In a presentation given at the International Builders Show, Jill Waage, editorial director for Home Content for Better Homes and Gardens revealed survey results about consumer attitudes towards home ownership, upkeep and renovations, design and personalization, and more. A primary point revealed in the presentation shows that, despite continuing economic uncertainty, consumer thoughts toward homeownership remain strong with 8 in 10 saying home ownership is still a good investment and an important part of the American Dream. The BHG survey also found that consumers are more proactive in designing and curating their homes and, in fact, are spending more time planning design changes for the home (up to 38% from 33% the year prior).

Among the survey’s key findings:

• Owning a home is still an important part of the American Dream (According to 8 in 10 surveyed).
• Consumers are taking more time to plan for home improvement projects (39% in 2011 compared to 33% in 2010) and are shopping around for more deals and bargains before committing to home improvement plans (42% in 2011 compared to 40% in 2010).
• Consumers find it more important than ever to get the most value out of every dollar (61% in 2011, up from 56% in 2010), and will spend more time looking for bargains and deals in order to get the most value for their money (Up to 54% in 2011, from 52% in 2010).
• Consumers are more willing to get rid of excess “stuff” and not willing to mortgage for more storage space. Multi-purpose rooms are a necessity in the home. Consumers aren’t interested in “bonus rooms” or “media rooms” unless they have a multi-functional purpose.
• Style upgrades claim even greater prominence as being the most important feature in consumers’ upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, style upgrades on countertops, flooring, faucets and fixtures is up to 55% in 2011 from 50% in 2010. Expanded/improved storage space stayed flat at 39% in 2011, same as in 2010.
•  In terms of remodeling priorities for consumers, baths are outpacing kitchens. Bathroom remodeling stayed constant in 2011 and 2010 (31%) and kitchen remodeling was stable at 25% in 2011, compared to 24% in 2010.

In fact, in the past five years, more than 15 million appliance units have been recalled by the CPSC and manufacturers for defects that could cause a fire; 7.3 million (almost half) of the recalled units were dishwashers. Consumer Reports offers the following eight steps homeowners can take to protect themselves:

1. Register new appliances. It is critical that consumers register their products with manufacturers in order to be promptly notified in the event of a recall. Consumers concerned about their privacy or junk mail need only provide manufacturers with their name, contact information and the appliance’s model number.
2. Check for recalls. Consumers can sign up for alerts at www.recalls.gov. Those who move into a home with existing appliances should record their make and model and check company websites for any recalls or review customers’ experiences with those products at www.SaferProducts.gov.
3. Install fire-prevention equipment. Each level of a home and every bedroom should have a working smoke alarm. Consumer Reports recommends smoke alarms have both photoelectric and ionization sensors to provide the fastest response to any type of fire. Also, keep one full-floor fire extinguisher (rated 2-A:10-B:C or greater) on every level, plus a smaller supplemental unit in the kitchen.
4. Inspect power cords. Check for frayed power cords and never route electric cords (including extension cords) under carpeting, where they can overheat or be damaged by furniture.
5. Check home wiring. The electrical wiring in older homes cannot always handle the demands of modern appliances. Systems should be inspected by a qualified electrician. An upgrade to wiring may cost several hundred dollars, but is likely worth the added expense.
6. Practice kitchen safety. Unattended cooking is a common fire-starter, whether using a range or microwave oven. If small children are home, maintain a kids-free-zone of at least 3 feet and use back burners when possible. Consumers should unplug their small appliances, including toasters and coffeemakers, when not in use and or when planning to be away for long periods.
7. Clear range hoods. Grease buildup in range hoods is another fire hazard, so be sure to clean the vents regularly.
8. Keep dryer vents clear. Clean the lint screen in the dryer regularly to avoid buildup, which has been listed as a factor in many fires. Use rigid metal dryer ducts instead of flexible ducts made of foil or plastic, which can sag and let lint build. Check ducts regularly and remove any lint buildup.

Source: www.ConsumerReports.org

1. Don’t buy if you can’t stay put. Given today’s challenging marketplace, don’t buy a home unless you can commit to staying there for at least a few years. The days of flipping for profit are long gone and you stand to lose money if you sell too soon after buying.
2. Shore up your credit. Securing a mortgage in today’s market requires excellent credit so take the time to clean up your credit report well before you begin looking for a home.
3. Be honest about what you can really afford. The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But CNNMoney recommends using one of the many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.
4. If you can’t put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for a loan. There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, can provide options in terms of interest rates and down payments.
5. Schools affect home values. Even if children aren’t a part of your life now or in the near future, look at homes in areas supported by a good school system. Good schools are paramount for many homebuyers and have a direct impact on the value of your home.
6. Work with a real estate professional. Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Today’s market requires expert guidance through every stage of the home-buying process.
7. Choose carefully between points and rate. When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points – a portion of the interest that you pay at closing – in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time – say three to five years or more – it’s usually a better deal to take the points, says CNNMoney. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.
8. Get pre-approved. This will help you avoid the emotional rollercoaster of falling in love with houses you can’t afford. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.
9. Make an educated bid. Work with your real estate professional to make the right opening bid. Bids should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood, so review with your agent sales of similar homes in the last three months.
10. Hire a home inspector. In addition to the appraiser your lender hires, you should also hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer with experience in doing home surveys in the area where you are buying. His or her job will be to point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road.

Source: Money.cnn.com.

First, prioritize those renovations that will have a maximum impact, both in terms of aesthetics and investment values. Also prioritize the projects that will enhance the livability and enjoyment of your home.

Next, decide whether or not it makes sense to handle these projects on your own or call in a professional for help. According to the experts at Sears Home Services, while taking on home remodeling yourself can seem daunting , enlisting the right help can make the process simple and seamless.

Here are three areas of the home to put at the top of your list this year:

The Bathroom
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, one of the best investments in a home is a bathroom renovation. Remodeling a bathroom that’s more than 25 years old substantially increases the value of your home. While your bathroom may not need a complete makeover, updating cabinets, lighting, tiling or countertops can go a long way toward improving design and functionality. Or, consider a few quick fixes, such as a new towel bar, shower-curtain rod, robe hooks or showerhead.

The Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home. And kitchen renovations don’t need to be dramatic to be impactful—updates such as new countertops, cabinets, appliances or flooring can all dramatically improve the kitchen. These improvements can also help yield increased functionality and space throughout the kitchen. For a simple refresh, homeowners can give their kitchen a new look by replacing the hardware on cabinets, painting or updating fixtures.

The Floors
A great way to upgrade an area of your home and pull a room together is to install new floors. There are myriad options to choose from: carpeting, tile, laminate, porcelain or ceramic tile, vinyl or hardwood. Consult a home-improvement retailer or flooring expert to help make the best choice and to ensure proper installation.

While sunrooms and patio rooms do make an excellent warm-weather family hub, that only tells part of the story. Getting a true year-round sunroom means getting a glass room addition with a superior build quality that can be used during even the coldest months, with no need to abandon it as soon as the winter weather arrives. The difference between cheaply-made three-season rooms and a four-seasons sunroom is that the latter is a room addition you can utilize all year long, even when it’s cold outside.

When buying a Sunroom or Conservatory, it’s the glass that makes all the difference in providing insulation in the colder winter months. Try to find energy-efficient glass, exclusive to its own room, that does just that. The sunroom will block out more of the heat in the summer and stay warmer during the winter, allowing the homeowner to enjoy year-round comfort, even when there’s thick snow on the ground.

Another great benefit of any sunroom or conservatory is the way it can flood a home with natural daylight. Exposure to natural light makes people feel healthier and much lighter in spirit, so a room addition that lets in a lot of light is a great way to keep those “winter blues” away.

When it’s too cold to venture outdoors, a sunroom will bring the outside inside, 365 days a year. It can serve as a wonderfully tranquil space to enjoy the plants, trees, birds and other wildlife in the backyard all from the comfort of an armchair. At night, it’s a romantic spot to do a little star gazing, or watch the gently falling snow from in front of the fireplace.

During the summer months, it’s easy to live life outdoors, but it’s just as easy to forget how tight a home may be on space, especially during those long winter days when families can be all cooped up together. Sunrooms, conservatories or patio rooms are more than just an extended porch; they can make great playrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and kitchen extensions. Matching the addition to a family’s needs creates a comfortable home for all to enjoy, winter or summer.