Most people think of remodeling and home improvement only in terms of either additions to their home or significant changes to the exterior or interior, requiring the work of professional architects, designers and tradesmen. Here are five types of improvements to consider, at least three of which many home owners tackle very effectively, alone:

• Refinishing • Replacement • Enhancement • Conversion • Adding-on

Refinishing is the most common, quickest, easiest, most financially and emotionally rewarding home improvement. Painting, wallpapering, refinishing hardwood floors, polishing brass fixtures, knobs and hinges, touching-up nicks, washing windows and screens... all make their own unique impact on the look, feel and value of your home.

Replacement includes a multitude of exterior, interior and mechanical systems projects including:

•	landscaping
•	sidewalk
•	driveway
•	entry or exterior doors, windows
•	screen windows and doors
•	closet and other interior doors
•	hardware, hinges, knobs, locksets
•	ventilation and insulation products
•	appliances and mechanical systems                                                                                                  Enhancement. You may be considering the purchase of a home in just the right location, with adequate room for your family, in an architectural style you prefer.......adequate but unexciting!    Enhancement may just be the right choice to make your house into the exciting home of your dreams. Conversion of existing space within a structure is often the type improvement that gives the best value. Conversion is just what the word says; conversion of existing space from it’s current use to a new use. Examples include converting a basement storage area into a playroom or home office; an attic into a guest bedroom or child’s study area; or a garage into a family room, extra bedroom or an all new kitchen. An excellent conversion project is the expansion of a small kitchen into a combined family-room-eat-in-kitchen by converting an adjacent porch or attached garage into usable, exciting, interior living space. Adding additional living space.  You are not just adding space to an existing home, but rather changing the look, feel, flow, function and value of a structure and a group of systems.   Make sure the addition is : • architecturally consistent with the existing structure • structurally safe over the long-term • mechanically safe and efficient • cost effective