Sunday, February 22, 2015
FEATURED HOME
119 Longleaf Drive, Leesburg
$299,000
T
L
Article by JENNIFER KING jennifer.king@albanyherald.com
his week’s featured home is located within the beautiful Pebble Ridge community in Lee County. This hardi plank and brick four bedroom, three and a half bathroom abode is situated on a nearly two acre lot with gorgeous landscaping. With more than 3,200 square feet of living space, this is a great home for a large or growing family! This is a custom built, one-owner home that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. A grand brick stairway leads up to a covered rocking chair front porch. The front door opens to reveal a traditional foyer with gleaming hardwood flooring. To the right of the entryway is a set of French doors which lead into a private office/study. The hardwood floors continue into this space and throughout most of the other living spaces in the home. Lovely built-ins with inset glass-front cabinets provide an area to display treasured items and decor. Enclosed cabinets below offer plenty of storage for office supplies and more. On the opposite side of the foyer is the formal dining room. Crown molding, chair rail, and wide base board grace the walls of this room. A wrought iron chandelier adds a dramatic touch, and a set of sunny windows lend natural light to the room. Straight ahead of the foyer is an impressive great room with a cathedral ceiling and a fireplace. This large space has a cozy family feel. A set of French doors at
the rear of the room lead out to a covered back porch with amazing views. Adjacent to the great room is the kitchen with an adjoining breakfast nook. Builtin black appliances contrast nicely with the pine custom cabinets. A raised breakfast bar provides casual dining space and divides the kitchen from the nook. French doors within the breakfast nook lead out to the covered back porch. The secluded master suite offers a sitting area, a private bathroom, an attached office/exercise room, and a private doorway to the huge covered back porch. The master bath features all of the spa-like amenities that you could want: jetted tub, separate shower stall, private water closet, and his and hers vanities. Here you will also find a sizable walk-in closet. Three additional bedrooms are located on the second floor. One features a private bathroom, and the other two share a Jack and Jill style bathroom. The scenic views outdoors truly need to be seen to be believed! There’s a patio area, a covered swing, a water feature, and additional out buildings. If you would like more information about this home or would like to schedule a private tour, please contact Debbie Foreman of Coldwell Banker Walden & Kirkland at her office: (229) 436-8811 or on her cell: (229) 869-4130.
www.needmoreproperties.com
The Gardens Apartments 1404 Whispering Pines Road, Albany, GA
1803 South County Line Rd $164,900, MLS#132505, 3/BR 3/BA 1920sqft, Country home on 10 acres! Excellent condition! Beautiful front & back porch views! Debbie Satterfield 343-6307 Needmore Properties 439-1837
(229) 889-8030
15+/- Acres Dougherty Co. Byron Plantation Road $235,000 MLS #131040 Make an Offer! Bob Dutton 894-7373 Needmore Properties 439-1837
Apartment Floor Plans: 1 Bed/1 Bath (600 sq ft) 2 Bed/ 1.5 Bath Luxury Townhouse (1049 sq ft) 2 Bed/ 2 Bath Splendorous Flat (1116 sq ft) 3 Bed/ 2 Bath (1335 sq ft)
Find Us on Social Media
Rent Includes Water, Garbage, Sewage, and Pest Control. Apartments come furnished with Refrigerator, Stove, Dish Washer, Ceiling Fans, Washer and Dryer Connections (Only Available in 2 Bedrooms and 3 Bedrooms), and Central Air/Heating. Apartment Complex has a crystal blue swimming pool, tennis courts, and Doggie Walk area. Move-in Specials: Military, Teacher and Student Discounts Available. We Also Have Houses, Duplexes, And Quad Rentals as well!!! Stop by and visit us, so we can get you into your new apartment.
229-434-1600 www.remaxofalbany.com
"Blending Relaxation and Sophistication to Create The Home of your imagination" - The Gardens Apartments
2 THE ALBANY HERALD • SWGA HOMES • Sunday, February 22, 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
WHO’S WHO IN MORTGAGE LENDING NATIONAL BANK Member FDIC
Mortgage Loan Originator
Jamie Parker 364-4121
Jamie.Parker @abtgold.com NMLS: 215724
www.abtgold.com
Marilyn Odum 886-0137
Marilyn.Odum@abtgold.com NMLS: 510529
2815 Meredyth Avenue, Albany, GA
(229) 446-2265
©Regions Bank, Member FDIC. Regions is a registered service mark of Regions Asset Company and is used under license. Subject to qualification, required documentation and credit approval. Certain exclusion may apply. Loan terms and availability subject to change. The Annual Percentage Rate on all adjustable rate mortgages is subject to change after consummation period. 3/29/11
Patrick Williams Loan Officer
Mortgage Specialist
2910 MEREDYTH DRIVE ALBANY, GA - (229) 903-1400
2609 Ledo Road ~ Albany, GA 31707 T: (229)436-9000 F: (229)483-9003 Cell: (229)395-3051 pwilliams@colonybank.com NMLS #740704 www.colonybank.com
ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST. PEOPLE YOU CAN COUNT ON. 721 N. Westover Blvd. Albany, Georgia Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender
Lisa Cannon
Loan Officer ~ Office Manager 137 Robert B Lee ~ Leesburg, GA 31763 T: (229)759-2800 F: (229)759-2808 NMLS #740761 lcannon@colonybank.com www.colonybank.com
Lay the Foundation for a Financially Secure Future with the Right Mortgage
HOW MUCH HOUSE CAN YOU AFFORD?
MORTGAGE RATES
Determining how much “home you can afford” depends on several important factors including: •
You can get a very rough estimate of your affordable home price range by multiplying your annual gross income by 2.5. For example, if your annual gross income is $50,000, you may be able to afford a home worth $125,000 (this varies depending on current interest rates, your debt and credit history.)
•
Your credit can affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage and your mortgage rate. Before you shop for a house or a mortgage, find out what your credit score is by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling (877) 322-8228. Be sure to do this once a year because your score can be negatively affected if pulled too often.
•
Mortgage rates change constantly based on the economic factors that affect the demand for mortgages among investors like Freddie Mac. You can track mortgage rate trends by following Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.
•
You will have to make a downpayment of at least 5 percent of the home purchase price to qualify for a mortgage that meets Freddie Mac’s requirements. If you are able to put down 20 percent or more, you can avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), reducing your monthly mortgage payment.
•
If you are looking to buy a condominium, keep in mind that rates are typically higher for these loans and you’ll have to budget for the cost of your monthly condominium fee.
•
You should consider your current living standards, as well as any future major expenses such as a wedding or college tuition. And, remember - buy what you can comfortably afford today, not five years from now.
•
Remember to factor in the expenses and fees you will incur for a home appraisal, a home inspection and other professional services required to buy a home.
KEY RATIOS LENDERS USE To determine how much you can afford, it is helpful to follow the guidance and key ratios lenders use : •
Lenders recommend that your mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and mortgage insurance) be less than 28 percent of your monthly gross income.
•
Lenders look to see that all your other debts (credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, car loans and housing expenses) are less than 30-40 percent of your monthly gross income.
For More Information
Subject To Change Upon Short Notice
LENDER
Dougherty County Public School System Lee County School System 431-1264 229-903-2100 (circulation dept.) 888-9322 Driver’s License Bureau 430-4251 Automotive Tag Office 431-3255 Voter Registration 431-3247 Correct Time 436-6121 Albany-Dougherty Chamber of Commerce 434-8700
(No Points) (No Points)
AB&T National Bank 229-446-2265
Rate
Cap
Rate
30 yr.
-
-
-
-
3.50
0
2.875
0
Ameris 229-434-4555
3.625 2.875
-
-
-
-
3.25
0
2.75
0
Colony Bank 229-436-9000
3.625 2.875
-
-
-
-
3.25
0
3.00
0
3.625 2.875
-
-
-
-
3.50
0
3.125
0
2.99
-
-
-
-
3.375
0
2.75
0
3.50 2.625
-
-
-
-
3.50
-
2.625
-
3.875 3.125
-
-
-
-
3.875
-
-
-
3.875
3.50
2.75
-
-
-
-
3.25
-
-
-
-
3.625 2.875
-
-
-
-
3.25
0
3.00
0
3.50
Flint Community Bank 229-903-1400 Heritage Bank 229-878-2021 Northside Mortgage 229-878-1499
12844 NML 166305 166418 28262
Regions Mortgage Inc. 229-434-6817 Suntrust Mortgage Inc. 229-430-5494 Synovus Mortgage 229-430-7037
3.75
Cap
3.00
3.75
3.875
-
Rates can be reduced with discount points. Rates are subject to change upon short notice, and discount points could change frequently. One discount point is equal to one percentage point of the loan amount and is paid when the loan is closed. Most lenders have a variety of programs. ORIGINATION FEE IS NORMALLY ONE ADDITIONAL POINT, BUT CAN VARY. Maximum amount for conventional loan is $417,000. To Participate in the column, call 888-9333. For information on specific mortgage programs call The Lender.
MORTGAGE PAYMENTS CALCULATOR Monthly interest, interest payments for 30-year, fixed rate mortgage. Escrow payments for taxes, insurance not included. Payments are rounded to the nearest dollar.
•
City of Albany Georgia Power Mitchell EMC Sumter EMC 883-8330 436-3304 436-0070 759-2291 TELEPHONE AT&T Residential 888-757-6500 www.att.com Business 866-620-6000 INTERNET PROVIDERS AT&T (Dial-up 800-436-8638) (DSL 800-263-0241) www.att.com Plantel 1-800-342-7564 SurfSouth 878-6008 RECYCLING Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful 430-5257
30-YEAR 15-YEAR 1-YEAR ADJUSTABLE RATE (No Points) FHA and/or VA (30-Year) FHA and/or VA (15-Year) FIXED FIXED Life of USDA RATE Rate Annual Loan Margin 30 yr. Points 15 yr. Points 100% RATE
3.75%
4.00%
4.25%
4.50%
4.75%
5.00%
5.25%
5.50%
$50,000
232
239
247
255
263
271
277
284
60,000
278
287
295
303
311
319
327
332
70,000
325
335
345
355
365
375
387
398
80,000
371
382
393
403
413
423
442
455
90,000
417
430
444
458
472
486
497
512
100,000
464
478
492
506
520
534
497
512
110,000
510
526
542
558
574
590
553
568
120,000
556
573
591
609
627
645
608
625
130,000
603
621
641
661
681
700
663
682
140,000
649
669
689
709
729
749
718
739
150,000
695
717
738
760
782
804
774
795
160,000
741
764
788
812
836
860
829
852
170,000
788
812
836
860
884
908
884
909
180,000
834
860
886
912
938
964
939
966
190,000
880
908
936
964
992
1020
1050
1079
200,000
927
955
984
1011
1044
1067
1105
1136
THE ALBANY HERALD • SWGA HOMES • Sunday, February 22, 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 3
Creating an inviting, low maintenance porch Creating the perfect porch can be simple and low-maintenance (BPT) - Your porch should be a warm, welcoming outdoor living space that offers comfort and helps make a house a home. Whether you want to remodel your porch from the ground up, or just give it a refreshing new look and feel, it's easier than you think to create a perfect porch. Start with a Kleer deck as enchanting flooring for your remodeled porch, choosing from the rich, nature-inspired color palettes available for the Sierra Series and Coastal Series Decking. Sierra offers deep, solid earth tones with wood grain textures such as Sequoia, plus streaked tropical wood looks, such as Golden Teak. The Coastal Series offers charming Cobblestone and serene Sand Dune hues, which give your porch a relaxing feel reminiscent of a
seaside resort. Framing your porch, like a picture for the world to see, is easy with Kleer Trimboard. Add elegant white or colorfully painted accent trim around the top, bottom and sides of the porch using durable cellular PVC trimboards in a variety of sizes. This trim can even be crafted into ornate gingerbread or curved using heat-bending to make soaring arches. Kleer Mouldings can be readily cut so that you can add eye-catching detail anywhere. Using Kleer Beaded Sheets, you can build a porch ceiling with great warmth and charm. For a picturesque porch, enclose columns in Kleer Post Wraps to protect them from the elements while adding wood's natural, finished look. To complete your perfect porch,
dress up nearby windows and doors with distinctive touches that complement the look and feel of your outdoor living space. High-impact, budget-friendly ideas include adding Mid-America Siding Components' richly-colored shutters with matching window headers to enhance your porch's warmth and curb appeal. The sophisticated Flat Panel and geometricstyle Classic Dentil headers pair perfectly with decorative shutters like the classic Open Louver or Old Worldstyle Board-n-Batten. Another quick, easy upgrade is an
inviting door surround in cream, white or another neutral color to enhance porch aesthetics. Adding a door surround is a natural way to create that "welcome home" feeling too. Designed for easy living, Tapco's enduring Kleer and Mid-America brand solutions never require painting or wood's time-intensive upkeep. Whether you want to transform your porch into a cozy gathering spot or grand wraparound retreat, Tapco's exterior products can put the perfect lowmaintenance outdoor living space within your reach.
REDUCED & A S S O C I A T E S R E A L T Y , L L C
1140 DAWSON ROAD ALBANY, GEORGIA 31707
www.ugottamove.com
229-883-3000
JOHN ANDERSON BROKER/OWNER APPRAISER
881-3331
2808 Reeves Lane Cute & well maintained, 3 BR, 2 BA. Great location in NW. REDUCED Wonderful neighborhood and convenient. Call agent today for appointment.
TOMMY YORK MOBILE
BANK OWNED ON-SITE Real Estate Auction Albany Single Family Home
347-3381
Motivated Seller, 3BR, 1.5 BA, screened porch.
Denise Ballard Dianne Barlow Lisa Bartlett 214-0005 886-4777 364-0450
883-6100
Thomasine Dye-Thomas
432-5527
Mike Flynn 376-2361
Susie Hardin William Jackson Terri Kerrey Erica Nepote Jennifer Sanchez Raines Watkins Kristy Wingate 291-3977 291-5303 344-3029 395-4237 343-4663 894-3050 395-6861
New Listing!
200 Martindale Drive 3 BR, 2 1/2 Bath, 1711 sq ft - SFR Sale Date - Saturday, March 28, 2015 11:00am
Judy Bowles Mark Daniels 347-3454 449-8710
New Listing!
New Listing!
$142,000 3BR / 2BA 1531 SF Spacious Greatroom with Fireplace Hardwood Flooring, Overlooking Lake
$365,900 2BR / 2.5 BA 3004 SF Custom Built with Open Kitchen Plan 12 Ft Ceilings, Gas Log Fireplace
$84,900 2BR / 2BA 1192 SF Spacious Living / Dining Room Double doors leading to private Patio
MLS # 133125
MLS # 133127
MLS # 133105
FREE BROCHURE 1-800-260-5846 www.auctionservicesintl.com
New Listing!
Maurice Barfield GA-AU001102 ASI-FM.AUC002852 5% Buyers Premium
$145,000 3BR / 2BA 1836 SF In-Ground Vinyl Pool, Privacy Fence Living Room with woodburning Fireplace
$430,000 215 ACRES IN SHELLMAN, GA Timber and Hunting Tract Wildlife & cleared areas for food plots
$89,900 3BR / 2BA 1516 SF Beautiful Sunroom and Covered Patio In-Ground Pool, Pool House & Gazebo
MLS # 132729
MLS # 133109
MLS # 129593
www.lakeblackshear.com 2031 N. Slappey Blvd Albany, GA Allan Willcox 435-1717
Chuck Willcox 435-1717
Vonnice Brown 344-4700
Jennifer Blount 349-0929
Tippin Heiden 395-0199
Paul Powell 347-9829
Betty Townsell 881-2665
Kathy Slaughter 347-8650
435-1717
Custom Built Home With 218 Hugh Price Reduction! 3 Br 2 Bath, 1500SF, with a Very Well Maintained 2 BR, 2 BA, Feet On Main Lake! 5 Bedrooms, Guest House ( Guest House has $219,000, Lots Of Space Hardwood Floors, 1820 Sqft, On Main Lake, 5 or 6 Bedrooms, Over 5000 Square Ft, Hardwood a Kitchen Area, BR / Living Over 150 Feet On Water With A Floors, Bonus / Rec Room, 5 Baths, 3600 Square Ft, Room, Dock W/Boat Slip, Nice Double Boathouse, Garage Double Boathouse, Master Boatramp And A Dock, Excellent Location, And Storage $315,000 Bedroom Donstairs $595,000 100 Feet On The Water $245,000, MLS# 132213
On 1 Acre, 3 BR, 2 BA, 1500 SF, Hardwood Floors $75,000 MLS# 132201
Foreclosure, $91,900! 3 Bedroom, 2 Ba, 1900 Square Ft
Cedar Grove S/D ,1831 SF, 4BR, 2BA, hdwd floors and tile, double garage, eat in kitchen $155,000 MLS # 121646
Merry Acres West S/D, 4BR, 3.5BA, 3114 Sf, HW Floors Throughout, Granite Countertops, Split Bedroom Design, Covered Porch $315,000
3BR 2BA,1550 Sqft, Brick Home, Living Room, Den, Eat In Kitchen, Fenced Yard $99,900
Lee County, Glendale S/D 3 Bedroom, 2 BA, 1519 Square FT, Fenced Yard, $99,500
Excellent Location With 89 Feet On Water, 3 Bedroom 2 Ba Metal Roof, Dock, Screened Porch, $299,000
Great Location Near Publix, 3 Bedroom, 2 Ba, Recently Updated, Fenced Yard, $94,900
Main lake views with a Dock, Hardwood Floors, Metal Roof, Sun Room, 2BR $285,000
4 Bedroom, 2 Ba, Acre Lot, 2300 Sqft, Living Room, Den $125,000
3BR 2BA In Lake Park 2400 Square Feet, New Carpet 4BR, HW Floors, Plenty of Duplex in Albany, And New Paint, Bonus Room, School District, Hardwood Storage, Gameroom, 4 Bedroom 2 Bath, 3/4 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, Eat In Floors, Garage, Dining 3600 Square Feet, Great Investment , Brick, Kitchen, Hardwood Floors, Area, Large Family Room, $60,000 Fenced Yard $157,000 $109,900
694 SCENIC RT
LOTS FOR SALE LAKE BLACKSHEAR
108 Feet On The Water, Boatslip. $85,000 ...................................................................................................................CALL ALLAN 886-2828
SWIFT CREEK
150 Ft. Of Water Front Property, Well Or City Water, Sep. Tank $53,750
1.6 ACRE LOT NORTH VALHALLA
150 Ft. Right On The Water. $89,500 .............................................................................................................................CALL ALLAN 886-2828
NORTH CEDAR CREEK
Very Good Water Location. 196 Ft. Water Front. 1.16 Acre. $96,000
375 FLINTSIDE Custom Built Home on Pataula Creek, Great Views with 72 feet on water, 3 BR 2.5 BA, no corp line, 2356 SQ FT, Workshop and Entertaining Area, $325,000
Main Lake Lot, 80 Feet On Water, Dock. $159,500 .................................................................................................CALL CHUCK 886-2521
LOT 8 CANNON BRANCH
1.11 Acres With More Than 280 Ft. Overlooking Water. $145,000 ...................................................................CALL ALLAN 886-2828
490 LAKESHORE WAY
Main Lake Lot, Crisp County, 75 Feet On Water, Seawall. $139,900 ...............................................................CALL CHUCK 886-2521
475 NORTH CEDAR CREEK
Open Lot With More Than 120 Ft. Of Waterfront Property. Includes Dock. $159,000 ..................................CALL ALLAN 886-2828
CANNON BRANCH SUBDIVISION
Several Lots In New Subdivision. Restrictive Covenants, Excellent Neighborhood. Water Front Lots Start At $80,000
51 Acres With Pond, Income Producing Pecan Trees, Farm Equipment, Home With 2BR/2BA, 1500 Sq Ft $385,000
4 THE ALBANY HERALD • SWGA HOMES • Sunday, February 22, 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
2-4PM
242 WIREGRASS WAY Directions: From Old Dawson Rd; right on Home Dr to Martindale, left on Wiregrass Way $389,000, MLS# 130670, 3BR, 3BA, over 3,900 sqft, Best buy in Callaway Lakes! Custom built on approx. 4.5 acres! CHRIS FAULK: 886-3285 $
Starting at
15.00
| 2724 Ledo Rd | Albany, GA 31707
THE ALBANY HERALD • SWGA HOMES • Sunday, February 22, 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 5
6 THE ALBANY HERALD • SWGA HOMES • Sunday, February 22, 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
Southwest Georgia
Explore the alternatives to granite countertops
COURTESY OF METROCONNECTION
Granite has long been a popular countertop material for homeowners looking to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal in their kitchens. But granite is no small investment, and homeowners looking to refurbish their kitchens should know there are a multitude of countertop materials available to those working on a budget or those who simply want to give their kitchens a different look. · Solid wood: Wood countertops create a warm, homey interior. Butcher block counters are less expensive than granite and do not necessarily need to be ordered from a speciality retailer. But wood can stain and dent and can even burn when hot kitchenware is placed atop it.
Regular application of oil can help homeowners maintain the appearance of their wood counters for years to come. · Marble: Marble tends to be less expensive than granite without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. However, marble is softer and more porous than granite, so it can stain and be etched. Diligence in wiping away spills, routine sealing and a gentle touch is necessary for those who choose marble countertops. · Soapstone: This is a natural stone composed mainly of mineral talc that gives the stone its smooth feel. Soapstone ranges from black to gray but can sometimes have a green shade to it. Other materials in the stone can produce veining. Although softer than granite, soapstone
5 easy kitchen and bath upgrades that take only hours to complete
is still high-density and will hold up well. It's impervious to stains and bacteria, and exposure to chemicals will not damage it. · Quartz: Quartz is a manufactured product made of stone aggregate and polymers compressed under high pressure. It has the look of natural stone but requires less work to maintain. Quartz has consistent colors and patterns and is a nonporous material, so it will not need routine sealing and resealing. · Glass: Glass countertops are backpainted, so homeowners can order just about any color they want. Glass will be tempered, so it is safe and heat-resistant. Glass can scratch, though, so it is not as impervious as other
materials. · Concrete: Concrete is another material that can be colored to match homeowners' whims. Concrete is relatively inexpensive compared to other countertop materials, but it can
crack or chip. While granite is a popular countertop material, homeowners who want something new have many additional options at their disposal.
(BPT) - Do your kitchen and bathrooms look a bit drab? If you don't have the time or budget for a full remodel, there are still many simple updates you can do to refresh these spaces and invigorate each with impressive style. From affordable faucet updates to pretty paints, each takes one day or less to complete, instantly providing a dramatic effect. Freshen the faucet Almost anyone who enters the bathroom or kitchen will use the faucet, which means it's a functional focal point of the space. Installing a new faucet is a simple way to redefine interior design and reflect your own personal style. The new line of Kohler faucets available at Home Depot offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. For example, set the ambience in your bathroom with the Georgeson line of faucets, inspired by the Gatsby era with chic detailing and unique shapes to provide a decorative, eclectic touch. For those who prefer traditional silhouettes, the Mistos kitchen faucet's soft lines and classic aesthetic provide a timeless, upscale look. Update hardware and accessories Cabinet hardware and other accessories do for a room what jewelry does for an outfit - they provide the finishing touches that really elevate the space. Fortunately, it's simple and economical to swap out dated hardware for new handles, knobs and pulls. Popular metal finishes include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze and chrome. For bathrooms, update accessories to match your new Kohler faucet - each line includes coordinating accessories like towel bars, showerheads and tub fillers. Experiment with paint Paint is one of the most affordable ways to dramatically change the look and energy of a space. If you have dated tile, research if tile paint is an option for your kitchen or bath. Don't be afraid to experiment with color - a rich or vivid color on a focal wall can add instant style, like on the wall behind the tub or stove. Don't forget the fifth wall: a fresh white ceiling instantly brightens the area and visually heightens the room, which can make the space feel larger and more modern. Frame the mirror Every bathroom has a mirror, and some kitchens and adjacent dining spaces feature mirrors as well. A mirror provides a focal point while reflecting light to make it appear brighter. But if you have a builder-grade mirror, you're probably longing for more style. Instead of investing in a costly new mirror, simply add a new frame around your current one. You can buy a prefabricated frame or create one yourself fairly easily from supplies at your local craft store. Your boring old mirror will be transformed immediately into an upscale alternative. Swap light fixtures and bulbs If your current bathroom and kitchen light fixtures evoke nostalgia from a lost era, it's time for a swap. Pick out a new overhead fixture to instantly dress up the room - modern chandeliers, track lighting and recessed lighting are popular options. For bathrooms, installing task lighting by the mirror can help streamline daily routines. Keep in mind, cool, bright white bulbs with a high colorrendering index (CRI) closely reflect natural light and therefore are a good option for bathrooms as well as cooking spaces.
Give your landscaping a no-maintenance makeover
(BPT) - Low- and nomaintenance features top the list when making over outdoor living spaces because less time maintaining means more time enjoying. Low-maintenance landscaping outranks native plantings, water features and food/vegetable gardens according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey. Landscape professionals love to share their secrets and show off their craft when redesigning outdoor spaces for low or no maintenance. Armed with know-how and using sweat equity, do-ityourselfers also can employ tips that professionals use for a no-maintenance landscape makeover. Landscaping with hardscapes Landscape professionals use retaining wall systems for a variety of landscaping solutions. Segmental retaining walls are commonly used to transition elevations, shore up slopes along foundations and define spaces such as creating planters, tree rings and other features. "Hardscape products like retaining walls and pavers are important tools for both
landscapers and do-ityourselfers in creating low-maintenance landscapes," says Scott Arnold, manager of Villa Landscapes in St. Paul, Minnesota. "With just the standard VERSA-LOK retaining wall unit, you can easily create seat walls, curved couches, columns and other features." Retaining wall systems combined with concrete pavers can be used to create beautiful raised patios, replacing highmaintenance wooden decks, says Arnold. In addition to being as cost effective as a wooden deck, a raised patio offers several advantages. "A deck railing can be replaced with wrought iron fencing or a low seat wall so the view is unobstructed," Arnold says. "Raised patios also look great with a contrasting paver course or rock barrier for potted plants, and steps to the ground can be created with retaining wall units." Retaining wall units and interlocking concrete pavers come in a variety of colors, shapes and textures to complement any landscape design and are often used to create design continuity in outdoor spaces. Tree rings can be coordinated or color-contrasted with raised patios, retaining walls and other hardscapes. Permeable pavers are an environmentally
sound and lowmaintenance solution where impervious surface limits, storm water management, water quality and water conservation are issues. "Permeable pavers are a best practice for storm water management and quality issues because they prevent runoff and let rain water infiltrate in place naturally," says Burt Plett, product manager of Willow Creek Paving Stones. "Permeable pavers reduce the need for irrigation in droughtprone areas, unlike poured concrete or asphalt." It's best to consult a landscape professional who is experienced in installing permeable paving systems so that they work properly and consistently, Plett says. Low-maintenance landscaping practices
Landscaping practices can make it easier to control weeds and manage lawn care as well. The use of rock mulch and natural rock in gardens and beds, as walkways and as stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control and also lessens the need for irrigation. At least three inches of rock mulch or four inches of natural mulch will prevent weeds. A landscape fabric under stepping stones and rock mulch
offers even more insurance against weeds. A simple way to cut down on trimming is to add a course of pavers along the bottom of a retaining wall, tree ring or planter so the mower can get close to the wall, says Arnold.
Maintenance-free outdoor accessories Selecting maintenance-free outdoor furniture and accessories is an easy way to make over a space. Outdoor furniture made of recycled HDPE like Comfort Craft requires no storage or maintenance other than cleanup with soap and water. Unlike wood, Comfort Craft furniture won't chip, splint, crack or rot and never needs painting. Hardscape kits containing everything needed to create a fireplace, firepit, water feature or grill island are some of the most popular low-maintenance landscaping products, Arnold says. "Using easy-to-install kits like those from Willow Creek Paving Stones, homeowners and contractors alike can create beautiful features such as grill islands, bar islands, fire pits and fireplaces that are longlasting and low-maintenance," Arnold says.