Real estate, building, and remodeling surveys reveal that the one project likely to give you a 100 percent return on the dollars invested is a kitchen remodel. And whether the project is as involved as gutting the room back to the wall studs or as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint, each project is an investment in your home’s value and, ultimately, in your enjoyment of using the space. Remodeling a kitchen is a big job, but it’s not so big that anyone – with the right guidance and understanding – couldn’t feel comfortable tackling at least some parts of the job. Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies is the reference tool to use if you Want to use the kitchen more efficiently Want to replace outdated, energy-gobbling appliances and gadgets Have attempted at least one or two home repair projects Are comfortable using both power and hand tools and probably own a few of each Want to know how a project should be done and then hire someone to do it. The kitchen in today’s home has become a focal point for the family, as well as for entertaining. For those reasons, you want the room to be as functional as possible, without breaking your bankbook. With Kitchen Remodeling For Dummies in hand, you'll get the lowdown on the following topics and more: The kitchen remodeling process (knowing this makes you a smarter consumer) Critical design issues Working with the pros: architect, designer, contractor Establishing a budget and sticking with it Evaluating your plumbing, electrical, and ventilation systems Selecting and installing cabinets and countertops Choosing sinks, faucets, and appliances Working on walls, windows, and floors Hot trends and easy upgrades This handy guide shows you how to take your kitchen (no matter what shape it’s in now) and remodel it so that it not only fits your wants and needs but also becomes a room you can be proud to use and show off.

Thinking about owning a second home? Whether you want a relaxing getaway spot, a future retirement home, or just a place to rent out for profit, having a second home has always been a good investment. But how will you know where to look, how to invest, and what you need to avoid? Second Homes For Dummies gives you the tools you need to handle the entire second-home buying process from concept to completion! This book covers the bases and the basics of buying a second home, presenting all information in a logical and modular format so you can find just what you need on the subjects that interest you. You’ll find out everything you need to know to: Determine whether or not a second home is right for you Maximize your options for a second home Search for a home and find the money to pay for it Rent out your home for profit Renovate and maintain it to ensure its growing value Make your second home your primary home Look for and purchase a home in another country Also provided are a list of the best places in the world to buy a home, ways to improve your home and make it first rate, and rules that you should talk about with your guests. With Second Homes For Dummies, you can make your dream of having a second home come true!

Keep construction on track with helpful checklists Turn your dream of a custom home into reality! Thinking about building your own home? This easy-to-follow guide shows you how to plan and build a beautiful home on any budget. From acquiring land to finding the best architect to overseeing the construction, you get lots of savvy tips on managing your new investment wisely -- and staying sane during the process! Discover how to: * Find the best homesite * Navigate the plan approval process * Obtain financing * Hire the right contractor * Cut design and construction costs * Avoid common mistakes

Provides advice on purchasing undervalued properties, fixing them up, and selling for a profit, discussing such topics as putting together a flipping strategy, securing funding, house hunting, and evaluating properties.

Lay the foundation for successful flipping and bring home the bucks Want to flip houses? This no-nonsense guide gives you the inside scoop on buying, renovating, and selling property, with plenty of time- and money-saving tips to keep you on budget and on schedule. You get savvy strategies for negotiating deals, modernizing for maximum profit, marketing your home, avoiding common blunders, and staying afloat in a slow market. Make money in any market — discover simple guidelines that will help you to profit no matter what the economic climate Secure funding for your flip — explore all your options for the capital you need Build a budget — understand all the costs you may face and avoid any costly surprises Maximize your tax savings — get valuable tips on what expenses you can deduct Find buried real estate treasures — learn how to spot homes with untapped potential and how to buy homes from foreclosures and tax sales Buy property at the best price — find out negotiation secrets that will add thousands of dollars to your bottom line Renovate your property for maximum profit — make renovations that add real value to your home Market your home — dazzle prospective buyers with through marketing materials and home staging Open the book and find: Who you need on your team How to determine a realistic resale price Creative financing options What questions to ask before you buy How to buy foreclosure properties in the U.S. Which quick fixes enhance a home's value When to take on major structural enhancements How to negotiate the sale to maximize your profit

Whether you are renting out part of your home, or investing in a property, this guide to the constantly changing market and its laws will prove to be invaluable. Whether you've inherited a home you now need to rent or you're aiming to become a property tycoon, this friendly guide is your road map to success.

Want to build responsibly, reduce waste, and help preserve the environment? Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your friendly, step-by-step guide to every facet of this Earth-friendly method of construction. Building a home—even a green home—uses plenty of resources and energy. This practical, hands-on book shows you how to build or remodel conscientiously, whether your dream home is a simple remodel or a brand-new multimillion-dollar mansion. You’ll start by identifying green materials and sizing up potential systems and construction sites. You’ll weigh the pros and cons of popular green building methods and identify opportunities for saving money in the long run. Need to find some green professionals to assist you in your venture? We’ll help you do that, too. This book will also help you discover how to: Understand the lifecycle of building materials Choose the right system for your green building project Put together a green team Work within your budget Use green building methods and sustainable systems Speed construction and reduce energy use and waste Refinish old fixtures and materials Beware of asbestos and lead-paint hazards Avoid costly mistakes Complete with lists of ten green things to do on every project and ten things you can do right now in your home in order to go green, Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies is your one-stop guide to planning and building the home you’ve always wanted.