2017 IWANNA Home & Garden

HOW-TO I NST RUCT IONS

Copyright © IWANNA, USA, 2017

G A R DE NI NG T I P S + I DE A S

SPRING 2017

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ways to update

home decor frugal fixes INSIDE & OUTDOORS

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PUBLISHER/GENERAL MANAGER Patricia M. Betts PRODUCTION/IT MANAGER Jeff Ruminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR/COPY EDITOR Carrie Harder PRODUCTION David Denton, Rachel Hoeft, Debi Manfre, Randy Whittington ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Diana Davis, Tyler Donaldson, Dale Hemli, Pam Hensley, Rick Jenkins, Rose Lunsford SALES ASSISTANTS Leslie Manthey, Jayme Pressley DISTRIBUTION Bobby Caldwell, Sam Howell A Publication of

31 COLLEGE PLACE, ASHEVILLE OFFICE PARK ASHEVILLE, NC 28801 828.274.8888 IWANNA.COM Home & Garden, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of WNC Home & Garden may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

HOW-TO I NST RUCT IONS

Copyright © IWANNA, USA, 2017

G A R DE NI NG T I P S + I DE A S

SPRING 2017

6

ways to update

home decor frugal fixes INSIDE & OUTDOORS

cover designed by Carrie Harder

first look 4| 6| 8| 10 | 12 | 16 | 23 | 24 | 26 | 30 | 36 |

Home Eco-improvements Home, Garden & Green Living Show Before an Appraiser’s Visit Gardening Tips for Novices Before Replacing Flooring Create an Effective Kitchen Workflow 6 Ways to Update Home Decor Steps for an Eco-Friendly Lawn Increase Your Home’s Value How to Transform a Fixer Upper Local Events Calendar IWANNA SPRING 2017

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home improvement

home eco-improvements for easy savings

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ou can significantly reduce your carbon footprint if you have an efficient home and use cleaner products. Consider a few, simple eco-improvements to reduce energy consumption and increase savings on your monthly energy bill.

Insulation: If your house is older, chances

are the insulation doesn’t meet new code requirements. An improperly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss and results in your furnace and air conditioning units working harder than necessary. By topping up the existing attic insulation you can significantly reduce energy loss. A popular product for this DIY project is Roxul ComfortBatt insulation. It’s easy to install over existing attic insulation and can be cut to fit with a serrated blade or bread knife.

Being environmentally conscious is an easy way to put extra money in your pocket.

Appliances: Replacing your furnace, hot

water tank and air conditioning unit with highefficiency models is also a good way to lower your home’s energy consumption.

Windows: It’s usually obvious when it’s time

for new windows. Replacing worn and drafty windows can also improve the comfort and overall look of your home. If you want to reap the greatest energy savings, request a custom brick-to-brick installation, because inserts can leave gaps, especially if placed in the old, inefficient jamb.

Landscaping: Plant a few tall, deciduous

a quick eco-list

trees near your home to significantly reduce the amount of solar energy passing through windows and beating down on your roof. In fact, the right amount of shade in the right places can reduce cooling bills by 10-50%.

EASY, LOW-COST DIY PROJECTS FOR GREATER ENERGY SAVINGS • • • • •

Caulk around windows Add weather stripping to doors Install low-flow shower heads Put aerators on faucets Switch to energy-efficient LED or CFL bulbs • Change your furnace filter • Add programmable thermostat

SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY is the award-winning TV host of the hit series Income Property, a full-time real estate investor, contractor, author & educator.

Follow him on Twitter @smcgillivray. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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Friday, March 17, 2017, 3pm-8pm • Saturday, March 18, 2017, 10am-7pm Sunday, March 19, 2017, 11am-5pm • GreenAsheville.com

IT’S SHOW It’s ShowTIME! Time!

Spring is on the way, and it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your plans to remodel, build, or explore sustainable green products and services. The 2017 WNC Home, Garden, & Green Living Show is the premier show of its kind in this area and has everything you need to help you refresh your home, explore the latest green living trends or experience eco-transportation options.

Enjoy WNC’s Premier Green Living Event

The show takes place from March 17th – 19th at the US Cellular Center. The show will appeal to anyone looking to remodel, renovate their home or learn more about energy efficiency and green living topics. “We will have lots of informative and fun attractions like the YMCA Healthy Living Mobile Kitchen, live appearances of the Asheville Tourist’s mascot, Ted E. Tourist, large water features, electric vehicles and seminars focused on home, garden and healthy living,” says show owner and producer Tim Alexander. There’s something for pring is on the way, and it’s the perfect everyone of all ages!

Friday, March 17: 3pm-8pm Saturday, March 18: 10am-7pm Sunday, March 19: 11am-5pm

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Dozens of seminars take place over the three days, all included in daily admission. Enjoy as many seminars as you wish! Want to learn the basics of homesteading and root cellaring? Trying to start a garden or improve your landscaping this year? You’ll love the variety of topics on planting, farmscaping, stone landscaping, and tree crown reduction pruning. Ready to learn about which solar option or green product would be right for your home or business? Interested in electric transportation but not sure where to start? With top home, garden and green living experts from throughout the WNC region, there’s truly something for everyone.

With nearly 200 exhibitors expected to participate in this year’s show, attendees will experience a wide range of products and services for the home, garden and an eco-friendly lifestyle. Experts will be there to talk about organic gardening, appliances, essential oils, tree care, hot tubs, decks and patios, healthy living, landscaping, nutrition, and home building and remodeling, and much What are you waiting for? a garden or root more. cellaring?

Trying to start

time to breathe new life into your

improve your landscaping this year? You’ll love variety of totopics on about planting , Visit the greenashville.com learn more the seminars and the experts presenting them.

All seminarsgreen are FREE with the price of admission. farmscaping sustainable products and services. , stone landscaping , The 2017 CLASSROOM WNC Home, Garden, & Green and tree crown reduction pruning .

1 CLASSROOM 2 CLASSROOM 3 CLASSROOM 4 CLASSROOM 5 Living Show is the premier show of its Ready to learn about which solar option FRIDAY, MARCH 17 kind in this area and has(112)everything you(113) Successful or green product would be right for your (114) Seven Elements of a (115) Making Your Own (111) Wreath-Making Root Cellaring Seed 4:00pm -untilHealthier Interested Home Laundry Soap Starting for Healthy need to help you refresh your home, explore home or business? in electric 5:00pm Plants the latest green living trends or experience transportation but not sure where to (124) Asheville Office of (125) Rainwater 5:30pm (121) Yoga Wellness (122) Intro to Homestead (123) Sunrooms, -untilSustainability Harvesting & Water Dreams Conservatories and eco-transportation options. start?

With top home, garden and green 6:30pm Filtration Solutions Orangeries The show takes place from March living experts from throughout the WNC SATURDAY, MARCH 18 17th – 19th at the US Cellular Center. region, there’s truly something for everyone.

(214) Seven Elements of A (215) The Advantages of a (213) Successful Seed (211) Renovate with Color (212) Going Green with 11:00am -untilThe show will appeal to anyone looking to Starting for With 200Home exhibitors Solar expected PV System HealthynearlyHealthier Your Cleaning 12:00pm Plants Supplies remodel, renovate their home or learn more to participate in this year’s show, attendees (222) Homeopathy for (223) Reduce, Reuse, (224) Stone Landscaping (225) Willows for the 12:30pm (221) Better Living about efficiency and green experience a wide range of products -until- energyConditions Chronic Care living andwill Rot Landscape, & Local 1:30pm Farmscape and Food Production in topics. “We will have lots of informative and services for the home, garden Home Decor and Cold Climates and fun attractions like the YMCA Healthy an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Experts will be (232) Yoga Wellness (233) Renovate with Color (234) The Wonderful World (235) Remodel for 2:00pm (231) Tree Crown -untilof Native Plants Health and Energy , Reduction and Living Mobile Kitchen , live appearances there to talk about organic gardening 3:00pm Efficiency Pruning of3:30pm the Asheville Tourists mascot, Ted(243) Growing appliances , essential oils , tree care, (244) Sustainability Starts (245) Which home Annual and (242) History and (241) Paint Color with the Land performance Perennial in , decks Feasibility of Electric Placement: The E. -untilTourist, large water features, electric hotFlowers tubs and patios , healthy 4:30pm upgrades are most your Landscape Cars Designer Secret to worth the money?

Successful Color vehicles andaPlan seminars focused on home, living , landscaping , nutrition , and garden and healthy living,” says show home building and remodeling, and SUNDAY, MARCH 19 owner and producer Tim Alexander. There’s much more. What are you waiting for?

(314) Homeopathy for (315) Where Did You Get (313) Growing Annual and (311) Tree Crown (312) Ayurvedic Massage: 12:00pm

something forReduction everyone ages!

-untilChronic CareThat Water Bottle Perennial Flowers in Pruning of all Restorative, 1:00pm Fleece? your Landscape & seminar schedules are Preventive, and Tickets available Dozens of seminars take Relaxing place over the at greenasheville.com .

Tickets may also three all included daily (325) Colloidal Silver for (324) Better Living (323) Edible & Practical 1:30pmdays, (321) Green Building 101 in (322) Goingadmission.

Green with -untilHealthy Living be purchased at the U.S. Box Office, Conditions and Cellular Landscaping: Small Your Cleaning Enjoy wish! Want Lots & Big Spaces 2:30pmas many seminars as you Local Food Supplies Production in Cold website, and are on sale during event hours. to learn the basics of homesteading and Climates

2017 SCHEDULE plansSEMINAR to remodel, build, or explore

THANKS TO OUR 2017 SPONSORS: 2017 SPONSORS:

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IWANNA SPRING 2017

Join us for the 2017 Home, Garden, & Green Living Show!

Breathe new life into your plans to plant, remodel, and build. With nearly 200 exhibitors, you’ll experience a collaboration of products and services for the home, garden, and an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Renew your spirit with one of our 40 workshops and sustainable lifestyle seminars, all from our experts in their field, and all FREE with admission!

To learn about this premier event, call or visit:

828.255.2526 | green asheville.com 0004870151

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real estate

steps to take before

an appraiser’s visit

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omeowners unfamiliar with the appraisal process might not know what to do to make it go more smoothly.

While certain variables, such as location of the home and values of surrounding homes, are beyond homeowners’ control, the Appraisal Institute recommends homeowners take the following steps before an appraiser visits their home.

Clean the house. A dirty, cluttered home

will not make the best impression on appraisers. Such homes may be vulnerable to insect infestations that can lead to structural problems. While not necessarily an indicator of infestations or a reflection of a home’s value, a clean home will create a stronger first impression.

Make necessary repairs ahead of time.

Homeowners who have been putting off repairs should make them before the appraiser arrives. Homes with pending repairs will likely be valued less than similar homes with no

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such issues. Though often costly, investing in home repairs will likely increase both the appraisal and resale value of the home.

Obtain all necessary documents in advance. Homeowners who have

documentation at the ready can speed up the appraisal process. Documentation may include a survey of the house and property; a deed; a recent tax bill; a list of items to be sold with the house; purchase history; and the original plans and specifications of the home.

Inform appraiser of recent improvements. Homeowners can inform

appraisers about any recent improvements to the home and the cost of those improvements.

The value of home improvements with regard to a home’s appraisal value vary depending on a host of variables, but having the info at the ready can help appraisers make the most informed appraisal possible. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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lawn & garden

gardening

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tips for novices

ome of the most popular gardens are plots designated for cultivating herbs and vegetables. Fresh produce at the ready is a great benefit of having a home garden, while also exercising full control over which products to use to grow robust, healthy vegetables.

When it comes to planting their first vegetable gardens, novice gardeners can benefit by starting small. You may want to begin by growing plants in containers so they are more manageable and can be moved as you discover which areas of your property provide the best growing conditions.

Begin with one or two types of vegetables.

Tomatoes, cucumbers and squashes are popular starter plants, as they are relatively hardy. Select only a few plants so you are not overwhelmed with the level of care required to maintain your garden.

Some gardeners prefer to start plants from seeds, but this will require more time

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and a greater commitment with regard to maintenance and planting. When just starting out, experiment with small plants that are established and already have a good root system.

Consult with your local gardening center for more suggestions, such as soil amendments.

Plants may require a certain soil pH that can be adjusted for optimal plant growth. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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home improvement

what to know before

replacing flooring

W

hether you are building a new house or making upgrades on a current home, there is a lot to consider when it comes to flooring. It’s important to keep in mind that the choices available have changed in recent years.Here are some things to know:

Choose Style. When people choose flooring

products, they may be ruling out a large swath of options because of the associations they have with specific materials. For example, you may not associate vinyl with luxury but new products on the market are redefining vinyl flooring, offering fashion-forward high-quality products in striking elegant designs.

Before making flooring decisions, get savvy and weigh all your current options. These days, it is possible to find flooring products that combine style, durability and low maintenance.

Ensure Durability. If you love the look

of traditional hardwood floors, consider all of your options. New vinyl technologies are allowing homeowners to get the same elegant style engineered to withstand the wear and tear to which wood is susceptible.

For example, Mohawk SolidTech, a luxury vinyl tile, has a thick, rigid construction and planks that look and feel just like real hardwood, but are designed to resist scratches, scuffs and indentation, and maintain stability under heat and temperature change. The planks also fit together to create an impenetrable lock so that the floors remain waterproof and odor-free.

Consider Maintenance. Make sure the

flooring you opt for is easy to clean and requires very little maintenance. If you have pets, you may want to consider getting extra protection with a special warranty designed for pet owners, such as Mohawk’s All Pet Protection and Warranty, which covers all pets and all accidents. More information can be found at MohawkFlooring.com. c ou r te s y of S TAT E P O I N T M E D I A . N E T

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lawn & garden

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aving stones are used around the house in many different applications, including on walkways and patios.

Sometimes, however, paving stones are beyond homeowners’ budgets. Fortunately, there’s another alternative that may look just as attractive and save homeowners money.

Stamped concrete, also called textured or imprinted concrete, is a design element that

did you know? replicates the look of stone, brick, wood, slate, or other materials in concrete. Stamped concrete can be used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, and pool decks. Stamped concrete also may be incorporated into interior flooring designs. Homeowners can explore their options with regard to stamped concrete by speaking with a masonry expert or landscape architect. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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home interior

create an effective

kitchen workflow

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athroom and kitchen makeovers are some of the most coveted and profitable improvements that can be made to a home. Installing new cabinetry, countertops and appliances can transform the look of a kitchen, but homeowners also must consider the functionality of design when renovating.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association suggests applying the kitchen “work triangle,” which is a concept used to create efficient kitchen layouts. The triangle comprises imaginary straight lines drawn from the cooking appliance, sink and refrigerator. These are where much of the work in the kitchen takes place. The general idea is that when the work triangle is positioned accordingly — with the three components in close proximity to one another — the kitchen is easier and more efficient to use. Homeowners will be able to move freely among these elements when they are placed at appropriate distances, reducing wasted steps.

Kitchen layout can be just as important as the decor and appliances within the kitchen.

The NKBA suggests following these guidelines to create efficient kitchens: • No major traffic patterns should cross through the triangle.

• The sum of the work triangle’s three sides should not exceed 26 feet. Each portion of the triangle should be between four and nine feet.

• Avoid cutting through an island or a peninsula.

• If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area or refrigerator.

The work triangle is a suggestion, not a law of design. As kitchens evolve and more people use them simultaneously, designers may take certain liberties — even having multiple triangles at play. Homeowners should also design their kitchens so they function best for their own individual lifestyles. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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Better products & prices while supporting the local economy!

Storm Drain Culvert • Silt Fence • Lime/Seed/Fertilizer • Native Seed Mixes • Box Culvert • Concrete Catch Basins • Hydro Mulch & Hydro-seeding Products • Permeable Pavers • Herbicides • Pre-emergents • Ice Melt • Erosion Matting • Construction & Landscape Fabrics • Retaining Wall Block • Geo Grids • Yard Drainage Materials • Gabion Baskets • Straw Bales/Wattles • Coir Fiber • Jute Matting • Pond Skimmers • Bagged Mulch • Holganix Fertilizer • Soil Amendments • Pine Straw Bales • Compost

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itework, Erosion & Seeding Supply Company, also known as SESSCO, was founded in October 2014 by local Canton resident Mark Parham with the help of Ron and Judy Kirkland of K & M Products and Ed Martin of MST Concrete Products inc.

SESSCO currently shares a campus with MST Concrete Products inc in Fletcher NC. This was a result of several requests by local contractors seeking a locally owned and operated one stop shop for erosion, landscape, storm water and concrete products.

We strive to provide our customers accurate technical knowledge about the products and applications of products we offer as well as adequate inventory at a competitive cost. Our

goal is to save our customers money and time by offering a multitude of products under one roof. We have taken great measures to be able to fulfill orders and get customers loaded and back on the jobsite as fast as possible! We greatly understand that not only price, but time is money also!

We strive for long term relationships with our customers. If you have suggestions, ideas or simply would like to see us inventory a product that you use often, then by all means please let us know! We are here to help you!

For engineers, owners & developers, we offer our services, experience and knowledge to help you value engineer your projects. Please feel free to contact Mark Parham directly!

209 Cane Creek Rd • Fletcher, NC P: 828-654-8990 • F: 828-654-8993

www.sesscompany.com IWANNA SPRING 2017

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ADVERTISEMENT

Who’s at your house?

J ust how well do you know that person doing work for you at your house? Even more importantly, how well do you know their insurance coverage?

Be sure the person cleaning your home, walking the dog or mowing the lawn has coverage to protect you and themselves from costly lawsuits that can wipe out finances. General Liability insurance provides coverage in the event that a worker causes injury to others or damages property. Workers Compensation coverage covers employees for injuries incurred on the job. It is important to have proof of coverage by obtaining a Certificate of Insurance before any work is started.

General Liability insurance will pay the amount that the insured becomes legally obligated to pay from damages caused by “bodily injury” or “property damage” to which this insurance applies. Also, the insurance will have the right and duty to defend the insured against any “suit” seeking those damages. For instance, a landscaper who mows over a nail causing it to be impelled into a passerby, or a painter spray painting a house on a windy day accidentally paints a car parked in the 20

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driveway. However, insurance will not pay damages caused intentionally.

Workers Compensation applies to bodily injury by accident or bodily injury by disease. Bodily injury includes injury resulting in death. Examples of Worker compensation exposure could be a house cleaner tripping down the stairs, someone cleaning out the gutters falls off the roof or the nanny is injured in a car accident on her way to pick up the children from school.

Protect financial assets by only using insured workers at your home or business. Gone are the days you can take someone’s word that they are insured.

However wonderful that landscaper is, get proof he has General Liability and Workers Compensation coverage. Having certificates of insurance in hand before someone starts working helps protect you!

Be sure you know who it is you’ve opened the doors of your home to.

Written by Michele Owenby James, Vice President Pamela H. Owenby Insurance Inc. Learn more about coverage options at eliteashevilleinsurance.com

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home interior

6

ways to update

home decor

Spring is the perfect time reevaluate your home’s décor and color palette.

After the long winter season, interiors often need a facelift. Get inspired to freshen up your home with these six 2017 décor trends from interior designer and DIY television personality, Taniya Nayak.

1updates can help create an elegant family 4feel wrapped in luxury with this emerging Add timeless touches. Tasteful

room that will never go out of style. Display heirlooms and vintage-inspired items, such as traditional candle holders or a vase, and pair with a modern color scheme such as white or navy, to achieve a tailored and timeless look in your living room.

2Morph a wide-open space together with Apply modern morphing techniques.

bold colors and patterns that help bridge the gap between rooms. Accomplish this with a large piece of geometric artwork or by utilizing color-blocking techniques to paint an accent wall, which tricks the eye as to where one room ends and another begins.

Before painting an accent wall, it’s important to tape off windows, doorways and trim to prevent splatter. One of the most important tools for any painting project is a premium painter’s tape, such as FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology to help ensure your work looks seamless and to deliver the sharpest transition lines between the newly painted accent wall and adjacent walls.

3Be bold and embrace this indie-meets-

Interweave textures & bold patterns.

mid-century trend to add character to a space. An easy way to attain this look is by pairing patterned pillows with deep, intense colors from an area rug. Or, take it one step further and create a wall design comprised of overlapping paint using rich shades such as blue, pink or red, for a truly authentic look.

Create luscious layers. Allow yourself to

trend. When creating a peaceful nest, immerse yourself in layers by integrating different textures and soft patterns in colors, such as blush pinks, creams and soft grays. Start by adding blankets and sheer drapery. Place a rug on top of carpet. Finish the look with ruffled pillows or a faux fur throw for a space that is cozy and chic.

5Elevate your home with handmade personal

DIY haute homemade projects.

touches that bring comfort and warmth into a room. Go bold and paint stripes on an area rug, or give flea market finds a chic update with metallic paint. If you want to start small, try transforming an ordinary basic into a fun planter by painting the bottom with fresh white paint. For professional looking results, you can use FrogTape brand painter’s tape to achieve a crisp line.

6Integrate fresh flowers and surprising Incorporate nature’s influence.

pops of color, like yellow or teal, with natural finishes, such as wood, to create an unexpected yet whimsical look. Or create a statement accent piece by painting a natureinspired pattern like florals or feathers. All you need is paint and painter’s tape to DIY a look that brings nature’s outdoor influence inside.

More inspiration and popular trends are available at frogtape.com IWANNA SPRING 2017

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lawn & garden

steps to take for a more

eco-friendly lawn Maintaining a lush lawn is a healthy and rewarding hobby that affords homeowners to spend some time outdoors in nature. Lawn enthusiasts can make their hobby even healthier by adopting several eco-friendly lawn care strategies that not only make for a healthier lawn, but a healthier planet as well.

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esponsible landscaping has grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners are adopting eco-friendly lawn care practices in the same way they have embraced environmentally conscious behaviors in other areas of their lives. The following are a handful of ways lawn care enthusiasts can incorporate eco-friendly practices into their landscaping routines.

Maintain an appropriate grass height.

When temperatures start to peak in summer, homeowners may be tempted to cut their grass as close as possible so they can reduce the number of afternoons they spend riding or pushing a mower in the hot sun. But cutting too low makes the grass increasingly susceptible to infestations and disease, and such problems may need to be remedied with potentially harmful pesticides if no other approach proves effective. Even if it means an extra afternoon or two mowing under the hot sun, maintaining an appropriate grass height can lead to a healthier lawn, as longer grass soaks up more sunlight, allowing it to grow a deep root system that will help a lawn survive drought and other potential problems.

Cut back on harmful pesticides. Many

homeowners now prefer to avoid pesticides at all costs, but sometimes pesticides are a 24

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last resort when lawns are falling victim to harmful insects and organisms. Homeowners who want to embrace more eco-friendly lawn care practices can cut back on their use of pesticides, first trying more environmentally friendly options. For example, biopesticides are made from naturally occurring materials, including animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, biopesticides are often inherently less toxic than more conventional pesticides. In addition, biopesticides typically affect only the pest causing the problem, whereas broad spectrum pesticides may affect surrounding organisms, such as birds and mammals, in addition to the targeted pest. The EPA (www. epa.gov) advises homeowners hoping to use biopesticides first learn about managing pests so they can effectively remedy problems on their properties.

Harvest rainwater. Lawns need water,

especially when temperatures rise in the summer. But watering lawns can have an adverse effect on your community’s water supply, draining that supply and hurting the community in the long run. Homeowners who can harvest rainwater can drastically reduce their impact on their community water supply, thereby helping the planet and their community, especially if they reside in locales

lawn & garden where water resources are traditionally scarce.

When rainwater is harvested, it is collected from downspouts before it washes into nearby sewage systems. Many lawn and garden retailers sell rainwater harvesting systems, which homeowners can install themselves or pay a landscaping professional to install for them.

Lay mulch down around trees, shrubs and flower beds. Trees, shrubs and flower

beds need water, especially in the summer when rising temperatures pose a threat to plants. Homeowners can cut back on the water they use to protect those plants by laying organic mulch in the spring. Organic mulch conserves moisture in soil, promoting stronger roots in plants and helping homeowners cut back on the amount of watering they need to maintain a garden that’s both healthy and pleasing to the eye. Organic mulch, which might be made of bark, is also heavy, making it hard for ugly weeds that rob plants of water to thrive. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

â–˛ COLLECT RAINWATER runoff with rain barrels and save enough water to help you get through the hot and dry summer months.

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home improvements

home improvements that will increase your home value

When granite countertops or shiny new appliances beckon homeowners from home improvement store displays, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult.

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eturn on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while seemingly smaller projects bring substantial returns. Homeowners can couple their real estate professional’s advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the greatest financial impact from their renovations. The following were some of the 2015 projects that garnered the greatest ROI.

Open the door to improvement. Region by

region across the United States, installation of a new steel door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at the highest, to 86 percent at the lowest — which is still a considerable investment return for such a simple project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value.

Turn up the kitchen heat. An attractive kitchen can encourage buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components.

In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI.

Dreaming of a new bedroom. Remodeling

magazine also points to creating an attic bedroom to increase home value. The ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83 percent ROI.

Home maintenance projects. There’s

little good to improving the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a home if there are existing structural or maintenance issues, warn experts. Siding replacement, HVAC system repair or replacement, a new roof, and basement dampness prevention solutions can be smarter investments before other flashy remodels. Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Worthy window replacement. Angie’s List,

a home services review and referral resource, has found that the average ROI of new windows is 77 percent. The cost of installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point.

If remodeling is on the horizon, homeowners should give strong consideration to ROI before choosing a project. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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lawn & garden

spruce up your garden with

bird safety

in mind

You may not realize it, but the average residential property can be hazardous to local wildlife without proper precautions taken.

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n estimated 98 million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when colliding with windows, according to Western Ecosystems Technology, making your home a potential death trap during migratory season.

However, there are steps you can take to not only protect the birds whose flight path traverses your yard and garden, but also offer them a safe place to rest and feed – adding natural beauty for your garden.

Start by making glass visible to birds by applying safety decals to window exteriors every few feet. Remember sliding glass doors as well.

To maintain the look of your home and your own view out the window, use decals that are unobtrusive to the human eye, but contain a component that reflects ultraviolet sunlight. Those from WindowAlert have proven in studies to be an effective visual barrier that only birds can see, particularly when combined with WindowAlert UV Liquid, a gel which can be applied between decals for greater protection.

“Everyone can help contribute toward making migration safer for birds,” says

“Birds play a valuable role in our ecosystem. Protecting them from the hazards humans have created will not only save lives, but will improve your local environment, too.”

Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert.

Because the UV reflectivity may fade over time based on exposure, replace the decals every four months and reapply the liquid every three months.

Schock also points out that if you want migratory birds to stay awhile, you may want to consider avoiding the use of pesticides that kill insects which are their natural food source.

A strategically placed bird feeder -- either within three feet of a window or over 30 feet away in order to prevent bird strikes -- can provide nourishment and energy to hungry birds. Ideally, bird feeders will be placed well away from where prey may be lurking, such as bushes and trees.

If you own cats, you should also be mindful of their danger to birds and monitor your cats’ time spent outdoors to ensure they are not hunting feathered friends.

More tips for turning your yard into a safe haven for birds can be found at windowalert. com c ou r te s y of S TAT E P O I N T M E D I A . N E T

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simple ways to save

home finances

There are many simple ways for homeowners to reduce monthly expenditures and realize savings, and the easiest place to start is with your monthly energy bill. Here are a few changes you can make that can have a lasting impact on your wallet and the planet:



Cool your house with a ceiling or electric fan and open the windows at night. Ceiling fans cost about 1¢ per two hours of use, compared to 67¢ to $1 for central air. Use your AC only when necessary and be sure to turn it off when you’re going to be away from home for long periods of time.

Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature in your house, saving you energy while you’re away or sleeping.

Use insulation with a high R-value.

Experts and professionals often use a stone wool product called Roxul ComfortBatt, which can be used to top up the insulation in your attic. Topping up insulation to a depth of 16” or an R-value of 50 will help to take the stress off your air conditioning unit.

 



Check the tightness of your refrigerator seal by closing the door on a piece of paper. If it’s held in place, the seal is still good. If not, it’s time to replace the seal or fix the door’s alignment.

Only do laundry or dishes when you have full loads. If you have smaller loads, make sure to use the correct settings.

If you only have a couple of items, wait it out or wash them by hand.



Also consider low-cost DIY projects such as caulking around windows, adding weatherstripping to doors, installing low-flow shower heads, putting aerators on faucets, and switching to energy-efficient LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs for even greater impact. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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home improvements

how to transform a

fixer upper

The real estate market will always have its ups and downs, but real estate is an oft-profitable investment. Some investors see a house as a place to hang their hats for years and years, while others look at properties as nothing more than investments.

B

uying a home with the intent to fix it up and resell it is called a “fix and flip.”

In such situations, investors buy homes at below-market prices before refurbishing the homes with the goal of recouping their initial investment and then some when the homes are ultimately put back on the market.

Flipping has become popular for both expert remodelers and novice investors. RealtyTrac®, the nation’s leading source for comprehensive housing data, noted in its “Year-End and Q4

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2015 U.S. Home Flipping” report that 5.5 percent of all single family home and condo sales during the year were flipped properties.

This marked an increase from the same time the previous year.

home improvements Investing in a fixer-upper requires a leap of faith and a vision of what the home can look like in the future. Turning a real estate lemon into lemonade requires certain skills and a good measure of patience. The following are some guidelines to get anyone started.

such as carpeting, appliances, interior paint colors and cabinetry. Focus on the bones of the house — the architectural integrity and those little touches that you envision having a “wow” factor.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

think they’ll save the most money by doing all of the work themselves. This isn’t always the case. Professional architects, designers and contractors may help you save money.

Contractors have an intimate knowledge of where to buy materials and may be able to negotiate prices based on wholesale or trade costs. In addition, experts can help you avoid common pitfalls because they’ve already done this type of work time and again. It’s smart to rely on expert advice, even if it means investing a little bit more.

Make an honest assessment of your abilities and which renovations, if any, you can handle. If you are unskilled or inexperienced working with your hands, then it can be easy for an investment property to quickly become a money pit. Before purchasing a property, hire a trained home inspector to tour the home with you and point out all of the areas that will need renovation. With this list, begin getting estimates on how much money the work will entail. Determine if this fits with your budget or not. You do not want to invest so much that it exceeds what you could feasibly recoup when it comes time to sell.

Overlook cosmetic things when visiting properties. Cosmetic issues include all of the easily replaceable items in a home,

Seek the help of experts. Some flippers

Save money by doing some work yourself. While the pros may tackle the more complex parts of a given project, such as rewiring electricity or changing the footprint of a home, you can still be involved. Ask to (continued on page 32)

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home improvements (continued from page 31)

participate in demolition, such as taking down walls or removing old materials from the home. Such participation may be fun, and it can save you substantial amounts of money on labor.

Recognize that not everything must be completely redone. Realize that, in some

instances, a coat of paint and some new accents may be all you need to transform a space. For example, if kitchen cabinets are in good condition, see if they can be refaced or painted instead of replaced entirely. Install new door pulls/handles to add visual interest.

Look for some ready-made items, such as bookshelves, instead of installing custom carpentry.

Think about what the buyer wants.

Renovate with an eye toward prospective buyers’ needs. Keep things neutral and accommodating. Research the latest trends to understand what buyers might be seeking in a home. You want potential buyers to envision themselves moving right in.

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Renovating a fixer-upper takes time, but it can be a worthwhile project, and one that can help anyone turn a profit in a booming real estate market. c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

entertaining

movie night

in your backyard

A

n outdoor movie night can be a fun way to get friends together. Such parties produce minimal mess because the festivities take place outdoors. Projectors, many of which can now hook up to mobile phones capable of streaming movies, and a “screen� are all hosts need to host a fun

outdoor movie night. Large, white sheets or the side of a home can work as a screen.

But homeowners can purchase screens from electronics retailers as well. Arrange picnic blankets and lawn chairs throughout the yard so guests have somewhere to sit and enjoy the show! c ou r te s y of M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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how to

tend an indoor herb garden

F

resh herbs and ingredients add flavor to any meal. A home chef can even improve the flavor of store-bought or prepared foods with an herb garnish to transform otherwise bland dishes into something to eat again and again.

Harvesting fresh herbs is easy for homeowners who have gardens right in their backyards. However, not everyone has a backyard, and even those who do might find their gardens threatened by changing seasons or unwanted critters. When gardens are moved indoors, the bounty of fresh ingredients continues no matter the date on the calendar.

Herb gardens are perhaps some of the easiest gardens to cultivate indoors because

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they don’t require large pots or much space. The plants themselves are relatively compact, and it only takes a pinch of herbs to give a meal some extra flavor.

When growing herbs indoors, your indoor growing area must have adequate light to simulate the longer days of summer; otherwise, the plants may go dormant. It’s ideal to have a southern exposure, with at least eight hours of sunlight per day. If you do not live in a particularly sunny locale, consider supplementing the plants with grow lights, which will provide the full spectrum of light the plants need to thrive.

Indoor air can become too dry for herbs, so you will need to compensate by providing humidity. While there may be added

gardening humidity in a kitchen greenhouse window, it still may not be enough to keep the plants healthy. Think about misting the plants daily to create some extra humidity, or place herb pots on top of a water-filled tray with pebbles so the evaporating water will add moisture without making the roots soggy.

Insects are another threat to indoor gardens because there is no cold weather to inhibit the hatching of insect eggs. Soil from outdoors may be more susceptible to insects that are already living in the dirt.

Instead of soil from outside, use packaged soil or a nonsoil alternative that will hold moisture without the added risk of bugs.

If small insects appear, use a mist of soapy water to kill the bugs without harming the plants or making the herbs unfit for eating.

Group herbs together according to their watering needs to make maintenance that much easier. New sprouts generally need more water than established plants.

Prune the herbs as needed for recipes. If they experience a growth spurt, trim the plants and freeze the herbs for later use.

by M E T R O C R E AT I V E C O N N E C T I O N

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local events NORTH CAROLINA WNC Home, Garden & Green Living Show

March 17-19, US Cellular Center Downtown Asheville The WNC Home, Garden and Green Living Show will feature products and services for the home, garden and an eco-friendly lifestyle. greenasheville.com

Vintage Market Days

March 17-19, WNC Ag Center An upscale vintage-inspired indoor/ outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home dĂŠcor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more. For tickets and more info, visit vintagemarketdays.com

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Biltmore Blooms

March 20-May 25, Biltmore Estate This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 90,000+ tulips and elaborate floral displays.

To learn more, visit biltmore.com/events

WNC Orchid Society Annual Show

10am-5pm March 25-26, NC Arboretum & Hilton - Biltmore Park This year, the annual American Orchid Society Member Conference will be held in conjunction with the show. Includes orchid exhibits, vendors, educational programs and raffle prizes. ncarboretum.org

Spring Plant Sale

9am-5pm April 28-29, Bullington Gardens, Hendersonville Featuring a wide variety of native and nonnative perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable starts, and small trees and shrubs. To learn more, visit bullingtongardens.org

SOUTH CAROLINA Cooking Class - St Patty’s Day Rainbow Pizza & Beer

March 15, Upcountry Provisions Bakery & Bistro, 6809 State Park Rd, Travelers Rest Get the techniques to mix, toss, shape, top and bake crusty artisan pizza. 5-7 pm.

Admission: $25.00 Email: info@upcountryprovisions.com Contact:Cheryl Kraus Phone:864-834-8433

Old Farm Days

March 25, Agricultural Museum & Woodburn Historic Home, 120 History Lane, Pendleton Want to be an exhibitor to demonstrate old time crafts? Want to show off your old & unique farm equipment, you can also bring animals to the event. Call Nikki Saylors at 864.646.7172 or email nsaylors@bgamsc.org if you would like to participate or need more information. andersonscchamber.com

Reedy River Clean Up

9am-5pm, March 18, Check in will be at St. Matthew Methodist Church, 701 Cleveland St, Greenville We will be working on removing trash and debris in several areas along the river. We have also added a river restoration aspect to this project. In cooperation with the City of Greenville we will remove invasive species along the river in Cleveland Park and replant the area with native species. Please park in the church parking lot and come to the covered shelter behind the church to sign in. You will be asked to sign a safety waiver if you haven’t already done so and will find your clean up area based on number of volunteers needed and given any final instructions necessary at that time.

We will have some extra gloves, but please bring some if you have them. Also consider bringing old shoes, or boots that can get wet, long pants, hat and sunscreen, yard clippers or extension arms (please label these items in case they get left behind), as well as your camera. We love pictures! www.friendsofthereedyriver.org

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