Spring Home Improvement & Landscaping 2023

Building RAISED GARDEN BEDS

BY KATIE BINGHAM-SMITH

Many of us dream of having a vegetable or herb garden in our own backyard. But the workload and upkeep can keep us from actually doing it. Building raised beds is a great project which can produce just as much food as a regular garden, but also eliminate a lot of the weeding labor. There’s no need to rototill and you don’t need any special skills.

Raised beds also heat up faster to give you a longer growing season and make it easier to separate and rotate crops. Here’s how you can build your own raised beds in a few easy steps.

Decide where your garden will be.

Find a place in your yard that gets plenty of sunlight — at least six to eight hours a day, and decide if you’d like one large bed or several small ones. Make sure the ground is fairly level and close enough

to your house for easy watering and harvesting. Avoid super wet areas as well.

Decide on your materials.

All you need is an open box, something without a top or bottom. You can make your own raised bed frames with fallen logs, bricks, rocks, or cement blocks. You can also order some pre-assembled garden beds online or visit your local hardware store.

If you’d like to purchase materials to make your own boxes, it’s recommended that you don’t use any kind of material that’s been treated such as pressuretreated wood. While pine and hemlock are on the cheaper end, the wood will rot after a few years and need to be replaced. Cedar is a bit more pricey but is the best choice and will last for about 10-15 years.

Keep in mind you don’t want your beds to be any larger than 4 feet wide but they can be as long as you’d like. This is so you can avoid stepping into your garden. You want to keep your soil light and airy.

Your garden beds need to be at least 12-18 inches deep to grow all kinds of vegetables, including deep-rooted varieties. However, if your materials are only six inches high, you can loosen the soil six inches below your garden bed.

You’ll need your beds to contain about 40% compost, 40% topsoil, and 20% aeration (or drainage).

Prepare your garden area.

If you want to remove the grass or sod under your garden beds, loosen the soil and dig out the clumps of grass. Scrape a “frame” where your beds will go, then dig down about 10 more inches making sure

you set the soil aside as you will be returning it to its bed. Remove any large rocks and old roots. Dig down a few more inches to loosen the soil and add a few inches of compost, then add the soil that was removed and mix together. Next, top with topsoil.

If you don’t want to dig out the soil, you can smother the soil underneath. First, mow the grass as short as possible. Then you can put down some cardboard and newspaper, making sure all cracks are covered. Next, add a thick layer of compost (about six inches) on top of your cardboard and newspapers, and finish by adding a nice layer of topsoil.

Make sure to fill your beds all the way up as they will settle over time. That’s it! Your beds are now ready for seeds or plants for your enjoyment.

COURTESY OF BROUGHMAN BUILDERS

BUILDING CONTRACTOR, MODULAR IS THE Way t o Go!

he building season is kicking into gear, and Mike and Daisy Wight of Broughman Builders are ready to assist you with your new home experience.

Broughman Builders, located at 6 Acadia Way in Ellsworth, has been constructing homes for over 40 years. With the addition of their newest location, 84 Main Road, Holden, they are able to expand their reach and reputation throughout the State of Maine.

A common misconception is that a modular home is limited to customization. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Broughman Builders customizes modular homes with the expertise of multiple manufacturers. Broughman can assist with your entire project—from the first shovel of gravel to the last drop of paint, and everything in between. With our in-house realtor, Daisy, Broughman will purchase your favorite piece of land and install your dream home for as little as $2,500 down for the entire project, known as an end loan, or turnkey project. With many financing options available, it’s easier than ever to purchase the perfect home, designed especially for you and your family.

Modular homes can cost 30% less than a comparable stick-built home. Coupled with the speed, controlled costs, and as much as a 10-year warranty, modular homes are becoming the home of choice.

Mike and Daisy invite you to view and enjoy the many model homes on display at their three locations for ideas and inspiration. Any one of the expert sales consultants on staff are available to answer questions and get you on the path to new home ownership.

You can visit them at the Bangor Home Show (March 31 to April 2). On April 15, they will host an open house at the three locations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

In addition to modular home services, Broughman Builders provides custom stick-built homes, renovations, remodels, additions, decks, outbuildings and garages. In 2007, they were selected as the general contractor for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project in Milbridge, Maine.

For more information, visit broughmanbuilders.com.

COURTESY OF SMITH BUILDERS ROOFING

COMMITTED TO Service and Excellence

Founded in 1993, family owned and operated Smith Builders Roofing has become the go-to roofing contractor in the Greater Bangor area. With a reputation for clear communication and transparency, our team is knowledgeable and experienced in all areas of roofing, siding and seamless gutter installation. We stand behind our work, deliver what we promise, and go above and beyond to make your renovation experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our methods to accomplish this are pretty simple. Provide prompt communication, protect your entire property throughout the process, provide adequate and proper insurance, use the highest quality materials and warranties, and provide our team with factory training and certifications to assure that your roof is installed right, the first time.

Our projects take us throughout Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Waldo County, providing thousands of roof replacements to homeowners and businesses alike. Our technicians pride themselves on providing the highest quality installation in the area. Through our own company policy, in tandem with our manufacturers, we are able to offer some of the best warranties in the industry.

In 2017, Smith Builders Roofing accomplished Master Elite Contractor status through GAF Roofing, the leading manufacturer of roofing materials in the country. This status separates us from other contractors in the area, and is an honor given to only 2% of all roofing contractors in the United States. In addition, GAF has awarded us the Training Excellence

Award, the Consumer Protection Excellence Award and the Community Contractor award for our partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Most recently we were honored with the Bronze Award by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA), a trade association representing North America’s asphalt roofing industry and its manufacturers. This award is significant in that our company is still small, local and family operated, unlike the majority of companies that were considered for the award.

Equally as exciting to us is our recent acceptance into the Maine Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. As a company that has always encouraged young or inexperienced people to become members of the trades, this

program status will allow us to do just that. Hire and develop the next generation of tradesmen through proper training, classroom education, hands on experience and certifications. As a registered apprentice program participant, our team members will participate in a two-year program that, when completed, will allow them certification as Journeymen — a designation that they can carry with them throughout their career and help them to become leaders in their field.

As we continue to grow and expand our company, Smith Builders Roofing is committed to continuing to provide the same incredible level of service that you have come to expect from us. Please stop in and see us at the upcoming Home Expo, meet our staff and bring your project ideas. We’d love to see you.

Big Impact

SMALL RENOVATIONS THAT CAN MAKE A Big Impact

Home renovations provide a host of benefits. Such projects can increase resale value and improve the safety, aesthetics and functionality of a home.

Some homeowners may employ the mantra “go big or go home” when they embark on home improvements, thinking that only the largest renovations produce noticeable change. But that’s not the case. Smaller renovations can provide a lot of bang for homeowners’ bucks as well.

COUNTERTOPS

(AND HARDWARE):

A complete kitchen overhaul may stretch some homeowners’ budgets. However, changing an older countertop for a new material can provide the facelift a kitchen needs. And while changing the cabinets may be homeowners’ ultimate goal, swapping hardware in dated finishes for newer handles and pulls can provide low-cost appeal.

PAINT: Painting a space is an inexpensive improvement that adds maximum impact. Paint can transform dark and drab rooms into bright and airy oases. Paint also can be used to create an accent wall or cozy nooks. Homeowners also can showcase their personalities with their choice of paint colors.

LIGHTING: Homeowners should not underestimate what a change in lighting can do. When rooms or exterior spaces are illuminated, they take on entirely new looks. It’s worth it to invest in new lighting, whether it’s a dramatic hanging light over the dining room table or task lighting in dim spaces.

WEATHERPROOFING: Improving windows, doors, weatherstripping and insulation in a home can offer visual appeal and help homeowners save money. The initial investment may be significant, but those costs will pay off in energy savings.

MUDROOM: Turn an entryway into a more functional space with the addition of cabinets, benches or custom-designed storage options that perfectly fit the area. Cubbies and cabinets can corral shoes, umbrellas, hats, bags, and much more.

ACCENT UPDATES: Any space, whether it’s inside or outside a home, can get a fresh look with new decorative accents. Invest in new throw pillows and even slipcovers for living room sofas. Use new tile or paint the brick on a fireplace in a den, then update the mantel with decorative displays. Purchase wall art that can bring different colors into a room. Change the cushions on deck furniture and buy color-coordinated planters. These subtle changes will not cost as much as full-scale renovations, but they can still help homeowners transform their homes.

Join Us!

Sponsored by

Cross Insurance Center, Bangor

Friday, March 31st, noon – 8pm

Saturday, April 1st, 10am – 8pm

Sunday, April 2nd, 10am-5pm

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF OUR CASH PRIZES WHEN YOU ENTER!

Prizes include (2) $500 courtesy of our sponsors and (2) $250 gift cards sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank!

Join Us For THE GREAT HOME EXPO 2023

As I sat at my keyboard and stared at the blank computer screen, trying to think of a witty way to start this article off and what information to include, it dawned on me: the most important thing I have to say is simply, “Thank you.”

The Great Home Expo’s inaugural event in 2022 far exceeded my expectations. The Expo was created in the absence of Bangor’s long-running home show. It was the first event of its kind in our area since the pandemic impacted in-person vendor events in 2020. We had no idea what to expect for a turnout, for exhibitors or attendees, as many restrictions and mandates were just being lifted and there was still much speculation about whether it was safe or smart to be in groups such as a home show setting.

Fortunately, several local businesses recognized how vital it is to be out in the community and in front of potential customers in this setting, where they can meet face-to-face with local homeowners and other businesses they can collaborate with. They entrusted us with this piece of their marketing strategy and joined us for The Great Home Expo 2022. We were thrilled to be able to provide those businesses with attendance that was more than 70% of what the home shows were seeing prior to the pandemic.

The best part: the exhibitors and the attendees alike were HAPPY. I met so many wonderful people and saw the creativity and strategies behind the exhibits pay off for those businesses as potential customers talked with exhibitors, gathered information and ideas, sat down and enjoyed a hot dog between laps around the Expo, and experienced a little bit of normal again. Businesses reported that they gathered countless quality leads and attendees shared their approval of the vibe and variety of exhibitors.

Being able to be just a small part of these local businesses’ success last year was a great honor. It fueled my desire even more to shop locally, do business locally, and cheer these businesses on as they push through all of the challenges that have come along in the last two years. It’s a little bit easier to accept “lead times are longer than usual” when you have had the opportunity to meet that representative in person and form a relationship with them prior to placing your order. A business is a little more invested in your project when they’ve had the chance to talk to you face-to-face and see your excitement about a home improvement dream.

All that said, I’m so excited to bring The Great Home Expo back to Bangor this year, even bigger and better! We have twice as many exhibit spaces filled with everything you are looking for; builders, remodelers, roofers, window and door replacement, landscaping, insurance, wealth management, heating and cooling needs, solar services, air purification, utilities, financial institutions, design professionals, auto needs, and SO much more. You can try out a mattress, warm your hands up in front of a fireplace, drool over the hot tubs, have your picture taken in a photo booth, and enjoy the variety of food and beverages at the concessions. Also… make a family outing of it and bring the kids! This year, there’s an all new, FREE Kids’ Corner sponsored by Modern Party 207, featuring their unique white bounce house that you can rent for your parties! The Central High School drama club will be showcasing their face painting talents, and Unplugged Arcade will be entertaining with their novel assortment of games!

I’m so thankful to everyone involved in last year’s Expo

for helping to lay the groundwork for our second year. This year’s returning presenting sponsor is Hammond Lumber Company — thank you for partnering with us again! Also joining The Great Home Expo as supporting sponsors this year are AAA Northern New England, Renewal by Andersen, Valley Home Services and Home Roofing Solutions. I appreciate all of you for trusting in this event and supporting it financially to help make it the best it can be.

Thank you to my dedicated team of supporters who are always available to share ideas and duties and literally help with the heavy lifting during setup. Being able to offer a locally owned and operated event like The Great Home Expo wouldn’t be possible without you.

Thank you to each of the exhibitors that have reserved space at this year’s Expo and for being so fun to work with as you prep your displays and share your unique ideas and enthusiasm. And finally, thank you to every person who walks through the door at the Cross Insurance Center to visit the Expo. A home show is nothing without attendees, and I know I’m speaking on behalf of all of the exhibitors as well when I say thank you for your support.

The Great Home Expo 2023, sponsored by Hammond Lumber Company, will be three days long — Friday, March 31 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, April 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to check out this amazing group of businesses who are ready to showcase their products and services to YOU. You’ll find the best of the best at The Great Home Expo, and you’ll be supporting local when you visit.

Thank you, thank you, thank you — see you next weekend.

Jess Pearl, Owner/Event Director, The Great Home Expo

COURTESY OF JESS PEARL, OWNER/EVENT DIRECTOR, THE GREAT HOME EXPO

New This Year:

KIDS’ CORNER!

Sponsored by Modern Party 207 bounce house, face painting , games & more

CONCESSIONS

Food and beverages available TICKETS

$12 AT THE DOOR KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE

Sponsored by

PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSOR

KIDS CORNER SPONSOR

COURTESY OF RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN OF GREATER MAINE

Renewal by Andersen of Greater Maine is a locally owned and operated replacement window and door company that offers a full-service experience for your home improvement project, from design consultation to installation.

Renewal by Andersen (RbA) will work with you to design the windows of your dreams to fit the exact specifications of your home. When you set up a free in-home consultation with one of their experienced Design Consultants, the team at RbA will help you plan out your project and customize the entire look and feel that you’re searching for. They can also work with any budget for your project with special financing options, including zero money down, with 0% financing for 12 months. RbA can make your design dreams come true!

Once the project has begun, a skilled carpenter, known as a Tech Measure, will visit your home to take precise measurements of your windows and doors. These measurements will then be used by the RbA team to create customized replacement products that will be unique to your home and project.

RbA provides a hassle-free experience by managing the ordering, shipping, and receiving of all parts and units needed for the job. They maintain their commitment to Signature Service through their customer relations team, which will keep you updated throughout the process. Once all the

components arrive at their warehouse in Bangor, RbA will get in touch with you to schedule an installation date with one of their Master Installers. These installers prioritize your home’s safety and handle your products with care. They are Master Certified and follow strict standards for quality craftsmanship, cleanliness, communication, and service, no matter the time of year.

The RbA team reviews the project with each homeowner to ensure it meets both their standards and the company’s. They follow up after completion to address any outstanding concerns and to ensure your satisfaction. What sets RbA apart is its commitment to exceptional customer service, its comprehensive approach to window and door replacement, and its dedicated service department. The service department is available to assist with any issues that may arise post-installation, for the life of the product warranty.

RbA is renowned for providing outstanding customer service and topquality Andersen products. They work with you to create the home improvement project of your dreams, offering a variety of financing options and customized designs for your entire project. With Renewal by Andersen of Greater Maine, you can trust that your home is in good hands. Schedule a free in-home consultation by visiting RBAGreaterMaine.com and experience the difference they can make in your home.

E njoy t he W indows OF YOUR DREAMS E njoy t he W indows OF YOUR DREAMS

FREESTANDING LIQUID

PROPANE GRILL with 3 Standard Burners, 787 sq. inches Grilling Surface Size, Warming Rack, Side Burner, Side Table, Side Burner, Extra-Large Sear Zone, Extra-Large Prep and Serve Table. Weber 35480001

Dunnett’s price $1319.99

BY ERINNE MAGEE

The Dos and Don'ts OF POWER WASHING YOUR HOME The Dos and Don'ts OF POWER WASHING YOUR HOME

As spring settles in and we begin to spruce up our yards and turn focus to curb appeal, there’s a good chance your home’s exterior could benefit from a good cleaning.

In the past few years, pressure washing has gained popularity and it’s not uncommon for the average homeowner or property manager to have a big-boxstore power washer at their disposal.

Before you dig the power washer from storage, there’s a few things you should know about removing any mold, mildew, dirt, moss or lichen.

We asked Mohammed Ben Bouchta, owner of Orono-based 207 PowerWash, to address a few common concerns and questions before digging into our spring cleaning.

SMOKEFIRE SERIES 55”

FREESTANDING PELLET GRILL with None Warming Rack, Side Table, Stainless Steel Flavorizer Bars, Weber Porcelain-Enameled Finish. Weber 23510201

Dunnett’s price $1299.99

SUMMIT SERIES 66”

FREESTANDING LIQUID

PROPANE GRILL with 4 Standard Burners, Rotisserie, 468 sq. inches Grilling Surface Size, Warming Rack, Side Burner, Side Table, Built-In Lid Thermometer, Tuck-Away Rotisserie System, Sear Zone, Side Burner. Weber 7170001

Dunnett’s price $2749.99

Why is it important to power wash your home?

No matter the type of siding you have on your home, it’s going to last longer when properly cleaned and maintained. But beyond longevity, there’s safety considerations to take into account. If there’s mold on your home’s exterior, it’s only going to get worse and eventually will find its way into the house.

How do we know if we need a professional?

Having your own power washer can be a convenient way to clean vehicles, machinery, driveways and things of that nature, but when washing a house, several things should be taken into consideration. You don’t want to just blast the siding with high pressure because that damage is irreversible and sometimes the water can get behind the siding. Discoloration is also common with a DIY approach.

Are the products in a professional wash safe for pets, plants and the environment?

There are a few different ways professionals approach house washes. We personally use a biodegradable soap mixture and certainly take careful consideration of landscaping that may need covering or special care.

You mentioned not wanting to use high pressure to avoid damage, but if someone is actually looking to strip paint or stain, how does this process work?

The process here can be complex. Depending on the surface you have and the type of paint or stain that was originally used, the approach can vary. But the first step is determining what cleaning product is best for loosening the old stuff, in preparation for washing and stripping.

What can homeowners do to remove the streaks or growth from a roof?

That’s usually an algae that essentially feeds from your shingles. Depending on the severity, the removal can take a couple treatments to make sure the infestation is taken care of from its roots, not just washed away from the surface only for it to return.

What’s the difference between power washing and soft washing?

Soft washing uses lower pressure and uses different soap to gently loosen the dirt and grime, which is ideal for residential jobs.

What can a homeowner expect to pay for a professional house clean?

You are generally looking at 25-30 cents per square foot; of course there are exceptions to this price depending on how much or what type of buildup is present on the siding and of course what type of siding the house has.

How often should a home receive a thorough clean like this?

Every other year is a good rule of thumb unless the house or garage is surrounded by trees, in which case the buildup may accumulate quicker and require a yearly cleaning.

Ben Bouchta also noted that sometimes a homeowner may think they need to replace their siding, when actually all they need is a thorough clean. In other good news, according to the National Association of Realtors, keeping up with your home’s exterior cleaning needs can increase home value up to $15,000.

Picking the Perfect

With warmer weather around the corner, it’s time to plan some home improvement projects. It’s amazing how the smallest change, like wall color, can really improve the overall appearance of your home.

You’ve probably heard and maybe have seen how different colors can make rooms appear larger or smaller — but did you know that color can also affect your sleep quality, productivity, and mood? Here are the do’s and don’ts of choosing wall colors.

In the Bedroom

For bedrooms it’s best to avoid colors that are too vibrant. Bright purple and red heighten energy levels, keeping you alert. It’s also

PAINT COLOR

BY STACY CUMMINGS

best to avoid blacks, browns, and grays that give off negative energy which can be depressing and make it harder to relax — leading to restless nights and poor sleep quality.

Colors that encourage sleep are blues, yellows, greens, silver, oranges, and soft pinks. Those colors give off a sense of tranquility and calmness, making it easier for our minds and bodies to relax, helping you get a good night’s rest.

For the Home Off ice

Since early 2020, many people have started working from home, either full or part time. The sudden change resulted in workers creating makeshift offices in their homes — and now having a home office space is much more com-

mon than ever before. Avoiding drab, boring office colors while maintaining a level of crisp professionalism can be a struggle.

Blues and greens promote a sense of relaxation, and can also work well in an office setting. Blue represents trust, logic, communication, and efficiency, and is a great color to use in settings that require a lot of focus and mental strain. Greens give off a sense of harmony, nature, and restoration, and are easiest on the eyes for those who work long hours.

Shades of red, yellow, purple, orange, and gray work well in an office setting as well, but professionals warn that these colors should be used sparingly. While some hints of red can bring an

added level of excitement and energy to a workspace, too much can cause over-stimulation and aggravation. Yellow tends to be labeled as a “happy” color, but the overuse can lead to feelings of anxiety. And while different shades of gray can make for a professional looking environment, too much of the same shade can cause your office to feel unmotivating. These colors are best used as accents or borders. Research reveals that the very worst color for your office walls is actually white. White tends to give off a sterile or clinical feeling, as if being in a medical office. This tends to hinder productivity and give off a cold and isolating feeling.

Matching the Vibe

Whether you’re trying to stimulate your family’s appetite with a red wall in the dining room or chill out with a cool blue while relaxing in the tub, here are a few things to consider when it comes to color.

RED: A bold and passion-filled choice, red feels energetic and can help stimulate appetites (perfect for eating spaces) and lift your spirits (think living room).

PINK: Soft and feminine or fun and lively, pink can be calming and tranquil in a nursery or inspire creativity in an office.

ORANGE: Shades of tangerine and orange are stimulating colors that can make you feel invigorated and optimistic. Try it in an exercise space or your kids’ playroom.

YELLOW: A sunny, welcoming hue can feel cheerful and help improve your mood. Welcome guests with a sunshiny entryway or get your day started in a happy, yellow bathroom.

GREEN: Get in harmony with nature with a tranquil, balancing shade of green in the kitchen. Green is also associated with prosperity and health. A restful hue is perfect for bedrooms or a cozy living room.

BLUE: Enjoy the peaceful vibes of a cool blue that promotes clear thinking and a sense of calm. Blue is a soothing choice for bedrooms, meditative spaces, and bathrooms.

PURPLE: Depending on the shade, violets and purples can be stimulating or tranquil. Purple often represents strength and wisdom. A pop of dramatic purple can be fun in a living room.

Ultimately, if you love a color or find a certain shade inspiring, go with it. Your personal taste and preference matters most when choosing the perfect color for your home.