Parade of Homes

Fall 2016 FREE TO THE PUBLIC

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE FALL PARADE OF HOMES GOLD SPONSORS

JAMES CONNETT: INSULATION & FIREPLACE • RNL HOMEBUILDERS SILVER SPONSORS CEDAR BEND HOMES • SUNSPACE TEXAS • BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING

TM

Look for the Official Parade of Homes Yard Sign

OFFICIAL

Parade Home

Look for the Official Parade of Homes Yard Sign

Table of Contents

OFFICIAL

Parade Home

2 |

Fall 2016

Crystal Duprè PUBLISHER

Sean Lewis ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Geoff Moore MARKETING CONSULTANT Shauna Lewis SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR

October 14, 2016

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

4

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

5

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOME

6

DID YOU KNOW?

7

MAXIMIZE PROFITS ON YOUR INVESTMENT PROPERTY

9

BUYING AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY

10

INDEX

11

MAP

12-13

FALL HOME-IMPROVEMENT TO-DO LIST

14

Linda Brinkman ADVERTISING MANAGER

DID YOU KNOW?

15

TRANSFORM SPACES INTO COZY RETREATS

16

GUIDE TO TREE PRUNING

18

Aaron Beagle SECTION DESIGNER

ADDRESS AIR LEAKS

19

CLOSING THE POOL FOR ANOTHER SEASON

21

DID YOU KNOW?

22

Parade of Homes

T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

YOUR VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN THE BRAZOS VALLEY

BCSREALTOR.COM W v ov r 1800 prop rti s from ov r 800 REALTORS® to s rc from in t Bry n-Coll g St tion Multipl Listing S rvic d t b s in Br zos, Burl son, Grim s, L on, M dison nd Rob rtson counti s. W lso v listings from ot r r s in T x s s w ll. N w d t is uplo d d d ily.

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October 14, 2016 | 3

cHeck out tHe latest Home trends at paRade Of hOmes By marK WeBer, President of Greater Brazos Valley Builders association

dreams.

This year’s Fall Parade of Homes™ is sponsored

by RNL Home Builders, James Connett Insulation and Fireplaces, Cedar Bend Homes, Sunspace Texas, Tom Lyne Plumbing/Lyne Home Products, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Atmos Energy, Pitman Custom Homes, Hob Knob Interior Hardware, BCR Realtors, Reece Custom Homes, Hamilton Custom Homes and Ridgewood Custom Homes.

O

n behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, I want to welcome you to the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes™.

Whether you are in the market for a new home or just looking for ideas, the Parade of Homes™ is the place for you to discover exciting new trends in construction and home design. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the builder personally and to learn how they can build you the home of your

Homes will be open on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and Oct. 16. Hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Admission to the homes

is free to the public. To view the homes, look for the map in the Parade of Homes™ special section in The Eagle on Friday, Oct. 14 or visit the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association website at www.gbvbuilders.org.

For the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes™, we are excited to once again offer an interactive map. This can be viewed on your desktop or your mobile device, and will help guide and direct you to all the participating homes in the parade throughout the various subdivisions.

This can be downloaded through our website at www.gbvbuilders.org, or text BCSHomes to 313131.

You can also follow the blue directions signs and

find the official red Parade of Homes™ sign that will be located in the yard of each participating builder’s home.

Take advantage of the nice fall weather. We look forward to seeing you and hope you find your new home while touring the houses included in the Fall Parade of Homes™.

(dba Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association) is a not-for-profit trade association, affiliated with the Texas Association of Builders and the National Association of Home builders, chartered in 1967 to promote and protect the building industry and its customers in Brazos County and its contiguous

counties. Our mission is to cultivate a positive business environment in the building industry. We are committed to responsible growth by providing citizens with safe, quality and cost-effective housing while promoting a positive economic future for the counties the association serves.

The BryanCollege Station Home Builders Association

BCR Realtors Texas A&M Alumni want to wish this years team a great season in Aggieland!

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Hank McQuaide “69”

Jason Bienski “92”

Apartment & Home Rentals • 1st & Relocation Homes Farm, Ranch & Land Sales • Commercial & Investment Properties Sales Team 979.694.8844 Rentals 979.694.2747 HOA Management 979.703.1819

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Pete Bienski “95”

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John Lilly “74”

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Parade of Homes

bcrbcs.com 700 University Dr. E. Suite 108 College Station, TX T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

2016 Fall Parade of Homes™ this weekend

By Jimmy Pitman, chairman of Fall Parade of Homes™ Committee, Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association

O

n behalf of the Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, I want to welcome you to view the new construction homes on display during the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes ™.

On the weekend of Oct. 1516, you can view more than 20 homes built by some of our community’s finest home builders. This event is a great opportunity to come see the latest trends in new construction and interact with our local home builders. It’s a good thing

the parade is two days; this will give ample time to view all of the beautiful homes presented.

Bryan, College Station and the surrounding area continues to see some incredible growth. This growth has brought us new ideas and technologies that are being incorporated into our local building community. We are also seeing new neighborhoods and new sections of current neighborhoods develop at a rapid pace.

With this development we see restaurants and store fronts opening new locations throughout our community. All of these factors working together are giving residents of Bryan, College Station and surrounding areas more options to choose from

when deciding on where to live, work and play.

For the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes™, we are pleased to once again offer an interactive map. This can be viewed on your desktop or your mobile device and will help guide and direct you to all the participating homes in the Parade throughout the 10 subdivisions.

Also included on the site is a gallery and description of the home, as well as a biography of the builder.

This can

be accessed through our website at www. gbvbuilders.org, or text BCSHomes to 313131 for the link.

As a representative of the

home builders participating in the 2016 Fall Parade of Homes ™, we thank you for taking time to visit our homes Oct. 15-16. We appreciate the opportunity to display our product and

answer questions about the building process. Each home participating has a unique story to tell, and we look forward to sharing it with you.

HOME FINANCING Professional hometown Bankers

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October 14, 2016 | 5

How to PrePare your Home fOR pROspeCtive buyeRs

Bright homes tend to feel more spacious, so fix any light fixtures that need fixing and even add small lamps in rooms that could use some extra light.

Metro Creative Connection

s

elling a home can be exciting.

Homeowners who made considerable financial commitments when buying their homes may be anxious when the time comes to get returns on their investments, but selling a hope need not be so nerve-racking.

Buyers’ tastes often dictate their interest in a home. For example, no matter how immaculate homeowners may keep their colonials, such homes won’t appeal much to buyers looking for a traditional Cape Cod cottage-style home. But while you might not be able to change your home’s architecture to appeal to the masses, there are steps you can take to make your home more

appealing to buyers whose dream home more closely resembles your own.

addRess CuRb appeal.

Curb appeal goes a long way toward creating a lasting first impression, so homeowners can start by driving up to their homes and looking at them through the eyes of prospective buyers. Address the landscape if it needs some TLC, and power wash siding if it’s appearing a little dirty. Examine your driveway for cracks and consider installing a new surface if the existing one is more of an eyesore than eye-catching. Finally, clear the yard of toys and tools before nailing the “For Sale”

sign into the ground, as a cluttered yard will give buyers the impression that you did not prioritize keeping a clean and presentable home.

CleaR Out the ClutteR. Some sellers stage their homes when putting them up for sale. But staging might not be an option for sellers who are still living in their homes and intend to do so until they find buyers. If you can’t stage your home, then do your best to remove clutter, including extra pieces of furniture you might have accumulated over the years that can make rooms seem smaller. Box up any books that no longer fit on

bookshelves, and try to keep common areas like family rooms, hallways and kids’ playrooms as open and clean as possible so the rooms appear roomy and relaxing.

let the light shine in.

Dark homes are less appealing to prospective buyers, many of whom have no interest in living in caves that are void of natural sunlight. When showing your home, make sure all of the curtains are drawn and the blinds or shades are up.

If trees or shrubs outside windows are blocking natural light from getting inside, consider trimming them so your home appears sunnier and more inviting.

taCkle that tO-dO list.

It’s easy for a home’s residents to grow accustomed to certain minor problems, such as a doorknob that always sticks or a creaky kitchen cabinet door. But buyers might be turned off by

too many of these minor problems and wonder if any larger and more expensive issues also went ignored.

Before showing your home, address all those minor repairs on your to-do list.

Selling a home can be exciting, and homeowners can take steps to make sure their home sale is successful and lucrative as well.

David Weekley Homeowners Steve, Nico & Steven Sajkowski

Home is a cherished place for your entire family.

At David Weekley Homes, we balance livability with outstanding design so you can enjoy the lifestyle you want. Our FlexSpaceSM options let you easily transform any room to suit your interests. Our collaborative approach to creating your dream home will inspire you to live life to the fullest. That’s The Weekley Way!

Castlegate II | From the $300s 4204 Norwich Drive College Station, TX 77845 979-314-7888

years

See a David Weekley Homes Sales Consultant for details. Prices, plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Illustrations are artist’s depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Copyright © 2016 David Weekley Homes - All Rights Reserved. Houston, TX (HOUA82003)

6 |

October 14, 2016

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HOB KNOB

did yOu knOw?

Interior Hardware

Metro Creative Connection

Home improvement projects can inadvertently expose homeowners to hidden dangers. For example, lead paint may be lurking underneath layers of existing paint in older homes. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. It is essential that homeowners control their exposure to lead or other hazardous substances through the use of protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator. If lead is discovered, it may require professional containment and cleanup. Contact your local health authority if you discover or suspect you have discovered lead paint or other hazardous materials in your home.

We have the finishing touches that will give you the look you’re after.

We offer quality designer hardware with service that can not be beat!

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T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Visit our website to watch videos of our Weathermaster Window System in action:

www.sunspacetexas.com

Parade of Homes

October 14, 2016 | 7

Building Quality that Stands the Test of Time

A

ny homebuilder can advertise quality and craftsmanship, but it takes the hard earned reputation of a company like Borski Homes building for 2 generations and 51 consecutive years of building experience, to really make a name for yourself in this industry.

As a family owned and operated company, we know the value of a good name. This is why we personally attend to each home we build and choose only the finest craftsmen and materials available. We strive to provide the newest and most innovative products that meet the highest standards...ours.

At Borski Homes, we are ready and willing to work closely with you and /or your architect to make sure your custom home is the home you’ve always dreamed of. If a custom home is in your future, let us show you why Borski homeowners are our best advertising.

Donald Borski ‘80

Danny Borski ‘77

9 7 9 . 7 7 6 . 5 8 5 2 •b o r s k i h o m e s . c o m •3 0 3 0 E a s t 2 9 t h S t S u i t e 1 2 0 B r y a n , T X 7 7 8 0 2 8 |

October 14, 2016

Parade of Homes

T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

Simple ways to maximize profits on your investment property

LOCAL BANK. LOCAL BANKERS. LOCAL HOME LOANS.

Metro Creative Connection

R

eal estate investors have many reasons for making such investments, but one of the more common motives behind a decision to invest in a property is the belief that real estate rarely depreciates in value. Though the recent housing crisis might have debunked that myth once and for all, real estate is still widely considered a sound investment, one that many people wish they could afford to make.

Those who have already invested in real estate know how difficult it can be to maintain a property much less improve it, which should be high on an investor’s priority list. But improving a property does not have to involve a complete overhaul or any other dramatic changes. In fact, there are several simple ways investors can improve their real estate investments and improve their chances of turning a large profit when they decide to sell a property.

Hire a property management firm.

Carefully vet prospective tenants.

One of the easiest ways a property can fall into disrepair is to allow bad tenants to move into the building. It’s understandable that investors want to get a building occupied as quickly as possible so they can use tenants’ rents to pay for the property. But bad tenants can cause damage to the property, and their behavior might encourage reliable fellow tenants to find a new living situation. When looking to fill a vacancy, establish a minimum income requirement for prospective tenants and ask applicants to produce proof of income and references from past landlords. This increases the chances you will find a respectful tenant who’s fully capable of paying their rent on time.

Work quickly.

Few people want to rent forever, so expect significant turnover, especially if your investment property is a larger complex with multiple dwellings. If you aren’t working with a property management company, an easy way to maximize your profits on an investment property is to work quickly when turning apartments over after a tenant moves out. This includes painting and cleaning the apartment, and the process should go smoothly if you properly vetted tenants and the vacant unit did not suffer significant

damage while the previous tenants were living there. A unit with just minor wear and tear should take one week or less to get ready to show to prospective tenants, and the unit should be vacant for only one month before new tenants move in. Anything longer than a month and you’re losing money you don’t have to lose.

When it comes to understanding this community, no one comes close to our experienced team of bankers. If you’re in the market for a new home, we’d like to be the first—and last—place you stop. Dana is committed to finding the home loan that best suits your needs.

Upgrade appliances.

Renters are just as likely to fall in love with curb appeal as buyers are. While there may not be a yard to entice renters if you purchased an apartment complex, curb appeal can apply to an apartment’s interior. One of the more notable eyecatchers to prospective renters is updated appliances, especially since appliances may be the only items actually in the apartment when it is shown.

Stainless steel appliances provide an instant upgrade over older appliances that may appear dated and are certain to make a strong first impression on prospective renters, many of whom would be willing to pay more in rent for a unit with updated appliances. In addition, renters may feel that landlords who took the time and spent the money to upgrade appliances are likely to make a greater effort maintaining the property.

Investors can maximize their returns on investment properties in a variety of ways, many of which don’t require significant effort.

T H E B RYA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E Parade

Before you begin your search for a new home, call Dana about becoming preapproved to make your offer stronger.

Your new home is just a local call away. Call Dana today at 260-5105!

Eagle_PoH/Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved. 10/16

Some real estate investors, especially those new to the business who just purchased an investment and have little money to spare, shy away from hiring a property management firm. But such a company is worth the expense for investors with little time or know-how with regard to fixing a home. A property management firm will ensure the building is kept in shape, and depending on your agreement with the company, may even take care of cleaning vacant apartments, readying them for showing and renting them to new tenants. Perhaps the biggest advantage to working

with an effective property management firm is the likelihood that they will turn over the vacant apartment quickly, ensuring you aren’t losing money when tenants move out.

DANA O. ECKHART

VICE PRESIDENT deckhart@banktbt.com MLO ID#394255

Bryan/College Station

Originating Organization NMLS ID# 495002

Local bank. Local bankers. www.banktbt.com

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, and programs subject to change without notice. Payments on loans with variable rates may increase after closing.

Member FDIC

of Homes

October 14, 2016 | 9

Things to consider before buying an investment property Metro Creative Connection

R

eal estate can be an incredibly fruitful investment. Buying a property at the right time can provide investors with a substantial return when they decide to sell, and that opportunity compels many men and women to consider investing in real estate.

While there’s no denying real estate can yield a great return on buyers’ initial investments, there’s more to making money in real estate than simply buying a property and waiting for its value to rise. Buyers who are thinking of investing in real estate should consider a host of factors before purchasing an investment property.

Price trends Recent sale activity in a given town or neighborhood is something prospective real estate investors should study before buying an investment property. Wouldbe real estate investors can explore real estate websites such as Zillow.com for recent sale information, which may also be available through local government agencies. Such data can be invaluable, showing potential investors which neighborhoods are in demand and which may be in decline.

Taxes Investment properties are not eligible for as many tax benefits as primary residences. However,

landlords can write off repairs, management costs and other fees associated with rental properties. But it’s not just their own tax bill prospective investors should consider before buying an investment property. Many potential buyers down the road may prefer a property in an area where property taxes are relatively low, so even if you can afford the tax on the investment property, you may find buyers are unwilling to assume that burden when you put the property up for sale in the future.

Location Prospective real estate investors no doubt know the value of location with

regard to real estate, but if you can’t afford to buy in a neighborhood that’s currently hot, that does not necessarily mean you can’t still capitalize on that area’s popularity. When a town becomes popular, its property values rise, and many buyers find themselves just barely priced out. When that happens, the surrounding towns tend to become the next hot neighborhood, as these areas are nearly as close to the attractions that make the initial neighborhood so desirable.

Buying on the outskirts of a hot neighborhood can set you up to benefit nicely when that area gets too pricey.

School systems should be examined even if you do not have children. In a recent Trulia.com survey of American home buyers, 35 percent of respondents with children under age 18 indicated they want to live in great school districts.

GreatSchools.org has profiles of 200,000 public, public charter and private preK-12 schools. Investors can use the GreatSchools. org search engine to find information about

local schools and school systems so they can better position themselves to buy properties in areas that will appeal to buyers down the road.

Real estate can be a fruitful investment, and investors who want to benefit the most from their properties will explore various factors before purchasing a home or homes.

Schools

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October 14, 2016

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Map #

Builder

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October 14, 2016 | 11

Proud Sponsors of the Fall Parade of Homes TM

GOLD: JAMES CONNETT: INSULATION & FIREPLACES • RNL HOMEBUILDERS SILVER: CEDAR BEND HOMES • SUNSPACE TEXAS • BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING

BRONZE: GUARANTY BANK & TRUST • ATMOS ENERGY • PITMAN CUSTOM HOMES • BCR REALTORS • HOB KNOB INTERIOR HARDWARE

CONTRIBUTOR: REECE HOMES • HAMILTON CUSTOM HOMES • RIDGEWOOD CUSTOM HOMES

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TEXT BCSHOMES TO 313131 FOR INTERACTIVE MAP! 12 |

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Home improvement projects for your fall to-do list Metro Creative Connection

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omeowners know that maintaining a home can be a year-round job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers.

Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists.

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Roof inspection Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in potentially costly damage.

Leaky roofs can be easily identified by looking for water stains on interior ceilings. Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fix it before winter rains

and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Inspect your ceilings for signs of leaking after a strong rainfall, and then address any leaks immediately.

Gutter cleaning While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters.

Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury. If the gutters are clear when you first examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning. Once you have finished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confirm everything is functioning properly.

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doorway inspection Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Over time, cracks can develop around windows and doorways, and while such cracks are rarely noticeable when the weather outside is warm, they can be quite obvious and very costly if they remain unsealed come the start of winter.

Cold air can enter a home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don’t suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. That can prove quite expensive over a full winter.

Choose a windy autumn day to place a hand by windows and external doorways in your home to

see if you can feel drafts. If you can, seal these cracks as soon as possible.

Patio cleanup Patios are popular hangouts during spring and summer, and that can result in a lot of wear and tear. Once you store patio furniture for the winter, inspect your entire patio to determine if it needs any refurbishing. While certain patio projects may be best left for spring, you can still clean any stained areas around the grill and look for cracks in the sidewalk that need to be addressed.

Preparing for fall home improvement projects ahead of time can help homeowners complete projects in a timely manner and ensures they won’t be forced to brave the winter elements when refurbishing their homes.

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The arrival of cooler weather marks a prime time to plant bulbs that will bloom come spring and summer. Bulbs should be planted as soon as the ground is cool, ideally when temperatures average between 40 and 50 degrees F. Just be sure to plant bulbs at least six weeks before the ground freezes for optimal success. Always follow the bulb distributor’s guidelines for planting, including suggestions regarding spacing and soil depth. Remove any weeds and loosen the soil to get started. In addition, think about mixing in compost or other organic matter to enrich the soil if it lacks nutrients.

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Transform spaces into cozy retreats Metro Creative Connection

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ool weather often drives people to spend more hours indoors than they do during the warmer months. Autumn is a time to winterize gardens, put away lawn furniture and prepare for the holiday season. Autumn also provides the perfect opportunity to begin home interior projects.

Many people decide to redecorate their homes to reflect each season.

When temperatures change, it’s time to transition from the light colors and breezy fabrics symbolic of summer to thicker, darker materials that evoke coziness.

With some inspiration and a little know-how, any homeowner or apartment dweller can

cozy up a space in time for fall and winter.

Invest in area rugs.

While wood floors can look beautiful and work well with many different design styles, wood can feel chilly underfoot.

Thick area rugs add warmth to a room and can help it look more lived in. Area rugs also help a room appear more cohesive, coordinating with other colors in a space and providing a visual border.

Practice layering in rooms.

An affordable and relatively easy way to make a room seem more cozy is to layer fabrics and other accents.

Layers can include throws and blankets.

Remove place mats from the dining room table and use them on accent tables or an ottoman in the living room. Table runners also can add a splash of color to the top of bedroom dressers.

Play with texture.

Look for fabrics that boast texture and can add a tactile feel to spaces. When used on throw pillows or small accents, faux fur can create that cozy cabin feel. Draperies made from nubby fabrics or those with grooves and ridges can add dimension to a room as well. Even a lampshade made of an unusual fabric, such as a waffle-patterned material,

can add a little depth and warmth to a space.

Reevaluate your lighting.

Lighting a space is more than just flipping on a switch. Finding the right balance of lighting fixtures can instantly transform the feel of a room. Create more warmth and a cozy feel by switching out bulbs from cooler shades to warmer ones — those that give off yellow and pink hues rather than cool blues. Accent lighting helps establish a comfortable space for curling up and reading a good book. Spot lighting, such as fixtures that are trained on artwork or inside of a curio or china cabinet, also can set a more welcoming mood.

Install a bookshelf and start a book collection.

Pile and stacked books can add warmth to any space. Books evoke the hallowed halls of schools and quiet nooks in the library. Fill shelves with books interspersed with additional design accents, and you will instantly make a room feel more inviting.

spaces that feel vast and empty. If you’re scared to paint all of your walls, try a darker shade below a chair rail or just paint one accent wall.

Add architectural elements.

Choose dark paint.

Think about adding rich moldings to crown the ceilings or to frame doorways. If you have the space for a nook, create a window seat beneath a picture window or add a bench and cushions in a corner for a nice escape spot.

Do not feel nervous about incorporating deeper shades in rooms.

Dark colors give rooms a more enclosed feel than lighter colors, and that can create a warm and cozy feeling. This works particularly well in larger

Use the colder weather as an opportunity to reinvent some of the rooms in your home.

With paint, texture, fabric, lighting and more, rooms can be quickly transformed into cozy respites from the cold.

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Your guide to proper tree pruning Metro Creative Connection

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rees may require pruning for a variety of reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, necessitating a pruning. In other instances, trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape.

Autumn and winter, when trees largely go dormant and fallen leaves make it easier to see the branches beneath, may be prime times to prune. Pruning during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree, and can help cut down on the growth of fungi. In addition, insects are less likely to be problematic during the colder months of the year.

Trimming and pruning can be handled by do-ityourselfers if the branches are smaller and more

manageable. Practice on thinner branches before moving on to thicker ones, which may require extra help. Branches may be heavy, and it takes a guided hand to ensure the branches fall in a safe manner so they do not cause damage or injury.

Branches also need to be trimmed properly to facilitate good healing.

Trees will form a callus bark covering over cuts to keep out disease and decay, much as a scab forms over a person’s wound.

Damaging the bark on a tree while pruning may interfere with that process, so do-ityourselfers need to take the time to prune correctly.

According to Danny Lipford, home improvement expert and host of the radio program “Today’s

Homeowner,” larger limbs may require three cuts instead of one. The first cut is a small notch in the bottom of the limb, around two to three feet from the trunk and about one-quarter of the way through. This helps prevent the bark from splitting. A relief cut is then made a few inches away from the notch cut, and goes all the way through.

This removes the weight of the branch so that the final cut can be made without the branch splitting and falling. The final cut is made right where the limb extrudes from the branch collar, or the swollen bump that then forms into the tree limb. Follow the slant of the branch collar when making the cut. Smaller or thinner branches may not require the same three steps, but every effort should be made

to reduce injury to the tree.

When deciding how much to prune, less is usually more. All pruning can put some level of stress on the tree and increase its vulnerability to disease and insect infestation. A good rule of thumb is to never prune more than 25 percent of the crown. According to experts at TreeHelp.com, living branches should comprise at least two-thirds of the height of the tree. In some instances, the rules may need to be bent if trees are interfering with utility lines or to meet community laws. However, always prune minimally to avoid damaging the tree.

can be used in some instances, especially when pruning larger limbs. Always disinfect pruning tools after you’re done to prevent the

spread of disease to other trees.

Consider hiring a professional tree service if pruning proves beyond your capabilities. Doing so is safe and often well worth the investment.

The right tools also make the job safer and easier. Use a pole pruner and lopper, rope saws, folding pruner and a bucksaw. A chainsaw

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Address air leaks to save energy and money Metro Creative Connection

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ising energy costs coupled with the continued adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles are two factors driving homeowners to seek ways to reduce energy consumption in their homes. Reducing energy consumption is reason enough for many homeowners to make changes around the house, but saving energy sometimes means saving substantial amounts of money as well.

Energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly building materials can help homeowners reduce energy consumption. But homeowners looking for additional ways to cut cooling and heating costs can address air leaks around the house to make their homes more energy

efficient.

Identify air leaks around windows and doorways.

Autumn is a great time of year to identify air leaks.

Fall, and particularly late fall, tends to be characterized by cold air that makes it easy to detect air leaks. Feel for leaks around windows and doorways, ideally conducting such tests on cold, windy days when you can quickly detect if air is flowing in from the outside.

Leaks around windows and doors waste energy because the interior of the home is either colder (in the winter) or warmer (in the summer) than it needs to be, prompting homeowners to turn up their thermostats or rely more heavily on air conditioning units.

Look for leaks elsewhere around the house. While

windows and doorways are where many leaks are found, leaks also may be found around plumbing, electrical fixtures and dryer vents. Inspect such areas by feeling for drafts or looking for signs that insects and critters might be entering.

Look up and down.

Evidence of air leaks may be noticeable on both the floor and the ceiling. Dirty spots on carpeting and the ceiling may be indicative of air leaks at interior wall/ ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. Fixing such leaks may be as simple as applying some caulk.

Go with gaskets.

The United States Department of Energy recommends installing

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foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls.

Outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls provide another place for air to leak into a home and drive up energy costs. Properly installed gaskets can cut back on air infiltration, providing an inexpensive way to save energy and money.

contribute to high energy bills, particularly during the winter and summer when temperatures outside tend to be at their most extreme.

Homeowners looking to reduce their energy

consumption and save money can inspect various areas of their homes for air leaks and immediately address any they discover.

Cover the kitchen exhaust fans when you are not cooking. Kitchen exhaust fans can help prevent fires and unfavorable indoor air conditions when preparing meals at home. But such fans provide opportunities for air to enter a home, so make sure they are tightly closed or covered when no one is cooking in the kitchen.

Air leaks around a house can waste energy and

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Closing the pool for another season Metro Creative Connection

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losing a pool at the end of the swimming season can be bittersweet. Homeowners may be sad to bid adieu to the lazy days of splashing and swimming, but ready to embrace the cooler weather and the beauty of autumn.

Before the leaves fall from the trees, pool owners must prepare to close, or winterize, their pools.

Gather your supplies.

Make a list of the supplies you need to close the pool.

Having everything on hand will make the process far more efficient than trying to wing it. Closing a pool can be a large job, so it pays to have some extra hands available.

Enlist some helpers who will be available to hand you materials or to assist with placing the cover on the pool

— which can be challenging to do on your own.

Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase necessary chemicals.

The chemicals used throughout the season will also be needed in the winterization process.

Therefore, be sure you have enough before pool supplies become difficult to find in area stores. These include sanitizer, algaecide and pHbalancing chemicals.

Clean the entire pool area.

Ensuring the pool water and the surface of the pool is clean can make reopening the pool easy. Vacuum the pool thoroughly, removing any debris and organic matter that can contribute to

algae growth. Don’t forget to brush down the walls of the pool and clean the jets and area where the filter skimmer meets the pool. Pool walls have plenty of crevices where algae can hide and multiply.

Test the water.

Leading pool products manufacturer Hayward recommends adjusting the pH to between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth. Alkalinity should be 80 to 125 ppm for plaster/gunite pools and 125 to 150 ppm for other pool types. Test the level of available chlorine, and super-chlorinate the pool to maintain a sanitation level of at least 4 ppm. Once the pool cover is on, the amount of chlorine that escapes due to sunlight and evaporation will decrease. An algaecide may be used, if desired, as

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well. In very cold climates, a pool-water antifreeze may be necessary. Check with your pool supply retailer for more information.

Run the filter.

Run the filter at least 24 hours before disassembling the filter for the season.

This will help circulate any chemicals added through the water.

Drain the pool’s water to the appropriate level.

Water should fall just below the skimmer opening.

Many pools do not need to be completely drained for the winter.

Shut off the filter pump, heater and any other

equipment.

Let all water drain out and allow equipment to dry before storing them away.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions for lubrication and covering. Install freeze plugs if you choose to use them.

Adjust electricity settings.

Turn off the circuit to outdoor outlets that feed the pool equipment, testing to make sure the power is off.

Put accessories away.

Remove any ladders, diving boards, slides, external drain lines and other recreational materials from the pool, storing them in a garage or shed so they are not subjected to potentially harsh winter weather.

Inflate air pillows to roughly 80 percent full if you will be using them.

Gather your helpers to attach the pool cover or leaf catcher net. Secure it thoroughly with anchors, water bags, wire fasteners, or whatever method is applicable for the cover and pool type. Remember, a quality pool cover will last for several years and keep leaves, dust and other unwanted items out of the water.

Early autumn means homeowners can begin closing their pools to keep them secure and clean until the next swimming season begins.

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Did You Know?

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Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in most soils. Radon can enter the home by moving up through the ground and into the air above before moving into a home in a variety of ways, including through cracks in solid floors, through construction joints, and through cracks in walls. Gaps in suspended floors and around service pipes are additional entry points for radon. Once radon enters a home, it then becomes trapped inside, where buildup can occur. Radon buildup can potentially be very harmful or even fatal. A radioactive gas, radon is among the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. In fact, only smoking causes more lung cancer deaths than radon, which can enter a home whether that home is new, old, well-sealed or drafty. Homeowners concerned about radon, which is invisible and odorless, should have their homes tested.

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