San Francisco Real Estate - Janice Lee

How to Redecorate Your Bedroom on a Tight Budget If you're tired of the same old look in your bedroom, there's a good chance you've thought about redecorating. Completely revamping a room can be an expensive undertaking, especially if going for a designer look similar to those featured in a magazine. Rather than shopping at high-end stores to create your ideal decor, whip up your own "thrifty chic" makeover using repurposed or inexpensive materials from salvage shops, craft stores and home improvement retailers. Wall Paint Repainting a bedroom is one way to give the entire space a fresh look, even without replacing any of the belongings within the room. Some designer paint brands are quite expensive, especially if you wish to paint the entire room one color. Instead, check your local paint or home improvement store for a "mistint" section. Many retailers sell paint that was not quite the right shade for another customer at a fraction of what t...

What to Know About Residential Recessed Lighting   Whether you're planning to illuminate your basement or brighten your front porch, recessed lighting provides a stylish and practical lighting solution for the home. However, before you dash out to pick up a set of lights, there are a few things you'll have to take into consideration to make the best choice for your lighting needs -- and to avoid burning down the house. Insulated or Non-Insulated If a recessed light begins to overheat, you face a serious risk of fire. Standard recessed lights, labelled Non-IC rated, require a space that is free from any form of insulation. You'll also need at least 8 inches of height in the joists above the ceiling to accommodate a standard size light enclosure. While these requirements are fine in some situations, such as when you're adding recessed lighting to a non-insulated basement ceiling, a problem arises when the ceiling requires insulation, such as in the attic direct...

10 Cheap and Cheerful Ways to Update Your Kitchen These quick add-ons and clever refreshes will give your kitchen the facelift it needs without spending a ton of money. The average kitchen remodel costs a staggering $18,856 — and high-end ones average $54,909. No bones about it: That's a whole lotta cash. But you don't need to shell out big bucks to make a big impact in an outdated kitchen. Whether you've lived in your house for years or you just got the keys, here are some easy ways to give it a refresh: 1. Bring in pattern. A vintage-inspired rug or lush floral wallpaper adds tons of personality to even the smallest of kitchens. If you want to try both at the same time, just look for patterns that have a linking color between them. 2. Hang floating shelves.  We could all use more storage, right? Take a cue from McGee & Co. and position some rustic ledges over the sink to stack dishes, glasses, and even some leaned artwork. 3. Ad...

How to Improve Your House before You Sell How can you maximize the value of your property when selling? Maximizing the value of your property before you sell not only gives you the potential to sell your property more quickly but it also means more money for your next home. In this article, we look at the most cost-efficient ways to improve the value of your home prior to selling. There are three main ways to go about adding value to your property before you sell. Renovations As a general rule of thumb, even the most cost-efficient home improvements will only net you around 80% of the cost of having them done. This may be an option if you’re having trouble selling or are looking for a fast sale but are not recommended for sellers wanting to add value to their homes. New bedrooms  – attics, extensions and basements can be turned into additional bedrooms and generally add the most value to a property. Conservatories  – Increasing the floor print of your pr...