Deciding whether to invest in a substantial home improvement project can be a huge undertaking. But before the overhaul can begin, it is imperative that you do your research. Everyone wants the best bang for their buck and scouring the internet is often your best bet. Here are 10 great home improvement resources to check out before you look into financing your home improvement project:
houzz.com: This website has it all. Every aspect of every room (both in and outdoor) in every size and style. Use their handy “Find a Pro” tool to search the area for help with your job and their “Real Cost Finder” will help you determine if your dream remodel is really within your budget.
homeadvisor.com: You’ve done your research and you know exactly what you want, now you just need help finding someone to do it for you. HomeAdvisor provides you with home improvement professionals that have been pre-screened for any funny business (bankruptcy issues, criminal records, bad reviews, malpractice, etc.). Best of all, it’s free!
houselogic.com: HouseLogic touts as being able to “protect the value of your home by helping you make confident decisions” regarding your home improvement projects. A source developed by the National Association of Realtors, you can peruse tax and finance information as well.
pinterest.com: If you need ideas, Pinterest is the place. Start a board and browse thousands of photos and websites from which to draw inspiration.
HGTV.com: 
Yes, it has its own network, but it’s also a great resource for ideas and also a place where you can find pictures from the homes you liked on your favorite T.V. shows.
inhabitual.com: If you’re looking to make your home a bit more environmentally friendly, look no further than in habitual. Here you can find a plethora of ‘green’ options for many different home improvement projects.
porch.com: This is an excellent resource to find out about any past home improvement projects on your home, the cost, and what your neighbors are paying to have work done on their homes. It also lists the contractors used by people in your neighborhood so you can rest assured that you’re hiring a trusted professional.
angieslist.com: This isn’t a new site, and many of you may already use it for, well, everything. But for those who haven’t, Angie’s List will give you a solid list of recommended service providers for your home renovation. To benefit the homeowners who have fallen victim to less than stellar service, there is a complaint resolution option for contractors to respond to. It should be noted that although there is a wealth of information to be found on Angie’s, it is not free.
dwell.com: A resource for the more modern homeowner, Dwell delivers inspiration that focuses on up-to-date technology and aesthetics. From windows, colors and outdoor spaces, Dwell can offer you a different perspective for your home renovation.
punch.com: You can talk all you want, but it’s helpful to see how your ideas will actually appear. Punch allows you to put in your home’s dimensions and it whips up a 3D rendering of what your remodeling idea will look like.
Have your own favorites? Please comment below and share with us what resources you use on the web. If you have any questions, please call us at (615) 750-2148 or email us at office@strattonexteriors.com!
