Some of us lead more stressful lives than others. One renovation idea that can address aesthetics and stress reduction is to make your bathroom more “spa-like.” McDonald Remodeling, a remodeling company located in the St. Paul MN region, offers some soothing ideas on their website: “In bathrooms, calm design can lead to rejuvenating spaces. With that in mind, each bathroom has a style that befits the homeowners.” Ideas the company offers include having a “soaking retreat,” where the bath tub or Jacuzzi is the focal point of the room; having a very simple, but stylish bathroom that needs little or easy upkeep; and having an nature-oriented, soothing color scheme or a large shower “tube” for a feeling of space while bathing.

“Greening” your home, isn’t just good for you, it’s also a good remodeling idea if you are thinking of selling. Networx writer Steve Graham interviewed Lara Collins, a real estate broker in the Denver area. You don’t have to go to extremes either. Collins suggests some simple ways to ecologically renovate in and around your home such as cleaning up your yard and adding some native plants that require less water and maintenance. If you need to do some interior painting, use low/no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints.

If you want to add a new and unique touch to your home when remodeling, you may want to consider tiling in an unusual place. In a Networx article by KMS Woodworks you can garner some fresh ideas about spots you may have not considered tiling before such as your foyer, stair risers, or tiling an accent wall. KMS Woodworks, who works with renovators in the Boulder area, said of the accent wall idea (which I personally think is a pretty cool idea): “In lieu of art, how about a wall of artistic mosaic, or some stone’s natural beauty? Not just for floors or bathroom floors, tile can add style and durability to just about anything.

If it’s time for a new roof, you want to be sure the job not only meets your budget, but is done well. E.M Blue, an Atlanta roofing company, offers some good advice on their website. A few of the tips the company offers when looking to have a roofing job done revolve around getting to know your roof and what you really need ahead of time and working with local contractors. Other tips include making sure your roofing contractor has liability insurance, have a good track record, and has a permanent business.

Drywall guru Myron Ferguson of Albany, NY offered tips for remodeling with drywall. Some common DIY mistakes he notes include: “Not using enough mudding compound behind tape, causing bubbles. Not letting the mudding compound dry thoroughly between coats, and too thick or too thin fill coat which covers the tape.” Ferguson also urges DIY homeowners to “get enough help” when putting up drywall. “The sheets are heavy, fragile, and difficult to maneuver,” he said.

What attributes should you look for in a “green” HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) business? One example of such a company is Greentree Heating and Air Conditioning in Denver and Omaha. They recommend working with a company that follows all government incentives and tax benefits associated with installing or improving your home energy standards. Other questions you should ask an HVAC contractor include inquiring about the willingness of the company to do an energy audit/analysis first.

Taking the housing market into consideration, if you own a home you may be thinking of whether to remodel or tear down and rebuild. In a Networx article, Laura Foster-Bobroff suggests looking at important factors such as structural weaknesses. “Over the years, changes in structure may have been implemented without adding additional structural support. Also, it’s common to find beams that have been cut into in order to accommodate upgrades in electrical and heating systems, compromising structural integrity,” she said.

Whatever you are inspired to do to improve your home, it is important to be aware of local codes and bureaucratic processes. Amy Howell Hirt did a remodeling project in Cincinnati and paints a clear picture of the hurdles you may need to jump for your remodeling project. You may be required to submit complex studies, pay significant fees, and deal with your town’s inspectors and local preferences. Take the time and effort to research what is needed in terms of permits etc. for your DIY projects.