Home improvement is one of the biggest investments a homeowner can make. That’s why it’s important to do your research before you pick up a hammer or start swinging the drill. Whether you’re renovating an old kitchen or adding on to your home, there are certain renovations that will increase your property value and others that might not.
The first step in any renovation is determining your budget. If you’re not careful, you can easily overspend on a project and end up going into debt. A good way to avoid this is to work with a trusted contractor and come up with a contract that includes a payment schedule, a description of all materials and services included in the project and any other items you want to be covered. Also, it’s a good idea to include a “change order” in your contract that gives you the right to modify your original plans if needed.
While it’s important to choose materials that will last, you also need to factor in the cost of labor and other expenses. Many contractors will try to upsell you on upgrades or higher-end materials, but those extra costs can add up quickly.
It’s also important to remember that some projects will actually decrease your house’s resale value, so be sure to consider these factors before you break out the drywall. Some of the most popular home improvements are painting rooms and updating light fixtures, but it’s important to stick with midrange options that will still provide a high-end look.
Many homeowners developed a renewed interest in home renovation projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it’s now time to reassess their plans, as the nation’s two largest home improvement retailers have reported a cooling of spending by households.
According to the 2023 Remodeling Impact Report by NAR, home improvement projects are being halted in part because of rising mortgage rates, softening housing prices and economic uncertainty. Nevertheless, the vast majority of surveyed homeowners plan to renovate their homes.
Generally, the best home improvements are those that will improve a home’s function and safety, while also appealing to prospective buyers. A popular and relatively inexpensive upgrade is replacing or upgrading kitchen cabinets and appliances. Likewise, adding an additional bathroom is a great way to boost resale value.
If you’re looking to upgrade your living space, a master suite is another common and lucrative home improvement. But, it’s important to talk with a real estate agent before you start breaking out the hammers. They can advise you on what changes will most likely appeal to the widest range of potential buyers and maximize your return on investment.
Whether you’re a Fixer Upper or This Old House fan, there are plenty of ways to improve your home and make it a place you love to live. Just be sure to take the time to do your research and choose a project that fits within your budget and will give you the most return on your investment.
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Entertaiment encompasses a wide range of cultural and social activities that are intended to provide enjoyment and amusement. Entertainment has shown the ability to evolve, cross over into different media, and take on new forms as it is adapted to suit each environment. These programmatically compiled examples illustrate current usage of the word and are not meant to represent opinions of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Click on a collocation to see more examples.
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Arigatou International is deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, founder of Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Ariyaratne’s remarkable contributions to society as well as his unwavering commitment to peace, social justice and community empowerment have left an indelible mark on the world, transforming the lives of countless individuals and fostering positive change on a global scale.
Dr. Ariyaratne was a close friend of the late Rev. Takeyasu Miyamoto, founder of Arigatou International. They both shared a vision of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world. Dr. Ariyaratne was a founding member of the Global Network of Religions for Children (GNRC), inaugurated in Tokyo in the year 2000. Working closely with Rev. Keishi Miyamoto, the current President of Arigatou International, Dr. Ariyaratne served as its first Regional Coordinator for the South Asia sub-region. Dr. Ariyaratne led the organization of the very first regional conference of the GNRC, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the advancement of children’s rights and well-being. He was also a member of the Interfaith Council on Ethics Education for Children that helped advancing the development of Arigatou International’s Ethics Education Initiative.
Dr. Ariyaratne founded and developed the Sarvodaya Sharamadana movement through a holistic approach to development, rooted in the values of compassion, equality, and social justice. Througouth his life, Dr. Ariyaratne dedicated his efforts to uplifting rural and underprivileged communities across Sri Lanka and beyond. Following the Buddhist principles of loving kindness, compassionate action, service to others and working in a spirit of equality, he championed interfaith collaboration in Sri Lanka to promote a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and calling for the spiritual awakeness of its people towards unity.
May his legacy continue to inspire hope and transformation for generations to come, and his teachings and principles he strived for, continue to impact local communities and individuals, including children around the world.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Dr. Ariyaratne’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he enriched. May his spirit live on in the hearts of all those who were fortunate enough to know him and be touched by his presence.
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Automobiles are motor vehicles that run on roads and carry one or more people. Most modern automobiles are powered by an internal combustion engine using a volatile fuel, and they have four wheels. Throughout the world, cars are the most common method of transportation for people and goods.
One of the best things about having an automobile is that it opens up your world. Being able to travel long distances at your own pace gives you greater freedom in terms of work and social life, and it allows you to take more vacations with friends or family. Having your own vehicle also means that you can save money on public transportation by cutting down on the cost of rides.
Whether you’re looking for a fuel-efficient sedan or a sporty hatchback, there are many different options available on the market. You can find models that offer the latest in safety technology, as well as those with a more luxurious interior. The key is to do your research so that you can find the car that’s right for you.
Invented in the late 1800s, automobiles quickly became the backbone of a consumer-oriented society. During the 1920s, they were the biggest source of jobs in America and consumed large quantities of steel and petroleum products. This led to the consolidation of the industry, with Ford, GM and Chrysler emerging as the Big Three automakers by 1929.
Today, automobiles are complex technical systems that involve thousands of parts. Each car is designed with specific function in mind and contains numerous subsystems that are highly specialized. These include engines, transmissions, chassis, bodywork, electrical equipment and service devices. Most automobiles use gasoline, but some have alternative fuel or electric engines.
Some of the most popular automobiles on the market include the Nissan Altima, Frontier and LEAF. These models are known for their durability and reliability, and they’re backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Others, like the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic, are designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers with their features, efficiency and value.
A quality automobile should have a reliable and efficient engine that can be driven safely on highways. The drivetrain must provide traction and stability, while the suspension system should be able to handle rough terrain. The chassis should be sturdy and well-built, and the interior must be comfortable and safe. The windshield and windows should be clear and easy to operate, and the headlights should be bright enough for visibility in poor conditions.
An automobile must have a design that can accommodate a variety of passengers and cargo. It should have a large trunk and a spacious cabin that can hold luggage and shopping bags. The interior should be comfortable and spacious, and the seats should be ergonomically designed to prevent back pain. It should have ample legroom and headroom, as well as a good steering wheel position and pedal adjustment. The instrument cluster should be easy to read and the navigation system should have clear maps.
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A slot is a position or place in which something can be placed. The word can be applied to many things, including slots on aircraft or a notch on an ice hockey goal. It can also refer to the amount of space allowed for a particular item, such as a cargo container or a slot in a building.
In casino games, a slot is a mechanism that accepts currency or paper tickets with barcodes as inputs, and then spins the reels to produce combinations of symbols. These combinations then earn the player credits according to a paytable. A slot machine may also have special features such as a progressive jackpot or extra reels. Some machines offer multiple paylines, while others allow the player to decide how many lines they want to enable.
The first step in playing a slot is to determine the amount of money that you’re willing and able to bet. This will help you decide how much to spend per spin. Then, choose a machine that matches your budget. If you’re new to playing slots, start with 3-reel machines that don’t require a large bankroll and have fewer symbols than other types of slots. Once you’ve mastered these simple machines, move on to more complex ones that have bonus features, such as wilds and scatters.
Before you start spinning the reels, read the paytable to get a feel for the game and understand its rules. Besides the winning combinations, look for information about the bonus features and multipliers in the paytable. These features can greatly increase your payouts, making the game more exciting.
If you’re not sure which type of slot machine to play, ask a casino attendant for advice. They can point you in the direction of a machine with a high RTP, or return-to-player percentage, which indicates how often you’ll win. A high RTP is usually a sign of a quality game that pays out more frequently than other types of slot machines.
In addition to the paytable, you should check whether a slot has any additional bonuses, such as free spins or scatters. These will increase your chances of hitting the jackpot, and can help you win huge sums of money. However, be aware that these bonuses can be addictive, so be careful not to spend more than you can afford to lose.
Some players believe that certain slots are “hot” and will pay out more frequently, while others believe that a slot that hasn’t paid out in a long time is “cold.” Neither of these beliefs is true; all payouts are based on the random number generator in the machine.
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