Call MX TODAY - Watertown Daily Times

September 2016
a special supplement to
•฀Working฀within฀a฀budget
•฀Making฀more฀space฀in฀your฀home
•฀Weekend฀renovation฀projects
•฀Handy฀safety฀tips
•฀฀Upcycling฀existing฀furniture
•฀Preparing฀for฀autumn
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2 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Tips for your first renovation project
Metro Media
Home renovations are typically exciting, as homeowners get to see the visions of
their dream homes come to
light right before their very
eyes. Turning an outdated bathroom into a modern
oasis or an empty basement
into the ultimate man cave
strengthens the sense of attachment homeowners have
with their homes.
But few home renovation
projects go from start to finish without experiencing a
few bumps in the road along
the way.
Such bumps can be difficult to handle for homeowners working on their
first renovation projects,
but there are many ways
for novices to navigate the
sometimes murky waters of
home improvement projects and come out relatively
unscathed on the other end,
where a newly renovated
home awaits.
n Plan well and know
what to expect. When working with contractors, get all
agreements in writing and
spell out exactly what you
desire in a home renovation.
Photo references can help
guide contractors and architects. Ask for the full picture
of what can be expected with
the work, from demolition
to the punch list. Knowing
what lies ahead can keep you
grounded throughout the
project.
n Discuss work each day
and set payment schedules.
Make payments contingent
on work completed. This
can help keep contractors on
schedule. Paying for all work
up front leaves homeowners
at a disadvantage, as it does
not provide incentive for
workers to be timely and efficient. Check in with workers
to get daily progress reports.
n Have reasonable expectations. A renovation project may exceed its budget
and take longer than initially expected. Understanding
that these potential setbacks
might be part of the process
will make it easier to handle them when the foreman
speaks to you about any issues that arise.
n Accept the mess. Construction work is messy.
There’s no way to maintain a
pristine house when contractors are entering and exiting
all day.
Dust is bound to be generated, and tools can fill up
rooms. A home in disarray
can be stressful, but continue to visualize the end result
and the mess won’t bother
you so much.
n Establish a contingency
plan. Bathrooms and kitchen
renovations are typically the
most disruptive home improvement projects.
Going without a kitchen
can make it difficult to enjoy
meals at home, while a bathroom remodel may require
you to navigate water shutoffs. If your project is scheduled to take several months,
establish a contingency plan
to deal with the consequences of your renovation project.
Speak with family members
about using some of their
home amenities, and prepare and freeze meals in advance so you can reheat them
later on when you don’t have
access to your stove.
n Plan your escape. Sometimes the constant work and
mess of construction is too
much to bear. Afford your-
self time away by visiting relatives or staying at a hotel.
Even a single night away can
provide the relief you need.
A home that is undergoing
a remodel can be a less than
comfortable environment.
But homeowners who have
never before lived through a
renovation project can take
several steps to make the
process go as smoothly as
possible.
METRO MEDIA
Experts say that if this is your first home renovation project, try
not to bite off more than you can chew.
All Pro Builders’ LLC
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(518) 480-9652
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Tim
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September 2016 • 3
Fall Home Improvement
Keep it safe when working on projects
Metro Media
Home renovation projects
vary in scope. Something as
simple as repainting a bedroom counts as a renovation
project, as does a full kitchen
remodel. But no matter how
big or small a project, homeowners’ top priority should always be safety.
Before beginning a project,
make a list of possible hazards
and how to avoid them. Here
are some potential dangers
that can spring up.
n Asbestos: Many homes
built when asbestos was legal
still contain asbestos materials.
Asbestos has been used in many applications, such as in ceiling materials, insulation, siding, and more. That’s because
asbestos is flame retardant and
serves as an effective and inexpensive insulator. However,
asbestos fibers released into
the air during renovations can
cause respiratory problems
and even lead to lung cancer.
Asbestos needs to be removed
under specific guidelines and
disposed of properly. Disposal
typically requires hiring a professional service.
n Dust and dirt: Sanding,
sawing, welding, and other
home renovation tasks can
cast debris into the air. Ventilation may be needed to maintain clean, breathable air. Ventilation can also shuttle any
harmful fumes generated from
construction materials outside of the home. Do-it-yourselfers should wear masks and
eye protection to guard themselves against debris.
n Electrical lines: All homes
may not have been built in
adherence to modern-day
codes. Electric lines can be discovered where they are least
expected. When doing demolition or drilling/nailing into
walls, it’s not uncommon to
come across electrical wires.
Extra caution needs to be taken, and an electrician should
be consulted if the wires need
to be relocated.
n Chemicals: Chemicals,
such as sealants, cleaners,
lubricants, and fuel, may be
used during renovation projects. Such substances can be
dangerous to pets and chil-
dren if they are touched or accidentally ingested. Exercise
extreme caution when using
chemical products, making
sure all product containers are
sealed and kept out of reach
when not in use.
n Tools: Cuts, abrasions,
burns and more can result
when power tools and even
manual tools are used incorrectly. Learn how to use tools
before beginning a project,
and always put tools away
when work is done for the day.
n Falls: Falls are a leading
cause of household injury,
and the chance of a fall may increase when climbing ladders
during home improvement
projects. Don’t climb beyond
where indicated on ladders
and always have a spotter on
hand when climbing is necessary. Wear harnesses, sturdy
footwear and gloves as well.
METRO MEDIA
Safety is paramount when working around the house.
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4 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Handy tips for revitalizing paneled rooms
Metro Media
Paneling is a low-cost way
to cover problem walls. In the
1960s and 1970s, paneling
was very popular. Sold in large
panels, paneling was relatively
easy to hang, and quickly became a staple of dens and finished basements.
But few of today’s homeowners are enamored with the look
of faux wood paneling. Those
who purchase homes that have
paneling on the walls often
search for ways to transform the
look of rooms in which the walls
are covered in paneling. While
paneling does go up quickly, removing it may not be as simple.
Explore these options for giving
paneled walls a new look.
Paint over the paneling
The fastest way to breathe
new life into a paneled room
is to paint over the paneling.
The texture of the paneling will
show from beneath, giving the
room appeal without the dark
hue of the wood or veneer panels. Consult with a paint store
or home improvement center
to determine the most effective way to cover up paneling
with paint. Sometimes it is
wise to lightly scuff the paneling with a fine-grit sandpaper
so that the paint will adhere.
Shiny or glossed paneling can
be dulled with a de-glossing
product. Sometimes a combination of a thick primer and
color will grip the paneling and
reduce the number of coats
needed to cover it.
Also, invest in a high-quality, professional-grade paint.
It may cost a bit more, but
such paint will be well worth
it when it glides over the paneling, covering it completely.
If you don’t want the grooves
showing between the panels,
fill them in with spackle and
sand down to create a smooth
surface before painting.
Cover the paneling
Covering up the paneling
is another tactic. Rather than
coating the wall in paint, consider a wallpaper liner. Liners
are essentially a thick, plain
wallpaper that is applied on
top of the paneling or used
when dealing with damaged
walls. In lieu of tearing down
the walls and putting up new
drywall, the liner will cover
imperfections. Many of these
products can be painted directly and may not require
priming beforehand. This
can be great for homeowners
whose goal is to cover paneling
quickly and easily.
Those who prefer a patterned look on the walls can
opt to cover paneling with a
printed wallpaper. However,
depending on the thickness
of the wallpaper, this may be
a two-step process. You may
need to fill in the creases between the panels first, or first
use a thick wallpaper liner to
create a seamless surface.
Cut the paneling
If you desire a cottage or
country look in a room, remove half of the paneling,
leaving the bottom portion
intact. Then place molding or
a chair rail where you made
your cut, creating a wainscoting effect. The top portion of
the wall can be painted, while
the bottom portion can be left
as the wood color or painted a
complementary color.
Remove the paneling
The most labor-intensive
way to give a paneled room a
new look is to remove the paneling. Pry at a portion of the
paneling in an inconspicuous
spot in the room to determine
which method was used to install the paneling. Some people only tack it into place with
small, finishing nails, while
others glue the paneling to
the wall for a secure installation. Glue will be much more
difficult to remove and could
further damage the walls and
paneling in the process. If the
paneling is too difficult to remove, covering or painting it
may be a smarter option. Small
nails can be removed by pulling at the panels. Spackle holes
before painting over the walls.
Paneling is an inexpensive
decorating option that was
first popularized 40 years ago.
Though less popular now,
paneling still shows up in
homes and can be remedied
with some relatively easy tips.
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Watch out for harmful dust
Metro Media
Homeowners about to embark on home improvement
projects should prioritize dust
removal to avoid the potentially negative side effects of
exposure to lead dust.
When undergoing a renovation, homes built before 1978,
the year the use of lead paint
was banned, are likely to produce lead dust, which occurs
when lead paint is sanded or
chipped. That dust can be especially harmful to children,
pregnant women and pets.
According to the CDC, lead
dust as small as a grain of sand
is enough to poison children,
who may suffer brain damage, hearing loss, nervous system and kidney damage, and
decreased muscle and bone
growth after exposure to lead
dust. When pregnant women are exposed to lead dust, it
may affect the baby’s cognitive
development while increasing
the mother’s blood pressure.
Household pets exposed to
lead dust may suffer from a
series of side effects, including
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
pain and possibly death.
When making renovations
to their homes, homeowners
can open windows and wear
protective gear such as masks
and safety goggles.
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September 2016 • 5
Fall Home Improvement
Staying within your home improvement budget
Metro Media
Home improvement projects range from small scale
undertakings that can be
tackled in a single weekend
to large remodels that can
take several months to complete.
While no two projects are
the same, every home improvement project demands
that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend
some money.
Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do
the financial commitments
required of homeowners to
make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of
the project, homeowners
can find ways to stretch their
budgets without sacrificing
the quality of their improvements.
n Do your homework.
Before you decide to make
changes to your home, it’s
best to first do some research
into any potential projects
you’re considering. Many
homeowners have decided
to dive into a project before
they fully realize its scope
and cost, and going in blind
can bust a budget, turning
what might have seemed like
a relatively simple project into a money pit.
Understanding just what
a project entails and how
much it’s likely to cost can
give homeowners an idea
of what they can afford and
where they might be able to
stretch their budgets.
For example, if you want to
replace your kitchen countertops but can’t afford engineered quartz countertops,
you might be able to find a
less expensive alternative,
such as tile, that you like just
as much.
But it’s best to research
such alternatives before you
decide to replace your existing countertops.
If you can’t find a less expensive alternative, you
might want to postpone a
project until you can grow
your budget.
But starting the project
without first grasping its true
cost is a recipe for disaster,
so do your homework before
you find your toolbox and
start working.
n Build unforeseen expenses into your budget. Another way to stay within your
budget is to include budget-busting unforeseen expenses into the budget from
the get-go.
Whether you’re doing the
project yourself or paying
a contractor, nearly every
home improvement project
will present some unforeseen, and costly, hurdles.
For example, you might
find mold inside the walls
when you’re converting a
basement, and it can cost
a pretty penny to make that
mold go away.
If you go into the project
expecting such hurdles, then
the financial sting of ad-
dressing them won’t prove
too great a burden. But if the
mold catches you and your
budget completely off guard,
you might be forced to overextend that budget or make
sacrifices elsewhere in order
to complete the project.
Build some contingency
money, including permit and
permit fees, into your home
improvement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues.
n Get to work. If you’re
hiring a contractor, speak
to him or her before signing
a contract to see if there is
anywhere you can pitch in to
keep the labor costs low.
You might be able to pitch
in during the demolition
phase, saving the cost of paying your contractor’s workers
to tear down walls or remove
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debris you can just as easily
remove yourself.
Another way to pitch in is
to do the end-of-day cleanup
yourself.
Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need
to be negotiated up front, but
you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on
labor if you’re willing to get
your hands dirty.
n Determine if piecemeal
is the most affordable option. Sometimes it makes
sense to tackle one project
at a time, while other times
you might want to combine
projects to save on the cost
of materials. For instance, if
your ultimate goal is to install
wood flooring throughout
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your home, determine if it
makes more financial sense
to install the flooring all at
once rather than doing one
or two rooms at a time.
You might save by buying
all of your materials at once
rather than buying a small
amount of materials several
times over the next several
years.
Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more
enjoyable for its owners and
inhabitants.
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6 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Ways to create more space in your home
Metro Media
As real estate prices continue to climb, the cost to trade
up to a larger home is on the
upswing across the country,
especially as markets remain
hampered by tight inventory
levels. As a result, more and
more Americans are choosing to renovate their current
homes instead of relocating.
In fact, some forecasts predict
that 2015 renovation spending could exceed the record
of $324 billion set during the
peak of last decade’s housing
boom.
While the hunt for more
square footage can be challenging,
homeowners
shouldn’t feel like a costly
second story or complete addition are the only options.
Here are five great ways to
create or optimize space in
your existing home.
1. Finish an unfinished
basement. A basement renovation can hold limitless potential and increase the resale
value or income potential of
your home.
Think about the possibilities: a home theater, office,
spare bedroom, basement
apartment or recreation
room. The key to doing it
successfully is to focus on
what’s behind the walls, es-
pecially since moisture is a
common issue in basements.
Choosing the right insulation
is critical. Look for products
that are vapor permeable,
dimensionally stable and
mold and moisture resistant.
Many contractors use Roxul
Comfortboard IS semi-rigid
sheathing board paired with
Comfortbatt batt insulation
to combat thermal bridging
and protect against mold and
mildew growth. An added
benefit of this type of mineral wool insulation is that it’s
also fire-resistant to 2,150 F.
For interior walls and ceilings, Safe-n-Sound insulation
is ideal because of its ability
to absorb noise and indoor
traffic sounds, ensuring your
newfound space is a peaceful
one.
2. Create a more open-concept feel with light and color.
If your home wasn’t blessed
with towering windows, installing French doors and pot
lights can encourage light to
travel more freely, creating
the illusion of space.
Likewise, choosing a paint
color for walls, trim and
moldings that is lighter and
cooler in tone (think soft
grays or blues) will help to reflect light and give the room a
more open feel.
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3. Remove non-load-bearing walls. Homeowners have
the opportunity to rethink
the layout of their home by
removing non-load-bearing
walls. Removing structurally
unnecessary walls can make
your whole home feel larger,
improve flow, lighting and the
function of your home.
4. Convert your garage
into usable living or work
space. For many homeowners, the garage becomes an
overflow room for storage —
and is often a walk-in headache. Convert your garage (or
a portion of it) into another
living space, guest bedroom
or home office. Install carpet
and quality thermal insulation such as Roxul Comfortbatt to block outdoor noise
and keep in warmth.
5. Choose furniture and
accessories carefully. Adopt
a minimalist’s eye. Begin
looking around your home for
furniture or accessories that
overwhelm the space. Interior
designers recommend choosing low-profile or small-scale
furniture for rooms with less
METRO MEDIA
With careful planning, you may be surprised at how much space
you can create in your home.
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items, such as ottomans with
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budget-friendly way to save on
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September 2016 • 7
Fall Home Improvement
Earth-friendly tips to prep for autumn
Metro Media
Autumn is upon us, and
with the change of seasons
comes the fall to-do list that
must be completed before
the arrival of winter weather.
Many outdoor jobs are
best completed before temperatures drop, while others can be tackled indoors
to help save energy and
prepare for increased time
spent inside the home.
Outdoor cleanup
Autumn means leaves are
falling from trees and littering landscapes. Cleaning up
leaves can be a time-consuming task, but it’s necessary to promote the health of
lawns and other plants.
Grass that is completely matted down with leaves
can become starved for light
and moisture, and lawns
may even rot when forced to
spend winter beneath fallen
leaves.
One eco-friendly timesaver is to shred leaves with
a mower (a manual mower is preferable) and leave
them as topdressing for the
lawn. As long as the grass
blades can be seen within
the leaves, the lawn should
be fine. Shredded leaves will
decompose and add necessary nutrients and organic
matter to the soil naturally.
Leaves also can be used in
annual flower and vegetable
gardens to improve the soil.
Mulch made from shredded
leaves can be placed on the
soil around trees and shrubs.
This helps to reduce weed
problems and protects root
systems from harsh temperature fluctuations.
Clothing donations
It’s time to pack away
summer clothing and once
again fill closets and drawers
with sweaters and jeans.
Before packing away your
summer wardrobe, conduct
an inventory to determine
if there are any items you
no longer use. Donate these
items or use them as rags
when cleaning.
Keep some short-sleeved
shirts accessible so you can
layer them under sweatshirts and sweaters. The heat
from layering will be trapped
against your body and keep
you cozier, reducing your reliance on HVAC systems to
stay warm.
Home repairs
Check the roof for any
missing shingles. In addition, look for spots where
animals or insects may be
able to gain entry into your
home. Seal these areas and
repair any leaks. This will
make your home more efficient later on when winter
hits its stride.
Remove window air conditioners for the winter.
If they can’t be removed,
seal them with caulking or
tape and cover them with an
airtight, insulated jacket. If
you have forced-air systems,
move furniture away from
the vents so that air can flow
better around the home and
keep it comfortable.
Check weatherstripping
around windows and doors
and make the necessary adjustments. Installing additional insulation also can
help reduce energy consumption.
A few simple, quick and
easy tips can help homeowners prepare for autumn
in eco-friendly ways.
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Home Improvement Tip
Nothing else improves your home like the
convenience, efficiency, reliability and
economy of natural gas.
Contact Enbridge St. Lawrence Gas
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METRO MEDIA
Now is the time to take on a few simple projects that will leave
your home ready for the cooler temperatures of autumn.
Visit us on the web at www.stlawrencegas.com
8 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Add upcycling to your home improvement toolbox
Metro Media
Upcycling is not just for craft
projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your
home decor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save
money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill.
Woodcraft can help you with
upcycling ideas, products and
advice.
For the past year, Woodcraft
retail stores have hosted upcycling demonstrations on the
third Saturday of the month to
help customers discover the
potential for upcycling in their
home projects.
Both Woodcraft’s Pinterest
page (www.pinterest.com/
woodcraftsupply/upcycling)
and Instagram gallery (http://
instagram.com/woodcraftgallery) include upcycling ideas,
and the blog, Woodworking
Adventures (http//:blog.woodcraft.com) has featured upcycling several times.
Jewelry armoire makeover
Inspired by the upcycling
trend, many Woodcraft employees have completed projects, including marketing
manager Lori Haught, who
transformed a 1980s Jewelry
Armoire (see photo) into a more
stylish, modern piece for her
bedroom. She gave it a new coat
of paint, new silver/glass pulls
and flocking on the drawer in-
teriors. You can see the entire
process by visiting Woodworking Adventures and searching
for “The Jewelry Armoire Makeover.”
An Irwin Marples Blue Chip
Chisel was used for the disassembly that was required to add
new hardware and make other
changes to Lori’s armoire.
To remove the residue from
old finishes and polish, Lori
chose Norton soft touch medium 120-180 grit sanding sponges for the contour detailed areas
and Preppin Weapon sanding blocks, loaded with Mirka
Abranet 23-4- by 8-inch sanding sheets, for flat areas. Once
the sanding was finished, all the
pieces were cleaned with General Finishes furniture cleaner
using handy Star Wipers rags.
Three coats of General Fin-
ishes black gel stain were applied to the armoire. Although
each coat was allowed to dry
overnight because of other
commitments, the actual time
required between coats is two
to four hours. (Gel stains come
in 12 other colors, including
the popular java.) Two coats of
General Finishes High Performance Satin Water-Based Top
Coat were applied next.
To prep for the new hardware, Golden Oak Water-Base
Famowood Filler was used to
plug screw holes. More chiseling was required before a pair
of satin nickel stop hinges could
be installed.
Before reflocking the drawers, Bulls Eye Sealcoat universal sanding sealer was applied
to the interior of the drawers
and the dividers. Wearing an
anti-microbial dust mask and
6-mil medium powder free nitrile gloves, Lori applied light
blue Donjer flocking, using a
Donjer mini flocker.
Reassembly of the armoire
required System Three 5-minute epoxy and a Bessey K-Body
REVO Jr. 24-inch single parallel
clamp.
other upcycling products
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Milk paint is a popular coating, especially for furniture.
General Finishes milk paint
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make custom colors and lend
themselves to decorative effects
such as distressing and antiquing.
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plus four plastic bench dogs.
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September 2016 • 9
Fall Home Improvement
Make projects
a family affair
Metro Media
Tackling home improvement projects with kids in
tow can be challenging. But
if kids are old enough, moms
and dads can enlist their
youngsters’ help when working on projects around the
house. Not only can adults
keep closer tabs on kids’ activities, but involving kids in
home projects also lets parents instill important and
practical lessons at the same
time.
When asked to pitch in on
home projects, young kids
may feel proud they can lend
a hand with such a “grownup” task. With the right instruction, children of all ages
can get involved with fix-up
projects and learn new skills
in the process.
n Include children from
the start. When beginning
a project, parents can make
their kids a part of the design
and planning process, welcoming the input of younger
members of the family, especially if renovations will impact spaces they use directly.
n Shop as a family. Although it may slow you
down, take children along to
the home improvement store
so you can purchase supplies
together. Let youngsters help
you as you choose materials
for the project.
n Emphasize safety. Children should understand that
tools serve a distinct purpose
and that they are not toys.
Identify and explain the dangerous pieces of equipment
and instruct children that
they should not touch or turn
on tools without an adult
nearby. Go over the proper
ways to handle the tools and
explain the purposes of each
device. Make sure everyone
is wearing safety equipment
while handing the tools.
n Demonstrate and then
let kids try. Assign tasks
based on the child’s age. For
example, a preteen may be
able to saw wood, while a
kindergartner can hand over
nails and tools. Illustrate the
correct way to get things done and then have children
mirror your actions.
n Attempt an easy project
first. Painting a room, building a planter box, or another
less complicated project can
help parents gauge their kids’
abilities.
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Renovation projects that
can be done in a weekend
Metro Media
Some home renovation
projects require the expertise
of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their
homes without hiring a pro
or spending too much money. The following are a handful of DIY renovation projects
homeowners can tackle in a
typical weekend.
n Closet conversion: Ample closet space is a big plus
for home buyers, but upon
moving into a new home,
many homeowners may find
they don’t need as much
closet space as they initially
thought. Guest room walkin closets, in particular, may
prove to be underutilized resources. Such closets often
come with built-in shelving,
and therefore, they make ideal spaces to convert to mini
home offices or study areas
for kids. Installing an extra
shelf to serve as a desk area
for remote working or homework stations won’t take up
much of a Saturday or Sun-
day afternoon, and before
you know it, you will have a
fully functioning workspace.
n Accent wall: Accent
walls can liven up a room by
breaking the color pattern of
the walls in the room. Accent
walls also can be used to divert attention on a particular
design element in a room,
such as a painting or an elaborate wall furnishing. Painting an accent wall won’t take
very long, but such a project
can give a room an entirely
new look and feel.
n Driveway: If weather
permits, repaving an asphalt
driveway can be an ideal
weekend project, especially
if an existing driveway has
endured its fair share of wear
and tear.
Many driveways can be
paved anew in a single day,
but larger driveways or those
that have endured an extraordinary amount of wear
and tear may take a couple of
days.
n Storage and shelving:
Much like some homes come
with an abundance of storage areas, others fall short of
homeowners’ or apartment
dwellers’ needs. If your home
or apartment falls into the
latter category, adding some
shelving or finding some new
furniture that can serve double duty as storage areas is
a weekend project that can
help clear up some space.
Purchase some wood shelving from a local furniture retailer to mimic the look of traditional built-ins or replace
existing single-use furniture
with newer items capable of
serving multiple functions,
including storage.
n Art: If the rooms and
hallways in your home are
bare or in need of new looks
but your budget is tight, try
your hand at spicing things
up by creating some of your
own paintings. Parents can
encourage kids to create their
own colorful masterpieces.
Frame the finished works and
hang them on the wall and
enjoy your inexpensive and
homemade art gallery.
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10 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
How to breathe new life into an aging sofa
Metro Media
Couches are an important
component of living rooms and
dens, serving as comfortable
places to relax. Sofas will be sat
on, slept on and, if young children are in the house, sometimes jumped on.
Homeowners looking for
new sofas often prioritize comfort, but they also want a sofa
that can withstand the test of
time. Although there’s no magic formula, a sturdy sofa should
have a lifespan of around 10
years. According to Houzz,
quality sofas should feel solid and heavy. They should
have joints that are double
doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued
and screwed (not stapled) into place. Over time, even the
sturdiest couch can start to
show its age and look a bit past
its prime. Don’t fret. There are
some easy ways to give that aging sofa a makeover.
Begin by reviewing the service agreement. If you purchased an extended warranty
or protection plan on the furniture, you may be eligible for
repairs at no cost. Stores will restrict just what is covered under
such service plans, and regular
wear and tear may be excluded.
However, rips, certain stains
or opening seams may be eligible for repair. Covered costs
means not having to spend any
money out of pocket.
Cleaning may be another simple fix. Check with the
manufacturer’s guidelines for
cleaning. Certain fabrics require specific cleaning solutions. If you are ever unsure
about what to use to clean the
sofa, use a mild solution of soap
and water in an inconspicuous
spot first. Many carpet and upholstery cleaning solutions can
be used on furniture. Use sparingly and test for color-fastness before cleaning the entire
couch. For those who are skittish about cleaning the sofa on
their own, consult with a professional upholstery cleaning
service.
Slipcovers are another option to revitalizing the look of
an aging sofa. Fitted slipcovers slide right over the existing couch cushions and can
change an outdated sofa into
one that looks brand new. Measuring correctly and buying
accordingly will help achieve a
seamless look.
There also are some easy
do-it-yourself fixes for couches
that may be sagging or looking
deflated. If seat cushions can
be removed, consider placing
firm cardboard or wood on top
of the springs to provide more
firmness. Cushions may begin
to sag when the springs underneath begin to lose their elasticity. If the cushions are the
problem, replacing the foam
in the cushions or the loose-
METRO MEDIA
Repairing, cleaning and restuffing can help homeowners get a
few extra years out of a sofa.
fill stuffing in the pillows can
breathe new life into the couch.
Foam can begin to disintegrate
and lose its shape and integrity.
Craft stores, home improvement centers and fabric stores
often carry foam products, but
those you can’t find might be
available via online orders.
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September 2016 • 11
Fall Home Improvement
Financing home improvement projects
Metro Media
Many homeowners recognize that improving and
maintaining a property makes
a home more livable for its inhabitants and more attractive
to prospective buyers when the
time comes to erect a For Sale
sign in the front yard.
But a well-maintained home
also provides additional benefits. According to the United
States Department of Housing and Urban Development,
home improvements not only
raise the values of individual
homes, but they tend to raise
neighborhood standards as
well. Home improvements can
create jobs and help local communities flourish economically.
Maintaining a home can be
a costly undertaking. Home
improvement projects can be
expensive whether homeowners hire professionals or tackle
renovation projects on their
own. The following are a handful of options homeowners can
consider as they look for ways
to finance renovation projects.
n Paying outright: Paying
for the renovations up front
and in full is perhaps the simplest way to finance a project.
Homeowners who have the
cash to pay for renovations
outright won’t have to worry
about interest rates or balloon
payments.
n Mortgage refinancing:
Some homeowners tap into their home equity to cover
home remodeling projects.
Refinancing a mortgage means
paying off the debt owed and
starting over with a completely
new loan. Refinancing comes
with various fees and can cost
between 3 and 6 percent of the
loan’s principal.
n Home equity loans and
lines of credit: Both of these
options are commonly referred
to as second mortgages. When
homeowners apply for home
equity loans or lines of credit,
they are borrowing against the
equity value in their homes. A
home equity loan is a term, or
closed-end, loan. It is a onetime sum that will be paid off
over a set amount of time with a
fixed interest rate and the same
payment each month. This is
a one-time loan from which a
person cannot borrow further.
A home equity line of credit, or
HELOC, is like having a credit
card. It’s possible to borrow
a certain amount for the life
of the loan, which is a set time
specified by the lender. During
this time, homeowners can
withdraw money as it is needed up to the value of the line of
credit. HELOCs typically have a
variable interest rate that fluctuates and payments can vary
depending on the amount of
money borrowed and the current interest rates.
n Title I property loan: Residents of the United States with
limited equity in their homes
may qualify for an FHA Title
I loan. Banks and other lenders are qualified to make these
loans from their own funds,
and the FHA will insure the
lender against a possible loss.
Title I loans can be used for any
improvements that will make a
home more useful and livable.
They cannot be used for renovations deemed luxury expenses.
n Borrow against retirement funds: Some people opt
to borrow against a 401(k) plan,
IRA or another retirement
fund. If the retirement plan allows a loan without penalty, it
can be another way to secure
funds. Because it is the homeowner’s money, there will be
no credit check required and
less delay in getting the funds.
Borrowers should keep in
mind that taking a loan against
a retirement account will usually result in a lower retirement
balance than it would have
been had they not borrowed
money from the account —
even after the funds have been
repaid.
n Credit cards: Credit cards
are an option when improvements are not expensive. Individuals with excellent credit
ratings may qualify for cards
with a no-interest introductory periods of several months
or more. These cards can be
a good way to pay off moderate improvements in a short
amount of time.
Many home renovation
projects require homeowners
to develop a home improvement budget. Homeowners
are urged to explore all options
and find the least costly loan
method and the one that will
present the best possibility for
avoiding debt.
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12 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Converting garages into livable spaces
Metro Media
Many people decide to upgrade from their apartments
or condominiums out of a
need for more space. But even
after moving into a new home,
homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they
have.
Rather than looking for a
new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space can be
expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting
existing basement or garage
space into something more
livable. Garages already are
built on a foundation, have
four walls and a roof overhead,
so a garage-conversion project
is merely a matter of turning
this utilitarian area into a living space.
Before beginning the renovation, homeowners should
consider the benefits versus
the cost of converting the garage. For those who are planning to grow old in a house, a
garage conversion can be a
worthy investment. But those
who intend to sell their homes
rather than retire in them may
learn that a converted garage
can affect home value and
make it less desirable at resale.
Compare your home to others
in the area and see what your
neighbors have done. If converted garages are the norm
where you live, your own renovation may fit in with others.
Always apply for the proper
permits and learn the zoning
laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable in your town
or city. It’s best to go by the
book so that work can be done
in a proper manner and be inspected for safety.
Many homeowners hope
METRO MEDIA
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their garage-conversion projects will make their garages
seem like a seamless part of
the rest of the house. To do so,
you will need to remove evidence the space was once a
garage. Slab floor will need to
be raised and insulated. Walls
also will need to be insulated
and finished to improve comfort and soundproofing. Many
garages do not have windows,
so for the garage to function as
a renovated space, windows
may need to be added.
One of the biggest transfor-
mations will come by way of
modifying the garage door entry. Some homeowners prefer
to leave the existing door so that
the home still has the appearance of a garage from the curb,
while others remove the garage
door and rebuild the exterior
wall so that it has a window or
another architectural element.
An architect can help suggest
design elements that will camouflage the original garage look
and make the space seem like it
was always part of the main living area of the home.
Landscaping work also can
minimize the appearance of an
old garage. Rather than having
the driveway end at the wall of
a home, shrubbery, pavers and
other techniques can blend the
garage renovation into the rest
of the yard design.
Transforming a garage into a living space can add several hundred square feet to a
home. Hire a reputable contractor and follow the municipal guidelines for modifying
the space to ensure the job is
done right.
September 2016 • 13
Fall Home Improvement
Consider this when planning a home office
Metro Media
As technology has made
working remotely easier, more
and more professionals are
working from home. Working
from home can help working
parents save money on childcare costs and help all workers
avoid rush hour traffic jams
and the costs of commuting to
and from the office.
The right working environment is essential for men and
women who work from home.
An environment that’s conducive to work can help people
increase their productivity and
make their employers more
likely to allow more employees
to work from home. Professionals who are new to working
from home may find it takes
some time before they can create the perfect working environment, but the following are
a few factors to consider when
planning a home office.
Space
One of the disadvantages
to working from home is that
remote workers don’t have access to the same level of equipment as in the main office,
such as color copiers or scanners. If you want to include
even scaled-down versions of
such equipment in your office,
you will need ample space. In
addition, less spacious home
offices can feel too tight and
enclosed, making workers uncomfortable and less enthusiastic about working every
day. Pick a spot in your home
that affords room for your
equipment and the ability to
move around so you don’t
feel cramped throughout the
workday.
Lighting
Lighting is another factor
remote workers must consider when they’re planning their
home offices. Natural light can
provide an energetic boost and
improve your mood, so choose
a room in your home that gets
lots of sunlight during the day.
Many professionals who work
remotely do so from the basements of their homes, which
can make it difficult to rely on
natural light. If the basement is
the only location in your home
that can fit a home office, look
for lighting sources that replicate daylight so you are not
working in dark quarters. Speak
with your physician about how
to arrange lighting to reduce
eyestrain caused by staring at a
computer.
Connectivity
Connectivity also must be
considered when planning a
home office. While wireless internet has made internet dead
zones less problematic, certain
areas or rooms in your home
may still be touch-and-go with
regard to internet connectivity.
Such areas should be avoided when choosing a room for
your home office, as it can be
difficult to remain productive
if your connection to your office’s external server is routinely compromised. Find an area
where the wireless connection
is always strong.
Distractions
While your home might be
empty for much of the day,
you don’t want to be distracted
when the kids come home from
school or when your spouse or
roommate arrives home from
work. Avoid putting your home
office too close to popular hangout areas in your home, such as
the kitchen and the living room.
Instead, choose a room where
you have lots of privacy so you
can focus on your work and
won’t be routinely interrupted.
Working from home can pay
numerous dividends, but professionals who telework must
put careful thought into the
rooms or areas of their homes
where they plan to work.
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14 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
Houseplants can
clean indoor air
Metro Media
Gardening is a rewarding
hobby that can pay a host of
dividends, both for the planet
and the people doing the gardening. Healthy plant life can
help clean the air by absorbing
carbon dioxide and various
air pollutants, while the act of
gardening can help gardeners
combat stress.
Clean indoor air is important for everyone, but especially
so for those people who suffer
from respiratory ailments like
asthma. In fact, the American
Academy of Allergy, Asthma
and Immunology considers
indoor air filtration an essential part of any strategy to improve respiratory health. But
filtration systems and air purifiers are often not enough,
and those who want the air in
their homes to be as clean as
possible may benefit from introducing certain houseplants
into their homes. The following are a handful of plants that
can help to improve indoor air
quality.
n Aloe vera: Aloe vera might
be most often associated with
hand creams and hand soaps,
but the aloe vera plant, a succulent that even novice garden-
ers should have no problem
growing, can clear indoor air
of formaldehyde and benzene,
two common byproducts of
chemical-based cleaners many
people use in their homes.
n Spider plant: Spider
plants are resilient, and that
makes them great houseplants
for busy men and women who
tend to be forgetful when caring for their plants. In addition,
spider plants are pet-friendly and can be used to combat benzene, carbon dioxide,
formaldehyde and xylene.
n English ivy: NASA researchers exploring the possibilities of long-term space
habitation found that certain
houseplants were more effective at cleaning air inside
energy-efficient, nonventilated buildings than others. One
such plant was English ivy,
which can effectively combat
the formaldehyde found in certain household cleaning products.
n Bamboo palm: Bamboo
palms also found their way onto NASA’s list. Bamboo palm
plants thrive indoors, where
they are especially effective at
filtering out the chemicals benzene and trichloroethylene.
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September 2016 • 15
Fall Home Improvement
Common mistakes on home projects
Metro Media
Home improvement projects can turn a house into a
home. Homeowners plan
scores of renovations to
transform living spaces into
rooms that reflect their personal tastes and comforts.
Homeowners going it
alone may find things do not
always go as planned.
In fact, a Harris Interactive study found that 85
percent of homeowners say
remodeling is a more stressful undertaking than buying
a home. But homeowners
about to embark on home
improvement projects can
make the process go more
smoothly by avoiding these
common pitfalls.
Failing to understand
the scope of the project
Some homeowners don’t
realize just how big a commitment they have made until they get their hands dirty.
But understanding the scope
of the project, including how
much demolition and reconstruction is involved and
how much time a project will
take, can help homeowners avoid some of the stress
that comes with renovation
projects. For example, a
bathroom renovation may
require the removal of drywall, reinforcement of flooring to accommodate a new
bathtub or shower enclosure
and the installation of new
plumbing and wiring behind
walls. So such a renovation
is far more detailed than
simply replacing faucets.
Not establishing a budget
Homeowners must develop a project budget to
ensure their projects do not
drain their finances. If your
budget is so inflexible that
you can’t afford the materials you prefer, you may want
to postpone the project and
UL
BEAUTIF S!
G
AREA RU
save more money so you can
eventually afford to do it
right.
Without a budget in place,
it is easy to overspend, and
that can put you in financial
peril down the line.
Worrying about coming
up with money to pay for
materials and labor also can
induce stress. Avoid the anxiety by setting a firm budget.
Making overpersonal
or trendy improvements
Homeowners who plan
to stay in their homes for
the long run have more free
reign when it comes to renovating their homes. Such
homeowners can create a
billiards room or paint a
room hot pink if they so prefer.
However, if the goal is to
make improvements in order to sell a property, overly
personal touches may make
a property less appealing to
prospective buyers. Trends
come and go, and improvements can be expensive.
If your ultimate goal is to
sell your home, opt for renovations that will look beautiful through the ages — and
try to avoid bold choices that
may only appeal to a select
few buyers, making your
home less marketable.
Forgetting to properly
vet all workers
It is important to vet your
contractor, but don’t forget
to vet potential subcontractors as well. Failing to do so
can prove a costly mistake.
Contractors often look to
subcontractors to perform
certain parts of a job, and
it is the responsibility of
homeowners to vet these
workers.
Expecting everything
to go as planned
Optimism is great, but
GIVE YOUR HOME
A MAKEOVER WITH
you also should be a realist.
Knowing what potentially
could go wrong puts you in a
better position to handle any
problems should they arise.
The project might go off
without a hitch, but plan for
a few hiccups along the way.
Overestimating
DIY abilities
Overzealous homeowners
may see a renovation project
in a magazine or on television and immediately think
they can do the work themselves.
Unless you have the tools
and the skills necessary to do
the work, tackling too much
can be problematic.
In the long run, leaving
the work to a professional
may save you money.
Home improvements can
be stressful, but homeowners can lessen that stress by
avoiding common renovation mistakes.
CHECK
OUT
OUR I
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FLOOR
ING
SELEC
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WALL TO WALL
SAVINGS!
IN STOCK
12’ Wide Glue Down Vinyl – 6 to choose
50¢/sq.ft. or $4.50/sq.yd.
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INVENTOR
12mm Thick Laminate – 3 colors:
Gray Zanzibar, Natural Oak, Walnut
$2.25/sq.ft.
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PET ROLLS
R
100’S OF CA
Nason’s Flooring
1251 Ct. Rt. 24, Malone
(Brainardsville Rd.)
518-483-2728
[email protected]
CARPE
LAMIN T
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SOLID
HARDW
VINYL OOD
BRAID
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Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Sat. 9am-2pm; Closed Sun.
16 • September 2016
Fall Home Improvement
We make furnishing your
entire home easy with
12 Months
No Interest
Financing