NAR Dashboard

Not a member yet? No problem. Sign Up or Learn More

Brought to you by the National Association of Realtors

Our Mission.

You care about your home. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® cares about homeownership. To help you become the best, most responsible homeowner you aspire to be, we want to provide you with free information and tools you can use to make smart and timely decisions about your home.

From time to time, we may reach out to you to help us support legislation and/or policies that may have an impact on you, the homeowner. You can choose to join our cause. Or you can choose not to. Regardless, your privacy is safe with us.

We'll never share or sell your email address or other personal information you may provide us in the course of using the site with anyone without your explicit consent.

Improve

RSS

Featured Project

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Save Money with Energy-Efficient Window Coverings

Energy-efficient window coverings help reduce heating and cooling costs and may qualify for the federal energy tax credit. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $150/yr (energy cost)
Effort Low 1-2 days
Investment Med $825-$5,625 (15 windows)
Added to Binder
24" round above ground pool

(New!)

Adding an Above Ground Pool

If you don’t want the expense or hassle of installing an inground swimming pool, an above ground pool is an affordable alternative. Read More

Progress K
Effort Med 2-5 days (frame pool install)
Investment Med $4,000 (basic frame pool)
Added to Binder
Wooden fence in yard of residence

(New!)

Fencing: A Guide to the Options

When shopping for a fence, you need to consider everything from style to function to how much maintenance it’ll require. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 days
Investment High $350-$3,000 (for 50 feet of fence)
Added to Binder
Salvaging an molding from a house

(New!)

Saving Money with Salvaged Building Materials

Salvaged building materials allow you to improve your home inexpensively—but might require an extra investment of time and energy. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $315 avg.
Effort Med 1-2 wknds. hunting
Investment Low $20-$250 (pedestal sink)
Added to Binder
A portable generator can be purchased with tax refund

(New!)

Invest a Tax Refund in Your Home: $2,500 Projects

If you want to invest a tax refund in your home this year, consider these five great projects that cost around $2,500. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $115/yr (tankless heater)
Effort Low 1-2 days (storm windows)
Investment Med $2,500
Added to Binder
Low-flow showerhead in bathroom

(New!)

Invest a Tax Refund in Your Home: $500 Projects

Here are five great ideas for investing a tax refund in your home if you receive $500 or less back from the IRS this year. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $90/yr (low-flow toilet)
Effort Low 1-2 hrs (surge protector)
Investment Low $500
Added to Binder
An energy-efficiency exterior door

(New!)

Invest a Tax Refund in Your Home: $1,000 Projects

Consider these five great projects that cost around $1,000 if you decide to invest a tax refund in your home this year. Read More

Progress $ C E K
Save Money Med Up to $135/yr (new washer)
Effort Low 2 hrs (entry door install)
Investment Low $1,000
Added to Binder
An additional full bath can increase the value of your home

(New!)

Bathroom Addition: Return on Investment

A new bathroom brings added convenience for your family and can prove to be a valuable asset should you decide to sell your home. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added Med $23,233
Effort High 3-6 wks
Investment High $39,046 (48 sq. ft. bath)
Added to Binder
Luxury bathroom with universal design

(New!)

Adding Universal Design Features to Your Bathroom

Incorporating universal design into your new bathroom guarantees access for everyone and saves money in the long run. Read More

Progress K
Effort Low 1-2 days (research options)
Investment Med $1,000-$2,500 (universal design features)
Added to Binder
Tropical hardwoods such as ipe offer ease of maintenance

(New!)

Smart Options: Decking

When choosing decking, factor in the savings gained by low maintenance and longevity, even if the initial cost is higher. Read More

Progress H E K
Value Added Low $1,200 (return on investment)
Effort Med 2-3 days (install)
Investment Med $1,500 (pressure-treated)
Added to Binder
Modern home office

Home Office: Return on Investment

A home office adds to comfort, convenience, and salability, but isn’t among the top projects for adding home value. Read More

Progress H K
Value Added Med $13,600 (recoup)
Investment High $28,400 (home ofc remodel)
Added to Binder
Think Ahead to Spring

If you’re planning a landscape upgrade:

Please select a To-Do
Check All
This Week's Improve Poll

What’s on your basement wish list?

See results

  • Media room

  • Kids’ playroom

  • Family room

  • Extra bedroom

  • I don’t plan to finish the basement.

Build Your Dream Bedroom More Indoors Articles
Most popular