2015 Home Improvement2015

Transcription

HOME
IMPROVEMENT
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO:
THE LEADER, THE KANAWHA REPORTER, BUFFALO CENTER TRIBUNE,
PIONEER ENTERPRISE AND THE SHEFFIELD PRESS
April 2015
Home Improvement • April 2015 • Page 2
Rick
Titus
in his
40th
of selling and
Rick
Titus
in his
39th
yearyear
of selling
installing
more
efficient
inserts.
and
installing
more
efficientfireplace
fireplace inserts
Rick Titus of Clarion started his
business, called “The Country
Store”, in 1975 and even though
he has moved into town now, he
has no intention of retiring any
time soon. “l enjoy and love doing this.” said Titus. “I’ve covered every corner of the state
because I’m an expert, and that
is not meant as a boast. I don’t
think anyone else in the state
does exactly what I do.” What he
does, is sell and install the Fuego
Flame (brand name) fireplace
insert, which he believes are the
most efficient inserts on the market, for the money. However, it
took him awhile to find out about
that brand. “I was living in Littleton, Colorado. and came across
a brochure for the Heatilator fireplaces, which were made at Mt.
Pleasant, Iowa,” said Titus.“When
we moved back here 3 years later,
I decided I was going to call them
and become a dealer.” Titus was
soon displaying the units at county fairs and got some business.
But then in checking back with his
customers, to his amazement, he
found out they were sending most
of the heat up the chimney.
“I then tried selling other brands
of fireplaces like Preway, and
Majestic and found they were
no better. These were touted to
be energy efficient, having fans
and adjustable dampers, but they
still were not burning like a wood
stove, so I just kept looking. I was
selling wood stoves, but not everyone wants a wood stove in their
home.Then I found out about the
Fuego Flame Fireplaces, which
were as close to wood stove efficiency as you will find.This
company made Zero Clearance
fireplaces and also made four
different sized inserts, so now I
could offer my customers a super
efficient fireplace, or install one of
the inserts inside of their existing
wood burning fireplace, no matter how large or small,” Titus said.
But then it wasn’t long before he
found a fireplace that has an unusual shape, like a two sided, or
see-thru. or arched opening, and
these inserts would not fit. So he
decided to just make the inserts
from scratch to fit these unusual
fireplaces. He even built an insert
to fit a four sided fireplace for Bill
Knapp in Des Moines.
The Fuego Flame fireplace inserts can make any fireplace
burn up to 70% efficient, and
needs no electricity while keeping 99% of the heat in the home.
It burns slow like a wood stove
while keeping the beauty of the
fireplaces overall appearance
and fun of watching the fire. Once
the insert is installed, the average
fireplace can heat 1,000 to 1,500
square feet of a well insulated
home, while using 2/3 less wood,
and protects the home from runaway fires. It can burn most of
the night on just 3 or 4 hardwood
logs, leaving you a nice bed of hot
burning coals to ignite new logs
come morning. “Some of my customers use the fireplace 24/7 all
winter long, and rarely hear their
furnace kick on. Thus they save a
tremendous amount of fuel each
month. These inserts literally pay
for themselves by saving the customers fuel,” Titus says. The inserts are made using 12-guage
steel, which Titus said transmits
the heat quicker because it’s
lighter. Cool air from the house
enters underneath the insert, and
is then circulated up the back of
the fireplace with the heated air
exiting out the top, all without the
use of a fan. The temperature of
the air coming off this insert varies from 200 to 1000 degrees. Titus says, “You bake in your oven
at 350, and you can feel that kind
of heat coming out of the top of
the fireplaces heat opening. Most
heat circulating fireplaces do not
come close to putting out that
kind of heat, for they send all their
heat up the chimney.”
The Fuego Flame inserts are
installed using an insulated ceiling, which prevents the stove
heat from going up the fireplaces chimney. The insert
damper control is on the inserts
face plate, so you can close the
doors and then close the damper.
The inserts also burn with their
damper 95% closed, thus making the wood burn nice and slow.
The twin glass doors are made
using ceramic glass, which will
take 1400 degrees temperature,
so you never have to worry about
breaking the glass with heat, and
you get to enjoy watching the
slow burning logs inside. These
twin doors are easy to clean with
very little effort. “Remember when
you were a kid sitting around the
campfire, or at a family reunion,
how much fun it is to sit around
the campfire? Well, you can have
that same fun in your home with a
- photo by Les Houser, Wright County Monitor
real wood burning fire in your
fireplace all winter long, and enjoy the romance of the flames;
and everyone could use more romance, right? It is actually mesmerizing to watch the flames,
and you don’t even have to say a
word as you watch the fire. Now
you can have the romantic comfort of a campfïre and enjoy all
that warmth in your home safely
and efficiently,” said Titus.
For those that can’t or don’t wish
to burn wood,Titus offers super
efficient gas logs as an option. He
started selling those in 1991, and
they offer the same nice flame
effect, but without the work and
cleanup from real wood. “I’ve got
people who bought a fireplace
from me in the 70’s and 80’s that
are now having me put gas logs
in those same fireplaces,” said Titus. These gas logs are capable
of heating up to 1,000 square
feet of the average well insulated
home, so if you have a power outage, these gas logs will keep you
toasty warm, and keep the pipes
from freezing in your home.
Titus has covered a large area
of the Midwest in his sales and installation travels,“I have built and
installed units in fireplaces from
Minneapolis to Kansas City and
all over Iowa.” said Titus, “I’ve
learned that if I go to a county fair,
I get business from that area.”
He also feels that word of mouth
has been his best advertising,
and that the personal attention
he can offer gets the sales. “I do
all the work myself,” saidTitus.“I
don’t even charge for estimates
when I come into your home. I
feel an in home visit is the only
way I can know exactly what the
customer needs.” Titus is also
not afraid to tackle, or at least
look at, any chimney problems including a cracked chimney. “I’ve
fixed one of those many times for
someone,” said Titus. “I installed
a stainless steel liner inside the
chimney and made it safe and efficient.” Titus explained that these
inserts are not like others that you
can buy, and that it takessometimetoinstallthem. “Thisisnotaq
uickfixjob,”saidTitus.“Idon’tjustsh
oveitintoyourexistingfireplace,co
llect a check and leave. Most of
the other inserts on the market
make your fireplace look like it
has a wood stove shoved into it,
and they change the whole look
of the fireplace by putting a big
metal shroud around the insert. It
takes me from six to eight hours
to do this, but it will be done right
and you’ll never need to do anything more with it.” Titus has even
thought of people who like to cook
food over a wood fire. “I’ve developed a barbeque grill that will fit
inside there,” saidTitus.“You can
grill steaks or bake potatoes. It
will work great for putting a dutchoven in the fireplace too.” Feel
free to contact Rick at The Country Store for more information.
You can call either 515-532-3881
or 515-293-2455, or visit his website at: www.fireplacesatthecountrystore. com, or email him at
[email protected]. “We don’t
know what the future holds for our
electrìcal system in this country,”
said Titus. “If someone wants to
control us, they could cut off the
electricity, food supply, or disrupt
our fuel. Everyone should have
a way to heat their home without
electricity.”
515-532-3881or
or515-293-2455
515-293-2455 • •www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com
515-532-3881
www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com
Add value to your home with these renovations
Homeowners choose renovation projects for a variety
of reasons. Although many improvements are made to
increase functionality and comfort of a home, several
others are seen as worthwhile investments. These investments can add up to a higher resale value when the time
comes to sell a home.
Certain projects have a history of providing a greater
return on homeowners’ investments than others. The following renovation tips can add beauty to your home and
generate great returns when you put the home up for sale.
· Invest in your kitchen. Kitchen remodels are a
safe bet when it comes to putting money into improving
a home. Residents tend to spend a great deal of time in
the kitchen, but a dated, poorly functioning kitchen can
detract from the value of a home, even if the rest of the
home is in good shape. It’s possible to recoup between
60 and 120 percent of your kitchen remodel investment,
especially if the kitchen matches up well with the rest
of your home. Homeowners should know that a deluxe
renovation may not be necessary, as relatively moderate
improvements can create a whole new look for a kitchen.
· Look to paint. One of the least expensive improvement materials, but one that has a significant impact, is
paint. Neutral, modern colors can easily liven up any
space. If you paint with low-VOC paint, you also can
advertise an eco-friendly home, which is very desireable
these days.
· Put in another bathroom. Multiple bathrooms
are an attractive selling point, particularly in older homes
that may not have been equipped with more than one
bathroom. Finding extra space for a bathroom can be
tricky, but consider closets, areas under stairs or even taking some space away from another room. Popular homeimprovement television channel HGTV advises that
half-bathrooms require at least 18 square feet of space,
while full baths need 30 to 35 square feet for a stand-up
shower or bathtub.
· Renovate the HVAC system. Aesthetic
improvements aren’t the only ones that add value to a
home. Many home buyers are eager to purchase a home
that has a new heating and cooling system, as buyers
understand that furnaces and air conditioning units are
substantial investments that can last for years. Other improvements, such as adding attic insulation or replacing
older windows and doors with more energy efficient options, also are smart bets.
· Add illumination to rooms. A dark home is a
dreary home. Adding light can mean including more
overhead and accent lighting. Under-cabinet task lighting
is a nice touch. Inclusion of skylights and sun tubes can
bring natural light into rooms that may not have south- or
west-facing windows.
· Put a deck addition outdoors. Outdoor living
spaces have become more desireable, especially as the
“staycation” has grown in popularity. Decks and patios
can make backyards more appealing. The scope of your
investment will depend on the size of the deck and design. Doing the work yourself can cut the cost of decks in
half, but only if you have the specific tools or experience
to tackle such a project.
· Improve curb appeal. Adding attractive landscaping and freshening up the entryway to a home can
add considerable value to your home, as buyers judge
homes by their exteriors. Completely renovated interiors
may never be seen if buyers pass up your home because
of a less attractive exterior. Classy, subtle changes, like
well-placed shrubbery and a green lawn, can work wonders. An inviting front door and well-lit entryway also
add curb appeal to a home.
Before making improvements,
homeowners should determine if
a given project will provide a solid
return on their investment.
Finding space to install an extra bathroom in a home can be
a worthwhile investment.
Stock up on safety gear
Do-it-yourself, or DIY, projects around the
house can give homeowners a more personal
stake in their properties. But whether homeowners have years of experience or are about
to embark on their first DIY adventure, safety
should be a top priority. The following is a
list of some safety equipment all homeowners should have at the ready before beginning
home improvement projects.
· First-aid kit: All homes should have a
first-aid kit on hand. First-aid kits can help
treat minor cuts and scrapes, but such kits also
can be used to prevent more serious injuries
from escalating in the time it takes to see a
physician. When tackling a large DIY project,
secure a well-stocked first-aid kit that includes
more than just band-aids and adhesives. In
addition to such items, a reliable first-aid kit
should include antiseptic ointment, a chemical
cold pack, cotton balls, eyedrops, first-aid tape,
needles, sterile gauze bandages, and tweezers.
In addition, make sure the kit includes a
first-aid handbook that contains instructions
regarding the treatment of common injuries.
· Eyewear: Protective eyewear is essential
when working on renovation projects. Safety
goggles may suffice on smaller projects,
but make sure the goggles fit well, as loose
goggles will still allow debris into your eyes,
and that debris can compromise your vision
and result in injuries to your eyes. If you will
be welding, be sure to wear proper welding
goggles with adequate lens shading.
· Mask/respirator: Home renovation
projects, especially those that involve
taking down walls, can leave DIYers› lungs
susceptible to lung irritation and disease. But
masks and respirators can protect the lungs.
Cloth masks may be sufficient for smaller
projects, while more significant undertakings
may require the use of dual-cartridge
respirators that provide added protection for
sensitive lungs.
· Gloves: Hands also can take a beating
during home improvement projects, so it›s
important to find sturdy gloves to wear. While
this may contradict the idea of getting your
hands dirty, splintered, blistered hands are
painful and susceptible to infection. Wear
sturdy rubber gloves when using chemical
cleaners or any products containing acid.
· Joint supports: Achy joints can make
it difficult to effectively tackle DIY projects,
so it›s important that you support your joints
from start to finish. Knee and elbow pads can
protect your joints as you spend time on your
knees or crawling around while working on
projects close to the ground.
· Back support: Many DIY projects
involve lifting and transporting heavy objects,
and men and women unused to such lifting
can quickly suffer an injury if they are not
adequately supporting their backs. Wear a
back brace and/or weight belt when lifting or
moving heavy objects, and don›t be afraid to
ask for assistance if you find an object is too
heavy to move on your own.
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Common mistakes made on home renovations
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 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 trendy
or overpersonal
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 avoid bold
choices that may only appeal to a
select few buyers.
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 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.
Getting started on spring cleaning
For homeowners, spring cleaning is one of
the annual rites of spring. The return of warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for
homeowners to open the windows, let some fresh
air in and tidy up after a few months spent cooped
up inside while the weather outside was frightful.
Spring cleaning is something all homeowners
must do to keep their homes healthy and clean.
Spring cleaning is annual event at many households, and a few simple strategies can make it go
much more smoothly.
Homeowners about to start on their annual
spring cleaning should consider the following before getting started.
• Get the right tools
• Beat the rugs
• Take some inventory
ª Empty and clean the
bookshelves
ª Address the windows
ª Tidy up the bed
• Don’t forget the kitchen
Spending increases as renovations on the rise
In the not-so-distant past,
home improvement projects all
but came to a halt, as homeowners were weary about investing
any money into fixer-uppers. But
the tides have changed dramatically in recent months, and homeowners are again ready and willing to invest big dollars into home
renovations.
Renewed confidence in the
economy and an upswing in the
real estate market have contributed to the remodeling frenzy.
In early 2014, the Joint Center
for Housing Statistics of Harvard University forecasted nearly
$150 billion in major remodeling spending over the year. JCHS
said as homeowners gain more
confidence in the housing market,
they’re more likely to undertake
home improvements they would
have avoided in recent years.
While the numbers do not yet
match pre-recession remodeling
spending, the number of construction projects has steadily
trended upward. According to the
National Association of Home
Builders, as of November 2014,
a greater number of remodelers
reported higher business activity
than during the previous quarter.
Remodeling spending has been
gradually climbing back up from
the all-time low it reached in
2009.
This growth in home renovations has led to more jobs for carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, and other construction
workers. In Massachusetts alone,
a recovery in overall construction
employment has led to a gain of
about 18,000 jobs during the past
four years.
The Home Improvement Research Institute expects an additional 5.8 percent sales growth
in home improvement spending
in 2015. States that showed the
highest levels of home improvement spending in 2014 are likely
to continue to hold the top spots
through 2015, and the National
Association of Home Builders
says these areas include the District of Columbia, Connecticut,
New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and areas of southern
California.
Americans are not the only
ones increasing their home
spending. According to reports
released by Moneris Solutions
Corporation, Canada’s largest
credit and debit card processor,
purchases at home improvement
stores rose by 8.49 percent over
the same period last year, and
spending on plumbing and heating equipment and electrical contractors climbed by 5.14 percent
and 5.08 percent, respectively.
Spending patterns indicate that
homeowners are investing in
DIY projects as well as seeking
(MS) - Extreme weather
events in every season now
are thrashing, burning, flooding, and flattening many homes
into rubble, and such storms are
making many homeowners wonder what would happen to their
homes if they were in the path of
such destructive winds.
The frequency of severe
storms is giving us one more
reason to build with the strongest materials and the smartest
technology available. Concrete
walls, instead of wood, are a
good start, but as it turns out,
they are also far more energy
efficient, healthier for residents,
cost effective, and eco-friendly.
“If you ask for the house to
be built with insulated concrete
forms, known as ICFs, it will
immediately withstand winds of
up to 402 kilometers per hour,”
says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a
leading name in building technology. “An ICF home is also
top-rated for its insulation.”
Specifically, the walls are
constructed with preassembled,
interlocking units (similar to
Lego), so they’re easily transported to any building site. Each
form consists of two panels of
thick foam (expanded polystyrene) connected with a Nudura
patented web system. Guided
by the architectural design and
beauty aspects you request, the
ICFs are stacked, steel reinforced, and filled with concrete
until the entire building envelope is complete.
The material required for your
walls is a decision to be made
early in the process. If you opt
for concrete, says Blyth, here’s
what you’ll get:
· In addition to hurricane and
tornado impact resistance, the
fire protection rate is as long
as four hours.
· Premium insulation will
vastly reduce air infiltration
(compared to wood walls),
giving you an efficiency rating
as high as R-50 due to the
thermal mass of the concrete
(compared to an average R20 in
wood structures). That equates
to reducing household energy
bills by up to 70 percent. And
if optional inserts are added to
the ICF forms, this efficiency is
improved even more.
· Walls with a solid
concrete core deliver even
temperatures throughout the
house by preventing thermal
bridging. Outside cold easily travels through wood-framed
Consumers are no longer leery about investing money in
home projects.
specialized work provided by
professional contractors.
Now is a good time for the real
estate and home improvement
sectors, as homeowners have
renewed their fervor for making home renovations, both to
increase comfort in their homes
and make their homes more buyer-friendly.
walls, creating uncomfortable
chilly spots.
· Concrete will give you
an effective sound barrier.
ICF walls will dampen sound
vibrations from outside noise,
delivering remarkable peace and
quiet inside.
· The system is ecoresponsible: concrete reduces
the need for trees; the process
uses recycled materials; the
construction creates less waste
than traditional methods; and
the occupants use fewer fossil
fuels for a much smaller carbon
footprint.
· A stronger, safer, greener home - and one that is more
durable, cost efficient, and requires less maintenance and repair - will steadily increase in
resale value.
More information is available
online at www.nudura.com.
How to build a disaster-resilient house
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Home improvement upcycling projects
(MS) - Upcycling is not just for craft projects - it offers lots of possibilities to make
changes in your home décor, 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.
“To support this upcycling effort, Woodcraft.com added an Upcycling Resource Center to our website (http://www.woodcraft.com/
media/upcycling.aspx) to introduce viewers
to upcycling and announce demo topics and
dates,” Vince Grlovich, vice president for sales
and marketing, said. “Viewers can also watch
a segment of Lifetime’s Designing Spaces
where Woodcraft product development manager Kent Harpool shows host Aliane Baquerot
how to create a shelf from a wooden pallet.”
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 proj-
ects, 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 interiors. 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” x 8”
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 Finishes 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 11/2” X 11/8” Satin Nickel Stop
North Iowa’s Premier Home
Improvement Discount Store
Open to the Public
Tuesday-Friday
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Habitat ReStore sells
new and gently used home
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Visit us at:
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Mason City
(641) 423-1688
www.habitatnci.org
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STREET
A few repairs, a new coat of paint, sparkly new pulls, and interior flocking turned this piece into a stylish, modern Jewelry Armoire.
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” Single Parallel Clamp.
Other Popular Upcycling Products
Soy-Gel is a 100 percent biodegradable,
virtually odorless coating remover. Restor-AFinish can be used to clean and restore the luster to a clear finish, as well as hide minor issues
like scratches. It will also remove water rings.
Milk paint is a popular coating, especially
for furniture. General Finishes Milk Paint is
premixed and available in 28 colors that can be
mixed to make custom colors and lend themselves to decorative effects such as distressing
and antiquing. Old Fashioned Milk Paint is a
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Dos and don’ts of
kitchen remodels
According to Remodeling magazine’s
“2014 Cost vs. Value Report,” a major
kitchen remodeling project should enable homeowners to recoup 74.2 percent
of their investments. Kitchen renovations
area safe way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every
kitchen project is a guaranteed winner.
DO consider the way your kitchen
will look with the rest of the home. Keep
architectural integrity in mind when designing the space. A farmhouse sink and
country cabinets can look out of place in
an ultra-modern home.
DON’T overlook the importance of
a seasoned designer or architect. These
pros will know the tricks to maximizing
space and achieving the ideal layout of
appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.
DO look beyond surface details to
the structural integrity of the design. The
kitchen should be functional, long-lasting and beautiful.
DON’T design just for today, but
look to the future as well. Unless you
are willing to spend $50,000 every five
years, look for styles and materials that
will last for the long haul. Older home-
owners may want to make adjustments
now that address potential mobility issues down the road.
DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not
always necessary to achieve the desired
results. Only invest in major changes if
something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to
access the stove) or is unsafe. Otherwise,
minor upgrades may do the trick.
DON’T over-improve the space. A
fully equipped commercial kitchen may
be handy for a professional chef, but the
average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When
you make excessive improvements, you
may not be able to recoup as much of the
money spent because your home will not
be on par with the values of homes in the
neighborhood.
DO make sure you can afford the
project. Plan for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to your budget. Skimping on
materials or design because of lack of
money may leave you feeling dissatisfied
afterward.
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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.
· 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.
· 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 upfront 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.
· 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.
· 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.
· 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
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Things to consider: Renovating a vacation home
Vacation homes may seem like a luxury only
the very wealthy can afford, but many people
purchase vacation homes as investments. Vacation homes give families a place to escape
to where they can spend time together each
summer or winter, but such homes also help
homeowners generate income, and some homeowners even find the height of vacation season
generates enough rental income to pay for the
second home year-round.
Personal style goes a long way toward determining how to renovate a primary residence.
But men and women who own vacation homes
they hope to rent out should not allow their
own personal styles to dictate a vacation home
renovation project. The following are some additional things homeowners should consider
before renovating their vacation homes.
· Curb appeal: When renovating a
vacation property, relatively minor updates can
dramatically improve curb appeal, which may
bear more weight with prospective renters than
it would prospective buyers. Potential buyers
are making a substantial financial commitment
when they buy a home, so they will go over
a home with a fine tooth comb. But vacation
renters are making a much smaller financial
commitment, so curb appeal can go a long way
toward encouraging vacationers to rent your
property. Repaint a home in a more vibrant
color or replace old siding with newer material.
Hire a local landscaping service to tend to the
property throughout vacation season, and be
sure to include updated photos of your property
with online listings.
· Connectivity: While vacation was once
a respite from all aspects of our everyday
lives, nowadays vacationers want to maintain
at least some connection to the outside world.
If your vacation home is not up-to-date with
its wireless technology, upgrade to a faster
network that offers high speed Internet.
Such connectivity can and likely will prove
attractive to prospective renters who have
grown accustomed to relying on the Internet,
even when they are on vacation.
· Appliances: A vacation rental may not
need the latest and greatest appliances, but
homeowners may find it easier to attract renters
(and charge more in rent) if the home is not
filled with outdated appliances reminiscent of a
long forgotten era. Upgrade especially outdated
appliances, but make sure any upgrades fit with
the theme of your rental. For example, stainless
steel appliances may look great in your primary
residence, but such appliances are costly and
may not be what renters hoping to find a
beachside bungalow are looking for.
· Accessibility: Some people want a
vacation home far off the beaten path, but that
does not mean the home has to be inaccessible.
If your vacation home is in a wooded area far
off the road, consider paving the access road
prospective renters will use to get to and from
the property. This relatively small touch may
appeal to potential renters who want some
seclusion but don›t want to put their vehicles
through the ringer every time they leave the
property.
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How you can finance your home improvement
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.
· Paying outright: Paying for the
renovations upfront 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.
· 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.
· 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 one-time 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
Are you searching for a cost eective solution for your
interior or exterior surface?
typically have a variable interest rate
that fluctuates and payments can vary
depending on the amount of money
borrowed and the current interest rates.
· 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.
·
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
Buying your first home?
Remodeling your home?
Refinancing your current home?
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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.
· 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.
Amy
Madson
Contact Amy or Doug at our
Britt location to learn more
about how refinancing your
mortgage may be the
right move for you!
Doug
Weiland
No matter what your needs, finding the best
financing option for you is our job!
We offer a variety of financing options and our
experienced lenders can help you find the right
loan to meet your needs.
Stop in to see Doug Weiland or
Amy Madson today.
First State Bank
Britt, IA 50423
641-843-4411 •
Member
641-843-4415 FAX FDIC
Home additions: Take it Up or out?
Homeowners hoping to expand their homes are
faced with a number of choices. One of the first they
will have to make is which direction to take their expansion. Homeowners can choose to expand horizontally, increasing the footprint of their homes, or vertically.
Professionals urge prospective remodelers to consider the pros and cons to each expansion option, including which direction to build.
One of the first considerations is land space. Building horizontally will cut into yard space that you may
have already earmarked for a pool, shed or another
feature. Proximity to neighbors and the dimensions of
your property will also help to determine if expanding
horizontally is a good idea.
Building codes and neighborhood requirements
also must be considered before making any renovations. Some municipalities may have rules in place
that govern renovations. Add-ons may not be allowed to
exceed certain height limits, nor may structures be built
within a certain number of feet of property lines.
Homeowners who choose to build upward will have to
contend with work crews and other staff being in their
homes. Raising the roof may require vacating the premises at a certain point. Also, extensive renovation work
will be needed on the lower level of the home, whether
it's to shore up the structure, clean up after the renovation
or repair ceilings, drywall and other components where
levels meet.
It may seem easier to expand outward, but this requires
laying additional foundation for the new building structure. Bringing in digging equipment and masons can be
costly. When you build vertically, such foundation work
may not be necessary if your home is structurally sound
and can bear the weight of the addition.
Building out typically involves the least disruption to
your life and the existing space. Homeowners should keep
in mind that any renovation will require permits or variances. In addition, if the project increases the value of the
home, home insurance costs and property taxes may rise.
Only after all considerations have been weighed should a
project begin.
Historic-home renovations require additional planning and a bigger budget than newer homes.
FIRST RENOVATIONS - From Page 7
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.
· Plan your escape. Sometimes the constant work and
mess of construction is too much to bear. Afford yourself 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.
The potentially harmful effects of mold
The presence of mold in a home is a sight few
homeowners want to see. In addition to being unsightly, mold found in a home can be unhealthy.
While certain cleaners may prove effective at
removing mold, homeowners who want to remove
existing mold growths and prevent future growths
may benefit from gaining a greater understanding
of mold and why it grows inside homes.
What is mold? Mold is a blanket term used
to describe fungi that can be found both indoors
and outdoors. Many species of mold exist, and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes
that some estimates suggest there may be more
than three hundred thousand different species of
mold. Common indoor molds include cladosporium, penicillium, alternaria, and aspergillus.
Which conditions promote mold growth?
Homeowners may notice that mold tends to grow
in specific areas of their homes but not in others,
and that's because molds grow best in certain conditions. Warm, damp and humid conditions, such
as those found in poorly ventilated bathrooms and
basements, make ideal breeding grounds for mold.
What are the effects of mold exposure?
Molds are a natural and resilient part of the environment, but mold growth indoors should be
addressed and avoided. Mold spores are tiny and
invisible to the naked eye, and when these spores
attach to wet surfaces, they begin to grow. Once
these spores begin to grow, they can then affect
people in various ways. Roughly a decade ago, the
Institute of Medicine found sufficient evidence to
support a link between exposure to indoor mold
and respiratory tract issues, such as coughing and
wheezing in people who were otherwise healthy.
The same report found that mold may trigger
asthma symptoms among people with asthma and
hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a disease in which
the lungs are inflamed when a person breathes in
certain dusts he or she is allergic to, in people susceptible to that condition.
Some people who do not have a preexisting condition can still be sensitive to molds. When exposed to mold, such people may experience symptoms like nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing,
or skin irritation.
How can exposure to mold be decreased
at home? Adequate ventilation is arguably
homeowners' best friend with regard to reducing
mold exposure at home. Control humidity levels
in areas of the home that tend to be warm and
humid, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Install
an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathroom and a
window in the bathroom if yours does not already
have one.
The CDC recommends that humidity levels be
no higher than 50 percent throughout the day, and
an air conditioner and dehumidifier can help you
keep indoor humidity levels in check, especially
Poorly ventilated bathrooms are susceptible to mold growth.
during the summer when humidity
levels tend to be their highest of any
time during the year.
When renovating your home, remove any existing carpeting from
bathrooms and basements and toss
out soaked carpets or upholstery as
well. If painting will be part of your
home renovation projects, add mold
inhibitors to paints prior to application.
Mold that grows inside a home is
unsightly and potentially unhealthy.
But concerned homeowners can take
several reactive and proactive steps
to reduce existing mold growths and
prevent them from returning in the
future.
What to look for in an investment property
Historically, the appreciation
rate for real estate is very strong.
Even when the housing market
declines, long-term investors in
real estate can rest easy knowing
that property values tend to rebound rather quickly, rewarding
patient investors in the process.
Looking at real estate as a longterm investment is just one way
approach a potential investment
property. The following are a
few additional considerations
prospective investors should contemplate before buying an investment property.
Location
Many people are familiar with
the real estate industry axiom,
"location, location, location!"
When buying an investment
property, location is everything.
A great location should outweigh your own personal feelings about the home, especially
if you do not intend to live at the
property. You will likely define
a great location for an investment property differently than
you would a property you intend
to live in, so don't let your own
desires in a home cloud your
judgement when choosing an
investment property. Properties
in safe neighborhoods that boast
good schools and offer easy access to public transportation
tend to make great investment
properties.
Décor
Décor is another thing to consider when looking for an investment property. If you don't plan
to reside in the property, your
opinion of the décor should not
carry much weight. When viewing a property, try to imagine how
much it might appeal to prospective tenants. Quirky properties
typically do not appeal to as many
prospective tenants as properties
whose décor are similar to other
homes in the area. Though you
might find a tenant who prefers
properties with unique interiors,
a property that
appeals to as
many
pro-
We’re your
spective tenants as possible often
makes for a better investment and
a lot less stress when the time
comes to find tenants.
Condition
The condition of the property
also must be considered before
buying an investment property.
Some investors want a fixer-upper, while others prefer turnkey
properties that won't require any
elbow grease. The former type
of property likely won't cost as
much as a fully renovated property, but those cost savings might
641-430-2916
Continued on Page 12
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Real estate makes a great investment, but don't go overboard
when buying an investment property. Before making an offer on
a property, research rents in the
area and the cost of insurance
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How to create a paver walkway or patio Did you
Creating a walkway or patio out of paving
stones can add aesthetic appeal to a property.
Pavers are less permanent than concrete and
decking. As a result, it is easier to change the
design later on if you want to give the space a
new look.
Homeowners who install their own pavers can save a considerable amount of money.
Because installing paving stones can be laborintensive, landscape contractors may charge
a premium for installation. However, this is a
project that can be tackled by the do-it-yourselfer.
1. Measure and plot out the area that will
become the path or patio. The area of the space
can be figured out by multiplying length times
width. This will help you determine just how
much material you will need.
2. Visit the home improvement store or a
supplier of stone and other masonry supplies
to determine the style and color of the paving
stones you will use in the project. Some homeowners prefer to have the materials delivered
to their home to save the hassle of extra heavy
lifting and moving.
3. Using a shovel or a tiller, dig down and
remove the grass to a depth of four to six inch-
es from the area that will become the path or
patio.
4. Fill in the area you dug out with a paver
base material, using a tamper (either manual
or power-driven) to tamp down the paver base
until it is level and smooth.
5. Apply about one inch of paving sand to
further level out the path or patio. This will be
the material on which the paving stones are
laid.
6. Begin laying the paving
stones. Leave
the appropriate
distance
between stones
desired by your
pattern. If the
paving stones
will not have
any gap and
serve as a continuous patio,
leave only the
smallest gap
between them.
7.
Spread
more paving sand on top of the paving stones
and, using a broom, sweep it over the stones
and into the crevices between them to set the
stones.
8. Create the rest of the garden design
around the patio or pathway using gravel,
plants and even edging material to finish the
look. Over time you may need to sweep more
paving sand over the stones to keep them secure.
Shopping for a fire pit for the yard
People have sat around an open
fire outdoors for centuries. Not only
does fire provide warmth and light,
but also it offers a relaxing setting for
conversation and socialization.
Outdoor fire pits are a relatively
new creation that continue to grow
in popularity. Once available strictly
through specialty retailers, fire pits
can now be found on the shelves of
many home improvement and big
box stores as well as online.
Fire pits can add a lot to a home's
exterior entertaining area. Some fire
pit styles and materials will last longer than others. Homeowners should
assess their needs and the space
available before choosing a fire pit
for their home.
First, homeowners must decide
if they want a permanent or portable
fire pit. If you are ready to make an
enduring change to your yard and
landscape, then a permanent fire pit
is the way to go. These can be made
of stone or brick and are often very
durable. Permanent fire pits can be
incorporated into landscape designs
to create a professional patio look.
They're also some of the safer types
of fire pits because they cannot be
knocked over and the bricks or retaining wall construction provide a
barrier around the fire.
Portable fire pits are freestanding units that can be moved around
the yard on a whim. They also can
be loaded into the car and taken to
a neighbor's house or even to the
beach. Portable fire pits are less expensive than permanent models, and
some homeowners prefer a trial run
with a portable pit before deciding to
install a permanent structure.
Portable fire pits are made of metal and usually coated with a fireproof
paint. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause the metal to rust
or weaken, something homeowners
should consider prior to purchase.
Homeowners also must consider
a fuel source. Wood is a common
fuel source for fire pits. Wood can be
inexpensive, especially when gathered from around the yard. However,
a wood-burning fire will constantly
have to be fed with new branches.
If you want to have a roaring fire
but don't want to maintain it, then a
gas-fueled fire pit is better. Natural
gas fire pits can run off of a portable
propane tank (think barbecue tank)
or be directly connected to a home's
natural gas supply.
Now you can decide on the style.
Gas fire pits will give you a greater
number of design options, but there
are still plenty of choices with wood
fire pits. From bowl-shaped pits to
rectangular-shaped pits to barrelstyle pits to chimineas, there are designs to fit most preferences and size
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constraints.
Here are some tips to consider.
* Keep the fire pit away from
the home and objects that can burn.
Maintain a safe distance from the fire
pit at all times.
* The best place to have the fire
pit is on hard stone, cement or tile.
Portable fire pits can be placed on
patio stones in the lawn.
* Use a screen to keep embers and
sparks from escaping during use.
* Keep children a good distance
away from the fire pit and always supervise when the pit is in use.
* Make sure the fire is completely
extinguished before going in for the
night.
* Do not use any accelerants to
make the fire bigger or light faster.
* Buy a vinyl cover to protect the
fire pit from the elements when not
in use.
know?
Feng shui is the practice of arranging a home
or office environment so
energy flows gently and
smoothly throughout the
building. Many homeowners adhere to elements of
feng shui, the origins of
which date back several
thousand years, in an attempt to create a positive
environment that is free of
stress.
The basis for feng shui is
that everything in a given
environment has an energy known as "chi." Proponents of feng shui believe
chi not only flows through
the body but also through
the environment.
When a home environment negatively affects
this flow, believers in feng
shui feel this can lead to
health problems, financial
troubles or domestic strife.
This is why feng shui adherents do not allow clutter to accumulate in their
homes, as they feel clutter
can stagnate energy flow.
INVESTMENT - From Page 11
that particular neighborhood.
You want a property that essentially pays for itself, so make sure
the rent you're likely to collect is
enough to cover your monthly
costs, including the mortgage on
the property, insurance and the
costs associated with managing
and maintaining the property.
Real estate investors often reap
great rewards when selling their
properties. But it's still important
for potential investors to consider
a host of factors before investing
in a property.
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Plan for Year of ‘Dream Home Projects’
Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice applies finish to a cabinet door, using a single
QuikBENCH. The bench's built-in power
strip and uses for multiple benches are also
pictured.
(MS) - Spend some quality time with your
house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to
buy it. Use this list to develop projects that
will create your "dream home" over a year's
time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some
ideas for projects and products.
Project Ideas
· Use paints, stains, dyes, finishes, and
related products to reinvigorate the wood
throughout your home, including doors,
shutters, walls and furniture.
· Add molding or other trim to give walls
an upscale look.
· Expand storage space with wall-hung
or free-standing shelving in as many rooms
and areas as possible, matching shapes,
hardware and color to each room's décor.
· Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom
or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities.
· Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your
outdoor area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture.
"If the changes you envision involve
unfamiliar tasks, do some research," says
Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice. "We
offer books about home improvement topics, as well as 'Woodcraft Magazine' technique downloads and how-to videos for
many products online. Or get some expert
advice at your nearest Woodcraft store."
Helpful Products
· General Finishes Water-Based Milk
Paints include a 28-color base selection of
premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable
for indoor or outdoor projects. Use the milk
paint with the six translucent Glaze Effects
to create eye-catching decorative finishes,
such as distressing, antiquing or shabby
chic.
· General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat
are easy to use - simply wipe on with a rag
and wipe off the excess. Stains are available
in 12 shades, including the popular Java and
Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price.
· OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates
wood's cellular structure and cures it by
exposure to UV radiation. It protects new
wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or
wood that has had the previous coating removed - for seven years! Great for outdoor
wood projects such as wood shake roof,
deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more.
· Festool's Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose
Sander switches easily between three sanding modes - aggressive, random orbital finish sanding, and delta detail sanding - that
will handle a host of tasks from stripping
stubborn paint to creating a smooth finish.
· Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be
used as a cup fed gun to spray fine finishes
and paints, or with a pump to push waterbased paint/stain directly from the can via
a 13' hose to the gun for covering large surfaces.
· The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench
holds 300 pounds alone; add another to
form a sawhorse to hold 2,000 pounds. Or
connect several for a larger workstation. If
you need a scaffold, choose the portable
Vika Twofold Workbench and Scaffold.
Both benches include power strips.
· The EZ Pro Crown King Crown Molding Jig from General Tools works with a
mitersaw to cut crown molding joints precisely without difficult angle calculations
and compound angle cuts.
· 3M PSA-Backed Veneer is real wood
veneer permanently bonded to 3M Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive. It can be applied to
MDF, particleboard, plywood, and drywall
Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice applies finish to a cabinet door, using
a single QuikBENCH. The bench’s built-in power strip and uses for multiple
benches are also pictured.
with excellent results. The veneer is used 18-gauge nails for trim and moldings, cabifor furniture repair, countertops, shelves, net assembly, furniture and cabinet finish
and architectural applications.
work, jig fixtures, light wood assembly and
· Fein's MultiMaster Q Start Kit is more.
equipped for sawing, rasping, scraping, re- · The Kreg Jig® K5 Pocket Hole System
moving grout, sanding, polishing, and cut- offers an easy way to use pocket hole joints
ting, all powered by a 250-watt, variable- in your furniture and home projects, such as
speed motor.
decks and porches.
· "Transforming Your Kitchen with Stock · M1 Tape Measure features patented
Cabinetry" is a 160-page softcover book Sight Scribe that allows you to measure and
by cabinetmaker Jonathan Benson and his mark without a pencil. Lock your measurewife, Sherry Benson, a chef, that shows ment with the M1 blade lock, and take it
how to transform a kitchen using money- wherever you need to mark.
saving stock cabinetry and a well-thought- To learn more about these products and
out plan.
others that can help you update your home,
· Grex 18-Gauge 2" Nailer - Green Bud- visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800)
dy is a precision nailer that fires 1/2" to 2" 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.
Power tool safety tips when renovating
Power tools can dramatically reduce the time
it takes to complete home
improvement projects.
Professional contractors regularly rely on
power tools for cutting
and sanding, and many
do-it-yourself renovators
follow suit and invest in
power tools to help get
the job done. But power
tools, in spite of their
usefulness, are not without risk. According to the
Work Safe Center, power
tool injuries account for
as many as 400,000 emergency room visits in the
United States each year.
Power nailers, chain saws
and table saws account for
the greatest number of injuries. Keeping safe is of
the utmost priority when
using power tools. Here’s
how:
· Read all manufacturers›
instructions and guidelines
before use.
· Keep your tools clean
and in proper operating
condition.
· Use the right tool for
the job.
· Always wear eye protection, such as safety
glasses or goggles.
· Wear standard cotton
or leather work gloves to
protect hands.
· Consider the use of
earplugs or earmuffs with
loud power tools.
· Don’t use power tools
in proximity to flammable
vapors, dust or construction materials.
· Always check that
wires are kept away from
blades.
· Maintain a tight grip
on a tool.
· Do not overreach
when using tools, and
maintain balance.
· Pay attention when
working with any power
tool.
· Only use attachments
specifically recommended
for the power tools and
ensure proper installation.
· Unplug all power
tools during breaks and
anytime when tools are
not in use.
· Routinely inspect
tools for damage.
· Keep tools stored in
secure locations when not
in use.
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Outdoor lighting
sets the stage for fun
Outdoor lighting can play up the more
decorative features of a yard, including
flower beds.
Tis the season for making changes in and
around the home. The arrival of warmer
weather renews homeowners' vigor for
various home improvement projects, and
many have grand plans for interior and
exterior renovations as they prep their
living spaces for comfort, beauty and entertaining opportunities. While there are
many worthy projects to pursue, adding
outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer
and more attractive in the evening hours.
According to the American Lighting
Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding
outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know,
allowing them to transform an existing
patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable
nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners
on the patio or barbecues with neighbors
become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But
homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA.
* Improve navigation. Lighting is
typically layered into a room or outdoor
space in three ways: overhead, task and
ambient. Even outdoors, where there are
no typical boundaries and borders, those
three layers are necessary. Outdoor overhead lighting should improve visibility
on steps, paths and walking surfaces, especially where there's a bend or an intersection. Task lighting can be used around
cooking or gardening areas. Ambient
light will cast a comforting glow around
any outdoor space.
* Enhance security. To improve
visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate
dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim
lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door
can give a home a warm, welcoming ap-
Custom
Seamless
Guttering
pearance and improve the safety of entryways.
* Create outdoor rooms. Outdoor
lighting at the borders of a space is a great
way to create barriers, both vertically and
horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the
middle of the sky, and even accent lights
in the general area of the edge of a patio,
deck or porch will shine across the space
and provide enough of a comfort level for
people to understand where things are.
* Reduce glare. Outdoor lighting
that casts a glare can be blinding, as can
light that's too bright. Lighting along
paths should be cast downward, with
fixtures that are hooded. A variety of
lighting options will create layers, allowing you to add or subtract as necessary.
Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide
flexible control over the level of light, as
can movable fixtures added to a patio or
porch.
* Add decorative elements. Just
as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style
of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting
contribute to a well-designed landscape.
Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambience that
homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding
or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can
make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola.
Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as
illumination for cooking outside.
* Enhance views from inside. Outdoor lighting can make the view from inside pleasant and enjoyable. Use a variety
of lights, including spotlights on trees,
lights dotted along pathways and accent
lights on unique landscape features, to
create an idyllic landscape visible from
inside the home.
Outdoor lighting enhances functionality of yards and landscapes while making such areas safer for homeowners and
their guests once the sun has gone down.
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Historic-home renovations require additional planning and a bigger budget
than newer homes.
Renovating a historic home
Historic-home renovations require additional planning and a bigger budget
than newer homes.
Living in an historic home can be a labor of love. The history and the distinct
architecture of historic homes draw buyers to such properties, but what historic
homes have in regard to history they often lack in the conveniences of modern
life, forcing many historic-home owners to make renovations to bring their
homes into the 21st century.
Historic-home renovations differ from
other types of modifications. According
to the Victorian Preservation Association, renovation is getting a home back
to where it may have been when originally built, but making concessions for
today’s lifestyle. Preservation is the act
of maintaining a structure in its current
historic state, and restoration is returning a home to its original state. Unless
a homeowner plans to use an outhouse
or live without electricity, the majority
of work done on historic properties is
likely to fall into the category of a renovation.
Renovating an aging structure can be
fulfilling and help to make a home more
functional. But make no mistake, such a
renovation is a major undertaking. Before beginning, it pays to hire a professional consultant with expertise in renovating historic properties. He or she can
inspect the property to determine which
areas of the home are safe and which
will need to be upgraded. A professional
inspection also can determine if any deficiencies lie hidden in the structure. Potential concerns can be toxic paints and
other substances, building code issues,
rotting, and structural settling. Professionals will know what to look for and
guide homeowners accordingly.
Homeowners also may want to consult
with a preservation association, community restoration group or general ownerbuilder group. These people can refer
homeowners to the craftspeople and
materials that will be needed for a job.
Homeowners can request to see other
historic properties in the area and learn
what those owners did to maintain the
integrity of a home when using newer
materials.
Before any work is started, homeowners should find out if their home is listed
with the National Register of Historic
Places. According to the United States
National Parks Service, property owners can do whatever they want with their
property so long as there are no federal
monies attached to the property. However, the property owner should also
contact his or her state’s historic preservation office, or SHPO. The SHPO is the
state agency that oversees historic preservation efforts in each state, and there
may be state or local preservation laws
that the owner should be aware of before
renovating a historic property.
Craftspeople should have experience
with historic homes and a sensitivity and appreciation of renovating older
properties. Homeowners always should
see examples of a craftsperson’s work
and verify references from each contractor before hiring anyone to work on the
property.
Homeowners who want to include traditional hardware and other period details in their homes may be able to find
quality replicas of historic milling materials, while others may want to scour
antique shops or salvage yards for eraappropriate materials.
Historic renovations can be costly and
have a tendency to go over budget because of unforseen damage and hazards
that have to be repaired so the building
is up to code. Going into the project with
this in mind can help soften the blow of
extra costs down the road.
Historic homes can be beautiful and
appeal to buyers who appreciate the
one-of-a-kind nature of older properties.
Renovating historic homes may take
time and money, but the results may be
well worth the effort. Home Improvement • April 2015 • Page 15
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Did you know?
Damage to a lawn may be indicative
of various problems. Everything from
insects to rodents to the family pet may
be responsible for causing burnt patches,
holes and other eyesores. Getting to the
bottom of the problem is the first step in
remediation. Burning and discoloration of
the lawn is often a result of high concentrations of dog urine pooling in one area.
Diluting the urine by hosing down areas
of the lawn can clear up many problems.
Birds, raccoons, skunks, moles, and other rodents may feed on grubs that reside
just under the thatch of the lawn, and animals may tear up lawns in search of this
delicacy. Treating the grub problem usually alleviates damage caused by animals.
Mole crickets are another common lawn
destroyer. These insects resemble crickets,
but they burrow beneath the turf to feed on
plant roots. The mole crickets can push up
channels of turf as they burrow, exposing
roots to the elements and causing the grass
to die. Getting rid of the insects can revitalize the lawn.
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Break ground with the right tools
The right tools for the job can be
the difference between an interminable landscaping project and one
that goes smoothly and efficiently.
Aspiring landscapers probably have
a few shovels and rakes hanging in
their garages and sheds for basic
landscaping work. But while such
tools are effective for certain projects, when it comes to churning soil
for garden beds or digging holes for
outdoor structures, additional tools
come in handy. It may be well worth
a trip to a nearby home center to
purchase or rent one of these tools
ideal for breaking ground.
Rototiller
A rototiller, sometimes called
just a “tiller,”is a powered garden
tool designed to loosen soil prior to
planting. A rototiller also can help
aerate soil during the growing season. Because they reduce the need
for manual spade digging or hoeing,
tillers can be useful landscaping
tools, particularly for homeowners
who want to work efficiently.
Rototillers will break through
tough soil and any plant roots. They
come in a variety of sizes, and it’s
best to match the tool to the size
of the job. Many homeowners can
get by with smaller, less powerful
models, especially if the tiller is
only necessary at the beginning of
planting season. Professional landscapers or those with large swatches
of property may benefit from larger
models.
Auger
Augers, both mechanical and
manual, are essentially large drill
bits that help move materials from
one location to another. Augers are
typically used to cut holes in landscapes, and they are good for posthole drilling, which is part of the
process of installing deck footings,
fencing posts or other structures.
Augers come in a variety of sizes,
and homeowners can choose how
much power they prefer. Augers
can be heavy and cumbersome, and
many do-it-yourselfers will find that
one-person augers are more than adequate for their projects.
Augers dig deep holes, so it is always smart to have the property surveyed prior to use. This way pipes,
gas lines, buried electrical lines, and
any other obstructions are clearly
identified prior to drilling.
Cultivator
Cultivators are similar to tillers in
that they loosen soil. Cultivators are
effective during the growth period
of plants, when they can be used to
aerate the soil and remove weeds.
Cultivators come in hand-held versions and push models, and some
are even motorized. Cultivators get
close to plants to remove weeds
without disturbing the plant. They
also are used to stir in compost or
fertilizer.
While many people think cultivators and tillers are the same, that
is not the case. The former is less
powerful and will mix the soil or
stir up the top layer, while the latter can break up moderately hard
ground and loosen firm soil.
When using any tools around the
garden, wear the proper protection.
This includes devices to protect
hearing when power tools are in use
as well as gloves and safety goggles. Tillers, augers and cultivators
have the potential to toss soil and
rocks into the air, so make sure others keep their distance while work is
in progress.
Proper tools can churn up soil in a short amount of time to
make landscaping projects that much easier.

2015 Home Improvement2015

Transcription

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