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If youre about to put your home on the market, there are probably some repairs and changes that need to be taken care of to ensure you get top dollar for your home.

But before you begin tearing your home apart, its important to understand that some home improvements can be categorized as major and necessary, while others are more minor in nature.

When picking which improvements to take care of prior to listing your home, remember that not all home improvement projects offer the same return on investment. Here are some tips:

Cosmetic Repairs
Most prospective homebuyers know to look beyond cosmetic damage (peeling paint and scuffed floors) when theyre looking to purchase a home. More importantly, theyll want to know that the major systems in the home are in good working condition, such as any and all plumbing and electrical components.

Luxury Fixes
If youre updating your kitchen or bathroom before listing your home, make sure you’re not going overboard on the finishes unless it’s a luxury listing. Quartz counters and a new double wall oven in the kitchen may not get you your money back when you sell, so keep it modern, but also keep the costs in mind.

Trendy Repainting
A fresh coat of paint will work wonders when it comes to giving new life to any room in your home, but if youre going to take on this project, its best to not get too colorful. If youre serious about selling your home, youll want to attract as many potential buyers as possible, so stick to neutral colors that will appeal to the masses.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

HGTV star and professional property flipper Johnathan Scott is well accustomed to making design dreams come true for homeowners who have champagne taste on a beer budget.

In a recent interview with lifestyle editors at PureWow.com, a lifestyle destination focused on everything from beauty to recipes, Scott offered four tips for adding luxury touches to even the most ordinary kitchen:

Embellish prefab cabinets. Create the illusion of custom cabinets by starting with inexpensive prefab cabinets. From there, add stylish hardware pulls, install a light rail underneath the uppers or add crown molding details around the edges. Each creates the illusion ofcustom cabinetry”even if you bought those puppies on closeout at your local home improvement store.

Adopt a two-tone color scheme. A two-tone color scheme can infuse your kitchen with upscale vibes. (Think black cabinetry with a glossy white island.) It’s a simple and sophisticated color palette trick that lends creative vision and instant design cred to kitchens of any size or configuration.

Pick a correlating backsplash. Check out backsplash ideas at your local home store. While they can run the gamut from minimalist to elaborate, stay on or under budget by selecting a simple backsplash that adds a touch of quiet elegance and complements your two-tone color scheme.

Install statement lighting on the cheap. Lighting is one area where there can be huge price differences between fixtures that basically look the same, especially when it comes to glass globes or kitchen chandeliers. Instead of shelling out big bucks for designer lighting fixtures, trust that the “copy cats” will add the same look of luxury to your kitchen despite their lower price tags. For a touch of added glamour, install dimmers.

These tips can help you increase the value of your home for an affordable price, giving you long-term benefits for when it’s time to sell.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Here are five tips for storing your wine collection.

Proper Temperature

The ideal temperature to store a bottle is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Having a controlled environment for your wine maintains its longevity.

Keep It Sideways

When stored sideways, the wine is in contact with the cork, which will keep it from drying out.

Darkness Is Ideal

Make sure your collection is away from any UV rays that can harm it.

No Vibrations

Vibrations can disturb the sediment in a bottle and cause chemical reactions that change the flavor of the wine.

Monitor Humidity

Keep the humidity between 50 and 70 percent. Humidity above that level can cause mold, while going below can dry the cork.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Siding is a critical component of a home that protects it from extreme temperatures, rain, snow and wind. Although siding is designed to last many years, it can become damaged over time by repeated exposure to the elements and lack of maintenance. If your homes siding needs to be replaced, you have many options.

Most Popular Siding Materials
The most commonly chosen type of siding is vinyl. Homeowners prefer vinyl siding because it is inexpensive and durable and requires little maintenance. Vinyl siding comes in an array of colors and styles and can even be made to resemble other siding materials.

Although wood siding has declined in popularity, many homeowners still choose it because of its strength and classic appearance. Several types of wood can be used for siding, and pieces can be cut into shingles or shakes. With proper maintenance, wood siding can last several decades. It requires caulking and painting or staining, and skipping those steps can cause the siding to become worn and damaged. Wood siding is also vulnerable to insects and rodents.

Stucco is made from a combination of sand, Portland cement, lime and water. Wood walls are covered with a waterproof barrier and metal screening, and then stucco is applied on top. With proper installation and routine maintenance, stucco can last a lifetime.

Fiber-cement siding can be manufactured in several styles and can be made to resemble wood, stucco or masonry siding. It can be easy to maintain and can resist fire and termite damage, but it is susceptible to moisture problems. The lifespan of fiber-cement siding depends on the manufacturer.

Solid brick used to be a popular option for the exterior of homes, but nowadays, a brick veneer covering a wood frame is more common. A membrane installed beneath the brick veneer can prevent water damage. Brick veneer is more expensive than other types of siding.

Stone house coverings, made from solid granite or limestone, can be a beautiful but expensive addition. Stone veneers cost less and are easier to install than solid stone. Both natural and synthetic materials can be used. Stone and stone veneer siding require very little maintenance.

How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home
Replacing the siding on your house is an investment that can last for decades and increase your homes value, as well. The siding material you select should be attractive, durable and relatively easy to maintain. Options abound, and your choice will depend on the style of your home and others in the neighborhood, your personal preferences and your budget. Look at photos of houses with various siding materials and discuss your options with several local contractors. Compare quotes and warranties so you can choose the right material and company.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.