Most men, and even handy women, dream of a perfectly organized work space where their tools are orderly and they can tackle that list of home DIY projects. However, renovations can get put on hold because there’s not a designated place to work. Tools are usually scattered throughout closets and the kitchen table serves as a workbench.

Create a space for all of your improvement projects by turning a section of your garage into a construction-friendly, wonderfully organized haven for your tools and home makeover endeavors. Below are four easy steps to building the perfect garage workshop.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Space

Ideally, you’d still like to be able to get your cars in their designated space, so look for a vacant area at the back of the…

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August means it’s time to get your children ready for school once more. Picking out backpacks, going clothes shopping and finding all the right school supplies can be hectic enough. However, when you’ve moved and your children have to start all over in a new district, there’s even more to worry about!

Summer fun can make the sunny months fly by. It’s easy to forget that with the beginning of school comes excitement and anxiety for your little ones -- especially if they’re starting out somewhere new. So help them get adjusted with the back-to-a-new-school strategies below.

Explain why you’ll be moving.

Whether you’re moving states or just school districts, it’s best to give your children as much notice as possible and explain to them the reason…

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Getting a mortgage for your Staten Island home can be a complicated process and sometimes things can go wrong. There are certain mistakes that many homebuyers make when applying for their mortgages that can seriously damage their chances of being approved.

If you are aware of the most common mortgage issues, you will be better able to prevent them when applying for your own mortgage. Make sure that you keep the following tips in mind when applying for a mortgage:

Making Large Purchases Before Closing On The Mortgage

Many homebuyers think that they are in the clear once the mortgage deal is lined up and they go ahead and make another large purchase such as a car or home furnishings. However, it is best to hold off on all major purchases until the…

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When it comes to buying a Staten Island house, should you be looking toward a brand new recently built property or considering an older historic home?

There are many advantages to either option and the best choice for you will depend on what you are looking for in a home. If you are wondering whether buying an older property is right for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Are You Willing to Invest in Renovations?

A historic home will be more likely to need upgrades when it comes to electrical wiring, plumbing and central heat or air. When you are making your choice whether to purchase the home, don’t forget to factor in the costs of the upgrades that need to be made.

Do You Have the Time for Maintenance?

Buying an older home…

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Many Staten Island home owners dream of having a home theatre – an entire room of the home dedicated to enjoying television and film. These rooms are usually equipped with a large flat screen television or projector, comfortable seats, mood lighting and perhaps even a bar or a snack fridge. They are very comfortable and the perfect place to relax after a hard day. They are also lots of fun for entertaining, as you will be able to watch the big game or the hottest new release with your friends in style.

However, will spending the money on renovating your home to create a theatre room be a smart investment? Does this type of home improvement add a lot of value to the property, or will it turn off potential buyers?

Buyers Interested in Tech-Equipped…

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When you buy a Staten Island home, you need to know exactly what you’re buying. Imagine how frustrated you’d be to find out that the hot water heater wasn’t working—in the middle of a shower! This is why you should have a home inspection before you buy your home. A home inspection is an important part of buying your home. Before you hire a home inspector, ask candidates a few questions to make sure you hire a trustworthy inspector.

  1. What does your inspection cover? Not all inspections are the same. Ask for copies of previous home inspections so you can see exactly what they will check inside your Staten Island home. If you are concerned about something specific, like a leaky faucet in the bathroom, mention that to the inspector so they can check it…

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Every homeowner is constantly thinking of improvements they would like to make to their house - however, there’s always the thought of whether or not it’s a smart investment. Well, if you’ve been pining for a fireplace in your master bedroom or are sick of your outdated kitchen appliances, rest assured that the renovations below will appeal to future buyers — and make your living space a little more lovable for you.

A Fireplace

Whether you have one or none, adding another fireplace to your home will only increase its coziness quotient. Especially if you live in a colder climate, there’s nothing so inviting as a roaring fire in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. If you live in a warmer climate, consider an outdoor hearth to extend your living space…

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Winter and Sandy took a toll on your Staten Island home’s exterior this year. You’ve been noticing the cracking paint for months, but you don’t want to shell out the big bucks to hire a professional. Don’t fret! With the weather warming and the nice summer weekends, it’s the perfect time to tackle that project of painting your home.

While this might seem like an insurmountable project, especially if you have a multi-story home, it’s not. It just takes the right tools and a bit of hard work. Below are step-by-step instructions to having the outside of your house looking shiny and new.

Test for lead

Homes built before 1978 could have used lead paint, so be careful if you have an older home. They make kits that test for lead paint. If your home…

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Your Staten Island home is where you spend a lot of your time, so it is worth investing time into making sure that it is an enjoyable place to be. Here are some things that you can do to make everyday living more pleasant.

Create a Personal Retreat

Do you have a place in your home where you can escape after a hard day of work and simply relax? It could be a luxurious bathtub with candles and bubble bath, or a comfortable chair you can curl up in with a good book? Find a place in your home where you can create a quiet retreat and you will be able to enjoy this space whenever you need to take a break and recharge.

Facilitate Social Interaction

Having friends and family over to share a meal and a few drinks can be a very enjoyable experience, so…

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When you are buying your new Staten Island home, you will not only need to consider the house itself but the neighborhood that it is located in. The old real estate cliché about “location, location, location” is true, as the area of the city where your home is located will have an impact on its future value as well as your lifestyle.

So what factors should you consider when you are choosing which neighborhoods to house hunt within?

Proximity to Your Daily Needs

If you work in Manhattan, you might want to consider living closer to the North Shore of Staten Island. You will also need to consider whether the house is near shopping centers, schools, doctors, dentists and other services that you will need regularly.

Planned Developments

When you…

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