2013 Fall Home Improvement

Don’t Break The Bank Learn some cheap tricks you can use to make your home renovations without thining out the bank account.

Get Your Home Ready For The Winter

Fall

HOME improvement

October 3, 2013

Don’t wait. The snow and ice will be here before you know it.

Inside, you’ll find some tips on how to best protect your yard.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Two

Fall Home Improvement

Fall Is The Time To Tackle Projects

H

ome improvement projects can add value to a home and doit-yourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes.

But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that certain projects are best tackled during certain times of the year.

Fall is a great season to work on your house, as the weather is often at its most agreeable once

the summer heat has gone and before winter weather arrives. The following are a handful of fallfriendly home improvement projects for homeowners looking to improve their homes.

Roof repair Whether you’re repairing or replacing the roof, fall is a great time of year to dust off the ladder and get some work done on your roof for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, fall is ideal for roof work because you won’t have to be up on the roof with the summer heat bearing down on you.

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This can make the project move along more quickly, which is especially beneficial if you are paying laborers to work on the roof.

The fewer hours workers are fixing your roof, the less you will be paying in labor costs.

In addition, fixing up the roof in the fall ensures those winter storms, be it rain or snow, won’t find their way into your home via leaks. A leaky roof in winter is hard to fix, as the roof surface could be treacherous in the winter and winter winds can make it dangerous to be up on the roof at all. Addressing leaks in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s interior, which can mount up if a leaky roof is not addressed until the following spring.

Window work: When the weather outside gets frightful, poorly insulated windows can allow cold air into the home. That often has a trickle-down effect on finances, forcing you to turn up the thermostat in an attempt to offset the cold air pouring into the home. Whether you need your

windows replaced or simply need to patch up any leaks, a proactive approach to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter. Addressing leaky windows also makes a home more comfortable for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the

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temperature outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the project during the summer or winter.

Fixing the floors: Wood flooring is a hot commodity for many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need temperatures inside the home to be within a certain range, and that range is often within 70° to 80°F, which makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road.

What’s more, many people entertain friends and family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

Painting projects: Painting is another home improvement project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an entirely new look and feel. But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open. Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the project, can help air the home out.

But interior painting isn’t the only painting project homeowners can tackle in the fall. Many exterior paints are temperaturesensitive and need the temperature outside to be above 40°F. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, leaving homeowners with costly and unsightly mistakes.

Fall temperatures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects.Just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Three

Fall Home Improvement

Your House Is An Investment, So Make Sure To Treat It As Such

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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. 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. *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 vet-

ted 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. * 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 update appliances.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Four

Fall Home Improvement

Take The Necessary Steps To Ensure The Best Home Air Quality

W

ith fall soon to give way to winter,

many people will soon be spending more time indoors. Winter weather can be harsh, and it can be difficult for fresh air to make its way into a home once the warmer temperatures of summer and fall give way to the cold days of winter.

Poor indoor air quality can cause multiple problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, poor indoor air quality can increase a person’s risk of developing pneumonia, and it also may aggravate existing respira-

tory conditions such as asthma.

The EPA also notes that longterm exposure to indoor air pollution can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, respiratory diseases and even cancer.

Because indoor air pollution can be so devastating, many homeowners look for ways to improve their indoor air quality, especially before the arrival of winter, when residents of the home figure to spend such a significant amount of time indoors.

Fortunately, homeowners can take many steps to do just that. *Clean with soap and water.

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Soap and hot water can still clean a home effectively, and this ageold combination might be the healthiest way to clean as well.

Many household cleaning products contain potentially harmful ingredients that can introduce toxins and irritants into a home.

Avoid such cleaners and solvents when cleaning a home. If stains prove too stubborn for soap and water, be sure to open windows when using potentially harmful cleaners indoors. *Purchase an air filtration system. Air filtration systems vary significantly in size, cost and function. Some systems are designed to remove specific pollutants, and may not be effective at removing additional indoor air pollutants. Larger models tend to be most effective at filtering pollutants like dust, but such units are more expensive than smaller units. If your home is especially

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dusty, then a large filtering system may prove a worthy investment. *Open windows and doors when possible. Introducing outdoor air into a home is a great way to improve indoor air quality. Of course, opening windows and doors might not be feasible in the middle of winter. But take advantage of any such opportunities when they present themselves. For example, after cooking a big meal, open the kitchen exhaust fan to allow fresh air into the home. Such fans are not large enough to cause a significant temperature drop in the home, but

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they can directly remove contaminants from inside the home, like those that might be emitted from gas stoves. *Insist guests and residents remove their shoes. Chemicals can find their way into a home in a variety of ways, and you and your fellow residents or guests may be tracking them into your home on your shoes. Keep a doormat inside all entryways, and insist guests and residents remove their shoes before entering your home.

This reduces the amount of potential pollutants brought into your home and also makes cleaning the home that much easier. *Break out the mop. Vacuum cleaners can be effective at picking up pollutants inside a home, but they also can leave things behind. When a vacuum cleaner seems to be leaving some dust behind, take out the mop and, with just a little water, address the areas where dust is still lingering.

Water should be enough to do the trick, and, unlike some cleaning products, water won’t be introducing any additional harmful pollutants into the home. *Smoke outside. Smoking inside a home is inviting trouble, especially during those times of year when the windows cannot be opened. Secondhand smoke is a significant source of indoor air pollution, as cigarette smoke is known to contain more than 4,000 chemicals. Smoking indoors, whether an area is well- or poorly-ventilated, can be dangerous to smokers. Exposure to secondhand smoke puts adults and children alike at risk of several diseases, including asthma and cancer. If you or your fellow residents or visitors must smoke, do so outdoors.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Five

Fall Home Improvement

The Longer Your Own Your Home, The More Storage You Need

C

ozy, quaint homes attract many home buyers and renters. Be it a cottage-style house or a studio apartment, smaller living spaces often involve getting creative with storage.

People live in a smaller homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to live in a smaller home so they can be right in the thicks of things in a city or urban center.

Others scale back on living space in an effort to save money. But storage space in small quarters is often at a premium, and thinking creatively is a necessity to keep the home tidy and items out of view.

Rainy or chilly days are the perfect times to tackle indoor organization projects. When the outdoors isn’t beckoning, you can devote all of your attention to addressing storage issues in your home. To begin, take inventory of what you have, going through your possessions and determining what can stay and what can go.

Part with anything you haven’t used in quite some time.

The next step is to sort items and get organized. Then you can find a place for everything. For example, if you have a dozen bath towels but only one sauce pot, you will need to find more room for linens than kitchen cookware.

You may need to borrow space from one area of the home to give to another area. The following are some additional tips to increase space in an otherwise cramped home. *Add shelves. Increase cabiet and closet space by adding shelves into them. This may double or even triple the amount of usable space, especially if you customize the shelving to fit storage containers you use to store everything from shoes to craft items. *Opt for dual-purpose furni-

books or board games. *Think vertically. When floor space is at a premium, you may need to look up for storage. Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a decorative rack in your kitchen. Use magnets on jars to store a spice rack on the wall near the stove. Racks above cabinets or on doors can be used to store everything from shoes to jewelry to toiletries. Shelving in children’s rooms can store lesser used toys away from the floor.

Empty walls are valuable real estate in a small home, and tall bookshelves can house a number ture. Benches with lids that lift up and sofas that convert into guest beds are just a few of the many ways you can keep a small home neat and increase storage space.

An ottoman is a great place to store extra blankets and linens, while a trunk or crate with a sturdy top can be used in lieu of a traditional coffee table to keep

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Six

Fall Home Improvement

Open Up Your Home To More Light

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dark home can be dreary and drain residents’ energy levels rather quickly. Natural light has the power to make a person feel more energized, and it also can buoy spirits. As a result, many homeowners want to increase the amount of natural light in their homes.

Increasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance on interior lighting. This reduces energy bills and lowers the home’s carbon footprint. Natural light also can help people in a home feel happier and more content. According to

the National Institutes of Health, some people experience serious mood changes during the winter months. Dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this condition may be effectively treated with light therapy. Exposure to more light can alleviate fatigue, loss of interest and sad or anxious feelings. Homeowners looking to increase the natural light in their homes, be it for medical or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways. *Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains as far as they will go allows as much light

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to shine in without having to do major home renovations or spend any money at all. Homeowners concerned about privacy can install a window film that allows viewing from the inside only. *Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct sunlight from entering the home. They also can make a home appear unkempt.

Spend a free day cleaning the windows so that they’ll let ample light in. *Install seamless or low-profile windows and doors. Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to enter the home.

Such doors can replace an entire wall to brighten up a dark area of a home. The more windows and doors a home has, the brighter it will be. *Take inventory of dark spots.

A room may be dark because it simply does not have a layout conducive to brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a portion of the room? Think about changing the room’s layout or even making structural changes

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to improve light distribution. The addition of a small window on a south- or west-facing wall can greatly improve natural light. Using mirrors can also reflect light where it is needed.

*Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Skylights are larger and require considerably more See THREE-SEASON, page 15

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Seven

Fall Home Improvement

With Winter Fast Approaching, Make Sure Your Yard Is Ready

C

hanging seasons can be tough on a lawn. Always exposed to the elements, lawns can fare especially poorly upon the arrival of winter, a season known for its harsh and unforgiving weather. Even the most perfectly manicured lawn

Skip These Projects This Fall

U

pon buying a home, new homeowners understandably want to start making adjustments so the home is a more accurate reflection of who they are. Many of these adjustments are minor, but even minor changes here and there can give a home a whole new feel. While there are many ways a person can turn a home into their own unique oasis, some home improvement projects may not be worth the effort, especially when homeowners decide to sell.

Some projects may prove a little too personal, making them less attractive to prospective buyers down the road. Though it’s within every homeowner’s right to make adjustments to their homes (as long as those adjustments are in compliance with local laws), the following projects might come back to haunt them down the road.

See NO NEED, page 12

can suffer at the hands of winter weather, causing homeowners to sit idly by and hope spring arrives that much sooner.

But as punishing as winter weather can be on a lawn, homeowners are not without recourse. Much like homeowners can take steps to help their lawns survive sizzling summer heat waves during the warmer months of the year, they also can take steps to help their lawns make it through the often stormy weather synonymous with winter. *Don’t procrastinate. Putting off the process of winterizing a lawn can put that lawn in jeopardy. Lawns will turn dormant the closer you get to winter, and they may reject the nutrients found in fertilizer as a result. Those nutrients will prove valuable once spring weather returns, so start the winterization process in early fall so the lawn has sufficient time to absorb nutrients and strengthen itself for the seasons to come. *Treat trouble spots. Summer can be even harder on a lawn than winter, especially for those lawns located in regions where heat waves and drought are common.

In such instances, certain spots on the lawn seem to be hit harder than others, and those spots should get special attention when winterizing the lawn. Check the soil’s pH levels before fertilizing or applying any treatments. Such a test will reveal which spots need the most attention, and treating trouble spots now will make

spring lawn care that much easier. *Aerate the property. Aerating can help a lawn recover after a long summer and help it survive the potentially harsh months that lie ahead. Aerating, which involves puncturing the soil or removing cores of soil from the ground, can restore a lawn to health by improving its drainage and allowing more water and air to reach the roots of the grass.

Aerating also makes it easier for nutrients to penetrate the soil, which encourages a healthier lawn over the long haul. Aerators can be purchased or rented, but homeowners uncomfortable with the process may want to enlist a professional to tackle the job.

Parents of small children who spend lots of time in the yard may need to aerate their lawn more than most, as heavy lawn traffic compresses the soil, a potentially harmful process that can be reversed via aeration. *Take steps to strengthen the roots. Aerating promotes stronger roots, but homeowners might also

want to find a winterizing product with potassium and phosphorous, both of which can strengthen roots. Different types of lawns will respond differently to certain winterizers, so discuss your options with a lawn care professional who can help you find the right fit for your property. *Remove debris from the lawn. Debris left on a lawn over the winter can prove very harmful. Piles of debris left scattered around a lawn can suffocate the blades of grass, leading to longterm damage and a potentially unsightly lawn come the spring.

In addition, piles of debris might

make good homes for organisms that can damage the lawn. As fall moves into winter, periodically remove all debris, including leaves and branches fallen from trees. *Make the lawn off-limits once the temperatures dip below freezing. A lawn should be off-limits once the ground freezes. Stepping on grass that has frozen will leave noticeable footprints, and walking on frozen grass can kill the turf. When winter arrives, people should avoid using the lawn as a shortcut into and out of your home and stick to driveways and sidewalks instead.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Eight

Fall Home Improvement

Give Your Kitchen Cabinets A Completely Different Look With Resurfacing

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omeowners who want to give their kitchens a brand-new look without the expense or the hassle of a full-scale renovation often gravitate toward kitchen cabinet refacing.

Cabinet refacing is less expensive and more eco-friendly than a full replacement of existing cabinets, and experts estimate refacing costs roughly two-thirds less than a complete cabinet renovation. Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of existing cabinets during which the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the wood color chosen for the refacing, while the structure and layout of the cabinets remains unchanged. Essentially the kitchen footprint will remain the

same as it was before the refinishing took place.

Kitchens are popular rooms in the home and much of the renovation investment made in the kitchen can be recuperated at resale.

Homeowners looking to put their homes up for sale soon may find cabinet refacing is beneficial, as it is a relatively quick renovation that can reap big rewards.

Homeowners have options when refacing their cabinets. While some projects, such as stripping off old

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paint and repainting, can be a doit-yourself project, refacing cabinets may be best left to the professionals. Veneer work, which is often part of cabinet refacing, is not a skill one can learn overnight, and it often requires the hand of a professional carpenter.

Many cabinets can be resurfaced successfully. Older cabinets are prime candidates, as they often are more sturdy than newer cabinets. In general, cabinets can be refaced as long as their substructures are sound.

In addition to providing a new look for the kitchen, cabinet refacing is an eco-friendly project. By not demolishing existing cabinetry, homeowners are preventing old materials from ending up in landfills while saving trees from being cut down to construct new cabinets. Refacing also reduces the amount of chemical products used in the building of new cabinets, including stains, adhesives and chemically treated wood.

Homeowners can choose among wood, veneer, metal, and even glass doors as replacements in the kitchen. Coupling cabinet refacing with replacement of old appliances can completely transform the appearance of the kitchen in relatively little time. Many refacing projects go as follows. *Measurements are taken and technical drawings are made so that new cabinet materials can be manufacturered to the kitchen’s exact specifications. *Homeowners choose the type of finish they prefer for the new cabinetry. *Manufacturing takes place, and homeowners will schedule a time when the work will commence. *Existing doors and drawer fronts will be removed and recycled or disposed of. *If cabinet frames and boxes need to be repaired in any way, some refacing companies will take care of this. *Cabinet boxes and frames are covered in a matching veneer or plastic laminate. *The new doors and drawer fronts are installed, as are new handles, pulls and moldings to complete the look.

Many companies specialize in cabinet refacing. Homeowners should request estimates from potential candidates and review workmanship prior to hiring a particular company.

Cabinet refacing is often a fast, relatively inexpensive renovation project. It can improve the appearance and functionality of a kitchen in a small amount of time, while also improving the value of a home.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Nine

Fall Home Improvement

With Winter Fast Approaching, Make Sure Your Yard Is Ready

H

omeowners are increasingly extending their living spaces outside the walls of their homes. Expansive and intricate stonework patios and decked-out outdoor kitchens are the kind of additions many homeowners dream of. Those with unlimited budgets can enjoy just about any look they desire, but many homeowners may not have the money to go all the way with their outdoor living spaces. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to create budgetfriendly spaces that are functional, fun and eye catching.

Decks and patios are popular gathering spots outside a home, and homeowners have numerous inexpensive options at their disposal when choosing patio

Help Resale With These Projects

I

n its annual Cost vs. Value Report that compares the cost for 35 popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale, Remodeling magazine found that the overall average cost-value ratio has improved for the first time in six years. Cost-recouped percentages increased for all 35 projects examined for the 2013 survey, a remarkable turnaround from just a year earlier, when only three of the 35 projects saw an increase in cost-recouped percentage.

Replacement projects proved See SIDING, page 14

Sometimes saving means repurposing antiques or items found at garage sales. Thanks to the Internet, people can easily advertise items they no longer need or desire. A person can search for backyard items they need at a deep discount if they are fine with previously used materials.

From patio furniture to masonry

blocks to above-ground pools, patient homeowners can find just about any item they may need to upgrade their backyards.

Though not all homeowners can afford to create the backyard of their dreams, with a little ingenuity and some sweat hard work, homeowners can still create an outdoor oasis.

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tensive. For those who desire the look of patio blocks without the cost, stamped concrete can mimic the look for less.

Homeowners may not need to replace patio furniture, even if chairs and tables have seen better days. A can of spray paint can cover up any rusted areas or spots where paint has peeled off due to exposure to the elements. Updating cushions and purchasing a coordinating umbrella can revitalize the patio’s entire look. Also, very often stores run sales to clear out merchandise for new displays.

Defining edges of planting borders and refreshing the landscape may be all that is needed to improve the yard. This is easily achieved with inexpensive mulch and some vinyl edging. While cleaning up the yard, use a pressure washer to clean stains off of siding and patios and create a like-new appearance.

End-of-season sales can also be the ideal opportunity to purchase big-ticket items like a pool, a hot tub or an outdoor fireplace/ fire pit. Shoppers can learn when stores discount their merchandise to make room for new inventory and then use these sales as opportunities to save.

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materials. And those who can do their own labor when installing a patio can save a substantial amount of money. Instead of higher-priced composite or resin decks, homeowners can go with standard wood, which will need to be stained periodically. Scaling back the size of the deck means less materials to buy and less labor involved.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Ten

Fall Home Improvement

Design Your Home To Combat Nature’s Worst Possible Weather

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now,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, referring to the switch from wood framing to the insulated concrete form, or ICF. “The latest home-construction technology is able to lower energy costs and protect occupants from wind and fire damage at the same time.

The standard wood frame used in buildings can now be replaced by a system using concrete. In addition to cost and safety benefits, this ICF technology gives homeowners an improved indoor environment as well.”

If you choose to build your house with reinforced concrete instead of wood, you will get far greater impact resistance, says Blyth, noting the ability of reinforced concrete to withstand hurricane-strength winds.

“The ICF system interlocks, like Lego, to create one superstrong wall with concrete thicknesses ranging from 4 to 12 inches, all of which also provides superior fire protection, sound resistance, temperature control and additional occupant comforts.

Better still, this type of insulation and durability can save you up to 70 percent on your energy bills.

You get a much stronger and more enjoyable home.”

The benefits are in the details, as follows: *Rock Solid Walls—With the growing concern of weather extremes, Nudura’s ICF testing demonstrates hurricane and tornado impact resistance up to 250 miles per hour. Concrete is more structurally sound during floods as well, and the fire protection rating is up to four hours. *Lower Fuel Costs—ICF walls reduce the air infiltration common in wood walls, leading to significantly improved energy performance. By combining two panels of thick (EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete, the walls can provide an efficiency rating as high as R-50 (compared to an average R-20 in wood struc-

tures), saving you up to 70 percent on energy bills. *Indoor Comfort—ICF walls deliver even temperatures throughout your house, and eliminate cold air seepage, causing chilly spots. Mold, mildew, and toxins associated with wood structures are also eliminated. *Peace & Quiet—Inside, the walls give you an effective sound barrier, as concrete dampens the vibrations of outside noise such as the drone of traffic. *Beauty—With concrete at the core, you can add beautiful finishes like stone, brick, siding or stucco and you can design with innovative architectural shapes, such as arches, bay windows, and any door style making your home look like any other. *Incremental value—When you put a house on the market that is stronger, safer and less costly to heat, cool and repair, you can ask nothing but a premium price.

Since the ICF system discards wood framing altogether, it is a method that must be chosen before construction begins, says Blyth. More information is available online at www.nudura.com.

Create Storage Space

continued from page 5

ly find items so that you are not searching around the house for lost items and creating a bigger mess along the way. Clear storage containers work in the refrigerator, too. You can more easily spot leftovers, and uniform stacking containers free up more room for bulkier items. *Make use of space beneath your bed. There likely is ample room to store more things than just dust bunnies beneath your bed. A bed frame with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep bed linens and out-of-season clothes.

Beds can be raised on blocks to create more space underneath for storing rolling plastic containers and even seldom-used suitcases. *Opt for an armoire. Armoires are not exclusive to bedrooms.

Armoires can be used in dining spaces or in dens to store items out of sight. An armoire can be used when retrofitted with a pullout shelf as a laptop desk, storing all office items behind closed doors when not needed. *Improve storage in the bathroom. Try to choose a vanity that has under-the-sink storage so you will have a place to store some toiletries. Home improvement centers sell cabinets and etageres that can be placed above the toilet tank as a storage space for bathroom items. In the shower, hang a second tension-loaded shower curtain rod on the inside of the shower enclosure that can be used to hold bags of kids bath toys and other toiletries, keeping them off the tub ledges. When you think creatively, you can maximize storage space even in a small home.

THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Eleven

Fall Home Improvement

Make Sure Home Improvement Projects Don’t Break The Bank

W

ith the economy still struggling, money is tight for many homeowners. That reality can present a problem to those who want to improve their homes without spending too much money.

The cost of a home improvement project depends on a host of factors, including the scale of the project and the availability of materials. Upscale projects like a full

roof replacement will set homeowners back a substantial amount of money. In its 2011-2012 “Cost vs. Value Report,” Remodeling magazine revealed that the average cost of a such a project was nearly $38,000. However, a smaller project like a garage door replacement could be completed for fewer than $3,000.

When deciding if a home improvement project is within your

budget, it’s a good idea to consult such figures before choosing a project. For example, if your home is a fixer-upper, then one project may not be more urgent than another, something that may allow you to choose less expensive projects now while saving money for more expensive projects down the road.

It’s also important for homeowners to know that figures such as those in the “Cost vs. Value Report” are just averages. Some projects might cost more than the average, while others might come in well under budget. To ensure your project is one of the latter and not the former, consider the following ways to trim costs off your next home improvement project. *Avoid the DIY movement if you don’t have adequate experience. Many homeowners fall into the DIY trap, feeling they can pull off a project without hiring a professional contractor. While this is an option for those homeowners

with home improvement experience, it’s an approach that’s best avoided by those without such experience. Homeowners who decide to go it alone on a home improvement project should know that mistakes are costly.

One mistake could have you paying for the same materials twice: once when you begin the project,

and then again when you need to hire a contractor after your efforts didn’t work out. A failed DIY project also costs you time, something homeowners hoping to sell their homes post-project cannot afford to waste. *Hire the right contractor. The best contractor for the job won’t See DON’T, page 15

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Twelve

Fall Home Improvement

No Need For Big-Ticket Items Like Sports Complex Or Home Office continued from page 7

Sports Complex Sports fans often dream of adding a backyard basketball or tennis court to their property.

But such projects are among the more expensive additions a homeowner can make to his or her property, costing more than popular projects like kitchen remodels or room additions. What’s more, real estate professionals note that

homeowners can expect to recoup little, if any, of the cost of adding a basketball or tennis court to their properties at resale, while more popular projects tend to recoup a substantial amount of a homeowner’s initial investment.

Luxury Shower Installing a luxury shower, such as a multi-headed steam shower, can add a splash of resort-style

luxury to your home, but it likely won’t add much to your sale price. Though costs for such additions can vary significantly depending on how grand you choose to go, real estate professionals warn that a luxury shower is unlikely to recoup much of its initial cost at resale. If you simply must give your bathroom a more luxurious look but still want to be a responsible homeowner, look

for a low-cost addition. That can take some of the sting out of not recouping much of your investment at resale.

keep in mind the reactions of potential buyers before adding too many personal accents and additions to their homes if they plan to sell down the line.

Home Theater Few homeowners would scoff at installing a home theater in their homes, but the impression of home theaters as a luxury only the super wealthy can afford might turn prospective buyers away from your home. Potential buyers may be impressed by a fully functioning home theater complete with surround sound, lighting, a big screen, and all the other fixings synonymous with home theaters, but when they go home to discuss their options, they may feel the home theater is a luxury they can live without and opt for a more affordable home without a theater instead. A dream home means different things to different people, so homeowners should

Fully Furnished Home Office More and more men and women are working from home, and some homeowners might feel that transforming a room in their home into a fully functional home office is a great investment. But some buyers might be turned off by a room that can no longer function as an extra bedroom.

The potential cost of converting a home office into a more traditional bedroom space may compel some prospective buyers to keep looking or to make a lower offer on your home. While a home office might seem like a good idea, avoid making an exclusive home office room during your renovation.

Maximize Return With Minimal Effort continued from page 3

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.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Thirteen

Fall Home Improvement

Being Green Provides Numerous Benefits

B

eauty, spaciousness, interior design—and every other eye-pleasing esthetic—are important when building a personal dream home.

Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist that the place where they will be living for years on end must be as eco-responsible as possible.

As it turns out, many decisions that are initially based on responsibility can deliver unexpected esthetic results, too.

“Sometimes the least glamorous decisions can be the ones that give your lifestyle far more quality and value and a good case in point is the use of concrete to build the walls, instead of traditional wood-framing,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in this field. "Our Canadian technology has advanced the development of the ‘insulated concrete form,’ a system that that interlocks to erect a building, like Lego. For the occupants, the benefits of improved comfort, energy efficiency, safety and interior air quality are delivered immediately with ICF con-

struction and for the homeownerinvestor, all those benefits assure top resale value later on.”

In addition, Blyth points out, an ICF structure can be finished on the exterior just like traditional wood frame structures. Stone, stucco, brick or whatever is envisioned can be done with the insulated concrete forms.

Building the walls with concrete is an option that needs to be decided early in the planning, he says.

The method discards wood framing in favour of pre-assembled, interlocking concrete forms filled with concrete. Take a look at a few more of the headturning benefits of concrete: *Fuel Savings—Premium insulation is essential with energy costs on the rise. Solid concrete walls vastly reduce air infiltration (compared to wood walls), optimizing energy performance and reducing carbon footprints.

The R-value (insulation effectiveness) comes in at R-50 and can save you to 70 percent on energy bills. *Comfort—Outside cold easily travels through wood-framed

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Fourteen

Fall Home Improvement

Important To Prep Area Before Painting

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ainting a home’s interior can give it a completely new look and feel. A fresh coat of paint can make a room feel more vibrant and upto-date, creating a whole new attitude within the room without breaking the bank. Whether creating an accent wall or painting each wall within a room, painting is a relatively easy and inexpensive home improvement project. But that doesn’t mean painting does not require a little prep work before the project can begin.

Address any holes or bumps on the wall. Holes or cracks in the wall will need to be patched with spackle, which then must dry before the wall can be given

a new coat of paint. In addition, sand down any bumps until the walls are smooth and free of any unsightly abnormalities. *Wash the walls. Walls can get dirty, and that dirt may or may not be masked by paint.

Before adding a new coat of paint, wash the walls and inspect them for dust. Dust can collect on molding, especially in rooms that get little natural air. When dust has collected on the molding and around doorways and trim, use a damp cloth to wipe it away before adding any new paint. *Apply primer. Primer can serve many functions, not the least of which is its role as a

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bonding agent between the wall and the top coat of paint. Primer can also help conceal dark colors, prevent stains and increase the life expectancy of the paint job you are about to undertake. *Prepare your paint. Preparing the paint is a simple task, but one novice painters may not be aware of. When opening a new can of paint, stir the paint before using it. In addition, even if you don’t plan to use a roller when painting, do not paint straight from the can, which can be heavier to hold than a small bowl, and a light bowl is less likely to be spilled than a potentially heavy can of paint. In addition, once paint has been removed from the can, replace the lid so dust and other impurities do not settle in the can. *Purchase painter’s tape. Painter’s tape can be especially valuable to novice painters. Painter’s tape makes it easier to paint smooth and clean paint lines, giving a room a more professional looking coat of paint without the cost of hiring a professional painter. Painting can be an inexpensive

and fun way to upgrade a home’s interior. But even though painting does not require the technical know-how of more large-scale

home improvement projects, it still requires some prep work and attention to detail to ensure the job is done right.

Siding And Garage Door Replacement Key Upgrades continued from page 9

especially beneficial for homeowners, who likely also benefitted from a real estate market that finally started to stabilize after an extended period of economic uncertainty that heavily influenced

both buyers and sellers.

While an economy on the rebound no doubt benefitted homeowners looking to recoup as much of their home improvement investment at resale as possible, other factors likely contributed as well. For example, homeowners surveyed for the 2013 report who added a backup power generator recouped more of their investment than in previous years.

That’s likely because heavily publicized storms, such as Superstorm Sandy in late 2012, have forced homeowners and prospective homeowners to place a greater emphasis on being prepared for such storms.

Among the upscale projects surveyed, none recouped more of a homeowner’s investment than replacing existing siding with fiber-cement siding. Homeowners who financed such a project recouped 79.3 percent of the project’s cost, placing it just ahead of a garage door replacement, which recouped an average of 75.2 percent of its cost.

After years of many home improvement projects recouping little of their initial costs at resale, the tide finally seems to be turning for homeowners. More information about the 2013 Cost vs.

Value Report is available at www. remodeling.hw.net.

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THE CHESHIRE HERALD, OCTOBER 3, 2013

Fifteen

Fall Home Improvement

Don’t Overlook Opportunities To Save That Already Exist At Home continued from page 11

necessarily be the one who comes in with the lowest estimate. The right contractor will know how long a project will take and what the materials will cost. The wrong contractor, who might lack the experience of his competitors, might make empty promises that ultimately cost you more money via overrun costs. Find a contractor who comes highly recommended

and is willing to provide references and show you his or her past projects like the one you’re hiring him or her undertake. If you hire the wrong contractor, the project may never be completed and you may find yourself in court, where the money you had budgeted for home improvements is being spent on lawyers instead. *Consider supplying your own materials. If you diligently re-

search your project, you should be able to buy the materials yourself, even if you plan on hiring a contractor to do the work. Some contractors mark up the materials as a means of padding the bill. If you research the project and learn about the materials you want to use, you can save a substantial amount of money buying those materials yourself and then hiring a contractor.

light through a reflective tube to the room below. Diffusers on tubular daylighting devices scatter the rays so the light doesn’t cast harsh shadows, and UV filters can help protect furniture from discoloring. *Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are blocking light from entering your home, trim them to enable dappled light to come through. Deciduous trees that will naturally lose their leaves come autumn can be planted on sunny areas of the property. This

way in the summer months they will shade the house and keep it cooler, while in winter more sun will stream in when the leaves are shed. *Create a three-season room.

Make a spot in the home where sun will be at a premium. A solarium or greenhouse attached to the home can be a warm and sunny spot. Increasing natural light in a home can improve feelings of well-being and also reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.

Three-Season Rooms Can Let In More Sunshine continued from page 6

work to install, while solar tubes are more low-profile and can be put into rooms that do not abut the roofline, such as those obstructed by attic space. The tubular cylinders are installed between the roof and the ceiling and carry

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*Don’t overlook recycled materials. Buying recycled materials is another way to reduce home improvement costs. Bathroom fixtures, doors, flooring, and lighting are just a few of the materials that are commonly recycled and resold at a fraction of the cost of new materials. Shop around for stores in your area or peruse the Internet for recycled materials. Homeowners undertaking a replacement project rather than a remodel might even be eligible for tax breaks if they donate their old materials. *Choose projects that provide more bang for your buck. Another

way to save is to choose projects that provide a strong return on your investment. The "Cost vs.

Value Report" compares the cost of popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale. If money is a motivating factor behind your project, choose a project that will get you the most money back at resale.

While the economy has not necessarily been kind to the home improvement industry, there are still plenty of homeowners looking to improve their homes.

Savvy homeowners can do just that and save some money along the way.

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Sixteen

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