WNC Homeowners Resource Guide, Spring/Summer 2019

WNCHomeowners.com Spring/Summer 2019

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GREGG ARVEY Arvey Insurance Agency, Inc. 1506 Spartanburg Hwy. Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828) 693-9990 arveyg@nationwide.com Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and affiliated companies. Columbus, OH. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Š 2017 Nationwide 5145677

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Connect with local home furnishing and service providers online at

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323 N. Main Street, Suite 1 • Hendersonville, NC 28792

TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR

SUMMER

BY KELLEN OWINGS

Summer is almost here, which means it’s time to prepare your home for the warm weather and activities that come with it. Follow these tips to help you get ready for the summer months.

CHECK YOUR COOLING SYSTEM. Check that your air-conditioning units are running properly especially with high temperatures coming. If you have an AC unit that you run daily, make sure to wash the filters every month. This helps it run more efficiently, which in turn keeps the energy bill down.

PREPARE THE GRILL. Heat the grill for 10 minutes at a high temperature so it’s easier to scrape off built up grime and grease from the inside of the grill. Then use warm water and soap to wash the burners, grates, drip tray and exterior.

TRIM TREES. Strong summer thunderstorms can cause branches to scrape against your house or break off, causing damage, so trim them now.

CHECK YOUR SPRINKLERS. Grass gets dry in the summer, so you may have a sprinkler system. Run the system to check for any damage that occurred since last summer, such as broken heads or leaks.

PEST CONTROL. Summer months also bring bugs.

Spray the exterior with insecticide to create a bug barrier. Repair or replace screen doors or windows that have holes or tears to keep bugs out as well. If it’s bad enough, call an exterminator.

PROTECT THE DECK. Inspect the boards of your deck, railings and spindles to make sure they’re all secure. Prevent splinters by sanding down any areas that are starting to splinter and tighten any loose screws. Protect the deck against the sun and summer storms by applying a sealant and wood stain.

TOUCH-UP PAINT. Touching-up your house with a fresh coat of paint protects your house from water damage and mold. Before painting, pressure wash the exterior walls of your home to remove dirt stains and mildew that paint can’t cover.

By following these tips, your home will be well prepared for a long, fun summer ahead.

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A GUIDE TO MORTGAGES, HELOCS & MORE Whether you're looking to make a first-time purchase, refresh an existing home or simply leverage built-up equity for other reasons, it's important to figure out which path is right for you and understand the lending options available.

First-time buyers must start with determining what is affordable.

In addition to the mortgage payment, housing costs will include property taxes, homeowners insurance and fees, such as homeowner association dues. Altogether, costs should be no more than 28 percent of monthly gross income and should leave room to continue servicing other debt, such as student loans, credit cards or auto loans.

When preparing to buy a home, work through credit pre-approval to be ready with a strong offer when the opportunity arises.

In addition to reviewing credit history, a loan originator will consider the amount of the down payment. A down payment typically ranges from 3-20 percent, and one that is less than 20 per-

cent may require you to purchase mortgage insurance. A mortgage originator, however, can provide a variety of lending options to optimize your investment, from 15- and 30-year mortgages to fixed and variable terms.

If planning to make some improvements to a much-loved residence, consider financing the updates through a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Eligibility depends on how much equity has been built up in the home and the lender's loan-to-value ratio. A HELOC works much like a credit card and offers flexibility. A minimum amount is paid monthly, and interest applies to the amount borrowed.

Before embarking on a remodeling project, do some homework.

Start with the lender to determine the value of the home and the loan amount available. Then, establish a budget, leaving room for unexpected expenses. Work with a reputable professional to define the project and its requirements, and shop around for bids and recommendations to

confidently select a contractor.

Some lenders offer checklists to help get the most from the investment.

Another option for financing a project through a home's equity is a home equity loan (HELOAN).

As with a mortgage, the loan is granted as a lump sum and is paid back in installments over time, typically 10-15 years and at a fixed rate locked in at the time of securing the loan. A HELOAN works well for a one-time goal to improve the value of a home. Be mindful that either a HELOAN or a HELOC introduce some uncertainty, as monthly expenses will increase and must be maintained to avoid foreclosure risk.

Remember to consult a professional for advice applicable to your specific situation. Start with a lender who can help you identify financial options available to home buyers and owners today.

With careful planning and budgeting, the financing you need may be well within reach.

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Get Your Lawn Ready for Spring

Springtime is right around the corner, but not to worry, if your lawn isn’t ready there’s still time. Once you’re finished, you’ll have the best curb appeal on the block!

But before you put those gardening gloves on, however, it’s important to tune-up your lawn tools and equipment. This includes items such as your lawn mower, leaf blower, pruner, rakes, and anything else you may need for spring cleanup. Now it’s time to get started.

1. Remove debris.

Give your lawn a fresh start in the spring by raking away all leaves, sticks, and anything else that collected over the fall and winter months.

Raking your lawn will even encourage healthy airflow by loosening the soil’s surface.

2. Heal your grass.

Grass seed is extremely helpful for areas of your lawn that have weak grass growth or dead grass.

Open the surface with a strong rake then mix the grass seed with new soil to be spread over the surface. You can even speed up the grass growth by watering.

3. Add mulch.

Even in my personal gardening projects, mulch is always my finishing touch. Mulch adds a huge benefit to your lawn by providing a protective

covering on soil that locks in the moisture. You’ll keep your plants warm by simply spreading it around the bases of trees, shrubs and in your fresh spring flowerbeds.

4. Water wisely.

It’s more beneficial to water your lawn only when it needs it, and with a lot of water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, watering sparingly and deeply trains your grass roots to dig deeper into the soil. On the other hand, watering lightly and constantly will keep the roots closer to the surface.

5. Let’s get mowing.

Mow your lawn high with a sharp blade, and keep it frequent. Remember that keeping your grass long while mowing often will keep it thick and healthy.

Source: Preparing Your Lawn for Spring, WeedManUSA

SELE T HE SE L E CT THE Righ r ee R igh t T ree FFOR OORR T HHEE Righ lace ce R igh t P la IINN YO U R YAR D YOUR

It has been more than 140 years since the first Arbor Day was observed in Nebraska. It has since become a national observance that takes place on the last Friday in April in most states and recognizes the importance of trees as well as tree selection, planting, and care. A properly selected and planted tree can add beauty and energy efficiency to your landscape. A poorly selected and planted tree can become high maintenance, dangerous, and short-lived. The Energy Education Council has advice to help you select the tree that is best for your yard.

“This is an excellent time of year for tree planting,” says Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council. “With some research and preparation, your tree will be a healthy and beautiful addition to your home for years to come.”

One of the first considerations is the purpose of your tree. Will your tree be needed for shade, a windbreak, or beauty? These considerations will affect what tree is suitable for you, and where it should be planted. Dense evergreens provide a good wind block, while leafy deciduous trees provide shade in the summer.

No matter what purpose the trees will serve, it is always best to choose native trees. They require less maintenance and will live longer. You can get more information about native growing trees from a regional university Extension office or a state department of natural resources.

In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation has a free tree wizard tool that will help you select the best tree for your needs. It is available at www.arborday.org/shopping/ trees/treewizard/intro.cfm.

The next step is to decide where you will plant your tree. For a windbreak, plant trees to the north, northwest, and west. For shade, plant trees to the east and west of your home. Remember that fast-growing trees are more brittle and likely to be damaged in a storm. Plant these trees farther from your home to protect your home from damage.

If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are additional considerations to help keep your home and community safe. It

is recommended that you limit the flammable vegetation and material around your home for at least 30 feet on all sides. Contact your local fire department for more information.

Also be sure to select planting locations that will not interfere with your utility lines or power poles. Power outages or interruptions occur when trees and branches come into contact with overhead lines. Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch can cause fires.

Tall growing trees with a mature height of greater than 40 feet should be planted 50 feet away to avoid future pruning.

A mature height of less than 25 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines. Keep in mind that trees should never be planted directly under power lines, near poles, or too close to electrical equipment.

Tall growing trees near power lines must be pruned to maintain a safe distance from the wires. If you have trees that are growing into power lines, contact your electric provider. Never try to prune them yourself.

Before planting, take proper precautions to stay safe. Be sure to call 8-1-1, the national “Call Before You Dig” number, a few business days before you want to plant. It is a free service that gets your public underground utilities located and marked, so you can dig safely away from them. Or, contact your local landscaping or lawn care company, and they will be able to help you plant your trees.

Source: Energy Education Council Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2018. All rights reserved.

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Stone Connection Granite Interiors

Local, Personalized Service From their Family to Yours

Your unique touch is what turns your house into your home.

So when it comes to building or renovating your space, why not find someone who will approach your project as personally as you?

Stone Connection Granite Interiors is a local, family owned company based in Zirconia, NC. Owners John and Kelly are personally involved in every project, and pride themselves on providing the following benefits to their clients:

1) They meet your schedule. Stone Connection abides by the creed “If we say we are going to be there, we better be there.” They understand the intricacy of a builder’s schedule and know other trades are depending on their promptness.

2) They make you look good. Quality is of utmost importance at Stone Connection. Their shop uses a digital templating system along with a Slabsmith program making it possible for the homeowner to see what their countertops will look like before they are cut, and utilizes CNC machinery with old world, hand-polished craftsmanship.

3) They do the job right. Their quality is unmatched and comes with a guarantee of 1/16th inch seams and 1/32 inch leveling. Stone Connection installers are dressed in uniform, conduct themselves in a professional manner and don't leave until the job is done. They are fully insured and carry workers compensation.

Stone Connection's work comes with a lifetime guarantee on both materials and craftsmanship.

4) They equip you. Stone Connection insists on educating homeowners on all of the options available for a project, including the pros and cons of each choice. Every job receives a Welcome Home Package, including stone cleaner and instructions for maintenance and cleaning guidelines.

5) They care about the community.

Stone Connection makes it a priority to be environmentally friendly. They recycle 100% of the water used in their shop, use LED lighting, run energy efficient machines, promote using environmentally safe chemicals and cleaners, replace cardboard and plastic templates with digital templates and do not put their trash stone in the landfill. Because they are a part of your community, they care about your community.

Choosing Stone Connection Granite Interiors grants you the peace of mind that your project will receive the quality and care that you would give it.

Call (828) 692-0451 to experience the benefits of working with a family in your community.

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Awe Inspiring Man’s greatest achievements stand as a testimony to his imagination, and creativity.

We utilize the world’s natural wonders to bring timeless beauty into your home.

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Top Bathroom Renovation Tips

THAT CAN ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME

A bathroom can be among the top selling points in a home. Upgrading your bathroom prior to listing the home for sale may enable you to sell it at a higher price point. Here are some of ways that you can improve your bathroom and get the highest possible return on your investment.

ADD AN ADDITIONAL SINK If you have to share the bathroom with your spouse or kids, it’s important to have multiple sinks. This allows both parents to get ready for work at once or both kids to get ready for school at the same time. It also allows each person to keep their area of the vanity as clean or as messy as they want without infringing on others.

ADD A TOUCH OF LUXURY Buyers will have a harder time not putting an offer on a home when it has a luxurious feel to it. Adding a Jacuzzi to the bathroom will make a buyer feel as if he or she were about to buy a spa instead of a residential property. Working with companies can make it possible to make your bathroom luxurious yet affordable at the same time.

ADD MORE STORAGE There are many items that you want or need to keep in a bathroom at any given time. For instance, you’ll likely want to keep extra rolls of toilet paper handy or have extra hand towels available. You’ll also want to keep your toothbrush, toothpaste and deodorant

in the bathroom. By adding a closet, a larger vanity or extra drawers underneath your current vanity, you provide plenty of space for multiple people to share the bathroom peacefully.

PUT IN NEW TILE Replacing your current floor in favor of a tile one can improve the look and feel of the entire space. In fact, a remodeling contractor can add a heated floor that is ideal for those cold winter days or those chilly spring mornings. It can make it easier to face the prospect of walking to the shower or sink without the need to find your socks and slippers first.

Even if you don’t have a large remodeling budget, you can still make your bathroom look and feel like the best room in the house.

When done properly, this space can be the centerpiece of the home and help to attract eager buyers willing to pay top dollar for it.

This appeared first on RISMedia’s Housecall.

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, Calif. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2018. All rights reserved.

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Ahh, owning a pool means endless summer swims, tiki cocktails, children who are consistently entertained...and work. Lots and lots of work. As any pool owner will tell you, those glorious turquoise swimming holes come with a ton of responsibility. The truth is, pools require regular upkeep and maintenance, like weekly vacuuming, pH testing, and filter inspections. But once you understand the cost of owning the pool, and how to care for it, you’ll avoid the common mistakes that make pool ownership a drag. So keep up the fun in the sun this summer with these tips:

KNOW YOUR CHEMICALS. Under-maintained pools aren’t only gross to look at, they can also contain dangerous bacteria. The flip side, however, of over chlorinating can cause swimming pool rash and eye irritation. You don’t have to be a chemistry major to figure it out though. Just use chlorine and pH testing strips to check pool chemical levels at least once a week.

LEARN TO USE YOUR POOL VACUUM. How often you need to vacuum depends on how often you skim the pool. Leaves and junk on the surface will eventually sink to the bottom.

That’s where vacuums come in. From automated robotic cleaners to handheld systems, a vacuum is a key ingredient to a healthy pool.

CHECK YOUR WATER LEVEL. Everyday play can cause major fluctuations in your pool water levels. The proper water level is halfway up the skimmer line. If your water levels get too low it can ruin your pool’s pump.

All you have to do is grab a hose, fill it up, and check the chemical level.

PRACTICE QUICK POOL CLEANING. Pool cleaning is just like house cleaning – doing a few chores every day can prevent a major mess at the end of the week. One of the easiest and most important maintenance chores is skimming the top of the pool every day for leaves, sticks, dead bugs and other debris. It also helps circulate the water, and keeps you from having to add chlorine too often. Make sure to clean out the strainer basket and scrub the side of the pool with a brush or pumice stone about once a week to prevent algae buildup.

It’s pretty easy to maintain a pool properly, but if you don’t have the time, call in the pros. A pool involves a lot of tedious upkeep, but by doing a little work on your pool every day can make pool ownership easier for you and will keep your pool in better shape for longer. And consistent pool maintenance will allow you to have some fun in the sun, no maintenance

SAFETY TIPS FOR YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

By Kellen Owings

Our home’s electric system and the safety of it is often something we take for granted.

From just hitting a switch to light a room, to plugging in electronics and charging devices, we don’t really think of the electrical current coursing through the house. However, it’s important to consider whether or not your homes electrical system is safe. The following tips will help you keep you and your house safe from the dangers of electricity.

Know your electrical system better. Look at your circuit breaker and see what runs on each current. Learn the limit for electrical overloads as well. An overload can cause an electrical fire, which spread quickly.

Use generators responsibly. If a storm knocks out your power a generator is great for keeping important appliances like refrigerators and hot water heaters running. However, they can quickly turn dangerous if overloaded. Also, give them ventilation, as they can introduce poisonous carbon monoxide.

Practice extra care around water. Swimming pools and hot tubs are great, but keep electronics and electricity away from them. Keep the stereo speakers at a distance and dry off before using any electrical items. Also, be mindful in the bathroom, and keep hair dryers or curlers away from the sink or tub.

Go easy on the extension cords and plugs in outlets. Extension cords are great for reaching a little further, but remember to use them safely. Don’t chain multiple cords together, and don’t use items that pull more electricity than the cord can handle. Same goes for an electrical outlet socket splitter. Making these items handle too much can cause them to overheat, short or even cause a fire.

Follow these tips for safety, and always err on the side of caution when it comes to electricity. Always contact your local electrician when electrical problems or concerns arise. It may also be beneficial to call one out to your home so that they can assess the safety of your electrical system.

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WHAT KIND OF I NS U R AN CE D O YOU NEED FOR Y OUR VA CATI ON HOME ?

by John Voket

Every homeowner knows they need a full range of homeowner’s insurance coverage to protect them from the many contingencies that could befall them, from liabilities related to trip hazards, fire, theft and weather events. What about vacation homes? Do these second or seasonal homes need special or heightened types of insurance protection?

According to our sources at Selective Insurance Group, there are a few things to take into consideration to properly protect your vacation home.

Property crime – If your vacation property is only used during certain parts of the year, and you don’t rent it out, periods when it is unoccupied leave it susceptible to break-ins. Although property crime—including burglary—fell between 2016 to 2017, it’s still cause for concern, the folks at Selective say. Burglary still accounted for almost two of every 10 of the estimated 7.9 million property crimes in 2016.

What about flood insurance? Flooding can happen in a wide range of regions, no matter the time of year or local weather patterns. While some areas are more likely to see flooding than others, many regions can experience devastating flooding. Are you as protected as you should be?

Single-family or condo? If you own a condominium versus a single-family residence, your condo association may already have coverage—but

does the association insurance only protect the physical structure of the condo, not your belongings? Selective advises condo owners to look into this with their insurance agent.

Amenities – With various amenities from swimming pools or hot tubs to trampolines, accidents are possible, so consider reviewing the liability portion of your insurance policy and your liability limit to ensure assets are adequately protected in the event someone is injured on your property and files a lawsuit.

Value it right – Property insurance premiums are determined by how much it would cost to rebuild your residence from scratch should it be destroyed. Your independent agent and insurance carrier can work with you to determine the appropriate amount of coverage you might need for a vacation home.

If you want to protect yourself and your home away from home, consult with a certified insurance professional before another vacation season exposes you to an unnecessary loss.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2018. All rights reserved.

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7 PROJECTS THAT IMPROVE RESALE VALUE Even if you have no immediate plans for leaving your home, it’s a good idea to approach renovations with resale value in mind. Upgrades that are likely to appeal to future buyers protect your investment while also improving your enjoyment of the home.

One key to a successful renovation is figuring out how to personalize the space without making it so customized that it’s not attractive to other potential owners. For example, eliminating a bedroom to create a giant walk-in closet may help achieve your dreams, but losing that bedroom can be a major hit to your home’s value.

These renovation ideas - which include both cosmetic touch-ups and more labor-intensive suggestions - can help boost your home’s value.

OPEN SPACE. Older homes were often that needs to be relocated. You’ll likely designed with a boxy, formal layout that is less conducive to most modern families’ needs. Today’s open floor plans offer functionality for everything from keeping an eye on the kids while making dinner to entertaining guests. This type of floor plan can also make small rooms feel larger and invite more light into darker parts of the house.

The most cost-effective way to create an open space is to remove non-load-bearing walls (load-bearing walls help support the roof; while they can be removed there’s typically quite a bit more time, labor and expense involved). Removing a wall may not be that complicated unless you encounter plumbing or HVAC ductwork

have some electrical outlets to move, and both the floor and ceiling will need attention to remove lingering signs of the former wall.

CLIMATE COMFORT. Not every aspect

of home improvement is visible at first glance like a fresh coat of paint; some value-boosting upgrades are more behind the scenes. One example is climate management. If you renovate a space that needs better climate control, or if you add a new room where extending the existing ductwork is impractical, a splitductless HVAC system may be the perfect solution. The ductless design saves HVAC contractors time during installation, therefore saving homeowners money.

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE. Features like crown molding and other wood accents such as chair rails are elegant upgrades that can elevate a home’s value with a relatively modest investment. An office or dining room is the perfect place to introduce these design elements to add a bit of formality to the space. You can also find crown molding in spaces like the living room, with the molding coordinating with built-in shelving flanking a fireplace.

COLOR CHANGE.

Although paint is one of the easiest ways to personalize your home, it’s also one of the least expensive, simplest ways to improve its value and appearance.

A fresh coat of paint, inside or out, can create an appealing illusion of newness no matter the age of your home. For maximum resale value, stick to neutral tones so future buyers can focus on envisioning the place as their own, without the distraction of your own vibrant choices. If you don’t like the thought of boring beige, consider adding accent walls for pops of color that can be easily changed down the road.

ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING.

A room’s ambiance can be completely transformed with lighting. For multi-purpose rooms, an option like dimmer switches lets you customize the lighting to fit the use, which can vary throughout the day.

A well-lit living room is essential for a large gathering or a small group gathered for game night. That same space can be equally

inviting for an intimate conversation or a casual movie night with the lights turned down low. One of the best parts is minimal experience is needed to swap out standard switches for the more versatile dimmers.

Plus, in today’s technology-driven world, there’s an app for seemingly everything, including lighting. Homeowners can control the ambiance from their phones by installing smart light bulbs and lighting strips.

GRUNGE-FREE GARAGE. Even though a garage’s functionality is the top concern for most buyers, a dingy, unkempt space can be a real turn-off. One way to instantly brighten and refresh the space is an epoxy coating on the floor. Applying the coating is relatively easy and once dry it helps prevent unsightly stains and damage in the future.

Combine that with a thorough sweeping, wiping down walls and other surfaces, and organizing the clutter to create a more inviting space you can utilize to the fullest.

BETTER BATHROOMS. Many homeowners approach a bathroom upgrade with big projects in mind, like swapping out the vanity, replacing the tub or installing tile flooring. However, it’s possible to make a noticeable impact with much smaller changes. Simply updating bathroom fixtures and fittings such as shower heads, faucets, towel racks and lighting can transform the space with minimal effort and far less work and expense than a large-scale renovation.

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2018. All rights reserved.

GET GREENER PLUMBING, TODAY You may be greening up your cleaning products or your eating habits, but have you stopped to consider your plumbing?

Read the following green plumbing tips, and reach out to your local, trusted plumber to help implement them.

INSULATE WATER PIPES. Heating water for homes can account for as much as 30 percent of residential energy consumption. By insulating the pipes and using high-grade pipe insulation, it can lower the energy expenditure needed to heat your water. Your plumber can install insulation on your pipes and save you money in the process.

INSTALL WATER SAVING FEATURES. In older homes, plumbing features such as faucets, showerheads and toilets are as historic as the homes themselves. By replacing these dated units with modern, energy-efficient counterparts, you can reduce leaks, conserve water and reduce your energy bill.

• Newer and more efficient toilets can cut down the amount of water used by as much as 80 percent. A low-flow toilet only uses 1.28 gallons of water per flush, whereas a full-flow toilet uses 3.5 gallons per flush. A dual-flush toilet uses only 1.6 gallons for solid waste and only 0.8 gallons for liquid waste. A

newer toilet can translate to a potential savings of 10,000 gallons of water each year. Newer toilets essentially pay for themselves, so get your plumber to install one today.

• Install a tankless water heater, which uses much less energy than a standard water heater. Instead of wasting energy keeping a huge reservoir of hot water at all times, a tankless water heater heats the water only as it is needed.

• Replacing a traditional showerhead with a low-flow showerhead will reduce the traditional water usage by around 50-70 percent. The homeowner can also get their plumber to install an even greener shower product, the steam shower. While traditional showers use 25 gallons of water per shower, a steam shower uses around 1 gallon of water per shower.

INSPECT YOUR HOME PLUMBING FOR LEAKS. Detecting leaks can be a difficult task, and in some cases, small leaks can be unnoticeable to an untrained homeowner. Hire a professional to help you hunt down hard to spot leaks.

Contact your plumber today, and together you can implement these tips to save money and the environment. Your plumber might also have additional green plumbing solutions they can bring to your home.

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• There’s a reason they call us Mr.* • Know the price before we start • Fixed right the first time • Clean service professionals • Scheduled appointment times • Workmanship & parts guarantee

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412 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-692-9125 412 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 417 Kingdom Place • Zirconia, NC 28790 www.shealyelectricco.com 412 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC 828-692-9125 (828) 692-0451 • www.scgigranite.com 417 Kingdom Place • Zirconia, NC 28790 shealyelectricco@bellsouth.net 828-692-9125 www.shealyelectricco.com (828) 692-0451 • www.scgigranite.com 417 Kingdom Place • Zirconia, NC 28790 GRANITE INTERIORS, INC. www.shealyelectricco.com (828) 692-0451 • www.scgigranite.com