Real Estate Information Archive

Summer is almost here and for many families, that means it is cookout time!  One of the best things about cooking out on the grill is that there are fewer pots and pans to wash than with stovetop cooking. While you don’t have to scrub down your gas grill to shiny perfection after each use, it is important to give it a deep clean every now and then to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Here’s how!

1. Gather your cleaning supplies - You may want to use gloves and you will need a grill brush or some other type of cleaning brush. You will also need old cleaning rags or paper towels, a bristle brush or putty knife, and soap and water.
    
2. Turn off the gas supply – THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the gas supply is turned off or play it extra safe and remove the gas tank from the grill while cleaning it.
    
3. Remove the grill grates - Pull them out so you can give them a thorough cleaning. Scrub them with a grill brush or other coarse brush.
    
4. Clean anything covering the burners - Remove any V-shaped metal heat tents, ceramic briquettes, or lava stones that cover the burners and brush them clean. You will want all the gas grill parts to be spic and span.
   
5. Clean the burner tubes - Lightly brush the burner tubes and make sure all the gas ports are clean and open.
    
6. Clean the bottom of the grill and the lid - Brush or wipe any debris out of the bottom of the grill. If there is peeling black stuff (usually carbon flakes and grease) on the grill lid or bottom, use a bristle brush or putty knife to scrape it off.
    
7. Clean the grease collection tray - Use soap and water to clean the grease collection tray and replace any disposable pans as needed.  Make sure to dispose of grease properly - pour it into an empty can or bottle, wait for it to harden, then throw the whole thing away.
    
8. Wipe down the outside of the grill - With a rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of the grill and any side trays using soap and water.
    
9. Put the grill back together - Now you’re ready for a cookout!!

Here is a delicious grill recipe for you to enjoy this summer:

Surf ‘n Turf Foil Packs

4 Servings, Prep time: 10 minutes, Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lb. sirloin steak, cut into 1” cubes
• ½ lb. shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 ears corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 small red onion, cut into thick slices
• 1 lime, sliced into wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. Old Bay Seasoning
• 1tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lime wedges for garnish

Directions:

1. Heat grill to high. Cut 4 sheets of foil about 12 inches long.
2. Divide steak, shrimp, corn, tomatoes, onion, lime, and garlic between each foil pack. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with Old Bay, fresh thyme, cumin, and black pepper.
3. Fold each foil pack crosswise over to completely cover the food mixture. Roll top and bottom edges to seal.
4. Place foil packs on the grill and cook until shrimp is cooked through and steak is finished to your desired doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Recipe from delish.com

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: deeatatsunset.com, kingofmaids.com, amandascookin.com, charbroil.com

Selling your home can be a stressful endeavor. Even in this seller’s market where you may get offers above asking price, most buyers will still require a home inspection contingency. And finding termites and the damage they have done can make a deal fall through fast.

Finding out that your house is infested with termites is no fun at any time, but especially when the discovery is made during a home inspection for your home sale. Sadly, many homeowners have no idea there is a problem with termites until a lot of damage has already been done.

Termites are sneaky, destructive little pests. Unfortunately, some homeowners attract them to their homes without realizing it. For example, even a little bit of moisture from poor drainage, leaks, or poor ventilation combined with wood can be very alluring for termites. The cellulose in wood is consumed by them for nutrition, and they require moisture, so they don’t dry out. Even soggy soil close to your foundation can be very inviting to termites.

Termites are also attracted to the protection from foam board insulation and exterior wall solutions like Dryvit, a synthetic version of cement siding. They will chew right through them to get to wood. They can also enter the home via cracks in the foundation as well. Once in, they will find wood and begin to feed on it, thus causing damage to the home.

How do you know if you have a termite infestation?

When investigating possible termite infestation, here are some things to look out for:

• Hollow wood: Try knocking or tapping on your wood. If it sounds hollow, it’s likely you have termites. You can take a screwdriver and press it into the wood to test it. If the wood gives way easily, that is a bad sign.
   
• Mud tubes: Subterranean termites create their own “highways” out of tubes of mud to connect the wood they eat to soil. These mud tubes, made up of wood and soil, are about as wide as a pencil. Spotting them means you have termites, but if you don’t find them it doesn’t mean you don’t have termites. The subterranean termites may not have made them yet, and drywood termites don’t make mud tubes, so beware of those as well.
  
• Swarm evidence: Subterranean termites shed their wings in piles when they set off to create a new colony, so if you see piles of wings, you likely have a termite infestation.
   
• Frass: If you see small, granular, oval pellets on your door frames, baseboards, and windowsills, they may be frass, or termite droppings.
   
• Peeling paint: When termites damage drywall, moisture enters the space between the surface and the paint, causing paint to bubble or peel. There are other reasons your paint may buckle, but if you note this in tandem with other signs, you may have a termite infestation. 
   
• Head banging: Strange clicking sounds coming from inside of your walls may not be your imagination. When soldier termites detect a threat, they signal danger to other termites by banging their heads against the wood and shaking their bodies.  
   
• Seeing live termites: It is possible that you may come across some live termites. It’s important to distinguish them from flying ants so that you know what you’re dealing with. Termites’ rear wings are even in size, their abdomens are thick, and their antennae are straight. On the flip side, flying ants have wings of different size, are thinner through the middle, and have bent antennae.

 There are several ways to help prevent a termite infestation in your home:

• Remove cellulose-based debris from around your house. Any sort of organic wood material around your house will attract termites.
   
• Get rid of any wood that is in direct contact with the ground, like wood lattice or siding, or door/window frames that go to the ground.
   
• Have your home pre-treated for termites. If you’re going to build a home, set a termite barrier on the land before starting construction.
   
• Remove cracks and crevices in your home to prevent termite access.
   
• Hire a professional to do termite inspections annually.

Whether you are selling your home soon or don’t plan to sell for a long time, be sure that termites aren’t causing damage that will mean costly repairs, and the probability of losing buyers when selling.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo credits: homeinspector.org, trustterminix.com, thisoldhouse.com

Spring has arrived and with the weather warming up, now is the time to start sprucing up your yard for curb appeal. Here are some tips for how to rid your yard of that wild, unattended winter look and replace it with a space that is sure to impress!

1. Send Winter Packing!

Pull out your rake and remove all the debris of winter. Leaves, pinecones, sticks etc. are not appealing and ridding your yard of all that mess will have it looking tidy in no time.

2. Declare War on the Weeds!

Weeding is no fun, but it’s a necessary part of maintaining your lawn and garden. Taking the time to clear your yard of weeds will not only make it look nicer, it will also show that you take pride in all aspects of your home.

3. Time for a Trim!

It is time to start cutting your grass regularly again. Healthy, even grass is attractive and gives the yard a pleasing appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges as well to complete the look.

4. Quench That Thirst!

It’s important to keep your grass hydrated. It will become dry and a dull shade of green if it is not watered regularly. The same applies to your garden. Pay special attention to areas that are sheltered and do not get as much moisture when it rains.

5. Dress it Up!

Planting seasonal plants and flowers will dress up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can choose perennials that will come back every year or, for longer blooming plants, annuals that last for one season. Better yet, use a combination of both!

6. Prune Away!

Trim back any large shrubs, trees, or plants to frame your house in a way that is inviting. Pruning allows for new growth and deters pest and animal infestation. It also promotes healthy growth into a natural shape for the plant.

7. Mulch it Up!

Once you have planted and pruned, mowed, and edged, it’s time to spread mulch around your garden beds. Mulch helps to keep moisture in your plants and makes the garden easier to maintain.  Make sure you choose a mulch that compliments your garden type and style.

Spend some time working on your yard now and not only will you save yourself from having to do it in the sweltering heat of summer, but you will be able to enjoy your outdoor spaces throughout the spring and summer season.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: costimates.com, realtylandscaping.com, hobbyfarms.com, landscapemulch.com

Is it your dream to purchase a historic home and restore it to its full glory?  If so, you need to be aware that it is a big endeavor; one you need to be prepared for. Dealing with old structures and building materials can be challenging. In addition, old houses can be full of surprises, meaning extra costs that you do not anticipate. But if a historic home has your heart, it IS possible to not only restore it, but to make it your dream home.

Here are some tips for restoring a historic home:

• Understand the commitment you are making.

Living in an old home has unique challenges that you wouldn’t face in a modern home. Be sure you are willing to live in the conditions a historic home before taking it on as a project. Things like evenly cooled/heated rooms, pristine floors, and energy efficient windows might not be in the cards for you with this “new” abode. You may be able to update parts of the house, but if you truly want to maintain its historic beauty, you might have to make some sacrifices as well.

• Beware of water damage.

Water damage can cause serious problems in a historic home. Be sure to check everywhere, especially around ceilings, floors, and windows, for signs of water damage. Long-term effects like dry rot can cause huge problems. And extreme water damage can mean structural issues.Not to mention, bugs love wet environments, so you may be dealing with an infestation. Pay special attention to the sill plate. The sill plate is the bottommost horizontal component of a structure that runs the perimeter of the entire foundation. The vertical structural supports of the house are all attached to the sill plate. So, it is vital that it is not damaged. Lopsided floors, for example, might be due to a warped sill plate.

• Hire a team of professionals to help.

Do your homework and research people who are experts in historic preservation. At the very least, a contractor and inspector can assist in determining an estimate for work needed and the cost involved. But a local historian who has experience with historic homes in the area is someone who can truly assist you with keeping the essence of the home. It is crucial that anyone and everyone working on the home understands your ultimate goal of restoring the property.

• If you are on a budget, start small.

Most older homes will need updates and renovations, so if you are on a limited budget, seek out a smaller house so that it is more manageable. A tiny historic home lovingly restored with quality materials is definitely better than a giant mansion pieced together with cheap materials.

• Think about resale value.

This may be your forever home that you never plan to sell, but it is still wise to consider resale value when budgeting. You will not want to spend so much that if you have to sell for some reason, you won’t make your money back. Research what fully restored historic homes sell for in the area and use that information to help determine your budget.

• Begin with roof, windows, and masonry.

Don’t jump right into the cosmetic stuff, no matter how tempting it is. The beginning stage of renovation should focus on practical things that will prevent any future damage to the home. One major thing to do is to make sure the house is watertight. That means repairs/renovations of the roof, windows, and masonry.

• Utilize technology.

Updating the heating/cooling and electrical systems of a historic home will likely be the most expensive part of the renovation. Just remember that having modern systems doesn’t mean destroying the period details of the home that made you fall in love with it to begin with. You can maintain historical integrity while also living in comfort.

• Embrace non-threatening historical quirks.

Why spend a ton of time and money on leveling out uneven floors when you can accommodate them in your new design scheme? The goal is to maintain as much of the historical beauty and charm as possible while also making the house comfortable for living in the 21^st century. Be creative when deciding what to keep and what to change!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me  Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: oldhouseweb.com, billingsgazette.com, hermitageroofing.com

Spring is almost here!  Yay!  That means it is the time of year to throw open the windows and start washing, sweeping, and scrubbing all the rooms in your home. This is the ideal time of year to do your deep cleaning in order to keep your house looking its very best.

If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of cleaning your whole house, here is a handy guide to help you get started:

Kitchen

• Empty your cabinets and wipe them down. Take some time to check your spices for expiration dates and toss any that have expired. Keep a note pad nearby so you can write down what needs to be replaced.
• Clean your oven. If it is self-cleaning, make sure you have your windows open (pick a cool day for this), so that the house doesn’t get too hot. If it is not self-cleaning, create a paste with baking soda and water, cover the interior of the oven with the paste and leave it overnight. The next day use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime along with it. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
• If you are able, carefully move your kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum and mop to get rid of built-up dirt and grime.

Bathroom

• Clean the bathroom exhaust fan. It can collect dust like a ceiling fan, so give it a good cleaning to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Clean hairbrushes and combs by giving them a soak in the sink. Do the same with makeup brushes, washing them with mild soap and allowing them to air dry.
• Go through your vanity drawers and get rid of any old makeup or skin care products that you no longer use or that have passed their prime.

Bedrooms

• Take mattresses off the bed to vacuum both sides of them. Then, if possible, prop them in the sunlight for a few hours. The sunlight can help kill germs. When you replace the mattresses on the bed, be sure to flip and rotate them from their previous position.
• If you don’t wash your pillows regularly, now is a great time to do it. If they are looking pretty bad, then you should replace them.
• Switch to lighter weight bedding for spring and summer. If you have been using flannel sheets and heavy comforter, change to light cotton sheets and quilt for warmer months.

Overall

• Don’t neglect your walls! They get dirty too. Use an extended duster to remove dust and cobwebs and then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt.
• Take down curtains and wash them (following manufacturer’s instructions). Clean blinds as well. Either take them down and clean them outdoors or thoroughly clean them using appropriate cleaning materials.

Spring cleaning does not have to be an overwhelming task!  Don’t try to do it all in one day. Spread it out over a few days or a weekend. And don’t do it all yourself!  Get the whole family involved and you will be done before you know it!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: 21oak.com, themakeyourownzone.com, amothersshadow.com

You’ve found your dream home! The neighborhood is lovely, with well-kept lawns and freshly painted exteriors. There is a resort-like pool and a playground for the kids. Awesome! Oh, and there is a Homeowners Association (HOA) that will cost you $500 a month. Didn’t see that coming, did you?  It is important to be informed about the pros and cons of living in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association.

PROS

• The neighborhood will be aesthetically pleasing. Most HOAs establish rules for residents that ensure keeping up the appearance of the neighborhood. The guidelines might include keeping lawns manicured, whether you can have a fence (and the type and color of the fence), and what exterior paint colors you can use. You may even have to get permission to remove or add trees and shrubs.
  
• Awesome amenities. You will enjoy the amenities that come with your HOA fees. Most HOAs offer luxuries such as a pool, a fitness center, play areas, parks and security gates.  That is in addition to covering the expenses of landscaping and maintenance of the common areas.
   
• Maintenance costs are shared.  You will not have to worry about the upkeep of the pool, fitness center or common areas.
   
• An HOA will handle disputes between neighbors. If someone has a dog barking at all hours or loud parties, you can contact the HOA and they will contact the neighbor; especially if HOA rules are being broken.

CONS

• HOA dues.  They can be expensive, sometimes as much as $1,000 per month depending on what amenities are offered. These fees need to be taken into consideration when deciding if you can afford a house in the neighborhood. They will be included in your mortgage lender’s assessment of your monthly mortgage payment, so you will have to qualify for a loan amount that includes them.
  
• Needing permission to make changes to your property. If you want to add a room to your home or modify it in some way, you will have to make a request that will go before the HOA board for approval. If they don’t approve it, you will not be able to make the changes you want.
   
• HOA financial problems could become your problem. If your HOA is struggling financially, it could damage your ability to obtain a loan for a home and it could be detrimental to home sale prices in the community.
   
• Keeping up with the dues. If you fall behind on your HOA dues, it can do great harm to you financially. You may even end up facing foreclosure. That is why it is crucial that you include the fees when determining if you can afford a house. You may also be subject to late fees if you do not pay on time. In addition, HOAs can fine you for not following guidelines and rules, so it is imperative that you can afford the upkeep required for living in the neighborhood.

It is vital that you consider all these pros and cons before deciding to purchase a home in a neighborhood with an HOA.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: homelight.com, blog.realmanage.com, excelam.com

Don’t have a green thumb? Don’t despair! You can still create a lovely garden with plants that are hearty and resilient.

With the end of February fast approaching, you may already be experiencing some spring fever. It’s never too early to start preparing for spring planting in your garden. Whether you are planting for the first time, or you have been gardening for years, the desired result is a healthy, bountiful, gorgeous bed of flowers and plants.

For maximum results with minimal effort, here are some plants and flowers that will hold up to almost any conditions:

1. MINT
   

This rugged herb is great for beginning gardeners. It spreads easily, so if you want to keep it from sprawling across your beds, consider planting it in a container. For culinary purposes, think about what you will be using it for before choosing the type of mint you grow. For example, peppermint would be great for hot tea, but spearmint is a better choice for a summer cocktail. Of course, there is no rule saying you can’t have both!

2. SCAEVOLA
   

Native to Australia, this pretty, low maintenance plant will stand up to heat without withering. Enjoy the lovely purple flowers, also known as “fan flowers”, cascading from baskets or window boxes.

3. HOSTAS
   

One of the easiest plants to grow, these are a great choice for any garden; just be sure there aren’t any deer or slugs lurking about because they enjoy eating them! There are many varieties to choose from with a large range of colors to suit your taste.

4. GERANIUMS
   

There are good reasons that Geraniums are the number one selling annual; you can get them in an abundant rainbow of colors, and they can withstand a lot of heat with limited water. While they are annuals in many areas, they are perennials in Montgomery (Zone 8A) meaning they will come back each year.

5. VERBENA
   

Found in a variety of colors including white, pink, and purple, these beautiful blooms are the perfect accent plant. There is a specific variety called “Imagination” that is particularly hearty and will survive in hot conditions.

6. SWEET POTATO VINE
   

Truly hard to kill, this trailing vine can be found in shades of purple and lime green. It flourishes in the heat of summer and grows in both sunny and shady spots. An awesome ground cover, it will spread from 4 to 6 feet.

These are just a sampling of plants and flowers that will thrive under most conditions. So, if your lack of a green thumb has you thinking you can’t have a beautiful, healthy garden, think again! These plants will have your flower beds looking spectacular this spring!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: istockphoto.com, growforagecookferment.com, shopmodernhomestead.com, laidbackgardener.blog, dailypress.com, mydesiredhome.com, gardendesign.com 

Your home should be your happy place. When you walk through the door you should not only feel like you have entered your safe haven, but you should also experience joy. It is easy to get caught up in the latest decorating trends, but if your home does not bring you joy, maybe it is time to make some changes and decorate for happiness! 

Here are some decorating tips for making your home your happy place:

• Create a welcoming entry way.  It is the first thing you see when you walk through the door, so you should make it a place that brings a smile to your face. Incorporate your favorite colors in your entry way décor. Add some personal flair while keeping it simple and organized.  The last thing you want to walk into is a mess.
  
• Bring the outdoors in!  Nothing brightens up a home like fresh flowers.  Treat yourself to a bouquet every now and then or better yet, grow colorful flowers in your own garden that you can cut and display in containers around your home.
   
• Choose flattering colors.  This may seem obvious, but how many of us have thought about what colors are flattering to us when decorating our home?  Choose colors that bring out your best features. Do certain colors wash you out when you wear them?  Then why would you paint a room that color? The ideal colors will make you feel good and give a little boost to your self-esteem!
   
• Display sentimental items.  Your home décor should be personal. It should not only represent your taste, but it should represent WHO you are as well. If family photos make you smile, do not just leave them on your computer or hide them in albums. Display them! The same goes for ornamental items.  Place mementos that bring back fond memories in various places throughout your home. Don’t worry if they may seem kitschy to others…if they bring YOU joy, they belong where you can see them!
  
• Have fun with wall art.  Decorating your walls with art does not have to be expensive.  There are so many places where you can purchase great posters, framed art and canvases.  Or you can even create your own art and display it.  If it brings a smile to your face, hang it up on a wall so you can see it whenever you want!

Just because a home décor style may have fallen out of popularity does not mean you should not indulge in it if it makes you happy!  You love country décor? Bring on the chickens and ducks! Do signs with quotes inspire you? Then display them! When you decorate for happiness, it will truly feel like HOME to you!

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: officialferncotton.com, shiplapandshells.com, pinterest.com

While there are many perks to home ownership (and tax breaks are a big one!), people who are beginning the journey of purchasing a home may be easily misled by common homeowner tax myths.

First, it is important to note that owning your own home does come with tax benefits. For example, a conventional loan’s PMI (private mortgage insurance), the VA loan funding fee, the USDA loan guaranteed fee, and FHA loan upfront mortgage insurance premiums are each tax deductible per the IRS. But as a first-time homeowner, it’s important that you educate yourself on extended tax benefits so that you will know what you can and cannot deduct. Because, unfortunately, some things you might have heard about homeowner tax perks may not be true.

MYTH: DEDUCTIONS ALWAYS CUT YOUR TAX BILL IN HALF

TRUTH: While it is possible for your home ownership deductions to reduce your tax bill, it is not a guarantee. In order to claim deductions, they must add up to more than the combination of the standard deduction and non-home related write-offs, such as sales taxes or charitable donations.  You also will have to itemize your deductions.  Timing, in this case, is everything. For example, if you close on your home in April, you will make several mortgage payments throughout the tax year and chances are that you will exceed the standard deduction and write-offs, in which case your tax bill will be reduced. But if you close in November, you might only make one mortgage payment in the taxable year and you likely won’t exceed the standard deduction, meaning this is one homeowner tax perk that you won’t be able to enjoy until the following tax year.

MYTH: EVERY PAYMENT MADE AT CLOSING IS DEDUCTIBLE

TRUTH: Some closing costs are deductible. Not every fee you pay at your home closing can be written off.  The following closing costs ARE deductible: real estate taxes, mortgage interest, and PMI (private mortgage insurance).  You will not receive a tax break for your homeowner’s or flood insurance premiums. The same applies to appraisal fees, escrow accounts for property insurance and taxes, and title insurance.

MYTH: HAVING A HOME OFFICE IS A GUARANTEED DEDUCTION

TRUTH: Having a home office can indeed provide a deductible…for those who qualify.  You must keep in mind that the IRS’s definition of a “home office” is very specific. The following will qualify you for a home office deduction: you are self-employed, own a small business, work from home and have turned one of your home’s rooms into your office space. If you just work from your couch with your laptop, it doesn’t qualify as a “home office” in the eyes of the IRS.

If you fill out a W-2, your home office is NOT deductible.

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming and sometimes intimidating process. Education yourself about homeowner tax breaks is one step you can take toward becoming a knowledgeable, prepared homeowner.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334-834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: Canva, fool.com, pod.com

Do you need some more living space in your home, but don’t want to spend the money on a room addition?  Well, maybe the answer is right in front of you…when you pull into your driveway. Converting your garage into a living space is a great alternative to adding on a room to your home. In fact, if you have a two-car garage, you can add about 600 square feet of living space. And since a garage already has a foundation, walls, and a roof, it will cost approximately half of what you might pay for an addition.

While not as expensive as a new addition, a garage conversion still should not be done cheaply. A quality conversion might take from 4-6 weeks and will include the following:

• insulating walls and ceiling
• raising the floor so that insulation can be placed over the concrete slab
• establishing a heating and cooling source for the space via the house’s main system or by adding an independent one
• upgrading your electrical service
• possibly creating a partition in the wall between your house and garage if you are trying to design and open floorplan
• replacing garage doors with fully insulated stud walls
• adding windows and doors

Before deciding to convert your garage into a living space, consider what you will be losing. You will no longer have a place to park your vehicles indoors to be protected from the elements. You will also be sacrificing storage space for things like landscaping tools, lawn mowers, bicycles, and outdoor gear.

If you feel that having more living space in your home outweighs your need for indoor parking and storage, then converting your garage is a good option for you!

Another thing to consider is that there will be zoning and legal issues to contend with.  A garage goes through a major legal transformation when it becomes a living space. That means there will be requirements for the room that did not exist when it was simply a space to house vehicles. There will be permits involved for the changes you want to make. 

If you ultimately decide that converting your garage is the best way to add more space to your home, be sure to get estimates from several reputable contractors and find one that shares your vision for your new room. 

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home (or both), let me, Sandra Nickel, and my Hat Team of Professionals assist you with all your real estate needs! Call us today at 334=834-1500 and check out https://www.homesforsaleinmontgomeryalabama.com for more information.

Photo Credits: thehoneycombhome.com, designingidea.com, easterngaragedoors.co.uk