Home Improvement Projects, What I like, Versus What I can Afford

home improvement projects

Another age old conundrum with home improvement projects is the trade off of what I like versus what I can afford. Everyone struggles with this reality where finances and costs are pulling one side of your brain, versus the emotional trigger of I really want and like “this” to be a part of my project.

One method in helping resolve this debate in your head, or worse yet with your spouse, is to have developed a detailed budget for each item in your project.  As an example, you might have a patio project that includes 10 key items like the following. Read More


The House That Inspired “The Great Gatsby” House

the Great GatsbyThe Great Gatsby is widely acclaimed and known as one of the literary classics of America’s history. What most people don’t know is that there used to be a house in New York  that inspired many of the scenes from the novel. Unfortunately, that house had to be tore down, and CBS Sunday Morning did a great special on it that featured the home and where it is today and what it once was upon a time. It is amazing how homes are inspirations for movies and books like the Great Gatsby. It is amazing how houses go through phases over their lifetime. Even with this home, you can see what happens over time to a home and you realize how important caring for a home is to the overall view and details of the home.  Read More

If You’ve Ever Built a House, This Video Will Amaze You

Designing and building your own home can be one of the most challenging, and in the end, the most rewarding things you do. If you have ever built a house you know how much goes into it. There are a million things that need your attention and require a lot of time and effort. There are lots of decisions to make about selections and finishes, location of items and layout of rooms, how you are going to use this home and its spaces. You will have to consider your entire family, your pets and visitors to your home. Will you entertain, do you need a pool for the summer months, do you need outdoor storage for garden equipment. Do you need an in-law space? You will make decisions on and about time and in a timely fashion. You will constantly be reviewing budgets and cash flow, maybe even Read More


HomeZada is Open for Business

HomeZada

It all started with air filters! Years ago, we built a house and after living in it for almost a year, the fabulous new carpet started turning black along the edges and under the doors. Beth looked at John, and asked, “Did you change the air filters?”  John looked at Beth and said, “I thought you were changing the air filters.”  Needless to say, the air filters were clogged and black. The spark for HomeZada was born.

Why isn’t there a software system to remind homeowners of everything Read More


Welcome to the Zen of Zada the HomeZada Blog

Zen of Zada - HomeZada BlogWelcome to our newly launched blog, Zen of Zada, that is focused on the homeowner. Organizing and maintaining a house can be overwhelming and we want to help our readers understand how to manage their home. The Zen of Zada is intended to help novice or expert homeowners understand all the issues around managing a home. Our team at HomeZada will provide you tips on how to care and perform specific maintenance tasks to help your home operate well. We will offer tips on project management and how to manage the details of your projects including costs and selections. Tips on home financial awareness and how to track all the things in your home to understand what you own will also be important to overall home management and what Read More