York Home Appeal Summer 2016

home appeal SUMMER 2016

home / garden / renovation

CREATING A NEW LOOK for the KITCHEN

HOME EXPANSION: build up, build out, or renovate Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.

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this issue: ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS

GREEN AND GROWING: environmentally friendly lawn care practices

Entertaining Outdoors in the

GOOD OLE SUMMERTIME

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Dining outdoors when the weather is warm can offer a pleasant change of pace, and beautiful summer nights make for great opportunities to invite friends or family over for a starry soiree under the nighttime sky. Unlike house parties at which guests will be spending most of their time indoors and in various rooms throughout the house, outdoor parties are often limited to smaller areas, such as patios. That can make things much less taxing on hosts, who will usually not have much prep work to do to get an outdoor hosting area ready for guests.

But even an impromptu party requires some planning and a little elbow grease before guests arrive. The following are a few areas to address prior to outdoor get-togethers:

When the

• Clear the walkways and patio of debris. The walkways and patio may not need too much attention, but giving them a onceover with a broom will clear any debris. Hosts should move all furniture while cleaning, making sure to sweep up any debris, including food, that might have fallen beneath tables and chairs.

If the patio is especially dirty, hosts should consider power washing it to remove stubborn stains that can rob the area of its aesthetic appeal.

• Clean the furniture. Whether it has been months or just a few days since the last party on the patio, the furniture must be cleaned. Unless items have been stored in a garage or shed, patio furnishings are exposed to the elements, and that means dirt, soil, soot, or pollen may have accumulated on the furniture. All cushions should be wiped down using a mild detergent when necessary and should be left out in the sun to dry more quickly. Cushions may need some time to dry, so cleaning them should be one of the first tasks hosts tackle. Once the cushions have been cleaned, furniture should be wiped down with a wet towel.

• Clean and inspect the grill. The grill is often a go-to accessory when hosting an outdoor party, so it should receive a thorough cleaning before the first guests arrive. Hosts who are using a propane grill should check to make sure the tanks are full. Also, they should consider keeping an extra tank handy to ensure they do not run out of propane in the middle of the summer soiree.

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Once the preparations are complete, it is time to relax and enjoy the outdoor party. While certain aspects of eating outside can be enticing, hosts should be prepared for possible weather-related curveballs, such as wind. Even minor wind can cause small complications, as diners may find themselves chasing paper napkins or airborne plastic cups. To safeguard against the wind, hosts should rely on reusable, heavy plastic items that are less likely to blow away.

Also, tablecloths can be kept in place with a few supplies. Hosts can use a grommet-making tool to punch holes into the tablecloth and attach plastic or metal grommets. After placing the tablecloth on the table, hosts should slip a thin bungee cord fastener to a grommet on the underside of the table and stretch the cord across to a grommet on the other side of the tablecloth. Two or three sets of grommets and bungee cords may be all that is needed to keep the tablecloth in place, allowing hosts and their guests to enjoy an interruption-free meal outside.

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• Clear the entryway to the home. Guests will likely be using the same entryway over and over again during the party, so hosts should focus on clearing the entryway of potential tripping hazards and on giving the area a light cleaning. Hosts should also make sure the indoor path to the restroom is clear as well.

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Creating a New Look

KITCHEN

for the

Kitchen renovations have long been a smart way to improve the functionality and value of a home. But not every kitchen project is a guaranteed winner.

Homeowners may inadvertently make changes that are not effective in improving the space. Keeping the following do’s and don’ts of kitchen remodeling in mind may prove beneficial to homeowners planning a kitchen renovation.

DO consider the way the kitchen will look with the rest of the home.

Architectural integrity should be kept in mind when the space is being designed. A farmhouse sink and country cabinets can look out of place in an ultra-modern home.

DON'T overlook the importance of a seasoned designer or architect.

These pros know the tricks to maximizing space and achieving the ideal layout of appliances and may be able to recommend local contractors and vendors.

DO look beyond surface details to the structural integrity of the design. The kitchen should be functional, long-lasting, and beautiful.

DON'T design just for today, but look to the future as well. Unless

you are willing to redo the kitchen every five years, look for styles and materials

that will last for the long haul. Older homeowners may want to make adjustments now that address potential mobility issues down the road.

DO make sure the project is affordable. Homeowners should be prepared for some unexpected purchases and plan out the renovation according to their budget. Skimping on materials or design because of lack of money may leave homeowners feeling dissatisfied afterward.

DON'T over-improve the space. A fully equipped commercial kitchen may be handy for a professional chef, but the average person may not need an industrial hood and indoor pizza oven. When homeowners make excessive improvements, they may not be able to recoup as much of the money spent because the home will not be on par with the values of homes in the neighborhood.

DO work with what you have. A complete demolition and renovation is not always necessary to achieve the desired results. While major changes may be a necessary investment if something is not working (such as having to walk across the entire kitchen to access the stove) or is unsafe, minor upgrades may do the trick otherwise.

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There are a number of minor practical and decorative changes that can be made to improve the appearance and functionality of a kitchen.

CABINETS AND DRAWERS

Homeowners who do not wish to replace kitchen cabinets may instead want to consider changing the color and hardware. An easy-to-use dark gel stain may enhance the outer surface of the cabinets, and homeowners may want to consider using milk paint in a complementing color for the interior, especially if they choose to remove some doors for an open-shelf look.

To stain or paint cabinets, homeowners should first assess the existing ones to determine what type of paint will be needed. The doors and hardware should be removed, cleaned, and given ample time to dry. Surfaces should be sanded and then vacuumed to make sure no leftover sand dust remains.

Homeowners should apply primer-sealer and then paint the cabinets, with four hours and a light sanding between coats. The cabinets may be assembled after the final coat has dried.

Knobs and pulls for cabinet doors come in numerous styles and finishes, and kitchen drawers may be updated by upgrading the slides, such as from side mounts to undermounts.

RUNNERS

Homeowners may also reface the face frames and cabinet ends with a wood veneer and adhesive that is pre-sanded and ready to finish to match the cabinet doors. Additionally, decorative molding for cabinets and/or walls can be added or replaced.

When it comes to shelves, custom-built options may be appealing. However, a variety of do-it-yourself kits are available, with the purpose of being easy to measure, cut, assemble, and install.

COUNTERTOPS

To reduce the clutter that finds its way onto countertops, homeowners may want to reorganize. For example, they may consider storing infrequently used small appliances elsewhere, such as in cabinets.

To protect kitchen knives and to save counter space, homeowners may want to mount a knife block underneath the kitchen cabinet.

FURNITURE

Wood furniture can be refinished and recolored in shades that match or complement the new cabinet look. Milk paint can be used to add a splash of color on a small piece of furniture, shelving, or a plant stand to brighten the look but not overpower the kitchen.

If wood cabinets and/or furniture only need a cover-up for nicks, scratches, and other damage, touch-up pens, fill sticks, and burn-in sticks may do the trick.

LIGHTING

Homeowners may also add subtle lighting with LED strip lights in cool or warm white, which may be ideal for use under or around cabinets, around doorframes, and in other areas. Strips are flexible and easy to install, and they can be cut to size. LED lighting generates very little heat, uses less energy, and has a long service life.

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Green And Growing: Environmentally Friendly Lawn Care Practices

· Lay mulch down around trees, shrubs, and flower beds. Organic mulch conserves

Maintaining a lush lawn is a healthy and rewarding hobby that allows homeowners to spend some time outdoors in nature. Lawn enthusiasts can make their hobby even healthier by adopting several eco-friendly lawn care strategies that make for not only a healthier lawn, but a healthier planet as well.

Responsible landscaping has grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners are adopting eco-friendly lawn care practices in the same way they have embraced environmentally conscious behaviors in other areas of their lives.

Here are a handful of ways homeowners can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their lawn care methods:

moisture in soil, promoting stronger roots in plants and helping homeowners cut back on the amount of watering they need to maintain a garden that is both healthy and pleasing to the eye. Organic mulch, which might be made of bark, is also heavy, making it hard for weeds to thrive and rob plants of water.

· Emphasize healthy soil.

· Maintain an appropriate grass height. When tempera-

tures start to peak in summer, homeowners may be tempted to cut their grass as close as possible so they can reduce the number of afternoons they spend riding or pushing a mower in the hot sun. But the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that grass never be cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. Cutting too low makes the grass increasingly susceptible to infestations and disease, and such problems may need to be remedied with potentially harmful pesticides. Maintaining an appropriate grass height can lead to a healthier lawn, as longer grass soaks up more sunlight, allowing it to grow a deep root system that will help a lawn survive drought and other potential problems.

· Cut back on harmful pesticides. Homeowners who want to embrace more eco-friendly lawn care practices can first try more environmentally friendly options, such as biopesticides, which are made from naturally occurring materials, including animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. The EPA (www.epa. gov) advises homeowners hoping to use biopesticides to first learn about managing pests so they can effectively remedy problems on their properties. · Harvest rainwater. Lawns need water, especially when temperatures rise.

Homeowners who can harvest rainwater can reduce their impact on their community water supply, thereby helping the planet and their community, especially if they reside in locales where water resources are traditionally scarce. When rainwater is harvested, it is collected from downspouts before it washes into nearby sewage systems. Many lawn and garden retailers sell rainwater harvesting systems, which homeowners can install themselves or pay a landscaping professional to install for them.

Healthy soil promotes strong plant roots, which can lead to a more robust, lush, and aesthetically appealing lawn. However, over-fertilization can create thatch that will prevent nutrients from penetrating the soil. Lawns need more nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium than soil can typically provide, so fertilizing throughout the warm weather seasons and into early fall can promote a healthy lawn. But homeowners should choose a slow-release fertilizer so it gradually feeds the lawn. Compost and grass clippings can also be spread around the lawn to promote healthy soil. The pH level of the soil should also be checked to ensure the lawn can fully absorb nutrients. Local lawn care professionals can help homeowners to determine what a healthy pH level is for soil in the area.

· Choose a grass that can thrive. Choosing a grass based entirely on appearance could be costly from both financial and environmental standpoints.

When installing a new lawn, individuals should opt for a type of grass that is suitable to the local climate. Installing a lawn that needs large quantities water in a region known for drought can rob the lawn of its aesthetic appeal and may cost homeowners a substantial amount of money to maintain. If an existing lawn struggles to stay green regardless of a homeowner’s best efforts, he or she may want to consider replacing it with a new type of grass that might be better suited to the local climate. · Avoid over-watering. Excessive watering not only wastes water, but it also hurts the lawn when dry periods inevitably arrive. Shallow and frequent watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, so when dry periods arrive, the roots struggle to find water. The EPA notes that an established lawn should not need daily watering. Instead, watering responsibly – like when the lawn needs water and when evaporation can be kept to a minimum – can strengthen a lawn and do so in an eco-friendly way.

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Establishing A

Rainwater Harvesting System

A rainwater collection system harnesses a natural source of water to be used for gardens and other outdoor purposes. This water does not contain chlorine or other additives. Making use of rainwater reduces reliance on underground wells or municipal water systems, and it can also help prevent flooding and soil erosion.

The average homeowner can collect thousands of gallons of rainwater each year. Homeowners who wish to harvest rainwater should first check to see if a permit is required. Here are a few tips on how to get started collecting rainwater:

• Determine the roofing material. Potable water can be harvested from homes with sheet metal or slate roofing. Clay or adobe tiles also may be acceptable. Asphalt, wood shingles, and tar roofs may leach toxic chemicals into the water, making it unsafe for drinking. This rainwater should only be collected to use for irrigation methods or washing cars and outdoor items.

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• Check gutter materials. Some gutters are made with lead soldering components. A commercial lead swab test can determine if there is lead present. Homeowners can replace the gutters if they desire a potable supply of water.

• Invest in a collection tank or barrel. A number of manufacturers offer prefabricated rain collection systems complete with collection barrels.

Homeowners can also use their own barrel or tank to house the collected water.

• Install leaf guards. Homes that are surrounded by many trees may accumulate leaf and tree debris in the gutters and downspouts. Leaf guards will help keep the gutters clear and increase water flow through the water collection system.

• Create a water collection area. A portion of the gutter system

should be removed so that the downspout connects to the collection barrel or tank, depositing the water directly inside. Filters can be installed to help block the flow of debris.

• Outfit the tank for overflow and water usage. A spigot and a hose

connection make it easy to use the collected water for outdoor purposes. Many rainwater collection systems are designed with an overflow safeguard that will divert the rainwater back out of the downspout when the barrel or tank is full.

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Home Expansion: Build Up, Build Out, or Renovate Homeowners hoping to expand their homes are faced with a number of choices.

One of the first they have to make is in which direction to take their expansion.

Homeowners can choose to expand horizontally, increasing the footprint of their homes, or vertically. Professionals urge prospective remodelers to consider the pros and cons of each expansion option.

One of the first considerations is land space. Building horizontally will cut into yard space that homeowners may have already earmarked for a pool, a shed, or another feature. Proximity to neighbors and the dimensions of a property will also help to determine if expanding horizontally is a good idea.

Homeowners who choose to build upward will have to contend with work crews and other staff being in their homes. Raising the roof may require vacating the premises at a certain point. Also, extensive renovation work will be needed on the lower level of the home, whether it is to shore up the structure, clean up after the renovation, or repair ceilings, drywall, and other components where levels meet.

It may seem easier to expand outward, but this requires laying additional foundation for the new building structure. Bringing in digging equipment and masons can be costly. When homeowners build vertically, such foundation work may not be necessary if the home is structurally sound and can bear the weight of the addition.

Another option is to convert existing basement, attic, or garage space into

something more livable. Garages may be an easy space to transform into a living area, as they are already are built on a foundation and have four walls and a roof overhead.

However, homeowners should consider the benefits versus the cost of converting the garage. While such a conversion may be a worthwhile investment for those planning to grow old in a house, it may affect the home value for those who intend to sell their homes in the future.

To make garage-conversion projects seem like a natural part of the house, homeowners will need to remove evidence suggesting that the space was once a garage. Slab floor will need to be raised and insulated. Walls will need to be insulated and finished to improve comfort and soundproofing. Many garages do not have windows, so for the garage to function as a renovated space, windows may need to be added. Landscaping work also can help the garage renovation to blend into the rest of the yard design.

One of the biggest transformations will come by way of modifying the garage door entry. Some homeowners prefer to leave the existing door so that the home still has the appearance of having a garage from the curb, while others remove the garage door and rebuild the exterior wall so that it has a window or another architectural element. An architect can help suggest design elements that will

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Considerations Before Expanding a Home

camouflage the original garage look and make the space seem like it was always part of the main living area of the home.

Homeowners should keep in mind that any expansion or renovation will require permits or variances. Building codes and neighborhood requirements must be considered before making any renovations. Some municipalities may have rules in place that govern renovations. Add-ons may not be allowed to exceed certain height limits, and it may not be permissible to have structures built within a certain number of feet of property lines.

Even when planning to convert a garage, homeowners should be sure to apply for the proper permits and learn the zoning laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable.

In addition, if the project increases the value of the home, home insurance costs and property taxes may rise. Only after all considerations have been weighed should a project begin.

While the end results of an expansion can be spectacular, expansion can be a long and costly process that will inconvenience a home's inhabitants during the renovation process. Becoming familiar with the expansion process and recognizing potential snags along the way can make planning and coping that much easier.

1. Try speaking with an architect first. While many homeowners consult with a contractor first, architects may be able to suggest renovations that fit with the neighborhood and appeal to prospective buyers if and when the home is sold.

2. Visit the building inspection or municipal office. Learning the local regulations will help to ensure that any renovations are done in keeping with safety codes and laws.

3. Give the neighbors a heads-up. Letting them know in advance about potential plans will help them not be surprised by the extra noise and activity when the renovation begins.

4. Be aware of the cost. Homeowners may consider refinancing their home to pay for the renovation. Also, additions will likely increase home insurance coverage needs. Homeowners should consult with their insurance company about estimated charges and any restrictions they have.

5. Think outside the box. Homeowners should think creatively and research all of their options before committing to a project. For example, they may decide on a standalone structure, which may end up being a less expensive project than expanding on what is already there.

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