay is simply placed over the top of existing tile there is no need for any massive demolition.

However, by leaving the tile in place and using an overlay, it is impossible to see if any current damage has progressed further below the surface making it possible for mold, mildew and rot to continue to fester. If perhaps there is cracking around the drain or faucet, a shower overlay is not going to address those problems, its only purpose is to extend the life of the tub and shower surfaces.

Shower overlays are not always cheaper than installing tile. For example, the area around one of your fixtures is starting to crack and while the shower overlay is able to completely cover this area up, the damage remains making it possible for more deterioration to take place under the surface. Removing old tile when problems arise is smarter and more cost efficient in the long run.

Once tile is removed, base boards are exposed and any existing mold or rot can be cleaned up and repaired. New wallboard and tile can then be installed along with special water proof grout. Although choosing this course of action merits more time and dedication to the project, rest assured that tiling versus installing a shower overlay provides a longer lasting, more refined, custom appearance.

While quick fixes may work, they’re not necessarily the best fixes.

In order to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, always consult with a professional before starting your project. Whether or not you do the work yourself, knowing you’ve made the best decision for your home will give you much needed peace of mind.

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English Modern

These cabinets feature handsome crown molding with furniture-style legs. A black-matte finish on the island provides a striking and pleasant contrast to the creamy-white wall cabinets. The thin fluting, traditional legs and beaded-board panels make these cabinets look like those in a modern English country estate.

The Urban

This style presents flat-front cabinet doors stained in coffee-dark. The drawer pulls are recessed and fashioned of stainless steel. The upper cabinets are glass-front for convenience and depth.

Italian Style

The Tuscan-touch is featured in this style of cabinet. These cabinets present various colors front and center to draw attention to different zones in the kitchen. The primary cabinets feature a butter hue with a glaze that’s properly stressed. The workstation island is executed in dark walnut brown. Finally, the Tuscan touch makes itself properly known with an Italian mantelpiece architecture framed around the cooking area.

Scandinavian Cabinets

The Scandinavian design is well anointed for the modern kitchen. These cabinets sell a bold perspective with their sharp, linear lines. The brown cabinet faces are simple slabs of wood that march smartly and evenly from floor to ceiling, across the entire kitchen. The workstation shows lime greens and cool grays to strike a broad contrast in color.

Retro Chic

This style features an interesting blend of contemporary and classic. Sandblasted glass doors, chrome hardware and a warm ebony stain all add to an updated, modern effect.

White Classical

The timeless white cabinet kitchen has been updated with intricate millwork that includes recessed drawers, wide ceiling molding and raised-panel doors. The design creates bold shadows and highlights that make these cabinets ageless.

Clean and Contemporary

The straightforward geometry of verticle lines gives this design a modem sleekness. These cabinets feature horizontal pulls, slab doors and thin walnut trim. The upper cabinet doors are tinted and rise up on European style hinges.

For more kitchen cabinet design ideas or to hire a craftsman to complete the install, contact Handyman Matters at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to find a location in your area.

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