Fallhome2014

Fall Home Enjoy your home this fall

• Annual home checkup • Backyard projects • Winterizing • Home buying tips Special publication of Issaquah Press Inc. Media Group published in The Issaquah Press, Sammamish Review & SnoValley Star

Fall Home

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Simple entertaining ideas impress guests

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Check windows to make sure caulking is properly keeping out the outside air.

Save money this fall by winterizing your home As fall’s crisp weather approaches, homeowners should think about how to winterize their homes to save money and energy.

Some winterizing projects require very little work, while some prove more labor-intensive.

These projects can help you conserve fuel this winter: Service your heating system every year It usually costs between $75 and $100 to clean the unit and change the filters in the furnace or humidifier. With some companies, a tune-up is included in an annual service contract.

Install a programmable thermostat This will help ensure your house stays cool while you’re

away. It can be set to turn to a higher temperature at certain times, such as when you come home from work. And if you keep your temperature just one degree cooler than normal, the EPA says you can save 3 percent on your energy bills.

Think about re-arranging your furniture Not only might you get a great new look for your home, but you can also make sure you aren’t blocking baseboard radiators with furniture and reducing their efficiency.

Consider installing a tankless hot water heater Not only does hot water on demand feel luxurious, but you will not have to continuously heat stored water.

Windows can be a big source of heat loss in your home For a quick fix, add weather stripping around windows. This is an easy project that helps reduce drafts and conserve energy.

Other fast window solutions include caulking and plastic window film. To truly get the best energy efficiency from your windows, consider replacing older windows.

Use ceiling fans Running fans slowly and in reverse will keep warm air circulating and keep you more comfortable. The bonus? The time your furnace runs will reduce. So will your monthly bill.

Source: NewsUSA

Game night, girls’ night or family reunion — your home serves as the backdrop for many occasions.

Preparing your space for friends and family can feel like a heavy undertaking, but with a few simple entertaining tips, hosts can wave goodbye to anxieties.

Pre-guest prep: Prepare appetizers and drinks beforehand so you can be available for your guests.

Plan for 10 bite-sized portions per guest — like bacon-wrapped dates or stuffed mushrooms — that are visually enticing, but not intimidating. More importantly, rehearse recipes beforehand. No host should spend the party in the kitchen experimenting on a first-time dish.

Space is key: Be mindful of how your home goes with the theme of your party. Game day?

Have plenty of seats in front of the

screen and a “sideline lounge” for those who prefer to socialize. Girls’ night? Don’t stress about chairs.

Encourage guests to congregate in various areas — like a “chooseyour-own-fruit” sangria bar.

Less is more: Save money and lighten your “to-do” list by simplifying tasks. When hosting a dinner, choose a simple candle display instead of extravagant flowers.

When preparing for holidays, fill a glass bowl with holiday ornaments or venture outside for pinecones, which can serve as a fresh and festive centerpiece.

Clean as you go: Clear your dishwasher before the party and rinse dinnerware throughout the evening to avoid a messy kitchen.

Source: Family Features

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Plan ahead to make a game night with friends a successful evening of entertaining fun.

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she’ll appreciate for years to come.

Keep kids home, happy and studying in their own space Would a great study space ease your child’s transition from summer to school?

Perhaps an awesome lounge area could convince your teens — and all their friends — that your house is the best hangout spot ever.

Whatever your objectives, a few design and decorating

tricks can help you create a kid-friendly space in your home.

The basics of good design that make grownup spaces appealing also work for children’s spaces.

When designing a kidfriendly room, however, it’s important to keep in mind not only the purpose

of the room (study, fun, sleep, etc.) but the age of the occupant and his or her interests, as well as incorporating fun into the design.

Here are some tips to get you started: Theme Consider creating a theme. To decide which

one might be right for your project, consider things your child has shown an enduring interest in. She may be into princesses right now but hate the theme next year. However, if she has always loved the color pink and has a passion for animals, those elements could be worked into a theme

Flooring Choose flooring that fulfills multiple needs.

Carpeting absorbs sound (for when kids play loud video games or music) and is comfortable for youngsters who like to sit or lie on the floor while they do homework, read, watch TV or socialize.

It’s available in virtually every hue and pattern imaginable, ensuring you’ll find something that appeals to both your design sense and your child’s tastes. Stain-resistant formulas and durable fibers ensure modern carpeting can stand up to the rigors of use in a child’s room.

Lighting A child’s space needs layers of lighting, just as adult spaces do. Keep in mind how your child will use the room. If he or she will be doing homework, task lighting and desk lights should illuminate study areas.

Will the room be a movie room or a “hangout” for older teens? Recessed and dimmable lighting may be appropriate.

Don’t forget to include natural light in your illumination plans. Avoid heavy drapery. Instead, opt for bright colors and light-

weight materials for window treatments so windows admit ample light.

Storage Organization is key in a child’s room, and ample storage facilitates good organization. Shelving, portable cubes, bookcases and other furnishings can provide plenty of storage space. For desks, look for desktop organizers that will keep important papers and supplies tidy and close at hand. By helping kids stay organized now, you’ll lay the foundation for a lifetime of good organizational skills.

Fun Remember fun. Whatever the purpose of a child’s room, fun should be a universal ingredient. You can infuse fun in a room in many ways. A touch of whimsy, such as a swing hung from the ceiling or a wall mural of your child’s favorite cartoon character, can produce smiles every time kids see them.

With creativity and the right decorating materials, it’s possible to create a space that will make children comfortable, happy and ready to tackle the school year.

Source: BPT

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Peony

Day Lily

Astilbe

Helleborus

Hearty Cyclamen

Sedums

Phlox

Fall Asters

Coral Bells

Oriental Poppy

It’s the right time to think about perennials

By Jane Garrison When I was growing up, my dad had a big garden.

My favorite Jane plants Garrison were the ones that weren’t around all the time, the ones that were surprises when they decided to show up. Lily of the Valley would magically appear every year under the giant old boxwood bush; big, yellow daffodils would spring up at the base of the yard light, and bluebells would sneak out of the ground in front of the camellias.

Although I loved these plants, my dad never did, and now I think I know why.

If you have a garden full of perennials, it is a lot of work.

Here is a list of oldfashioned perennial favorites. Look for new varieties

Master gardener’s corner

With Jane Garrison

in garden centers. If I find something I’m not sure of, I buy only one and try it out.

Sometimes, I’m surprised in a good way; other times, I’m disappointed. If they work in my yard, I can look for them and buy more later, or perhaps, just divide them.

1. Peony — If old, divide now in fall. Look out for botrytis fungus in spring and remove sick leaves immediately. Plant only two inches deep here with eyes up.

2. Day Lily — Look out for slugs. Other than that, they are easy to grow, spreading over a large area and blooming for months at a time.

3. Astilbe — Give both sun and water for best results. These plants are not

drought tolerant, but tough otherwise.

4. Helleborus — Unusual perennial in that some are evergreen, and all like shade. Some bloom in winter. Watch out for fungus in our climate, blackened leaves caused by damp, acidic soil.

5. Hearty Cyclamen — Likes dry, deep shade. Loses leaves in summer when it blooms.

6. Sedums — Many are evergreen, and a wide variety of colors are available.

Most take drought.

7. Phlox — Phlox suffers from mildew; the most resistant are Phlox maculata and Phlox carolina.

8. Fall Asters — Cut down to 2/3 height at end of June so plant won’t need staking. These are a very inexpensive choice for fall color and are nice in containers.

9. Coral Bells — Both evergreen and deciduous with many varieties and colors available. The ones with

LandscapeMagz.com

Perennials make the entire garden pop with color when they’re made the focus of the landscape. the fanciest foliage have the least spectacular blooms.

Wouldn’t you know it?

10. Oriental Poppy — Tough to grow due to botrytis fungus. Needs full sun and good air circulation.

The wonderful blooms are worth the extra effort.

You can grow these plants organically without

pesticides or herbicides by making the plants happy with good drainage, good soil and a lot of sunshine (for most.)

You don’t have to have a huge perennial border or an English cottage garden to enjoy perennial flowers.

When I think of the mileage my family got from just a

few naturalized bulbs and plants in Dad’s garden, I have to disagree with him. I can’t think of a better return for the effort.

Jane Garrison is a local landscape architect and master gardener who gardens in glacial till on the plateau.

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Fall Home

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Thinkstock

Check windows for wear and tear, which can lead to air getting in and out.

Inspect doors, windows during annual checkup Give your home an annual checkup before cold weather arrives to help add comfort, save energy and cut home maintenance in the long-run.

When inspecting your home’s windows and doors: Inspect interior/exterior finishes: Paint and stain can weather away. Look for flaking or peeling. When replacing windows or doors, consider factory prefinished wood or fiberglass options, or vinyl options that don’t need painting or staining, to save time and money.

Look for damaged exterior surfaces or signs of leaks: Check your sprinkler system to make sure it’s watering your lawn and landscape, not soaking your windows or doors.

Cracked or deteriorated wood may be a sign of water penetration. Leaks can linger and affect interior walls, floors or ceilings, so look closely for discoloration or other moisture signs.

If you spot a problem, track it. Discolored trim around a window might be caused by moisture entering a ways away. With a leaky roof, water may run down inside the wall and appear at the window. Contact a professional for help in making home repairs.

Clear windowsills and tracks of dirt and debris: Sand, leaves, insects or pine needles stuck in weatherstripping can affect the performance of your windows and doors. Open windows and clean the opening with

a soft brush, like a dry paint brush or vacuum attachment. Do the same for sliding patio doors.

Try opening and closing: Open your windows and doors to make sure moving parts work, and units close properly. Replace worn or broken parts.

Inspect weatherstripping: Re-attach loose weather-stripping around windows or doors, and replace material that’s ripped or torn.

Replace/repair broken locks: If locks feel loose or don’t work smoothly, replace them. Keep windows and doors locked when not in use. Locks help hold doors and windows tightly, to lock out rain, wind, snow and insects.

Thinkstock

Replace or repair broken locks on doors, which will help keep them closed more tightly, reducing the amount of air leakage.

Check exterior sealants and caulk on and around windows and doors: Pay attention to areas susceptible to rain, water and extreme sunlight.

Remove damaged material and reapply sealant.

Feel for signs of air leakage around windows/doors: Improperly installed windows or doors can be drafty, decrease energy efficiency, and allow unwanted moisture into your home. Help save on utility bills and keep your

home more comfortable year-round, replace drafty old, leaky windows with new, Energy Star-qualified windows installed properly.

Source: BPT

9

Fall Home

Buy a house in 10 easy steps Are you ready to become a homeowner? Whether you’re buying for the first time or you’re a repeat buyer, buying a house is a financial and emotional decision that requires the experience and support of a team of reliable professionals.

Get a Realtor In the maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the community and much more. Those professionals are the local Realtors who serve your area.

Get a mortgage pre-approval Most first-time buyers

need to finance their home purchase, and a consultation with a mortgage lender is a crucial step in the process.

Find out how much you can afford before you begin your home search.

Look at homes A quick search on Realtor.com will bring up thousands of homes for sale. Educating yourself on your local market and working with an experienced Realtor can help you narrow your priorities and make an informed decision about which home to choose.

Choose a home While no one can know for sure what will happen to housing values, if you

choose to buy a home that meets your needs and priorities, you’ll be happy living in it for years to come.

Get funding The cost of financing your home purchase is usually greater than the price of the home itself (after interest, closing costs and taxes are added). Get as much information as possible regarding your mortgage options and other costs.

Make an offer While much attention is paid to the asking price of a home, a proposal to buy includes both the price and terms. In some cases, terms can represent thousands of

dollars in additional value — or additional costs — for buyers.

Get insurance No sensible car owner would drive without insurance, so it figures that no homeowner should be without insurance, either. Real estate insurance protects owners in the event of catastrophe. If something goes wrong, insurance can be the bargain of a lifetime.

Closing The closing process, which in different parts of the country is also known as “settlement” or “escrow,” is increasingly computerized and automated. In practice, closings bring together a variety of parties who are part of the real estate transaction.

What’s next? You’ve done it. You’ve looked at properties, made an offer, obtained financing and gone to closing. The home is yours. Is there any more to the home-buying process? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, you’ll want to take several more steps.

Paperwork Those papers you received at settlement are extremely valuable, so hold on to them. In the short term, they can help establish tax deductions for the year in which the property was purchased.

In the future, such papers will be important for tax purposes when the property is sold, and in some cases, for calculating estate taxes.

After closing Also at closing, determine the status of the utilities required by the home, items such as water, sewage, gas, electric and oil service.

You want utility bills to be paid in full by owners as of closing, and you also want services transferred to your name for billing. Usually such transfers can be done without turning off utilities.

Realtors can provide contact numbers and related information.

About two weeks after closing, contact your local property records office to confirm your deed has been officially recorded. Such records are public notices that show your interest in the property.

Source: Realtor.com

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Make sure your garage isn’t tacking money on utility bills If your house has not been properly insulated, you may be paying more than you should to heat or cool it.

Nearly all modern homes have insulation throughout the living spaces, but garages commonly get overlooked. Because the garage is the last barrier between your home and the outdoors, it’s important to ensure the insulation is adequate.

Ensure the door from your home to the garage is sealed properly. If air leaks through the cracks around the door, it’s nearly as problematic as leaving the door wide open.

Weather-stripping kits are available to insulate the edges of your door.

Some are made to just go along the bottom of the door, and some fit around the edges to prevent any air leaks.

Other areas to consider when

checking your garage’s energy efficiency are the ceiling and the garage door threshold. If there is a room above your garage, it may be beneficial to bolster the insulation in the garage’s ceiling to help keep the living space above it comfortable. For the threshold, installing a rubber seal-strip on the floor where the garage door closes helps prevent air leaks, and keeps out insects and rodents.

One of the most important areas to examine is the garage door itself.

While installing a pre-insulated garage door can cost up to $1,000 or more, and requires a skilled contractor, there is a simple and inexpensive DIY solution to insulate your garage — garage door insulation kits.

Home owners can easily insulate their existing garage doors with

these kits, which are readily available in leading home improvement stores or online. They are made to fit standard garage door sizes and can be cut to fit nonstandard sizes.

With pre-packaged insulation, do-ityourselfers can insulate their garage door in less than an hour, at a cost of less than $100.

During fall and winter, the insulation helps keep heat inside the garage so the furnace does not work as hard and use as much energy. In summer, the insulation helps keep the sun’s heat at bay so the garage can stay cool. Insulating your garage also helps reduce interior noise and can earn federal tax credits as an energy-efficient upgrade (check local energy guides for more information).

Source: BPT

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Get the most bang for your buck in home improvements Prioritizing a homeimprovement wish list is never easy.

Do you put design and aesthetics ahead of functionality? Or do you choose comfort and convenience over energy efficiency and cost savings?

If you’ve found yourself trying to figure out which home improvement project to tackle next, take another look at your list and see if some of your projects could actually double up on the benefits and give you style, comfort and energy efficiency all at once.

Here are projects designed to give you the most bang for your buck: 1. Appliance update —

Does your dishwasher make so much noise you have to move to another room to have a conversation? Have you replaced the inner plumbing of your toilets at least once? These are indicators that you have older appliances in your home, and it may be that they are guzzling water, draining electricity and even disrupting your life. Installing new, Energy-Star appliances can save you money on electric and water bills, and also give your home a new, fresh look. Today’s appliances are styled to give your bathroom or kitchen a beautiful new look, matching any color or style theme.

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Fall Home some homeowners, redecorating equals added and unnecessary expense. But some quick and simple updates can dramatically change how you feel in your space. Fresh paint and rearranging can do wonders.

Add window treatments to bring a look of luxury into your home.

3. Back splashes — Installing a back splash around your kitchen will provide something more than just a nice-looking space. Back splashes are also good for protecting your walls from food stains, water damage and scratches caused by active cooks in the kitchen. They’re easy to clean, too, saving you the expense of having to repaint walls frequently.

And they can increase your

home’s value just by giving your kitchen an updated look. If you notice good success with back splashes in your kitchen, consider carrying the project through to your bathrooms as well.

4. Ceiling fans — Give your furnace or air conditioner a break by circulating the already warm or cooled air with ceiling fans.

They’re designed to spin in one direction in the winter months, drawing down the warm air that hovers by the ceiling; conversely, they spin in the other direction in the summer to spread cool air throughout the room.

Plus, ceiling fans come in so many styles and colors. You can easily find one to blend in with the theme of your rooms and decor.

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5. Reusable plants — Home improvement projects aren’t just for the inside of your house — your landscaping might be on the list, too.

To make the most of your landscaping, choose perennial plants you can propagate over the years, saving you the expense of needing to buy new or replacement plants. Plus, by using plants like hostas, irises, lilacs and even roses, you can grow your gardens over the years to look exactly the way you want in shape, color, size and height.

With these five home improvement projects that give you more, it will be easier for you to prioritize your to-do list and really make it count.

Source: BPT

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Six backyard projects you can’t skip this fall

Thinkstock

Pruning is the best preventive maintenance for trees and shrubs in the backyard this fall.

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When it comes to caring for your yard, maintenance is crucial — especially during fall, when it needs to recover from the wear and tear of summer and prepare for winter’s harsh conditions.

Knowing what your lawn and garden needs from season to season not only makes it easier for you to stay organized with your list of backyard to-dos, but it also allows you to identify and treat any problems before they become bigger issues down the road.

Get your lawn and garden back in shape and ready for the coming season by completing these fall backyard projects.

1. Patch and seed — Extreme summer weather conditions like heat, excess rainfall and drought can lead to diseased or dead patches of grass throughout your yard. If you notice an affected area while inspecting your lawn, treat the problem area immediately and then reseed it. This will nourish grass, plus help it establish strong roots needed for growth in the spring.

2. Plant bulbs — Give your spring garden a head start by planting bulbs 5 to 8 inches deep, depending on the size, with the pointy end up. You can also plant bulbs in clusters. However, since bulbs can be hard to tell apart, be sure to keep the labels intact until they are planted.

3. Remove leaves and small debris — Leaves, small twigs and light dirt can quickly accumulate in your yard during fall and if

not removed, can cause soil compaction and make your yard look messy. For a quick cleanup solution, use a leaf blower to easily move debris from your lawn, driveway or patio. When removing leaves, make sure they are dry and wind is at a bare minimum to ensure an easy removal process.

4. Compost — Fall isn’t too late to start a compost pile, as it takes six months to one year to develop into rich soil you can use in your garden. Keep in mind, compost decomposition slows down during cooler months, which is why it is important to retain heat needed for decomposition by refraining from turning your compost pile.

5. Prune — Pruning is considered the best preventive maintenance for your trees and shrubs, particularly in fall and the late dormant season. Prune diseased or dying branches, but be sure not to remove unreasonably large branches. This leaves exposed stubs that can potentially cause health problems.

6. Weed — Though a year-round yard task, it’s extremely important to pull as many weeds as possible in the fall. As cooler temperatures set in, weeds start to store food in their roots for the winter. Prevent weed regrowth by pulling or digging weeds out of the ground with a weeding blade or use a homemade weed control solution, such as a combination of vinegar, water and dish soap.

Source: BPT

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FALL CITY

$499,900

BY APPT: Fall City Commercial, two buildings with great frontage on thoroughfare. Retail building & historical house previously used as an office, salon & school. Updated services to buildings, great exposure & parking. #699233.

Alan Berkwitt 425-830-3257/3926600.

KLAHANIE

$768,950

KLAHANIE

$419,000

BY APPT: Beautiful 2 story Murray Franklyn hm. 4 bdrm/2.5 bth.

Light & bright, bonus room, main flr den. 3 car garage. #700366.

Bob Richards 425-392-6600.

BY APPT: Highly desired rambler in Klahanie. 3 bdrm/2 bth. Great rm effect w/vaulted ceilings & gas frpl. Spacious kit w/nook. #702022.

Bob Richards 425-392-6600.

RESIDENTIAL LAKE SAMMAMISH

$775,000

LAKERIDGE

$250,000

SAMMAMISH

$529,000

BY APPT: Lakefront living at a non-lakefront price. Gated comm. beach w/ dock, picnic area & moorage. Updtd hm w/ great views. Fresh int/ext pnt, new carpet, LED lighting, int drs, Viking stove, grnt countertops.

Formal areas w/wainscoting & crown molding. Fam rm w/builtins. Huge bns w/frpl & bth. Gardens w/paver patio. #679425.

Alan Berkwitt, Paula Sanford 425392-6600.

BY APPT: Updated one story w/ fully furnished basement in Lakeridge. 3 bedrooms + huge rec room, fresh paint. #654015.

P. Sanford 425-444-8679/392-6600.

BY APPT: Contemporary home in Summer Ridge. You pick-4 bdrm & bonus or 3 bdrm, den & bonus on private fully fenced lot. #677245.

Debbie Kinson 206-948-6581/425392-6600.

SAMMAMISH PLATEAU $660,000

BY APPT: Wonderful 4 bdrm Craftsman hm provides flexibility for customization. Main flr features a formal dining rm and spacious great rm. Fireplace warms the great rm while the granite counters, ss & eat at island are highlights of the kitchen.

Another rm can serve as a formal lvg rm, office or playroom.

Upstairs, master features vaulted ceiling. The add’l 3 bdrms are large, Loft area generous in size.

Cul-de-sac, greenbelt, Lake WA schools. #663805.

P. Sanford 425-444-8679/392-6600.

SOUTH BELLEVUE

$650,000

BY APPT: South Bellevue 5 bdrm/3 bth rambler w/basement ready for your energy. Amazing value for the size. #686946.

Alan Berkwitt 425-830-3257/3926600.

ISSAQUAH 425.392.6600 1810 15TH PLACE NW

N O R T H O F I - 9 0 O F F S TAT E PA R K E X I T # 1 5

With a little inspiration and work you can give your home a quick makeover within a limited budget.

Some project ideas: q Don’t replace perfectly good furniture when there is no need.

Instead, consider refreshing a tired chair, table or coat rack with a coat of paint. q Make a big impact by painting an accent wall in your home.

Consider using complementary color to the palette of the space.

Whether you want to enhance the size of a room, draw attention to a new furniture piece or just add a little flair, an accent wall is a simple way to make it happen. q Paint a fresh design element like a pattern or a stripe to change the look of a room. You don’t need to turn to a professional service for sharp, crisp paint lines.

With a high quality painter’s tape, you can get super sharp paint lines. q Spice up your room with a

DIY wall art project, such as this one from the Nesting Place blog.

Tape off rectangles with painter’s tape. Vary shapes and sizes to create an interesting wall effect. There are no rules, so at this point, get experimental and tape a design that looks appealing to you.

Next, choose a single paint color and trace the painter’s tape. For a bolder effect, pick two complementary colors and alternate tracing the rectangle shapes.

Alternating colors will achieve a brighter, bolder look. Take into consideration what the room will be used for as that can help set the tone for the pattern and colors.

Be sure to let the paint dry enough so it’s dry to touch before carefully removing the tape.

You don’t need an enormous budget or a professional. With a bit of inspiration and the right tools, you can refresh any humdrum space in an afternoon.

Source: StatePoint

Photo: (c) Nesting Place Blog

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