How much lawn do you need? Do you like having a large expanse of green grass or small sections with curving perennial beds in between? Lawn care takes time and effort, so it helps to be realistic as you plan your landscaping project.

Think Carefully About Lawn Care

If you’re leaning toward a large lawn, ask your landscaping contractor to outline the pros and cons. You’ll have a nice view of nature and lots of space for kids to run and play volleyball, baseball, or croquet–just make sure you plan for a sturdy grass in heavy traffic areas. Large lawns also become a showpiece, attracting positive comments from neighbors and enhancing your home value.

On the negative side, a large lawn requires more lawn maintenance. Makes sense, right? The more you have, the more you have to do–or ask your landscaping contractor to do. Aside from watering and mowing, you’ll want to keep the lawn free of fungus and diseases. Here’s how from the folks at HGTV.

Easy Lawn Care in Small Spaces

If a small yard is your dream, focus on where that green will create the most impact. You may want fragrant flower beds near your door and a lawn that stretches to the curb. As you plan out the sections, make sure the lawn is wide enough for a mower to move through it easily.

Lawn Maintenance Tips

While all lawns require some work, there are ways to save on lawn maintenance. An automatic watering system can save time and simplify your lawn care plan. Also think about the mowing, as proper techniques can translate to a healthier lawn. Here’s a look at this important lawn maintenance project–with tips on when to mow, and when not to mow!

Let’s face it–lawn care takes work but is well worth it in the end. Before starting any landscaping project it’s important to understand your lawn personality. Just how much lawn do you really want?

If your outdoor space is calling you, make sure your landscaping design is ready. A well placed pergola, fountain, patio, or outdoor dining area can add just the right touch to those summer evenings.

Think about how your space flows and plan seating, dining, and relaxation areas accordingly. Here are a few examples of ways to bring a sense of outdoor living to your landscaping design. All you’ll need is a little creativity, the right landscaping contractor, and a few weeks of installation time.

Landscaping Design Options

Patio–If you don’t already have one, you have to ask yourself “Why not?” Patios are great for entertaining and provide many other landscaping benefits. Try a curved patio design with flowerbeds nested near your tables. Your guests will feel like a part of the landscaping. If you need help with plant selection, look for a landscaping contractor who understands fragrance and good color combinations.

Pergola–Try covering part of a patio or deck with the eye catching beams of a pergola. Most landscaping contractors can design one and install it within a few weeks. As you peruse these design ideas from Better Homes and Gardens, think about your sun patterns. A pergola is ideal for creating a shady nook in an otherwise sunny spot.

Water elements–From ponds to backyard fountains, there are many ways to use water elements to add a calming effect to your landscaping design. Even in a small yard, a tabletop model can make you think of a sandy beach instead of your hectic job.

Landscaping Planning is Key

Before planning your landscaping remodeling, talk with a few contractors to make sure the outdoor elements blend with your existing landscaping. Even if you only can add one element this year, ask for an overall drawing that shows the stages. You’ll then be working towards a cohesive landscaping design where all the pieces fit together.

The great thing about quick remodeling fixes is that…well…they’re quick. If you’ve got relatives coming in town or are just tired of that worn looking bathroom, here are some remodeling solutions in key rooms. Most can be completed by a contractor or handyman within a week.

Kitchen Design Boosts

Cabinet refacing is a great quick fix because it can boost your kitchen design without the cost of new cabinets. Just pick the cabinet wood, style and design and leave the rest to the contractor. There also are many new color trends in cabinet refacing that can turn a boring kitchen into a bold new space.

For a finishing touch, add cabinet hardware and under cabinet kitchen lighting that plugs into the wall. Within a few hours you can have the lights installed and ready to brighten your workspace. This type of kitchen lighting is ideal for those dark corners under a wall cabinet. At night, leave the lights on low for a decorative effect.

Bathroom Remodeling Fixes

In the bathroom, new floor or wall tile can add drama and depth quickly. Try 12-inch squares in a stone look or 1-inch subway tiles for a retro design. Most contractors can add bathroom tile in three or four days, depending on the space and tile design. Use a bathroom tile calculator like this one from Daltile so you can see how much to order.

And, last, but not least is paint. Paint is the least expensive way to revamp a room. If you’re living with neutral walls, consider adding some color. Sage, cranberry, cream…any color will do. In a small bathroom, try a soft faux finish to add some texture. Look for a painting contractor who specializes in exotic finishes.

One week and counting. When the relatives come, you’ll have a brand new (almost!) space.

What kitchen shape works for you? If you’re planning a kitchen remodeling or just trying to make the most of your workspace, think about the shape. The amount of countertop space and the traffic flow patterns around the kitchen are all related to the shape. Depending on your kitchen remodeling plans, you’ll want to make the most of what you have or ask your contractor to reinvent the space to fit the shape you like.

Here’s a rundown on the various kitchen design options:

Galley kitchen: Typically seen in smaller kitchens, the galley kitchen has counter space on two opposite walls. While you can’t fit an island here, you also have less road to travel to get the meal prepared. Here’s a slide show from Kitchenbathideas.com that takes you through several design ideas, including one with a built in seating area off to the side. Great idea for families.

L-shaped: This layout often is open to an adjacent room, so you get good traffic flow and light coming in. The sink and refrigerator are typically grouped near the intersection of the walls, with workspace on each side. HGTV suggests adding an island so you create more structure and a place for family dining in the center. You’ll need a big kitchen for this type of design, however.

U-shaped: This kitchen design is often the most versatile, as it gives you counter space on three sides. This can be tricky to add into a small kitchen, however. KraftMaid has some layouts that take you through the basic galley to the more functional U-shape.

Single wall: The most challenging, but think of it as being efficient. You’ll want the tallest cabinets you can find in a light wood or painted surface. Ask your contractor about squeezing in a pantry nearby for storage.

Looking for a special room to call you own? You’re not alone, as many people are asking contractors to carve out a little reading nook, craft room or art space just for their hobby or interests.

Here are some home improvement options:

• A craft room–for beading, scrapbooking, art work or other pursuits. As you remodel, think about storage, as you don’t want your craft supplies taking over the house. As Country Living notes, all those crafts can be sorted in containers of varying sizes based on the craft (beads versus paints, for example).
• An exercise room–try to remodel the space so there is room for floor exercises, weights, and a few machines. Better Homes and Gardens suggests making it convenient and workable for all ages. Kids might want a climbing wall, while adults want a treadmill and yoga station.
• A wood working space–look for a corner of the basement where you can set up tools, a table for staining, and shelving for storing all your stains, paints and tools. Before you remodel, ask your contractor for a plan for overhead lighting and task lighting for individual work spaces. Also make sure you have plenty of space for movement on each side of the saw. New Yankee.com explains how being efficient with space can make a workshop more user friendly.
• A reading nook–try one corner of your master bedroom or family room.

When adding a specialty room, think about how much space you’ll really need. A wood working space should include space for a circular or table saw and all the accessories, for example. Ask your contractor about sizing on equipment and horizontal work space.

Adding a specialty room is an individual project designed to make you happy, not necessarily your neighbors. Plan it out carefully and you’ll quickly see how functional it is.

If you’re overrun with boxes, furniture and just general household “stuff,” it’s time to take action!

When trying to declutter and organize your home, the process can seem overwhelming. Where do you start and how will you get through all the closets, boxes and drawers?

Easy Ways to Organize Your Home

The best way to organize your home is to create a plan, with a breakdown that goes room by room. Try for manageable pieces. One room at a time. One desk at a time.

In each room, evaluate what you have and what you can live without. Ask yourself:

• Have I worn/used/read this in the last 2 to 5 years?
• Is it in style?
• Does it fit with my current décor?
• Will I realistically use it in the next month?

Then make a plan to organize your home and get rid of what you really don’t use.

Next Up: Storage Options

What you have left should be organized with bins, baskets, shelving and enclosed cabinets. The storage options will vary by room, but try decorative units that add a little flair to the room. In the kitchen, focus on the cabinetry, as it can get crowded in there. Here are tips from the The Container Store on how to divide the vertical space and maximize your storage options.

As you look beyond this decluttering project, strive for the “in-out rule” suggested on the Oprah show. If you buy something new, something old has to go. In the end, this can save you money. You might not be as tempted to buy a new outfit if you know it involves cleaning out the old!

Trying to organize your home is a lot of work, but if you follow a plan and get the right storage options, it will all come together eventually.

There are many types of contactors, from carpenters to plumbing contractors to landscaping contractors. Which is the best for your project? Here’s a look at various contractor specialties and just what these folks do. This should help you narrow down your contractor selection.

General contractor–oversees medium to large remodeling projects, such as bathroom or kitchen remodeling. This person hires the subcontractors, prepares the schedule and makes sure the day to day work is done. This is a great benefit during a kitchen remodeling, for example, as there are many aspects to coordinate.

While some people try to be their own general contractor, the work involved is pretty specialized and intense. Unless you’ve managed construction projects before, think carefully before trying this path to remodeling.

Specialty contractors–this narrows the field to contractor who focus mainly on kitchens, baths, landscaping, basements, etc. The benefit to hiring such a remodeling contractor is the expertise in that specific area. The downside is that the plumbing contractor probably won’t be able to do a little electrical work or patch the drywall in the ceiling.

Subcontractor–someone who typically works for a general contractor but may do his or her own projects that focus just on tile installation, patio paving or wall insulation. The price might be lower because you are going directly to the one doing the work. The downside is that you don’t have the overall expertise of the general contractor for pricing, scheduling and handling disputes.

Carpenter–one of several subcontractors that often works with a general contractor. You might hire just the carpenter, though, to build a custom bookcase, like this one from Popular Mechanics.

Before hiring a contractor, focus in on what you really need. What skills or trades are involved? You then can narrow your search to the contractor that fits the bill.

During the excitement of a kitchen remodeling, it’s easy to get carried away. Why not redo the laundry room or repaint the family room at the same time?

Sometimes it’s good to spread the work to an adjacent room, as it can save money and avoid duplication. Those types of changes should be planned out in advance with the contractor and put in writing to avoid confusion. Otherwise, you risk tearing apart too much of your house and changing the budget midstream. Here’s information from Realtor Magazine on what to include in the contract so everyone is on the same page.

Kitchen Remodeling: Change is Tricky

A kitchen remodeling is particularly tricky, as it disrupts your routine. While the end result is worth the disruption, it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you take on too much. Here’s how to keep your emotions in check during a kitchen remodeling.

Get the Contractor’s Help

Before the kitchen remodeling, ask the contractor whether adding in a few extras will save money or eliminate redundancy. Here are a few examples of when to add on:

• Electrical wiring–if the contractor has to open a wall, do as much as you can in that area before the wall is repaired.
• Plumbing–consider upgrading the pipes in an adjacent powder room if you can do so without tearing the room apart.
• Financial incentives, such as the federal tax credit for many energy efficient products, such as replacement windows. The program expires December 31, 2010, so it’s worth it to expand with some replacement windows. Just make sure the products you buy qualify. Here are exceptions and reporting requirements outlined by Energy Star.

When Not to Expand Remodeling

If expanding the project dramatically affects your cost or timeline, think carefully before plunging ahead. As they say, you have to keep your eye on the ball.

Roofing and siding may not sound exciting, but they sure can transform your house. The way to get a unique look is to think beyond the basic rectangular siding boards and gray asphalt shingles.

How to Blend Exterior Siding and Roofing Colors

Try coordinating your roof shingles and exterior siding with other aspects of the house. A red roof looks great on a white house while gray exterior siding can coordinate well with colors in your driveway, sidewalk and landscaping. Scalloped edges on your siding can mirror the lines in your fascia boards or front porch detailing.

Here are some fun roofing and siging options:

Fiber cement siding–This low maintenance material is all about providing the look of wood siding without all the maintenance. You can buy fiber cement siding in varying widths and textures. Some even replicate stucco. Check out the shake-look, half rounds and octagonal designs from CertainTeed.

Premium Vinyl Siding–When you pay a little more for high end vinyl siding, you get different textures, widths and edge treatments. Some have textures and wood grain finishes that can blend well with stone or brick exterior elements. Try these from the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Roof Shingles with Pizzazz–Forget black and gray roof shingles, as there are many customized colors that highlight shutters or paving materials. There also are styles that resemble slate, a high end roofing material that is out of reach for many people. Consider these green roof shingles on OldHouseWeb.com that are half the weight of slate.

As you review all the options, think about focal points. Should the roof or the siding be the focal point–or both? Is there a garden focal point you want to coordinate with, such as a stone patio? With a little creativity, your roofing and siding can drastically change your home’s visual appeal.