Improvement
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
The Greeneville Sun April 28, 2018
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THE GREENEVILLE SUN HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION Saturday, April 28, 2018
Home Improvement: A Little Inspiration Helps
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hat Americans love home improvement and renovation could be proven from a weekend afternoon of cable television alone – one home improvement program after another, all played in various ways around that common theme. And at no time of year does the desire to spiff up the old homeplace, beautify the grounds, or even look around for an entirely new and better habitation influence the American mind more strongly than in the spring. It is the pleasure of us at The Greeneville Sun, along with a slate of partnering advertisers, to bring you our annual look at home improvement trends, possibilities and potentials. It’s our hope that the material published here will give you an idea of two you can apply to your
own home and life. And we hope you’ll call on those who advertise here when it is time to find a contractor, purchase the right building supplies, get needed financing, install that swimming pool … We are blessed in Northeast Tennessee to live in beautiful surroundings. For us to seek to maintain our own homes and lands in harmony with that beauty is not only the right thing to do, but a privilege. to make your own corner of the We hope you’ll find some inspirations, tools and helpers here world a little more “improved,” a
little more beautiful, a little more home.
Paving Stone Installation Requires Care, Preparation
What Once Was The Shack Out Back Now A High-Tech Marvel
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aving stones can add beauty to walkways, driveways and backyard patios, providing that eye-catching finishing touch to a property while enhancing its curb appeal.
so you can order exactly how many stones you will need. Have the materials delivered to reduce heavy lifting and trips to the store. Be sure to have all utility lines marked prior to excavation to avoid damage. Prepare the base carefully One of the most important aspects of paver installation involves preparing the base. If you cut corners in this process, the finished results can be sloppy, weeds can grow through and/or stones may loosen. It's essential to grade the area away from Even though the installation of pavers the house. That means that the highest can be a labor-intensive process, with the point of the patio or walkway should be right tools and tips, this can be a do-itclosest to the house and then the incline yourself project for homeowners with gradually flattens out as it moves away renovation experience. Consider these from the home. This allows proper water tricks and how-to tips courtesy of The runoff. Mark the height on the stakes and Home Depot, DIY Network and Unilock. adjust the mason line. Remember to slope Get your supplies the area away from your home with a To begin a paver project, homeowners drop-off of about one inch for every 8 feet. will need to stock up on some supplies The base of many DIY applications they may not already have at home. should be between four and six inches Marking paint, mason line, wooden deep. Work incrementally, raking and stakes, leveling sand, paver base, and more tamping until the base is firm. Lightly will be required. A manual tamper can be wetting the material can help it solidify. used. However, for larger areas, it can be Sand helps inhibit weed growth and worth the cost to rent a plate compactor. anchor the pavers together. Plastic lining will not be practical. Measure the area Installation The number of bags of sand, paver Use edge restraints and a string line to base and paving stones needed for the project depends on the size of the area. For keep the design straight. Do not hammer the pavers together. Paver sand will need example, according to the Home Depot, for 60 square feet, homeowners will need to be swept over and settled between the stones to help set them in place. about 30 12 x 12-inch paver stones, 40 It helps to read tutorials and watch bags of paver base and 12 bags of paver videos on paving stone installation prior to leveling sand. Spray or mark the area where the paving beginning the project. With practice, the installation will go more smoothly. stones will be laid. Measure carefully
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echnology is infiltrating every room of the house. Many new home buyers are millennials, and this tech-savvy demographic covets technological innovations. A recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate indicates 77 percent of Generation X and Y home buyers want their homes equipped with the tech capabilities they have grown accustomed to. Many of these involve smart innovations, including those that can transform one of the most private rooms in the house - the bathroom. Automated home theater rooms and Wi-Fi-enabled home security systems have become the norm, but what tech improvements are available to make the powder room more in touch with today's digital lifestyle? According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, bathrooms have the most potential of any rooms to be improved with technology. The following are just some of the bathroom gadgets and gizmos no one should resist before giving a try. · Automatic faucets: Infrared sensors have been helping keep public restrooms more hygienic for years. The same technology can be used in home bathrooms to curtail water waste and keep faucets and sinks from becoming infested with germs. In addition, faucets with builtin timers can be programmed to set tasks for brushing teeth or washing your face.
· Musical shower: Instead of having to blast the volume on the portable speaker you use in the bathroom, a wireless speaker is built into some shower-heads. This enables those who like to sing in the shower or listen to podcasts while washing up to enjoy this luxury effortlessly. · Smarter weight management: Bathroom scales have gone high-tech as well, with various options enabling users to measure weight, BMI and body fat percentage before sending the data wirelessly to a phone, tablet or computer. This can put you in greater control of fitness goals. · High-tech toilets: Borrowing ideas from bidets and trends around the world, modern toilets do not require hands or paper. These toilets have temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands and air dryers to clean and sanitize. Self-cleaning toilets help busy professionals save time and are ideal for those who always want their bowls as clean as possible. And if you desire extra comfort, toilet seat warmers are available, while LED lights can make nighttime restroom visits easier. · Soaking tubs: As fast as stand-alone showers were introduced to the modern bathroom, tubless designs have been replaced with streamlined soaking tubs. Tubs come with different features, including chromatherapy, which employs colored lights to enhance mood. Air baths are controlled electronically and provide different levels of sensation for those who are skipping the hot tub. Round out these innovations with automated lights, chilled medicine cabinets and aromatherapy, and your bathroom will indeed become a technological spa.
There Are New Options For Decking Material These Days
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omeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity. Decks used to primarily be made from pressure-treated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products. As anyone who has pressure-washed, stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year. Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks instead of maintaining them. Composite decking is any type of decking material that is formulated from different recycled materials. The majority of these materials include hard plastic
and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep. Available in a variety of wood colors to match outdoor decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks. Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mold growth and new technology that has improved stain-resistance, many of the pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks. Composite decking fits in with eco-friendly lifestyles. The planks are made from recycled materials that would normally end up in landfills. Products from Trex, a popular composite decking manufacturer, are made from 1.5 million shopping bags and wood mill waste. As composite decks do not rot away and are long-
lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which is another eco-friendly benefit. When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colors, materials used in the composition and the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles snap into place. Composite decks do have a few drawbacks. They can be expensive — nearly double the initial cost of wood decks. And although they don’t rot, composite planks can scratch. Without refinishing, damaged boards will need to be replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade color and damage the composite materials, so caution is needed. Composite decking remains an in-demand choice for outdoor spaces. Low-maintenance and long-lasting, these decks have quickly become favorites among homeowners.
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What’s Next After A Storm Damages Your Property?
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he 2017 hurricane season proved especially devastating for millions of people in both Texas and Florida.
Upon making landfall in Texas in late August, Hurricane Harvey became the first Category 3 or higher hurricane in the United States since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. In its wake, Harvey left damage that Texas governor Greg Abbott estimated could cost as much as $180 billion to repair. Just a couple of weeks after Hurricane Harvey touched down, Hurricane Irma hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, knocking out power to nearly seven million people. Severe storms such as hurricanes and severe thunderstorms do not discriminate, and when such storms finally dissipate, people from all walks of life are left to deal with the often devastating consequences. Property damage is one such consequence, and many times that damage can include downed power lines, a dangerous situation not to be taken lightly or handled without expert help. In Greeneville and Greene County, the people with expertise in dealing with storm damage that includes downed or otherwise-impacted power lines are the trained professionals at Greeneville Light and Power System. GLPS has the equipment and expertise to help storm victims steer clear of dangers caused by power line storm damage, or other similar situations, such as a power line pole being knocked down or dangerously tilted from impact in a vehicular accident. Trying to deal with damaged power lines on an amateur basis is never a good idea, and has potential for serious injury or worse. If a storm downs or damages power lines on your property or a neighbor’s property (or even along a public roadway) call GLPS at 636-6200 immediately and report the situation. Stay well away from the downed lines and keep pets and livestock away as well. Failure to do so can be hazardous. Following are other things people can do in the aftermath of storms that caused damage to their property. · Contact your insurance provider. Not all damage resulting from storms will necessarily be covered by insurance policies, but it's still imperative that people contact their insurance companies as soon as possible after their homes or vehicles have been damaged. Agents can help policy holders learn if their policies cover the damage done to their property and to what extent their coverage will help them recover. Many people will likely be
making similar calls, so policy holders should try to be as patient as possible. · Document the damage. People whose property has been damaged should use their smartphones and cameras to document the damage as extensively as possible. Take photos from various angles before you begin cleaning up. Providers may require visual evidence of the damage before they begin processing your claim, so ask about those requirements when contacting your insurance agent. · Let the professionals do the work. Experienced professionals recognize potentially
harmful, if not deadly, issues that may be lurking unseen beneath the damage. · Revisit insurance policies. After suffering damage to their homes or vehicles, men and women may benefit by revisiting their coverage and increasing that coverage in anticipation of future disasters. Storm damage can turn individuals' lives upside down. But remaining calm and working in harmony with insurance agencies and power companies can help storm victims recover quickly.
ATTENTION: GL&PS CUSTOMERS <<< May is National Electrical Safety Month >>> In order to better educate the citizens of Greeneville and Greene County, Greeneville Light & Power System would like to provide their customers with the following important electrical safety tips in honor of electrical safety month. • Never touch a fallen power line. Always assume it is energized and contact GL&PS immediately. • When pruning trees or working on the roof, always beware of overhead power lines. • Never allow children to y kites near electrical power lines. • Stay away from potentially dangerous electrical hazards such as substations, poles, wires, meters, and transformers. • Before you dig, make sure there are no underground power lines. Call Tennessee One Call @ 1-800-351-1111. • When using extension cords, make sure they are rated for the products you are using. • Use only berglass or wooden ladders when working around electricity. • Read and obey all danger and warning signs.
Greeneville Light & Power System 110 North College Street
423-636-6200 423-636-6202 (Emergency)
www.glps.net
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THE GREENEVILLE SUN HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION Saturday, April 28, 2018
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East Tennessee Building Supply Will Help You Get It Right
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he importance of finding the right company to supply a building project is obvious. A bad experience with the wrong building supplies can be discouraging, and in the long run, costly.
A disappointing experience in homebuilding proved to be a motivating factor in developing one Greenevillebased company determined to help others avoid similar problems. A representative of East Tennessee Building Supply shared the following with The Greeneville Sun: “In the mid 1990s, we built our very own dream home, a log cabin nestled in the woods on our family property. With very minimal knowledge of the lumber industry, we soon found out that we had purchased subpar material and been mistreated by the lumber companies and contractors throughout our building process. We decided to open our own company to better assist and care for many who were just like us, dreaming of a log home.” East Tennessee Building Supply launched in March of 2010. The company took small steps forward initially, working out of small and even home-based offices. Now the company has taken a new stride. ETBS says: “Because of our loyal customers, network of contractors, and a continuously growing market, East Tennessee Building Supply has moved to 965 E Andrew Johnson Highway, right next door to the Days Inn, in Greeneville. Our business has been primarily internet-based throughout the years, but our desire has been to serve our immediate community as well. This new facility gives us the space we need to have all of our employees under one roof, as well as being a complete building supply center for this region.” As a national provider of quality building materials, the company declares that its goal is “to offer superb
customer service and top quality products. Whether you are building a log home or a conventional build, we can assist you every step of the way. Our product line consists of: framing materials, flooring, interior/ exterior doors, windows, logs, beams, PermaChink products, decking, railing, bricks, block, stone, roofing shingles, vinyl siding, cedar shakes and shingles, and a multitude of specialty lumber items (in a variety of wood species). “We stock tongue and groove, shiplap, D log siding, chink joint siding, bevel siding, and much more! The different species that we offer is: Eastern White Pine, Southern Yellow Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Paulownia Pine, Spruce, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Eastern Red Cedar (aromatic), Western Red Cedar and Northern White Cedar. We can, also, have custom milling run if you are looking to match up to existing siding.” The “D log siding” mentioned provides an interesting and littleknown option for those who live in a traditional frame home but love the look of a log structure. D log siding allows a conventionally built home or backyard building to be given the look of log construction. David Crockett Birthplace Park in Limestone has made use of D log siding on some of its structures, should locals wish to see just what D log looks like. East Tennessee Building Supply concludes: “We look forward to being able to offer all of these products at competitive pricing to our community and the region. Feel free to stop by and visit or give us a call at 423-393-4447. Any of our staff will be happy to assist with any questions or potential inquiries that anyone may have.”
Your One-Stop Shop for Farm & Garden Supplies & So Much More • Fertilizer Bag & Bulk • Livestock Feed • Farm Supplies • Field Seed • Farm Chemicals • Barb Wire
Where Growers go for value!
Johnson City Chemical Co. 208 Asheville Hwy. 70 South 638-5939 3202 Hwy. 11-E, Limestone, TN
257-5079
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WE’VE MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION! Come visit us at our brand new facility. Supplying Quality Building Supplies at Contractor Pricing NaƟonwide.
DEEP DISCOUNTS ON SHIPPING RATES! We ship all across the U.S. and beyond. Most products can be shipped within 3 to 5 business days. At East Tennessee Building Supply, we oīer a variety of building supplies and log home products including: logs, beams, log siding, tongue and groove, shiplap, ooring, interior wood doors, and so much more. Our goal is to provide the one-on-one customer service you deserve, while also providing the quality specialty building materials you need. We have over 20 years experience in the log home and lumber industry. We serve all parts of the United States and beyond at contractor pricing, and oīer deeply discounted shipping opƟons. We aim to earn both your trust and your business!
The Team
at East Tennessee Building Supply
Cedar, Cypress, & Pine Siding
Tongue & Groove Decking
Log Home Building Products
Specialty Wood Doors
Vinyl / Wood Windows
Hardwood Flooring & Much More!
www.easƩennesseebuildingsupply.com 965 E. Andrew Johnson Hwy www.facebook.com/EastTNBuildingSupply Greeneville, TN 37745 Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm • Saturdays by appointment **Extended hours and weekend hours will be coming soon!** (423) 393-4447 • Fax: (423) 393-4339
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Home Renovation? Here’s Some Advice For Survival!
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omeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017. Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better. Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here's how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed. Discuss the project before it starts ... All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish back-up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices. Do one project at a time ... It's tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels. Do not think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up. Have everything in place ... Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.
Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen - even when you've done your best to avoid them. For Greeneville-Greene County residents, a contractor with much experience in home renovation (as well as small commercial and new home construction) is Hite Construction Company, 210 Park Street, owned by Jamey and Jessie Hite. The Hite name has a long association with the construction business in Greene County due to the construction activity of Jamey’s noted grandfather, Paul Hite, and also Jamey’s father, Tom Hite, Paul’s son. Jamey Hite recommends that anyone undertaking a building project, whether new construction, home repair, or renovation, come to the project with two things: a clear concept of what is wanted, and a budget. Knowing the latter makes it possible for the contractor to determine whether the project can be done with the budget available. Having such matters clarified on the front end helps defray tensions and disappointments later in the process and makes a happy outcome far more probable. To reach Hite, call 639-1075 or email jameyhite@yahoo.com.
Specializing in custom remodeling for nearly every area of your home. WE CAN DESIGN & BUILD: • • • • • • •
Family Rooms Bedrooms Kitchens Baths Decks Garages and more!
Lend Your Cooling System A Hand With Old-Style Methods
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or many homeowners, summer is all about staying cool. But that comfort can comes with a hefty price tag. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioners cost homeowners more than $29 billion a year in energy costs. While that's money well spent, there are ways to lend a hand to your cooling system and save dollars. Air conditioners are a necessity in areas where temperatures rise to uncomfortable and even unhealthy levels in the summertime. But consider helpful steps such as these: · Embrace strategic landscaping. The landscaping outside of a home can contribute to cooler climates inside the home. Deciduous trees shed their leaves annually, and when planted on the western and southern sides of a home, these trees can block the sun from entering the home during the hottest times of day, reducing the need to lower the thermostat on air conditioners. Of course, when these trees shed their leaves in late fall, sunlight can then make its way into the home, potentially reducing heating costs. · Maintain air conditioners. Air conditioners contain air filters that, over time, can wear down and become dirty. The DOE notes that the relatively simple task of replacing and cleaning these air filters can reduce air conditioners' energy consumption by as much as 15 percent. If the unit does not respond after routine filter maintenance, the DOE (energy.gov) lists issues with refrigerant, thermostat sensors and drainage as some common air conditioner problems. Homeowners who suspect these issues can contact certified professionals such as Air Pro Heating and Cooling to inspect their units and perform any necessary repairs. · Install ceiling fans. Cool people in a given room by installing ceiling fans in areas of the home that might be warm but not too hot during the summertime. Modern ceiling fans with the ENERGY STAR® logo can be as much as 75 percent more efficient than older models, and ceiling fans typically consume far less energy
than air conditioners. Install fans that can rotate forward and in reverse, as the direction the fan is rotating can actually heat or cool a room. Consult the owner's manual to determine which direction fans should be rotating in on hot and cold days. · Draw the blinds or close the drapes on especially hot days. Drawing blinds and closing drapes can keep the sun out of the home, lowering temperatures inside as a result. While many homeowners understandably do not want their homes to be dark all day long, on especially hot days when the summer is bearing down, drawing the blinds or closing the drapes can have a substantial impact on comfort levels inside the home. For any kind of advice and service involving your home or business-place air conditioning system, consult with the professionals at Air Pro Heating and Cooling in Greeneville. Located at 147 Mason St., Air Pro handles systems large and small with 24-hour availability. Air Pro is reachable by phone at 6395557 during business hours, or at the 24-hour number of 588-6786 for afterhours response or emergencies. To reach Air Pro by email, contact info@airprohvacinc.com.
Give Your Heat Pump the OK with Service You Can Count On. I love Air Pro! My heat pump was installed by another company and has always been troubled. However, the guys at Air Pro have been wonderful in servicing my old unit. I can call them anytime, and they are xing my unit within hours, not days, hours - no matter what the weather. They are trustworthy, professional and very reasonably priced, often working with me to nd ways to save money. I recommend Air Pro to my family and friends, most of whom also use their services. Air Pro is a company you can depend upon! Wendy Wilder, Afton, TN
Get hooked up with a better system for heating or cooling your home. Our energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning units are reliable, powerful and economical.
Financing Available • Free Estimates
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• MAINTENANCE & PROTECTION PLANS • FURNACES • AIR CONDITIONERS • INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Commercial & Residential General Contractor
2017
210 Park St. Greeneville, Tennessee
JAMEY HITE Office: (423) 639-1075 jameyhite@yahoo.com Cell: (423) 525-7465
Mike Davis & Keith Harrison, co-owners
AIR PRO HEATING & COOLING
639-5557
www.airprohvacinc.com
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Tips For Making Your Closets More Accommodating
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loset space is at a premium in many homes and apartments. Many older homes were not built to accommodate large wardrobes, while rental properties are often designed to maximize living space at the expense of storage.
Closet sizes vary, but many tend to be a minimum of 24 inches deep so they can store garments without the clothes brushing against the walls. Bedroom and hallway closets can be four feet in length or more. Walk-in closets are the largest options, but such spaces tend to only be available in modern homes or custom-built properties. It is not always practical or possible to undergo renovations to create more closet space, so homeowners or renters must evaluate the space they have and make choices in how they utilize available areas. Clear out clutter: The first step to more closet space is to eliminate unused items. Clothing that no longer fits or items that can be stored elsewhere should be removed from the closet. Donate as much as possible. Some organizations will even pick up donations at your convenience.
Upgrade hangers and rods: Replace existing hangers with slimmer, more uniform alternatives that more easily fit into your closet. In addition, remove empty hangers. Consider dual closet rods if space will allow them. Hang the second rod below an area reserved for shorter clothing to achieve a two-tiered design. Grouping short items together also can free up valuable floor space. Stack taller: Many closets are as tall as the ceilings of the rooms where they're located. However, the upper area may go unused because if it is not easy to reach. Install shelving above the closet rod with small swing-out style cabinet doors to offer access. In such areas, store seasonal items that you won't need to reach for each day. Keep a step stool close by for easy accessibility. Create storage for small items: Bookends, bins, boxes and drawers can be used to contain items that don't easily conform to closets. These may be purses, scarves, ties, and more. Don't overlook the possibilities of hanging items on the wall inside the closet or on the back of closet doors.
Pay Attention To ROI When Choosing Home Improvement Options
If your walls could talk, they’d thank you. Lisa Crum, Agent
2195 E. Andrew Johnson Highway Greeneville, TN 37745
639-5150
www.lisacrumagency.com
Great home insurance. Protect your home with the best. And do it at a price that will have your wallet saying “thanks” too. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.
2017
0901139.1
State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL
Quality Sleep Mattress & More is having a
E
ven though most home improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult. Return on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns. Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations. The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI in 2015. • Open the door to improvement. Region by region across the United States, installation of a new steel door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at the highest, to 86 percent at the lowest — which is still a considerable investment return for such a simple project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value. • Turn up the kitchen heat. An attractive kitchen can encourage buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components. In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI. • Dreaming of a new bedroom. Remodeling magazine also points to creating an attic bedroom to increase home value. The ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83 percent ROI. • Home maintenance projects. There’s little good to improving the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home if there are existing structural or maintenance issues, warn experts. Siding replacement, HVAC system repair or replacement, a new roof, and basement dampness prevention solutions can be smarter investments before other fl ashy remodels. Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. • Worthy window replacement. Angie’s List, a home services review and referral resource, has found that the average ROI of new windows is 77 percent. The cost of installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point. If remodeling is on the horizon, homeowners should give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project.
Gambler’s Sale Everything is
20% off* Except Mattresses
April 27th-May 3rd Will the price drop? Will the furniture you want still be in stock? Come See What We Have For Yourself!
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601 Tusculum Blvd.
(423) 278-0437 Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm
Up to 12 Months Same As Cash
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THE GREENEVILLE SUN HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION Saturday, April 28, 2018
Greeneville Builders Supply Has Six Decades Of Expertise
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ackling any renovation project is an exercise in patience. Renovations can impede on daily activities and cause a certain level of upheaval in homeowners’ lives. Homeowners planning renovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their expectations. Remodeling, particularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unforeseen issues that only arise in GBS owners Jerry Malone, left, and the face of the renovation. Rick Parvin. (Brian Cutshall photos) So what can homeowners expect during a renovation? The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects. · Dirt and noise: Homeowners can count on dust, debris and noise throughout the renovation process. Dust appears when walls come down or go up, and construction teams typically erect temporary walls or tarps to contain the debris. Air filtering systems also can limit dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If it becomes troublesome, arrange to be outside of the home when the bulk of the construction is taking place.
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Better Building Supplies for BEST RESULTS! • Building Supplies • Kitchen and Bath Fixtures • Paint • Appliances • Tools • Windows and Doors • Hardware • Siding • Plumbing Accessories • Locks • And Much More
Plus Friendly Folks To Help You Find What You Need! Ryan Parvin of GBS does some climbing.
· Delays or schedule changes: Even the best contractors cannot control every aspect of the job. They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work. Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners' expectations. This can push back the project schedule. Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stressful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant surprise if there are no delays.
happen (especially if your project involves a lot of your personal labor) it is important to have resources available to provide needed advice and materials to correct the issues. The professionals at Greeneville Builders Supply are that resource. Greeneville Builders Supply has been serving Greene County and Northeast Tennessee since 1958. That's a lot of experience available for home renovators and builders. Locally owned and operated, Greeneville Builders Supply has served · Hidden issues: the construction needs of the Greene Contractors may uncover all sorts of County communities for the past sixty issues that need to be addressed before a years. project can progress. Examples include Greeneville Builders Supply is a the presence of asbestos (common local retailer of new construction and in older homes), plumbing problems, remodeling materials. Selling directly to incorrectly wired electrical systems, and the public, the employees help customers leaks or moisture issues. These problems find their desired products, sell the also can impact the cost of the project, so products at a competitive price, and set aside some money in the budget for then load the products in the customers' unforeseen expenses. Chances are you vehicles. Delivery service is also are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project. available. You'll find the GBS team at 208 It's important to expect the unexpected Bohannon Avenue in Greeneville, or by when embarking on home renovations. phone at 638-4101. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting Sixty years of service history gives delays and coping with the upheaval GBS credibility and expertise to answer to daily schedules are par for the your building and remodeling questions remodeling course. However, the end and guide you to solutions that work for result is often well worth the time and you, just like they do. effort. When those unexpected things do
Vinegar Can Be Your Tool For Cleaning All Around The House
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ravel down the cleaning aisle of a neighborhood store and you will be met with product after product designed for specialized cleaning. There are sprays for windows, cleansers for electronics, carpet-cleaning foams, and scouring solutions for tubs and showers. Although many of these are effective, the average person can rely on just one cleaning aid for a wide variety of tasks: vinegar. Vinegar is a versatile product that can be used in everything from cooking to pickling to preserving foods to household cleaning. Vinegar is made by two distinct biological processes, offers The Vinegar Institute. Via fermentation, yeast will first change the natural sugars in the vinegar-to-be material solution into alcohol. The second process involves a group of bacteria called "acetobacter," which convert the alcohol into an acid. Vinegar can be made from any fruit or natural material containing sugar. For the purpose of generalized cleaning, white vinegar is the most common type used and is typically made from corn.Utilizing vinegar around the house is quite simple, and can be used in various ways around the house. · Remove lime buildup. Vinegar is good for cleaning faucets and showerheads. Make a paste of one teaspoon of vinegar and two tablespoons of salt. Apply to sink fixtures and rub with a cloth. Fill a plastic baggie with vinegar and attach to the showerhead with a rubber band. Let sit a few hours to overnight and then rinse away the mineral deposits.
· Brighten laundry. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the wash cycle. It will help loosen stains and brighten clothing. An added benefit is the acid will reduce static cling. · Disinfect cutting boards. Give cutting boards an extra cleaning by spraying them with straight vinegar, then rinsing to clean. · Clean the disposal. Make sure food residue doesn't clog garbage disposals and lead to odor. Mix vinegar and baking soda in the drain and allow the bubbling action to remove built-up residue. Use a scrub brush for extra scouring. · Get streak-free windows. Mix a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Use to clean windows and other glass surfaces. Wipe away with a microfiber cleaning cloth so no lint is left behind. · Eradicate pet odor. Pour a little bit of vinegar into an empty litter box. Let stand for around 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Vinegar also can be used to blot up pet stains on the carpet. Just test color-fastness in an inconspicuous area first. · Banish water stains. Fix water stains and rings on wood furniture by mixing equal parts vinegar and olive oil. Use a soft cleaning cloth moving in the direction of the wood grain. Polish using a clean cloth. Vinegar can be used all around the house - these were just a few of the dozens of ways to rely on vinegar. Just steer clear of using it on natural stone and marble, as the acid could cause damage.
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Swimming Pools And Lovely Lawns Can Happily Coexist
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omeowners interested in installing pools in their backyards need not worry to excess about the potential impact of such decisions on surrounding landscapes.
According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there already are 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public swimming pools in the United States. Many homeowners wonder if the chlorine and other chemicals in pool water have any affect on the lawn, particularly if pool water robs lawns of vital nutrients they need to thrive. But the resource All About Lawns says most people needn't worry about errant drops or even higher levels of
overflow. It all comes down to the selectivity of grass. Blades of grass are particular about which nutrients from the water they absorb and in what quantities. Lawns are largely unaffected by chlorine. Furthermore, soil can withstand chlorine when kept at applicable sanitary levels (which generally range between two to three parts per million), at high acid levels. That's much more than is usually contained in pool water. Pool water is also maintained in the neutral range at a pH of 6.5 to 7.8, which is safe for plants. Should the pool water test at a higher acidity or alkalinity, it can adversely affect landscapes, particularly delicate plants. Pool owners should be diligent about smart application and storage of pool chemicals. Powdered or liquid chlorine and other water chemistry products that spill onto grass or plants may cause damage.
Pet-Proof Your Home For Safety
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ens of millions of households throughout North America include pets. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation reports that more than 80 million households in the United States include companion animals, while the 2014 Canadian Pet Market Outlook reported that 57 percent of Canadian households owned pets. Pets are a big responsibility, and responsible pet owners recognize that the work begins even before pets come home. Pet proofing a home protects pets from accidents and injuries as they grow acclimated to their surroundings. • Install childproof latches. Much like children after they learn to crawl and then walk, young pets tend to be curious, and that curiosity can put them in precarious positions. Pet owners should install childproof latches on low drawers and cabinets, especially those beneath sinks where potentially harmful cleaning products are typically stored. Curious pet paws may be able to pry or pull open cabinets and drawers, but childproof latches can make that considerably more difficult if not impossible. • Close toilet lids. While images of puppies drinking from toilets may elicit some laughs, the nonprofit organization American Humane warns that chemicals in common toilet cleaners can be deadly to pets. In addition, small puppies or kittens can drown in toilets. Keep all toilet lids close when toilets are not in use. • Keep potentially harmful items out of pets’ reach. Household cleaners beneath the kitchen sink are not the only items around the house that can be harmful to pets. Medications should always be stored on high shelves where pets cannot reach them. In addition, make sure all laundry
room items, including detergent and dryer sheets, are stored out of pets’ reach. Discuss human foods that might be harmful to pets with a veterinarian and make sure such foods are not left out where pets can reach them when you are hosting friends or family members. If necessary, make sure all foods are served on dinner tables or kitchen counters that are inaccessible to pets. • Conceal all wires. Today’s homes are more connected than ever before, and that often translates to more wires around the house. Make sure all wires are bundled together and out of the reach and view of pets, who may be tempted to chew on them. Even wires that are out of reach may tempt pets if they can see them, so pet owners should make concerted efforts to conceal wires. • Move or remove potentially poisonous plants. Plant lovers may not have worried if their plants were poisonous when they had no intention of welcoming pets into their homes. But prospective pet owners should research each plant in their homes to make sure they’re not poisonous. Move potentially poisonous plants to places where pets cannot access them. Remove any poisonous floor plants from the home before purchasing or adopting a pet. Pets, particularly puppies and kittens, tend to be curious. Pet parents can protect pets from their own curiosity by pet proofing their homes.
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Here’s How To Clear A Clogged Drain
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ome plumbing systems are designed to handle heavy usage. When everything is working as it should, toilets flush, showers drain properly, and sink basins empty of water in a snap. But when a clog is present in a system, water can quickly back up.
may be indicative of a larger problem in the plumbing that is directing waste away from the house and into the sewer system. Sometimes a clog can be freed by pouring boiling hot water or a combination of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. If that doesn’t help, move on to a plunger, advise the experts at This Old House. By creating pressure within the pipes, a plunger can dislodge whatever is causing the backup. If the clog seems to be further down the drain, hair or grime may have become trapped. An auger, often referred to as a “plumber’s snake,” can There are various techniques to clear be inserted into the drain to remove the grime and free up the water flow. clogged drains. Minor clogs may be Homeowners without access to an cleared without the help of a plumber or even any tools. More significant blockages auger can try to fish the clog out of the drain with a wire hanger. will require more elbow grease. If clogs cannot be alleviated, drain The first step to clearing a clog is to locate the problem. Drainage issues traps may need to be accessed. Those who do not know their way around that affect a particular sink or toilet pipes and wrenches should hire a may be isolated to that fixture. Clogs professional. that are present throughout the house
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THE GREENEVILLE SUN HOME IMPROVEMENT EDITION Saturday, April 28, 2018
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