Home Improvement | Spring 2024

HOME IMPROVEMENT Spring

Tips when hiring a contractor for your home

Know your goals, so you can find the right contractor for the job

Contractors perform important work for millions of homeowners every day. Home improvement projects are complicated undertakings, and the experience of skilled contractors can ensure jobs are completed on time and within homeowners’ budgets.

Homeowners have undoubtedly heard horror stories from neighbors about projects that have gone awry. Projects can go sideways for a number of reasons, but a skilled contractor can help homeowners navigate such situations successfully. That underscores how important it can be to find the right professional for the job. The following are some tips homeowners can consider as they look to hire a contractor.

Identify which professional you need

Some contractors are of the jack-of-alltrades variety, but many specialize in a particular line of work. It’s important that homeowners identify which type of contractor they should work with prior to

starting a project. This requires homeowners to define the goal of the project (i.e., new wood floor installation), which can serve as a springboard into finding the right type of contractor.

Prioritize building safety

Safety should be the utmost priority for homeowners and contractors alike. Prior to hiring a contractor, homeowners should identify any safety restrictions that might be enforced by local governments and take note of all the permits necessary to get a job done. Homeowners can then discuss those restrictions and permits as they interview contractors. Projects that do not adhere to code are illegal and can compromise homeowners’ ability to sell

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Don’t rely on handshake agreements; get quotes and estimates in writing.

their homes in the future. So it’s vital to work with contractors who are familiar with local codes and aware of which permits are necessary to ensure a project can go forward.

Insist on written estimates

Handshake agreements offer no protection to homeowners or contractors, so estimates indicating what will be done and how much the project will cost should be provided. Homeowners should insist on receiving written estimates and interpret an unwillingness to provide one as a significant red flag.

Know your rights

Laws vary by region, but in general

homeowners have a right to a written contract and contractors are obligated to provide a copy of that contract signed by both parties. That contract must be provided prior to the start of the project. The contract should provide a detailed account of the work that will be done, as well as a timeline indicating important dates that components of the project will begin and be completed. The contract also should detail materials and who is providing them. Details regarding payments, guarantees and warranties also should be cited.

Do not pay in cash

Some contractors may suggest that the project will cost less if they’re paid in cash. However, home improvements should never be cash transactions. Cash does not indicate proof of payment, which can be problematic if a dispute arises.

Contractors help homeowners turn dream projects into reality. Homeowners can employ various strategies to ensure they find the right professional for their home improvement project.

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Clean out the clutter, then give the living room a fresh makeover

An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe.

A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.

Organize first

Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new

furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.

Seek the assistance of professionals

Some people are adept at decorating

Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. Simple changes in lighting and accessories can make a big difference.

and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that may be worthy of a magazine spread.

Promote wellness

You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.

Light it up

One of the easiest ways to transform a

room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.

Create an industrial or urban vibe

Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.

Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.

How DIY can be bad for the bottom line

Professionals often know the permitting process and can anticipated the unexpected

Homeowners know it can be tempting to go the do-it-yourself (DIY) route when starting a home improvement project. Home repairs and renovations can be costly, and the notion of saving money on such projects compels many homeowners to try their hand at home improvements. However, the DIY approach can be costly as well, and if things go awry, homeowners may end up with empty pockets and unfinished projects.

Online tutorials and advertisements for home improvement retailers can make DIY seem like a snap. However, there are potential pitfalls to consider that could make the ostensibly less expensive DIY route far more detrimental to the bottom line than homeowners may recognize.

Permits

Permits ensure work is done in accordance with local codes, which are designed to ensure the safety of residents and their neighbors. Licensed contrac-

tors know which permits are necessary for projects they’re hired to work on, and many even procure permits for their clients (homeowners are urged to read estimates and contracts to determine who will be responsible for acquiring the appropriate permits).

DIYers may not know about local permits, and therefore go ahead with projects without procuring any. That can be harmful in the short- and long-term. In the short-term, a failure to procure the appropriate permits can make a home less safe and potentially lead to costly fines and necessitate a complete do-over of the project.

In the long-term, homeowners who

did not secure the appropriate permits may not be given a certificate of occupancy (CO) when putting their homes on the market, which can make it very difficult to sell the home.

Ancillary costs

The ancillary costs of DIY are not often noted in online tutorials. However, such costs can dramatically increase the amount of money DIYers shell out in order to complete projects on their own.

Ancillary costs include but are not limited to the price of tools and equipment; disposal fees for materials that will need to be discarded; and the cost of permits. These costs are often included in esti-

mates provided by contractors, but they’re easily overlooked by novice DIYers.

Repairs

Even experienced contractors make mistakes, so DIYers, particularly novices, can anticipate making a few errors along the way. Minor mistakes may not prove too costly, but more significant mishaps can quickly negate any cost savings associated with DIY renovations. The cost to fix DIY mistakes varies depending on the project, but a 2019 survey from Porch. com found that the average DIY mistake cost homeowners $310 and added five and a half hours to the overall time spent to complete a project. It’s worth noting the Porch.com survey was conducted prior to the dramatic increase in materials costs related to inflation in recent years. So it’s reasonable to assume that fixing DIY mistakes in 2024 could end up costing considerably more than a few hundred dollars.

Before diving in to DIY, homeowners may want to consider the real costs associated with forgoing professional experience in the potentially misplaced hopes of saving a few dollars.

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Create more storage space in the kitchen

Adding more storage can help everything in the kitchen, from the way it flows to the way it feels

If home is where the heart is, then the kitchen is where that heart spends most of its time. Kitchens are where family and friends tend to congregate during holiday celebrations, and many a homework assignment has been completed at a kitchen island while parents prepare dinner.

The popularity of kitchens is reflected in the attention these rooms get from renovation-minded homeowners. Data from the National Association of Home Builders indicates kitchens are the most popular room to remodel. Upgrading kitchen storage is a popular renovation project, and it’s also one that has practical appeal. Adding more storage in the kitchen gives the room a more organized feel, which can make preparing meals more enjoyable and create space when hosting and guests inevitably congregate around an island. With those benefits in mind, would-be organizers can consider these

strategies to create more storage space in the kitchen.

Take stock of the spice rack

Creating more storage space does not necessarily have to involve tools like screwdrivers, hammers and nails. Spice racks can easily become overcrowded as amateur cooks expand their culinary repertoire. A crowded spice rack inevitably spills out onto the surrounding countertop. Take stock of the spice rack and discard any spices or seasonings you haven’t used in a while. This can create a more

A key principle to clear up a cluttered kitchen is to prioritize the things used frequently, over those used sparingly.

destined to be relegated to that nether region known as the back of the pantry. Some items never emerge from this area, as cooks forget they’re there and then purchase duplicates, which inevitably contributes to storage issues. Roll-out shelving ensures all items in the pantry can be found and greatly reduces the likelihood that cooks will have lots of duplicate items taking up precious kitchen space.

Remove single-use gadgets from the kitchen

organized look and free up extra counter space.

Make a digital cookbook

If your go-to recipes are filling a binder or two, those binders are almost certainly taking up precious storage space. Scan printed recipes and covert your physical recipe collection into a digital cookbook you store on a tablet.

Install roll-out shelving in the pantry

Roll-out shelving puts the entire pantry to use. Without such shelving, items are

Much like spices and seasonings vital to the preparation of specialty meals have a tendency to be used just once, kitchen gadgets that lack versatility have a way of gathering dust and taking up storage space. Whether it’s a popcorn maker, a seldom-used but space-needy wok or another gadget that’s used infrequently, if at all, store single-use gadgets in the garage or another area of the house where they won’t get in the way or contribute to a less-than-organized look in the room. A handful of simple strategies can help anyone create more storage space in the kitchen.

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There are many reasons to consider replacing old windows

Windows are a major component of a home. Window installation professionals will tell homeowners that the average life span of residential windows is between 15 and 30 years. Most well-maintained products can last 20 years, so homeowners who have windows approaching that age may want to schedule a window assessment and possible replacement.

Replacing windows is a job that requires advanced skill, and this is not a do-it-yourself project. There are many qualified professional window installation companies that will work with homeowners to measure, order and install windows that will fit with the style of a home and local weather, all while providing features the homeowner desires.

For those wondering when to replace windows, Pella and Renewal by Andersen, two of the premiere window manufacturers, offer these guidelines.

Difficulty opening and closing windows

Dated windows are present in the home

Older windows may pose safety hazards, especially those in older homes. A larger window may be needed to comply with fire safety codes allowing for window egress. Dated windows also may simply look “old” and compromise the aesthetics of a home.

Outdoor noises are noticed quite readily Newer windows can help reduce noise transmission. So those leaf blowers, airplanes, barking dogs, and kids playing basketball up the street won’t disturb homeowners as they try to enjoy some peace and quiet indoors.

Fading indoors is noted

There’s apparent window damage

Accidents happen, and if a rock is kicked up from a lawnmower and cracks a window or if spring baseball practice has gone awry with an errant throw, win-

A window that does not operate as it should can aggravate homeowners. If windows are sticking shut or cannot be securely closed, it’s probably time for something new.

dows may require replacement.

Drafts in the window are common

If heating and cooling systems are working overtime, drafty, poorly insulated windows could be to blame. Various agencies can perform energy efficiency tests in a home. Windows that are determined to be the weak spots should be replaced.

Windows that do not feature low-emissivity (Low-E) glass coatings will not block UV rays. Those rays can cause fading to wood floors and furniture or pretty much anything the sunlight touches. Replacing existing windows with Low-E coating alternatives can safeguard belongings and improve window efficiency.

Window replacement may be necessary when existing windows are showing signs of aging or damage.

Tips to revitalize a garden this spring

Winter can take a toll on a garden — it’s a good time for a refresh

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that pays a host of significant dividends. Many people love gardening because it allows them to spend time outdoors, and that simple pleasure is indeed a notable benefit of working in a garden. But the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture notes that gardening provides a host of additional benefits, including helping people get sufficient levels of exercise, reduce stress and improve mood.

With so much to gain from gardening, it’s no wonder people look forward to getting their hands dirty in the garden each spring. As the weather warms up, consider these tips to help bring a garden back to life.

Discard the dead weight

Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune

any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.

Test the soil

Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.

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also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.

Inspect your irrigation system

Homeowners with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function can inspect the systems before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive plants of water they will need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.

Tune up your tools

Mulch garden beds

Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won’t have to fight with weeds for water when the temperature warms up. It

Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining the tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation and infection. Well-maintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up. It’s almost gardening season, which means gardeners can start on the necessary prep work to ensure their gardens grow in strong and beautiful this spring.

Reap the rewards of a Florida room in your home

In the right location, with the right setup, sunrooms can brighten your day

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, who doesn’t want to be outside enjoying all Mother Nature has to offer? The great outdoors often beckons, but it also has bugs. Insects, particularly nuisance bugs like mosquitoes or biting flies, are unwanted visitors when enjoying the great outdoors.

Weather also can put a damper on outdoor plans. It’s challenging to get fresh air and enjoy the yard when it’s raining or conditions are especially humid. Instead of limiting time spent outdoors to those occasions when conditions are favorable, homeowners can install Florida rooms to maximize their outdoor living potential.

The term “Florida room” calls to mind different things. Some define it as a walled extension of a home that features a roof — such as a covered patio, or lanai. According to Tripod Aluminum, Inc., a manufacturer of aluminum building products, a Florida room also may be a screened-in enclosure that surrounds a

pool area and is designed to keep bugs and wildlife out of the water. People also may consider a Florida room a sunroom, and it may be screened or feature actual windows that can be opened, according to the resource from Farmhouse to Florida.

Those thinking about renovating to include Florida rooms can consider the following details.

You don’t need to live in Florida

Florida rooms may be most associated with the Sunshine State, but you don’t need to live there to have one. Consider your climate and build a Florida room that will meet your needs. Do you want to enjoy the space year-round? If so, you might need some sort of heating or cooling to keep things comfortable.

Decide on the right location

While Florida rooms traditionally are in the backyard, select a spot that works for you. If you want to maximize morning sunrises, for example, locate the room on the side of the home that faces east. If a view from another side of the house is particularly striking, place the Florida room there.

Determine your needs

Will you be cooking or entertaining in the Florida room? If so, design a space that will feature cooking and eating areas. Ensure plenty of ventilation for a grill, and consider other appliances to reduce the need to make trips into the house. Although the Florida room creates some measure of weather protection, choose furniture and fixtures that can stand up to outdoor conditions.

Add privacy as needed

Curtains, greenery, shades, and other details can create privacy when you don’t want to be visible to neighbors.

Florida rooms add useful space to a home and can help residents connect with nature even when conditions outside are less inviting.

Florida rooms can be screened-in, or they can be glassed-in. In these parts, they are often call “sunrooms.”

How to create an outdoor living retreat

Simple steps can bring the outdoor space a notch above just the patio and grill

Al fresco entertaining has taken off in recent years. It’s much more common today to find homeowners who want to extend living spaces to the outdoors in meaningful ways that go beyond a few lawn chairs and a stand-alone grill. Dream backyard living rooms mirror similar spaces indoors and contain features like cozy corners, lush furniture and televisions or movie projectors. Plus, they often abut additional outdoor luxuries like fully functional kitchens.

Homeowners have various options when designing outdoor living spaces. Above all else, spaces should be created with the goal of encouraging people to get together. Here are some ideas.

Poolside retreat

Homeowners with pools and other water features likely want this area to be the star of the entertaining space. Furniture will be more of the lounging variety, with comfortable chaises and spots to catch the sun. If a swim-up bar isn’t pos-

sible, a rolling bar cart can be stocked with essentials for cocktails or mocktails for the kids. Furniture near the pool will be exposed to a lot of sun, so look for durable, sun-resistant fabrics.

Fireside nook

Gathering around an outdoor fireplace or fire pit is a treat when the weather cools down. Mirror the look of the same

setup indoors by arranging outdoor sofas so they flank the fireplace. Add some ottomans or side tables for stowing mulled cider or hot chocolate. A mantel above the fireplace can hold pots of greenery or candles that add to the ambiance.

Consider a custom banquette

Unused corners on a patio or rooftop

retreat can utilize a custom-made banquette that provides the functionality of a sofa sectional outdoors. Have a contractor design it to the exact specifications of the area, and add a rug to ground the space.

Vary the flooring

Depending on the entertaining space, a balance of soft grass, pavers or other hardscape will be necessary. Certain areas will need to be hard enough for chairs and other furniture, particularly for those who are including an outdoor dining table in the design.

Create some privacy

Some homeowners are lucky enough to have natural barriers that offer privacy in their entertaining spaces. When there isn’t enough, tall shrubs, inexpensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an outdoor living area more cozy and private. Consider placing tall, potted plants on rolling casters to improve privacy as the need arises. Outdoor living spaces are all the rage, and they can add value and functionality to most any home.

Tall shrubs, inexpensive bamboo fencing or trellis can provide a blind that makes an outdoor living area more cozy and private.

The deck just spent a long winter outside in the elements, so it’s a good time to check it over

Spring is a season of rejuvenation that compels millions across the globe to quit hibernating and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Spring also marks a great time to assess a home’s exterior, namely those areas like a deck where people will spend a lot of time in the warmer months to come.

Assessing a deck after winter can be eye-opening. Harsh winter weather can take its toll on a deck, and the following are some telltale signs that a deck could be in need of repair or replacement.

Wobbly underfoot and in hand

Wobbly planks and railings are one sign of a deteriorating deck homeowners won’t recognize as they hide from winter weather indoors. But these tend to reveal themselves rather quickly when examining a deck after winter. Wobbly planks in the middle of the deck can be inconvenient, but wobbly steps and railings can

be dangerous.

According to the home improvement resource Angi, wobbly railings can be a byproduct of rot. A local decking professional can assess the extent of the rot in railings and elsewhere and determine the best course of action. If the rot is isolated to an area or two, a simple repair may be all that’s necessary. Extensive rot may require a full replacement of the existing deck.

Faded paint

Many homeowners paint their wood

decks, and that paint will not last forever. Faded paint can turn an otherwise lovely deck into an eyesore, and paint can fade over the winter. Thankfully, a local painter can address a faded deck and may recommend some additional strategies to safeguard the deck against fading next winter and beyond.

Holes in the wood

Many a homeowner has encountered curious-looking holes in their deck. This could be a sign of insect infestation. Termites, carpenter ants and carpenter

bees are among the various types of insects that can bore holes through wood. Homeowners who notice holes throughout their deck are urged to call a deck professional and/or pest control firm to assess the holes and offer a solution. Though small issues may be addressed with repairs, a deck littered with holes caused by insects may need a full replacement.

Rust

Wood decks may be made of wood, but they can still exhibit signs of rust, namely in the nails and metal connectors that hold the deck together. If screws have rusted to the point where they are no longer holding the deck together, a full-scale replacement could be in the cards, as the deck could have substantial structural damage. Like other issues that can reveal themselves during a springtime inspection of the deck, rust necessitates a thorough examination by an experienced decking professional.

Many people do not use their decks during winter, which only underscores the significance of a full deck inspection in spring.

Celebrating Twenty Years of Design

Celebrating Twenty Years of Design

R ILEY KITCHEN AND BATH CO. BRINGS PLENTY OF EXPERTISE

to the table. The company has decades of experience in kitchen design and prides their work on attention to detail and exceeding customer expectations. Their passion for space planning not only in their own kitchen but in every design speaks volumes on the dedication to customers’ visions

R ILEY KITCHEN AND BATH CO. BRINGS PLENTY OF EXPERTISE to the table. The company has decades of experience in kitchen design and prides their work on attention to detail and exceeding customer expectations. Their passion for space planning not only in their own kitchen but in every design speaks volumes on the dedication to customers’ visions

Through 3-D computer aided drafting drawings, Riley Kitchen and Bath can help you visualize your dream space. Everything from cabinets to countertops to hardware, each detail is digitally planned and envisioned. On top of digital designs, Riley Kitchen and Bath offers cabinets from stock, semi-custom, and custom product lines. Showplace Cabinetry is their semicustom product line, and considered their most flexible and prominent line offered. They also offer countertop options such as granite, quartz, and wood tops. For the finishing touches, they also offer plumbing accents and hardware from several different brands.

Through 3-D computer aided drafting drawings, Riley Kitchen and Bath can help you visualize your dream space. Everything from cabinets to countertops to hardware, each detail is digitally planned and envisioned. On top of digital designs, Riley Kitchen and Bath offers cabinets from stock, semi-custom, and custom product lines. Showplace Cabinetry is their semicustom product line, and considered their most flexible and prominent line offered. They also offer countertop options such as granite, quartz, and wood tops. For the finishing touches, they also offer plumbing accents and hardware from several different brands.

Cabinets are the first thing that draws your attention in a kitchen. They draw the eye up and can visually heighten the space. Investing in quality cabinetry is great for not only entertainers but the everyday household. One of Riley Kitchen and Bath’s most prized projects includes the airy yet earthy renovation in the classic New England Barrington home. For this familyoriented transformation, Riley Kitchen and Bath created a streamlined and functional allwhite cabinetry system with quarter sawn white oak wood and a white-washed finish. The clean style is complemented with warm, light oak flooring, beams and natural decor elements. No matter your style, there’s plenty of variety in their selection to refresh your kitchen. ◆

Cabinets are the first thing that draws your attention in a kitchen. They draw the eye up and can visually heighten the space. Investing in quality cabinetry is great for not only entertainers but the everyday household. One of Riley Kitchen and Bath’s most prized projects includes the airy yet earthy renovation in the classic New England Barrington home. For this familyoriented transformation, Riley Kitchen and Bath created a streamlined and functional allwhite cabinetry system with quarter sawn white oak wood and a white-washed finish. The clean style is complemented with warm, light oak flooring, beams and natural decor elements. No matter your style, there’s plenty of variety in their selection to refresh your kitchen. ◆

Now is the time to consider all of the beautiful options and combinations available to you with Showplace. Take advantage of our limited-time offer today.

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To discuss our limited time offer, call us for a consultation and receive 10% off your purchase of painted Showplace Cabinetry. Please reference PROMO CODE: SALE23

To discuss our limited time offer, call us for a consultation and receive 10% off your purchase of painted Showplace Cabinetry. Please reference PROMO CODE: SALE23 to receive this discount.

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ANGEL TUCKER