Remodel 411: help for the remodeling-challenged

(ARA) - Thinking of remodeling but don't know where to start? Let your mouse do the heavy lifting and transform your current space into your dream home. These days everyone turns to the Web to get inspired. In fact, a study conducted by Princeton Survey Research International found that 69 percent of Americans use the Internet as a source of information when it comes to housing and investment decisions.

"Whether you're an expert do-it-yourselfer or this is your first home improvement project, the Internet can be an excellent resource," said Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated television show, "Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford," and frequent contributor to "The Early Show" on CBS. "And the tools available on the Web just keep getting better and better - with educational videos, downloadable shopping lists, budget and return-on-investment calculators."

Getting started: The ABC's of ROI

With a project as daunting as remodeling a home, sometimes the most difficult part is just getting started. The key? Prioritizing. Start your renovation by concentrating on the rooms you use the most and offer the best return on investment (ROI): your kitchen and your bathroom.

According to Remodeling Magazine's 2010 Cost vs. Value report, homeowners will recoup the greatest share of their costs by foregoing super-deluxe projects in favor of mid-range kitchen and bath remodels. A mid-range kitchen remodel brings an average 72.1 percent return on investment and a mid-range bathroom project has an average 71 percent cost recovery.

Budget-minded enhancements

A "mid-range" kitchen or bath remodel sounds great on paper - but what types of projects does that really entail? Realtor magazine offers a few budget-minded enhancements to consider when remodeling:

* Add or replace tile - Purchase low-cost tiles to replace a dated backsplash or add a new one.

* Install granite tile instead of a slab - While granite kitchen counters are extremely popular, they can be a $5,000 upgrade. Instead, put in 12-inch granite tiles for as little as $300 in materials. You'll get the same impact for less.

* Freshen up your bathroom. This is a room that can be refreshed with little effort: try simple updates like regrouting tile or reconditioning cabinets. These small upgrades can make a big impact.

Or, if you want to tackle something a little larger - nothing makes a style statement like a new bathroom faucet. The new Method bathroom collection from Moen features clean lines, soft curves and a sophisticated, modern look. And not only does the Method collection look great, but it's eco-friendly, as well -- meeting WaterSense criteria and offering 30 percent water savings, without sacrificing performance.

Planning on the World Wide Web

Now that you've decided on the projects you'd like to undertake, it's time to begin the planning process. Begin by looking at everything from current trends and style options to the nuts and bolts of estimated budgets and time to completion.

In the kitchen

Websites like dannylipford.com are a great place to get ideas and support from fellow homeowners. The site DIYnetwork.com gives visitors an overview of a variety of kitchen projects, with step-by-step instructions, a list of the materials needed and the products their designers recommend. And, there's a time frame, price range and difficulty level listed for every project, helping you to choose a kitchen remodel that's doable for you.

In the bath

Moen's website is another great resource and features many design and planning videos to help inspire homeowners. The site even offers an interactive faucet selector tool, which helps you choose the right faucet for your space. Simply answer a few questions about your decorating style, how much you'd like to spend and which finish and features are important to you. Another way to stay up to date in the remodeling world is by signing up for Moen's At Home eNewsletter, which provides trends and ideas for your home.

"The best advice I can offer when tackling a remodeling project is to relax and enjoy the ride," added Lipford. "While it's easy to become overwhelmed, trust your instincts and don't be afraid to try new things. At times, it may seem easier to call in a professional, but you'll have a great sense of pride in knowing that you did the job yourself."

Courtesy of ARAcontent