B
Thursday Nov. 30, 2017
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Barn doors go indoors: An ideal winter project
(BPT)
K
nown for their versatility, barn doors have been popping up in homes across the country – in contemporary and rustic designs. Read on to discover why adding a barn door is an ideal winter home-improvement project. Transitions in open floor plans As homeowners seek more open floor plans, interior doors are evolving. Barn doors meet homeowners’ desire for fluid room flows by seamlessly connecting adjacent rooms, allowing the flexibility to close spaces off or join them. “The rolling feature of barn doors creates a fresh look in any home,” says Brad Loveless, product development manager for Simpson Door Company. “The functionality of a door mounted on a barn track allows homeowners to control the degree to which spaces are opened or closed.” Unlike conventional hinge-mounted doors, barn doors open previously divided rooms with an air of intentionality. Showcasing style and personality
Like a distinctive piece of art in the home, the right interior door can showcase a homeowner’s style and personality. An unexpected door style creates a great discussion point when entertaining friends and family. Is your home lacking a statement piece that inspires creativity and sparks conversation? You may find that a barn door is a simple solution to this problem with its eye-catching rolling feature. Adaptable to changing style trends
Do you ever worry that the sweater you bought last week will be out of style in a year or two? Are you a trend skeptic since the bell-bottom era? (If those can go out of style, anything can, right?) These farmyard-meets-indoors statement pieces have actually been around for over a decade. Today you’ll find barn doors with a modern, sleek look, rustic wood paneling or even made with a chalkboard. Barn doors are available from several companies. For homeowners who like the look and feel of wood doors, Simpson Door Company offers rustic-style barn doors, as well as sleek, contemporary doors that can be mounted on barn track hardware. Why now? Adding a barn door while you’re stuck inside for the cold months makes an immediate visual difference in your home and can provide a scenic backdrop for holiday photos.
Top 5 features millennials look for in a home (BPT)
F
or generations, homeownership has been part of the American dream. For most Americans, it’s the largest, most significant investment they’ll make, and because homeownership is the best way to grow their wealth, the most important investment as well. As the youngest generation of new homeowners, millennials are entering the housing market and are eager to get a home to fit their unique lifestyles. Just as every generation has its own music, its distinct style and look, the new generation of homeowners has different expectations than buyers did a few decades ago. To shed some light on these evolving home trends, here are five of the most popular features millennials look for in a home. 1. It needs to be energy efficient. More than other generations, millennials are particularly concerned with their impact on the environment. As such, they want to be sure the home they buy will have a minimal carbon footprint. Some energy-efficient features that are a priority for homebuyers are UV-protected windows, programmable thermostats, efficient appliances and upgraded insulation.
2. It needs to be customized to their tastes. It’s not enough to find a home that is merely “livable”; millennials want a house that is an outward and inward expression of who they are. Translation: The one-size-fits-all model is no longer sufficient. This is one reason manufactured and modular homes from Clayton Homes have become so popular. They offer diverse floor plans with a number of customizable options to suit individuals’ needs and unique styles. There are even built-in home features for pets! 3. Rethinking space usage. The era of buying a house as big as you can afford is on the way out. Many millennials are forgoing the extra bedrooms and enormous living rooms. These homebuyers prefer smarter ways to utilize space for their family’s needs, while keeping a cozy and intimate atmosphere. 4. Open floor plan. In a world where everyone seems to be plugged into their phones and staring at their individual screens, the open floor plan has emerged as a way for families and guests to come together and share the same space. Basically, the fewer walls between the kitchen, dining room and living room, the better. This floor plan also aids homeowners with their entertaining needs and Continued on page 2B
Page 2B • Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Homeowners liable for snow and ice control
(BPT)
W
henever it snows, it is common to see shopping center employees and business owners out and about clearing pathways, parking spaces and entrances of snow and ice. But this isn’t just good business to help customers get in the door, it is also a liability issue should someone slip, fall and injure themselves. Homeowners, too, face similar, albeit more limited, liability if they fail to take adequate steps to remove such slippery hazards from their property.
Generally speaking, homeowners are responsible for limiting dangers on their property, but in some cases this can also extend to public sidewalks abutting the home. In some localities, Homeowners Associations (HOAs), and governments also require that homeowners clear snow and ice or face fines. A regional survey of county and municipal ordinances conducted by the Salt Institute found that 83 percent have written policies directing property owners to remove accumulated snow and ice “within 24 hours of the end of the snowstorm.” Penalties for property owners not complying can range from nominal tickets to misdemeanors punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines of up to $500. Shoveling snow is simple enough, but ice is another matter, and nothing works better to remove ice or prevent ice from forming than salt. Salt lowers water’s freezing point, the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a solid and vice versa. Melting water that is already frozen is called deicing and is applied once ice appears.
Preventing water from freezing in the first place is called anti-icing and is applied when a freeze is expected. Commercially available anti-icing materials include salt (sodium chloride), calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium acetate and calcium magnesium acetate. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but salt brine remains the best choice for anti-icing in temperatures above 15 degrees F (minus 9.4 degrees C) and continues to work in temperatures as low as minus 6 degrees F. For extremely low temperatures, look for a mixture using calcium or magnesium chloride instead.
Laws regarding snow and ice clearing vary by state and locality, but most mandate that some action be taken within a reasonable time period after it stops snowing. For example, the Illinois Snow and Ice Removal Act states that any owner who “removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snowy or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts or omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton.” The dangers from slips and falls should not be taken lightly, especially for the elderly. Each year thousands are rushed to emergency rooms as a result of icy falls with injuries that could have easily been prevented. One enterprising hospital, St. Vincent’s in Indianapolis, Indiana, even decided to give away road salt to local residents one winter to try and prevent such injuries and the resulting emergency room visits. In the end, the person who is most likely to slip and fall is the homeowner themselves. Features continued from page 1B
provides more natural light, which is very big for this young generation. 5. A room for a home office. The millennial workforce is a mobile workforce, and just as this generation is transforming the home market, it is also transforming the workplace. Millions of Americans work from home, and many more are often given the option to work a day or two a week from home. With this shift, many potential homeowners want to be sure there is a suitable workspace for an office. With evolving needs and different tastes, many millennials worry that they will spend a lot of time searching for that one, perfect dream home. At Clayton Homes, we provide a range of green, energy-efficient home models that can be customized with a range of affordable options. From the kitchens to outdoor living areas and multifunctional spaces, millennials and everyone else can find the choices that will allow them to tailor their home and their living space to suit their lifestyle.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 • Page 3B
Increase kitchen efficiency with ease
(BPT)
A
s the holiday season approaches and the calendar begins to populate, it’s important not to allow the stress of entertaining large groups to become a burden. Below are four tips to help organize a kitchen and host with ease, creating a functional space for family and friends to enjoy. Plan in advance Set aside time early in the week to plan the menu, from simple appetizers to the main entree. Grocery shopping apps, like AnyList, allow the whole family to share and build lists together – that can help avoid any last-minute trips to the grocery store. Also, try to identify dishes that can be prepared in advance so more time can be spent away from the kitchen when guests arrive. Maximize storage and counter space
Optimize counter space by designing small stations for easy access to the necessities. A coffee bar “nook” complete with Keurig cups and mugs can help kick-start a busy day. Storage near the fridge should be stocked with foil and containers, ideal for packing up leftovers after a large party. Reserve the island counter for meal prep and the cabinets below for serving ware and glassware storage. Keep all staples in arm’s reach Cooking can be made simple by organizing the essentials. Keep similar tools together, such as bakeware and cookie sheets in one drawer, and pantry staples in an-
other. Spices and herbs should be alphabetized and stored near the stovetop to effortlessly add flavor. For those with design in mind, opt for open shelves to showcase dishes and small kitchen accessories, such as succulents and cookbooks, while keeping everything within reach. Simplify kitchen cleanup Cleaning is often the most time-intensive chore in the kitchen, but if designed right, can be a breeze for home entertainers and kids alike. The Delta Foundry Kitchen Faucet complete with ShieldSpray Technology, available at the Home Depot, offers laser-like precision to contain splatter, meaning less soaking, scrubbing and shirt swapping.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS Real Estate Survey: Messy garages stand in the way of Americans pursuing their passions
Page 4B • Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017
(BPT)
· Resting (44 percent)
mericans would love more time to pursue hobbies they’re passionate about, and time-drains like disorganized garages are a big obstacle to doing the activities they enjoy, according to a new survey conducted by Gladiator and Kelton Global.
· Cleaning and organizing their home (34 percent)
A
Eighty-four percent of Americans surveyed would
Sacrificing for passions When it comes to finding more time to pursue their passions, Americans are willing to go to great lengths. More than a third of the working Americans surveyed leave work early to engage in hobbies, and 27 percent would take a sick day. Survey respondents say if they could have more time for their hobbies, they also would be willing to: · Sacrifice an hour of sleep every night for a month (25 percent) · Give up coffee for a month (25 percent) · Get a tattoo (15 percent) · Wear something silly in public (17 percent)
like more time for their passions, and nearly 40 percent said a lack of time was standing in the way, the study found. Instead of partaking in hobbies like adventure sports, arts, reading, music and gardening, Americans are spending more time running errands (41 percent) and even catching up on much-needed rest (44 percent). Americans’ passions Hobbies aren’t just for fun in the minds of most Americans, the survey found. In fact, respondents say their passions help them maintain happiness and relieve stress. Fifty-nine percent say engaging in their favorite activities is a stress-reliever for them. What’s more, many feel their hobbies help define who they are; 24 percent of adventure seekers associate their hobbies with their self-identity. What’s getting in the way While a lack of time is a significant obstacle to Americans’ pursuit of their passions, it’s not the only one. According to survey respondents, other factors standing in the way include:
· Spend an extra half hour per day stuck in traffic (11 percent) · Give up their cell phones for a month (12 percent) Solutions instead of sacrifice Many Americans understand disorganization can cut into time they would like to spend on other pursuits, including their hobbies. Of course, the gear, supplies and equipment needed for hobbies like outdoor sports, electronics and arts and crafts often get stored in garages. Getting help with garage organization could free up time for Americans to do the things they really love. Gladiator recently launched nine new GearTrack Packs designed to make it easier for Americans to organize all the accoutrements that they need to pursue their passions. Building off the original GearTrack Pack, each custom kit features a unique set of hooks, baskets and storage spaces designed to accommodate items for different activities such as gardening, bicycling, basketball, football, baseball, sports bags and golf gear. Visit GladiatorGarageWorks.com to learn more.
· Not having enough money (49 percent)
Study was conducted by Kelton Global, a leading global insights research firm, between April 12-16, 2017, among 3,127 Americans ages 18 and older with a margin
· Other priorities, such as family (39 percent)
of error of +/- 1.8.
· Work obligations (23 percent)
Winterize your home now for comfort all throughout winter
(BPT)
W
hile temperatures across the country are still mild, major snow fall in some parts of the country has given some Americans a bitter taste of what to expect this winter. Depending on where you live, winter may mean cooler, rainy days or lake-effect snow with four feet of the white stuff at your door. Every fall, homeowners across the country take all the precautionary steps to winterize their homes to protect against burst water pipes as well as improve their overall comfort throughout the colder months. Winterizing your home goes beyond just ensuring snow and chills stay out. Many people assume that winterizing their home is an unnecessary and burdensome task; however, the benefits make it obvious how important it can be. There are other simple steps you can take, but these three will help ensure that your home is adequately prepared for the harsher months ahead. 1. Reduce the risk of water damage. Beyond damage sustained from heavy rainfall, water damage can occur as a result of ice dam formation. Ice dams forming on your roof as well as ground snow melt near vulnerable basement windows can cause significant (and often unseen) damage to your home, which can result in costly repairs. Replacing traditional attic insulation with open-cell spray foam insulation can help mitigate air loss through your home’s roof, thereby reducing the risk of ice dams forming while also helping to keep all that expensively conditioned air inside your home, keeping you and your family comfortable. Closed-cell spray foam insulation installed in basements can help play a role in reducing the risk of water entering your home. FEMA has identified this insulation as a flood-resistant material. 2. Reducing the prevalence of drafts. Cold spots and
drafts throughout your home can literally make you shudder. It is estimated by the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) that all the gaps and cracks throughout the typical 2,500-square-foot American home can equate to more than half a mile. Sealing your home’s tiny cracks and crevices with spray foam insulation can help reduce the possibility of drafts inside your home. 3. Address potential problems before they develop. The cold winter weather can often play a role in creating problems that you did not know existed around your home. Colder temperatures and increased precipitation play into why the elements are harsher on a house. Cleaning eavestroughs, ensuring the seals around windows and doors are intact, upgrading your traditional insulation to spray foam insulation and getting your HVAC unit serviced are all actions that can help to prepare your home for the upcoming winter. Insulation can play an important role in winterizing your home, allowing you and your family to remain comfortable throughout the entire winter. Spray foam insulation like that available from Icynene works well in all climates to seal the building and fill gaps to stop air leakage and reduce the strain on HVAC equipment. As a solution that performs effectively year-round, spray foam insulation helps maintain a comfortable temperature while controlling monthly heating and cooling expenses. Additionally, spray foam insulation helps minimize random airborne moisture and pollutants from entering the home, ideal for anyone suffering from seasonal allergies once the snow has melted and spring arrives. More information is available online at www.icynene.com.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017 • Page 5B
Essential maintenance tasks to keep a clean home happening (BPT)
T
oday’s typical family home is a buzzing hub of activity where meals are cooked, homework is done and family game nights are contested. In the background of it all: the home appliances that keep home life moving along. Focusing on a few maintenance tasks can keep home appliances performing efficiently and effectively.
· Dishwashers: About once a month, check and clean the drain and wipe down the door seals and spray arm. · Oven: Embrace the self-cleaning option on the oven to do the heavy lifting whenever it’s needed. Wipe down the inside of the door and creases to ensure there aren’t crumbs accumulating. Soak
Maintain tools Keep appliances and cleaning tools running well so they continue to get the job done. Replace vacuum belts periodically to keep your vacuum cleaner running like new, and swap out lawn mowers’ spark plugs once a year to ensure the mower is easy to start. Stock up on extra batteries for cordless vacuums, leaf blowers or other lawn equipment used frequently. Focus on filtration Replace vacuum cleaners’ accessories often for best performance. Bags need to be replaced every one to two months, while a new filter is needed every three to six months. A full vacuum bag or clogged filter can inhibit the vacuum’s effectiveness, reducing suction and leaving allergens and dust behind. Washable filters should be replaced too, as they may begin to lose effectiveness after a couple of washes. For great vacuum performance, use Arm & Hammer vacuum bags and filters to capture allergens, dust and pet hair from surfaces. The bags and filters also safely and naturally absorb offensive smells through the odor-fighting power of baking soda. In addition to vacuum filters, make sure to replace HVAC filters. Furnaces and central air conditioners run more efficiently and provide higher quality air filtration with clean filters. Change filters frequently to keep home heating and cooling at a high level. Clean appliances While every appliance has a unique way to clean it, they all have one rule in common: Never, ever let spills or splatters linger. Whether it’s on the stove, in the microwave or in the refrigerator, the longer deposits remain, the harder they are to clean. Keeping these appliances clean will mean that a deeper scrubbing is only needed once in a while. · Refrigerators: Twice a year, pull out the refrigerator to clean behind and under it. Mop the floor and use a vacuum to remove dust from the coils in back. This will decrease the stress put on the motor and can prolong the life of the refrigerator. Use soapy water to clean shelves, and a damp cloth to remove fingerprints from the front or sides.
burners, knobs, racks and hood vents twice a year to keep them free of grime. · Microwave: Clean the rotating microwave plate weekly in the dishwasher. When needed, put a bowl of water with lemons in the microwave and run it for three minutes, then let stand for five minutes before wiping down the inside. · Washing machine: Always wipe out the machine to ensure there is no water left sitting in it. For a deeper clean, run the washer with bleach in the dispenser, pause the machine and let the bleach mixture settle for an hour, then complete the cycle before wiping it out. · Coffee maker: Hand wash the filter tray, exposed areas and crevices weekly, and run water with a bit of vinegar through – without coffee – to clean the inner mechanisms. Safety first Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in the home to keep families safe – but they need new batteries to ensure equipment is working as it should. Every six months, change the batteries in all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and make sure fire extinguishers are still in place and not expired. There is a range of Arm & Hammer bag and filter styles made to fit nearly all brands and models of vacuum cleaners, sold at Wal-Mart stores and www.walmart. com.
Page 6B • Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017
4 hot spots where critters would love to spend winter (BPT)
W
hen temperatures cool, critters that were perfectly happy outdoors begin looking for somewhere warm to spend the winter. They may decide your house is the perfect location - unless you take steps to keep them out. You can prepare by learning what’s trying to get into your house and where they would most like to hang out once inside. The National Pest Management Association offers some information on the most common household pests that can show up in the winter: 1) Showering with a cockroach: Arguably the pest that creeps people out the most, cockroaches just love the water, so your bathroom could be their winter playground. To keep cockroaches out, eliminate leaks and standing water in the bathroom. Wash the shower curtain and liner, clean out the medicine cabinet, and check under the sink and around the tub and toilet to ensure there’s no moisture from leaky pipes or faucets. Remember, despite the urban legend about roaches surviving a nuclear holocaust, they can only live a week without water! 2) Rodents in the attic: Dusty, stuffy, hot in summer and cold in winter, the attic may not be your favorite place to hang out, but rodents like rats, mice and squirrels would just love to spend the winter in yours! Once rodents are inside, they can cause serious and costly property damage by chewing through walls and baseboards. In fact, the NPMA estimates rodents cause up to 25 percent of house fires every year by gnawing on electrical wires. To prevent a rodent infestation, secure everything you store in the attic (or basement) in sealed plastic containers rather than cardboard boxes, which are a favorite nesting spot. Keep the attic dry and well-ventilated. You can run a dehumidifier and install gutters and proper venting to keep moisture away from the attic and basement. 3) Party in the basement: Rodents also like basements, but they’re far from the only pests who will take up residence there. Spiders and a slew of other pests are happy to make their home in the dark corners and clutter that provide them plenty of places to hide. Deprive pests of their habitat by eliminating as much of the clutter in your basement as possible. Use plastic bins with secure lids for storage, rather than cardboard boxes. Pests can enter through cracks and crevices in walls and floors, so use a siliconebased caulk to seal fissures. Mice can fit through an opening the size of a dime, and other small insects need only a paper-thin crack to gain entry. 4) Ants in the kitchen: With a ready supply of food and water, your kitchen can be paradise for pests like ants. No one’s favorite picnic guests, ants are just as pesky in your kitchen where they enter through cracks and holes. To discourage ants, seal cracks or holes where pests might enter.
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS