CHICAGO, April 2, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- HomeFinder.com, a leading digital real estate site, compiled the top kitchen, bathroom, living room and backyard remodeling tips to increase a home's value and help homeowners make the most out of their renovation budgets. It is important that homeowners understand how renovation relates to home valuation, whether it is updating a newly purchased home, or remodeling to get a house ready to sell.

Below are four home remodeling tips; the full list of tips can be accessed here: http://blog.homefinder.com/2014/03/25/room-by-room-remodeling-tips-to-increase-home-value/

1.) Maximize space in the kitchen: Homeowners can gain space during a renovation by extending cabinets up to the ceiling, or turning an awkward unused space into a food prep corner.

2.) Develop a bathroom design plan: The layout and functionality of a new bathroom should be determined by who will be using it the most.

• Kids bathroom: A double sink will help mornings and bedtime go faster, a pullout stepstool built in to the vanity so little ones can reach the sink, and no-slip tile to avoid any bath time slips.
• Master ensuite: Add a spa-like quality to a master bath with a heated marble floor (the small space will keep the cost down), a walk-in shower, and plenty of natural light.
• Guest bath: Incorporate extra shelving so guests have a place to store items without feeling intrusive. Built-in shower shelves and a vessel sink will allow for more under vanity storage space.

3.) Update living room windows: Energy-efficient windows will lower energy bills and will update a home's appearance. Impact-resistant windows are great for neighborhoods with active kids or areas prone to severe weather. These windows can help protect against damage and reduce home insurance premiums.

4.) Revamp a backyard barbeque: An outdoor kitchen will add value to a home and allow a host to cook, while enjoying the outdoor weather with friends and family. Outdoor-specific appliances (stainless steel sink, outdoor refrigerator, and cement or stainless steel counter) won't rust during rain or snow and adding a bar area will cut down on trips inside the house.

For homeowners who are looking to sell, accommodate a growing family, or downsize due to an empty nest, these remodeling tips will add the most value to each room. While remodeling is one of the best ways to increase a home's value, accessing financial and educational resources and using them wisely to create improvements can be challenging. HomeFinder.com's Ultimate Home Transformation Sweepstakes* to help U.S. homeowners make these improvements a reality. Ten randomly chosen winners will receive $20,000 intended for home renovation projects.

About HomeFinder.com
HomeFinder.com is one of the fastest growing real estate websites in the U.S. attracting more than 3M monthly home shoppers with more than 3M property listings. HomeFinder.com provides simple and effective online advertising solutions such as Single Property Websites and enhanced listings to 20,000 agents, brokers and builders.  HomeFinder.com has the combined strength and resources of a nationally branded site and a Network of 375 real estate sites across America, including the chicagotribune.com, azcentral.com and miamiherald.com. HomeFinder.com is owned jointly by three leading media companies, Gannett Co. Inc. (NYSE: GCI), The McClatchy Co. (NYSE: MNI) and Tribune Co.

*Official Rules
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes is open only to legal U.S. residents who, as of 3/3/14, are physically residing and who own a home in the 50 U.S. (DC), and are 18 or older.  To enter, visit sweepstakes.homefinder.com between 10:00 a.m. CT on 3/3/14 and 11:59 p.m. CT on 5/31/14, create a free Homefinder.com account, and follow the instructions to complete and submit an Official Online Entry Form. Limit one (1) entry and nine (9) bonus entries per person/email address during the Sweepstakes Period. Void where prohibited by law.  For complete details, bonus entry methods and Official Rules, go to sweepstakes.homefinder.com/rules.  Sponsor: Homefinder.com, LLC, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.

This Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Facebook or Twitter. By participating in this Sweepstakes, you are providing your information to the Sponsor and not to Facebook or Twitter. The information you provide will only be used as indicated in these Official Rules by Sponsor, and entrants have the ability to opt-out of further communications.

Contact:
Deanna Lawley
312.605.9925
dlawley@homefinder.com

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SOURCE HomeFinder.com