By Margaret Heidenry | Realtor.com | Sep 26, 2021

How much does it cost to build a house? Is it cheaper to build or buy a house? The median price of constructing a single-family home is $296,652. That’s for an average-sized house of 2,594 square feet, which boils down to $115 per square foot.

Because of COVID-19, however, Americans keen to purchase new construction will need to tack on a pandemic premium of an extra $35,872, cranking up today’s total cost of building a house to $332,524.

Is it more expensive to build a house? The coronavirus pandemic’s impact on new construction

Why does it cost so much to build a house today? According to the National Association of Home Builders, the pandemic’s disruption of supply chains has caused lumber costs to triple over the past year. Framing lumber that once set builders back about $350 per 1,000 board feet is now running $1,200—a 250% jump in price.

“The pandemic has been a big source of unexpected shifts in supply and demand for all kinds of goods,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist of Realtor.com®. “As a consumer, you’ve likely experienced this in the form of empty shelves that didn’t have toilet paper or yeast or chicken.”

Given that a house is much bigger (and more expensive) than rolls of toilet paper, it’s understandable that new-construction homes, and the materials to make them, are suffering from an unprecedented price increase that has many homebuyers and builders reeling from sticker shock.

“This unprecedented price surge is hurting American homebuyers and home builders, and impeding housing and economic growth,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke. “These lumber price hikes are clearly unsustainable. Policymakers need to examine the lumber supply chain, identify the causes for high prices and supply constraints, and seek immediate remedies that will increase production.”

Still, the pandemic alone isn’t to blame for the high cost of building a house. Here’s more on why new construction costs so much, and how it compares with buying a preexisting home.

The main costs to build a house

Wondering if it’s cheaper to build a house? First, it’s important to understand that there are a few main costs involved in the construction of a home, says Andy Stauffer, owner and president of Stauffer and Sons Construction. Sure, each time you build a home, costs are a little different, but here are the biggies:

  • The shell of the house, which includes walls, windows, doors, and roofing, can account for a third of the home’s total cost, or $93,279.
  • Interior finishes such as cabinets, flooring, and countertops can eat up another third of the budget, averaging $75,259.
  • Within the interior, kitchens and bathrooms are the most expensive rooms to build, with the average cost for cabinets and countertops alone is $13,540.
  • Mechanical—think plumbing and heating—runs around 14.7%, or $43,668.
  • Architect and engineer drawings will run about $4,335.

Also keep in mind that the cost to build a home can vary widely based on where you live.

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Watch: Here’s Why You Might Want to Buy an Older Home Instead of a New One

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Additional costs to build a house

Now you know the basic cost to build a home, but the expenses don’t end there. Here are a few extra costs you’ll need to be aware of that aren’t factored into the above price:

  • The cost of a plot of land to build on averages $3,160 per acre. That said, the average home is built on only 0.5 acre, so unless you want a lot of space in a highly desired neighborhood, that alone won’t break the bank.
  • Excavation and foundation work can be the most variable cost when building a home. In other words, you never know what you’re going to find until you start digging—be it bad soil or massive boulders. If excavation and foundation work go relatively smoothly, the average cost for both is $33,511.
  • You’ll need a building permit, of course—it averages $5,086 nationally.
  • Other costs you’ll incur before you hammer even one nail include inspections ($4,319) and an impact fee, levied by the government to cover the costs a new home will incur on public services like electricity and waste removal ($3,865).

The current state of the new-construction industry

“When the pandemic began to unfold, builders faced the prospect of buyers disappearing,” says Hale. “And while buyers did pull back early on, the housing market quickly did a 180 with buyers coming out en masse to find a better fit at home.”

Now, as the economy has begun opening back up, builders are struggling to balance strong demand with supply chain crunches beyond lumber that are leading to higher prices, causing some homebuyers to hold off on moving forward with new construction. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

“I expect that we’ll see new home sales eventually pick up in a more gradual manner as builders work through supply chain challenges and the development pipeline normalizes,” Hale adds.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a house?

Currently, you can buy an existing single-family house for a median price of $380,000.

In short, it’ll cost you a little bit more today to buy an old house than building a new one. Still, you save yourself the headaches that inevitably come with construction, along with the long wait before you move in. On average, the time it takes to build a house is about three to six months, but the pandemic could cause this process to drag even longer.

Still, building a house does have its advantages. Everything from pipes to the heating and cooling systems will be new. That means no costly repairs in the near future—and so a newly built home could end up costing less in the long run.

Should you buy or build a house?

All in all, it’s smart to weigh the pros and cons of new versus old construction—and the price you pay for construction costs versus an existing home is only the beginning. Here we lay out everything a homebuyer needs to know about buying an existing home compared with building one from scratch or having it built by a general contractor.

There are actually two things to consider: the upfront costs of buying versus building, and the ongoing maintenance costs.

The upfront costs

If you buy an existing home: According to the latest figures, the median cost of buying an existing single-family house is $334,500. For the average 1,500-square-foot home built before the 1960s, that comes to about $223 per square foot. That said, the exact price can vary widely based on where you live. (Go to realtor.com/local to see the price per square foot in your area.)

If you build a new home: Building a house will set you back an average of $296,652, plus about $35,872 due to the pandemic-related uptick in material costs.

But you may get a lot more for your money. For one, new construction is usually more spacious, with a median size of 2,594 square feet—so the cost to build per square foot is actually lower than the cost per square foot of existing homes.

Another advantage of having a builder construct a custom home is you pay for only what you want, whereas an existing home may have interior and exterior features (e.g., a finished basement or a basketball court) you’ll pay a premium for, even if you don’t want them. But if an older house happens to be your dream home the way it is, that may be the more bargain-friendly route.

Last but not least, by building your own house, you get to design it to your exact specifications. If you have very clear ideas about how you want your home to look, this blank slate could be worth every penny.

Maintenance

If you buy an existing home: Older homes have more wear and tear, which means certain things may need more maintenance—or, if they’re on their last legs, replacement, points out Michael Schaffer, a broker associate at Keller Williams Integrity Real Estate LLC.

Naturally, the cost of this upkeep isn’t cheap, so make sure you know the age of the main items. For example, the average furnace is expected to last 20 years and will cost $4,551 to replace. The typical HVAC system lasts 15 years and costs $7,000 and more to replace.

Another biggie is the roof: The average shingled roof holds up for about 25 years. If you need to replace roofing, you’re looking at a bill starting at $8,379. Plumbing and septic systems can go for some time without a problem, but when something goes wrong, it’s an emergency.

With an existing home, unless you step into a high-end home with everything you want, you may want to start changing things, even if they are still functional. Home improvement shows make it seem simple to change countertops and flooring, or even overhaul floor plans. When you’re paying for material that’s shot up in price recently and labor costs for plumbing and drywall work, you may start to think your total cost might have been less paying a builder for a custom home in the first place.

If you build a new home: Considerably less upkeep is one of the primary reasons to build your own single-family home, because everything from major appliances to the HVAC system is new and under warranty. In fact, sometimes the entire home is protected for up to 10 years because a builder generally offers a construction warranty “for any problems that arise,” says Schaffer. Your interior and exterior maintenance outlay for a decade is potentially zero dollars. That can make up for some home construction costs per square foot that you paid by opting for a custom home.

Landscaping

If you buy an existing home: A major perk of older homes is mature landscaping with large trees and established plantings. That may not seem like a big deal until you consider that the U.S. Forest Service estimates that strategically placed mature trees can add tens of thousands of dollars to a property’s value and save up to 56% on annual air-conditioning costs.

If you build a new home: Builders often do little or no landscaping to new construction. It may take thousands of dollars—and many years—to get the yard you want. For instance, one 6- to 7-foot-tall red maple will cost about $99.95 (if you plant it yourself), which will then grow 2 to 3 feet a year. According to HomeAdvisor, the cost of adding completely new landscaping ranges from $1,400 to $5,700-plus.

Energy efficiency

If you buy an existing home: The latest U.S. Census found the median age of American houses to be 46 years old as of 2020. Older construction means dated windows and appliances—dollars flying out the window on wasted energy expense.

If you build your own home: Recent construction almost always beats older homes in energy efficiency, says Kyle Alfriend of the Alfriend Real Estate Group Re/Max in Ohio. Homes built after 2000 consume on average 21% less energy for heating than older homes, mainly because of their increased efficiency of heating equipment and building materials. This translates into reduced energy expense every month, even with the higher square footage in many newer homes.

“However, often the regulatory requirements on new construction are stricter than existing buildings,” says Hale. “This can mean you enjoy better energy efficiency, but these requirements can also drive up the price of new homes and mean that they take longer to build.”

Appreciation

If you buy an existing home: The nice thing about old homes is that there’s context to your purchase: You can research the home’s previous sale prices, as well as prices of similar homes in the area (known as comparables, or comps) to get a feel for whether prices are rising or falling in your area. If the prices for your home and others in the area have been steadily rising, odds are decent that the trend will continue, which bodes well for you if you decide to sell later on.

If you build a new home: New house construction, particularly in up-and-coming neighborhoods, can be more of a gamble. Without a proven track record of lots of comps, there just aren’t enough data points to really know what could happen down the line. However, some buyers in hot markets are seeing incredibly quick jumps in their new-construction property value.

by Trees.com – last update on November 24, 2021, 5:10 pm

 

Poor landscaping can decrease property value by as much as 30%

Key Findings

Home prices in the U.S. surged within the last year, the result of pandemic-related relocations, low mortgage rates, and a lack of new and existing housing inventory.

According to Zillow, the median home value in the U.S. is $303,288 as of August 2021, a 17.7% increase from 2020.

However, according to a new Trees.com survey of 1,250 licensed U.S. real estate agents, there’s one way to decrease a home’s value—neglect your home’s landscaping and hardscaping.

3/4 of real estate agents say poor landscaping, hardscaping negatively affects a home’s value

There’s no question that landscaping elements like trees, grass, and flowers add a lot of visual appeal to a home, but just how much does their absence affect what a home is worth?  Here’s an interactive map of the one shown below.

According to 43% of real estate agents, poor landscaping has a “very” negative impact on a home’s value. Another 35% say it will “somewhat” impact how much a home is worth.

Real estate agents have differing opinions on exactly how much a home’s value decreases with poor landscaping. Twenty-four percent say a home’s value decreases by 10%, while 22% estimate the value decreases by 20%. Eighteen percent predict that a home’s value drops by 30% or more if the property lacks an appealing landscape.

Much of it has to do with perception, according to real estate broker Kimo Quance, owner of the Kimo Quance Group in Santee, CA.

“Landscaping provides potential buyers with a first impression of your home,” Quance says. “When they observe a neglected lawn, or a home without any additional curb appeal, potential buyers immediately get the idea that the home was not well-maintained. They set a value of the home in their mind based on that, and it’s usually not a good price. On the other hand, a neat, clean lawn puts the buyer’s mind at ease.”

In today’s hot real estate market, even a 10% price decrease means a seller could be leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table if they don’t bring their lawns up to snuff before putting their home on the market.

Hardscaping, which refers to all of the non-living aspects of an outdoor design, such as structural or decorative elements, is also important. Forty percent of real estate agents say poor hardscaping has a very negative impact on a home’s value, while 38% say it has a somewhat negative impact.

According to Chicago-based real estate investor and developer Bill Samuel, a well-designed outdoor space is even more important now due to how much time families are spending at home.

“Today’s homebuyer expects the home they purchase to be move-in ready and prefers not to have to do any work,” Samuel says. “Exterior hardscape upgrades that allow for outdoor entertaining are becoming even more desirable as most homeowners prefer to entertain at home and outdoors during the pandemic.”

Trees, grass and flower top list of landscaping elements that add value to a home

The landscaping elements that add the most value to a home include grass (64%), trees (59%), and flowers (52%).

Meanwhile, as far as hardscaping goes, real estate agents recommend adding or improving decks (58%), driveways (54%), and an outdoor kitchen (47%) to add the most value.

Adding one healthy tree will raise property value

Ninety-one percent of real estate agents say adding even one healthy tree to your landscape will increase property values.

According to 20% of real estate agents, the presence of one healthy tree in the front yard of a property increases the home’s value by 30% or more. Nineteen percent of real estate agents estimate a single healthy tree increases a property’s value by 20%; the same number of agents say it raises the value by 10%.

One reason trees can increase property values is the aesthetic charm they add to a home.

“A tree is one of the most natural and interesting ways to add color, texture and contrast to any home’s yard,” says David North, a real estate broker in Redmond, WA. “The natural beauty of a tree can be especially powerful when it distinguishes one property from others, whether by different shape, color, or size.”

Location is key, North says, encouraging homeowners to plant trees where they will provide needed shade, privacy, and noise protection.

There are also the practical benefits of having trees on a property.

“Big, healthy trees help improve the home environment and make it more sustainable,” Quance says. “Trees contribute to a functioning home ecosystem by helping with stormwater management, pollution filtering, and soil fertilization. During warmer months, trees are a natural cooling system, providing shade. Then, in colder months, trees that lose their leaves let sunlight filter through to warm the home.”

Those who are selling their homes shouldn’t forget about having greenery inside, either. Fifty-four percent of real estate agents say it’s very important to have indoor plants when showing a home for sale, while 28% say it is somewhat important.

Effects of landscaping vary by region

Home prices vary widely by location, and the impact of poor landscaping does as well.

Real estate agents in the Midwest are most likely to say that poor landscaping will have a very negative impact on home value (51%). By comparison, 44% of real estate agents in the Northeast say poor landscaping has a very negative impact on what a home is worth.

Having indoor plants during a home showing is most important in the South (67%) and the West (65%). Only 57% of real estate agents in both the Midwest and the Northeast think it is very important to have indoor plants for home showings.

While the majority of real estate agents in the Northeast say having a healthy tree in the front yard will increase property values, 10% say that it won’t. Comparatively, only 6% of real estate agents in the West and Midwest, and 5% of real estate agents in the South think having a healthy tree won’t increase a home’s value at all.

Methodology
All data found within this report derives from a survey commissioned by Trees.com and conducted online by survey platform Pollfish. In total, 1,250 currently licensed U.S. real estate agents were surveyed. Appropriate respondents were found via a screening question. This survey was conducted on September 17, 2021. All respondents were asked to answer all questions truthfully and to the best of their abilities. For full survey data, please email Julia Morrissey at julia@trees.com.

by Keeping Current Matters | November 22, 2021

 

Your equity is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals as a homeowner. And chances are, your equity grew substantially over the past year. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, homeowners gained an average of $51,500 in equity over the past year.

If you’re looking for the best ways to use your growing equity, here are four options:

1. Use Your Equity To Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If you’re finding you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or, it’s possible you have too much space and would like something smaller. No matter the situation, consider using your equity to power a move into a home that fits your changing lifestyle. Moving into a larger home can provide extra space for remote work or loved ones. Downsizing, on the other hand, may mean saving time and money by caring for a smaller home.

2. Move to the Location of Your Dreams

If the size of your home isn’t a challenge but your current location is, it could be time to relocate to a new area. Maybe you enjoy vacationing in the mountains, at the beach, or another area, and you’re dreaming of living there year-round. Or perhaps the distance between you and your loved ones is greater than you’d like, and you want to close the gap. No matter what, your home equity can fuel your move to the location where you really want to live.

3. Start a New Business

If you’re not ready to move into a new home, you can use your equity to invest in a new business venture. As the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says:

“There is an estimate of 31.7 million small business owners in the United States, many of them started their business with the equity they had in their home.

While it’s not recommended that homeowners use their equity for unnecessary spending, leveraging your equity to start a business that you’re passionate about can potentially grow your nest egg further.

4. Fund an Education

Whether you have a loved one preparing to head off to college or you’re planning to go back to school yourself, the thought of paying for higher education can be daunting. In either situation, using a portion of your growing equity can help with those costs, so you can make an investment in someone’s future.

Bottom Line

Your equity can help you achieve your goals. If you’re unsure how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect today so you can start planning your next move.

Call our friendly agents today to discuss your options.

CA REAL ESTATE GROUP powered by Keller Williams Realty
linktr.ee/carealestategroup

By Wendy Helfenbaum | Realtor.com | Oct 23, 2021

You love your home, but spacewise, you’re bursting at the seams. Building an extension seems daunting, but moving out of your fabulous neighborhood is off the table. Hmm … you do have that two-car garage; perhaps you should convert it into a kids’ playroom, an office or gym for you, or even an in-law suite.

A recent American Housing Survey showed that 80% of Americans have a garage or carport, yet only a fraction use it for parking. Let’s be honest: Most garages are packed floor-to-ceiling with sporting equipment, gardening tools, kids’ toys, and more.

Does converting a garage add value?

But before you transform this area, think about how a garage conversion will affect resale down the road. Nearly 30% of shoppers rate a garage as one of the most important home features, just ahead of an updated kitchen and open floor plan, according to a recent realtor.com® survey.

Don’t despair—we’re here to help you determine when converting your garage makes sense, and when it’s a definite no-go.

Converting a garage is often more affordable than adding on

garage conversion
A garage conversion in San Francisco, BMF Construction

(Michael O’Callahan Photography)

If you add on to your house, you’re going to incur some major costs. Think of all the cash you’ll pour into a new foundation, or what you’ll pay to retrofit a second story on top of your home.

“Typically, it’s more cost-effective to convert a garage or storage space,” says Derald Norton, president of BMF Construction in San Bruno, CA.

Indeed, depending on where you live, building an addition could run you anywhere from $20,000 to over $65,000. A garage renovation, on the other hand, comes in at $11,000 on average.

One caveat: If you want to go beyond the basics and add a kitchen or bathroom, your costs will inflate exponentially, cautions Alex Tsalagas, president of A D Construction in Boston.

“Most garages are made from concrete or cinder blocks, so you have to do some drilling to get pipes through, and then insulate to protect those pipes from freezing,” he says.

Converting a garage can boost your property value…

garage conversion
A garage conversion in San Francisco, BMF Construction

(Michael O’Callahan Photography)

When it comes time to put your home on the market, buyers don’t want to see your stuff jammed into every available inch. So if a garage conversion means extra psychological space to spread out, that’s a win, Norton says.

“In every case I can think of, converting from parking to living space has had a very significant positive effect on property value,” says Norton (whose business is in the burgeoning San Francisco Bay Area market, where space is at a premium).

But to reap the rewards, you’ll need to convert with finesse. In fact, a “well-done” garage conversion to living space can give you up to an 80% ROI, HomeAdvisor reports.

“The greatest increase in value and satisfaction will come from good design: building a space that flows naturally from the upstairs and looks like it’s part of the home,” Norton says.

That means making sure brickwork, windows, flooring, and lighting match the rest of the house.

… but buyers might prefer the parking space

A garage conversion in San Francisco, BMF Construction

(Michael O’Callahan Photography)

However, when parking is at a premium, such as in urban areas, you might actually decrease the value of your home if you swap out your garage, Tsalagas says.

In certain parts of Boston, “parking is worth a lot more money than the square footage of the living space, unless it’s high-luxury,” he says. For example, a single-car garage can easily be sold for $300,000 to $400,000, he says, “so it’s definitely not a smart decision to convert when you have a parking space that will give you that much of a return.”

In rural areas, buyers prioritize garages

And keep in mind that in rural areas, or places where outdoor enthusiasts flock, garages are sacred spaces that are hard to replace, warns Dave Kimbrough, a Realtor® and team leader with the Kimbrough Team Re/Max in Grand Junction, CO.

“In places like western Colorado, outdoor lifestyle is king, so a garage is extremely important,” Kimbrough says. “Whether you kayak, paddleboard, river raft, mountain bike, ski, hike, hunt, or fish—all of that comes with equipment and everybody needs somewhere to put it. A garage in our marketplace is an expectation.”

Converting a garage can be a lengthy process

In certain areas, local zoning departments can slow down the process of converting your garage—it can take up to a year to get the proper permits. If you’re part of a neighborhood association or have a heritage property, it can take even longer.

And that’s before you can even start building! Remember: If the work is complex and extensive (i.e., you’ll need to raise the house to convert the garage), you could be looking at months or more of construction.

Your garage might not lend itself to conversion

Depending on how your garage was built, it might not be well-suited to become living space.

You’ll want to check if your garage is below, at, or above the adjacent grade, Norton says.

“Should the garage be below-grade, it becomes more complex and costly, because you may have drainage and waterproofing requirements, and might need a more involved insulating system,” he says.

Also ensure you have at least 8 feet of ceiling height, which is required for a habitable room. And if you need to excavate the garage floor to meet height restrictions, you’re looking at major bucks.

Want to forge ahead? Make sure the space can easily be converted back into a garage, Kimbrough advises, by keeping as much of the original structure as possible.


mykcm.com | October 19, 2021

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, chances are you’ve heard talk about today’s rising home prices. And while this increase in home values is great news for sellers, you may be wondering what the future holds. Will prices continue to rise with time, or should you expect them to fall?

To answer that question, let’s first understand a few terms you may be hearing right now.

It’s important to note home prices have increased, or appreciated, for 114 straight months. To find out if that trend may continue, look to the experts. Pulsenomics surveyed over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts asking for their five-year projections. In terms of what lies ahead, experts say the market may see some slight deceleration, but not depreciation.

Here’s the forecast for the next few years:What Does the Future Hold for Home Prices? | MyKCMAs the graph above shows, prices are expected to continue to rise, just not at the same pace we’ve seen over the last year. Over 100 experts agree, there is no expectation for price depreciation. As the arrows indicate, each number is an increase, which means prices will rise each year.

Bill McBride, author of the blog Calculated Risk, also expects deceleration, but not depreciation:

“My sense is the Case-Shiller National annual growth rate of 19.7% is probably close to a peak, and that year-over-year price increases will slow later this year.”

Ivy Zelman of Zelman & Associates agrees, saying:

“. . . home price appreciation is on the cusp of flipping to a decelerating trend.”

recent article from realtor.com indicates you should expect:

“. . . annual price increases will slow to a more normal level, . . .”

What Does This Deceleration Mean for You?

What experts are projecting for the years ahead is more in line with the historical norm for appreciation. According to data from Black Knight, the average annual appreciation from 1995-2020 is 4.1%. As you can see from the chart above, the expert forecasts are closer to that pace, which means you should see appreciation at a level that’s aligned with a more normal year.

If you’re a buyer, don’t expect a sudden or drastic drop in home prices – experts say it won’t happen. Instead, think about your homeownership goals and consider purchasing a home before prices rise further.

If you’re a seller, the continued home price appreciation is good news for the value of your house. Work with an agent to list your house for the right price based on market conditions.

Bottom Line

Experts expect price deceleration, not price depreciation over the coming years. Let’s connect to talk through what’s happening in the housing market today, where things are headed, and what it means for you.

By Ana Durrani | Realtor.com | Sep 13, 2021

Small spaces have the potential to be cozy and charming, but if you’re not careful, they can turn into a total bummer. Over time, your collection of household items can start to resemble mountains of clutter—and before you know it, cramming it all into one tiny space can make your home feel downright uncomfortable.

Of course, curbing the clutter in your pad is just one of the ways to be proactive in making your home look and feel bigger. In fact, experts are seeing homeowners and renters prioritizing this now more than ever.

“People are more dedicated and interested in ensuring that every space in a home is functional,” says Eilyn Jimenez, founder and creative director of Sire Design. “I am seeing a more ‘quality over quantity’ attitude with homeowners when it comes to their spaces.”

Don’t let your walls close in on you! Whether you’re decorating your living room or bedroom, make sure to avoid these common mistakes that are sure to cramp your home (and style).

1. Painting walls a dark color

“Dark colors draw the eye inward, making a small space seem confined,” says Pramiti Bhargava, interior design and staging expert at BlueGrape in San Diego.

Trick the eye into making your rooms look bigger and wider by painting all walls neutral, light, or earthy tones so they seamlessly blend and look as spacious as possible.

2. Using large or out-of-scale furniture

Bulky furniture can make a space feel smaller and cluttered and may have visitors heading for the door.

“A common mistake people often make while decorating is cramming too many pieces of furniture into a small room,” says Challie Stillman, vice president of sales and design at Resource Furniture. “Small spaces need to perform multiple functions, like sleeping, lounging, working, and dining, but adding a piece of furniture for each task can quickly overwhelm a room and make it feel much smaller than it actually is.”

Another mistake is overfilling a room with oversized or dark furniture.

“If you’re working with a small space, keep it light and simple,” says Jimenez.

Also, keep enough space between furniture pieces so you and your guests can move about comfortably.

“Make sure there’s fluidity around the room,” says Jimenez.

3. Cluttering the walls

We’ve all been in homes that do double duty as a museum—and not always in a good way.

“While the gallery wall trend can look elegant, it definitely works better in a larger space,” says Bhargava. “When a home has lower ceilings, too many things on the walls can make a room feel cramped.”

Adding a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf can make the room appear bigger and create extra storage for all your favorite prints and photographs.

4. Having too many colors and patterns

Bringing color into your living space can make it appear more happy and lived in, but don’t go overboard.

“Multiple loud or dark colors and patterns can make any space seem even smaller,” says Bhargava. “It’s vital to have soothing and neutral colors to make small spaces seem bigger.”

Of course, we’re not suggesting you live in a house of beige. But experts do suggest incorporating colors and patterns sparingly if you want the room to feel more spacious.

5. Using loud-patterned rugs or too many rugs

Rugs are an essential design element in any room, but they should be chosen carefully and used sparingly to get the right effect.

“Bright, patterned rugs can make small rooms appear even smaller, whereas simpler, neutral rugs can create a visual feel of spaciousness in a room,” says Bhargava.

If you have your heart set on keeping a bright, patterned rug in a room, “then go simpler and neutral with artwork, furniture, or other elements within the room.”

Also, avoid placing multiple rugs of various sizes and floor runners in a room.

“Defining the space with a rug or two max is all that’s needed,” says Bhargava.

6. Using too many tile patterns

Experimenting with tile can be a fun design move, but going overboard with patterns can overwhelm the space.

“Not only can it automatically downsize the room, but some patterns risk being somewhat dizzying for anyone who enters,” says Jimenez. “Keep it simple, and select a maximum of two to three options for tile as to not detract from the overall design.”

Choose your favorite tile, and then work your design around it so that the other tiles complement rather than compete with it.

 

 

By Tracey Stewart | Offer.com | October 22, 2021

What do we love about Halloween? Jeepers Creepers, where do we start? From pumpkins to candy, it is first and foremost a day for treats. Magic and excitement abound, and no one is excluded from enjoying a day that is limited only by the imagination. Celebrate by dressing up as your favorite character, food, beverage, animal or spirit or follow our lead and dress up your fur-babies. Jake-the-cat is lobbying for Kitty Cat Star Wars Yoda Ears, but we’re seriously considering the Animal Planet Triceratops Pet Costume. He may get both. In the end, you know we’ll be out and about, chowing down on some of these terrific offers. Hope you’ll join us in the enchantment of Halloween.

All the offers below have been individually verified by our team. We’ll be adding to the list as more businesses confirm their Halloween specials. Some of these offers are available only on or around Oct. 31 unless otherwise specified.

Note: Participation may vary by location and franchise. Be sure to check ahead to make sure your nearest restaurant is taking part.

Halloween food freebies and specials

Applebee’s: Visit your neighborhood Applebee’s and try the $5 Spooky Sip Dracula’s Juice or the Tipsy Zombie.

Baked by Melissa: Enjoy a worry-free Halloween with the help of delicious and adorable Halloween cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. Order a Spooky Special 50-pack online and you’ll receive a free a Boo-Crew 6-pack FREE. Offer runs until Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m.

Baskin-Robbins: Get $5 off any Halloween cake of $35 or more when you order through the Baskin-Robbins app.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: Kids get a $0.99 kid’s meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. on Halloween when you purchase an adult entrée.

The Cheesecake Factory: From Oct. 25 to Oct. 29., you can enjoy a free slice of Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake or Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake with the purchase of any online order of $40 or more. Just use the promo code “TREATME” at checkout.

Chili’s: The Scary Good $5 Margarita of the month is the Spider Bite ’Rita. The Chili’s Halloween delight features a mix of Lunazul® Blanco Tequila, Monin® Blood Orange, triple sec and fresh sour.

Chuck E. Cheese: Let the kids celebrate the spooky season early with Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-tacular event. Available throughout October, enjoy fun games, goodies and free gameplay for kids in costumes. For a limited time at select locations, kids in costumes receive ten free play points with a minimum $5 games purchase. Plus, starting at 6 p.m., there’s a show and treats for Boo-tacular nights. If you can’t make it to the Boo-tacular event, grab the Boo-tacular Family Fun Pack which includes two large one-topping pizzas, a slime cookie, goody bag and a Boo-tacular activity sheet. The deal starts at $35.99 and is available for carryout and delivery.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Kids enjoy a free kid’s meal at Dickey’s Barbecue on Sundays with a minimum purchase of $10. And since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, it makes the freebie that much better.

Firehouse Subs: Halloween is triple delicious for Firehouse Subs Rewards Members. Members receive triple points on purchases that include a brownie or cookie on Sunday, Oct. 31.

IHOP: It’s almost Halloween, so that means IHOP Scary Face Pancakes are back for the season. And on Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., all children 12 and under can enjoy one FREE Scary Face Pancake.

Jack In The Box: Just in time for Halloween, Jack In The Box has brought back their Monster Tacos. The tacos are two for $3 and they’ll be available all month long.

Joe’s Crab Shack: Come to Joe’s Crab Shack on Halloween and kids in costume can enjoy $0.99 kids meals with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Klondike & Breyers: Do you love indulging in ice cream? Well, Klondike and Breyers want to give you a treat this Halloween. Now through Oct. 31, you can text “CONFESS” to 64287 to receive a buy one get one offer on Klondike REESE’S bars or Breyers REESE’S 48-ounce tubs.

Krispy Kreme: Every Saturday from Oct. 16 through Halloween, Krispy Kreme customers can get a $1 Saturday Scary Sharies Dozen (which includes a special edition Jack-o’-Lantern Doughnut) with the purchase of any dozen. And check out their NEW Halloween Collection treats, featuring four spooky doughnuts: The Abra Cat Dabra doughnut, Enchanted Cauldron doughnut, Bewitched Broomstick doughnut and Spooky Sprinkle doughnut. Plus, wear your costume to a participating Krispy Kreme shop on Halloween and receive a FREE doughnut of your choice!

Marie Callender’s: Fall is the best time of year! If you’ve waited all year hoping Marie Callender’s would bring back its Fall Pie Sale, you will not be disappointed. Whether your favorite, made-from-scratch Marie Callender’s pie is Pumpkin, Apple, Banana Cream or Pecan, pies will be starting at just $9.99 plus tin. The Fall Pie Sale will take place at participating Marie Callender’s restaurants from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31.

McAlister’s Deli: From Oct. 29 to Oct. 31. at McAlister’s Deli, kids 12 and under eat FREE with an online purchase, in the app and in-store using the promo code HALLOWEEN21. The promo code is valid for two free kids meals per adult entrée purchase.

Moe’s Southwest Grill: Every Sunday, it’s Kids Eat Free day at Moe’s Southwest Grill, and with Halloween falling on that day, that means your lil minion gets to enjoy this offer. All kids 12 and under are eligible for this deal with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Schlotzsky’s: On Halloween, customers with the Schlotzsky’s app can enjoy a free classic cinnamon roll with the purchase of an entrée online and in store.

The Fresh Market: Specialty grocer The Fresh Market is helping guests celebrate Halloween at home with a frightful feast that is big enough for the family or a small gathering of friends. The complete, ready-to-eat spread serves eight people and is $59.99, or about $7.50 per person (a $51.00 savings compared to buying each item individually). Online ordering is available now and runs through Oct. 26 at 2 PM. Meals can then be picked up in-store from Oct. 29 through the 31st. Meal orders can be placed online at shop.thefreshmarket.com and picked up at your local store.

Wendy’s: Buy a Boo! Book, get 5 FREE Jr. Frosty Coupons and do good. From now until Oct. 31, buy a book of Wendy’s Boo! Coupons and receive five Jr. Frosty coupons and a free bonus in app offer. Proceeds goes to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption to help children who are waiting in foster care to find their forever families.

Halloween food delivery deals

Red Lobster: Do you plan on staying in and skipping out on the fun activities on Halloween? Well, enjoy FREE delivery on to-go orders at Red Lobster. Orders have to be placed through Red Lobster’s website, and this offer is only valid on Oct. 31.

Steak ‘n Shake: Are you in the mood for a burger or milkshake but don’t have the time to swing by Steak ‘n Shake? Enjoy FREE deliveries on Sundays all October. This offer is valid at participating locations only.

The Habit Burger Grill: Every Sunday, from Oct. 17 to Nov. 7, The Habit Burger Grill is offering customers FREE delivery on orders $10 or more made in The Habit mobile app or habitburger.com. This offer is only valid at participating locations.

Halloween Retail Sales

Chewy: At Chewy, you can grab up to 40% off on select treats and toys for your pets this spooky season.

JOAAN: What can be better than a Halloween doorbuster? Now until Oct. 27, you can save up to 50% off on costuming fabrics and supplies.

Kmart: This Halloween, get up to 40% off select Halloween costumes and decor at Kmart until Nov. 1.

Michael’s: Now through Oct. 30, visit your local Michaels or online site, choose from a wide variety of Halloween décor and get 50% off all regular price purchases. Plus, get an extra 20% off online, using the code “20MADEBYYOU.”

Oriental Trading: Save up to 65% off on spooky favorites at Oritental Trading Boo-ya super sale.

Party City: Enjoy 15% off any online Halloween purchase over $49 at Party City, just use the code “TRICK.”

Petco: At Petco, get up to 30% off select costumes, toys and treats for your favorite pet this Halloween.

Walmart: From now until Nov. 1, shop at Walmart for kids’ costumes under $15 and Halloween candy under $10.

Wigsbuy: Whether for the sake of Halloween or fashion, Wigsbuy is the place for wigs, hair extensions and accessories. Take advantage of their Happy Halloween Sale now through Oct. 31 and get one free wig on order over $399. Also, you can receive $50 off an order over $299, $100 off an order over $599 and $200 off an order over $999. Use the codes “HP50,” “HP100” and “HP200” to get the discounts.

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