By Karen Moeller, on November 25th, 2025 
The White House is one of the most recognized historic residences in the country, and like many older homes in the St. Louis region, it requires continual upkeep. During Donald Trump’s presidency, several major renovation projects took place. Regardless of politics, these updates offer valuable lessons for anyone who owns or is planning to renovate an older home.
Here are five practical takeaways.
1. Old homes need real infrastructure work
The West Wing’s major HVAC replacement showed how essential it is to update aging systems. St. Louis homeowners in pre-1960 homes face similar challenges with older ductwork, undersized returns, and Continue Reading →
By Lisa Garza, on September 19th, 2025 
Color isn’t just “pretty.” Thoughtfully used, it can lift mood, energize a room, calm a busy mind, and even make homes easier to navigate. Decades of research show that color influences how we feel, think, and behave. The secret is intentional, balanced use—often a confident accent paired with clear contrast.
Why color changes how we feel
Two simple qualities, brightness and saturation predict much of our emotional response to color. Brighter, more saturated hues tend to feel more positive and energizing, while dimmer, grayer versions dampen that response. This pattern has been replicated repeatedly across laboratory and real‑world settings (see Continue Reading →
By John Donati, on March 18th, 2024 
In a recent informative video, Mike Ragan, a master electrician, and owner of R&M Electric in St. Charles MO, dispels several myths surrounding aluminum wiring, a subject that often causes apprehension among prospective homebuyers in the St. Louis area. With over 18 years of experience specializing in residential wiring and troubleshooting, Ragan brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. He offers crucial insights for anyone considering the purchase of a home equipped with aluminum wiring, providing a fresh perspective on what has traditionally been viewed as a potential dealbreaker. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on October 12th, 2017 The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) just released it’s 2017 Remodeling Impact Report, in which they rank Kitchen Renovation and Upgrade at the top of their list for appeal to buyers as well as for most likely value to the home for resale. Next on the list, in both categories, was Bathroom renovation.
According to the report:
The average cost of a kitchen upgrade was $35,000 and, on average, added $20,000 to the value of the home, for a recovery rate of 57% of the cost. The average cost of a complete kitchen renovation was $65,000 and, on average, added Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on January 21st, 2017 Where do you get the most bang for your buck when it comes to remodeling or making improvements to your home? Homeowners make many improvements and upgrades to their home simply because they want the added enjoyment or comfort they receive as a result, however, other homeowners, particularly those contemplating a move in the future, also focus on the investment aspect of the improvement. Continue Reading →
By Gerry Loesch, on December 5th, 2012 When are building permits needed? That is the $64,000 question. First it may be good to discuss the reason for building permits. Building codes list their intent as “ to insure public safety, health and welfare insofar as they are affected by building construction,…..” The major reason for permits is to therefore, provide safe and sanitary buildings. We have all seen where “Tommy Homeowner” thinks he can do anything and in turn creates problems for himself and any future home owner that may occupy the premises. The building permit process allows the local authority to review what work is planned, check the work is in progress before all the changes are completed to be sure that safe, sanitary and proper procedures are performed in the building/remodeling process. The second reason, albeit less important, is that it allows the governing authority to adjust you property values to be current with the value including any improvements. Continue Reading →
By Chase Gentry, on June 12th, 2012 Are you ready to tackle that bathroom renovation you’ve been putting off? Before you pick up the phone and hire a contractor, why not save some cash and try your hand at it. Considering the cost of renovations for homeowners, DIY has gained popularity. The following list, created by Construction Management Degree.com, contains 100 of the top DIY websites to help guide your home improvement projects, in no particular order. We arrived at this list through our own research, and for the benefit of our readers. The list is organized by area of the home including; General Remodeling, Interior Decorating, Kitchen and Bathroom, Office and Workspaces, Landscaping and Exterior, Basement, Storage, and Closets. Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on December 17th, 2010 The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) published its’ “Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report” for this year and in it rated exterior replacement projects among the most cost-effective home improvement projects. This reinforces something most REALTORS will tell you which is that a homes curb appeal plays a significant role in the sale of the home.
Continue Reading →
By Dennis Norman, on May 14th, 2010 Dennis Norman
Homeowners looking to upgrade or sell their home this spring should realize that not all remodeling and renovation projects will yield a full return on their investment, the president of the Appraisal Institute said today.
“When it comes to home improvement projects, especially in today’s economy, not every renovation or remodeling effort will pay off when the owner sells their home,” said Appraisal Institute President Leslie Sellers, MAI, SRA. “Consumers need to be aware that cost does not necessarily equal value.”
For consumers looking to upgrade and possibly sell their houses this spring, Sellers has put together Continue Reading →
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