Wednesday, September 12, 2012
2
Fall Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
7 inexpensive ways to update a home now
O
ftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of oppor tunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in dif ferent repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight. What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank.
Move furniture around You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money. Interior designers know how to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average homeowner can do it, too. Find a focal point in the room and angle the furniture toward it. Don’t
make the focal point the television, however. Tr y changing the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may also make a difference.
you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photography, either. Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes.
Add lighting
Lighting at dif ferent levels in the room can Try a new coat create a vibrant impact. of paint Many homeowners misAfter you’ve exhausted takenly put in a couple of other avenues, choosing table lamps and think that a new paint color may be will be adequate. Howevthe new look you desire. er, properly illuminating a Painting is one of the least room means varying the expensive yet most dralighting to create different matic methods of changmoods at different times. ing a home’s interior. With Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcom- Throw pillows are accessories that can easily and inexpensively change the look of a dozens of hues to choose from, and new apps that ing. space. enable you to take snapshots of things in nature new hue without it being tering out contaminants. ones that coordinate with Add new pillows overwhelming. A home with plants also or in your life and match your home decor. or drapes them up to a paint color, feels more cozy. you will have scores of Changing a few aspects Change knobs or Use plants opportunities to explore of a room can give it an small accents Empty cor ners or fresh new colors for your entirely new look. If you Hang new wall art spots you’re not certain home. Give a room a new look want to add a splash of It may be time to When you get inspired color but don’t know what by focusing on the small how to fill may benefit to do, think about incor- details. Switch out cabi- from a plant. Plants are look at your photos and to make improvements porating some new throw net knobs for something inexpensive ways to add ar twork and make a to the home but fear how pillows or change the cur- updated and moder n. instant color and visual few adjustments. Find- much it may take out of tains. An accessory here Take inventory of wall out- appeal to a room. Plus, ing new prints to hang your wallet, consider inexand there in a bright color lets and light switches and having live plants can help could instantly change pensive tricks that can also can incorporate a think about selecting new improve indoor air by fil- a room’s ambience. And induce a big “wow” factor.
Financing a home improvement project A
fter years of funny financing a home loan. This does not mean and few limitations on loans, you are taking money out of the banks and other lenders have account per manently. Rather, tightened up their lending poli- you are borrowing against yourcies. As a result, homeowners self, with repayment necessar y considering a home improvement in a certain time frame. Because project might need to look else- these loans often offer ver y low interest rates, and essentially where to secure financing. There are no certainties in the the interest is being paid back to real estate markets. Though sta- you, they might be a good option tistics suggest marked improve- for men and women who cannot ment in home sales over just a secure a traditional loan. Howevfew months ago, many homeown- er, if you have been laid off, there ers remain wear y about selling may be a shorter repayment period. Also, the intertheir home to try to est on these loans is move up to some- Real estate experts not tax-deductible. thing bigger and recommend that a • Borrow better. The Nationremodeling against other al Association of investments. CDs, Home Builders says investment increases bonds or mutual many people ar e the value of your choosing to stay house by no more than funds can provide put in their homes 10 to 15 percent above the collateral you and earn you and remodel or the median sales price need a lower interest make renovations to transfor m the in your neighborhood. rate. Fixed-income investments are house into somemore stable options to bor row thing more comfortable. While there are many wor th- against, as their value won’t have while home renovation projects, a chance to decline. • Apply for a home equity the NAHB recommends projects that bring your home up to par loan. Many people have heard with the neighbors’. It doesn’t of a home equity loan, and it is pay to transform your home into usually the first choice when borthe most expensive on the street rowing funds for renovations. — unless you plan to live there Essentially a home equity loan for the rest of your life. Real is taking out a second mortgage estate experts recommend that a on your home to pay for the work remodeling investment increases you want to have done, which is the value of your house by no based on the equity, or the difmore than 10 to 15 percent above ference between the home’s fair the median sales price in your market value and the outstanding balance of all liens on the propneighborhood. When it comes time to finance erty. The interest on these loans a remodel or renovation, you may is tax-deductible, which can make not know where to start. Credit this financing option quite popurestrictions on home mortgages lar. • Secure a home equity that have troubled many wouldbe buyers have also plagued line of credit. A home equiindividuals looking to finance ty line of credit, or HELOC, is home improvements. However, another type of home equity homeowners hoping to finance a loan. Instead of receiving a lump project do have options, and not sum to use toward renovations all of them require stellar credit like you would with a traditional home equity loan, a HELOC is ratings. • Borrow against a retire- sort of a credit card type scenarment plan. Many retirement io based on the equity in your plans, such as a 401(k), allow home. You are given a line of plan members to take out a por- credit, against which you can buy tion of the savings to put toward items. This is good for intermit-
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hough spring cleaning might have the name recognition, many homeowners spend just as much time cleaning their homes in the fall as they do in the spring. Spring might be the season for clearing out the clutter, but fall is when homeowners prepare their homes for the long winter months ahead. End-of-summer cleaning is essential for homeowners who want to ensure their homes are not only cozy and comfortable, but healthy as well. The following are a few tips homeowners can employ to ensure their home is a welcoming and healthy respite from the winter cold. • Clean seasonal items before storing them away. When summer has ended, homeowners must place all the items reminiscent of summer, including the grill, patio furniture and lawn and garden equipment, in storage. Cleaning those seasonal items are ready to go when spring makes its triumphant and long-awaited return. • Get a head start on fighting the flu. Perhaps no winter foe is more formidable than the flu, which can find its way into a home, spreading rapidly among residents, especially if a home has not been adequately cleaned. Other viruses and bacteria to be aware of include the Influenza A2 Vir us, Salmonella Choleraesuis, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Oftentimes, viruses such as the flu are spread when an infected resident touches an item in the home and then that item isn’t cleaned, enabling the virus or bacteria to spread to others.
• Clean out the garage. Cleaning the garage might seem like a project that’s tailor made for spring cleaning, but it’s actually more advantageous to clean the garage in the fall. A garage that’s clear of clutter can be used to safeguard a vehicle from those inevitable winter snowstorms while saving homeowners the hassle of digging their car out of all that ice and snow. What’s more, cleaning the garage at the end of summer creates more room for lawn chairs and other seasonal items that must be stored away before the arrival of winter. • Address mold and mildew ahead of time. Winter can trap moisture inside a home, creating an environment that is ideal for the growth of mold and mildew. Mold spores can grow inside a home and compromise the health of a home’s residents, while mildew’s strong odor can make the indoors very unpleasant. • Don’t forget the fireplace. While fireplaces are largely ignored during the summer months, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the fireplace with family and friends once winter weather has arrived. But before burning the season’s first fire, be sure to remove any potential safety hazards that might have accumulated near the fireplace, such as old newspapers or magazines, during those months when the fireplace was not in use. Clean the inside of the fireplace as well, making sure to remove any ash, carbon deposits, creosote build-up, dust, smoke residue, and soot before using the fireplace.
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tent needs, when one large sum is not needed. These loans have a draw period, during which the borrower can use the credit, and a repayment period, during which it must be repaid. These types of loans generally have lower mortgage fees at the star t and are generally subject to the same tax incentives as regular home equity loans. • Consider r efinancing. Interest rates on mortgages are at historic lows. You may qualify to do a cash-out refinance, where you borrow against the value of your home and create an entirely new mortgage at the lower rate. Although you will star t your mortgage all over from day 1 and have to pay closing fees, this type of refinancing can be more advantageous to homeowners with significant equity in their homes. • Apply for a governmentsponsored loan. The government may offer programs aimed at helping individuals who are under water on their home loans bor row money to make necessar y improvements. While the funding cannot be used to purchase luxur y items, such as a swimming pool, it can be used for necessities. Residents of the United States can explore FHA 203(k) refinance options and an FHA title 1 improvement loan. • Discuss financing with your contractor. Some contractors may offer financing. Keep in mind that the interest rates may be high, and it may be difficult to investigate the security of these types of loans. Many homeowners also look to credit cards to help finance some home renovation projects, but they should be used as a last resor t. Credit cards typically come with high interest rates, and while they are good for some small projects, financing larger projects on a card may land you very deep in debt. Homeowners who choose to stay in their homes and make renovations have a host of options at their disposal to finance those projects.
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The Daily Dispatch
Fall Home & Garden
3
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
How to save on home improvement projects W
ith the economy still struggling, money is tight for many homeowners. That reality can present a problem to those who want to improve their homes without spending too much money. The cost of a home improvement project depends on a host of factors, including the scale of the project and the availability of materials. Upscale projects like a full roof replacement will set homeowners back a substantial amount of money. In its 2011-2012 “Cost vs. Value Report,” Remodeling magazine revealed that the average cost of a such a project was nearly $38,000. However, a smaller project like a garage door replacement could be completed for fewer than $3,000. When deciding if a home improvement project is within your budget, it’s a good idea to consult such figures before choosing a project. For example, if your home is a fixer-upper, then one project may not be more urgent than another, something that may allow you to choose less expensive projects now while saving money for more expensive projects down the road. It’s also important for
homeowners to know that figures such as those in the report are just averages. Some projects might cost more than the average, while others might come in well under budget. To ensure your project is one of the latter and not the former, consider the following ways to trim costs off your next home improvement project. • Avoid trying to do it yourself if you don’t have adequate experience. Many homeowners fall into the DIY trap, feeling they can pull off a project without hiring a professional contractor. While this is an option for those homeowners with home improvement experience, it’s an approach that’s best avoided by those without such experience. Homeowners who decide to go it alone on a home improvement project should know that mistakes are costly. One mistake could have you paying for the same materials twice: once when you begin the project, and then again when you need to hire a contractor after your efforts didn’t work out. A failed DIY project also costs you time, something homeowners hoping to sell their homes postproject cannot afford to waste.
Bathroom fixtures, doors, flooring, and lighting are just a few of the materials that are commonly recycled and resold at a fraction of the cost of new materials. Shop around for stores in your area or peruse the Internet for recycled materials. Homeowners under taking a replacement project rather than a remodel might even be eligible for tax breaks if they donate their old materials. • Choose projects that provide more bang for your buck. Another way to save is to choose projects that provide a strong return on your investment. The “Cost vs. Value Report” compares the cost of popular remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale. If money is a motivating factor behind your project, choose a project that will get you the most money back at resale. While the economy has not necessarily been kind to the home improvement industry, there are still plenty of homeowners looking to improve their homes. Savvy homeowners can do just that and save some money along the way by putting a few strategies to work for them.
Homeowners can trim home improvement costs by buying their own materials before hiring a contractor to complete the project. • Hire the right contractor. The best contractor for the job won’t necessarily be the one who comes in with the lowest estimate. The right contractor will know how long a project will take and what the materials will cost. The wrong contractor, who might lack the experience of his competitors, might make empty promises that ultimately cost you more money via overrun costs. Find a contractor who comes highly recommended and is will-
ing to provide references and show you his or her past projects like the one you’re hiring him or her under take. If you hire the wrong contractor, the project may never be completed and you may find yourself in court, where the money you had budgeted for home improvements is being spent on lawyers instead. • Consider supplying your own materials. If you diligently research your project, you should be able to buy the mate-
rials yourself, even if you plan on hiring a contractor to do the work. Some contractors mark up the materials as a means of padding the bill. If you research the project and learn about the materials you want to use, you can save a substantial amount of money buying those materials yourself and then hiring a contractor. • Don’t overlook recycled materials. Buying recycled materials is another way to reduce home improvement costs.
Check home’s insides How to close your pool before renovating S
pecialists in the industr y suggest that any homeowner planning to renovate should not be too hasty in applying the “cosmetics” of a r enovation without investigating the home’s insides first. Homeowners are advised to review the foundations of a home — the insulation and the infrastr ucture — befor eha nd. Ade quately considered, these ar eas can add significant value to a home. Bringing in an energy rater, inspector or appraiser to examine the home will give a better sense of the required work and avoid any subsequent costly headaches. Replacing traditional insulation with a more energy ef ficient moder n alter native like spray foam insulation can help homeowners address potential problems, such as air leakage and poor insulation. Spray foam insulation, like that available fr om innovators like Icynene, addresses concer ns of airbor ne ir ritant and moisture infiltration while reducing monthly energy bills. Inclusion of this
Understanding the needs of a home during a renovation rewards homeowners over the long-term. Homeowners planning to renovate should not be too hasty in applying the “cosmetics” of a renovation before investigating the home’s insides. moder n material may even help increase the market value of the renovated home if put up for sale. Understanding the
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fter a summer’s worth of memories and fun in the sun, pool owners know it’s time to close their pool for the coming fall and winter seasons. As the leaves begin to change color and the air starts to grow a little more crisp, homeowners turn their attention to winterizing their pools. The goal is to begin the work early on so that you’re not facing the hassle of leaves all over the ground or in the pool. Many times, closing the pool requires a team effort, so enlist the help of a spouse, friend or family member before beginning the process. The first thing that is essential to winterizing the pool is having all of your equipment ready. Depending on the type of pool you have, this equipment can var y. But have all tools, winterizing chemicals and water plugs at the ready. Although in-ground pools and above-ground ones have similar winterizing steps, there are a few differences between the two and it is important to be aware of the differences. Thoroughly vacuum the bottom of the pool and clean the walls. You want to remove as much organic material, such as algae and dead insects, as possible prior to covering the pool so that there is a higher propensity the water will be crystal clear next spring or summer when you reopen the pool. Once the pool has
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also test the pool water chemistry and adjust the pH, calcium hardness and total alkalinity according to recommended levels. Then prepare to add the desired mix of chemicals to the pool to sanitize it for the season. Most people use a combination of algaecide and chlorine as their winterizing chemicals. However, if the chlorine level is high enough, algaecide may not be necessary. Raise the chlorine to shock level — much higher than the recommended level for when the pool is running. Thoroughly mix granulated chemicals to prevent them from settling on the liner and causing stains. The cover should be placed on the pool and properly secured. This is where an extra body comes in handy so that the cover can be maneuvered easily. In above ground pools, an inflated pillow is often used to alleviate ice expansion and prevent the walls of the pool from splitting. It is not to keep rainwater from accumulating on the top of the cover. Store all of the pool equipment for the winter season, and during the cold weather, periodically check the cover, air pillow and water tubes for any damage. Although closing a pool is not terribly difficult, it can be for those who have never owned a pool in the past. When in doubt, it is best to consult with a pool service.
been vacuumed and cleaned, backwash the filter to remove any excess residue. Remove plugs or open drain por ts on the filter and let all of the water flow out of the filter. Give the filter components, including skimmer baskets, a good rinse with water and allow them to dry. Next, disconnect the pool’s pump and filter. Everything should be totally drained of any water. With an above-ground pool, remove intake and output hoses and drain. For in-ground pools, use an air compressor or a shop vacuum to blow out any residual water from the return pipes, and then promptly plug up the ports. Some people prefer to plug-up the skimmer return as well and leave the water level of the pool as is. However, it is also possible to drain the pool water level below the skimmer level. Put duct tape or use some other blockage method on all exposed pipes or openings to the pools to prevent anything from getting inside — this includes any insects and rodents looking for places to set up winter camp. While some people keep their filters disconnected and outdoors for the winter, the pump should be moved into a garage or shed. Do so with the filter if you have room in order to better safeguard the equipment. Homeowners should
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Fall Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Plant right to How to winterize your lawn conserve water
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onservation is one of the keys to adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle. Though some might feel the transition to such a lifestyle might be difficult, it’s often far simpler than it may seem. Conser ving water, for instance, can be done in a number of ways. One such way concerns how you treat your landscape. Planting the right way can save a substantial amount of water, which will also save you money on your utility bills. The following are a few ways to plant right that won’t require a complete overhaul of your landscape. • Research before you plant anything. Decorating your landscape with the prettiest plant might add to your home’s aesthetic appeal, but it’s not always the most practical or ecofriendly decision. Choose plants that will thrive in your local climate so you don’t need to constantly water them just to keep them alive and looking good. Cer tain grasses, for instance, are best suited for certain climates. When planting, make use of shaded areas around your property so plants won’t need more water to make it through the warmer months of the year. • Maintain a healthy soil. Healthy soil allows water to penetrate effectively, promoting strong roots and ensuring plants get all they need to thrive. Aerate your lawn, including areas around trees, once a year and cultivate the soil before
planting. Add compost or fertilize the soil, which increases moisture retention and reduces the need to water. Healthy soil helps make stronger plants that won’t need to be watered as often as plants that are not healthy or struggling to survive. • Be timely when planting. Spring or fall is typically the ideal time to plant. Though you can plant in the summer, that’s not the best time if one of your goals is to conserve water. Planting in the summer when temperatures are generally at their warmest makes it more difficult for plants to establish themselves without extra watering. • Plant shade trees. Shade trees are trees that, when full grown, shade the yard and plants from the sun. This lowers the air and soil temperatures and reduces moisture loss. The more moisture a plant and the soil can maintain, the less they need to be watered. • Don’t procrastinate with regard to lawn care. It’s easy to put off lawn maintenance, par ticularly during the dog days of summer when temperatures can be especially hot. However, it won’t take long for a blazing sun to do a number on your lawn. Putting off lawn care, even if just for a few days when the weather is hot, will require more water down the road when you start taking care of your proper ty again. But a wellmaintained lawn won’t need as much water to stay healthy.
E
ver y weekend of the last few months you have spent mowing, weeding, edging, and trimming your lawn so that it will look its best. In order to ensure your lawn makes a complete recover y after winter hiber nation, you may want to spend the fall taking steps to help your lawn sur vive the winter months ahead. W interizing a lawn varies depending on where you live and how harsh a typical winter is. There are cer tain key tasks to complete before you can rest for the winter season. • Remove fallen leaves and debris. Leaf cleanup is among the tasks homeowners dread the most. Raking leaves can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. Fallen leaves can smother the grass and lead to dead spots and decay next season. Wait until the majority of the leaves have fallen from the trees before you begin to rake; other wise, you could find yourself repeating the process throughout the fall. Mulched leaves can be added in small amounts to garden beds to provide rich organic material for next year’s crop of flowers. Be sure to pick up any twigs and other debris as well. Additional debris can become up trapped under snow and hinder grass growth when spring arrives. • Cut your lawn shor t. Unless the season is unseasonably wet and warm, your lawn shouldn’t grow too much in October and
Leaf cleanup is among the tasks homeowners dread the most. Raking leaves can be arduous, but it is well worth the effort. Fallen leaves can smother the grass and lead to dead spots and decay next season. Wait until the majority of the leaves have fallen from the trees before you begin to rake; otherwise, you could find yourself repeating the process throughout the fall. November. Continue to lead to fungal diseases cut your lawn until there like snow mold. • Aerate is no visible g r o w t h f o r Winterizing a lawn the lawn. can be about two varies depending Soil compacted weeks. It over time, pays to give on where you live especially i t a s h o r t and how harsh a in yards c u t b e f o r e typical winter is. that see frost ar rives There are certain heavy foot so that long key tasks to traf fic. You piles of dead can rent grass will not complete before smother any you can rest for the an aerator from a lawn new gr owth winter season. supply store in the spring. so that Also, long g r a s s t e n d s t o b e n d water and fer tilizer can down upon itself, trap- reach the soil. • Fer tilize. Now is ping moisture that can
the time to give the lawn fresh food to overwinter and also replenish the strength of the root system. All summer long the lawn has been depleting the soil of nutrition, but autumn presents a great opportunity to strengthen those roots. Consider a slow-release formula designed for winterizing that will feed the lawn all winter long. • Edge the garden beds. Take advantage of the cooler weather and slow-growing grass to reedge around flower beds. Even though the grass above the surface of the soil will stop growing, the roots will remain viable and the lawn will still be sending out rhizomes and tillers to produce new grass blades in the spring. These can easily encroach on garden beds. Edge now so you will have less work to do in the spring. • Trim hedges and trees. If there are any overhanging tree branches or shrubbery blocking sunlight from reaching the lawn, cut back these areas once the foliage has thinned. Take advantage of your town’s leaf and twig pickup services. • Seed bare patches. Scour the lawn for bare patches and put down some seed in these areas. The cooler weather will enable the seeds to germinate without having to compete with weed growth. Once you have prepared your lawn for the winter you can bring in any lawn tools that need repair and have them set and packed away for the spring.
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The Daily Dispatch
Fall Home & Garden
Make raking leaves easier and maybe even fun R
aking leaves is an annual event for people in many parts of the countr y. Some people enjoy getting out in the crisp, autumn air and spending a day cleaning up the yard. Others do not relish the idea of hours upon hours of leaf removal from their lawns. Making the process easier and more enjoyable benefits all involved. The majority of homeowners realize that in order to keep their lawn pristine, leaves and debris must be routinely removed from the yard. Raking leaves is an activity that takes time and energy. It also can be strenuous work. However, by employing a few techniques, the work doesn’t have to be that difficult and it might even be fun. • Invest in a quality rake, particularly one that bends a bit with each stroke. This will help maximize the number of leaves that will be collected with each pass. • If raking routinely causes aches and pains in your arms, shoulders and wrists, look for ergonomic rakes that are the proper height for your body. • Move your legs when you are raking instead of remaining stationar y and just using your arms. This will help reduce your risk of back pain. • Use smaller passes of the rake to collect
Include kids when raking leaves to make this chore a family affair. leaves. This method is more ef ficient and less taxing on your muscles. • Turn on music while you ar e raking. Sing along to the tunes or move with the beat, and it just may take your mind off of the task at hand. • Be sure to rake downwind; other wise ever y pile of leaves you collect may end up blowing around and giving you more work. • Rake leaves in groups. Enlist the help of all family members so that it will take much less time. Plus, everyone gets to spend time working together. Talking and joking around will certainly pass the time more quickly. • Use a leaf blower sparingly. It may seem advantageous to simply blow the leaves to the
curb, but this can take more time and leaf blowers are much more noisy. Use the blower to dislodge leaves from hard-toreach areas, like behind bushes or under decks. Then rake the leaves into manageable piles. • Wait until after the peak time for leaves to be falling before you do the majority of raking. Other wise, you could spend just about every Saturday and Sunday cleaning up leaves. • Create family-centered games while raking. Have contests to see who can rake the largest pile in the shortest amount of time. Take breaks so that everyone can enjoy jumping in a giant leaf pile or horsing around. • Host a leaf-raking par ty with friends and family members. Tie it
into a day when there is a football game on television, or toss around the old pigskin after the job is done. • Use two garbage pail lids to pick up leaves and put them into disposal bags. You’ll grab more leaves in each pass. • There are some leaf blowers that can vacuum up leaves and mulch them at the same time. Put a portion of this leaf mulch into a compost pile or in your garden beds. • If your town collects leaves curbside, be sure to keep them in a neat pile to reduce the likelihood of leaves making their way into a nearby sewer. Leaf cleanup is a necessar y task, but the task doesn’t have to be tedious and time-consuming.
Vinyl siding still a favorite V
inyl siding is trusted by homeowners looking to add aesthetic appeal to their home’s exterior. Though vinyl siding may seem to be a cut-and-dry type of product, the vast array of vinyl siding colors and styles has created certain trends among consumers. Made chiefly from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, vinyl siding is the most commonly installed exterior cladding for residential construction in the United States and Canada, according to the Vinyl Siding Institute. The histor y of vinyl siding can be traced to Ohio, where it was introduced to the exterior cladding market in the late 1950s by a private company. The process of mixing colors was done by hand, and the product was ver y inconsistent. New innovations in siding manufacture during the next few decades helped solidify vinyl siding’s place among cladding materials like shake, wood and aluminum. Vinyl siding comes in several dif ferent types. Here are the key variations. • Seamless vinyl siding: In the past, siding was created in specific lengths, requiring siding panels to overlap at points, often creating an unpleasant pattern. These points provided spots for insects, wind and moisture to infiltrate, leading to a weaker product. Today there are vinyl siding products that have removed the seams, creat-
Vinyl siding can mimic the look of wood shake and even logs on cabins. ing a more visually appealing and durable product. • Solid core vinyl siding: Even the best-made vinyl siding had a flaw: it was not rigid and generally didn’t lie flat against the surface of a home. Solid core vinyl siding alleviates that problem by having a solid backing on which the vinyl panels are attached. The core is then attached to the home. These products also boast a higherthan-average insulation rating because the foam core interlocks during insulation. This makes a solid barrier around the home. • Vinyl shake siding: Vinyl shake siding has been designed and col-
ored to look just like real cedar shakes, but without the maintenance, such as power washing or staining, associated with a wood product. Vinyl shake siding offers the same benefits of other types of vinyl siding, but tends to look like it is an expensive cladding material. • Vinyl log siding: Log cabins may seem like an adventure. However, being surrounded by wood can have its disadvantages, most notably maintenance issues surrounding wood. Vinyl siding manufacturers have created vinyl log products molded directly from real lumber, providing a look that mimics real
wood, like that used for a log cabin. As vinyl siding continues to be a favorite among homeowners, cer tain trends emerge each year. While rich-colored siding was a popular trend just last year, homeowners engaging in siding renovation products are now turning more to warm, earthy colors. Expect to see more gold, clay, and warm red shades with trim colors only one or two shades off, for a monochromatic effect. Another trend involves a continued interest in renewable materials or siding comprised of some post-recycled consumer content. Energy conservation is also on the minds of consumers, and some areas of the country have modified building codes to require continuous insulation of home exteriors to prevent heat and cooling losses more effectively. As a result, more customers may opt for solid core vinyl siding to meet demands for home insulation. For homeowners who prefer a one-of-a-kind look to their homes, mix-andmatch siding trends have developed. Mixing and matching siding styles can create instant curb appeal and an interesting backdrop for outdoor gardens and patios. Stone entr y ways mixed with vinyl siding as well as a mixing of traditional horizontal siding with vinyl shake or boardand-batten are also considerations.
VINYL • ALUMINUM • WOOD
LARRY’S SERVICE COMPANY
White’s Utility Bldgs.
(252) 438-8955 • Fax (252) 438-7468 www.larrysserviceco@netscape.net 924 S. William Street • P.O. Box 1697 Henderson, NC 27536 Larry Wilder, Owner
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www.whitesutilitybuildings.com
2205 North Garnett Street Henderson, NC 27536
• Visa & Mastercard Accepted • Financing Available • Lease To Own
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
5
How to select the right carpeting for your home lthough many people may tout the benefits A of hardwood flooring over
footprints and also vacuum tracks and dirt. Berber, meanwhile, is more carpeting, there are plenty flat and dense, making it of individuals who like to highly effective at maskhave the soft and luxuri- ing stains and tracks. Texous feeling of carpeting tured carpets like frieze underfoot. Selecting the are cut from fibers of difright carpeting for a par- ferent heights, so they ticular room and purpose mask stains and are also can be a bit daunting softer on the feet than because of the abundance berbers. An entryway or of available colors and a den may be better off materials. carpeted in a dense carAccording to the Car- peting, while a bedroom pet and Rug Institute, car- may be fine and luxuripeting is an added safety ous with plush carpeting. measure that makes play Carpeting may come in areas safer, potentially stain-resistant varieties or lessening the severity of low-maintenance options. an injury in the event of These are generally best a fall. This is why carpet- in homes with pets and ing is often preferred in children. children’s rooms and play • Choose color areas. wisely. Choosing a color There are other advan- comes down to prefertages to carpeting as ence and how much the well. It can room will help insulate Carpeting is an be used. rooms both in added safety Although the summer light, neuand winter. It measure that tral colors can be easier makes play areas are often on feet than safer, potentially preferred a hard floor, because they and few mate- lessening the work well in rials absorb severity of an just about sound better injury in the event a n y r o o m , than carpet. lighter colof a fall. This is Choosing ored carpets the right car- why carpeting is will show peting for a often preferred in stains much room comes ore easchildren’s rooms m ily than other down to idencarpet colors. tifying the and play areas. kind of foot Textured, traf fic you multi-colored expect in your home and carpets are preferable to which carpeting options hide stains and can look most suit your needs. just as elegant as solid-colHere are some tips to get ored carpeting. started. • Hire a good install• Don’t overlook er. There are many beaupadding. Padding can tiful carpets available, but make the difference in unless you choose a relithe way carpeting feels able installer and store, and how long it lasts. The you may end up paying thickest or most expen- more or receiving subsive padding isn’t nec- par service. Poll friends essarily the best or the and family members for best-suited for your home. recommendations to However, it is wise to pick help you narrow down a pad that matches the options. Also, you don’t type of carpeting you’re necessarily need to use an selecting. You may be able installer provided by the to go with a thinner pad carpet store. You can shop in low-traffic rooms and around to find a separate under dense carpeting installer or even do the like berber. In high-traffic work yourself. rooms, choose thicker, Carpeting can make a more durable padding. fine addition to your home • Recognize the type and make it feel more of carpeting that best comfortable and inviting. suits your needs. Remember to take your For example, plush time when selecting carand saxony carpets are peting, as your decision better in low-traffic areas. will have long-lasting These carpets may show effects.
Grissom Fertilizer Hwy. 39 S. 1/2 Mile Below Gilburg
492-3662
Lawn & Garden Specials Pine Straw Lawn Fertilizers Grass Seeds Straw Bedding Plants
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR
Hours: M-F 7:00 - 5:30, Sat. 7:00 - 12 Noon
6
Fall Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Shopping for a garden storage shed
S
torage space is often a coveted commodity. Apar tment dwellers seek out more closet space, homeowners may desire more acreage, and even children may want more space for their toys and belongings. The purchase of a storage shed could alleviate some clutter issues and move items outdoors — creating more space. Household garages are no longer as popular for storing vehicles. Instead, garages are used to store the extra items that do not fit inside the home. Many people even turn to self-storage units for extra storage space. According to the Self Storage Association, the storage industry earned roughly $20 billion in revenues across North America in 2010. It has also been the fastest-growing segment of the commercial real estate industry for the last 30 years and is considered to be recession-proof. Garden storage sheds present another place where individuals can keep items out of sight but eas-
Sheds can offer much-needed storage space in a home’s backyard. ily accessible. As garages fill up with belongings quite quickly, many homeowners think about a shed purchase to at least keep outdoor lawn and garden essentials in their own place. The process of purchasing a shed is not as simple as finding the least or most expensive type on the market. There are other factors that come into play when selecting a shed. • Appearance and
design: Although the function of a shed is to store items out of sight, the shed itself will be in full view in a yard. Therefore, plenty of homeowners prefer something that has just as much aesthetic appeal as it does storage capacity. An unsightly shed can affect the overall appearance of a property, or even hurt the sale price for homeowners thinking about putting the home on the market. It’s important to select a shed
in a price range that also complements the style of he home so it coordinates with other features. Some people choose to have a custom-built shed that can replicate the architectural style of the home and even features the same siding and finishing materials. • Size: Sheds come in a variety of sizes, from compact locker-sized sheds to large buildings that may even double as a garden room, pool room
or kids’ playhouse. Homeowners should keep in mind that the size of the shed may have to meet local municipality rules for additions or structural changes to a property. A larger shed may require a permanent flooring material, such as concrete, and may be subject to permit applications and inspections, whereas a smaller shed may not have such stringent requirements. Fur ther more, cer tain towns actually may restrict the size and placement of a shed if it interferes with traffic visibility or impacts a neighbor in a negative way. • Siding materials: Sheds are constructed of various exterior materials. Some of the more af fordable options are metal or plywood and particle board. However, these materials can be easily compromised by rain and snow. The most maintenance-free materials are vinyl or molded PVC-type plastics. However, these may look like cookie-cutout units and may not have
as much visual appeal. Cedar and wood are popular siding choices but won’t be maintenance-free. They need upkeep and also tend to be more expensive. But the cost may pay for itself in durability as well as an attractive appearance. • Minor enhancem e n t s : Touches like decorative architectural features, window boxes, shutters, or even simply planting shrubs and annuals around the shed can make it an integral part of the landscape instead of simply an eyesore. Double doors will ensure large pieces of equipment can fit inside the shed. The addition of a pressure-treated ramp at the entryway provides easy access to the shed as well. Storage sheds can provide much-needed space for homeowners. Certain features as well as cost need to be factored into the decision before purchase. Homeowners should compare chain home improvement stores as well as private retailers to find a shed that is the best fit.
Avoid shivering with these winter tips J
anuar y and Februar y are typically considered the coldest months in the northwest, northeast and midwester n United States. It can be tough for homeowners tr ying to bear the cold without running up heating costs. Yet with some planning and investment, we can avoid the winter chills.
An ef fective and ef ficient heating system needs a solid air barrier, say specialists. T raditional insulation materials are regarded as economical options. However, these same materials can contribute to unnecessar y heat loss. Innovations, like the spray foam insulation from leading name Icy-
nene, af ford homeowners an upgraded insulation system that also provides an air barrier. Understanding what products are available allows homeowners to reduce energy bills for a warm winter and be ready for a cool summer. More information An effective and efficient heating system needs a solid air barrier. Traditional insulation can be found at icynene. materials are regarded as economical options. However, these same materials can contribute to unnecessary heat loss. com.
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