Home Improvement Guide

Transcription

Home Improvement Guide
2015
2016
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
GUIDE
SPONSORED BY: MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FOUNDATION
10120 APPLE RIDGE ROAD | MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD 20886 | 301.948.0110
Home improvement is up to you—and we can help
This annual insert, brought
to you by the Montgomery Village News and the Montgomery
Village Foundation, offers valuable information from local merchants specializing in anything
from yard work to roof repair.
This handy guide will serve as
your year-round resource for
getting the job done right and
turning your home improvement dreams into reality.
Also featured in the Home
Improvement Guide is a readerfriendly guide full of tips.
Before you begin any exterior modification to your Village home, you must submit a
Property Improvement Request
(PIR) form to the Architectural
Review Board (ARB), requesting
approval of the project. This is
because Montgomery Village
is governed by covenants requiring prior approval for all
exterior changes to your home,
from big projects like decks, to
smaller spruce-ups like new
exterior paint.
For an explanation of the
process, visit the MVF website
at www.montgomeryvillage.com or
call the Architectural Standards
Department at 301-948-0110.
Many of the merchants you’ll
find in this guide have extensive
experience working on Village
homes and are familiar with
the ARB process. Together,
with the helpful staff of MVF’s
Architectural Standards Department, you can be certain that all
Village communities will remain
as beautiful as always.
Feel free to call MVF at 301948-0110 for answers to your
home improvement questions,
or about anything involving life
in the Village.
Index
Ameritech Windows ......................................................... 9
Bathfitter .......................................................................... 8
Beautiful Home Services, LLC......................................... 7
Montgomery
Village News
Serving the residents of
Montgomery Village
The Montgomery Village Foundation Office, located at 10120
Apple Ridge Road. Residents can stop in the office, call 301-9480110 or e-mail [email protected]. Information about Foundation
services is available online at www.montgomeryvillage.com.
Montgomery Village Foundation
Fast Facts
1966
Incorporated 501(c)(4)
To promote the health, safety
and welfare of the residents of
the community of Montgomery
Village
$8 million
48
225
5
330 acres
4 Community Centers
7 Pools
22 Tennis Courts
18 Recreation and Park Areas
Community/Corporation Offices
Natural Amphitheater
Nature Center
Established
Status
Mission
Capital Remodeling, Inc. ............................................... 12
CHF Deck Company...................................................... 22
Divine Landscaping, Inc. ............................................... 16
Energy Services Group ................................................. 17
GAC Services ................................................................ 21
Annual Budget
Full Time Staff
Temporary Staff (in seasons)
Operating Departments
Total Property Owned
Village Facilities
Gutter Helmet® by Harry Helmet™ ................................. 13
Kitchen Saver ................................................................ 14
Kolb Electric................................................................... 14
McCormick Paints.......................................................... 27
Nu Look Home Design .................................................. 17
Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. ..................11
Renewal by Andersen...................................................... 5
Rockville Window & Door Co........................................... 6
Solar City ....................................................................... 23
State Farm, Christian Durand........................................ 26
Thompson Creek Window Company............................. 15
Treeman Inc. ................................................................. 10
Montgomery Village Fast Facts
40,000
12,099
10 Homes Corporations
11 Condominium Associations
4 Rental Complexes
1966
Large-scale planned community
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Zoning
Montgomery Village Foundation
Population
Residential Units
Neighborhoods
Established
Community Definition
Emergency Services
Zoning and Code
Architectural Standards
Tri-County Fence........................................................... 18
Please Note:
Two Men and a Truck .................................................... 20
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Wellman General Contracting &
Home Improvements, LLC.......................................... 19
ARB meetings
are scheduled for the first Wednesday
of each month at 5 p.m.
in the North Creek Board Room,
20125 Arrowhead Road.
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2
STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE
WITH THE VILLAGE
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
Village News
Montgomery
2016 Home Improvement guIde
The Montgomery Village News is the
official newsletter of the Montgomery Village Foundation, Inc., and its
Board of Directors. Its purpose is to
disseminate news and information in
accordance with the Editorial Policy of
the Foundation.
Publisher:
MVF Board of Directors
Montgomery Village Foundation
10120 Apple Ridge Road
Montgomery Village, MD 20886
Phone: 301-948-0110
FAX: 301-990-7071
MVF e-mail: [email protected]
MVNews e-mail: [email protected]
MVF 24-hour Board Voice Mail:
301-948-0110, press 5
Office hours:
Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10120 Apple Ridge Road
Director of Communications
Mike Conroy, 240-243-2331 or
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Manager
Humberto Benitez, 240-243-2359 or
[email protected]
Communications Assistant
Roz Price, 240-243-2339
[email protected]
Graphic Designer
Maria Pullifrone, 240-243-2321
[email protected]
Sales and Marketing Assistant
Charity Gutierrez, 240-243-2342
[email protected]
Website:
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
24-HOUR
MVF EMERGENCY PHONE:
301-576-1204
301-576-1212
800-215-1784
Articles appearing in the Montgomery
Village News are presented as a community service. They do not necessarily
represent the views of the Montgomery
Village Foundation.
The advertisements in the Montgomery
Village News are not intended to be an
endorsement by the Montgomery Village
Foundation of any business or individual.
Architectural Standards resources available to all
The Architectural Standards
(AS) Department has provided
the Village with a variety of
resources to assist and support
homeowners with their many
exterior property changes or
architectural needs. Below are
many of these informational resources available to all through
the internet, the Foundation
office and through many of our
dedicated individuals.
in the Village News, community
criteria for all 63 communities,
Village-wide guidelines, checklists and the Step-by-Step Guide
to the architectural process.
Users can find specific community criteria by logging into their
member dashboard; the convenience of documents specific to
your property and community
can be found on the left hand
menu.
VILLAGE NEWS
MVF DESIGN
CONSUlTANT
Various feature articles are
written by the Architectural
Standards review and compliance staff throughout the year to
update and notify homeowners
about changes within their community or the Village itself. These
articles contain informative features ranging from community
door styles to proactive community inspection schedules. Other
architectural articles are generated from various questions the
department receives on a daily
basis. Also, all Architectural
Review Board (ARB) decisions
are published following each
scheduled ARB meeting and may
be found on the Architectural
Standards page.
WEbSITE
The MVF website, www.mont
gomeryvillage.com, is a wonderful source for many Architectural Standards items and issues.
Resources within the website
include all architectural articles
Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) employs a part-time
consultant, George Smith, who
has been with the Village from
almost day one. His major role is
to assist in the color and material
changes throughout the Village
and is the “go to” person for all
major replacement materials. His
knowledge and assistance over
the years has been invaluable to
the Village.
ARb AND
ARCHiTECTURAl
STANDARDS STAFF
The Architectural Review
Board is an excellent source of
information when applying for
an exterior change. Their individual and collective wealth of
architectural knowledge upon
review brings invaluable assistance to each homeowner, each
community and the Village as
a whole. The ARB meets at
Architectural Standards on
the web
Architectural Standards offers a variety of information
readily accessible via the Montgomery Village website. By
choosing “Residents” from
the main blue menu bar and
clicking on “Architectural Standards,” you may access the following items:
• Architectural Compliance
• Architectural Review
• Property Improvement
Request
• Property Improvement
Request Form
• Community Criteria
• Village-wide Guidelines
The Property Improvement
Request Form is the form used
to apply for any exterior changes and is available to submit
online.
Every community has criteria and these are listed on your
members dashboard. Once
logged in, residents will find
criteria specific to their association, without the need to wade
through large menus or lists to
get the information they need
to prepare for exterior changes.
All criteria are in PDF form to
download and print for your
reference.
Village-wide Guidelines are
listed by subject matter and
The Architectural Standards Department staff, in conjunction with the design consultant and
the Architectural Review Board (ARB), works hard to maintain the continuity established by
the developer, which in turn, helps maintain property values and a harmonious look in each
community and throughout the Village. Information is available at www.montgomeryvillage.com.
5 p.m. the first Wednesday of
each month in the North Creek
Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead
Road.
The AS staff is also a wealth of
knowledge on items concerning
the application process, new and
replacement materials for homes,
modifications that you might be
thinking of that have previously
been approved, and general
questions about all architectural
issues in the Village.
THE ANNUAl
HOME SHOW
This annual show has developed into a spring event featuring the Architectural Standards
Department staff, the ARB and
the Design Consultant, as well
as numerous contractors. The
show provides homeowners
and families with educational
information concerning the architectural standards process,
examples of completed projects
that have been well done, as well
as providing them with the opportunity to connect with many
contractors.
Architectural Standards on the web
cover numerous items often
inquired about—everything
from attic fans to window replacements. These Village-wide
guidelines offer important information when considering new
materials and items within one’s
property. They are an invaluable resource in the application
process along with your community’s criteria.
Along with the Village-wide
Guidelines are Design Guides,
which provide a help sample of
previously approved projects. it
also gives homeowners a realistic idea of how an improvement
make look once completed.
If you need to contact Architectural Standards personnel,
choose “Residents” from the
blue menu bar, “Architectural
Standards,” and then “Contact”
on the green menu. Phone numbers are listed for the review and
compliance staff.
Visit www.montgomeryvillage.
com and take advantage of the
wealth of information available to you when considering
architectural standards for your
property. Comments and questions regarding architectural
issues are welcomed by the department staff.
• Visit www.montgomeryvillage.com.
• Choose RESIDENTS from the
main blue bar.
• Click Architectural Standards
to get to the Architectural
Standards page where you will
find three buttons for our most
frequent inquiries:
- How do i change the outside
of my house?
- Why did I receive a Violation
Notice? and
- Did my modification get
approved?
• From the side menu on this page,
you can access the following:
- Architectural Criteria
- Village-wide Guidelines
- Property Improvement Request Form
- Architectural Review
- Architectural Compliance
- Architectural Review Board
- Step-by-Step Guide
NOTE: Some forms are available for online
submission. Other forms require you to download,
print and manually submit them (Adobe Acrobat
Reader required).
2016 Home Improvement guIde
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3
Spring home maintenance—
25 quick reminders
Spring is here, and it is time to focus on freshening up your home
and protecting your property against the winds, rain and sun of
the upcoming seasons.
1.
Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead
to water in the basement or crawl space. Clean gutters and
downspouts to free them of leaves, dirt and debris. Make sure
downspouts drain away from the house foundation.
2.
Inspect your roof and chimney for cracks and damage. Check
for missing roof shingles and damaged shingles. Flashing
around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be
checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
3.
Low areas in the yard or next to the house foundation should
be filled with compacted soil. Heavy rains can cause yard
flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage.
Low areas in the yard cause the rain water to pool, which often
leads to an insect breeding ground.
4.
Check the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and
decks for rotted areas or damaged wood. Replace and repair
any rotted wood trim and then paint to match the existing trim.
5.
Touch up any peeling or damaged paint on the house siding
or trim.
6.
Inspect concrete slabs in patios, walkways, porches, etc. for
signs of cracks or movement. All exterior concrete slabs (except
pool decks) should slope away from the home’s foundation
for proper drainage. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or
silicone caulk. When weather permits, power wash and then
seal the concrete with a clear sealer.
7.
Remove firewood stored near the house. Firewood should be
stored at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet away
from the house structure. Storing firewood close to the house
invites insects such as carpenter ants and termites to invade
your home and could cause damage to the home’s wood beams
and interior structures.
8.
Check outside house faucets for damage from winter’s freezing
temperatures.
9.
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system and check
the interior system, too. Clean units operate more efficiently,
and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak
performance levels. Remember to change the interior filters on
a regular basis.
10. Clean your gas and battery powered lawn equipment to make
sure it is ready for the season. Have the blades sharpened for
easier use.
11. Wash all windows inside and out.
12. Install screens on windows and doors.
13. Clean outdoor furniture and cushions.
14. Fertilize your lawn.
15. Test interior smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
and install new batteries if required.
16. Check and clean the house dryer exhaust vent and any interior
heating and cooling vents.
Home maintenance diagram key
17. Prune and trim overgrown branches on trees and shrubs.
18. Weed and mulch all landscape beds and gardens.
19. Remove all dead trees, shrubs and plants from your yard.
20. Power wash house siding and decks to remove dirt and mold.
21. Check wood decks or sheds for damaged wood and clean,
repair and re-stain any areas that require maintenance.
22. Mow lawns and trim around gardens and landscape beds to
maintain a neat appearance.
23. Remove old leaves form landscape beds, patios and yards.
24. Check and secure window and door shutters. Fix or replace
damaged shutters or paint old shutters that are structurally in
good repair.
25. Check and replace light bulbs for exterior porch lighting, security lighting or lamp posts. Check wiring and repair of exterior
lighting. Replace any broken fixtures or globes.
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A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Gable Vent
Ridge Vent
Asphalt Shingles
Gable End
Roof Mount Vent
Fascia (Frieze)
Roof Eave
Gutter
Trim Board
Soffit/Soffit Vent
Downspout
Window Trim
Window Grid
(Muntin)
Flashing
Horizontal Siding
Trim
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
AA
BB
CC
DD
EE
FF
Roof Overhang
Light
Cornice
Corner Board
Door Trim
Deck Rail
Deck Top Cap
Picket
Elevated Deck
Flat Trim Material
Deck Landing
Stair Treads
Post
Downspout
Gound Level Deck
Concrete
Please remember:
Every exterior modification must meet
established ARB
application and approval requirements,
regardless of whether
modification or replacement material
has been approved in
concept in the past.
Also, MVF does not
take responsibility
regarding claims and
services advertised
in the Montgomery
Village News or Home
Improvement Guide.
A fine line walked by ARB
The members of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) are
residents of Montgomery Village
who volunteer to assume a very
large responsibility and must
walk a very fine line. Members
are often in the position of having to deny a request that may
be aesthetically attractive, but
does not meet the guidelines and
consistency needed for a planned
community.
The decisions of the ARB
must be consistent so that the
community standards can be
upheld and enforced. There
are times when a requested
modification might appear to be
attractive and would be acceptable on a home outside of the
Village that has more property.
However, because of the dense
housing in our community, it is
extremely important that consistency be maintained. We have
all seen housing developments
where each fence type is different or each elevated deck has a
different railing detail. This lack
of continuity gives the development an unkempt and disheveled appearance. When you
decided to make Montgomery
Village your home, it was probably because this area was special and appeared harmonious.
It is also important to understand that the ARB is not
responsible for the maintenance
of properties. It is very difficult
to be cited for your storm door
color when the adjoining property severely needs to be painted
or maintained. However, maintenance is the responsibility of
the individual homes corporation, and the ARB does not have
jurisdiction over these matters.
Just remember, the members
of the ARB are your neighbors
who care enough about the Village to volunteer their time and
expertise. Their only concern is
preserving the aesthetic appearance, and ultimately, property
values for all of us.
The ARB is looking for new
members for this very important
volunteer committee. If you
have a background in design,
home improvement projects,
architectural experience or can
read and understand blueprints,
this could be a great way for you
to help your community.
For more information about
joining the ARB, contact Diane
Stasiewicz at 240-243-2345 or
e-mail [email protected].
Members of the Montgomery Village Foundation Architectural Review board (ARb) and
Architectural Standards Department staff will be at the MVF Home Show to answer resident
questions and offer advice on exterior modifications. The ARB is dedicated to upholding the
community standards set by the developer. They constantly review exterior home modifications
with the Architectural Standards staff to determine community impact.
Renewal by Andersen
www.rwdoor.com
202-930-0800
FREE
BUY GET
THE
5th When you buy 4 or more
4
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
View the 2016 Home
Improvement Guide online!
2015
2016
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
GUIDE
Call 800-595-1320
the Better Way to a Better Window
SPONSORED BY: MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FOUNDATION
10120 APPLE RIDGE ROAD | MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD 20886 | 301.948.0110
*DETAILS OF OFFER – Offer expires 12/31/2016. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy 4 windows, get the 5th free when you purchase four or more windows or patio doors between 1/1/16 & 12/31/16. Free window is less than or
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Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “ENERGY STAR” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks
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2016 Home Improvement guIde
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m
page
5
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301-208-3580
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Please Note:
Exterior modifications must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept in the past. MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in the
Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
How to repair and replace window screens
Window screens can let fresh
air into a home while preventing
insects and outdoor critters from
making their way inside. But
screens are far less effective at
keeping critters out of a home
when they're damaged.
Addressing such damage is
typically an easy do-it-yourself
project, one that begins with
gathering the right materials,
including: new screening; a rubber spline; a screen rolling tool;
a razor knife or sharp scissor;
measuring tape; masking tape;
and a screwdriver or an awl.
Once those materials have
been gathered, the process of
replacing or repairing damaged
screens is rather simple.
1. Measure the area of the
window to determine how
much replacement screening
you will need. Remember to
leave extra room in your measurements so you have slack to
make the new screen fit taut. The
measurement will also help you
determine how much spline you
will need.
2. Remove the screen from
the window frame. Some windows do not have removable
screen frames, and you will
have to work on the screen in
its upright position.
3. Use the screwdriver or awl
to pry the edge of the existing
spline that holds the screening
material in the frame. Pull out
the old spline and remove the
damaged screening.
4. Measure the new screening
from a replacement roll. Lay the
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6
screening down on the frame,
ensuring there is overhang on all
sides. If necessary, use masking
tape to temporarily secure the
screening to the frame while
freeing up your hands. This
also works if you must replace
screening vertically and cannot
remove the window frame and
make repairs on a flat surface.
5. Take a new piece of rubber
spline and push it into the edge
of the screen frame, securing a
corner of the new screening to
the frame. Continue to press the
spline around the perimeter of
the screen frame firmly into the
groove with the screen rolling
tool, which looks like a small
pizza cutter. This effectively secures the screen into the frame.
6. Continue around the edge
of the frame, pulling the new
screening taut as you go. This
helps to keep it free of wrinkles.
7. Once you have inserted the
spline all the way around, cut
it off from the spline spool and
push in the edge.
8. Use a razor knife or sharp
scissor to cut off the excess
screening, being careful not
to dislodge it from behind the
spline when cutting.
9. Replace the screen in the
window.
In the case of small tears in a
screen, a complete replacement
may not be necessary. Home
improvement stores sell screen
patch kits. Some work by cutting out a piece of patch that is
attached to an adhesive backing
and sticking it over the hole.
Other patches are small, woven wires that can be threaded
through the hole in the screen. A
really small hole can be mended
with a drop of clear-drying glue.
The same method of screen
replacement can be used to
replace screens on screened-in
porches, aluminum doors or
sliding patio doors. Just be sure
to purchase replacement screening that will fit the dimensions.
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Landscaping – there’s a lot
to know!
Everyone wants their lawn
and garden to look beautiful
throughout the year. Here are
several “hints” that experienced
gardeners use that will ensure
that your landscaping project is
beautiful as well as practical.
1. An overall plan – You really
need to have a road map for what
your landscape plans are going
to entail. You need to plot out on
paper the plantings you are going
to use and their basic locations,
make a list of your materials and
costs and run the idea by your
household members before any
work begins.
2. Make a landscaping budget
– Gardening, just like any hobby,
can cost money. Make a list of
what you are willing to spend and
stick to it. Otherwise, the bills can
quickly escalate.
3. Include your family’s lifestyle in the planning – An ornate
garden certainly looks pretty, but
how practical is it for your way of
life? If you have kids and/or pets,
you should consider how your
property is used and plan any
landscaping around this.
4. More is not always better – Too many plants, shrubs,
trees and types of hardscape
material can make the outside
of your home look cluttered and
disorganized. The items planted
should be shown to grow well
in this climate and be arranged
according to a design plan for
the yard. Try to use local plants
for the best results. Information
about local soil and plantings can
be found on the internet on any
website that shows geographical
planting areas.
5. Privacy planting – Many
people like to plant trees and
shrubbery for privacy. Know
what you are planting! Never
use bamboo, as it grows quickly
and is quite invasive. It can easily kill other plantings in your
own yard as well as spread to
your neighbor’s yard. Large trees
and shrubs can not only cause
landscape problems, but can affect driveways, walkways and
plumbing as well.
6. Remember, wildlife can
disrupt your landscaping – Once
you plant attractive and delicious
flowering plants, you could find
your yard is the new dining spot
for a host of wildlife. Intersperse
bitter-tasting flowers with sweet
ones to deter deer, although
deer will eat anything if they are
hungry enough. Birds, rabbits,
squirrels and other animals may
need some type of barrier to keep
them out.
7. Prudent pruning – Many
plants prosper when pruned.
However, over-pruning or doing
so the wrong way or at the wrong
time can harm a plant. Learn the
correct way from the Internet,
books or a gardening center.
Otherwise, it could be better not
to prune at all.
8. Landscaping maintenance
– Garden beds generally require
weeding and tending at least once
or twice a month. Make sure you
have the time to take care of your
landscape after you have created
it. Otherwise, you will need to
find someone reliable to keep
your landscaping looking its best!
Specific guidelines such as
what items do or do not need
ARB approval and other valuable information on landscaping
can be found at www.montgomery
village.com; choose “Resident Services,” “Architectural Standards,”
“Village-wide Guidelines.”
Be a wise consumer; know your contractor
Your home is your largest
investment and may be your
biggest worry if you are not
careful about the contractors
you hire. Therefore, be cautious
when hiring home improvement
contractors whether the job is
large or small. The Architectural
Standards Department receives
many calls asking whether a
contractor is reliable or not. The
Foundation is not able to attest to
a company’s reliability or reputation, but we can provide you, the
consumer, with helpful hints in
hiring a contractor.
contractor. You may also contact the Montgomery County
Office of Consumer Protection
at 240-777-3636 or visit www.
montgomerycountymd.gov (click
“Departments” then click “Consumer Protection”) to find out if
there have been any complaints
about a contractor.
CHECK LICENSES
REQUEST REFERENCES
AND CHECK THEM
Home improvement contractors must be licensed in Maryland. It is a criminal offense to
do home improvements without
a license, and there is no protection from the Guaranty Fund
for the homeowner who uses an
unlicensed contractor. Call the
Maryland Home Improvement
Commission in Baltimore at 410230-6309 (or 1-888-218-5925), or
visit www.dllr.state.md.us/license/
mhic. The website offers various
informational tips to Maryland
consumers, including a contractor’s license status or complaints
that have been filed against a
GET SEVERAl QUOTES
Receive at least three quoted
estimates for the work you want
done and compare prices. Make
sure price comparisons are for
the same procedures and materials.
Ask friends and neighbors
which contractors they used for
projects and whether they were
satisfied or not. Get references
directly from the contractor and
speak directly to the former
customer. If possible, visit the
place where the work was done.
Also, consult the Better Business
Bureau at www.bbb.org.
GET A WRITTEN
CONTRACT
Make sure the contractor
provides a Home Improvement
Contract and both the consumer
and the contractor sign it before
work begins or money is paid.
A written contract must include
the contractor’s name, address
and home improvement license
number; the approximate start
and finish dates; the work to be
completed; materials to be used;
and cost and terms of payment.
Do not pay the full price up front.
Per Maryland law, the initial
deposit may not be more than
33 percent of the total contract
amount. Also, if possible, pay by
credit card. If paying by check,
make sure the check is made out
to the company and not to the
individual.
DON’T RELY ON
VERbAL PROMISES
Many contractors working within the Village know
the Architectural Standards
requirements to apply for exterior changes, but some choose to
disregard this information. Contractors may lead homeowners
to think they have “privileges”
within the Village and blanket
approvals. Or, they may choose
to give the homeowner incorrect
information in order to make
the sale. Never rely strictly on
a contractor’s claims without
checking with the Foundation.
If something doesn’t sound legitimate, be aware that you can
always call our office at 301-9480110. We will gladly discuss the
situation with you.
PROOF OF iNSURANCE
Make sure the contractor
is insured. Get a copy of the
contractor’s liability insurance
certificate. If a worker is injured
or damage is caused on your
property, you could be held liable if the contractor does not
have the proper insurance.
Before you sign a contract, be
a wise consumer and do your
homework.
Beautiful Home Services, llC
www.beautifulhomeservices.com
1-888-PAINT-10, 301-816-3255
Beautiful Home Services,
LLC (BHS) is a locally owned
home improvement company
specializing in interior and
exterior painting, power washing, staining including decks
and siding, carpentry including
rotten wood replacement, PVC,
crown molding, chair rail, wainscoting, interior doors, framing,
drywall services ranging from
patching to full installation,
bathroom remodeling, tile work
and other high end finishes.
Owners Andrew Blate and Craig
Schneibolk are natives of Montgomery Village, graduates of
Watkins Mill High School, and
have over 25 combined years of
experience.
BHS is licensed (MHIC
#89878), insured and uses only
highly skilled and trained professionals to complete each
project. Jobs are overseen by a
foreman and managed by full
time production staff.
All estimates are free, always
in writing, no-pressure and can
be itemized based on priorities.
BHS offers free color consultations for interior projects and
free design consultation for
basement and bathroom remodeling. BHS uses only top of the
line materials to ensure quality
and all work carries a written
warranty.
BHS is highly rated and carries an A+ rating and full accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and is a winner of
Angie’s List and Houzz awards
for 2014/2015.
For a FREE estimate, call 301816-3255 or check us out online
at www.beautifulhomeservices.
com.
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
STAY CONNECTED
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
Village News
Montgomery
2016 Home Improvement guIde
page
7
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Coping with condensation
and other home moisture
issues
Finding the right moisture
balance in a home can be challenging. Too little moisture and
a home can be plagued by static
electricity and interior spaces
that can feel dry and uncomfortable. But too much moisture in
a home may make it susceptible
to mold, mildew and insect infestations. Moisture also can rot
wood and cause unsightly stains
on walls and ceilings.
from cooking in the kitchen.
When possible, open windows
on dry days to help air out damp
spaces.
• Rely on fans. Use fans to
circulate the air and prevent
moist air from pooling in certain
locations. Fans also will help
increase ventilation.
• Keep gutters and downspouts clean. Prevent water
from pooling around the foun-
[email protected]
Please Note:
Exterior modifications must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept in the past. MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in the
Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Tips for safer renovations
Home renovation projects
vary in scope. Something as
simple as repainting a bathroom
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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Chemicals: Chemicals, such
as sealants, cleaners, lubricants and fuel, may be used
during renovation projects.
Such substances can be dangerous to pets and children
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.
• 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.
• 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.
Safety always should be the top priority when doing home
renovations.
page
8
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Target indoor moisture at its sources, such as bathrooms and
kitchens.
Maintaining humidity in
the optimal indoor range helps
to keep the home safe, reduce
energy consumption and keep
a home's occupants healthy.
Damp conditions can lead to
the growth of fungi, viruses and
bacteria and may exacerbate
people's asthma and allergies.
The ideal relative humidity
range of a home should be between 40 to 50, according to
heating and cooling experts and
the Environmental Prevention
Agency. Humidity should be
even lower in the winter to prevent condensation on windows
and other surfaces. Lower relative humidity also reduces the
out-gassing of volatile organic
compounds, or VOCs.
Measure humidity with a
hygrometer to get an accurate
assessment. If the humidity
levels fall above or below the
desired range, action should
be taken. Homeowners dealing
with excessive moisture can try
these remedies.
• Ventilate areas of the
home. Ventilation can be the
first step to reducing indoor
humidity. Target the areas that
create the most moisture, such
as kitchens and bathrooms. Turn
on venting fans to remove moist
air from the bathroom during
showers and baths. Exhaust
hoods can control humidity
dation of a home and infiltrating
the basement or crawlspace.
Direct gutter water further away
from the house if possible, and
keep gutters free of obstructions.
• Service HVAC systems
regularly. Routine inspections of
heating and cooling systems can
identify any problems, such as
clogged air-conditioning drain
lines or faulty operation, that can
contribute to moisture problems.
• Beef up insulation. Insulate cold water pipes and look
into insulated toilet tanks that
will help eliminate condensation
issues. Sealing out moisture in a
basement or crawlspace also can
help. Vapor barriers can eliminate a great deal of moisture
coming into the home.
• Address any plumbing
leaks. Make sure you trace possible leaks to their sources and
have them repaired. Constantly
dripping water can add to humidity levels and create other
problems.
• Use a dehumidifier. If all
other efforts have been tried,
a dehumidifier unit can help
remove excess moisture from
the air. Dehumidifiers are particularly helpful in basements
where moisture can collect.
Controlling moisture in a
home results in a safer and
healthier space.
Ameritech Windows
www.superwindows.com
301-861-3189
Windows • Doors • Roofing • Siding
301.861.3189
superwindows.com
View the
2016 Home
Improvement
Guide online!
2015
201
HOME
IMPROVEME
GUID NT
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6
Please Note:
1012
0 APPL
SPON
SORE
GE RO
AD | MO D BY: MO
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MERY
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VILLA
VILLA
GE FO
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UNDA
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E RID
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m
The spring and summer seasons are
popular times for homeowners to put their
houses on the real estate market. How do
you set yours apart from the rest and help
ensure it will sell faster? Estimates from
the Professional Landcare Network and
real estate agents reveal that landscaping can add up to 15 percent to property
value. Creating a lush lawn and vibrant
garden are some of the areas on which to
focus. They can help your home appear to
be a premium property. Investments in accent lighting, paving stones and ornamental water features are other touches that
can project your home in a positive light.
Because maintaining your landscape can
be time-consuming work, it could pay to
hire a landscaper or lawn service to keep
on top of mowing and other maintenance
until your property is sold.
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Changes to your home that require approval
Homeowners often want to
know how to tell if a modification
requires Architectural Review
Board (ARB) approval or if it is
considered maintenance. The
protective covenants originally
established for homes corporations in Montgomery Village
state that any exterior change or
addition requires ARB approval
(except plantings). Change means
any difference in material, style,
color or location. Maintenance
of your home means repairing
something that will look exactly
the same when the repair or replacement is completed and did
not involve any changes. It is important to remember that many
materials and fixtures that were
installed 25 to 40 years ago are
no longer available, and therefore
a change is required, making an
application necessary. The ARB
needs to be sure that any changes
meet the Montgomery Village
standards and the criteria for
each community. Listed below
are some examples:
Paint. When repainting your
home with exactly the same
colors that are currently listed
on your paint record, you do
not need to apply. However, do
contact the MVF Office to get the
exact color codes. If you want to
change any of the paint colors
on your home or want to install
vinyl siding or trim to replace the
wood, an application is required.
Replacement windows always require an application.
Original windows were made
out of wood or metal and most of
today’s windows are vinyl. Vinyl
windows have a very different
profile and appearance. The color
of windows has also changed, as
today’s windows are available
in many pre-finished colors,
eliminating the need to paint
any part of the window. Mill
finished aluminum and original
bronze aluminum windows are
no longer available. This is why
for consistency in appearance, all
windows on one elevation must
be replaced at the same time.
Any item that requires a
Montgomery County building
permit needs an application
when being totally replaced. This
includes, but is not limited to,
fences, sheds and decks. These
items are also now available in
pre-finished materials and colors.
If you are only replacing small
sections using the same material
and color for maintenance purposes (such as fence rails, rotting
wood on a shed or wood boards
on a deck floor) then you do not
need to apply. If you are replacing an entire deck, shed or fence
with the exact same material,
in the exact same location that
will be the exact same color, you
still must apply in order to get a
Montgomery County building
permit. Montgomery County
will not issue a building permit
without a letter of approval from
MVF. However, in these cases, a
review fee will not be required.
Some items may or may not
require an application, depending on the circumstances. For
example, if you have an original
bronze, metal, full-view storm
door (that was approved) and
you plan on replacing it with a
new vinyl, bronze, self-storing
storm door, you would need to
apply, as this is a change in style
and material (and possibly color).
If you plan on replacing the storm
door with a new bronze, metal,
full-view storm door that is the
same color of bronze, then you
would not need to apply.
Please remember that you can
always contact the Architectural
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Standards Department if you
have any questions or need any
help. For questions, call 301-948-
0110 or visit www.montgomery
village.com
page
9
lawn care tips for first-time homeowners
First-time homeowners can
be overwhelmed at the responsibility that comes with home
ownership. While some of those
responsibilities can be stressful,
others can prove therapeutic.
Many homeowners find caring for their lawns to be an enjoyable hobby that helps relieve
stress. Time spent outdoors in
the warm sun helps improve
mood, and a lush lawn and
garden can instill a sense of
pride in homeowners. First-time
homeowners with no history of
caring for a lawn can still turn
their lawn into a lush oasis to
be proud of.
START WITH THE SOIL
Soil is the foundation for any
good lawn or garden. Healthy
soil will result in healthy plants
and vegetables. Unfortunately,
not all homeowners are lawncare enthusiasts, and first-time
homeowners might discover
their lawns and gardens need
lots of work. That work should
begin with a soil test. Do-ityourself soil kits are available at
most major home improvement
and lawn and garden centers.
For those who prefer to trust a
professional, the United States
Department of Agriculture has
Cooperative Extension System
offices in every state and U.S.
territory. Such offices provide
valuable information to home-
owners, and many even provide
free or low-cost soil tests. These
tests can help homeowners learn
more about their soil and what,
if anything, they need to do improve its health.
FIND THE RIGHT GRASS
Some lawns might be an
eyesore because the grass is not
the right type of grass for that
particular region. If a grass is not
a good fit for the region and local
climate, it likely won’t thrive or
will require considerable and
often costly maintenance to
stay lush.
Bermuda and tall fescue
grasses are popular options in
many areas of North America,
but it’s still best to consult a
lawncare professional to determine which grass is best for a
given region. Learn the ins and
outs of caring for the grass, including which types of seed and
fertilizer are the best fit, as well
as the recommended watering
guidelines.
PLANT PROPERLY
Planting new grass might
seem like a big undertaking, but
it’s actually quite easy, even for
first-time homeowners. Once
a person has determined the
correct type of grass to install,
planting is much simpler that
one might think.
• Aerate the soil. Soil com-
paction is a problem for many
homeowners. Heavy usage
often compacts the soil, making it very difficult for the lawn
to hold oxygen and water that
roots need to grow and absorb
valuable nutrients. Aerating
increases nutrient, oxygen and
water movement into the soil,
improving rooting and controlling thatch buildup. Hand
aerators might prove effective
on smaller lawns, but most
lawns would benefit from a core
aeration machine. For first-time
homeowners, it might be best
to enlist the services of a professional the first time aeration is
done to learn the process.
• Spread seed evenly. Grass
seed should be spread evenly
over all tilled areas. Spreading
can be done by hand or by using
a seed spreader.
• Add a light layer of soil
over the seed. Once the seed has
been spread, cover the seeded
areas with a light layer of soil.
Some soils are treated, and these
treated soils provide nutrients
that encourage growth.
• Water well, but don’t
overdo it. The soil around the
seed should be moist until the
grass has grown in to its desired height. However, avoid
overwatering, which can drown
the seed and make new grass
growth impossible.
FERTILIzE
Fertilizer is a friend to lawns,
providing the nutrients a lawn
needs to grow in thick. When
fertilizing, use a spreader. The
type of spreader is up to the
homeowners, but know that
drop spreaders, which drop
the fertilizer directly below the
spreader, tend to be more accurate but take more time, while
broadcast spreaders, which drop
fertilizer in a pattern away from
the spreader, are less accurate
but cover large areas in a much
shorter period of time. Avoid
fertilizing the same area twice,
and be patient. Fertilizing might
seem like a tedious process, but
if done correctly, it should lead
to a lush lawn.
When fertilizing, it’s best
to do so during the fall and
spring. The exact time to fertilize depends on the region, but
it’s generally best to fertilize
between April and early June,
and then in the fall between late
September and early November.
When it comes to lawn care,
first-time homeowners should
not be intimidated by this sudden responsibility. Caring for
a lawn can be a relaxing and
rewarding hobby.
Please Note:
Exterior modifications must meet established ARB application and approval requirements
regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept
in the past. MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in
the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
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page
10
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Lawns and gardens can often benefit from the laying of
mulch. Mulch serves various
purposes in lawns and gardens,
and many experienced lawn and
garden enthusiasts lay mulch to
ensure their properties make it
through spring, summer and fall
unscathed. First-time homeowners with little or no landscaping
experience may not understand
the benefits of mulch, which
can be used to strengthen soil
and protect properties from the
elements.
WHAT iS MUlCH?
Mulch refers to a material
spread around or over a plant
to enrich and/or insulate its
soil. Many homeowners prefer
mulch made of wood chips,
which is both effective and readily available. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes
that organic mulches, which
include leaves, wood chips,
compost or grass clippings, can
be used by homeowners who
want to develop eco-friendly
landscapes.
WHY MUlCH?
Mulching can benefit plants
around a property in various
ways. Many people lay mulch
because the mulch helps soil
retain moisture in the summer,
when temperatures tend to be
at their hottest. This can help
plants survive summer heat
waves. Mulch also can be used
to suppress weeds. Weeds,
which steal moisture plants
need to build strong roots and
survive summer, need light
to grow. When laid correctly,
mulch deprives weeds of the
light they need to grow. Organic mulches can even provide
homes for crickets and a type of
beetle that feed on weed seeds.
Mulch also can deter harmful
pests depending on the type
of mulch homeowners choose.
Certain organic mulches can
repel insects that can threaten
plants. That’s because the majority of organic mulches increase
the amount of beneficial bacteria
in the soil, and they also increase
the presence of helpful insects
that do not pose a threat to plant
life. Those helpful insects help
keep harmful insects at bay.
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Air duct cleaning 101
A heating system that is
working well is essential to the
comfort and health of homeowners. If you haven’t done so, it’s
a good idea to have the heating
system inspected to ensure everything is working smoothly.
The National Fire Protection
Association says that half of all
home-heating fires in the U.S.
occur in December, January and
February. Failure to clean equipment, primarily creosote from
solid-fueled heating equipment
and chimneys, is a leading cause
of home-heating fires.
While the majority of homeowners are safe, it cannot hurt to
inspect and clean the elements
involved in most home furnaces
and other equipment. Not only
will this help prevent possible
fires or help pinpoint possible
problem areas that could lead to
carbon monoxide poisoning, this
maintenance can help produce
cleaner indoor air.
In addition to routinely replacing the air filter on the furnace, it is recommended to
have the air ducts and venting
throughout the home cleaned.
Although there is no proven
evidence that trapped dust and
other debris in air ducts can
pose a risk to personal health,
many people prefer to keep
the ductwork clear in the event
particles may be hazardous or
contribute to asthma or other
breathing difficulties. The EPA
does recommend duct cleaning
if any of these factors are present:
• Substantial visible mold
growth present.
• Ducts infested with vermin.
• Dust or debris is literally
clogging the ducts.
• Dust or debris blowing into
the home through supply
registers (vents).
There are many companies
today that will service furnaces
and heating systems and provide
duct cleaning. As with any business, their reliability and honesty
will have to be checked by the
homeowner. When seeking a
company to clean the ducts in
your home, first ask friends and
family members for referrals.
Also, utilize customer review
websites or simply conduct
a search for the company to
learn of its reputation. You can
also contact the Better Business
Bureau or see if the business
is registered with the National
Air Duct Cleaners Association
(NADCA).
Research has not demonstrated the effectiveness of any
chemical additives or sealants
placed in or on ducts for the
prevention of bacteria growth or
inhibition of dust formation. It is
advisable to steer clear of companies that try to push additional
services or chemical applications
that actually may hinder health
more than dust.
An untrained person can
actually damage the ducts or
heating and cooling system. That
is why it is important to do your
research. A properly done job
should include cleaning all of
the components of the system,
including coils and condenser
parts of the HVAC system itself.
The job should take between
three and eight hours and will
range in cost from $450 to $1,000,
according to EPA estimates. The
“blow and go” specials advertised for $100 are likely a waste
of money and may inadvertently
cause damage or dislodge dust
inappropriately.
The NADCA says the most
effective way to clean air ducts
and ventilation systems is to
employ “source removal” methods of cleaning. This requires a
contractor to place the system
under negative pressure through
the use of a specialized, powerful vacuum. While the vacuum
2016 Home Improvement guIde
draws air through the system,
devices are inserted into the
ducts to dislodge any debris
that might be stuck to interior
surfaces. The debris can then
travel down the ducts to the
vacuum, which removes it from
the system and the home.
Although there are no proven
health benefits, air duct cleaning can help improve indoor air
quality and may help an HVAC
system operate more efficiently.
Please Note:
Exterior modifications must meet established ARB application and approval requirements
regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept
in the past. MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in
the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
page
11
Who is the MVF Design Consultant?
Q. We want to replace our windows, but we also
want to cap the small area of trim around the windows.
What color should we use for capping this area?
A. The small area of trim around the windows, but
not part of the windows, needs to be painted or capped
to match the color of the house trim. For example, in a
home with double-hung windows, the windows may be
approved for white windows with grid patterns to match
the existing windows. However, the capping around the
windows is not acceptable in white unless the trim on the
house is white. If the house has aluminum trim, then the
capping would be the same color as the aluminum trim.
If the house still has wood trim and aluminum capping is
wanted around the windows, then the capping would have
to be a very close color match to the existing trim. If there
is no capping material that is a very close color match,
then this window trim would have to remain in wood and
be painted house trim color. Needless to say, you would
need to apply for the capping around the windows as
well as any replacement windows. This capping around
windows can be very confusing; therefore, call the Architectural Standards Department at 301-948-0110 if you
have any questions.
Many homeowners are curious about the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) design
consultant, who is part of the
architectural standards staff
and serves as a consultant to
the Architectural Review Board.
His name is George Smith, and
he consults on home exteriors
not only for MVF, but also for
builders such as Kettler Forlines,
Toll Brothers, Mitchell & Best,
Ryland Homes, Lennar Homes
and many others. His consultations have taken him not only
to Maryland, but also Delaware,
Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
Before starting his own consulting business, he worked for
Kettler Brothers Inc. for over 20
years and was part of the original design team that included
choosing color palettes of the
communities in Montgomery
Village. He served on the MVF
Architectural Control Committee for many years. He brings to
us the unique combination of a
complete understanding of the
original design intent of the 63
Village communities, as well as
extensive knowledge and expertise concerning new materials
and updated colors used in new
construction.
Smith has worked with numerous paint colors as well as
almost all manufacturers and
colors of siding, trim and roofs,
and therefore is familiar with
what they look like on a finished home. This knowledge is
invaluable, as it is often impossible to tell from a small sample
what a product will look like
when used in large amounts
to modify a home. Many of the
Montgomery Village communities are aging, and numerous
applications are received for
replacement materials and/or
updated exteriors. He works
with the ARB and Architectural
Standards staff on these types
of applications. Additionally,
he is a standing member of the
MVF Commercial Architectural
Review Committee (CARC).
Smith does much research
on replacement materials. For
example, the brick used in the
walls in The Courts of Whetstone is no longer available.
After much research with brick
companies, a replacement brick
was located that was as close as
possible to the original so that
the design intent of the community could be maintained.
Another example is when a
standard roof color used in a
community is no longer available. He will find the right
replacement roof by contacting
roof manufacturers, getting
samples, and looking at homes
that already have the proposed
new roof installed to see how
the shingle color will integrate
into a specific community. Another example is homeowners
who wanted to replace their
wood siding, but wanted an
alternative to vinyl siding. Smith
researched fiber cement siding
and found different manufacturers and styles. He then looked at
homes already completed in this
type of siding to see what would
work in the Village communities. The list goes on and on!
Smith is also needed to preview applications for major
projects such as garage or house
additions and works to create
new, updated color palettes for
Village communities. He also
helps select colors and materials
for updating MVF facilities such
as community centers.
Come and meet George
Smith at the Annual Home
Show on Saturday, March 19
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake
Marion Community Center,
8821 East Village Avenue. You’ll
be glad you did. Not only is he
very good at what he does, he is
also an extremely nice person!
Capital Remodeling, inc.
Window & Bathroom Specials!
1-888-318-5228
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval
requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been
approved in concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding
claims and services advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Advertise with us
Call 240-243-2359, or
e-mail [email protected].
page
12
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Gutter Helmet® by Harry Helmet™
www.harryhelmet.com, www.facebook.com/harryhelmet, www.twitter.com/HarryHelmet
1-888-543-5638
Gutter Helmet® is a patented
aluminum gutter cover system
that installs right over your existing full-sized rain gutters. Gutter
Helmet is specifically designed
to manage the flow of rain water
from your roof to your gutters
while keeping out leaves and
debris that can lead to clogged
gutters and downspouts. Gutter
Helmet is backed by a lifetime
manufacturer warranty and has
been America’s most trusted
brand in gutter protection for 30
years, with over 60 million feet installed. The Gutter Helmet gutter
protection system offers distinct
advantages over run-of-the-mill
gutter guards, gutter covers, gutter shields and DIY gutter filters.
Custom fitted by certified gutter protection installers, you can
avoid damage caused by warped
and sagging gutters, ice dams,
clogged gutters and other common gutter problems.
Installing the Gutter Helmet
system is a permanent solution
to protecting the investment of
your home. We guarantee you
will never clean your gutters
again—100 percent guaranteed.
The best way to prevent
clogged gutters is to prevent
debris and leaves from entering
your gutter in the first place. The
only way to prevent clogging is
through the installation of a gutter protection system like Gutter
Helmet. The Gutter Helmet gutter
guard uses a unique, patented design to keep debris out of gutters
and allow the water to freely flow
to downspouts, and away from
your home.
Gutter Helmet comes with a
100 percent guarantee that your
gutters will never clog! Gutter
Helmet is the only gutter protection company that is backed by a
multi-billion dollar corporation,
Gibraltar Industries. Simple gutter covers, screens and DIY filters,
can’t make that claim. Only Gutter
Helmet can.
Gutter Helmet by Harry Helmet offers additional home improvement products that will
improve the efficiency and value
of your home. Learn about our
retractable patio awnings that
provide homeowners with continuous enjoyment of their outdoor spaces while shading them
Never Clean Your Gutters Again!
Visit us at the Montgomery Village
Home Improvement Show
for an EXCLUSIVE show discount
0% SAME AS CASH
if paid in full within 12 months.*
Call NOW for a FREE Estimate!
(888)543-5638
www.HarryHelmet.com
*With approved financing. Call for more details. This offer must be
presented at time of estimate. Offer subject to change without
notice. Not valid with any other offers and/or promotions. Void where
prohibited by law. Not responsible for typos or misprints. MD MHIC
#48622 VA #2705036173 ©2015 Lednor Corporation.
Maryland’s #1 Gutter Guard System
from the sun. We offer customers
a patented Helmet Heat gutter
product, which will keep your
gutters and gutter helmet system
above freezing during the harsh
cold winter months when ice
dams occur. In addition, we of-
fer gutter and roof replacement
services.
Call today or visit our website
at www.harryhelmet.com to learn
more on how to protect your number one investment, your home,
with an American-made product,
Gutter Helmet. Visit us at the
show to see a live demonstration
of Gutter Helmet and receive an
exclusive show discount! Sign up
for a free estimate and receive 20
percent off Gutter Helmet!
Playing doctor with your home—giving
your home a post-winter checkup
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements
regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept in the
past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in the Village
News and Home Improvement Guide.
When the winter starts to wind down,
homeowners across the country begin thinking
about spring cleaning. While some projects,
like putting away the winter clothing, are
symbolic and associated with the fun in the sun
that lies ahead, others, such as clearing away a
winter’s worth of clutter, are merely associated
with an afternoon spent working off a season’s
worth of procrastination.
While all spring cleaning projects need to be
done sooner or later, some carry more weight
than others. Such is the case with post-winter
home repairs. Much like an automobile that can
take a beating over a long winter, so, too, can a
home. That heightens the importance of a post
winter home checkup. Once the cold weather
has wound down, consider the following tips
to ensure that your home has made it through
another winter in one piece.
• See your ceilings for the very first time.
For those who live in areas with heavy winter
snowfall, a telltale sign of a leak is a stained
ceiling, which might appear brown or yellow
after a few months of water infiltration. Note
where these stains are, and then go outside
and examine the corresponding areas of your
roof. Even if you notice stains in the middle of
winter, it’s best to wait till after the winter to
inspect this problem. Going up on a roof in bad
weather is asking for trouble.
Once you’ve identified the trouble spots,
you can seek the help of a professional roofer.
Unfortunately, if you’ve noticed the aforementioned brown or yellow spots on your ceilings,
you’ll likely need to seal and paint the entire
ceiling, even where no spots exist. Otherwise,
the ceilings will not look as uniform or appealing.
• Locate your ladder and get ready to climb
and clean. Areas almost all homeowners will
notice that need some post-winter work are
2016 Home Improvement guIde
the gutters and downspouts. While a leaky
roof could be the culprit with respect to water
damage, that water damage could also be the
result of clogged gutters or downspouts. And
just because you might have made it through
winter without water damage, that doesn’t
necessarily mean your gutters and downspouts
aren’t backed up.
One of the first post-winter projects to address is to clean out these gutters and downspouts. Remove any and all debris that could
lead to backup. And do so on a day that’s
guaranteed to be sunny, so you can dismantle
the downspouts to be sure they’re clear from
top to bottom.
• Address any possible door damage.
While storm doors aren’t as prevalent as they
once were, they do still exist, and they often
bear the brunt of winter weather. When winter
winds begin to howl, they often do so at the
expense of storm doors, which can become
bent or even break.
If the main entrance to your home doesn’t
have a storm door to bear the brunt of Mother
Nature’s winter wrath, the front door itself
likely took the brunt of weather over the last
several months. Check the door for any nicks
or scratching, and inspect to see if it could use
a new coat of paint.
• Don’t forget the basement. For many, the
basement is not the most popular place in a
home throughout the winter months. That’s because cold air descends, making the basement
the coldest room in the house. But just because
you might have overlooked the basement the
last several months, that doesn’t mean Mother
Nature has. Water buildup in the basement can
lead to dry rot and the accumulation of mold.
Make a basement inspection a top priority once
winter has finally left for the season.
page
13
Kitchen Saver
www.KitchenSaver.com
800-427-0108
A leader and innovator in the
remodeling industry, Kitchen
Saver® isn’t an ordinary cabinet
refacing business; we are the only
Custom Cabinet Renewal® company. Unlike traditional kitchen
companies who will just reface
or install new cabinets, Kitchen
Saver offers a combination approach. Along with refacing,
we can modify existing cabinets
and build new matching cabinets
where needed. As a custom cabinet builder, we can build cabinets
of any size to maximize the usable space of your kitchen. We
can transform your kitchen in as
little as three days and save you
money by using and improving
your existing cabinets. Every
project is installed by our own
company employed craftsmen.
Being in business for 30 years,
we have successfully completed
over 10,000 installations and
our list of satisfied customers
continues to grow. As a three
year Angie’s List Super Service
award winner, Kitchen Saver will
exceed your expectations. Call us
at 800-427-0108 for a free in-home
consultation and prepare to be
impressed!
Kitchen Saver ® currently
services Maryland, Washington
D.C. and Virginia.
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Kolb Electric
www.kolbelectric.com
301-279-2133
Still the Best Value
Kolb Electric has been family
owned and operated since 1925.
We serve property management firms and homeowners
throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Northern
Virginia. Kolb is never far away
when you need us. If you ever
have a concern or question
about your properties electrical systems, or just need an
electrician immediately, contact
us today!
No job is too large or too small
for the expert electricians at Kolb
Electric. Our goal is to constantly
improve your Kolb experience
and make your life easier!
For a free estimate for your
electrical work or service needs,
call Kolb Electric today at 301279-2133.
KOLb SERVICES:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Though ceiling fans are most associated with warm-weather seasons, most can be
effective throughout the winter months as well, helping circulate warm air throughout
a room in much the same way they circulate cool air during the warmer weather. Most
of today’s fans have a switch near the motor housing that alters the direction in which
the fan’s blades turn. When a ceiling fan is used in the summer, its blades push the air
downward, moving cool air around the room. The air blowing around the room is what
cools people within the room. When the blades’ direction is altered, the blades then
push the air upward toward the ceiling. This drives the hot air, which typically rises to
the top, down toward the edges of the room. This helps circulate warm air throughout
a room, making for more even heating. What’s more, this improved heat circulation
helps combat window sweating that results from condensation on the glass when hot
air is not effectively circulated throughout a home.
page
14
2016 Home Improvement guIde
View the
2016 Home
Improvement
Guide
online!
2015
201
IMPROVEME
GUID NT
E
HOME
Since 1925
Bucket Truck Service
Underground wiring installation/repair
Preventative maintenance
• Panel Upgrades
Infra-Red scans
• Arc flash assessments
Switch Gear upgrades/service
• Camera Systems
Lighting Upgrades (LED)
• Card Access
Light Pole Installation/Repair
• 24/365 Service
Night Lighting Inspections
• Same Day Service
1012
0 APPL
6
SPON
SORE
E RO
AD | MO D BY: MO
NTGO
NTGO
MERY
MERY
VILLA
VILLA
GE FO
GE, MD
UNDA
2088
TION
6 | 30
1.948
.0110
E RIDG
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m
Thompson Creek Window Company
www.ThompsonCreek.com
1-866-57 CREEK (27335)
Thompson Creek Window
Company offers the beauty,
comfort and reliability that you
want for all your home improvement needs in the Washington,
D.C. Metropolitan Area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Over the past 30
years, Thompson Creek Window Company has become the
Mid-Atlantic’s premier home
improvement replacement
products company. Windows
and doors, clog-free gutters and
all-vinyl siding custom manufactured, installed and serviced
from our family-owned and
operated facilities in Landover.
By manufacturing the products we sell and install, we
are able to control the product
design and lead times, allowing us to maintain a strong
competitive edge over other
home improvement companies.
By controlling the installation
and service of our products,
we avoid installation-related
service problems and provide
faster, more dependable service
to our customers. And we back
everything up with our transferable, double-lifetime guarantee.
Thompson Creek is committed to our customers, from
initial consultation to cleanup
after the job is complete. The
driving force behind how every
Thompson Creek employee
performs their job is the goal of
total customer satisfaction. We
actively solicit feedback from
our customers, and use that
feedback to make business improvements. We are constantly
striving to enhance our methods
to ensure our customers receive
the best experience possible,
with the goal of 100 percent
customer satisfaction.
Thompson Creek employs a
staff of over 275 people at two
locations: our manufacturing
plant and distribution center
in Landover, and our corporate
headquarters and administrative offices in Lanham.
CERTIFICATIONS
& ASSOCiATiONS
• EPA Lead-Safe Certified
Firm
• ENERGY STAR Partner
• Windows are NFRC-rated
• Member of the National Association of Manufacturers
(NAM)
• Member of the National Association of the Remodeling
Industry (NARI)
• Member of the Northeast
Window and Door Association (NWDA)
• Member of the Home Builders Association of Maryland
(HBAM)
• NAHB Research Center
Green Approved
• Building Performance Institute (BPI)
COMMUNiTY
SERVICE
• Habitat for Humanity of the
Chesapeake – Board Member (Rick Wuest), corporate
sponsor
• Susan G. Komen Foundation Race for the Cure
• ABC’s Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition
AWARDS
& RECOGNiTiON
• Thompson Creek Windows
Ranked #1926 on 2012 Inc.
5000
• Thompson Creek Windows
Ranked #8 on The Replacement 100 2012
• Thompson Creek Reviews
2012 Komen Results, Exceeds Goals and Earns Top
Fundraiser Spot
• Thompson Creek Window
Company Named to 2012
Inc. 5000
• Thompson Creek Windows
Ranked #8 on 2012 Remodeling 550
• Thompson Creek Windows
Wins 2012 Readers Choice
Award for “Best Windows
and Doors”
• Thompson Creek Windows
Ranked #11 on 2012 Qualified Remodeler Top 500
• Thompson Creek Windows
Wins 2012 Readers Choice
Award for “Best Windows
and Doors”
• Thompson Creek Windows
Honored with Second Consecutive Replacement Contractor Service Excellence
Award
• Thompson Creek Windows
Named to 2012 SmartCEO
Future 50 List
Please Note:
To advertise,
call 240-243-2359, or
e-mail [email protected].
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
2016 Home Improvement guIde
page
15
Divine landscaping, inc.
301-252-3917
DIVINELANDSCAPING.COM
Landscape
Design & Build
Plant Selection
Water Features
Lighting
Hardscapes
Patios
Walkways
Retaining Walls
Stone Work
Other Services
Clean-ups • Mulching
Mowing Contracts • Decks
Trellises • Erosion Control
Outdoor Carpentry • Drainage
Grading • Fences • Excavation
Arbor Care Services
MHIC Lic. 79864 • Arborist Lic. MA 0153A
page
16
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Nu look Home Design
www.NuLookHomeDesign.com
800-279-5300
ROOFING • WINDOWS • DOORS • GUTTERS • SIDING
The NU LOOK your home deserves
Nu Look Home Design Inc.
was bestowed the 2013 Torch
Award for Market Place Ethics by the Better Business Bureau serving Greater Maryland
Chapter. This award is given
each year to companies that
prove time and time again that
customer service, integrity and
marketplace ethics are the first
and foremost priority in running
that business.
Learn more about our
company at www.nulook
homedesign.com or call 800-2795300.
Proudly serving Maryland, Virgina, D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware
“Premium Products & Premium Service
Equals a Happy Customer”
2013 Torch Award Winner
Trust
Performance
STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE
WITH THE VILLAGE
Integrity
®
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
Our company was founded by Patrick Fingles and Thomas Bury with the principles
Marketplace Excellence, BBB Greater MD
of “Premium Products & Premium Service equals a Happy Customer.”
ACCREDITED
BUSINESS
A structure so consistent that it can only be defined as corporate, complimented
®
by a relationship so personal that it can only be defined as family.
/V-PPL)PNF%FTJHO
Village News
Montgomery
800-279-5300 • www.NuLookHomeDesign.com
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take
responsibility regarding claims and services advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Energy Services Group
www.energysvc.com
800-219-3484
Has your house had a physical lately?
The Original House Doctors
TM
Stephen Colgan
(240) 381-7386
[email protected]
Do you have cold, drafty rooms or high energy bills?
Start the new year off with a home energy audit.
ESG uses the latest diagnostic equipment and technology to identify your
home’s health issues. We then provide you with our recommendations to
treat your home, making sure it’s healthy, safe, comfortable and energy efficient.
Call 410-760-4801 to schedule your home energy audit today!
Be sure to ask about our Montgomery Village discount offer on installations.
Rebates available from Pepco.
ESG develops cost-effective home energy improvement strategies using advanced diagnostic
equipment and proven scientific methods to verify energy efficiency and ensure best performance.
ENERGY SERVICES GROUP
7483 Candlewood Road, Suite G
Hanover, MD 21076
MHIC# 126703
energysvc.com
2016 Home Improvement guIde
page
17
10 green home improvements
Making home improvements doesn’t have to mean
compromising environmental
ideals in the process. There are
numerous jobs that a person
can do around the house that
fit with a green lifestyle. These
improvements will not only
help protect the planet, they
will also help save a few extra
dollars.
1. Conserve water: Turn off
the tap between brushing teeth
or rinsing off dishes. Better yet,
install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce
the consumption of water in
the household.
2. Motion detection: Motion-detector lights can be
installed in different rooms of
the home and outdoors. Lights
will automatically turn on and
off depending on the activity in
the area, reducing the chances
of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money
and energy.
3. Solar panels: You may
have been toying with the idea
of solar panels for years. They
can be installed on the roof or
in the yard to power various
components of the household,
like lights during a traditional
power outage or the swimming
pool filter. Today it is possible
to buy used solar panels, many
of which still have a lot of life
left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones.
4. Aluminum-clad storm
doors: Insulate the entryway of
your home with a storm door
that will buffer against harsh
weather conditions. While
you’re creating a more air-tight
space, caulk around windows
and doors.
5. Replace air filters: Your
HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and
contaminants. Replacing the
filters leads to cleaner indoor
air and helps the unit run more
efficiently.
6. Power strips: Stock up
on power strips and plug all of
your peripherals and computer
equipment into these strips.
This way when you want to
power down everything com-
pletely, you simply turn off the
power button on the strip. This
ensures no devices are drawing
power even in the off position.
7. Install fans: Fans aren’t
just useful in the summer. In
the winter, the blades can be
set to rotate in the opposite
direction and help draw warm
air into the room, heating more
efficiently.
8. Rainwater barrels: Set up
rainwater barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter
system. These barrels collect
water that can be used to water
indoor and outdoor plants, or
even wash the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can
directly connect a garden hose.
9. Plant trees: Trees are
good for the environment
in many ways, producing
necessary oxygen for life and
offering food and living areas
for wildlife. Trees can also
shade a home during the warm
weather, helping reduce energy consumption.
10. Glass fireplace doors:
Install glass fireplace doors,
which are safer than fireplace
screens. They also help to
protect against heat loss when
there isn’t a fire lit.
Tri-County Fence
www.tricountyfence.com
301-916-2205
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
View the 2016 Home
Improvement Guide online!
2015
2016
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
GUIDE
SPONSORED BY: MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FOUNDATION
10120 APPLE RIDGE ROAD | MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD 20886 | 301.948.0110
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m
page
18
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Have Your Kitchen/Bath or Basement
Ready in Time for Summer!
Wellman General Contracting & Home improvements, llC
www.wellmangchi.com
240-683-3630
FLOORING • BASEMENTS • DRYWALL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL
Complete New Kitchen
starting at
*Wood Cabinets,
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*Ask for details
*Based on 10’ x 10’ L-Shaped or
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To use this coupon you must present coupon during
estimate. Cannot be combined with other offers.
One coupon per household. *Pantry cabinets or island
is not included. Package includes 30” cabinets only.
Package does not include appliances. Expires
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details.
• Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Media Rooms
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*
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NEW! Your Choice Of
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• Demolition & Haul Away of Existing Kitchen
Cabinets / Countertop / Flooring
• Cabinets and Installation • Cabinet Hardware
• GRANITE COUNTERTOP w/ Stainless Steel Sink
• Sink Faucet • Painting
• Plumbing: Under Sink Connections
(Faucet / Disposal / Drain / Dishwasher)
• Installation of Tile/Wood (Floor) 100 sq ft max
WELLMAN General Contracting & Home Improvements LLC
Complete New Luxury
Bathroom $
*
starting at
CEM
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shower door, built-in recessed niche, porcelain & accent tile,
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for 18 Months
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM
FREE Estimates
Located in the Air Park
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• Sat 9am-3pm
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• Sat 9am-3pm
We Provide Quality
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18922 Premiere Ct. • Gaithersburg, MD
240-683-3630
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www.WellmanGCHI.com
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WELLMAN
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WELLMAN 240-683-3630
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS, LLC
Excludes sale items. Must present coupon at time
of estimate. Cannot be combined with any other
offer. With coupon. Expires 5/31/16 CEM
100
OFF
$
ANY FLOORING PROJECT
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WELLMAN 240-683-3630
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HOME IMPROVEMENTS, LLC
Excludes sale items. Must present coupon at time
of estimate. Cannot be combined with any other
offer. With coupon. Expires 5/31/16 CEM
Look for us on CouponsForHomeServices.com
2016 Home Improvement guIde
page
19
Go green in your garden
Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, one
that allows gardeners to escape
from the daily grind and soak up
some sun. As rewarding as gardening can be, it’s even more so
when gardeners ply their trade
in an eco-friendly way.
Gardening with the environment in mind is something
many gardeners might do already without even knowing it.
The following are a few ways to
garden in a way that’s mutually
beneficial to gardeners and the
environment.
• Use mulch to conserve
resources and reduce reliance
on fertilizers. Conserving resources is one of the best ways
to help the environment, and
applying mulch is a great way
to conserve water. Mulch helps
the soil retain water, keeping the
water from evaporating into the
air, which means less watering
for gardeners who want to keep
their gardens looking lush and
healthy.
In addition to helping conserve water, mulch can also help
reduce reliance on fertilizers.
That’s because mulch provides
nutrients to the soil as it breaks
down, providing an eco-friendly
alternative for gardeners who
don’t want to rely on fertilizers
to deliver nutrients to their soil.
• Plant more flowers. Planting flowers is another ecofriendly way to garden. Native
flowers, in particular, can help
maintain an area’s natural ecosystem, providing food and
shelter for insects and other
wildlife.
More flowers and plants
around the property also means
there will be significantly less
grass to mow, which reduces
the amount of gas necessary to
mow that grass in the warmer
weather and the amount of
greenhouse gases the lawn
mower produces. In addition,
less grass means less need for
fertilizers and pesticides to
maintain that grass.
• Choose gardening tools
and products with the environment in mind. Veteran gardeners have a host of tools that help
tackle every problem imaginable. But many older tools or
gardening products might not
be made of recycled materials.
When shopping for gardening
tools, whether you’re a beginner who needs everything or a
veteran gardener whose tools
have seen better days, choose
products made from recycled
materials. For example, many
gardeners use mats to help reduce stress on their knees when
kneeling down to garden. When
buying a new mat, choose one
made from recycled tires.
• Live and let live. Insects
might be a nuisance, but they
can also be a gardener’s best
friend. Spraying insecticide simply because insects can be pesky
is shortsighted and impractical.
Certain spiders prey on other
insects that can be harmful to
a garden, while butterflies and
bees help pollenate flowers.
Earthworms are also very beneficial to a garden, helping to
aerate and fertilize the soil and
enabling plants to grow by
removing harmful matter from
the soil.
Gardening is a rewarding
hobby, even more so when instituting eco-friendly practices.
Two Men and a Truck
www.twomenandatruckpotomac.com
240-654-4557
Time your move right to
save money
View the
2016 Home
Improvement
Guide online!
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Buying a new home is the
most expensive purchase a
person is likely to make in his
or her lifetime. It also can be
one of the more stressful. The
Employee Relocation Council
states that moving is the third
most stressful event in life, following death and divorce. But
a well-timed move can reduce
stress and save money.
Moving during certain times
of the year can result in considerable savings. Moving during
the summer, when children are
out of school and the weather
is nice can make a move more
manageable. Keep in mind that
because late spring and summer
are the peak moving seasons,
they also tend to be more expensive. Many moving companies
and truck rental agencies will
charge a premium if you use
their services during the summer. Furthermore, crews may
change in the summer when
students on vacation could fill
in for regular, more experienced
movers.
People sitting with homes
on the market are also more
likely to negotiate during cooler
months when foot traffic has
fizzled out. That can make
shopping for a home in the fall
advantageous to home buyers.
Here are some other tips to
reduce stress and save money
when moving into a new home
or apartment.
• Move mid-week. Weekends are a prime time for truck
rentals and moving companies.
Pick a Tuesday or a Wednesday
to move, and you're much more
likely to find an available moving service (even during peak
moving months); you may even
be able to negotiate a lower rate.
• Pick a mid-month moving
date. Many people move at the
beginning of the month when
leases are up or after mortgage
payments are made. Fewer
people move in the middle of the
month, so you might find more
affordable moving deals if you
can wait a few extra weeks.
• Schedule a fall or winter
move. The American Moving
and Storage Association notes
half of all moves occur during
one-third of the year—between
the beginning of May and Labor
Day. Beat the rush by moving
outside of these dates.
• Get an early start. Many
people underestimate the
amount of time it takes to actually move their belongings. Try
to schedule a moving company
to come very early in the morning to give you ample time to
pack up the truck and unpack
at your new home.
GAC Services
www.gacservices.com
1-855-243-8422
Freshen up your home for the spring season
After a few months of chilly temperatures, come
spring, many homeowners are eager to throw open
their windows and doors and breathe new life into
their homes. Simple changes made now (even before
the weather begins to warm up) can improve interior
spaces and brighten the atmosphere of a home.
• Go plant shopping. Research from NASA suggests
adding at least one plant in your home per 100 square
feet is efficient enough to clean air. Fresh foliage also
makes a home feel warm and
inviting. Watering and misting plants introduces moisture
into indoor air, which can make
rooms overcome with dry air
from heating systems feel comfortable. Just be sure to avoid
overwatering plants, which can
lead to mold growth.
• Swap out throw pillows.
Accent pillows on beds and
sofas are quick and inexpensive ways to add new bursts
of color to rooms. You may
be able to make over a room’s
entire color scheme with new
pillows. Invest in pillows that
you can switch with each season so your decor will never
look tired or dull.
• Clean existing light fixtures. Another way to brighten
the mood in a home is to periodically clean light fixtures to
make sure they are working
effectively. Spend time dusting
them and cleaning off any accumulated debris. If need
be, switch out old lamp shades for newer ones that let
more light shine through. If inadequate lighting is a
problem no matter how many lamps you have, consult
with an electrician about installing more overhead and
accent lighting.
• Give rugs and floors a deep cleaning. Recirculated
air may be full of dust and other microscopic particles
that end up blowing throughout your home. Also, it’s
2016 Home Improvement guIde
easy to track in dirt and other materials on your shoes
that become imbedded in carpeting. At least once a
year, rent or enlist the surfaces of carpet and upholstery
cleaners to give floors a thorough cleaning. You may
be surprised at how clean and fresh a home looks and
smells once rugs and carpets are deep-cleaned. You also
can make a dry carpet cleaner using baking soda, corn
starch and desired fresh herbs for fragrance. Sprinkle
and then vacuum up after a few hours.
• Color-coordinate bookshelves. Group all books with
similarly colored covers together for an instant and eyeappealing look.
• Simmer some homemade
home deodorizer. In a large pot,
boil water and some scented
herbs, such as rosemary, citrus
rinds, vanilla, or lavender. The
aroma will waft through the
home, creating a pleasing scent.
• Invest in new window
treatments. Lightweight draperies or new blinds or shades
can transform the look of a
room. Be sure to keep curtains
and blinds open during the day
to maximize the hours of sunlight. Homeowners can make
some simple changes while
they’re stuck indoors and reap
the benefits when the weather
warms up again.
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Tips on caring for your “outdoor floors”
All of us have some type of
outdoor flooring material on our
homes used for walkways, decks,
patios, etc. Although these areas
need some type of maintenance,
the type of material used determines how to keep these outdoor
spaces looking their best. General
guidelines that work for all outdoor walking surface materials
include the following:
1. Start with the gentlest
cleaning method first, such as
plain water. Always use a push
broom made for outdoor surfaces—do not use metal brushes.
Sweeping should be done regularly to prevent build up of dirt
materials.
2. Before using any cleaning
agents, saturate the surface with
water and don’t let any chemicals
sit for an extended period of time.
Follow directions specifically
and always rinse thoroughly.
3. Avoid power washing
except on concrete surfaces.
Although it can save time, power
washing can also splinter wood,
damage mortar joints, and etch
some types of brick and stone.
Please check with a specialist
CHF Deck Company
www.chfdeck.com
301-428-9748
“The Exterior Home Improvement Experts”
CHF Deck Company has
been helping families in Montgomery Village enjoy the great
outdoors right in their own
back yard since 1990. We are
dedicated to excellence in
craftsmanship, quality in design and integrity of purpose,
all at a fair market price.
From decks, patios and
porches, to walkways, windows, siding and additions,
CHF Construction’s professionals will work with you to
update your home’s exterior
so you can relax and enjoy time
with your family. We take the
time to work with you to customize your project to fit your
family’s specific needs. CHF
will take care of the required
Montgomery Village association approvals and county
permits and inspections.
We invite you to find out
more about our products,
gather some ideas while you
explore our portfolio at www.
chfdeck.com, then contact us at
301-428-9748 to get started on
your project.
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE
WITH THE VILLAGE
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
Village News
Montgomery
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2016 Home Improvement guIde
in the material below to be sure
about cleaners to be used in your
specific situation. The following
rules usually apply:
Brick – Avoid salt residue by
using de-icers that do not contain
calcium chloride. Do not seal
brick as it will trap moisture. Be
vigilant about cutting away plant
growth as plants direct moisture
into the mortar and loosen the
bricks.
Stone – There are two types
of stone used outdoors. Siliceous
stone (granite, slate, sandstone,
brownstone and bluestone which
are hard and durable) and Calcareous stone (marble, travertine
and limestone, which are more
porous and subject to stains).
To tell which kind of stone you
have, put a drop of white vinegar
in an inconspicuous place. If it
fizzes, the stone is calcareous.
Calcareous stones will benefit
from a stone sealer that aids in
stain resistance. Siliceous stones
should use a stone enhancer to
bring back the original look after
exposure to the elements.
Wood decking – Most wood
decking benefits from regular
cleaning and sealing. Regular
sweeping and hosing will keep
the deck from getting too dirty.
Use a soft bristle brush for cleaning. If a cleaning solution is
needed, get advice from your
local hardware store. Sealing
can be done with a clear water
preservative or a semitransparent stain. Any stain color must
receive approval from the ARB
before application.
Composite decking – Composites should not be painted,
stained or sealed. Deck cleaners
made for composites are available. Also, check with the manufacturer of the decking material
used. Use a stiff bristle brush for
any deep cleaning.
Concrete – for easier maintenance, clean concrete with a stiff
bristle broom or brush and use
a concrete cleaner. Follow directions exactly. After drying, a clear
silicone based water repellent
sealer is a good choice to maintain the appearance of concrete.
To keep all areas of your
home exterior looking their best,
remember that nothing is really
maintenance-free.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland offers affordable housing programs
to Montgomery Village communities
On Saturday, March 19 Habitat for
Humanity Metro Maryland (HFHMM)
will participate in the Montgomery Village
Home Show to highlight programs and resources available to community residents.
HFHMM is not only committed to
meeting the housing needs of Montgomery and Prince George’s counties communities, but also to providing residents
a full range of supportive services to help
them maintain their homes, mortgages
and families. Services include new con-
struction, rehabilitation of vacant and
foreclosed properties, weatherization and
major and minor home repair.
Montgomery and Prince George's
counties are among the most affluent
areas in the United States, making the
dream of homeownership unobtainable
for many residents. The high cost of living
not only pertains to purchasing costs, but
also maintaining affordable post purchase.
Habitat’s weatherization and home repair programs focus on improving the energy efficiency of the home and creating a
safe and comfortable living environment.
These services are at little or no cost to
homeowners and are available to county
residents. HFHMM utilizes volunteers
from the community for these projects.
This is a great way to get involved and
learn new skills that can be used at home.
Weatherization projects reduce energy
bills by increasing efficiency. Types of
services include, but are not limited to:
air sealing, insulating, HVAC system
upgrades and/or appliance replacement.
Home repair services are divided into
two categories: major and minor home
repairs. Minor home repairs are projects
that cost less than $1,000. This can include
services such as exterior painting and
landscaping work. Major home repairs are
any projects costing over $1,000. Typically
these include, but are not limited to, accessibility modifications, mold treatment and
HVAC tune-ups.
For more information regarding these
programs or to apply, visit www.Habitat
MM.org/Homeownership.
HFHMM’s ReStore is another resource
available to the public. ReStore is a discount retail outlet specializing in the resale
of quality new and gently used donated
home furnishings and building supplies.
All proceeds are used to build homes,
communities and hope locally and around
the world. For more information about
ReStore visit, www.RestoreMetroMD.org.
Habitat for Humanity is looking forward to participating in the Montgomery
Village Home Show. It is excited to have
the opportunity to engage with the community as well as educate residents on its
various programs available. Make sure to
stop by the table!
STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE
WITH THE VILLAGE
Please Note:
www.montgomeryvillage.com
facebook.com/MontVillageMD
@MontVillageMD
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
To advertise, call
240-243- 2359,
or e-mail
mvads@mvf.
org.
Village News
Montgomery
Solar City
www.solarcity.com
443-860-1750
Ecoscaping is a growing trend among homeowners
who want to take care of their lawns and landscapes but
want to do so in a way that’s environmentally friendly.
Integrating both landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science, ecoscaping is meant to
help homeowners create a sustainable and eco-friendly
landscape design.
It’s natural to assume that ecoscaping includes looking
for ways to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, but
www.SolarCity.com
there are many additional ways homeowners can embrace
ecoscaping. This includes removing or refusing to plant
invasive plants that are difficult to control because they are
from different ecosystems and can threaten local wildlife
View the
2016 Home
Improvement
Guide online!
and existing plants. Instead of choosing exotic plants that
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aren’t native to the area, choose native plants that are
accustomed to the local climate.
Another way to embrace ecoscaping is to develop a
planting strategy wherein plants are planted in beneficial
growing conditions that can eliminate the need for chemical
fertilizers and excessive watering.
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2016 Home Improvement guIde
Three quick steps for a
beautiful exterior
Dirt and stains can make the
exterior of your home look dirty,
unattractive and rob it of its curb
appeal. Fortunately, the days
of countless hours of cleaning,
scrubbing or power washing
are gone. There’s now a scrub
free way to a beautiful exterior.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Control the moisture around your home. Keep
shrubs, plants and mulch away
from exterior walls. Trim any
branches or tree limbs that touch
the outside of your home. Clear
gutters and drains of any leaves
or debris. Redirect sprinklers
and rotate hanging planters to
prevent water from regularly
collecting on exterior surfaces.
Also, make sure rain water is
not collecting near your home’s
foundation. Repair leaks and
extend downspouts away from
the foundation.
Step 2: Clean dirt and stains
off of your home’s exterior with
a house cleaner that contains
an EPA-registered mildewcide.
Some products require no scrubbing or power washing.
Step 3: Make outdoor furniture look like new again. Patio
tables, chairs and other outdoor
furniture collect dirt and stains,
giving your outdoor living
spaces an unappealing appearance. Get rid of tough stains on
vinyl, plastic and wood with an
outdoor stain remover. Maintain
the look of your cleaned surfaces
by preventing mold and mildew
from growing throughout the
warm months.
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
Things to know before building a deck
Statistics from the U.S. Census
Bureau Housing Survey indicate that homeowners annually
spend billions of dollars improving outdoor living areas.
One of the most popular ways
to do just that is to add a deck to
a home. Decks are beneficial in
many ways. Grillmasters love
decks because they make the
perfect place to set up a grill and
a table and cook for family and
friends. Those who simply love
being outdoors find decks the
perfect place to relax and soak
up some sun or idle away the
evening hours.
But homeowners who want to
build a deck should know a few
things before that process begins.
• Permits are necessary. Unless the deck is going to be especially small, you will likely
need a permit to build it. Before
buying any materials or consulting any contractors, make certain
you know which permits you
need and how to get them. If the
proper permits are not secured
before the project begins, you
might have to tear down the
whole project and start all over
again.
• Decks don’t have to be
made of wood. It’s easy to assume all decks are made of plain
wood. However, decks can be
made out of a wide variety of
materials, natural or synthetic.
Pressure treated wood is perhaps the most popular material
for decking because it’s not very
expensive. But manmade materials that are a mixture of recycled
plastic and wood bits or sawdust
are also popular because they
require no maintenance. But
homeowners should know that
manmade materials can get hot
in the sun, which will require
those enjoying the deck to wear
shoes.
• Expect to do some digging.
If you’re going to build your own
deck, expect to do some serious
digging. Local building codes
will dictate how deep you will
need to dig for the pier footings,
which support the deck’s weight.
Just how deep you’ll dig depends
on your climate’s specific frost
line, but it’s safe to assume you’ll
get a workout in when digging.
• You will want to protect
the deck. Decks are a costly investment, and you will want to
protect that investment. If you’re
building a wood deck, keep in
mind the sun will beat down on
the deck for most of the year. You
can protect the deck by painting
it. Paint provides sunscreen for
the deck, stopping the sun from
breaking down the material.
Once you’ve finished painting,
apply sealant, whether it’s oil- or
water-based.
• Don’t forget fasteners.
Fasteners will hide the screws
for aesthetic appeal. But not all
woods and fasteners are the right
fit, as certain woods are only
compatible with certain fasteners. Find out which fasteners
make the right fit ahead of time.
Because fasteners conceal the
screws, they also make it possible
to go barefoot on the deck.
A deck makes a great addition
to many homes, but homeowners
should learn as much as possible
• 16-oz curved-claw
nail hammer with
rubber grip handle
• Basic screwdriver
set containg flat and
Phillips heads
about decks and what goes into
building them before making any
decking decisions.
Residents are reminded that
any exterior modifications must
be approved by the Architectural Review Board before work
begins. To begin the review
process, check your community
criteria on your member dashboard and apply for the exterior
change at www.montgomery
village.com.
• Retractable tape
measure
• Adjustable wrench
• Slip-joint pliers
• Sandpaper in a
variety of grit levels
• Cross-cut hand saw
• Lubricant
• Power drill with a
• Glues (all-purpose,
variety of bits
wood and epoxy)
• Level
• Duct tape
• C-Clamps
• Flashlight
Please Note:
All exterior modifications must be approved by the Architectural Review Board before begining.
2016 Home Improvement guIde
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
page
25
State Farm, Christian Durand
www.statefarm.com
301-208-1100
The Christian Durand State
Farm Agency is a full service
insurance agency located in the
Flower Hill Shopping Center,
18237 Flower Hill Way, Suite D,
Gaithersburg (off Woodfield
Road). Our agency has been
relationship-focused, and service oriented.
Our mission is to provide
our clients outstanding service
and deliver the insurance coverage and benefit solutions that
fit their individual needs. The
customers that rely on us for
their car, home, life insurance,
financial services and other
personal/business insurance
products, know that they will
receive exemplary customer
service and care.
For a free quote or free insurance consultation, contact us
at 301-208-1100 or www.durand
christian.com.
View the 2016 Home
Improvement Guide online!
w w w. m o n t g o m e r y v i l l a g e . c o m
Get our 3-Bed, 2-Bath,
4-Door, V-6 discount.
Christian Durand, Agent
18237 Flower Hill Way Ste D
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Bus: 301-208-1100
[email protected]
Mon & Fri 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tu-We-Th 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sa 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
We speak French
1103161.1
Put auto and home together for hundreds in savings.
When you have a State Farm car and a State Farm home, get ready
to drive around with a big, money-saving State Farm smile.
GET TO A BETTER STATE.
CALL ME TODAY.
®
™
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company,
Bloomington, IL
To advertise,
call 240-243-2359,
or e-mail [email protected].
Please Note:
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a modification or replacement material has been approved in
concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility regarding claims and services
advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
How to prevent lawn damage
Many homeowners aspire
toward a pristine and lush lawn.
For some a nice lawn gives them
feelings of pride. Others believe
a perfect lawn enables them to
have the best-looking house
in the neighborhood. But just
because a lawn looks good now
doesn’t mean it will look good
later. That’s because delicate
grass can be damaged by a number of different factors.
GRUBS
Grubs are not very lawnfriendly. Grubs are actually the
larval stage of different types of
large beetles. These worm-like
creatures feed on the roots of
grass and are able to kill large
sections of the lawn in a relatively short amount of time. It
can sometimes be difficult to
discern whether grubs, drought
or another other pest has damaged a lawn. One way to check
is to grab a portion of the damaged lawn and attempt to peel it
back. If it comes back easily like a
piece of carpet, it’s likely grubs.
Spotting grubs underneath is a
sure sign these larvae are killing
the lawn.
Using an insecticide for grub
control in July can help kill off
grubs that start hatching in August through September. Grub
eggs do well in sunny patches of
lawn that are well watered. More
shade may deter them. There’s
also the option of letting the lawn
go dormant and not watering it,
but you will be left with a brown,
unappealing lawn.
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PET URiNE
Pets can also damage a lawn.
Pet urine can create burnt patches and significant discoloration
on the lawn, particularly if the
dog or cat uses one area consistently as their potty zone.
The best way to prevent urine
damage is to walk your dog so
that he or she will not have free
reign of the yard. However,
sometimes dogs get out or stray
cats and dogs visit your yard and
relieve themselves without your
knowledge. So this method is not
foolproof. Therefore, you should
take added action to maintain a
lush lawn.
First, make sure that soil and
lawn are in good health by fertilizing and taking care of them
properly. Second, water can
dilute urine and neutralize its
corrosive properties. Some have
found that diluted urine can
often act as a fertilizer to grass.
You may have noticed that the
outside ring of a urine-burned
spot is often greener than the
healthy lawn. Try to dilute the
urine prior to eight hours having
elapsed for the best effect.
BURROWiNG ANiMAlS
Moles and voles are among
the more common lawn damage culprits. Voles are small
rodents that resemble mice but
have stouter bodies, shorter
tails and rounder heads. They
feast on everything from bulbs,
succulent roots, ground cover
and even dead animals in their
paths. Their burrows enable
them to move around relatively
undetected, typically until the
damage has already been done.
Moles, although they have a
similar-sounding name, are not
related to voles and look very
different. They have a cylindrical body shape with velvety fur,
very small or invisible ears and
large paws for digging. Moles
often feed on earthworms and
other small invertebrates found
in the soil. The burrows they
create are essentially traps for
the worms, who fall into the
2016 Home Improvement guIde
burrows, where moles easily access them. Moles often stockpile
worms for later consumption in
underground larders.
Voles can be kept away with
natural vole predators, such as
cats, hawks, owls and snakes.
Mouse traps can also capture
voles when baited. You may also
dig sharp materials or chicken
wire into your soil around planting beds to make it uncomfortable for voles and moles to tunnel through.
Moles can also be controlled
with traps. Finding active mole
tunnels will help you place the
traps effectively to either kill or
simply contain the mole. The live
animal can be relocated to a site
where they won’t cause trouble.
Lawn damage can occur
through a number of different
factors. Finding out the cause
can help you find an effective
treatment.
McCormick Paints
www.mccormickpaints.com
301-330-4100
Who doesn’t like a great story
of entrepreneurial spirit, opportunity and success in America?
Did you know that two of those
American-made success stories
were intertwined in the development of Montgomery Village?
Clarence Kettler, renowned developer of Montgomery Village,
and Tom McCormick, founder of
McCormick Paints of Rockville
developed a long standing business relationship in the 1960s,
resulting in the exclusive use of
McCormick Paints during the
construction of Montgomery
Village.
Following college, Tom McCormick joined his father at his
paint store in Washington D.C.,
proudly named by Tom’s father,
McCormick and Son. Tom, seeing
the future success of McCormick
& Son as not only a paint retailer,
but as a local paint manufacturer,
set off to build McCormick Paints
as a first class paint manufacturing company, too.
Tom’s first step was to hire a
young chemist, the key ingredient in fulfilling this vision as a
paint manufacturing company.
In 1960, Tom and Gordon Allison started manufacturing
paint under the name of McCormick Paints Works Company in
Bethesda. As the business grew,
Tom built the corporate headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Rockville, both of which
are still utilized today. As the
demand for McCormick Paints
increased, a second manufactur-
ing facility and 30,000 square foot
distribution center were built in
Frederick. We’re proud of the fact
that both manufacturing facilities
are zero-waste and 100 percent
recyclable.
All McCormick Paints brand
paint is made in the Rockville
and Frederick plants, and is
shipped within a 500 mile radius.
We formulate our paint to provide you with superior results,
specifically for this region. Over
time, McCormick Paints grew
from one small store front at
the headquarters, to 25 stores
throughout Maryland, Virginia,
Washington, D.C. and Delaware.
Tom McCormick, now 87 years
old, continues to come to work
each week at the Rockville corporate headquarters. The company
remains family owned with three
of Tom’s sons and one grandson
working in the family business.
As a proud Montgomery Village resident, you share the same
vision that Clarence Kettler and
Tom McCormick shared: building something great. Our expert
staff can assist your next paint
project with product advice, color
selection, and paint supplies. We
can match any color, from any
source, and we have the selection of locally produced paints
and primers for any interior or
exterior project. Let us help you
or your painting contractor next
time your piece of Montgomery
Village needs a fresh coat of
paint!
Please Note:
The importance of color
In discussing architectural standards for the exterior of a home,
the importance of color cannot be
overstated. The original design of
each community had a color palette
to complement the home styles in
that community. The criteria for
each community has a focus on
color—standard trim/roof colors,
storm door colors to accent the front
entrance and fence and deck colors
in some townhomes.
Color has become even more important with the introduction of prefinished materials. Materials on the
homes exterior that were previously
painted (all doors, siding and trim)
can now be ordered in pre-finished
colors. There is a limited number of
pre-finished colors and an infinite
number of paint colors. Going from
a paint color to a pre-finished color
that maintains the integrity of the
overall house design can be very
difficult. This is one of the reasons a
design consultant was hired to provide professional input for review of
color and material changes to a home.
Another area of color that has
become important with pre-finished
materials is replacement windows.
Original house windows were usually either wood (painted the house
trim color) or mill finished aluminum, which can be used with almost
any color. Newer windows come in
colors with only a few options available. Window grids are now usually
between the panes of glass. In order
to maintain the original design intent
of the windows, most new windows
have to be capped in an aluminum/
vinyl color that is a close match to the
original house trim color.
The importance of color is just
one of many architectural areas that
will be explored at the Annual Home
Show on Saturday, March 19. Please
stop by to see the many samples of
new pre-finished materials. Visit
with the contractors that install these
materials as well as with the Architectural Review Board members and
the MVF Design Consultant, who
have considerable experience and
expertise in this area.
The Home Show will be
held at the Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue, from 9 a.m. to
3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. We
hope to see you there!
Every exterior modification must meet established ARB application and approval requirements regardless of whether a
modification or replacement material has been approved in concept in the past. Also, MVF does not take responsibility
regarding claims and services advertised in the Village News and Home Improvement Guide.
2016 Home Improvement guIde
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27
Saturday,March19•9a.m.to3p.m.
LakeMarionCommunityCenter•8821EastVillageAvenue
• Meet theARB members and the MVF
DesignConsultant
• Meetlocalcontractorswhoworkinyour
neighborhood
• Find out about theARB application process
• Seereplacementmaterialsandphotosof
completed,approvedprojects
• Discoverwhatimprovementscanbemade
toyourhome
• Get information on the latest exterior
updatesthathomeownersarerequesting
www.montgomeryvillage.com
page
28
2016 Home Improvement guIde
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For more information,
call Humberto Benitez at
240-243-2359
or e-mail [email protected]