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A special supplement of the

CommunityAdvocate April 7, 2017

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2 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

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Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 3

The art of design The importance of organization

O

rganizing yourself toward a better future is often a necessary first step in preparing for any new interior design project. Like most projects, organization is fundamental for making positive changes to your home, office or any environment.

For some, the experience can be liberating and restorative, yet others struggle with the thought of purging decades of accumulation. Finding the right storage system is key to organizing your home.

Wall units, shelving or closet storage are just some of the potential solutions.

The design of furniture and accessories has evolved over the centuries along with the development of the human habitat. While on the one hand, people seek to optimize their dwelling by providing it with more amenities and Organization is fundamental for making positive changes to your home, office or any environment.

equipment, on the other hand, the increasing property values cause spaces to be reduced more and more, conspiring against that comfort that is originally sought. How does one reconcile these two realities? There is some furniture, such as modular furniture, which folds, and some is even multifunctional.

Shelving belongs to this group of furniture. Nowadays, contemporary renditions reminiscent of the midcentury Danish wall systems, as well as vintage pieces, are the darlings of the interior design world and they are back in full swing.

The variation in models is almost infinite. There are shelves for books, toys, liquors and sporting goods; many designs include drawers, shelves, cupboards and keyboards.

In homes with small spaces, shelves serve to take advantage of the places where no other furniture can be placed. They are ideal for corners. They can also be arranged to divide a room or below window frames to create layers of architecture. Shelves are considered a contemporary piece of furniture, however, you can find or design one with a classic and traditional line, as well.

The most preferred material for these wall units is solid wood, which can be lacquered or stained in a myriad of colors. Designs can be made of earth-friendly reclaimed wood with customized finishes, making them your own.

Something to consider when purchasing or designing a cus-

tom shelving unit is what you would like to store and what items you want in plain sight.

A good solution is a mix of shelves and enclosed storage.

Circular and rotating shelves are ideal for small spaces which save space while remaining functional. The most typical of these are generally small Victorian round tables, which served as a petite library next to a couple of chairs in a parlor or living room.

Oddly, shelving is usually considered as a design solution of last resort after all other ideas have been put through a litmus test, and yet are visually the most impactful. Bookcases and shelving do require regular editing so they do not become a clutter collector. Shelving offers the perfect location for organization with a marriage of bins, books and accessories that will have that special curated designer’s touch.

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4 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

Cabinet-cadabra

How to create storage magically when you don’t have many closets or cabinets

N

o matter how many closets and how much cabinet space you have, it might not seem like enough.

Ben Soreff of House to Home Organizing said that one of the biggest challenges his clients face is to simply acknowledge the situation.

“I have homeowners with no garage, no basement, no attic and limited closets,” said Soreff. “I always advise my clients to lean into it.”

Soreff said a lack of storage can be viewed “as a tax for living close to the beach or in a great apartment near Times Square.”

Once they acknowledge their storage limitations, homeowners need to adapt to a pared-down lifestyle.

“You can’t buy a 12-pack of paper towels or keep your skis in the living room,” he said, noting that the best way to live easily is to remove items you don’t use often. (Hint: Rent

designed with enough cabinet or closet space just create your own,” said Jim Ireland, owner of White Glove Elite, a cleaning company, who recommends buying a portable wardrobe to store clothing and using a shoe rack to keep shoes off the floor.

Another option: consider building your own cube shelves, typically made of laminate or plastic. They can be used alone or stacked together to create a modular shelving unit. Those canvas foldable cubes can be stored inside these shelving units.

Cute cubes Storage cubes, which are available in a variety of colors, patterns and materials, can be a quick and stylish storage option around the house.

Canvas containers fold flat when not in use. Use them to store anything: seasonal clothes, toys, papers around your home office and more.

Ireland suggests using fabric bins for under-the-bed storage, saying they provide “a softer, more elegant look.”

Up and down Maximize your walls and other hidden storage spaces.

“Vertical becomes the solution when space is an issue,” said Soreff. “Items that are used less often must go up.”

He also tucks shoes and other similar items in boxes under the bed, even putting lifts on the legs of the bed to create more space.

Another suggestion is to keep surplus items, such as paper If your home is not designed with enough cabinet or closet space just create your own

Be smart about your storage options by investing in items that can do more than one thing.

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Keep only what you need and frequently use. That means holiday decorations and your bread maker (used once a year) shouldn’t be vying for cabinet or closet space in your main living areas.

Getting started From storing kitchen and bath items to streamlining your closets and organizing your bedrooms and living rooms, it can be difficult to find a place for everything.

“Shelves and containers are cornerstones to organization, so if your home is not

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Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 5

Creating curb appeal

Make a good first impression when it’s time to sell your house

By Cindy Walsh MacKenzie, Owner, Broker, Realtor, SRES, LMC Century 21 Walsh

Y

ou’ve heard the saying... “you only get one chance to make a first impression.” Well, that is so true when preparing your home for sale. Many buyers will drive by your home’s exterior before scheduling an appointment with their Realtor. Before selling your home, keep in mind that buyers appreciate a clean look in the homes they view. Nothing makes a home look better than a fresh coat of paint. For broader appeal, paint in neutral colors such as beige, gray, white or an off-white. These colors suggest newness and cleanliness and can brighten a dull or outdated exterior.

Curb appeal, as they say, is important as it’s your chance to make a first impression.

Step outside of your front door and step out in front of your house. Turn around and put yourself in your potential buyer’s shoes. What do you see? Do you see a home that makes you excited to walk through the front door?

Helpful steps to prepare the outside of your home: • Clean the windows. Both inside and out. To some, sparkling windows means a clean, crisp house.

• Cater to your lawn. Mow, weed, trim bushes and add mulch. A pristine lawn makes the buyer want to see more.

• Clamp it down. Make sure

gutters and downspouts are attached and clean. Ensure door handles and railings are secure.

• Create a welcoming entrance. Paint or replace the front door. Make sure the walkway is clear of clutter.

• Clean the exterior of the house, walkways, and patios by power washing.

• Clearly post the number of your house.

• Colorize. Add some color to the front by planting flowers or adding flower pots or a wreath to your front door.

Don’t forget to make the most of that initial drive by. A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch or entry way

welcomes a prospective buyer.

So does a freshly painted front door! Take an extra step and add a new welcome mat or replace heavy drapery with light sheers for natural light.

This can make an impact and leaves the prospective buyers with a good first impression. You can increase the value of your home and decrease the time it takes to sell by making a few simple improvements.

Century 21 Walsh is located at 85 Chestnut St., Shrewsbury. For more information call 508-845-2121 (office) or 508-868-3883 (cell), or email cynthia.walshmackenzie@ century21.com.

How to create storage magically sweaters out and replace with bathing suits.”

Storage Continued from page 4

towels, water bottles and party supplies, out of the main living areas. Instead, tuck them away in a garage or a basement.

Double duty Be smart about your storage options by investing in items that can do more than one thing. Benches, for example, can double as shoe racks.

“I don’t advise hanging too much, but behind-the-door shoe holders work better for jewelry and scarves than they do for shoes,” said Soreff, who also advises using one set of bins to store and swap seasonal items. “Take the

Go outside If you have more space outside your home than inside, it might make sense to install a storage shed. Designs have come a long way. Today’s stylish sheds look nothing like the aluminum-box structures you remember.

Some modern sheds resemble mini-homes and are made with durable, weather-resistant materials.

There’s even a trend for “she sheds,” a fashionable storage structure with windows that can double as a reading nook, a home office or an art or yoga studio.

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Here are 3 tips to help prepare your house for sale: Getting Started: Create a time line and keep a folder with all your lists, notes and phone numbers. Set realistic expectations and determine if you need to enlist help. Take your time and be careful not to overdo it. Eliminate the Clutter: Remember, you want to show the house and not your belongings. Tackle kitchens, closets, and storage areas. Start with flat surfaces; clearing floors and tabletops. Eliminate or move furniture pieces that impede traffic flow or overpower a room. The house should be tidy, clean and orderly. Repair & Refresh: Once the clutter is gone, evaluate if any items need repair. Buyers prefer homes that are in move-in condition and that don’t hint at neglect. A well cared for home brings you the best sale value. Start early, have a plan and seek help if needed and you’ll get your home ready for sale with a lot less stress.

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A room addition is great way to transform your home into the ideal fit for your lifestyle and personal taste.

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hen your home is undersized, outdated or lacking vital amenities, it may cost less to improve than to move.

A room addition is great way to transform your home into the ideal fit for your lifestyle and personal taste. That said, it is a costly endeavor that almost always far exceeds the do-it-yourself realm of home improvement projects. With careful planning and knowledge of what an add-on project entails, you can develop a firm budget and a clear vision.

HomeAdvisor is a leading nationwide online home improvement marketplace.

It reports that the average national cost of adding a room or building an addition is $40,942. Understanding

the costs associated with such a grand total will help you navigate the project.

Most homeowners hire a general contractor for a room addition, who provides a project cost estimate and handles the hiring and managing of subcontractors. Some act as their own general contractor to save anywhere from 15 to 30 percent of the overall project cost. However, this job involves a lot of work, including developing build plans, calculating material and labor costs, finding and hiring subcontractors, and scheduling and managing the team all the way through.

There are two main ways to add onto your house: horizontally or vertically. The direction is often dictated by the

purpose of the addition and the existing floor plan. One article on the HGTV website titled “Building Up vs. Building Out” cites pros and cons for each. Building out, which generally involves installing a new foundation or slab, typically involves the least disruption of your existing space and lifestyle. But Roy L. Fyffe, a spokesman for the American Association of Code Enforcement, said you might have to acquire a zoning variance from the town, and “you could also face limitations from the town’s floor-area-ratio rating, which dictates what proportion of a lot can be built on (including the house, garage and driveway).”

Conversely, building up will Addition page 7

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Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 7

Don’t blow it

How to estimate the cost of a room addition

Though a room addition can be costly, the benefits of walking in the door to a home that you love and that is of your creation is priceless.

Addition Continued from page 6

not restrict your yard or add to the existing footprint of the house. However, many towns limit the maximum housing height.

Fyffe adds: “If you’re adding a whole additional story, you’ll also need to account for a stairwell, which can easily eat up around 80 to 120 square feet or more of living space. And your contractor will likely have to tear apart the walls and ceilings in the space below to beef up the structural supports and feed in the electrical, plumbing and heating lines.” These factors are important to consider given how contractors calculate the cost estimate.

Room addition costs are quantified in dollars per square foot. And contractors charge a premium when

providing a room addition cost estimate. A U.S. News & World Report article online notes that according to CostHelper.com, a bathroom or bedroom addition could cost $25,000 to $50,000, and a large room, such as a family room, could run as high as $100,000. Bill Millholland, executive vice president at Case Design/Remodeling Inc., said: “’I would guess somewhere between $200 and $600 per square foot. ...

The more you build the less it costs per square foot.”

Certain cost variables are independent from your specific project, such as market demand for building materials and home-construction labor. Price gouging is not uncommon when the housing market is hot, so study contractor proposals carefully.

Do not hesitate to visit your

OTHERS SEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PLACE.

local home improvement store and compare material costs against those listed in your estimate; they will differ slightly but shouldn’t differ drastically.

Visit www.homeadditionplus.com, for practical, comprehensive room addition construction bid sheets, contractor bid sheets and home building guides for any room.

Included are questionnaire forms (like checklists and requests for quotes) that you can give to potential contractors for them to fill out when bidding the job. These forms will not only help you learn the right questions to ask potential construction partners but also reduce risk, and save you time and money. You can price out every single building item, down to the curtain rod.

The key to obtaining an accurate cost estimate is to have a complete set of building plans and specifications and vet those plans through the proper authorities. The U.S. News & World Report article mentions a cautionary tale of a resident in Myrtle Beach, S.C., who ran into trouble when his homeowners association said his add-on wasn’t up to code. Check with your HOA, county and insurance company before beginning the build.

The more thorough your plan the less likely it will be that you meet unwanted surprises.

Though a room addition can be a costly, tedious process, the benefits of walking in the door to a home that you love and that is of your creation is priceless.

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8 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

Streamlining your home office Creating a more minimalist home office for better productivity

I

f your desk at home is overwhelmed by clutter and there’s little or no space to actually get work done, it’s time to streamline your home office.

Cleaning your workspace can be a big job, but it’s worthwhile.

“It really is about carving out a considerable chunk of time to thoroughly go through everything that is currently housed in the space,” said Jeanie Engelbach, founder and “boss lady” of apartmentjeanie, a professional organization company.

Engelbach, who said clients are always surprised about how much time it takes to get their home office properly organized, advises clients to mark a date on the calendar to clean and organize the home office.

“Treat and honor it like an appointment and the project won’t feel overwhelming,” she said.

Keeping papers properly filed, desktop clean, piles properly corralled helps focus, time management and fosters a sense of calmness, which improves performance, confidence and attitude.

Focus When getting organized, focus on the job and move quickly, all while envisioning a tidy and organized area.

“The success of a cleaning project is one’s ability to acknowledge, assess and act fast,” said Engelbach. “Not to get mired in reviewing, reminiscing and reliving what is currently being edited will help make the process go smoothly and quickly.”

She recommended sorting through “absolutely everything that is in the space” so you can decide what to keep, throw away, recycle, shred or give away.

Easily accessible Be logical about organizing the space and maximizing your time.

“Frequently used files need to be easily accessible”, said Kelly Barber, a certified

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professional organizer and regional leader at Me In Order, a hands-on organizing firm. She suggests keeping commonly used papers close to your desk in a top filing drawer.

“Items that you use daily should be in arm’s reach of your office chair,” Barber said.

“The less frequently you use items the farther they can be away from you.”

Once your home office is organized, make sure you have the right storage tools and containers to help keep it orderly. Don’t overbuy storage containers, and if you realize you have a surplus of extra supplies - for example, too many tape dispensers - return the excess items.

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way, you’ll easily be able to store and find the stuff you need when you need it.

Getting orderly could be as easy as color-coding each project. Barber recommended using a green folder for a home refinance project and a blue folder for medical bills.

Finance fix Home offices are often used for more than just work. For example, if you’re paying bills from your desk, you need to make sure you’re prepared for the job.

“Keep an expandable file with envelopes, stamps and bills to be paid together so you are not spending time searching for all the necessities,” said Barber.

Add personality Make sure you enjoy working in your home office by adding personal touches to make the area welcoming.

“The space in which you work needs to be inviting but convey structure and order,” said Engelbach, explaining that home office furnishings should be stylish, be functional and reflect the rest of the home’s style.

Staying organized Once your home office is streamlined, work hard to keep it that way, or the clutter will consume you.

“Keeping papers properly filed, desktop clean, piles properly corralled helps focus, time management and fosters a sense of calmness, which improves performance, confidence and attitude,” said Engelbach, who advises cleaning out desk drawers every six months.

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Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 9

Top kitchen design trends A modern kitchen is high on the wish list of today’s homebuyer

the face-lift it needs to entice buyers.

For more information contact Gary Kelley at 508733-6005 or gary@MoveWithGary.com.

By Gary Kelley RE/MAX Executive Realty Realtor

I

n this article, O utb o u n d E n g i n e s h a re s some ideas on the top kitchen trends for 2017: While a home’s curb appeal may draw buyers in, its interior matters just as much, if not more. Several features are high on the wish list of today’s homebuyer, including a modern kitchen. W hether you’re thinking of starting a remodel or you’re just curious about what the future holds, check out these trends that turn kitchens into buyer bait.

Hidden appliances: Upgrading appliances is one of the quickest ways to add value to a kitchen. If you’re looking to impress a buyer with deep pockets, look into hidden appliances. What’s the appeal? Less obvious appliances keep the eye on the kitchen’s overall flow and design.

Personalized pantries: The utilitarian kitchen pantry has evolved into a trending design element. Whether you choose a pocket door and complementary light fixture or a rustic barn door and wallpaper, there’s no shortage of ways to express your personal style.

Creative countertops: Looking for a revamp with an immediate impact? Upgrade the counters. Quartz and butcher block, both easy to maintain, are quickly replacing traditional marble and granite surfaces. You can dress up your kitchen further with sleek waterfalledge countertops that extend vertically to the floor.

Mixed-up metal accents: Accessor izing with different finishes is a trendy, cost-effective way to update your kitchen. In addition to stainless steel and gold, homebuilders are seeing copper accents emerging as the metallic detail of choice.

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10 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

Window treatments Choosing the right fit for your room and style

T

he windows of your home are the eyes to the outside, and how you view the world could make a big difference in your day. Putting just the right frame around your window is more than just emphasizing a view; it also helps set the inside ambiance and adds comfort and connection to your living space.

There are many options when it comes to choosing the right window treatment - curtains, blinds, draperies, window shades, film - and then comes selecting the fabric, color, density and more. Choosing the right window treatment is based strongly on your needs - for example, privacy, temperature control, the room’s use, the amount of light and, of course, the view. Depending on where you live and whether you’re in a homeowners association, you may also have to consider the view from the outside.

• • • •

Putting just the right frame around your window is more than just emphasizing a view; it also helps set the inside ambiance and adds comfort and connection to your living space.

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bottom to be raised, also referred to as a top-down/bottom-up shade, and can even be fitted with motorized pulls that can be controlled from across a room with a remote.

If you work nights and sleep during the day, have a young child who takes naps during the day or have an entertainment room that you need darkened for movies, then you need room-darkening shades, drapes or shutters with solid panels.

Draperies lined with blackout lining, a very dense fabric that doesn’t let light penetrate, are very effective at turning the daylight off. For maximum darkening effect, install floorto-ceiling drapes that cover up to 18 inches on each side of the window frame. Drapes that go down to the floor - or at least well below the windowsill - are also a very modern decorating touch; the rod or track can be installed on the wall or the ceiling, depending on your preference. Cafe curtains, often used in kitchens, should brush the windowsill.

Window glass surrounding entry doors lets the light in but doesn’t really afford you much privacy. Replacing the clear glass panels with stained glass or frosted panels will allow light while helping to protect your home from prying eyes. You can find self-adhesive vinyl that can achieve the same effect without the higher cost. Double-pane glass or insulated curtain panels will insulate the area, although the insulated curtains will cut down on the light. Remember that the thicker the fabric the less light it will let in.

Before choosing the fabric or color of curtains, take a good look at the room. Is it casual or formal? Formal fabrics often include heavier materials, such as heavy silk or velvet.These fabrics add lots of insulation and drape smoothly, but they also require frequent dry cleaning. Less formal fabrics include cotton, linen and wool blends. Choose contrasting, complementary or blended colors as they relate to your furniture. Blended curtains should be a few shades darker than the wall or pick up a subtle color from an accent piece, such as a throw rug. Contrasting colors will make the room pop and Window treatments page 11

Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 11

Convenient laundry

Converting non-basement space into a dedicated laundry

By Mark J. Donovan

W

hen we were getting ready to sell our late1980s vintage home, we heard quite a few complaints about the fact that the washer and dryer were in the basement.

Most real estate agents and prospective homebuyers wrinkled their noses when they learned of this apparently ugly fact. My wife and I never really viewed it as a problem and were comfortable in our home for more than a quarter-century. Though it was a surprise concern for us, we were ultimately able to find a buyer for our house who accepted the basement laundry.

So from this learning experience, I would suggest that if you are thinking about someday selling your home and it has a basement laundry, you should think about raising it up to the first or second level of the home. One idea would be to

When designing a laundry, think light colors and plenty of bright overhead lighting to make the small area feel bright and cheery.

convert another room in your home to a dedicated laundry.

For example, a mudroom, den or small bedroom could be a viable area for creating a dedicated laundry. Ideally, you could select a room that already has plumbing in it - or at least has adjacent walls that can provide access to plumbing drain/vent stacks and supply lines.

To meet today’s prospective homebuyer’s expectations, the laundry design should include more than just space for the washer and dryer. It should also include a large deep sink and countertops, as well as floor- and wall-mounted cabinets to house detergents and other clothing cleaner products.

Moreover, it should be spacious enough to enable soiled clothes to be comfortably stored in it, as well as clean clothes to be folded and ironed in it. Also think about including a wall-integrated drying rack for those items

that can’t be put into a dryer.

When designing a laundry, think light colors and plenty of bright overhead lighting to make the small area feel bright and cheery. Having a window, if possible, is a nice feature. Also make sure the design includes a door so that you can shut out the noise from the washer and dryer when they’re operating, albeit newer ones are much quieter than their predecessors.

If room permits, you can also have the laundry double as a pantry or as a drop station for mail, keys, wallets and purses.

So if you don’t want to eventually get caught in a real estate squeeze because you have a basement laundry, seriously consider a conversion project to create a dedicated laundry.

It would be well worth the investment when it comes to resale value and also your own comfort for as long as you live in the home.

Window treatments: Choosing the right fit for your room and style Window treatments Continued from page 10

set a more casual tone. Select solid drapes or curtains if your furniture upholstery has strong patterns, and consider patterned drapes if your furniture pieces are solid colors. Remember that sheer curtains will let more light in, whereas denser curtains are good for room darkening and insulation.

Curtain rods should match

the decor of the room. For a more cohesive look, don’t mix distinctive time periods or metal finishes. Mount the brackets into studs where available, or use toggle bolts for added stability. Use a level to hang the curtains straight. Installation is often available from your local curtain shop. Ask for fabric swatches so that you can make your decisions in the room you are hanging the curtains in.

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n a hot summer day, your home’s roof temperature can approach 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Much of that heat works its way into your home’s attic, and from there, some of it eventually makes its way into the living areas of your home. When the sun sets, that trapped heat doesn’t just evaporate. It stays trapped in your attic and home, causing you to have to either live with the heat or keep your air conditioner running at full capacity for much longer. This is where the installation of an attic fan can be invaluable.

Besides making your home miserably hot and uncomfortable, trapped attic heat also affects the integrity of your home’s roof shingles, eventually leading to the accelerated breakdown and eventual failure of asphalt shingles. Again, this is why installing an attic fan is so helpful.

However, a hot summer should not be your only motivation for installing an attic fan. During the winter months, when the home is closed up tight, moist air from the living areas of the home works its way up into the attic. This is particularly true if the attic’s home is not well-insulated.

With doors and windows consistently kept closed during the winter months, the home has little ventilation.

Thus, moist air from showers, cooking and laundry eventually finds its way up into the attic, if it is not properly

When the attic fan is operating, the cooler outside air is drawn into the attic through the soffit vents and the hot attic air is vented out the attic roof vent.

vented from the main living areas of the home, which most of the time it is not. If not vented from the attic, warm moist air in the attic during winter months will condense and then freeze on the roof sheathing and rafters. This can eventually lead to mold and mildew growth in the attic, which can then present all types of health hazards to the home’s occupants. The trapped moist air can also lead to rotting of the roof ’s framing structure.

With the installation of an attic fan, you can start to prevent the warm moist air from staying trapped and condensing in the attic during the winter months. When the attic fan is operating, it helps

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to draw cold outside air in from the soffit vents, located near the roof eaves, and pushes the warm moist air out of the attic via the roof vent.

This same process works in the summer - when the attic fan is operating during the summer months, the cooler outside air is drawn into the attic through the soffit vents and the hot attic air is vented out the attic roof vent. Thus, the heat battery that would otherwise exist in the attic is eliminated, enabling the air conditioner to work less in your home, and saving you on your home cooling costs.

In the past, homeowners had to remember to turn their fans on and off. In addition, the attic fan had to be wired into the home’s existing wiring that added to the cost of installation. With today’s technology, those problems are a thing of the past. These fans can automatically turn on and off based on the attic temperature. Also, you can purchase attic fans that are solar-powered, thus eliminating the need for calling in an electrician to help with the installation.

So if you want to save on your home energy costs and extend the life of your home’s roof, consider installing an attic fan. The investment would pay for itself in a short time, and you’d live more comfortably in your home more of the year.

Community Advocate â&#x20AC;˘ YOUR HOME â&#x20AC;˘ Friday, April 7, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ 13

PERREAULT NURSERY

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I

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been doing a lot of painting in the interior of our new home recently.

As part of the process, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve needed to patch a lot of small drywall holes caused by nails and screws that were used for supporting wall hangings.

Consequently, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done my fair share of spackling walls to cover these nail and screw holes. Though the process is relatively uncomplicated, I thought I might share a few tips with you on this subject.

Spackle types You can purchase spackle in two forms, either in a lightweight pre-mixed compound form or in an all-purpose form. Both are elastic to help minimize shrinkage as they dry. I have exclusively used the lightweight pre-mixed spackle, as it is perfect for filling small drywall holes. It contains a vinyl binding agent that is sufficient for patching areas where future damage is not expected. For example, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not going to put another nail hole very near the same location. The all-purpose spackle type contains acrylic and is the best used for filling larger holes up to 3/4 inch in diameter.

Prepping for spackle Prior to filling the small drywall hole with spackle, clean the area with a putty knife or fine sandpaper. Make sure there is no protrusion from the hole as that will impede the process. If something is sticking out, carefully push it into the hole with your putty knife or finger. The goal is to create a flat surface that will allow the spackle to bind well with the drywall surface.

I use the pre-mixed spackle paste for patching the nail holes. Just make sure it is well-mixed before applying the paste. And put the lid on tight when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done with it so it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dry out. You can also purchase powdered spackling compound and mix it with the requisite amounts of water until it has the right paste-like consistency. However, buying it pre-mixed is easy and relatively cheap.

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Now offering all organic mosquito & tick application Measure out a little more spackle on the putty knife than you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to fill the hole. Then press the spackle-loaded putty knife edge into the small drywall hole to fill it.

Spackling the wall Use the tip or edge of a putty knife to scoop a small amount of spackle out of the container.

Measure out a little more spackle on the putty knife than you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to fill the hole. Then press the spackle-loaded putty knife edge into the small drywall hole to fill it. I prefer to fill the hole by placing the putty knife edge slightly above the hole and then swiping slowly down over the hole to fill it with the spackle.

With the hole filled, use the putty knife to flair out and scrape away any excess spackle. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to fully clean the drywall surface.

You just want to remove the significant excess material.

Later, after the spackle has had time to dry, use either a fine grit sandpaper or a slightly damp sponge to remove any residual spackle compound from the wall near the patched hole.

A couple hours later, check to see if the spackle patch has remained flush with the wall surface. If it has recessed a little due to the spackle shrinking, repeat the process to eliminate the recessed dimple.

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve confirmed that the dry spackle is flush with the surrounding wall surface, lightly sand the area and dust off any final residual material with a rag. And with that completed, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now ready to prime and paint the wall.

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14 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

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Silence is golden Soundproofing your apartment or condo

S

irens, barking dogs, 3 a.m. video gamers, professional dancers upstairs, who may or may not be teaching Godzilla to salsa - living in an apartment or condo can be a very noisy experience, not to mention a daily exercise in calmness.

When plugging your ears or having a conversation with your neighbors just doesn’t cut it, take matters into your own hands and soundproof your space. These simple, affordable tips will help your home return to a place of rest and relaxation, no matter those around you.

Michael LaFratta, owner of Silentium Soundproofing, is an expert on urban noise.

He notes that noise pollution most often occurs due to a lack of soundproofing when a building was initially constructed, or people living in close proximity. When there is not enough mass and space between walls, ceilings or floors, sound is easily transferred. It’s tough but not impossible to tell in advance whether you would have a noise issue in a particular home. LaFratta suggests visiting a potential home at night when neighbors will be home or having your attorney check the housing board minutes for noise complaints.

That said, considering the competitiveness of the housing market today, many would not opt out of buying or renting a home simply because of noise pollution.

And renters often can’t make major changes to a property.

These possible solutions will help you bring some peace and quiet to your home.

Fill the space Interior designer DeAnna Radaj is the author of “Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In” and “Feng Shui for Teens.”

As someone who has dealt with noisy neighbors and had clients with similar issues, she recommends creating an environment in which sound is absorbed, deadened and lessened. With shared walls, it’s best to “place all heavy case good furniture like me-

With shared walls, it’s best to place all heavy case good furniture like media centers, bookcases and shelving on the shared wall to help absorb sound vibration and noise.

dia centers, bookcases and shelving on the shared wall to help absorb sound vibration and noise,” she said.

Otherwise, placing items in the corners of the rooms (they could be purely decorative) helps, too. Radaj recommends live plants - one for every 100 square feet of living space. They are a triple threat: absorbing sound, detoxing the air and adding a design aesthetic.

If you are able, weather stripping your windows will help block outside racket.

Stop the clatter Some noise pollution comes from within your home. Radaj said, “Make sure there are plenty of ‘soft’ surfaces.” Buffer the noise from hard surfaces like tile and hardwood floors by decorating the space with a rug, a carpet, upholstered furniture or curtains. Any or all of these options will decrease the volume of the offending sounds. This can be especially useful in homes with pets or small children.

Wall to wall Empty wall space can create echoes. The simplest solution is to hang artwork.

3M hooks are no-nail hanging tools that work well to

keep art in place, Radaj said.

Using either adhesive tape or hanging putty, they are very renter-friendly. Hang framed artwork, or even a rug or tapestry, on your walls according to your personal style.

And though you might not expect it, reflecting light is considered by some to help with noise reduction. According to feng shui theory, Radaj explained, a mirror bounces negative energy and sound back in the direction from which it came. As such, you can hang a mirror on the wall facing the noisy area, say, across from the wall you share with your next-door neighbors.

Radaj’s mother taped a makeup mirror inside a piece of artwork that was hung on the shared wall of her condo. Regardless of the effect it may have on irritating noises, a mirror is stylish and can also make a space appear to be larger.

As with many things in life, when it comes to noise pollution, short of picking up and moving altogether, whatever you resist will persist. Try one of these simple, affordable tips so that when thinking of home, the word “serene,” not “scream” comes to mind.

Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017 • 15

No remodel necessary Five ways to improve your kitchen

W

hat’s the most important room in the house? Many would argue it’s the kitchen.

The smell of brewing coffee, apple pie or sizzling steak makes us crave the delicious treat. Guests always end up in the kitchen during parties, no matter how inviting the other rooms. Families make meals and memories in the kitchen.

It’s the center of our homes.

But when the kitchen becomes a cluttered mess, it’s hard to navigate through and preparing meals becomes a huge chore. Remodeling the kitchen is a great idea but can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

So here are five ideas to spruce up your kitchen without calling in the Property Brothers: Under-cabinet LED tape lighting LED lighting is here to stay, and has made the old incandescent bulb go the way of the cassette tape. Unlike some of the previous versions of under-cabinet lighting, LED tape lighting won’t melt your chocolate chips. Nor will the lights burn out. LED tape lighting won’t hum, either, like its fluorescent predecessor.

The base is hidden away in a cabinet, and the tape may run in the pantry, along the sides, as well as under the cabinets.

It’s wonderful to have task lighting while reading a recipe, making lunches, chopping veggies or sauteeing food.

Pullout drawers under cabinets and in pantry One sure way to keep your kitchen organized is by having pullout drawers in the pantry and in the base cabinets. Keep pots and pans in one drawer, and food storage containers in another. For baking sheets, muffin pans, tall platters and trays, pick up an inexpensive divider. Having a place to put these items - and showing everyone in the family where each item goes - helps immeasurably with putting items away (and being able to find them next time). No money for built-in drawers? Go to The Container Store, Home Depot or the like for wire

drawers or cabinet organizers.

Spice drawer tray A simple plastic tray that holds rows of jars of spices is an amazing addition to any kitchen. While it does occupy a drawer, it’s worth it. Open it up, and you have rows and rows of spices. They come in a variety of shapes and designs, depending on your drawer and spice collection size. Pick a drawer near the stove and refrigerator to economize your motion while cooking.

One sure way to keep your kitchen organized is by having pullout drawers in the pantry and in the base cabinets.

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Cut the countertop clutter Every time I clear the counters, someone comes along and puts stuff on them.

It’s as though they can’t stand to have open space. But the kitchen clutter battle wages on. If you choose, it’s OK to leave some items you use frequently such as the coffee maker, mixer, blender, toaster and slow cooker. Many people dutifully put these away each time, but if you use them two or three times a week or more, perhaps it makes more sense to leave them on the counter - if you have space.

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16 • Community Advocate • YOUR HOME • Friday, April 7, 2017

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