Giving comfort Story by Trey Mewes, Photos by Eric Johnson
Jason and Shannon Ferch got the gift of a lifetime when they won a bathroom remodel contest For 14 years, Jason Ferch had a morning routine that looked more like a daily exercise session. Ferch, who is partially paralyzed, would just barely squeeze through the bathroom door. He would swing himself from his wheelchair to the toilet, and from there to the shower, where he would finally bring himself to his shower seat. It was a long process for Jason and his wife, Shannon Ferch, and one they often dreamed would become As seen in the November/December simpler.
issue of Austin Living Magazine
See HOUSE, Page 4
DIY projects to help you whip winter Brand Point Content
The leaves are starting to fall off the trees, the birds are flying south and you can feel the temperature dropping. Winter is on its way and while squirrels pack away food before the first snow fall, you’ll be relieved to know that you still have time to finish some projects listed below to get your home ready for winter. •Tackle the yard. Your yard will fall into dormancy during the winter, but a little prep now can help your green space bounce back in the spring. Fertilize your lawn using a lawn spreader from your local rental store to turn this all-day chore into a task that takes just a couple of hours. And don’t waste the rest of your day raking the yard; instead, rent a leaf blower to finish this task in a fraction of the time. • Seal the gaps. Find the places where cold air sneaks into your home and you will drastically reduce your heating bills throughout winter. Feel along your windows and doors for any drafts. Seal larger cracks with caulk and cover your windows in plastic wrap for comprehensive protec-
2
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
Taking care of your yard now can help the green return quicker the following spring. Brand Point Content tion. If you have a real chimney, don’t forget to close the damper to prevent cold air from billowing down the chimney. • Clean the carpets. The winter season can be hard on your carpets as snow, salt
and dirt get tracked in from outside. Cleaning them before winter begins puts them in the best possible shape for the colder months ahead. You may think you need to hire professional carpet cleaners, but you can actually handle this project yourself
by renting a carpet cleaner to conquer the task. You can visit RentalHQ.com to find your local rental store and for tips on renting a carpet cleaner.
See DIY, Page 3
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Winterize today for a warm and cozy home Brand Point Content
Last winter’s polar vortex not only affected the majority of the country with subfreezing temperatures, but wreaked havoc on utility bills. In fact, consumers in 13 states and the District of Columbia used enough energy in January to capture eight of the 10 highest winter demand days on record, according to PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator. According to the Farmers’ Almanac and other weather predictors, a polar vortex is expected to rear its ugly head again this winter. Now is the time to take simple steps to prepare yourself and your home for the cold, unforgiving season ahead. These simple steps will help ensure your home is comfortable and cozy this winter: Seal gaps and cracks: The average, mid-size U.S. home has an astonishing half-mile of gaps and cracks that outside air can infiltrate and conditioned air can leak out of, according to the Air Barrier Association of America. Air infiltration accounts for 38 percent of home energy
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
loss. Even your doors and windows can let warm air out. The good news is that you can fix it all. A few simple air insulating and winterizing projects can help homeowners save up to 30 percent on home energy costs, according to the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks and Window & Door insulating foam sealants from Dow Building Solutions can help eliminate costly utility bills. Fill the gaps and cracks around doors and windows, small spaces - such as electrical outlets and plumbing pipes - for a cozy and energy efficient home. For a full list of ideas, reference Dow’s air sealing checklist: greatstuff.dow.com/pdfs/checklist. pdf. Keep the critters out: While sealing your home, think about using a product that has the added bonus of keeping rodents, spiders and bugs out. The half mile of gaps and cracks throughout your home make up a super highway for critters even during the colder winter months.
See COZY, Page 6
Cleaning out the gutters can help prevent harmful ice dams in the winter. Brand Point Content
DIY: Prevent ice dams From Page 2 •Protect pipes from freezing. A ruptured pipe can ruin your home and everything in it. Ruptured pipes occur during winter when the pipes freeze and the frozen water inside expands. You can protect against this by never letting your home’s temperature fall below 65 degrees. Wrap pipes running along the exterior walls in heat tape, and be sure to check on your pipes on those bitterly cold nights. •Empty the gutters. If left unchecked, falling leaves and other debris will clog
your gutters and downspouts, which can cause ice dams in the winter. Start by trimming or removing trees and hedges near the gutters. If you lack the tools to complete this project, you can rent a brush cutter, tree trimmer or ladder to do the job. Once obstructions have been removed, clear the gutters to prevent a future home disaster. These simple steps will help you winterize your home so you can enjoy a happy, hazard-free holiday season. To learn more winterizing tips and to find rental stores in your area, visit RentalHQ.com.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
3
Jason Ferch demonstrates how much more space he has when entering the bathroom.
House: Couple had talked about remodeling bathroom From Page 1 “We had talked about redoing the bathroom for years,” Jason said. They never thought to have a major renovation done to their home in northwest Austin, however. The Ferches didn’t even consider the possibility until Shannon’s parents gave them the gift of a lifetime: A chance to win a free bathroom makeover courtesy of T ‘N G Plumbing. That makeover turned into a major overhaul of the Ferch house, from a
4
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
“This wasn’t just a bathroom remodel. They saved our house.” — Jason Ferch new water heater to electric work and more. “The people who sometimes need it most aren’t the ones who are going to ask,” said Gina Grundmeier, co-owner of T ‘N G Plumbing. Gina and her husband, Todd, decided
to hold an essay contest last summer after T ‘N G was recognized at the annual Best of Mower County awards. They wanted to pay their success forward by organizing a large-scale bathroom remodel using donated labor and parts from area businesses. The Grundmeiers received dozens of
essays nominating needy residents, but the Ferches stood out to Gina. “So many people have commented on what a wonderful choice, and what a great person he is,” Gina said. Jason said it only took a short time for T ‘N G to choose their finalist. T ‘N G called the Ferches up the same day the company toured Jason and Shannon’s home. “We didn’t realize we were going to make the top 5,” Jason said. “Then they came and interviewed us, checked out the bathroom to kind of see what work needed to be done.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Although the original remodel was planned for the bathroom of Jason and Shannon Ferch, the couple came home to also find the kitchen had received a fresh coat of paint. Of course, winning the contest was a little nerve-wracking. Aside from donating thousands of dollars’ worth of time and materials, T ‘N G and other contractors planned to work on Jason and Shanon’s home over the course of a few days while the Ferches stayed elsewhere. All the work done would purposefully come as a surprise to the couple. “They told us, ‘You’re going to stay at the Holiday Inn for a week and you have no say in what’s going in here,’” Jason said with a smile. Over the course of a week in mid-September, contractors would transform the Ferch house. Workers extended the Ferch bathroom by about 2 feet. They completely redesigned the room with new features designed for Jason’s use. Workers put a tilted mirror on the wall, a taller toilet and a better bathtub and shower. The flooring was redesigned specifically for wheelchair use as well. “It was an amazingly fast turnaround,” Gina said. “Typically, when you do a job of this size, and this was a huge project, that’s a two-, three-plus week contract. We took it all the way down to the studs in the wall.” Yet workers finished the project within four days, along with a few extra surprises. T ‘N G and other companies noticed the couple’s water heater and water softener were aged and rundown — the heater alone was installed in 1979, according to Jason. Contractors even repainted the kitchen and added a new faucet. Perhaps the biggest fix came when workers replaced some electrical wiring. T ‘N G noticed one of the electrical switches had bubbled over and could have been a major fire hazard. The Grundmeiers lost their home in 2010 due to an electrical fire, so they made sure to patch the electric wiring. “This wasn’t just a bathroom remodel,” Jason said. “They saved our house.” The Ferches were blown away by the work when they came home to a new, handy house. Jason no longer needs to work so hard in the morning and there’s no more wait time between the hardworkAUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
A wide view of the remodeled bathroom of Jason and Shannon Ferch who were the winners of the T ‘N G Pay It Forward contest.
“Just to be able to bring that much to them with the help of everybody, that’s what made it possible.” — Gina Grundmeier T ‘N G Plumbing ing couple. “It was awesome when we discovered we could be in the bathroom at the same t i m e, ” S h a n n o n said with a laugh. “It was great.” T ‘N G Plumbing plans to make its contest an annual affair for Mower County residents. Gina hopes to remodel a new house every March. Yet Gina was glad to help what she calls “a wonderful family.” “They’re an amazing couple,” she said. “Just to be able to bring that much to them with the help of everybody, that’s what made it possible.”
Before
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
5
Cozy: Schedule a home energy audit From Page 3
How to prevent that winter blaze By Jenae Hackensmith
jenae.hackensmith@austindailyherald.com
With winter on its way, the Austin Fire Department is gearing up for a busy season. “Obviously the calls go up because the people are turning on their furnaces and using their heaters, so definitely we see an uptick with that,” firefighter Josh Kunze said. With the increase of heaters and furnaces being turned on, Kunze, who has worked at the station for about five years, said there is a higher risk of fire or carbon monoxide leaks, and there are a few simple things that homeowners can do to protect themselves against a winter blaze or odorless gas. “Definitely have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor, and for sure [in] sleeping areas,” Kunze said. “Smoke detectors, one on every floor minimum, and again, the closer to your sleeping areas, the better.” Kunze said people should check their detectors on a monthly basis to ensure they are working correctly, and at a minimum check them twice a year. He said many times it could be as simple as changing dead batteries. When it comes to carbon monoxide, it is odorless and invisible, and not easily detected. “Someone could lose their lives, whole families in fact,” he said. Carbon monoxide can typically come from furnaces, or be expelled from a house with a clogged pathway. With fires, Kunze said it can be as simple as keeping heaters away from flammable items. “Running fire places and things, keep your combustibles away from that,” Kunze said. Keeping things like blankets or rugs away from things that can get fairly hot is a good place to start. Kunze also said not to run cords under the rug, as that can generate extra heat and start a fire. “You’re definitely not going to want to be doing that,” he said. People should also take care to inspect their own items, like portable heaters or furnaces. If anything has broken cords with
6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
Smoke alarm safety tips
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. • Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. • Because smoke rises, install smoke alarms high on a wall or on a ceiling. • Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly. • Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. — Information from the National Fire Protection Association
Use a pesticide-free sealant like Great Stuff Pestblock to seal up those entry points and save money on energy bills. Schedule a home energy audit: Hire a professional to conduct an energy audit of your home to help identify areas of energy loss and projects that can help improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. Additional projects will have costs, but you’ll reap the benefits. Prepare your fireplace: Before you ignite that warm, crackling fireplace, make sure to put a screen at the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds. Hire a chimney sweep to remove soot buildup from last winter.
Change the rotation direction of your ceiling fan: Today’s fans have a small switch that changes the rotation direction. During the winter months, turn your fan clockwise so that it sends the warmer air collected near the ceiling back down to your main living space. You’ll have the benefit of circulated air that also keeps you and your family warm and comfy all winter long. With these tips in mind, all you need is a few days or a weekend to get your house ready to fight the cold and help ensure you have a warm, cozy and comfortable environment for your family and guests! For more winterization tips and information on where to purchase products, visit www.dowgreatstuff.com/warmhome.
Sign up to the Austin Daily Herald E-News Send an email to: enews@austindailyherald.com with ‘ENEWS’ in the subject line.
For more fire protection tips, visit www.nfpa.org. wires showing, they should be replaced. “They don’t really have an expiration date on them, but when they start to show signs of wear, definitely when they’re sparking, you’re going to want to be very very aware of that,” Kunze said. Kunze said if anyone is feeling ill to report it and have somebody check the carbon monoxide levels. He said people should make sure their detectors also have a source of power. “We’re here and if anybody has any questions or concerns, let us know,” he said. “That’s what we do, and we’ll be more than happy to come check it out for them.” He directed people to call either dispatch or the fire station at 507-433-3405. “The best fireproofing is just being attentive and proactive with your smoke detectors and stuff like that,” Kunze said. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Fall into your home-to-do list blower is clean. Finally, be sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as an operational fire extinguisher nearby. Soon you’ll (safely) enjoy the warm glow during cold winter days.
Brand Point Content
The leaves and the weather don’t need to be the only things to change this season. As the cooler temperatures send you indoors, start adding home improvement projects to your to-do list. Why now? According to a recent survey by Houzz.com, 78 percent of homeowners are looking to improve the look and feel of their space; while 54 percent are looking to add functionality. Here are a few project ideas to get your home feeling and looking fabulous.
Focus on fixtures and fans As the days get shorter and there’s less natural light, you may notice your fixtures a lot more. For added illumination and energy savings, update incandescent bulbs with brighter, ENERGY STAR-rated bulbs which use about 75 percent less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer. Next, focus on your ceiling fans. Start by cleaning the blades with a gentle detergent and switch the blades to rotate clockwise. Changing this setting pushes warm air down into the room, making it feel warmer while saving up to 15 percent on heating costs.
From boring to bold baths The bathroom topped the 2014 Houzz & Home Survey renovation project list — likely since its one room in the house that’s used every day. If your bathroom is boring, basic or just outdated, it’s time to make a change — even on a budget. Faucets are a simple and affordable way to instantly renew the look and functionality in your bath. Moen’s Darcy bathroom collection, available at The Home Depot, includes transitionally styled faucets with a soft - modern look and water-saving benefits to offer the best of form and function and give you a beautiful bath in no time. The collection is also available in Moen’s Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish, so you’ll save time cleaning, too, as it helps resist water spots and fingerprints.
Weather the winter wisely No one wants to spend money on high energy bills, but according to the National Resources Defense Council, approximately one-third of a home’s total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors that aren’t insulated properly. Don’t throw money out your windows; updates such as weather stripping can keep out cool air while keeping the needed warm air in. And don’t stop there; simple tasks, such as replacing worn- out caulk, insulating your outlets, and prepping your windows with plastic cling for the winter months can significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Quick and convenient kitchen upgrade Cool weather means less barbecuing and more indoor cooking. As the entertaining hub and family gathering place, it’s no wonder the kitchen is the second top renovation project on the Houzz list. What are homeowners looking to update? TwenAUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Faucets are an easy way to renew a bathroom or kitchen. Brand Point Content
Check off your home improvement todo list with these simple changes. Your home will look and feel fabulous, and be more efficient, as the cooler weather approaches.
ty-one percent want a new kitchen faucet. From prep to clean-up, the kitchen faucet is a major workhorse — and a focal point — in the kitchen. So, if you’re living with a builder basic, it’s time for an upgrade. Pulldown faucets are a popular choice, such as the new Hensley kitchen faucet from Moen. Not only will it add a heightened aesthetic and functionality with its spot resist stainless finish, but it also features Moen’s innovative Reflex system, that self-retracts and securely docks to provide smooth operation and easy movement, offering a more convenient kitchen experience. In addition, the faucet features Microban antimicrobial protection, built-in to the faucet finish — to help inhibit the growth of stain-and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. For more information, visit moen.com.
Get fired up Nothing feels better on a cold night than getting cozy by a fire, but be sure your fireplace is prepped for the season. For a wood-burning fireplace, inspect the chimney for nests or cracks. Next, be sure to clean it thoroughly to remove creosote, which is unburned fuel, to prevent unwanted fires. For gas-burning fireplaces, be sure the airways of the pilot and main burners are working properly and the FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
7
Hunter safety also includes heating safely Austin Daily Herald
newsroom@austindailyherald.com
Hunting season is here, and, those returning to outdoor shelters should be extra vigilant about their heaters. Minnesota Energy Resources advises all outdoor hunting and fishing enthusiasts returning to their cabins, shacks, campers, tents and ice shanties, to be extra careful when restarting their heating system. A careful inspection should be done before each heating season to make sure heating equipment is working efficiently and venting properly. It’s also important to install quality
smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors and make sure they are tested and working properly. Recycle and replace old batteries with new batteries in both CO and smoke detectors and test them to make sure they produce an audible warning sound. When there is incomplete burning or combustion of the fuel source in the heating unit as well as insufficient venting, potentially lethal amounts of CO can build up in the shelter. CO is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas and can be produced by any heat source that burns fuels such as natural gas, wood, propane, kerosene
or gasoline. CO is the most common cause of fatal poisoning. In most CO deaths, the victims died in their sleep. Initial signs of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms of headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and confusion. Fresh air is immediately required so if CO is suspected, people should go outdoors, open windows and doors to get fresh air inside and contact 911 emergency responders. Venting on all heat sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, gas stoves and furnaces are designed to carry CO and other combustion products to the outdoors. Chim-
neys and vents can get plugged by animal or bird nests, leaves, or snow and ice. Small propane heaters and stoves, kerosene, wood burning and charcoal grills also produce CO buildup when not vented. A gas or charcoal grill should never be used inside for heating purposes. A gas oven should also not be used for heating. Portable heaters are available in many shapes and sizes and are available in many retail stores. Manufacturer’s recommendations for safe operations must be followed and are included with each unit sold.
Home improvements on a dime Brand Point Content
Prioritizing a home-improvement wish list is never easy. Do you put design and aesthetics ahead of functionality? Or do you choose comfort and convenience over energy efficiency and cost savings? If you’ve found yourself trying to figure out which home improvement project to tackle next, take another look at your list and see if some of your projects could actually double up on the benefits and give you style, comfort and energy efficiency all at once. The following projects are designed to do just that by giving you the most bang for your buck: 1. Appliance update — Does your dishwasher make so much noise you have to move to another room to have a conversation? Have you replaced the inner plumbing of your toilets at least once? These are indicators that you have older appliances in your home, and it may be that they are guzzling water, draining electricity and even disrupting your life. Installing new, Energy-Star appliances can save you money on electric and water bills, and also give your home a new, fresh look. Today’s appliances are styled to give your bathroom or kitchen a beautiful new look, matching any color or style theme. 2. Redecorating — To some homeowners, redecorating equals added and unnecessary expense. But some quick and simple updates can dramatically change how you feel in your space. Fresh paint and rearranging can do wonders. Add window treatments to bring a look of luxury into your home and motorize them with Som-
8
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2014
fy technology to ensure a larger return on your investment. Motorization not only offers comfort and privacy at the touch of a button, but also makes your home smarter by reducing energy costs with sun sensors that automatically adjust your window treatments. Did you know the U.S. Department of Energy claims that closing draperies can help reduce heat gains in the summer by 33 percent and that opening drapes in the winter can reduce heat loss in a warm room by 10 percent? Motorize your shades or draperies to prevent the money figuratively going out the window. Plus you don’t have to worry about kids or pets getting tangled in those dangling cords.
and colors; you can easily find one to blend in with the theme of your rooms and decor. With these five home improvement projects that give you more, it will be easier for you to prioritize your to-do list and really make it count.
3. Back splashes — Installing a back splash around your kitchen will provide something more than just a nice-looking space. Back splashes are also good for protecting your walls from food stains, water damage and scratches caused by active cooks in the kitchen. They’re easy to clean, too, saving you the expense of having to repaint the walls frequently. And they can increase your home’s value just by giving your kitchen an updated look. If you notice good success with back splashes in your kitchen, consider carrying the project through to your bathrooms as well. 4. Ceiling fans — Give your furnace or air conditioner a break by circulating the already warm or cooled air with ceiling fans. They’re designed to spin in one direction in the winter months, drawing down the warm air that hovers by the ceiling; conversely, they spin in the other direction in the summer to spread cool air throughout the room. Plus, ceiling fans come in so many styles AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT