Spring 2019 Home & Car

March 2019 A Special Supplement to

HOME & CAR

Cook up a renovation plan Must haves for an amazing kitchen remodel

Safety & Savings

Keep tires roadworthy for safer driving

Protecting your property

How tree services can help

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Home Improvement & Car Care

HOME & CAR Rethink your kitchen layout........................................ 3 Outdoor improvements that boost home value.......... 4 How tree services can protect your property.............. 5 Why do painters wear white?...................................... 6 Must haves for an amazing kitchen remodel............... 7 Did you know?............................................................ 8 The evolution of global positioning systems............... 8 Keep tires road-worthy for safer driving..................... 9 Develop a vehicle maintenance schedule...................10 Truck driver shortage affecting business...................11

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Rethink your kitchen layout

Communal zones Unlike the days of yore when the kitchen was utilitarian, today’s home floor plans make kitchens a focal point of a home. Food preparation also is no longer a solitary task. Thanks to larger kitchen footprints and multiple zones set up for meal creation, a greater number of people can hang out in the kitchen and help with meals. You’ll find multiple sinks, large islands and more counter space are key components of modern kitchen layouts.

Dining nooks

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itchens are the most popular rooms in many homes.

Even though The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states the average person spends just 68 minutes each weekday consuming food, and around 37 minutes preparing meals, the kitchen is not just a spot for food. It also is a gathering place for conversation, homework and family time.

In recognition that so much time is spent in this heart of the home, many people are embracing some of the more popular trends concerning kitchen layouts to maximize the comfort and efficiency of these rooms.

Kitchen designs are bringing back banquette seating in a cozy nook. This design is a practical use of space, and can fit in large and small kitchens alike. It also can give a kitchen a high-end look, as built-in banquettes can highlight a bay window or seem custom-made for the space. Banquette seating can fit a number of people comfortably and provides a sensible and casual dining spot solution.

Family table The trend experts at Southern Living magazine indicate that formal dining and living rooms are now used infrequently. As a result, kitchens have evolved to accommodate meal

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prep and dining. A large family table in the center of the room brings people into the kitchen to get more involved with food, according to San Francisco designer David Kensington.

Counter culture Taking a page out of a favorite corner diner or bar, kitchens are increasingly outfitted with a large island flanked by chic counter stools, according to the design pros at Domino. Family members can pull up a stool and grab a quick snack. It’s also a great place for friends to engage in conversation while a host or hostess prepares cocktails and appetizers for an evening soirée.

Work zone Many families like to have an area of the kitchen set up as a tech zone where kids can do their homework and even parents can do some work, such as paying bills. Setting aside an area of counter space as a small desk area can be a great idea. Such areas also help parents keep a watchful eye on children while they’re surfing the internet.

Kitchens are the hub of the household, and modern design trends cater to a growing need for a multipurpose space.

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Whether you are looking to put the finishing touches on an outdoor space, remodel the lower level bathroom, or construct a new home, Alan and Chemical Bank are proud to offer mortgage programs that may fit your unique situation.

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Outdoor improvements that boost home value

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hether home improvement projects are design to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

The experts at Space Wise, a division of Extra Space Storage, say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong ROI.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community. While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios.

A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more.

Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs.

Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs.

The following outdoor projects are just a few renovations that tend to add value.

Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78 percent return on investment, or ROI.

Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available.

Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly.

Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleaning and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly.

well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI

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New landscaping: The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent ROI. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching, and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

Many different outdoor projects can add value to a home.

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old weather can take its toll on a property, especially in regions of the world where winters are harsh. Most parts of the landscape are vulnerable to damage from winter storms, but trees may be especially susceptible. By the end of winter, many homeowners wonder if their trees would benefit from some professional TLC.

How tree services can protect your property

Tree services provide a host of services. While fall is a popular time to remove trees from a property, doing so in spring is not unheard of, especially if trees were affected by winter storms and now pose a threat to a home and the people who live inside it.

Homeowners considering tree services can explore the following ways that some professional arbor attention can protect them and their homes.

Tree services can help protect a home’s foundation. Old trees that stretch well into the sky can be captivating, but they also can pose a threat to a home’s foundation. Such trees may have especially large root zones that may extend beneath walkways and even a home. In the latter instance, foundations may crack as roots try to stake their claim to the ground beneath a home. According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay an average of just over $4,000 to repair foundation issues, though major problems can cost considerably more than that. A professional tree service can remove aging trees that might be beautiful and awe-inspiring but still pose a threat to a home and the areas surrounding it.

Tree services can improve visibility. Trees that have aged a bit since their last trimming might

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affect the view of a property from inside a home.

Overgrown branches can compromise residents’ ability to see and experience the natural beauty just outside their windows. The average homeowner may be able to trim short trees on his or her own, but if views from the second floor of a home or higher have been compromised, it’s much safer to call a professional tree service. Such services have the right tools and experienced personnel necessary to safely trim high branches on tall trees.

Tree services can help prevent future damage.

Even if trees made it through a recent winter unscathed, that’s no guarantee next winter or even the coming seasons of spring, summer and fall won’t ultimately prove their undoing. Travelers Insurance notes that weather-related roof damage, including damage resulting from falling limbs and branches weighed down by snow during the winter months, accounted for more than half of all Travelers property loss claims between 2009 and 2016. According to BNC Insurance and Risk Advisors, homeowners may be liable if a tree they knew posed a threat falls onto a passerby or a neighbor’s property and causes damage or injury.

Having all trees properly trimmed each year, but especially those that can fall on your home and your neighbors’ homes, may prevent future damage and legal issues.

Tree services can ensure trees maintain their aweinspiring beauty and help homeowners protect their homes and their belongings.

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Why do painters wear white?

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he sight of professional painters decked out in white overalls is a familiar one to many people. Perhaps you’ve pondered just why painters wear white? The reasons behind painters’ sartorial choices is not easily verifiable, but it’s fun to explore nonetheless.

The actual name for a painting professionals wardrobe is “painter’s whites.” White canvas or denim pants, white t-shirt, overalls, and a white cap are often worn by painters. The idea of wearing white may date back to the 1700s, when there were not a variety of house colors available. As a result, white was the primary choice of paint at this time. If

white paint were to be dripped on a white uniform, it wouldn’t be readily noticed before laundering.

Painters also used to mix 50 pounds of “white lead powder” with a can of paint paste to make about two gallons of paint.

The mixing process produced large amounts of white dust. To hide the dust, the painters wore white.

It is also believed that some painters crafted clothing from the white sails from ships.

Another theory behind painters’ preference for white work gear traces its origins to 19th century union painters. Those in the union adopted the all-white uniform to

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differentiate themselves from non-union painters. Sometimes a black bow tie was added to complete the professional presentation.

There are some practical reasons for painters to wear white. White clothing tends to be cooler when working outdoors or in sunny locations. Should painter’s whites become dirty, they’re easily bleachable without the color fading. Also, white is a pristine color that will present the appearance of cleanliness. Homeowners may readily invite and trust a clean worker into their homes to get the job done.

Painters often find that their business logo stands out sharply against the white of a

uniform, which can be another practical

reason to don some white overalls. White clothing also can be less expensive to replace.

Today, because there are many other

paint hues available, painter’s whites may not be so pristine. But those variously shaded specks and splatters may be

indicative of a seasoned professional who has put in many hours on the job.

Painters have long worn white as their

unofficial uniform. The theories as to why

vary, but the tradition is likely here to stay.

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Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel

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itchen remodels are among the most popular home renovation projects, whether they consist of swapping out cabinet hardware or doing major demolition.

Due to the sheer amount of time families spend in the kitchen, not to mention the number of tasks performed in this space, it is easy to see why Remodeling magazine consistently ranks kitchen renovations as projects that will enable homeowners to recoup a high percentage of their investments. In the magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, midrange major kitchen remodels costing an average of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of that investment.

When investing in a kitchen project, it is important to incorporate items that are coveted.

• Deep, double sinks: Having a double sink enables you to soak dishes in one side and then wash on the other. It also makes it easy to wash and prep produce for meals.

• Kitchen island and bar stools: Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some well-placed bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks.

• Smart kitchen storage: Work with a contractor to include storage solutions built into cabinetry and the pantry. Slide-out shelving, nooks for a paper towel roll and customdesigned areas to store stand mixers and other necessities can make kitchens more functional.

• Outdoor access: If possible, design a kitchen so it is easy to access the backyard via sliding doors. This can make outdoor entertaining or even coffee on the deck much easier.

• Under-cabinet lighting: Fixtures installed under cabinets provide both ambient lighting and task lighting. Such lighting makes it easier to see what you’re working on as well, as even well-placed overhead lighting can fail to illuminate dark corners and spots on the

counters.

• Convenient warming drawer: This appliance provides backup to the oven. It’s a slideout drawer that can keep prepared foods out of the way and warm until they are ready to be served. This is particularly handy for holidays and other entertaining.

• Beverage station: Designate one area of the kitchen to beverages, such as coffee and tea. Or make the area an informal bar. This can limit traffic in the kitchen to a single area.

Kitchen remodels are exciting to envision, and several choices can make these hightraffic spaces even more coveted.

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Did you know?

Self-driving cars might once have seemed like a futuristic concept that may never come to fruition, but the future is now. In 2018, Waymo, once known as the Google self-driving car project, launched its commercial self-driving car service in Phoenix. While it’s not widely available and safety protocols, including the presence of human safety operators behind the wheel, are in place, Waymo has made it possible for people to pay for self-driving car rides. Tech industry insiders note that Google’s fellow tech giants, including Apple and IBM, also are working on self-driving car services.

And much like many things in the tech industry, the self-driving car market figures to evolve rapidly, making it seem as though the availability of self-driving cars became widespread overnight.

However, today’s self-driving vehicles are the byproduct of years of research and sizable financial investments. For example, a little more than a decade ago, Darpa, the experimental laboratory of the Pentagon, hosted the Urban Challenge at an Air Force base in Southern California. At that event, which was one of a handful sponsored by the United States military, several driverless vehicles traversed real traffic conditions. That showcase was an integral component of the foundation of the modern self-driving car industry.

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The evolution of global positioning systems

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lobal positioning systems can now be found in many devices and have transformed the way that people interact with their environments. Navigation tools have evolved over the years, and the world has long been on the precipice of something more accurate and intuitive.

Many people believe GPS started with the launch of the Russian satellite Sputnik. Scientists at MIT noticed that the frequency of the radio signals transmitted by the satellite increased as it approached Earth and decreased when it moved away. Satellites could be tracked by measuring the frequency of these radio signals, and thus the locations of receivers on the ground could be tracked by their distance from the satellites. This is essentially the basis behind GPS technology. The United States Navy built the first real satellite navigation system in 1959.

Known as TRANSIT, the system was designed to locate submarines and would pave the way for the GPS systems that today are used in vehicles, aircraft, phones, and more.

Satellites are necessary for all GPS systems to work. The Federal Aviation Administration says the baseline satellite constellation in space consists of 24 satellites positioned in six earth-centered orbital planes

with four operation satellites and a spare satellite slot in each orbital plane. The system can support up to 30 satellites in orbit. The exact number of satellites operating at any one particular time varies depending on the number of satellite outages and operational spares in orbit. Due to this constellation, the basic GPS signal is accurate at the worst to within approximately 100 meters lateral and 140 meters vertical everywhere on Earth.

People may be surprised at just how far-reaching GPS technology is today.

GPS sensors are used on objects to track them, as is the case for fleet vehicle management or finding missing persons. Sensors deliver real-time data on horse races and military missiles.

However, navigation GPS in vehicles is where GPS may be much more pervasive on the consumer level.

These systems can not only provide step-by-step directions and mapping, but also they can alert us to traffic jams, provide alternate routes, help people avoid accidents, and even find others you know on the roads nearby.

GPS continues to evolve and be a valuable navigation tool for people around the world.

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Keep tires road-worthy

for safer driving

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aking driving more safe can come down to ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order — starting from the ground up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that an average of 200 people die each year in tire-related crashes. In 2016, 733 people across the United States lost their lives in accidents in which tire malfunction was a contributing factor. Roughly 70 percent of single vehicle accidents are tire-related.

Taking tire maintenance seriously can greatly reduce the chances of blowouts, accidents and fatalities.

Maintain the right pressure

Caring for tires not only improves safety, but also it extends the life of the tires, saving drivers money as a result. Michelin Tires says that simply checking the tires’ inflation pressure can make a significant difference in how long tires last. For example, a tire that is consistently 20 percent under-inflated may see its life expectancy reduced by 20 percent.

Tires that are not properly inflated also can have a high rolling resistance. In such instance, the engine must expend more effort to move the vehicle — thus eating up fuel.

Pressure should be checked at ambient temperature before driving, states AAA. The recommended inflation pressure can be found in the drivers manual or on the tire.

Check tire tread

Tires rely on good tread depth to maintain traction and shed water during wet conditions. AAA recommends checking tread with a visual inspection and with the “quarter test.” Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, the tires have at least 4⁄32”

of tread and are acceptable for continued use. If the top of Washington’s head shows, tires need to be replaced.

Learn about tire aging

Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations concerning replacing the spare tire for the vehicle. Some manufacturers state after six years, while others say 10 years is the maximum service life for tires. While most tire centers will use newly manufactured tires when replacing tires, you can double check the age of any tire by looking at the sidewall for the tire identification number (TIN), offers NHTSA. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture.

Keep up on maintenance

Wheel alignment, tire rotation and tire balancing are all key to minimizing wear and extending the life and safety of tires. Each vehicle has specific recommendations, and drivers should consult their manuals to find those specifics.

Tire function is an important part of maintaining vehicle safety and performance.

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Develop a

vehicle maintenance schedule

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he oft-sudden expense of vehicle repairs can throw monthly budgets into disarray. Maintaining a routine service schedule is one way for drivers to keep repair costs down.

The online automotive resources Edmunds.com says many car owners do not adequately prepare for scheduled maintenance, and may not give maintenance a thought until it’s too late. The first step drivers take upon purchasing a new or preowned vehicle should be to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s owner’s manual, which is filled with valuable information and likely includes maintenance interval recommendations.

Next, drivers should learn about their vehicle, which is particularly relevant when buying a preowned vehicle.

Getting to know how the car or truck rides, as well as any sounds it may make, can provide drivers with a solid foundation they can then use to keep their cars running strong.

Routine service typically includes tire rotation, oil changes and topping off of fluids. So just how long between service appointments can a car go? Here are some generalized estimates.

Oil change: Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved so much

that most cars can go well beyond the once-recommended 3,000 mile interval between oil changes. Now many vehicle manufacturers recommend between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between changes, advises Edmunds.

Drivers should err on the side of caution if they do a lot of stop-and-go driving and short trips. Other drivers may want to invest in vehicles that have oil change maintenance minders built in. A light or countdown will come on the dashboard, indicating when the oil has reached the end of its usefulness.

Tire rotation: Rotating tires helps prolong the life of the tires and alleviates uneven tread and wear. During the rotation, each tire is removed and relocated to a different position to ensure that all the tires will wear evenly.

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Michelin Tires states that tires should be rotated around every six months, or between 6,000 and 8,000 miles.

Vehicle fluids: Your best bet is to see what the manufacturer recommends in regard to fluids such as transmission fluid, differential oil, brake fluids,

coolant, etc. Some transmissions need regular maintenance, while others can go 150,000 miles between changes, according to the vehicle information site The Drive. Coolant typically can last 100,000 miles. For these types of changes, it may be best to go to a mechanic or service center familiar with your make and model rather than a quick-lube center, as knowing when to drain and refill can be more complicated.

Service schedules can be designed to adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations and drivers’ personal preferences.

Did you know?

The automotive resource Kelley Blue Book says that, through the first half of 2018 (the most recent data at the time of press), the best-selling vehicles in the United States were as follows: 1. Chevrolet Equinox 2. Toyota Corolla 3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Camry 5. Honda CR-V 6. Toyota RAV4

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Truck driver shortage affecting business

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hile traversing the nation’s highways, drivers may not realize they are in the company of people who help keep the country’s economy flowing smoothly. The various trucks seen on the roadway are crucial economic components, as are the drivers who toil hours on end behind the wheel.

As vital as they are, truck drivers are now in short supply, with some citing an aging workforce, high turnover rates, increased freight demand, and “lifestyle priorities” that can make other industries seem more attractive to would-be drivers.

The economic advisor Morgan Stanley reports that about 75 percent of freight in the United States is moved over the nation’s roadways by the roughly three million truckers. The American Trucking Associations says that about an additional 50,000 drivers are needed to meet deficits, particularly in the long-haul sector of the industry. If the trucking shortage goes unaddressed, industries could falter

and deliveries may be late. In addition, rising costs of transporting goods by freight companies may be passed down to consumers. Industry experts fear the shortage may almost triple by the year 2026.

Analysts say this problem has been festering for about 15 years. However, the recession that began in 2008 masked the issue, and when the North American economy strengthened once again, the cracks in the system became more apparent. The trucking lifestyle isn’t attracting millennials and the incoming Generation Z individuals who are interested in a work-life balance, continues the ATA. If consumers are wondering why prices on certain goods have steadily risen, they may have trucker shortages to blame. Transportation costs have been problematic for companies such as PepsiCo, Halliburton, Hasbro, and Tyson Foods, just to name a few. Tyson has

said freight costs spiked by an estimated $200 million in 2018.

Experienced truckers who are interested in finding work or individuals new to this employment sector may find that odds of getting gainful employment are in their favor. The demand for drivers has resulted in freight companies offering higher salaries as well as signing bonuses for qualified drivers. Trucker compensation has risen as much as 12 percent a year in recent years, according to Bob Costello, chief economist at the ATA. That’s a considerable increase in wages compared to other sectors, which

have barely budged recently. Additionally, while current U.S. regulations restrict commercial drivers license-holding drivers from operating across state lines until they are 21 years of age, the introduced DRIVE-Safe Act would establish an apprenticeship program for individuals under age 21 who hold a CDL to prepare them for interstate commerce.

Truck driver shortages are affecting businesses. However, for those interested in a becoming truckers, there has never been a better time to sign on.

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