PIO - Spring Home & On The Road - 03/14/2024

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Signs it’s time to repair or replace your deck

Choosing the best decking material

Defensive driving refresher course

How to create an outdoor living retreat

What is a vehicle history report?

Give your living room a new vibe

Why regular car washes are important

Did you know? — Fuel-efficient SUVs

Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel

Plan the perfect road trip

Did you know? — Home Buying

Signs it’s time to repair or replace your deck

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.

Choosing the best decking material

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that notion is as true when renovating a home as it is when studying a piece of art. Therefore, when homeowners are looking for the best building materials for their home remodels — including backyard decks — their own personal preferences may ultimately dictate the direction they go.

Deck boards and railings can be made from a diverse array of materials, including traditional hardwood, plastic and composite materials. Here’s a deep look into some of the more popular decking materials so homeowners can make informed decisions when contracting with a decking professional for the build.

Hardwood, softwood or pressure-treated wood In the not-so-distant past, decks were primarily built using some type of wood. Wood is widely available and fairly cost-effective. However, as anyone with a wood deck knows, wood requires frequent upkeep

and it can be susceptible to rotting or insect damage. Wood decks also may splinter and deteriorate when exposed to the elements or pool water. Pressuretreated boards are infused with chemicals to help them endure, but that does not make them impervious to wear. Still, the traditional look of a wood deck remains appealing to many homeowners.

Composite

Composite decking materials are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Since there is so much recycled content, composite decks attract those who are concerned about the environment and sustainability. Composite decking comes in uncapped and capped varieties. The capped version has an extra layer of protective capping made from highperformance polymers, says TimberTech, a decking

Defensive driving refresher course

Driving affords people the freedom to travel wherever they desire so long as they have access to a reliable vehicle. However, soon after the “new car smell” of that freshly minted license wears off, motorists may realize that many roads can be chaotic and populated by erratic drivers. Defensive driving strategies can help any motorist feel safe on the road, and it can help anyone to revisit a defensive approach from time to time.

What is defensive driving?

The insurance firm Progressive notes defensive drivers employ techniques that can reduce accident risk. These techniques promote alertness, a recognition among drivers of the significance of controlling what they can, and a commitment to always expect the unexpected. The crux of defensive driving is realizing not everyone else drives well. Aggressive drivers are hazards, as are those who are distracted behind the wheel. Driving defensively serves to mitigate some of these hazards.

All good kids like milk?

There are various defensive driving techniques, and various driving schools or organizations may promote their own. Harold L. Smith was a World War II veteran who founded the Smith System® driving school in 1952. Smith felt that driving schools only taught how to mechanically operate vehicles, not how to drive safely to avoid accidents. Smith’s system uses the mnemonic “all good kids like milk,” which refers to:

• Aim high in steering®: Look ahead a minimum of 15 seconds to scan the road. At 60 miles per hour you want to look a quarter-mile ahead. This helps you make timely decisions.

• Get the big picture®: Keep a minimum following distance by picking a fixed object ahead and making sure you’re at least seven seconds away. In addition, scan mirrors every few seconds.

• Keep your eyes moving®: Avoid focusing on one object for more than a few seconds. Driving on autopilot or under “highway hypnosis” is dangerous.

• Leave yourself an out®: The “space cushion” terminology is something you may have heard. You always want to anticipate potential hazards and ensure a way to avoid them; otherwise, you may be forced to make a quick, and potentially dangerous, decision.

• Make sure they see you®: Drivers who can’t see you may make their own maneuvers thinking the coast is clear. Try to make eye contact with other drivers, use headlights, your horn, and signal your intentions.

Take a defensive driving course

You can follow the Smith method outlined here or enroll in a defensive driving course to further hone your skills behind the wheel. Also, it may be worth it to check with your insurance provider to see if taking a defensive driving course will qualify you for a discount on your automotive policy.

Defensive driving is important, as it can keep drivers and their passengers safe and potentially prevent accidents and injuries.

How to create an outdoor living retreat

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 possible, 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.

What is a vehicle history report? (And how to read one)

The value of a new vehicle depreciates considerably the moment it is driven off a dealership lot. Bankrate reports that a car loses between 9 and 11 percent of its value the moment it leaves the dealership, and over the first five years a vehicle loses roughly 40 percent of its value.

The fact that vehicles are expensive and lose value so quickly compels some consumers to consider preowned cars and trucks as more affordable and financially savvy options. However, preowned vehicles come with their own risks, such as the potential for hidden problems. A vehicle history report is something every prospective preowned vehicle buyer should ask to see before buying a car or truck. Sometimes these reports are a free service offered by a seller, particularly an established dealership. But buyers may have to pay to get a vehicle history report, which

typically cost between $25 and $40.

Kelley Blue Book says a vehicle history report is a collection of records that provide information on a used vehicle that are pulled from thousands of sources. A report may be referred to as a “Carfax®,” which is the name of a firm that offers these types of reports. However, Car & Driver indicates that Carfax® only provides information that was reported, so their reports may not paint the full picture. A typical vehicle history report will indicate, among other things, how many people owned the car; whether or not the vehicle has been in a collision; the mileage on the vehicle; if the car is current on inspections; and if the vehicle is branded a lemon.

Consumers should know what to look for when reading a report. While some of the data will be obvious, there are some less apparent points to consider as well.

• Title: Make sure the vehicle never had a salvage title or other title problems. A salvage title, for example, is a vehicle that has been declared a total loss from collision, flood, theft, fire, or vandalism. Additional issues may arise when the seller’s name is not on the title. A rebuilt title means the vehicle was once salvaged but then refurbished.

• Ownership: The vehicle history report will indicate how many owners have had the vehicle. A car that has changed hands many times may not be the best investment.

• VIN: It’s important to make sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle matches what is on the vehicle history report.

• Location of sales: The locations where the vehicle was used and stored also is important. For example, some may be hesitant if a

vehicle was kept by the coast due to moisture and salty conditions that could cause premature wear and tear on components.

• Fleet vehicle: Carfax says that the history report will indicate if the vehicle spent time in a fleet. This includes rental vehicles, government vehicles, company vehicles, and dealer vehicles. A fleet vehicle may have had many different drivers over a short period of time.

Auto City suggests paying close

see REPORT page 11

Give your living room a new vibe

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 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.

Why regular car washes are important

Taking care of a vehicle involves more than just maintaining the equipment under the hood. There are a number of steps involved in keeping a car or truck in top form, and that includes regular car washes.

Car washes keep a vehicle shiny and clean, which can help it look good while sitting in the driveway or cruising the highway. However, regular car washes are more than cosmetic.

• Protection from the sun: A car that is routinely and properly washed and waxed is less vulnerable to damage from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

• Extend the life of paint: Dirt and debris can build up on the paint surface and eventually lead to scratches and other damage. Bird droppings and sap can be corrosive. Washing will help remove grime and protect the paint in the process.

• Preserve the vehicle’s value: Drivers who plan to sell or trade in their vehicles in the future should realize that a well-maintained car can bring in as much as 20 percent more for aboveaverage condition, according to Kelley Blue Book. Maintaining a clean and shiny vehicle can protect its long-term value.

• Remove salt: Drivers who live near the ocean or in areas where roads are salted in the winter to melt snow may have cars with high salt corrosion rates. Unless it’s washed off frequently, salt can take its toll, leading to damage.

S• Improve fuel efficiency: Drivers have felt pain in their wallets at the fuel pump in recent years. Dirty cars may be less aerodynamic and less fuel-efficient as a result. Keeping a car clean may improve its fuel efficiency.

fuel-efficient as a result.

• Maintain the interior: Car washes are not only about the exterior. Keeping a clean and tidy interior can help improve the air quality inside of the vehicle and prolong the life of upholstery, mats and interior components.

Car washes should be a routine part of vehicle maintenance. Professional car washes tend to be more eco-friendly than washing a car at home, so drivers are urged investigate their service plans and features.

port utility vehicles (SUVs) may never be as fuel-effi cient as more traditional cars, but one segment of the SUV market has made great strides in relation to fuel effi ciency since the turn of the century. Data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 EPA Automotive Trends Report indicated the small SUV segment had the greatest improvement of fuel economy among all vehicle segments

between 2000 and 2020. Average fuel economy among small SUVs increased by 65 percent during that period, which began with such vehicles getting 17.9 miles per gallon of gas and ended with them averaging 29.5 miles per gallon. The Chevrolet Equinox FWD, the Ford Edge FWD, the Hyundai Kona FWD, the Jeep Cherokee FWD, and the Mazda CX-30 2WD are among the vehicles that are categorized as small SUVs.

Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel

Homeowners want to view their homes as a respite from all that goes on outside their doors. Indeed, turning a home into a residents-only retreat can ensure everyone looks forward to walking through the front the door at the end of the day.

One of the more popular ways to turn a home into one’s own personal retreat is to upgrade the bathroom. A renovated bathroom can completely transform how individuals feel about their homes. The following are some features to consider when remodeling a bathroom with relaxation in mind.

• Open shower: An open shower is a visually stunning addition to any bathroom. Such showers give a bathroom a more open look, thanks in part to the fact that these modern features do not feature a door or require the use of a shower curtain. The result is a clean look that many people associate with a luxury hotel. When speaking with a contractor about an open shower

install, homeowners can ask about a half-wall to safeguard against water splashing out of the shower. In addition, a heat lamp can help ensure residents stay warm until they’re ready to leave the bathroom.

• Heated features: Additional features to keep everyone calm and warm can be considered when upgrading the bathroom. Radiant flooring can ensure everyone’s toes remain toasty, and the installation of such a feature can eliminate the need for floor mats and bath mats that some homeowners may not like. Commit further to the heat theme with a heated towel rack, which is another feature associated with luxury hotels that can be just as enjoyable at home.

• Soaking tub: An open shower creates an instant feeling of luxury, but few things are more suggestive of relaxation than a soaking tub. A long day at school or the office or a day when winter winds are howling outside is made much better

with a good a soak. The National Kitchen & Bath Association notes that luxury bathrooms featuring soaking tubs are wildly popular, and that vaunted status is undoubtedly due to the relaxing benefits of a good soak.

• Skylight: Even if the goal of a luxury bathroom is to leave the outside world outside, allowing some natural light inside is a great way to add a little extra calm to the room. Floor-to-ceiling windows may seem appealing in brochures or advertisements, but such features do not create the sense of privacy many people prefer in their bathrooms. One or two skylights can create that sense of privacy and still allow for natural light to enter the room, making this an option that provides the best of both worlds.

These features and more can help homeowners transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing respites from the outside world.

Plan the perfect road trip

Aroad trip can be a relaxing and exciting way to see the country. According to the financial firm IPX 1031, 51 percent of Americans planned to travel more in 2023 than the year prior, and 67 percent were considering road trips over other options. Canadians also planned to travel, with the 2023 edition of the annual Toyota Canada Summer Road Trip Survey finding 74 percent of those polled were still desiring a road trip despite high fuel costs.

It remains to be seen how many travelers will opt for car over plane travel in 2024, but those who aspire to plan road trips to remember can consider these pointers.

• Choose a destination. Although the ride can be an adventure on its own, eventually a destination will need to be reached. Travelers can choose destinations by distance and incrementally increase that distance as they gain road trip experience. For example, the first trip can be a few hours from home. As drivers grow more accustomed to the open road, they can take lengthier trips.

• Know your time constraints. The road trip

distance and route will depend on how much time travelers can devote to the trip. Road trips should be fun and include plenty of breaks along the way to see the sites. Time constraints can pressure individuals to race there and back, which isn’t enjoyable.

• Determine how many drivers are coming along. Bringing along other licensed drivers means that driving duties can be split up and the trip can be enjoyable, not exhausting.

• Don’t forget the scenic route. The journey is part of the road trip experience. When planing the route, travelers can be sure to include back roads that feature interesting views. However, they should be sure to research rest stops and fuel spots, which may be more spaced out on rural roads.

• Schedule a tune-up. Breakdowns are not enjoyable, and having a breakdown on a trip on unfamiliar roads can be even worse. Drivers should schedule a vehicle checkup prior to the trip. AAA suggests using the acronym “good BET,” referring to Battery, Engine and Tires to reduce

risk of roadside emergencies.

• Use planning tools. Various applications can help road trippers get from point A to point B and back more easily. Furkot, for example, is a road trip planning service that helps drivers map out routes, find interesting places and book hotels with ease.

• Make regular stops. Travelers should pull over every two hours or 100 miles to stretch, improve alertness and give their eyes a break.

• Identify where to sleep in advance. Although spontaneity can be exciting, it’s probably a good idea for drivers to have a general idea of where they will be spending the night each evening of the trip. Few things are worse than finding a no vacancy sign or realizing a motel has closed down when people are hungry and in need of rest. Making reservations in advance is less risky and more comfortable than sleeping in the car.

Road trips tend to be less regimented than other excursions. But a little planning can ensure a road trip goes smoothly.

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DECKS REPORT

and outdoor furniture provider. While composite decks may have similar upfront costs to wood, they will require less maintenance over the years, but they must be scrubbed to avoid mildew growth.

Plastic

Decks made of polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene or high density polyethylene (HDPE) are collectively referred to as PVC decks. They are made entirely from environmentally safe plastic with no wood in the mix at all. PVC decks are more durable than composite and can last a lifetime. All PVC decks need is occasional cleaning. A potential disadvantage to PVC is it doesn’t always look, sound or feel like wood. Also, complex fastening systems can make the boards move as the temperature changes, resulting in squeaking as people walk on the deck. Generally, PVC is more expensive than wood or composite, but that investment may be worth it for those who never want to worry about deck

repair or replacement.

This Old House says there is another plastic decking material made from polystyrene. It is stiff, strong and light, and with the brand Eon, the nonslip surface becomes less slippery when wet so it may be great around pools.

Aluminum

Aluminum may not be as popular as other decking materials, but it is lighter and stronger than wood, composite, and plastic. Aluminum also is resistant to mold, weather and insects, and it can be recycled. An aluminum deck will last for years, which is why it is one of the more costly decking materials.

Homeowners have many choices when picking materials for their decks. If they want a traditional look and moderate cost, wood may be the way to go. Those concerned about looks and durability may like composite. People who want very durable and long-lasting may want to give strong consideration to plastic or aluminum materials.

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attention to the most recent parts of a vehicle’s history. If there have been multiple changes in ownership or increased service records for certain parts, that may indicate there is

something seriously wrong with the car.

Vehicle history reports are another tool buyers can use when vetting preowned cars or trucks.

While home buyers typically take their time to examine each room and space inside and outside a home before making an offer, the real estate experts at Trulia note that two rooms in particular seem to merit the closest inspection among prospective buyers. Kitchens and the bathroom in an owner’s suite can dramatically

increase the value of a home. Trulia recommends that homeowners consider their neighborhood and identify their target buyers prior to beginning a kitchen or owner’s suite renovation, as such variables can provide direction and inspiration when refurbishing these widely valued areas in a home.