{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "user_comment": "This feed allows you to read the posts from this site in any feed reader that supports the JSON Feed format. To add this feed to your reader, copy the following URL -- https://goodtobehomemag.com/tag/home-value/feed/json/ -- and add it your reader.", "home_page_url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/tag/home-value/", "feed_url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/tag/home-value/feed/json/", "title": "Good to Be Home", "description": "Good to Be Home Magazine", "items": [ { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/working-well-with-contractors/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/working-well-with-contractors/", "title": "Working Well with Contractors", "content_html": "

Veteran home builder and real estate coach Dennis Walsh, co-owner of the online training program yourhome.academy, shares some key thoughts about collaborating with contractors and tradespeople who may work on your home\u2014so you not only end up with the home of your dreams but also do so without stress.

\n

Communicate often

\n

Whether it\u2019s with a specialty contractor or the general contractor, there should be an established line of communication. Too often, a homeowner jumps in and sends a message through anyone they can find on the job\u2014and too often that message either gets lost in the shuffle or gets misinterpreted and shared incorrectly with someone in charge.

\n

So the lesson here is to establish right upfront how communication is to be properly handled and with whom\u2014and make sure that\u2019s exactly how it happens. Further, I would suggest that all key communications are recorded somehow in writing, whether it be in the form of an email or text or some other agreed-upon system.

\n

Establish regular updates

\n
\"\"
\n

An approach used by many professional contractors is to not only establish a consistent point of contact but also schedule a weekly appointment for a call or meeting to review questions, selections, and the progress of the project. I found this highly effective in my custom building and remodeling business. Unless there was something that appeared to be an emergency, our customers would keep notes of questions to review during their weekly update call or job-site meeting.

\n

Identify a process for changes and selections

\n

Even when you know the correct point of contact, it\u2019s important to establish the process and paperwork that will be used to quote any pricing details and how and when any additional costs will be paid; you should also give us a permanent record of this.

\n

The same thing applies to selections. When and how do we choose colors, finishes, and details of things like roofing, siding, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and more? Are all selections finalized prior to the start of the project? Or is there a timetable set up to finalize these selections at different points as the project moves forward? These are important concerns and need to be established right from the start.

\n

Make decisions and selections promptly and on time

\n
\"\"
\n

As a custom builder, I lived through far too many situations where my customers kept procrastinating and caused delay after delay by not finalizing selections on time. In some cases, there were significant lead times for items like cabinets, specialty flooring, tile, appliances, and such. Delays to the project not only are frustrating for the customer but also become very expensive for the contractors.

\n

What happens is many people freeze in their tracks with so many options to choose from, so they experience decision-making burnout. What I would tell them at some point early on is that there\u2019s no such thing as one best overall choice; there are any number of great choices that will work fine.

\n

Stay the heck out of the way

\n

I can tell you as a contractor that a lot of well-meaning clients love to visit, stand around, and even help out by holding the ends of boards we\u2019re cutting. They just generally find ways to be part of the fun.

\n

Unfortunately, we really don\u2019t need their help! More often than not, they\u2019re just getting in the way, slowing the project down, and creating safety issues. In spite of their best intentions, all they\u2019re doing is making it more difficult for us to get our work done.

\n

So if you don\u2019t have anything better to do at home, please just get the heck out of the house and come back later.

\n

Don\u2019t get \u201cwhile you\u2019re at it\u201d disease

\n
\"\"
\n

This is a common affliction that strikes some people whenever they have construction workers around.

\n

Here\u2019s how it happens: An electrician is working on some wiring, and the homeowner comes up and says, \u201cHey, while you\u2019re at it, could you run some wiring over to the other side of the room and add another receptacle there by the window?\u201d Or the plumber is running a gas line to the fireplace and they ask, \u201cWhile you\u2019re at it, would you take another gas line out to the back corner of the house for a barbecue grill?\u201d And the special requests go on.

\n

Unfortunately, what some homeowners are actually saying is \u201cSince you\u2019re already here doing this, could you also do this extra work for free?\u201d The appropriate question is \u201cHow much will it cost if you were to add this extra work while you\u2019re already here on the project?\u201d Contractors will appreciate it when you don\u2019t make them feel as if you\u2019re trying to take money out of their pockets.

\n

I hope you find this list of suggestions helpful as you prepare to jump into the swirling waters of home remodeling!

\n

For more info, visit yourhome.academy

\n

The post Working Well with Contractors appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "Veteran home builder and real estate coach Dennis Walsh, co-owner of the online training program yourhome.academy, shares some key thoughts about collaborating with contractors and tradespeople who may work on your home\u2014so you not only end up with the home of your dreams but also do so without stress.\nCommunicate often\nWhether it\u2019s with a specialty contractor or the general contractor, there should be an established line of communication. Too often, a homeowner jumps in and sends a message through anyone they can find on the job\u2014and too often that message either gets lost in the shuffle or gets misinterpreted and shared incorrectly with someone in charge.\nSo the lesson here is to establish right upfront how communication is to be properly handled and with whom\u2014and make sure that\u2019s exactly how it happens. Further, I would suggest that all key communications are recorded somehow in writing, whether it be in the form of an email or text or some other agreed-upon system.\nEstablish regular updates\n\nAn approach used by many professional contractors is to not only establish a consistent point of contact but also schedule a weekly appointment for a call or meeting to review questions, selections, and the progress of the project. I found this highly effective in my custom building and remodeling business. Unless there was something that appeared to be an emergency, our customers would keep notes of questions to review during their weekly update call or job-site meeting.\nIdentify a process for changes and selections\nEven when you know the correct point of contact, it\u2019s important to establish the process and paperwork that will be used to quote any pricing details and how and when any additional costs will be paid; you should also give us a permanent record of this.\nThe same thing applies to selections. When and how do we choose colors, finishes, and details of things like roofing, siding, cabinets, flooring, fixtures, and more? Are all selections finalized prior to the start of the project? Or is there a timetable set up to finalize these selections at different points as the project moves forward? These are important concerns and need to be established right from the start.\nMake decisions and selections promptly and on time\n\nAs a custom builder, I lived through far too many situations where my customers kept procrastinating and caused delay after delay by not finalizing selections on time. In some cases, there were significant lead times for items like cabinets, specialty flooring, tile, appliances, and such. Delays to the project not only are frustrating for the customer but also become very expensive for the contractors.\nWhat happens is many people freeze in their tracks with so many options to choose from, so they experience decision-making burnout. What I would tell them at some point early on is that there\u2019s no such thing as one best overall choice; there are any number of great choices that will work fine.\nStay the heck out of the way\nI can tell you as a contractor that a lot of well-meaning clients love to visit, stand around, and even help out by holding the ends of boards we\u2019re cutting. They just generally find ways to be part of the fun.\nUnfortunately, we really don\u2019t need their help! More often than not, they\u2019re just getting in the way, slowing the project down, and creating safety issues. In spite of their best intentions, all they\u2019re doing is making it more difficult for us to get our work done.\nSo if you don\u2019t have anything better to do at home, please just get the heck out of the house and come back later.\nDon\u2019t get \u201cwhile you\u2019re at it\u201d disease\n\nThis is a common affliction that strikes some people whenever they have construction workers around.\nHere\u2019s how it happens: An electrician is working on some wiring, and the homeowner comes up and says, \u201cHey, while you\u2019re at it, could you run some wiring over to the other side of the room and add another receptacle there by the window?\u201d Or the plumber is running a gas line to the fireplace and they ask, \u201cWhile you\u2019re at it, would you take another gas line out to the back corner of the house for a barbecue grill?\u201d And the special requests go on.\nUnfortunately, what some homeowners are actually saying is \u201cSince you\u2019re already here doing this, could you also do this extra work for free?\u201d The appropriate question is \u201cHow much will it cost if you were to add this extra work while you\u2019re already here on the project?\u201d Contractors will appreciate it when you don\u2019t make them feel as if you\u2019re trying to take money out of their pockets.\nI hope you find this list of suggestions helpful as you prepare to jump into the swirling waters of home remodeling!\nFor more info, visit yourhome.academy\nThe post Working Well with Contractors appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2026-08-17T08:00:30+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-08-05T16:59:03+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/07/contractors-featured.jpg", "tags": [ "Contractor", "Equity", "Home Improvement", "Home Value", "Resale Value", "Home" ], "summary": "Learn from experienced professional Dennis Walsh how to get the most out of home renovations." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/the-homeowners-essential-toolkit/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/the-homeowners-essential-toolkit/", "title": "The Homeowner\u2019s Essential Toolkit: Protecting Your Greatest Investment", "content_html": "

The post The Homeowner\u2019s Essential Toolkit: Protecting Your Greatest Investment appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post The Homeowner\u2019s Essential Toolkit: Protecting Your Greatest Investment appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2026-05-11T08:00:18+00:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-01T22:43:01+00:00", "author": { "name": "jshaw", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/jshaw/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/82c9132115b5cb74c8d4fb20cf990f4e3fb8822fa552fdc3e362ead755a6b041?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Fix Up", "Home", "Home Advice", "Home Improvement", "Home Value", "Real Estate" ], "summary": "Learn about the link between home maintenance and protecting equity." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/how-to-build-long-term-value-in-your-home/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/how-to-build-long-term-value-in-your-home/", "title": "How to Build Long-Term Value in Your Home", "content_html": "

The post How to Build Long-Term Value in Your Home appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post How to Build Long-Term Value in Your Home appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2025-12-15T08:00:03+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-12-11T23:54:03+00:00", "author": { "name": "strexler", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/strexler/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/bfdad1d0f4bb8763ecd0c9f9672e8f2d9b9ed5aa5d22def1bf6d02656996176c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Equity", "Home Improvement", "Home Value", "Maintenance", "Real Estate", "Buying & Selling" ], "summary": "Discover simple ways to help buyers fall in love with your home the moment they walk through the door." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/why-every-homeowner-needs-a-maintenance-calendar/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/why-every-homeowner-needs-a-maintenance-calendar/", "title": "Why Every Homeowner Needs a Maintenance Calendar", "content_html": "

The post Why Every Homeowner Needs a Maintenance Calendar appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post Why Every Homeowner Needs a Maintenance Calendar appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2025-11-10T08:00:17+00:00", "date_modified": "2025-11-06T20:11:04+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Calendar", "Home Improvement", "Home Value", "Maintenance", "Selling Tips", "Buying & Selling" ], "summary": "Learn how this tool can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home running smoothly year-round." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/harnessing-the-suns-power/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/harnessing-the-suns-power/", "title": "Harnessing the Sun\u2019s Power", "content_html": "

The post Harnessing the Sun\u2019s Power appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post Harnessing the Sun\u2019s Power appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2024-02-10T08:00:34+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-05-31T16:41:31+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Eco-Friendly", "Environment", "Home Improvement", "Home Value", "Solar Panel", "Sustainability" ], "summary": "A look at the benefits of converting your home to solar power. " }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/10-reasons-to-sell-now/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/10-reasons-to-sell-now/", "title": "10 Reasons to Sell Now", "content_html": "

The post 10 Reasons to Sell Now appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post 10 Reasons to Sell Now appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2024-01-08T08:00:21+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-07T13:46:31+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Equity", "Home Advice", "Home Prices", "Home Selling", "Home Value", "Selling", "Selling Tips", "Buying & Selling" ], "summary": "If you have significant equity in your home, it may be time to sell." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/household-management/heloc-vs-home-equity-loan-a-deep-dive-into-helocs/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/household-management/heloc-vs-home-equity-loan-a-deep-dive-into-helocs/", "title": "HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: A Deep Dive into HELOCs", "content_html": "

The post HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: A Deep Dive into HELOCs appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: A Deep Dive into HELOCs appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2023-06-27T08:00:18+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-07-24T13:24:45+00:00", "author": { "name": "ajimenez", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/ajimenez/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/370fd3ef5b2313c7465c0026a4c2af9d14c7c1f31fb160ddbba3f572f8b74842?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Financing", "Home Loan", "Home Owner", "Home Value", "Home Worth", "Mortgage", "Mortgage Rate", "Real Estate", "Household Management" ], "summary": "Which is better a HELOC or a home equity loan? Part 1 " }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/what-is-your-home-really-worth/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/what-is-your-home-really-worth/", "title": "What Is Your Home Really Worth?", "content_html": "

The post What Is Your Home Really Worth? appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post What Is Your Home Really Worth? appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2023-04-04T13:31:32+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-12-18T14:12:32+00:00", "author": { "name": "Alexa Bricker", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/abricker/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/52db277747be4f42866852e0bcc32f3359ce211be9099d2ced7dc4b6311cbfd3?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Buyer", "Home Buying", "Home Value", "Real Estate", "Tax Refund", "Buying & Selling", "Finances" ], "summary": "Knowing the value of your home is not just about market value. Use these tips to find out what your home is worth. " }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/10-tips-for-negotiating-your-best-deal/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/10-tips-for-negotiating-your-best-deal/", "title": "10 Tips for Negotiating Your Best Deal", "content_html": "

The post 10 Tips for Negotiating Your Best Deal appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post 10 Tips for Negotiating Your Best Deal appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2023-02-02T19:31:44+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-03-13T12:51:02+00:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Buying", "Home Buyer", "Home Prices", "Home Selling", "Home Value", "Selling Tips", "Buying & Selling" ], "summary": "Navigate your home negotiation process successfully with these tips " }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/home-improvements-for-increased-happiness/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/home-improvements-for-increased-happiness/", "title": "Home Improvements for Increased Happiness", "content_html": "

The post Home Improvements for Increased Happiness appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post Home Improvements for Increased Happiness appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2022-07-25T13:49:19+00:00", "date_modified": "2022-12-21T16:50:39+00:00", "author": { "name": "", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Attic", "Home Advice", "Home Improvement", "home office", "Home Tips", "Home Value", "Painting", "ROI" ], "summary": "Top 4 home improvements to make you feel more at home. " }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/5-smart-upgrades-that-increase-your-homes-appeal/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/real-estate/buying-selling/5-smart-upgrades-that-increase-your-homes-appeal/", "title": "5 Smart Upgrades That Increase Your Home\u2019s Appeal", "content_html": "

The post 5 Smart Upgrades That Increase Your Home\u2019s Appeal appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post 5 Smart Upgrades That Increase Your Home\u2019s Appeal appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2021-11-05T10:47:16+00:00", "date_modified": "2023-06-26T13:03:35+00:00", "author": { "name": "nsmith", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/nsmith/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3d67ac53f12c73e61ee77b0259dda05a32dbf3ef85f5e20f24f2e7ba6515c098?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Advice", "Home Improvement", "Home Selling", "Home Value", "smart home", "Smart Tech", "Technology", "Buying & Selling", "Outdoors & Gardening" ], "summary": "Adding this technology to your home can be a smart decision." }, { "id": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/the-nine-best-summer-home-renovation-projects/", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/home/home-improvement/the-nine-best-summer-home-renovation-projects/", "title": "The 9 Best Summer Home Renovation Projects", "content_html": "

The post The 9 Best Summer Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Good to Be Home.

\n", "content_text": "The post The 9 Best Summer Home Renovation Projects appeared first on Good to Be Home.", "date_published": "2021-05-17T07:00:11+00:00", "date_modified": "2024-06-18T12:26:35+00:00", "author": { "name": "nsmith", "url": "https://goodtobehomemag.com/author/nsmith/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/3d67ac53f12c73e61ee77b0259dda05a32dbf3ef85f5e20f24f2e7ba6515c098?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "tags": [ "Home Improvement", "Home Owner", "Home Projects", "Home Value", "Renovating", "Summer", "Decor & DIY" ], "summary": "Don't forget to give your home some TLC while enjoying the summer sun and fun." } ] }