We Do - Tama News

INSIDE IOWA
Thursday,
September 17,
2009
News of
Interest
For the DYSART REPORTER, GLADBROOK NORTHERN SUN-PRINT, REINBECK COURIER, TAMA NEWS-HERALD, TRAER STAR-CLIPPER
Priceless Design
Low-cost projects
that make your
home look like a
million bucks
LEFT- A dramatic room makeover can be done inexpensively with the help of paint and stylish accessories,
as shown above.
Designer Amy Matthews
Family Features (SPECIAL) - If you have big design
dreams but are working with a small budget, no fear you don’t have to sacrifice style and professional-looking results.
“When people think about do-it-yourself projects,
they automatically think about
costly, floor-to-ceiling overhauls,”
says designer and contractor Amy
Matthews of the DIY Network’s
“Sweat Equity” and “Bathroom
Renovations.” “However, there are
several low-cost projects that
homeowners can tackle to freshen
up their home’s style and add a
punch of personality.”
Try these budget-friendly decorating tips from Matthews to help Amy Matthews
get you the priceless design you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank.
Shed a little light: Give your kitchen an instant and
inexpensive makeover simply by replacing outdated fixtures such as faucets, lighting and hardware. You can
also add a tile backsplash or under-cabinet lights to really dress up your kitchen. Not only are these functional
and design-oriented, they really help deliver a big bang
for your buck.
A little dab will do: Before you commit to a paint
color, buy samples and try them out on the wall. See
how the color looks during the day, at night and under
various types of lighting. Also, be sure to have painter’s
tape on hand, such as Scotch-Blue Painter’s Tape for
Delicate Surfaces. Whether you’re painting one accent
wall or tackling the whole house, masking trim, baseboards, and other areas with painter’s tape lets you avoid
a mess and achieve clean, sharp paint lines.
Something old, something new: Add one special
piece in the living room that makes a great conversation
starter. This could be a lighting fixture, a piece of furniture or a unique rug - something signature to your style.
You can find great pieces by shopping at designer sales
and discount showrooms, or uncover treasures in your
own house. Rummage through the attic or basement to
rediscover pictures, vases or your grandmother’s antique
chest. You’ll be surprised with what you may find.
Accent on accessories: Fancy towels aren’t just for
your guests’ bathroom - treat yourself to new towels in
the master bathroom and quickly transform it into an
updated and inviting space. For your living spaces,
changing couch covers seasonally will keep your dÈcor
fresh and make it look like you purchased new furniture.
Try brown microfiber for fall, white linen for summer
and sage green in the spring.
Bring the outdoors in: Take a hint from nature and get
inspired by the seasons and the beautiful hues outside.
Once you’ve decided on one or two colors, buy pillows,
lampshades and other accessories to place throughout
your bedroom. Experiment with patterns, warm colors
such as red and orange, or calm hues such as moss green
and sage. Branches and flowers are inexpensive and can
also add instant charm to any living area.
Soak up the sun: When landscaping, buy smaller and
younger plants that need time to grow. They’ll be ready
in a couple of years when you’re ready to sell your
house. Fresh cedar mulch or rock landscaping are other
great ways to improve curb appeal - they’re inexpensive
and will really make your yard pop.
F
A
L
L
H
O
M
E
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
Priceless Kitchen Project
An updated kitchen can add thousands of dollars of
value to your home and create a welcoming space to
entertain guests - and you can accomplish it without
spending a lot of time and money. With a few coats of
paint and stylish accessories, your kitchen can become a
See KITCHEN page 5B____
Sit Back And Relax . . .
Knowing your home is protected by
FarMutual Insurance.
The Home-Guard policy
provides quality protection for your home –
all at affordable prices.
SEE THE EXPERTS AT
Thomas Company
for help with your
“HOMEWORK”
SPRING!
“HOMEWORK”THIS
THIS
FALL!
Stop by our office
today for a quote.
Bohemian Mutual
We Do . . .
Hwy. 63, 1309 S. County Road, Toledo
Phone (641) 484-5233 • FAX # 641-484-3962
1-877-884-5233
Residential & Commercial
Sales & Service
• SPAS
www.gmrc.com
• HEATING
• COOLING
Lon Larsen
owner
516 Main Street
Reinbeck, Iowa 50669
319-345-2711 - Office • 319-788-8510 - Fax
319-269-5602 - Cell
Water Softeners
Plumbing
Fixtures
Installation
State® Water
Heaters
• HOT TUBS
• SPA CHEMICALS
ELECTRICAL
&
PLUMBING
APPLIANCES
www.thomascompanytama.com
Come see us at our booth at the Home Show February 25!
Call
641484-3240
Thomas Company
204 W. 5th
Tama
Open
Sales and
Est. 1951
Mon.-Fri. 8-5;
Service
Sat. 8-12
90 days same as cash with approved credit
Residential & Commericial Sheet Metal Work
PAGE 2B, THURS., SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
Refresh Your Nest
Affordable ways to
liven up your home
F
A
L
L
H
O
M
E
Smaller desks pack big benefits. Origins laptop
desk by aspenhome.
Accents work well in this contemporary setting.
Family Features (SPECIAL) - As the saying goes,
there’s no place like home. And these days people are looking for ways to make their home a more enjoyable living
space.
“Rather than flipping homes, like people did when the
housing market was strong, we’re seeing more and more
families embracing what they already have,” says Bob
Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las
Vegas. “The idea of refreshing one’s environment, even in
the smallest ways, can have a restorative power and transform a house to a home.”
Home furnishing experts say that it’s important to recognize that it’s the littlest things that matter when you’re
making enhancements to your home. Simple touches of a
new sofa or end table, rug or even a decorative lamp shade
will create a different look and feel to a room or space. This
is a small lifestyle change, and not an unobtainable luxury.
Timeless Trends
Nancy Robinson and Julie M. Smith, of Nine Muses
Media, have put together some timeless trends that will
help you visualize and explore the possibilities for updating
your home.
Calm Yourself
Living with a neutral interior palette is like being
enveloped by a cloud. Get the look by blanketing rooms in
the softest neutral shades: cream, mocha and, most especially (and perhaps surprisingly), gray. “A dash of a neutral
metallic accent, such as silver, adds a welcome sparkle,”
Twin Cities
Construction
Refreshing your nest doesn’t have to be
out of reach. With a few simple changes
it’s possible to fall in love with your home
all over again.
said Robinson. “It’s like sunlight peeking through the
clouds.”
Distressed to Impress
Modern Country is ageless and exudes a comforting
charm that takes imperfection to new heights. Natural finishes, heavily distressed surfaces, reclaimed woods, rattan,
wicker and other natural textures are livable finishes for
busy families. And the look fits farmhouse style or urban
loft with equal ease.
Ethnic Inspiration
Far-reaching global influences are no longer far flung.
Ethnic-inspired fabrics are turning up all over in American
homes. “The organic patterns, vibrant color palettes and
handcrafted looks create an aura of sophisticated warmth,”
said Smith. What to look for: motifs inspired by traditional
African design; susani patterns from Central Asia; ikats and
batiks from Indonesia; and handblocked woodprints from
India.
Power Play
A smaller footprint, lighter weight and better performance are important purchase considerations when buying
a new laptop. The same things matter when buying home
office furniture. In fact, Robinson and Smith note that as
laptops have become the most popular home computing
choice among consumers, so, too, have writing tables and
petite desks moved to the fore. Unlike their executive suite
predecessors, these modestly scaled workstations don’t take
up an entire room. Instead, they slip easily into most interiors, providing needed workspace without taking up too
much space - or too much money.
Seeing Black and White
The go-to item in your closet may be the little black (or
white, depending on season) dress. In home furnishings, it’s
the combination of the two that offers the most impact. It’s
twice the look in one great product, and it never goes out of
style. Smith and Robinson say to consider making a statement with a black and white combo in bedding ensembles,
window treatments, wallpaper or upholstery fabric.
1-866-wall-guy
Kenny Bacon, Owner
• All Types Concrete
Flatwork
• Polysteel Insulated
Concrete Forms
• Masonry Construction
(brick and block)
• Residential and
Commercial
For Free Estimate Call:
641-484-6164
BUILD
YOUR
DR E AM
If you want to build
your dream home,
we can lend you
the financial hand
you need.
Is your foundation cracked,
bowed or falling?
We can replace and repair,
cracked or bowed and falling
foundation walls. We also
replace entire foundations
(new walls, floors
and drainage systems).
Van Hamme
Construction Inc.
Callus
to for
find out how
Call
toallqualify
your for your tax
credit & rebates from
construction
Alliant Energy on
replacement
windows
needs!
Roofing • Siding • Decks
Drywall • Windows
Ceramic Tile • Wood Floors
Kitchen, Bathroom &
Basement Finishing
FREE ESTIMATES
Foundation repair and replacement. Concrete
flatwork. Masonr y.
Build Green: Concrete homes, insulated foundations featuring
Polysteel insulating concrete forms.
Clint Werner
Contact: Paul
Van Hamme
319-560-8990
Box 309 • Toledo, Iowa 52342 • (641) 484-2980
BRANCH HOURS:
Drive-Up - M-F 7:30-5:30 - Sat. 7:30-Noon
Lobby - M-F 8:30-4:30 - Sat. 8:30-Noon
MAIN BANK HOURS:
Monday through Thursday - 8:30-2:30
Friday- 8:30-4:30
www.banktoledo.com
Chelsea, Iowa
1-866 Wallguy
641-751-2296
or 641-489-2201
[email protected]
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage Condos
with Sunroom and Storage Area
More to be built.
Get your name in now and
have your choice of carpet,
cabinets, paint and tile
Attractive
Special
Rates
Available
THE STATE BANK OF TOLEDO
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
Next to the Tama-Toledo
Country Club, Primary School
and Walking Trail
No mowing, shoveling or
outside maintenance
High Efficient Energy Star Homes by
Why Rent? With low interest
rates, now is the time to buy
S&B BUILDERS
STAN ZEUTENHORST • 641-522-6059 • 641-751-5549
DYSART REPORTER
NORTHERN SUN-PRINT
REINBECK COURIER
THURS., SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 PAGE 3B
TRAER STAR-CLIPPER
TAMA NEWS-HERALD
Room makeovers that won’t break the budget
F
A
L
L
(Family Features) So you have a room that
needs updating, but you don’t have a lot of time or
money? Not a problem. These quick-fix ideas will
spruce up a room in no time without emptying your
wallet.
Living Room
•One of the easiest - and cheapest - ways to
change up a room is to rearrange the furniture.
Take everything out and start over with a clean
slate. And don’t be afraid to poach items from
other rooms - the mirror in the hall just might look
perfect behind the sofa now.
•Don’t forget the floors. If you have wood
floors, put the shine back into them with wood
cleaner. If you have carpet, add a colorful area rug
on top for a splash of color and to help define an
area.
•Go green - with plants. Whether it’s a single
palm leaf in a vase or a pretty silk tree, greenery
adds a lot to a room. For the best effect, group
plants of varying heights, fullness and color together.
H
O
M
E
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
Bathroom
•If you like old fashioned tin ceilings, try ceiling tile paintable wallpaper. It’s textured wallpaper
that looks like embossed white plaster, and you
can paint it any color you want. Put it up under a
chair rail to make a unique wainscoting in a weekend.
•For artwork, frame color copies of prints out
of books, magazines or catalogs. If it’s a kids’
bathroom, frame some of their art.
•A few fresh hand towels and a new toilet seat
will freshen things up, as well.
Bedroom
•A new duvet cover or comforter and matching
shams will instantly change the look of your bedroom. Reversible covers give you even more
design bang for your buck.
•Paint an accent wall to bring a new color into
the room. If your other walls are neutral, go with a
bolder color on the accent wall. If the other walls
are a strong color, pick out a neutral tone.
•Fabric remnants are an inexpensive and easy
Little house, big perks
By Tresa Erickson
You’ve always lived in a
small home and loved it. With far
less house and yard to care for,
you’ve had more time to devote
to other interests. Now that
you’re adding to your family,
however, you’re not sure if you
can continue to enjoy the perks
of small home living. Relax.
Unless your family is growing
substantially larger, you can
remain where you are and make
a few changes to maximize your
home’s potential.
Storage can be a problem in
any size of home. If your small
home lacks storage space, consider creating some built-ins.
Built-in bookshelves, cabinets
and seating make wonderful
additions to any home. You just
need to place them in the best
area possible and be careful not
to take up too much floor space.
In a home lacking in square
footage, multipurpose is the
name of the game. Make sure
your rooms serve more than one
purpose. Tuck a desk in the corner of your dining room and use
the space to eat and work in.
Slide your upright piano into
your entryway and use the space
as a foyer and a music room.
Add a bench to your second floor
landing and use the space for
reading.
The same principle applies to
your furniture choices. Don’t
bring a piece into your home
unless it can serve more than one
purpose. Consider a sleeper sofa
for your living room. You can sit
on it during the day and use it for
guests at night. Select a comfortable chair for your desk. You can
sit in it and work at your desk
and slide it into the living room
when needed for extra seating.
Switch out your coffee table for
an ottoman. You can use it as a
footrest when watching TV and
as extra seating when company
comes over.
Select smaller equipment and
accessories. Trade out your bulky
TV and computer monitor for
flat-screen models. Use hanging
bedside lamps rather than large
tableside lamps. Choose smaller
appliances for your kitchen. You
will be amazed at how much
more room you have just by
using smaller items.
Light up the rooms in your
home and make them appear
larger. Use a variety of lighting
sources at various heights around
each room. Throw open the
drapes during the day and let the
natural light in. Bring in some
mirrors to reflect light around
each room.
Keep your color palette light.
Dark colors tend to close in the
space, while lighter colors keep it
bright and airy. Reserve darker,
bolder colors for accents to add
drama and depth.
Add to your square footage
with an outdoor space. Powerwash that old patio, add some
new furniture and plants, and
presto, you have extended your
living area outdoors. Throw open
the French doors during parties
and give guests plenty of room to
mingle.
If you long to stay where you
are, don’t let the thought of a
larger family prevent you from
doing so. Make adjustments as
needed and make your home
work for you.
way to dress up your room. Recover pillows or add
a colorful band to your drapes. At about one-third
of the regular fabric price, they’re a bargain.
Kitchen
•Replace cabinet hardware with decorative
pulls and handles. It’s an easy way to add personality to ordinary cabinetry. New switch plates are
another affordable change that can make a difference.
•Dress up your windows with a new valance. A
fresh color will perk things up in no time. If you
have solid curtains or sheers, try a patterned
valance. If the curtains are print, compliment them
with a solid valance.
•Add a new throw rug and a few fresh kitchen
towels and you’ve got a brand new look for next to
nothing.
Some creative thinking and a little elbow
grease is all it takes to make a room feel like new.
ABOVEThe furniture
has been placed differently. With some
thought, you can
create essentially a
whole
different
room.
Work like this
costs nothing and
provides makeovers
you will really
enjoy.
Harder than granite: porcelain tile
By Tresa Erickson
You’re in the middle of
remodeling your entryway.
Gone are the crusty old wallpaper, tarnished brass light
fixtures and soiled carpet. In
their place are a warm shape
of taupe, classic rubbed
bronze fixtures, and...well,
you haven’t quite got to the
flooring yet. You’re leaning
toward tile, and your friends
have suggested you go with
porcelain tile.
Unlike most other types of
ceramic tile which are made
of red or white clay fired in a
kiln, porcelain tile is composed of special porcelain
clays and minerals, including
ished. Unglazed porcelain tiles
work best for outdoor applicafeldspar, and fired in a kiln at tions and require sealing.
a higher pressure, making it
exceptionally hard-30% harder than granite to be exact. It
is denser than other products,
frost-proof and highly stain-,
scratch- and water-resistant.
Some lines are even slip-resistant.
Virtually indestructible,
porcelain tile can be used
almost anywhere-low- and
high-traffic areas indoors and
out. It comes in a variety of
styles and colors. In fact, the
color of porcelain tiles goes
all the way through, unlike the
color of traditional tile which
RICHARD WAUTERS
is baked on. Porcelain tile
comes in three basic finishes:
502 Wilson St., Dysart, Iowa
matte, unglazed and high-polPh. 319-476-5070
Fax 319-476-2705
WAUTERS ELECTRIC
• FARM • RESIDENTIAL
• COMMERCIAL
WIRING
TURN TO THE PROFESSIONALS AT
IOWA STEP & TANK
Unlock
Precast Step & Septic Tanks
Delivered & Set “Hassle Free”
the
• “Concrete Unit Steps” Patented by Unit Step Form Co.
• Wrought Iron Railings Available For All Our Steps
All
Products Are
Manufactured At
Our Facility
Equity
Large
Inventory Ready
For Immediate
Delivery
in your
205 W. Grace, Toledo
641-484-TANK (8265) or 800-675-9229
Building or
Renovating?
We have what
you need
Shingles
stone coated
steel roofing systems
Home
With a Home Equity Line of Credit at
Farmers Savings Bank & Trust – Traer
With a Home Equity Line of Credit, Farmers
Savings Bank & Trust – Traer offers you a cash reserve
based on the equity you have in your home. Use your
credit line to consolidate debt, remodel your home, or
purchase a car...you name it!
Call or stop by Farmers Savings Bank & Trust – Traer
for complete details, or to apply for your home equity
line of credit.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our
loyal customers for their patronage this past year!
HRABAK LUMBER
HWY. 30 W., TOLEDO • 641-484-9990
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30-5:00 Sat. 7:30-Noon
611 2nd Street, Box 435 • Traer, Iowa 50675 • (319) 478-2148
web site: www.fsb-traer.com
•
E-mail [email protected]
Equal Housing
LENDER
PAGE 4B, THURS., SEPTEMBER 17, 2009
DYSART REPORTER
NORTHERN SUN-PRINT
REINBECK COURIER
TAMA NEWS-HERALD
TRAER STAR-CLIPPER
F
A
L
L
H
O
M
E
Save energy - And money
(Family Features) (SPECIAL) - It costs over
$160 billion a year to heat, cool, light and live in
our homes. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), homes account for 21 percent of the
country’s energy use each year, and contribute
about 17 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Homes are more energy efficient than they
used to be, but there are many ways to improve
energy use and lower utility costs. The DOE estimates that many people could save 20 to 30 percent on household energy bills by making some
cost-efficient improvements.
Heating and Cooling
About 46 percent of your utility bill is for heating and cooling. These home systems also emit
150 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. The easiest thing you can do is to
make sure your systems are properly maintained.
Other ways to save:
•Install a programmable thermostat - it lets you
adjust temperatures automatically according to
your schedule. You can save around 10 percent a
year on heating and cooling bills by simply turning the thermostat back 10 - 15 degrees for eight
hours.
•Clean or replace furnace filters once a month
or as needed.
•Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters,
and radiators; make sure they’re not blocked by
furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
•Avoid setting the thermostat at a colder setting
than normal when you turn on the air conditioner.
It will not cool your home any faster.
•During cold months, keep draperies and
shades on south-facing windows open during
the day to allow the sunlight to enter, and
closed at night to reduce the chill.
•During warm months, keep the window
coverings closed during the day.
Consider energy-efficient upgrades, as
well. If your heat pump or air conditioner is
more than 10 years old, or your furnace is
more than 15 years old, they may need to be
replaced. It can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.
Insulation
Insulating your water heater tank and water
pipes prevents heat loss. Insulate heating ducts
in unheated areas, such as attics and crawlspaces, too. Keeping ducts in good repair can
prevent heat loss of up to 60 percent at the registers.
Windows
The average home loses more than 25 percent of its heat through windows. Installing
storm windows can reduce heat loss between
25 and 50 percent. Energy-efficient windows
and window coatings save even more energy.
Leaks- Seal air leaks around utility cutthroughs for pipes, gaps around chimneys and
recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets.
Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air
leaks around doors and windows.
STEIN-HRABAK
Floor Covering
NOW AT OUR NEW LOCATION:
701 W. HWY 30, TOLEDO
Open: Monday - Friday 10-5, Saturday 9-Noon
Evenings by Appointment
641-484-2780 • 641-485-7414
-Federal tax creditsFederal tax credits are now available for some
of these home improvements.
•10 percent of the cost of insulation, storm
doors, and Energy Star-qualified “cool roofs,”
up to $500
•10 percent of the cost of exterior windows
and skylights, up to $200
•up to $300 on new high-efficiency air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, and cornfueled stoves
•up to $150 on high-efficiency furnaces and
boilers
These tax credits expire at the end of 2009.
SERVING YOUR
•Plumbing •Electrical
•Heating •Cooling NEEDS!
Call
KJ’s Plumbing
641-484-4323
Kirby Thiessen - Joe Thiessen
SERVICE - NEW CONSTRUCTION - REMODEL
60
MOS.
WITH A HOME EQUITY LOAN
FROM MEMBER’S 1ST!
HOME EQUITY LOANS
4.25
%
See SHUTTERS, page 5_
NOW
OPEN!
605 Wilson, Dysart
• Millwork Products
1
st ®
COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
600 Second St.* 319-478-8044
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1-800-245-6199
Live in an older home with
metal shutters that have seen
better days? Want to replace
the shutters but not sure you
can find new ones in the same
size? Before you go to all of
the expense of having custom
shutters made, why not
remove the shutters and
repaint them. You just might
be able to reuse them.
Repainting metal shutters
will take some work. Here are
the supplies you will need:
• Screwdriver
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Scrub brush and sponge
• Bucket of soapy water
• Garden hose
• Spray primer
• Spray paint or paint
designed for metal in the color
of your choice
• Paintbrushes
First, remove the shutters
from your house. If you are
lucky, the shutters will be
mounted to the wall with
anchor screws and all you will
Doors, Windows, Trim & Cabinets
1ST MORTGAGES AVAILABLE!*
* Must Qualify
By Tresa Erickson
• Hardware, Plumbing, Electrical & Paint
36 Months • * Must Qualify
IN TRAER
Refresh your
old shutters
Full Line Lumberyard
APY*
MEMBER’S
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
• Drafting Services Available
• Delivery Services Available
• Glass Cutting & Key Cutting
• Free Estimates on Building Projects
Decks, Garages & New Homes
We can even help you find a contractor!
Call Mike Wilkerson at 319-476-2000
or email: [email protected]
STORE HOURS: M-F 7AM-5PM • SAT 8AM - NOON • CLOSED SUNDAYS
DYSART REPORTER
NORTHERN SUN-PRINT
REINBECK COURIER
THURS., SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 PAGE 5B
TRAER STAR-CLIPPER
TAMA NEWS-HERALD
Brick cracked? No problem.
F
A
L
L
H
O
M
E
By Tresa Erickson
You have a lot of exposed brick in your home. You
love the character it brings to your space, but recently,
you noticed that one of the bricks has a huge crack in it
and is starting to crumble. You really need to take care
of the matter before it gets worse. If you are handy, you
may be able to chip out the brick yourself and replace it.
To chip out the brick, you will need a power drill, a
6mm masonry bit, a hammer and a cold chisel. Drill
several holes in the brick and mortar surrounding it.
Then using the chisel and the hammer, chip out the mortar surrounding the brick. Use the end of your chisel to
remove all of the pieces and chip out any remaining
mortar.
If you haven’t purchased a replacement brick
already, take a piece of the old brick to a masonry supply center and purchase a new brick to match. With any
luck, the center will have an exact match. If not, you
will have to get as close of a match as possible.
To install the new brick, you will need a spray bottle
Replacing a brick takes a little effort and some time.
of water, some mortar, a pointing trowel and a jointer. Make sure you are ready to do what it takes. If you’re
First, spray down the opening where the brick will go. not comfortable replacing the brick yourself, you may
Then mix up some mortar and spread a 3/4-inch layer want to hire a professional to do it for you.
on the bottom and sides of the opening with a pointing
trowel. Butter the top of the brick with a 3/4-inch layer
of mortar.
Place the brick on the back of a trowel and slide it
into the opening, making sure the brick is flush with the
surface. If needed, you may tap the brick into place with
the handle of the trowel. The mortar should squeeze out
from around the brick. If it doesn’t, you will need to
take the brick out and add more mortar.
When the brick is in place, use the edge of the trowel
to scrape away the excess mortar. Then strike and
smooth the joints. Press down the mortar to ensure a
watertight seal. Scrape off any excess mortar and wipe it
from the face of the brick with a clean cloth. Give the
mortar time to cure, making sure you keep it damp for
three days.
I
M
P
R
O
V
E
M
E
N
T
Shutters, continued from page 4_________________________________________________________
need to do this is a screwdriver.
Next, hand-sand the shutters with fine-grit sandpaper
to remove all loose paint. Be
careful not to scratch too
hard, or you could damage
the surface. When you are
finishing sanding, wash
down the shutters to remove
all of the sanding residue and
dirt. Spray down the shutters
with a garden hose and let
them dry.
Once the shutters are dry,
you are ready to paint them.
Start with a coat of spray
primer. Read and follow the
manufacturer’s directions
and apply the paint six to
eight inches away to prevent
drips. Use horizontal as well
as vertical strokes for even
coverage. Let the shutters
dry completely before applying the topcoat.
If spray-painting the shutters, follow the procedure
above, being careful not to
create drips. If using traditional paint, apply the paint
in long, even strokes, again
being careful not to create
Kitchen, continued from page 1__________________________________
showpiece.
Tired-looking cabinets?
Breathe new life into your
kitchen by updating your
cabinets for a fraction of the
cost of new cabinets.
drips. Let the paint dry and
apply a second coat if needed. You may also use a paint
sprayer to apply the paint. If
you go this route, read and
follow the manufacturer’s
directions for the equipment
and wear the appropriate protection.
Give the shutters a few
days to dry before putting
them back on the house. Be
careful not to scratch the
paint as you install the shutters.
That’s all there is to it! In
just a few simple steps, you
can repaint your metal shutters and save yourself some
money in replacement costs.
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
WRAGE REALTY L.L.C.
315 Main Street, Dysart, IA 52224
319-476-7070 or 1-800-796-8488
Call or stop in to check on properties available
in Dysart and the surrounding areas.
• FARM • RESIDENTIAL • ACREAGES
David
Broker
DavidJ.J.Wrage
Wrage - -Broker
Hadachek • Brian Bierschnenk
Jon Hadachek
• GaryJon
Bierschnenk
Laurie
Havran
- Sales Associate
Tools you’ll need :
-Paint roller and/or brush
-Painter’s tape for ease of
painting
-Screwdriver for removing
cabinet
doors and drawer
and cabinet hardware
-Primer
-Paint
vÊޜսÀiÊxäʜÀʜ`iÀ]Ê
ޜսÀiʈ˜Ê̅iʓœ˜iÞt
Painter’s tape makes the work easier.
Quick tips:
-When selecting your
paint color, keep in mind
that a light color will make a
room look brighter and more
open, while dark colors can
help old-fashioned cabinets
look more modern.
-High-gloss paint is often
recommended for cabinets;
however semi-gloss adds a
rich finish.
-When applying paint to
cabinets, use a quality brush
- the better the brush, the
better the finish.
-Begin painting at the
center of the cabinets and
follow the grain.
Has your furnace given it’s last blast?
Has your Air Conditioning made it’s last Brrr?
Has your faucet plopped it’s last ploop?
WE CAN HELP!
See us for all your
Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Needs!
In addition to servicing your current systems,
we also install new furnace, air conditioning & plumbing units.
Weber’s
PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
DYSART, IA • Phone 476-2590
HEATING & COOLING PRODUCTS
7
Ê
…i˜ÊޜÕʈ˜ÃÕÀiÊޜÕÀʅœ“iÊ܈̅ÊÕÃ]Ê̅ÀœÕ}…ÊÕ̜‡"ܘiÀÃÊÊ
Ê
˜ÃÕÀ>˜ViÊ
œ“«>˜Þ]ÊÜi½ÊÃ>ÛiÊޜÕʓœ˜iÞtÊÊ-Ì>̈Ã̈VÃÊŜÜÊ
̅>ÌÊޜÕÀÊ>}iÊ}ÀœÕ«ÊiÝ«iÀˆi˜ViÃÊviÜiÀ]ʏiÃÇVœÃ̏ÞÊ
œÃÃiÃ]Ê>œÜˆ˜}ÊÕÃÊ̜ʫ>ÃÃÊ̅iÊÃ>ۈ˜}Ãʜ˜
̜ÊޜհÊÊ
œ˜Ì>VÌʜÕÀÊ>}i˜VÞÊ̜`>ÞÊvœÀÊ
>ÊVÕÃ̜“ˆâi`Ê«Àœ«œÃ>Êœ˜ÊޜÕÀÊ
…œ“iœÜ˜iÀÃʈ˜ÃÕÀ>˜ViÊ«ÀœÌiV̈œ˜°
$JHQF\1DPH
L.L. OWENS
& ASSOCIATES
$JHQF\DGGUHVV
622 Second
Street Traer, IA 50675
$JHQF\SKRQHQXPEHU
319-478-2710
Steps
1. Before getting started,
wipe down cabinets with a
tack cloth to remove dust.
Sand any rough areas and
remove sawdust from the
area.
2. Tape walls around cabinets and the backsplash.
3. Remove cabinet doors
and handles.
4. Tape cabinet inner
shelves and sides. Apply
primer coat. Note: Using a
tinted primer saves at least
one coat of paint, so you can
buy fewer cans.
5. Apply two coats of
paint. Allow time to dry
(approximately 4 hours).
6. Remove tape.
7. Remove door hinges.
8. Prime and paint doors.
Note: Use a brush instead of
a roller to apply primer and
paint to uneven cabinet surfaces.
9. Tape fully cured cabinets and trim.
10. Paint wall base coat.
Allow to dry. Carefully pull
tape.
11. Reassemble cabinets
YOU’LL LOVE OUR FLOORS
VINYL
TILE
• HARDWOOD
• CARPET
VINYL • •TILE
• HARDWOOD
• NATURAL
STONE
There’s nothing like new flooring on bare feet. We
understand the pleasure that comes from new flooring.
When it’s time to remodel your home, count on us for the
highest quality flooring products at the lowest prices.
We discount our merchandise so you can save. Choose
from name-brand flooring in many styles and colors .at
half the price
you’d
pay in
many other stores.IN STOCK
CHECK
OUT
OUR
DISCOUNTED
LAZ-Y
& SELECTION
SOFAS!
SAVE
UP T0BOY
00% RECLINERS
ON OUR HUGE
“The Home Furniture & Interiors
Staker
Mon.–Fri. 9–9
Improvement
419 Second StreetSat. & Sun. 10–7
Traer, IA 50675
319-478-2576
Builder’s Square
• Westchester • 555-0000
Specialists”