Preparing for Winter: Fall Home & Car Care by Hearst Midwest

Preparing for Winter: Fall Home & Car Care A Special Supplement to:

Make your Up North dreams a reality. ASSOCIATE BROKER

231-342-0921

Kathy@KathyNeveu.com

57 N. Michigan Ave. | Beulah, MI 49617

KathyNeveu.com

2 PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE • 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

ATTIC INSULATION JUST GOT EASIER! QUICK & EASY

• Complete entire attic in approximately 1.5 hours (1,000 sq. ft. at R-30) • Self-feeding system • Puts Fiberglas® insulation where you want it • Integrated AUTOCUTTER

NO MESS hour Free 24 tal with e ren machin urchase 5 bag p

• Fiberglas® insulation releases and expands completely inside machine • Provides easy cleanup because machine does the work for you • Low dust system

SAFE, RELIABLE SYSTEM

• Optimized process for minimal handling • Fully enclosed blowing system • Hose-mounted remote control

NO SETTLING

• Fiberglas® insulation will not settle over time • Keeps its energy-saving R-Value Honor Building Supply 10653 Main Street, Honor, MI 49640

231-325-4551

Serving You For Over 50 Years!

Onekama Building Supply 4847 Main Street, Onekama, MI 49657

231-889-3456

Benzie County Record Patriot • 2021 • PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE

Popular renovation projects during the pandemic

pending so much time at home during the pandemic led many homeowners to spruce up their homes. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2021 State of Home Spending report, spending on home improvements increased by an average of $745 per household in 2020. In the face of travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines, many homeowners pivoted in 2020 and spent money they initially intended to use for vacations on home improvements. Though many such projects required the services of a professional contractor, others, including the most popular project among the 5,000 homeowners who participated in the HomeAdvisor report, were do-ityourself endeavors. That not only gave homeowners’ homes a new look, but also gave them something to do during quarantine. The following are the five most popular home improvement projects of 2020 according to the HomeAdvisor report.

1. Interior painting:

Just under 35 percent of participants reported taking on an interior painting project in 2020. Interior painting projects can be perfect for DIYers, but homeowners also can trust this task to skilled professionals.

2. Bathroom renovations:

Real estate professionals routinely report how much prospective buyers love updated bathrooms, so it’s no surprise that roughly 31 percent of homeowners who took part in the HomeAdvisor report indicated they renovated their bathrooms in 2020.

3. Flooring:

Floors took on a lot of extra traffic during the pandemic, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that flooring projects were popular in 2020. More than one-fourth of participants told HomeAdvisor their homes were updated with a new floor during the pandemic.

4. Landscaping:

With nowhere else to go to escape the daily grind in 2020, many homeowners took to their yards. Twenty-four percent of those homeowners reported making their backyard retreats more appealing by repairing or upgrading the landscaping outside their homes. In fact, the average homeowner reported completing 3.4 landscaping projects in 2020.

5. Kitchen:

Another project that makes sense given the circumstances, kitchen renovations were the fifth most popular home improvement project in 2020. Restaurant closures and social distancing guidelines led many people to dine in more often than they otherwise would, and just under 23 percent of homeowners reported renovating their kitchens in 2020.

As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic, many homeowners who caught the renovation bug while in quarantine also will be emerging with what feels like an entirely new home.

4 PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE • 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

Drivers delaying vehicle maintenance

any drivers recognize the importance of vehicle maintenance, but a significant percentage of drivers are putting off taking timely care of their cars and trucks. IMR Inc. surveys 25,000 households each quarter, asking participants how they have serviced and maintained their vehicles. In the first quarter of 2020, much of which occurred prior to the declaration of a global pandemic, nearly 18 percent of respondents indicated they had delayed vehicle repairs or maintenance. IMR classified “delayed maintenance” as repairs and maintenance that vehicle owners intentionally put off despite knowing the vehicles needed them. That conscious decision to delay maintenance and repairs could prove costly in the long run, as adhering to a routine maintenance schedule is a great way to ensure cars stay on the road longer. In addition, adhering to manufacturer-recommended

How to maintain hardwood floors across the floor. If no smudge appears, then the floor is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal. The HDA also notes that recently installed wood floors are likely surface sealed.

maintenance schedules is a great way to discover minor issues before they escalate into larger, more costly concerns.

Rich Color That Stays True Over Time

How often should floors be polished or waxed? Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months. What can I do on a daily basis? Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood floors maintain their impressive look.

ardwood floors have long been sought after by home buyers. In its 2019 “Remodeling Impact Report,” the National Association of Realtors® revealed that new wood flooring was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers. Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Homeowners who already have hardwood floors know just how impressive these floors can be, especially when they’re well maintained. Maintaining wood floors is not necessarily as straightforward as it may seem, and homeowners may benefit from a tutorial on how too keep the floors under their feet looking good. To polish or not to polish?

Others pale by comparison. Aura’s high quality color and super smooth finish is simply unrivaled.

Call us today. We’re here to help! Call us tod ay. We’re here to help!

NUGENT ACE HARDWARE 1665 BENZIE HWY BENZONIA, MI 49616 (231) 882-4322 {N/A}

Nugent Ace Hardware 1665 Benzie Hwy | Benzonia, MI 49616 231-882-4322 ©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Aura, Benjamin Moore, Color Lock, Gennex, andthe triangle “M” symbol are registeredtrademarks licensedto Benjamin Moore & Co. 4/20

Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them looking good. But the home improvement experts at BobVila. com note that not all floors can be polished, and determining which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with waterproof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine polishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil will need to be waxed rather than polished. What finish is on the floor? The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a simple way for homeowners to determine which type of finish is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub a finger

• Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. For example, tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scarring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors. • Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up. The HDA advises vacuuming without the beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor. Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is another way to pick up dirt without damaging floors. • Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Local home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for their floors. These products are likely homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer. Hardwood floors are attractive for many reasons. And they look even more stunning, and last much longer, when homeowners make an effort to maintain them.

Benzie County Record Patriot • 2021 • PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE

Signs of driver fatigue

ew things elicit a sense of unbridled adventure as much as a road trip. Unlike more traditional vacations with carefully planned itineraries, road trips are a less formal, more flexible way to travel. The sense of control drivers have on road trips can help make such excursions feel more liberating. But as any veteran road tripper knows, that control can begin to wane as drivers experience fatigue. Driver fatigue is a serious safety concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that each year roughly 100,000 police-reported crashes involve drowsy driving. The National Safety Council notes that drowsy driving accounts for more than 1,500 fatalities every year. Learning to recognize the signs of driver fatigue can help road trippers know when it’s time to put their vehicles in park or hand over the keys to a fellow traveler. The warning signs of driver fatigue can manifest themselves in various ways, affecting drivers’ bodies and minds and their performance behind the wheel.

Body The American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes there are various ways the body exhibits signs of driver fatigue. An inability to stop yawning and having difficulty keeping eyes open are two telltale signs of driver fatigue. Drivers experiencing fatigue also might have trouble keeping their head up and find themselves nodding off. Drivers who are blinking with greater frequency than normal and are rubbing and itching their eyes also are showing signs of fatigue.

The National Safety Council notes that drowsy driving accounts for more than

1,500 fatalities every year. Mind

The mind also is affected by driver fatigue. The AASM notes that fatigued drivers often cannot remember driving the last few miles. Drivers also may feel restless, irritable, impatient, or even aggressive as they become fatigued. Difficulty focusing attention on the road and daydreaming are some additional mental signs that drivers are fatigued.

THE BEST OF THE BEST The Area’s ONLY Aluminum Repair Certified Body Shop 1310 Elm St • Frankfort • 352-7948 PrecisionCollisionFrankfort.com

Shopping around for car insurance? Don’t.

Driving

Fatigue also manifests itself through erratic driving. The AASM notes that fatigued drivers may miss road signs, drift out of their lane and have difficulty maintaining their speed. Passengers may not notice the physical and mental signs of driver fatigue, though they can do their part and look for them during road trips, especially if drivers have been behind the wheel for a long time. Passengers who notice the driving-related signs of fatigue should offer to take over immediately or strongly encourage drivers to pull over. Drivers who are starting to drift into other lanes, missing street signs and/ or tailgating other motorists should be asked to hand over the keys right away, as this behavior can greatly increase the risk of accidents. The open road beckons millions of drivers every year. Drivers who answer that call should recognize the threat posed by driver fatigue and get off the road right away if they begin to feel drowsy.

Shopping around for car insurance? Don’t.

Let your local Let your local indepen independent agent shop for you, an agent shop for the coverage you ne you and find the coverage you need.

THE BEST LOC INSURANCE AGE

Let your local independent agent shop for you, and find the coverage you CITYneed. • 000-000-000

WEBBER INSURANCE AGENCY www.bestinsuranceagenc Benzonia • 231.882.9655 THE BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY info@webberinsurance.us CITY • 000-000-0000 www.bestinsuranceagency.com

6 PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE • 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

Tips before deciding to do a DIY demolition

ome improvement projects can range from relatively inexpensive undertakings to complex endeavors that cost homeowners thousands of dollars. In an effort to make expensive projects more affordable, homeowners may look for ways to pitch in, and do-it-yourself demolition is a common way to cut costs. Due to geographical fluctuations in price as well as the scale of a project, it’s hard to pinpoint just how much homeowners can save by doing demolition work themselves. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average small interior demolition project costs just over $3,000, though more significant demolition projects can cost considerably more than that. Given the cost, it’s no surprise that so many homeowners volunteer to do demolition on their own. Though it’s possible to do so safely, homeowners can take steps to determine if it’s in their best interest to take on a DIY demolition or leave it to the professionals.

• Conduct a cost analysis. Demolition projects seem simple, but they often require the use of equipment most homeowners don’t have on hand. Rentals can be considered in such instances, but the cost of renting equipment can reduce the amount of money homeowners are saving by going it alone. For example, homeowners may be able to pull up vinyl or tile flooring on their own, but not all floors are installed the same. Some floors may have been glued more effectively than others, making it hard and/or timeconsuming to pull them up by hand. A walk-behind floor

scraper can make it easier to remove such floors, but that equipment must be rented. A cost analysis comparing the contractors’ demolition cost estimate and the cost of DIY, complete with equipment rental projections, can give a more accurate picture of how much money homeowners will save by going it alone. If the savings of DIY are negligible, homeowners should probably let the contractor handle the demo. • Speak with your contractor. Prior to saying they’ll do the demo work on their own, homeowners should speak with their contractors to get an accurate idea of what the project will entail. Demolition projects may seem simple enough, but contractors can illustrate the correct way to do things so as to minimize potentially costly damage. Some contractors may offer to help homeowners start the demo project and then leave them to their own devices once they get a knack for what to do. Once homeowners see what it will take, they can then decide if DIY is best for them. • Enlist help. No DIY demo should ever be done alone. The risk for accident and injury is simply too great for homeowners to go it alone. Homeowners who can’t enlist some volunteers to pitch in should leave the job to the professionals.

DIY demolition can save homeowners a lot of money. But such projects are not necessarily as simple as they seem. Homeowners should take steps to see exactly what they’re getting into before they volunteer to take on demo duty.

Did You Know?

hen remodeling a home with the ultimate goal of making it more attractive to prospective buyers, homeowners can benefit from taking stock of current trends, including the style of home that’s most popular. According to a 2020 Homes.com survey of more than 5,000 adults across the United States, modern farmhouse is the most favored house style. The survey asked participants to choose from a selection of styles, including mid-century modern ranch, Spanish colonial/southwest, bohemian craftsman, Italianate, French chateau, and Tudor. The modern farmhouse style was the most popular choice in 42 of the 50 states, proving that home style preference is not beholden to geography. Respondents gave a host of reasons for favoring the modern farmhouse look, including that the style is “aesthetically appealing but not boring” and that it looks “simple, cozy, and not too busy.”

Benzie County Record Patriot • 2021 • PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE

Tips before buying new tires

hough vehicles can’t function without them, tires are something few drivers think about until something goes wrong. A roadside flat tire or a tire rotation recommendation from a mechanic during a routine oil change appointment may be the only time many drivers give much thought to their tires. That no doubt leads to some confusion about what to do when tires inevitably need to be replaced.

The automotive resource Kelley Blue Book notes that the life expectancy of most tires falls between 25,000 and 50,000 miles. That’s a big gap, and car owners can check their vehicle manuals to see if their vehicle manufacturer recommends a more specific replacement interval. It’s worth noting that mileage is not the only barometer drivers should use to determine if they need to buy new tires. The following tips can help drivers determine if now is the time to outfit their vehicle with new tires. • Measure the tread. KBB notes that a tire assessment should always include measuring the amount of remaining tread. Drivers can do this on their own in various ways. One method involves looking at the tread wear bars, which are little bridges in the grooves between the ridges. If the bars are even with the tread pattern, then the tire has very little tread remaining and must be replaced. The penny or quarter test is a popular way to determine if tires must be replaced. Insert a penny or quarter into the

• Check for other signs of wear and tear. Little remaining tread is not the only sign tires must be replaced. Tires with cracked sidewalls, discoloration and/or bulging need to be replaced. • Confirm a larger issue isn’t lurking. Uneven wear on tires is typically a byproduct of a larger issue. Though tires that have worn unevenly will need to be replaced, replacing them without correcting the larger issue will only lead to more uneven wear on the new tires. That’s a costly mistake. KBB notes that poor wheel alignment or suspension issues are typically to blame for uneven wear. This issue can be fixed and should be addressed prior to purchasing a new set of tires. Tires sometimes exhibit telltale signs that they need to be replaced. Before buying replacement tires, drivers can inspect their existing ones and ask their mechanic to confirm that a larger issue isn’t affecting their performance.

• CAR/AUTO REPAIR SHOP • BRAKE INSPECTIONS • PLACE FOR AN OIL CHANGE • TIRE STORE NEW TIRES USED TIRES BRAKES ALL AUTO REPAIRS

center of the tread between two ridges with Lincoln’s or Washington’s head facing you. If you can see the very top of the head or the space above the head, the tire must be replaced. If only a little bit of hair is visible, then the tire is nearing its end. The tire has sufficient remaining tread if the some of the forehead is concealed.

WE ARE MOVED INTO OUR NEW LOCATION IN FRANKFORT! 520 Parkview Ln., Unit 4

231-352-4262

www.bayshoretireandauto.com

8 PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE • 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

How drivers can handle suddenly unsafe driving conditions

he chance to take in idyllic landscapes and sun-soaked views is a big part of what makes road trips so appealing. When traveling during certain times of year, such as spring and fall, seasonal landscapes dotted with vivid colors can be especially stunning. Prior to embarking on a road trip, travelers can’t be blamed for getting caught up in the sights they’re on the cusp of seeing. But it’s equally important that drivers take steps to prepare for unsafe driving conditions. Even if the forecast is nothing but sunny skies, driving conditions can suddenly take a turn for the worse. The following are a handful of unsafe conditions drivers may encounter on the road, and what they can to do to make it through such situations safe and sound. • Aggressive drivers: Aggressive driving or road rage is a significant issue, more so than some drivers may recognize. A 2016 survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous 12 months. The insurance experts at Geico® recommend that motorists who encounter aggressive drivers do their best to stay away from them. Consider safely changing lanes, gradually slowing down or even exiting the highway. Geico® advises against stopping, as that can lead to potentially dangerous confrontations.

• Bad weather: Bad weather can include anything from snowfall to driving rain to thick fog. Though it’s wise for drivers to consult the weather forecast prior to hitting the road, no forecast is 100 percent accurate, which underscores

the importance of knowing what to do when conditions suddenly take a turn for the worse. If inclement weather appears unexpectedly, slow down and be sure to leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The automotive analytics firm J.D. Power notes that many experts recommend drivers double the cushion between their vehicles and the ones in front of them when driving in rain, snow, sleet, and other adverse weather conditions. Doing so can help to offset the slower brake time that occurs when driving in bad weather.

• Debris: Road debris can include anything from materials that get blown away from roadside work sites to falling rock to tire treads to items that fall off of other vehicles. The suddenness of and the potentially serious consequences of being hit by or hitting debris is why a proactive approach is ideal. Avoid tailgating so you have ample room to maneuver should anything fall into the road. It’s also important to leave room on the side of your vehicle so you can swerve out of the way. On especially long road trips, share driving duties so whoever is behind the wheel is fresh and alert. Alertness improves reaction time, making it much more likely drivers can avoid debris. The open road has its hazards. But drivers who plan ahead and know what to do when encountering adverse conditions can ensure road trips are memorable for all the right reasons.

Tips to safely drive in large cities

isitors to large cities often marvel at how drivers traverse urban roadways. Non-city dwellers may white knuckle their way through crowded city streets, all the while wondering how anyone could handle such a stressful experience on a daily basis. Though suburban or rural residents may never master the art of city driving, they can embrace various strategies to make city driving safer and less stressful.

• Take a small vehicle if possible. Rural and suburban roadways may be built for SUVs and other large vehicles, but that’s not often the case in cities. A feeling of claustrophobia contributes to the discomfort many drivers feel when driving through cities. Some may be worried that their SUVs or trucks will hit parked cars, while others may prefer to be closer to the street so they can easily see pedestrians. Drivers who can choose between an SUV or truck and a smaller vehicle like a sedan may find that they feel more comfortable driving the smaller vehicle inside city limits. • Pick and choose your driving times. The National Safety Council says morning rush hour in most cities is typically between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., while afternoon rush hour begins around 4 p.m. and lasts until 7 p.m. Drivers nervous about city driving may benefit by avoiding cities during rush hours. During rush hour, city streets may be overcrowded with commuter buses, taxis and ridesharing services, and professionals anxious to get to work or get home after a long day at the office. That can make city driving especially

stressful. If possible, avoid these times.

• Stay in your lane. The automotive experts at Edmunds.com note that switching lanes will only trim a negligible amount of time off your trip. Those extra few seconds or even minutes are not worth risking an accident. Slow drivers tend to stick to the right lane in cities, though drivers who stay in the right lane should recognize that experienced city drivers who want to make right turns may be aggressive with other right lane drivers who they feel are moving too slowly. Do your best to ignore aggressive drivers and resist the temptation to drive significantly below the speed limit, even when you’re in the right lane.

• Don’t take turns and crosswalks for granted. Suburban and rural drivers may not give a second thought when approaching crosswalks. But city crosswalks are often filled with pedestrians. That requires a little extra patience and attention when turning or driving through a yellow light within a city. • Be mindful of cyclists. Many large cities have established bike lanes to encourage more people to bike to work. Cyclists move more quickly than pedestrians traveling on foot, so always make sure to check sideview mirrors before turning to ensure speedy cyclists are not coming up behind you. In addition, never swerve into bike lanes, as cyclists have every right to be on the road.

A few simple strategies can help drivers calm their nerves about driving within city limits.

Benzie County Record Patriot • 2021 • PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE

Mileagebased vehicle maintenance intervals

aintenance is an essential component of responsible vehicle ownership. Routine maintenance can help discover problems before they escalate into potentially costly issues. Maintenance also keeps vehicles running smoothly, making them more enjoyable to drive and extending their life expectancy.

Various factors can help to determine how often drivers should change their vehicles’ fluids and take them in for tuneups. Such variables include how frequently a vehicle is driven, the type of driving (city or rural) drivers do and how many miles are on the car. However, drivers can still rely on this basic car maintenance schedule, courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, to serve as a guide.

3,000 miles / 3 months

Advance Auto Parts notes that monthly fluid checks typically are unnecessary with newer vehicles, though older vehicles should be inspected for leaks once a month. Among the fluids to check after every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first, are: • Engine oil level • Windshield washer fluid • Coolant • Brake fluid level

• Transmission fluid • Power steering fluid Drivers also can use 3,000 miles or three months as a benchmark to check tire pressure, hoses and belts. Many vehicles now display tire pressure for each tire on the dashboard, and drivers should pay attention to those numbers and put air in their tires when necessary. When inspecting hoses, touch them to make sure they’re not leaking and bulging. Hoses should be a little flexible, especially when they are warm.

5,000 miles / 6 months

Oil and oil filters should be changed at this interval. In addition, this is a good time to rotate tires and inspect lights to make sure they’re still operating at peak capacity. Drivers also can check their cabin and engine air filters and replace them if need be. Changing these filters is a simple DIY project, and drivers can find an assortment of YouTube tutorials to help them complete these projects. Wiper blades also can be inspected around this time or whenever drivers suspect the blades aren’t operating at peak capacity. Replacing wiper blades is another simple DIY project that drivers can complete in a few minutes.

231-325-0123

10155 Honor Hwy. • Honor

northernauto@northernauto.biz • www.northernautotire.com

Fall Tire Rebates!

10,000 miles / 12 months

Advance Auto Parts notes that synthetic oil is typically used in cars made since 2010. Each manufacturer is different, and drivers should check their manuals for recommendations. Synthetic oil and filters in vehicles that use synthetic oil is typically changed every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Once a year drivers should ask their mechanics to check the alignment on their vehicles and the condition of their brakes. Routine maintenance can keep vehicles running strong for years on end.

120 Back!

Up $ To You Choose the Special! Transmission Service or Coolant Flush

Master Mechanics • FULL Service • Certified Technicians

Auto Detailing Packages STARTING AT $80 231-325-0123

10155 Honor Hwy. • Honor

Must Present Coupon.

Expires: 12/12/21

Free alignment audit or alignment inspection including brakes with every Oil Change

231-325-0123

10155 Honor Hwy. • Honor

Must Present Coupon.

Expires: 12/12/21

10 PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE • 2021 • Benzie County Record Patriot

How to pick paint for home interiors

Why excavation is best left to the professionals

any components combine to define a home’s interior. Some homeowners may be partial to certain styles, such as ultra modern or farmhouse, while others may opt for a more traditional look that cannot necessarily be categorized as one style or another. Though many homeowners may spend considerable time and devote a lot of energy to making their home embody a certain style, those who aren’t willing to commit to a particular look can lean on one component to make a stylish statement all their own: paint.

decorative pillow or piece of furniture, and then look for the same shade to paint the walls. A photograph of the item can be handy when visiting the paint store.

Color can be a part of every homeowner’s design arsenal. Bold colors can be used to create a stunning accent wall, while homes with open concepts often utilize color to define rooms. Homeowners who want to revitalize their home interiors can do so with paint, and this approach doesn’t require homeowners to commit to a whole new design style.

• Utilize paint to create the vibe you want. The home renovation experts at This Old House note that colors evoke an emotional response. Cool colors like blue and green give off a relaxing vibe, which makes them ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. Red is an intense color that can up the energy ante in any room, which can make it an option for homeowners who want to spark debate around their dinner tables.

Though paint may seem simple to novices, homeowners who have painted home interiors in the past recognize how complicated the process of picking paint can be. Paint retailers have a seemingly endless swatch of paint colors to choose from, and before long homeowners heads may be spinning as they try to narrow down their options. The following tips can help homeowners pick the perfect paint for their home interiors. • Take stock, and photographs, of your current furnishings. Many interior designers rely on a simple technique when recommending color schemes to their clients. Choose a standout color from existing furnishings, such as the dominant color from a patterned

• Lighten colors as you go up. The home renovation and design experts at HGTV recommend picking darker color values for the floor, medium color values for the walls and light values for the ceiling. This approach mimics the look of the great outdoors, where the ground tends to be darker than the trees, and the trees are darker than the blue sky.

• Give personal preference its place at the table. Though interior designers may have years of experience picking paint colors for a home and researchers may have determined how certain colors can be utilized to create a desired ambiance in a given room, ultimately homeowners are the ones who will be living in the home. So it’s important that homeowners pick colors they like for their home interiors. Paint is an inexpensive way to transform a room. Homeowners can rely on a combination of color strategies and their personal preferences as they try to decide which colors they want on their interior walls.

hen shopping for a home, buyers often try to envision themselves living in a given property. Images of family gatherings and holidays may instantly come to mind, but prospective homeowners also may begin to envision changes they would make to a property if they were eventually to call it home. Changing an existing structure or building an entirely new home on an empty plot of land can be exciting. Such changes typically require excavation, which is a complicated process that may be necessary for projects big or small.

What is excavation?

Excavation is the process of extracting material from the ground by digging. Earth, rock and other materials may be moved during the excavation process.

Can do-it-yourselfers excavate?

Skilled DIYers who have participated in excavation projects in the past may be able to handle a project on their own. However, it’s important that homeowners recognize that excavation is about more than just digging in the ground. It’s a complicated process that requires the use of specialized tools and equipment. In addition, a strong understanding of the land that will be excavated is required for the project to be safe and go smoothly.

Why hire an excavation professional?

Even the most skilled DIYer might be better off hiring an excavation professional than going it alone. That’s true for a number of reasons.

• Liability: Homeowners who hire a fully licensed and insured professional excavation firm can rest easy knowing that they will not be responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur during the project. • Permits/requirements: A professional excavation firm typically files all the necessary paperwork for work permits or can advise which permits homeowners will need to go forward with the project. In addition, professionals will know the local laws regarding building and excavation. For example, homeowners may be unfamiliar with the concept of lateral support, which refers to landowners’ right to have their land physically supported in its natural state by adjoining land and underground structures. This is an important concept to understand during an excavation project, and professionals can advise homeowners if a project they want to undertake will violate lateral support laws. • Experience: Perhaps the best reason to work with excavation professionals is their experience. A lack of excavation experience can result in damage to a homeowner’s property and surrounding properties, which can prove costly. DIYers may not know the type of soil they have on their property nor recognize the different types of challenges each type of soil can present during an excavation project. Such knowledge comes with experience and is often invaluable. Skilled DIYers can tackle many home improvement projects on their own. However, the complex nature of excavation makes these types of projects the kind that are best left to skilled professionals.

Benzie County Record Patriot • 2021 • PREPARING FOR WINTER: FALL HOME & CAR CARE

SERVING ALL OF BENZIE & MANISTEE COUNTIES • LIGHT DUTY TOWING • MEDIUM DUTY TOWING • WINCHOUTS • LOCKOUTS • JUMPSTARTS • FLAT TIRE SERVICES • EMERGENCY FUEL DELIVERY • ACCIDENTS • OFF-ROAD RECOVERY

Call NOW fOr details!

231.383.0221 We Got You Covered here at Corey’s Big Dog Towing! Fast, Reliable and Reasonable Rates • 24/7 Emergency and Roadside Assistance

Mopar ExprEss LanE FAST OIL CHANGES AND MORE SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT VISIT BY EMAIL OR TEXT (through the service tab @ watsoncountry.com)

• O il & Filter Changes

• B ulb • Battery Replacement Test

• M ulti Point Check-Up

• Tire Rotation (with Brake Inspection)

• W iper Blade Replacement

Offer valid 10/01-21-11/30/21.

1514 Benzie Hwy., Benzonia, MI 49616

231-882-4417 • www.watsonbenzie.com