Home Improvement_Fall 2023

FALL 2023

Home

IMPROVEMENT

SMALL IMPROVEMENTS BIG IMPACT

PAINT & POLISH YOUR WAY TO INCREASED HOME VALUE PLUS...

OUTDOOR FALL CLEANUP TIPS, CREATE A DIY COFFEE BAR, FINANCING STRATEGIES, & MORE!

Fall Yard

CLEANUP HACKS

When fall arrives, most of us are burnt out on outside chores and would like a respite before the inevitable winter snow removal season begins.

MAKE FALL CLEANUP EASY WITH THESE SIMPLE IDEAS

BY KATIE SMITH

1. USE GRASS FOR MULCH INSTEAD OF BAGGING OR RAKING.

In the summer, you may bag or rake your grass to keep your lawn looking tidy. But during your last mow of the season, leave the grass clippings on the yard. They are 80% water and will decompose quickly. More importantly, leaving your grass clippings on the lawn is a great way to feed your lawn with essential nutrients.

2. LEAF-BLOW YOUR GUTTERS CLEAN. A lot of leaf blowers on the market today have a special attachment that will make cleaning your gutters a lot faster and easier.

3. RAKE YOUR LEAVES INTO YOUR GARDENS. Did you know that leaves provide more essential nutrients to your gardens than synthetic fertilizer? Tree roots pull lots of essential plant nutrients up from the soil and they get drawn

However, cleaning up our yard in the fall is necessary for a lot of us. Not to mention it will make our lives easier in the spring and allow us to spend more time picnicking, barbecuing, and gardening after the long winter.

The good news: it doesn't have to take a lot of time. If you don’t want to sacrifice an entire weekend, or week, to fall cleanup, the following hacks will be a life, and time, saver.

into the leaves. Not only does this hack make your life easier (no bagging leaves!), it’s a cheap way to get your gardens ready for the next season.

4. RAKE YOUR LEAVES ONTO TARPS. If you normally rake your leaves into piles and bag them or carry them into the woods, consider raking leaves over a large tarp instead. It takes a lot less time than bagging, and dragging a tarp is a lot easier on the body than filling a wheelbarrow.

5. MAKE SURE YOUR TOOLS ARE SHARP.

If you need to trim some limbs before the snow falls, sharp, rust-free tools will make your trimming go a lot faster.

6. USE A LARGE PIECE OF CARDBOARD TO CLEAR YOUR LAWN.

If you absolutely hate raking and only have a small area to clear, get a large piece of cardboard and glide the edge across your yard. You can push the leaves and other debris into the woods, onto a tarp, or into a pile.

7. CLEAR OFF YOUR PATIO AND DECK WITH A FAN.

If you don’t have a leaf blower or the time to sweep, let an indoor fan do the work. Bring your fan outside to the area you want to clear off, plug it in, and watch everything blow away in seconds.

8. DECORATE WITH PLASTIC PLANTS.

If you love the look of having something green on your front porch during the freezing winter, invest in some plastic plants. There are many varieties that look so real, no one will know your boxwoods are fake except for you.

9. COVER YOUR METAL OUTDOOR FURNITURE WITH WAX.

If you don’t want to go through the hassle of bringing your outdoor furniture in to store it or you don’t have the storage space, give it a nice coat of wax. After removing and storing your cushions, simply rub a generous layer of car wax on the furniture with a sponge and it will protect your furniture from the elements.

10. PROTECT YOUR OUTDOOR PLUMBING WITH PIPE FITTINGS.

Many hardware stores sell slip-on fittings for outdoor plumbing. Covering your outdoor pipes with these only takes a few minutes and will keep them from corrosion, cracking, and breaking during the winter.

TIPS ON FINANCING Home Improvements

COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

No matter the job, home improvements tend to be costly. Figuring out how to pay for the improvement project is as essential to the planning process as picking out materials and contractors.

· REFINANCE THE HOME MORTGAGE. Homeowners can use a cash-out mortgage refinance as a way to access thousands of dollars for a remodel. This taps into a home’s equity. Typically 20 percent equity in the home is needed to refinance.

· TAKE OUT A PERSONAL LOAN. For those who do not want to refinance, a personal loan or home improvement loan can be good for midsized projects, according to American Express. Personal loans for home renovations typically require no collateral and one’s credit score determines the interest rate.

· TRY A HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT OR A HOME EQUITY LOAN. A HELOC is a form of revolving credit, like a credit card. Homeowners borrow against the credit line granted with the home being the collateral. As a person pays down what is owed, he or she can borrow more. This is a good idea for recurring or long-term home improvements. A home equity loan is an installment loan for a fixed amount on a fixed monthly schedule for a set term.

Benefits of an ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME

Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers, including Energy Star-rated windows and appliances and energy-efficient lighting.

The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

Time for a remodel?

Let us help you!

· SAVE MONEY: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

· IMPROVE RESALE VALUE: As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They're also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

· LIVE HEALTHIER: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren't just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors' risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.

RISING ELECTRICITY BILL RATES PROMPT ACTION FROM LOCAL UTILITY, COMMUNITY AGENCIES

Versant Power has partnered with Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP), Penquis, and Downeast Community Partners (DCP) to launch Power Match, a charitable matching program to provide electricity bill assistance to customers in need. Over $80,000 in electricity bill credits have been provided to 248 households in need since the program’s launch in November 2022.

Versant has agreed to match all donations up to $200,000 to Power Match and provided an additional $60,000 seed fund for the fund. Of the $60,000 seed fund, each community action program received $20,000 at the time of program launch. The matching fund amount of $200,000 will be distributed amongst the three programs based on donations received through their individual donation portals. $82,550 has been donated to Power Match so far, bringing the total amount that has passed through the fund to $165,100 with Versant’s matching commitment.

COURTESY OF VERSANT POWER

“We are all so appreciative of the partnership with Versant Power, which has allowed us to meet a growing community need. This has been a challenging time for so many households in our community and through this partnership we are able to assist those who need support.

To hear the relief in someone’s voice when you tell them that we can assist them is so rewarding. This partnership has provided us the ability to lift that weight for households of all shapes and sizes in our community,” said Sherry Locke, Chief Administrative Officer at ACAP.

Many customers within Versant Power’s service area do not qualify for low-income assistance based on income eligibility guidelines, but still need help with utility bills. Power Match reduces this gap by providing bill credits to customers who exceed income eligibility guidelines for programs such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), but still require emergency assistance.

ACAP, Penquis, and DCP determined who should receive bill credits under eligibility guidelines they estab-

lished and shared those details with Versant Power, who credited customers’ bills with an amount determined by the community action program.

“When we committed to supporting our neighbors back in November, we knew there was a need for this kind of assistance,” said Kendra Overlock, Vice President, Customer Operations at Versant Power. “Our local agency partners have been instrumental in administering Power Match funds where they are needed.”

For more information and to find out if you qualify for Power Match, please contact your local community action program.

TO DONATE, PLEASE VISIT WWW.VERSANTPOWER.COM/COMMUNITY/ POWER-MATCH. YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW VERSANT POWER ON TWITTER (@VERSANTPOWER), INSTAGRAM (VERSANTPOWER) OR LINKEDIN FOR UPDATES.

Minor Updates with MAJOR PAYOFFS

COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

EASY INTERIOR RENOVATION IDEAS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big impact with home renovations. Here are a few simple ideas that require only small investments and a little elbow grease to create big, lasting changes.

·POLISH YOUR FLOORS: Elbow grease might be the biggest expenditure when cleaning hardwood floors. Experts advise homeowners to polish their floors once every two to four months depending on how much foot traffic you get.

· PAINT: There’s no shortage of places in a home, both inside and out, where a fresh coat of paint can make a statement without breaking the bank.

· MOLDING: Crown molding can add a touch of elegance to any room. Rooms can be transformed in a single weekend with the installation of new or replacement crown molding. A simple molding installation is a task many do-it-yourselfers can handle on their own.

MINOR EXTERIOR UPGRADES THAT CAN HELP SELL A HOME

The home improvement industry has been booming for years, but forecasters are projecting a deceleration in 2023 and perhaps beyond. Inflation continues to affect consumer spending, and homeowners may be looking to spend less on renovations in the year ahead.

Minor upgrades that aren’t as costly as larger projects can still make a big difference, especially among prospective buyers. Though resale value depends on a host of variables, including location, the following are some relatively minor exterior upgrades that impress buyers and provide a strong return for homeowners.

· GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT: Garage doors matter more than sellers may recognize, as various real estate professionals note that buyers appreciate homes with updated garage doors. That’s good news for homeowners, as reports indicate homeowners recoup roughly 93 percent of their garage door replacement investment at resale. The average cost of such a job is right around $4,000, making this a budgetfriendly remodeling project.

· WINDOW REPLACEMENT: The cost of new windows will depend on just how many windows must be replaced. But there’s no denying buyers like the idea of low emissivity (low-E) windows, which can cut energy bills by a significant amount over time. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy estimates that heat gain and heat loss through windows is responsible for between 25 and 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, so sellers who can tell buyers they have new low-E windows can emphasize those savings in home listings. Homeowners recoup roughly two-thirds of their investment in new windows at resale.

· LANDSCAPING: Well-maintained landscaping is another home exterior component that can make a strong first impression on buyers. A recent survey of nearly 7,000 realtors conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that upgrading a landscape recouped roughly 83 percent of homeowners’ initial investment at resale. In addition, 11 percent of realtors surveyed indicated that an upgraded landscape was the decisive factor that closed the deal for the house.

Updating a home’s exterior doesn’t have to bust homeowners’ budgets. Many affordable projects also provide a substantial return at resale.

it Yourself COFFEE BAR

Coffee shops are sanctuaries of warmth and comfort. Drinking coffee at home can be lackluster if you have fallen into the same morning routine. Home improvement projects do not have to be daunting tasks. One small change can adjust your home environment in a positive way. My home improvement project was inspired by my coffee maker and watching many episodes of Gilmore Girls. It was time for me to cultivate comfort in my own home by making a personal coffee bar.

Blueprint paper is not necessary, but you will need a vision for your coffee bar. This is a great time to grab cardboard and photo clippings for a vision board. Find inspirational photos, coffee and tea flavors you enjoy, and color swatches. I was drawn to the pictures I found of a cocktail cart and one coffee bar with small shelves. I wanted something minimal that would allow for enough shelf space for my coffee maker, coffee grinds and tea bags, and mugs.

You also have to decide the material of the coffee bar. If you don’t already have a piece of furniture to convert, you can go hunting through thrift stores. I found white, plastic shelves at Goodwill that fit what I was searching for. In your findings, you may want to consider picking up hardware, such as hooks to hang mugs and knobs for drawers.

I made sure to thoroughly wash and sanitize the plastic shelves. Once dry, I spray-painted them dark blue. Depending on your paint color, you may need a few coats.

After all the repairs and cosmetic touches have been completed, it’s time to organize your coffee bar. Piece together where you would like your coffee maker, mugs, and other brewing items. Incorporating decor items like fresh flowers can help add flair. You may also want to include paper towels or tea towels for spills. The most satisfying part is brewing a cup of coffee and admiring the new cozy corner.

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

LET A SEASONED REALTOR HELP YOU MAKE WISE INVESTMENTS FOR YOUR FUTURE

COURTESY OF HOLLY TAYLOR, THE MASIELLO GROUP · BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE

As a seasoned realtor with over 20 years of experience, I understand the importance of making informed decisions when it comes to your real estate investments. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or simply increase its value, I am here to guide you every step of the way.

Before you embark on any home improvement project, let’s have a conversation. By leveraging my extensive network and resources, I can help ensure that you make the right choices that align with your goals and maximize your return on investment.

EXPERTISE. With my deep understanding of the local market dynamics and trends, I can provide valuable insights into which improvements will have the greatest impact on your property’s value. Let’s discuss your unique situation, target market, and create a tailored plan for success.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION. To kickstart our journey together, I offer a complimentary evaluation of your home. This assessment will shed light on its current worth and identify areas that could benefit from renovations or upgrades. Rest assured, my recommendations will be based on thorough market research and an understanding of buyer preferences.

RESOURCEFUL CONNECTIONS. Over my years in the industry, I have built strong relationships with trusted contractors, designers, and suppliers who can assist in bringing your vision to life efficiently and cost-effectively. From minor repairs to major transformations, tap into my network for a seamless renovation process.

STREAMLINED EXPERIENCE. Selling a property or preparing it for sale can be overwhelming without proper guidance. By working together from the early

stages, we can develop a strategic plan that prioritizes renovations based on their potential impact on both value enhancement and market appeal.

LET'S CONNECT.

Take advantage of this opportunity to work with an experienced realtor who genuinely cares about your next move. Reach out today to schedule a consultation where we can discuss your goals, evaluate your property, and chart a course towards achieving the highest possible return on your investment.