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Home on the Rio Grande
Page 2
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Shade-tolerant plants help to complete landscapes
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Walking on the lawn can cause soil compaction that eventually leads to damage.
Problems that can lead to lawn damage A beautiful lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Some homeowners may find that lovely lawns may last momentarily, only to disappear when damage — be it pest-, weather- or childrelated — sets in. While well-established turf can be resilient, even the most well-maintained lawns can be vulnerable. Preventing lawn damage first involves getting to the root of the problem. • Lack of sunlight: All plants need the proper ratio of sunlight to grow. Too much sunlight and plant blades can scorch. Too little sunlight and grass may turn brown and die. Although there are shade-tolerant varieties of grass, homeowners also can explore alternative landscapes. Work in a garden bed or create a design that utilizes gravel or mulch. Avoid aggressively pruning back trees to give the lawn more sunlight in that area, as this may just damage the trees. • Chemical spills: Gasoline and fertilizer spills and pesticide applications in high concentrations can cause the lawn to yellow or brown in spots. Carefully refill lawn gas tanks and fertilizer spreaders on the sidewalk or driveway to avoid overflow onto the lawn. If spills occur, flood the area promptly with water to dilute. • Foot traffic: Lawns can take a pounding from foot traffic, leading to compaction and spots of dead lawn. Try to redirect the traffic elsewhere to give worn down areas a break. Aeration can
relieve soil compaction. If a certain area has become the de facto pathway, install a paver, gravel or concrete walkway in that spot. • Debris: Leaving a tool, kids’ toys, piece of wood, or any debris on the lawn can quickly suffocate the grass beneath and cause the lawn to die quickly. Make sure that no items are left on the lawn for an extended period of time. • Mowing patterns: Running the mower in the same pattern over and over can cause ruts in the grass that lead to damage, so avoid mowing in the same direction on consecutive cuts. Avoid mowing on very hot days or when the lawn is soggy. Both can cause tracks to form in the lawn. • Mowers: Dull lawn mower blades can damage lawns, as can mowing too fast. Grass blades can be torn, snapped and more, resulting in brown spots. • Wildlife: Animals and insects can destroy turf roots. Animals or insects may feed on the grass from underneath its surface, compromising the lawn’s ability to procure nutrients and water. Animals like moles or raccoons may feed on grubs in the lawn, and treating for grubs can alleviate torn-up turf. Lawns can be hearty, but they’re also highly susceptible to damage. Even seemingly harmless things can compromise the integrity of a lawn. Understanding the causes of lawn damage can help homeowners protect their lawns. GT174888
Plants need sunlight to thrive and grow, but some need less sunlight than others. People who find their landscapes are less supportive to sun-loving plants can choose from a variety of shade-tolerant plants, shrubs and trees. Shade tolerance refers to a plant’s ability to withstand low levels of light. Certain plants have adapted this feature to survive in the wild. Plants that grow at the base of forest floors, for example, will get less sunlight than others outside of the tree canopy. Such adaptations enable a wide variety of foliage to grow even though they are not exposed to much sunlight. While sun-loving plants often have broad leaves and expend significant energy to capture sunlight for photosynthesis, shade-tolerant plants expend less energy and tend to be more efficient consumers of soil nutrients and sunlight. Penn State Extension’s Plant and Pests division says the amount of shade a plant is growing under will directly affect the density of the foliage and the plant’s flowering and fruiting characteristics. Blending shade-tolerant plants into the landscape can be an effective use of space. Before choosing plants for an existing landscape, it’s important to assess the level of shade or sun the plants will receive. • Heavy shade: Heavy shade is when no direct sunlight reaches a plant. This occurs at the base of northern-facing walls or beneath thick tree canopies. • Full sun: Areas that receive full sun enjoy direct sunlight between six and eight hours per day. • Moderate shade: These sites have reflected sunlight that may come off of water features. • Light shade: Plants in these areas will get partially filtered or dappled sunlight. Once homeowners understand which type of shade they are dealing with, they can then visit plant nurseries and select their plants. Most greenery comes with care instructions that include recommendations regarding the amount of shade/
sunlight the plant will need to do well. If further assistance is needed, a knowledgeable employee can make suggestions based on landscape needs. Those who are looking for some preliminary guidance when it comes to selecting shade-tolerant shrubs, plants or trees can consult the following list. • Bleeding heart: Bleeding heart, or Dicentra spectabilis, is typically found in woodlands. It’s a perennial in the poppy family that produces mounded foliage and arching vine-like stems of heart-shaped flowers in the spring. • Amethyst flower: Browallia hybrids offer star-shaped blooms of blue and violet. These plants will billow out of hanging baskets or containers, and they prefer warm shade or filtered sunlight. • Coleus: The coleus, Solenostemon scutellarioides, is another perennial that can have a variety of different leaf colors and striations. • Witch hazels: These are a genus in the family Hamamelidacea, which has four different species in North America. This shrub or small tree features arching branches with dense, multi-stemmed clumps. Witch hazel produces flowers in the late autumn when most other plants are sparse. • Bayberry: Myrica pensylvanica can grow in partial shade as a hedge or natural property divider. The leaves of this shrub are aromatic when crushed. The shrub will produce tiny, gray/white fruits in late summer. • English Ivy: Also known as Hedera helix, this trailing plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. It will spread easily and can become invasive. Those searching for shade-tolerant trees can choose among Sugar maple, Black alder, Flowering dogwood, and White spruce, among others. Shade-tolerant plants can make welcome additions to the landscape, offering greenery and color in the darker areas of a property. GT174893
Did you know? One of the ways homeowners can keep their lawns looking lush and green is to aerate the turf when the need arises. Aerators perforate the soil with small holes. These holes allow air, nutrients and water to penetrate all the way to the roots, helping them grow deep and strong. Deep, strong roots are essential to healthy, lush lawns. While aeration can help many lawns, not every lawn will necessarily need to be aerated. Lawns that get heavy use, such as those that are often played on by children or pets, will likely benefit from periodic aeration. Feeling the lawn also can help homeowners determine if it needs to be aerated. Lawns that dry out quickly or feel
spongy may be overcome with thatch, which can prevent lawns from getting the air, water and nutrients they need to thrive. Lawncare professionals recommend aerating lawns that contain thatch that is more than one-half inch. Thatch also can foster grub infestations, providing another benefit to removing it and aerating a lawn. When to aerate depends on the type of grass. Homeowners should consult with a lawncare professional about the best time to aerate their particular lawns, but it’s generally recommended that cool-season grasses be aerated in early spring or fall, while it’s best to aerate warm season grasses in late spring. GT174922
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Shade-tolerant plants, such as coleus, can add color and appeal to shady areas of a landscape.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Home on the Rio Grande
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Treating lawns during drought or dry periods “Drought” can be a four-letter word to many lawncare enthusiasts. Homeowners who put in the hours and hard work to create beautiful, lush lawns can see the fruits of all their labor gradually disappear when drought sets in. That can be both frustrating to homeowners and detrimental to long-term lawn health. Treating lawns during drought or dry periods can be tricky, as some homeowners may be forced to adhere to water restrictions established by their local governments. Still, there are some ways to obey the law and still help lawns withstand drought and dry periods. • Postpone fertilizer applications. Fertilizers are designed to help grass grow, but growing grass needs water it won’t have access to when water restrictions have been put in place. If a lawn needs to be fertilized during drought or dry periods, homeowners should consult with lawncare professionals, who may have experience applying fertilizer during drought. Professionals also may have access to more fertilizing products than homeowners will find at nearby lawn and garden centers. • Pull weeds by hand instead of applying herbicides. Herbicides are substances used to destroy unwanted vegetation, such as weeds. When applied during droughts or dry periods, such products
can make it harder for grass to overcome weeds. Instead of applying herbicides during drought or dry periods, pull weeds by hand. Doing so can address a weed problem without harming the grass. • Water early. Water restrictions might not completely deny homeowners the right to water their lawns. Rather, such regulations restrict how much water homeowners can use to treat their lawns during drought or dry periods. Watering early, ideally between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., ensures as little water as possible will be lost to evaporation and as much as possible will find its way onto the grass and into the soil. During periods of drought, temperatures tend to be at their highest in mid- to late-afternoon, so change automatic sprinkler timers if they are set to water during these hours. • Adjust lawnmower blade height. Grass grows more slowly during drought or dry periods. As a result, homeowners won’t need to mow as often during such times as they would when conditions are more favorable. But lawns may still need to be mowed during drought. When mowing, leave grass on the longer side. Mowing stresses grass, which is already under considerable stress during drought. By setting mower blades to cut no more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, homeowners can
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Homeowners can employ various techniques to keep their lawns looking lush throughout drought and dry periods.
encourage roots to grow deeper. Deep roots owners’ lush lawns. But lawn care enthusiasts help the grass combat the effects of drought. will have to alter their lawn care routines when Drought and dry periods need not ruin home- conditions are dry. GT174907
Tips to help novice composters get started
The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that food scraps and yard waste account for between 20 and 30 percent of what we throw away. But thanks to composting, such waste can be put to work rather than discarded. Compost is organic material that helps plants grow when added to soil. Benefitting the planet in myriad ways, compost enriches the soil by helping it retain moisture. The EPA notes that composting also reduces the need for chemical fertilizers while also suppressing plant diseases and pests. In addition, when homeowners
compost, they inadvertently reduce methane emissions from landfills, thereby lowering their carbon footprints. Homeowners who do not know how to compost can consider the following tips as they start compost piles on their properties. • Choose an accessible spot on your property. When looking for a spot on your property for your compost bin, choose a location that’s easily accessible. The less accessible the bin is, the less likely you are to stick with composting over the long-term. The EPA also recommends placing a compost bin or pile in a dry, shady spot near a water source. • Add the appropriate materials. Animal waste, cooked foods, diseased plants, and fresh weeds from perennial plants should not be added to a compost pile. The EPA recommends moistening dry materials as they’re added and adding brown and green materials as they are collected. Examples of green waste include grass clippings, weeds from annual plants and plant trimmings. Brown materials include dead leaves and shredded cardboard. Chop or shred large pieces before adding them to the pile. • Give the pile structure. Layering materials can give compost piles better structure. The EPA suggests burying fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of compost material, including brown and green waste. • Turn and aerate the pile. Using a garden fork, periodiCourtesy photo cally turn the compost pile.
Did you know?
If you think that the only way to exercise and burn calories involves gym equipment, think again. Yard work can be just as challenging as a thorough aerobics workout at a nearby fitness club. To reap the greatest benefits, gardeners should use as little motorized machinery as possible. Manual tools will get you moving and can burn a substantial amount of calories. Try to vary positions and alternate which hands you
use to reduce strain and get an even workout. Fitness experts say that gardening can improve strength, increase endurance and assist with flexibility. According to a report in the UK publication The Telegraph, clearing a pond or weeding can burn some 300 calories in an hour. Forty-five minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics. GT174890
This aerates the heap and provides oxygen that can accelerate the decomposition of the pile. Piles that are not periodically turned and aerated may grow malodorous, which can be unpleasant for homeowners who hope to add materials to their piles on a regular basis. In addition, without the heat produced by aeration, composting piles will break down very slowly.
• Recognize when the material is ready. The EPA notes that compost is ready to use when materials at the bottom of a pile are dark and rich in color. According to the EPA, this can take anywhere from two months to two years, so composters must be patient. More information about composting can be found at www.epa.gov. GT174909
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Home on the Rio Grande
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Beginner’s guide to real estate investments
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Eliminating pet odors, including those associated with pets, can help homeowners prepare their homes for prospective buyers.
3 tips to prepare to sell your home According to Realtor.com, spring is the busiest and best season to sell a home. While a good home can find a buyer any time of year, homeowners might find the buyers’ pool is strongest in spring and into summer. The reasons for that are many, ranging from parents wanting to move when their children are not in school to buyers wanting to move when the weather is most accommodating. Because spring is such a popular time to sell a home, homeowners who want to put their homes on the market should use winter as an opportunity to prepare their homes for the prying eyes of prospective buyers. The following tips can help homeowners during the pre-selling preparation process. 1. Address the exterior of the home. Winter can be harsh on a home’s exterior, so as winter winds down, homeowners who want to sell their homes should make an effort to address anything that might negatively affect their homes’ curb appeal. A study of homes in Greenville, S.C., from researchers at Clemson University found that the value of homes with landscapes that were upgraded from “good” to “excellent” increased by 6 to 7 percent. If it’s in the budget, hire professional landscapers to fix any problematic landscaping or address any issues that arose during the winter. Homeowners with green thumbs can tackle such projects on their own, but hiring professionals is akin to staging inside the home. 2. Conquer interior clutter. Clutter has a way of accumulating over the winter, when people tend to spend more time indoors than they do throughout the rest of the year. Homeowners who
want to put their homes on the market in spring won’t have the luxury of waiting until spring to do their “spring” cleaning, so start clearing any clutter out in winter, even resolving to make an effort to prevent its accumulation throughout winter. Just like buyers are impressed by curb appeal, they are turned off by clutter. The Appraisal Institute suggests homeowners clear clutter out of their homes before appraisers visit, and the same approach can be applied to open houses. Buyers, like appraisers, see cluttered homes as less valuable. In addition, a home full of clutter might give buyers the impression, true or not, that the home was not well maintained. 3. Eliminate odors. A home’s inhabitants grow accustomed to odors that might be circulating throughout the house. Pet odor, for instance, might not be as strong to a home’s residents as it is to guests and prospective buyers. Because windows tend to stay closed throughout the winter, interior odors can be even stronger come late-winter than they are during the rest of the year. A thorough cleaning of the house, including vacuuming and removal of any pet hair that accumulated over the winter, can help to remove odor. In the weeks leading up to the open house, bathe pets more frequently, using a shampoo that promotes healthy skin so pet dander is not as prevalent. Open windows when the weather allows so more fresh air comes into the home. Spring is a popular and potentially lucrative time to sell a home, and homeowners who spend winter preparing their homes for the market may reap even greater rewards. SH172757
Did you know? According to Bank of America, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a line of credit secured by a homeowner’s home. The HELOC is a revolving credit line, which means it allows homeowners to borrow up to the credit limit amount and re-borrow in repeated transactions once the outstanding balance has been repaid. A HELOC may have a lower interest rate than other types of loans, and BoA notes that interest paid on a HELOC is often tax-deductible. Not every homeowner is eligible for a HELOC. To be eligible, homeowners must have available equity in their homes. That means the amount
they owe on their homes must be less than the value of the home. Before applying for a HELOC, homeowners should know that just because they were approved for a mortgage does not mean they will be approved for a HELOC. Lenders will examine many of the same variables, including credit score, monthly income and employment history, when weighing whether or not to approve a HELOC. Homeowners whose employment situations have changed or whose credit scores have dipped may want to wait to apply for a HELOC until they can make their applications more attractive. MM16C619
Purchasing a house or property is about more than setting up a home. Although quite a number of people buy real estate to establish their future, long-term abodes, many others recognize the potentially lucrative investment that lies within a real estate purchase. Despite the ups and downs of the economy, real estate has become a common investment vehicle — one that has plenty of potential for making big gains for those who are willing to put in the effort. According to the experts at Entrepreneur, even in a bad economy, real estate investments will usually fare better than stocks. Real estate also continues to appreciate despite the occasional economical slow-down. Like any other endeavor, there is a right and a wrong way to go about investing in real estate. Novices may not know where to begin their first forays into the real estate market as investors, even if they already own their own homes. Buying a property as an investment is an entirely different animal than buying a home to establish a residence. However, with the right guidance, anyone can dabble in real estate. • Establish financial goals. Before you even begin looking at properties or put forth the effort of meeting with an agent, you must determine what you expect from the investment. The days of buying real estate and flipping it for a fast profit may no longer be here. However, real estate can provide a steady stream of long-term income. Understand what you hope to achieve by investing. If it’s to become an overnight millionaire, you may be looking at the wrong investment vehicle in real estate. • Establish a plan. New investors who do not have a plan in place will likely spend too much or have more setbacks than others who have planned accordingly. When investing in real estate, it’s more about the bottom line than the property itself. According to Springboard Academy, a real estate
academy for investors, look for motivated sellers and stick to a set purchase price. Try to make offers on a variety of properties that work in your financial favor. And know what you want to do with the property (i.e., renovate and sell, remove and rebuild, or rehab and rent) before you buy. Fit the house to the plan, and not vice-versa. • Start small. If this is your first time out there, stick with properties that will turnover quickly. Research areas in and around urban centers or close to transportation and shopping. A good starter property is a small house or a condominium that can be refurbished and then rented. Rental properties offer steady sources of income when renters are properly vetted, offers Investopedia, an investment resource. • Look at many different properties. Become an expert by learning as much as you can about what is out there. Attend open houses; look for vacant/ unattractive properties; scour the classifieds in your local paper; or put the word out there that you’re interested in buying a property. Only look at properties that have motivated sellers, because then you’ll get closest to the price you want to pay. And don’t forget to research the area and the home turnover rate for the specific area where you are looking. Don’t make assumptions that a property will appreciate without doing your homework. Real estate can be a worthy investment opportunity. With research, a plan and the right price, just about anyone can be a real estate investor.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Home on the Rio Grande
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How building permits protect homeowners
You are thinking of making a major renovation to your home. Perhaps it’s time to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business? The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It’s important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways.
tractors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done. Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes As inspectors go through their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Permits protect against fines Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work Permits ensure safe workmanship needs to be done, inspectors may discover Permits provide a blueprint by which con- homeowners never secured proper permits
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Obtain the proper permits before beginning construction. and inspections years earlier, leading to fines. Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.
Permits are an important part of the home improvement process. Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants. SH172750
5 benefits of building an eco-friendly home (MS) — Environmentally friendly practices are trending everywhere — from our food to our clothing to our homes. Improved practices in the construction industry today reflect the greening of building codes across America, and can be seen in advancements in window daylighting, insulation, air infiltration, and new wall-building materials. But if you want to reap all of the benefits of an eco-friendly home, choose methods and materials that are even more energy efficient than the minimum required by building codes. If you want to reduce your energy consumption, conserve more and increase your property value, be sure to choose a builder who has a demonstrable record in eco-responsibility. “A huge step forward is to replace the traditional wood framing of your house with what we call ICFs — insulated concrete forms,” recommends Keven Rector at Nudura, a leading name in this technology. More than a win for the environment, an eco-conscious home also offers the following surprising benefits to you and your family: 1. Maximum energy efficiency. With growing energy costs, building an insulated concrete form house is more energy efficient and can save you significant amounts of money on a yearly basis. Walls that reduce outdoor air infiltration greatly optimize energy performance. 2. Safety from natural disasters. “Our advanced design combines two panels of thick
(EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete,” Rector explains. “The resulting envelope immediately gives your house hurricane wind-resistance up to 250 miles per hour.” A home built with this concrete system is also fire resistant for up to four hours. 3. Less outside noise. If you have noisy neighbors or live near trains or high-traffic areas, this one’s for you — ICF construction acts as an effective sound barrier, dampening sound vibrations and filtering out unwanted noise.
How to make sure your new home is built faster (MS) — If you’re in the market for a newly built home, you probably have a long list of requirements for your builder. Everyone’s list is different, but one common element is that your new home needs to be ready quickly, or at the very least, on time. Yet we’ve all heard the horror stories of construction delays and families having to move out of their old homes before their new ones are ready. Fortunately, there’s a way you can help ensure your home is built faster — ask your builder to use insulated concrete forms. “Ahuge step forward is to replace the traditional wood framing of your house with what we call ICFs — insulated concrete forms,” says Keven Rector at Nudura, a leading name in this technology. “ICF construction assures the adherence to American building codes, it takes up less shipping space, requires less manpower at the site, and the assembly is faster than wood framing. Time-strapped builders and eager homeowners benefit equally from this efficiency.” The compact ICFs are delivered to the construction site, where each form interlocks with the next
to quickly assemble one strong monolithic wall. ICFs also do more than get you into your new home quicker — they maximize energy efficiency, reduce drafts and cold spots, form an effective barrier to unwanted outside noise, and make your home less prone to mold. In addition, homes built with insulated concrete wall systems are more environmentally friendly and disaster-resilient. “Our advanced design combines two panels of thick (EPS) foam with the structural strength and thermal mass of concrete,” Rector explains. “The resulting envelope immediately gives your house hurricane wind-resistance up to 250 miles per hour. Concrete walls also deliver an energy efficiency rating as high as R-50 (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), saving you up to 70 percent on utility bills. With the concrete option, countless trees remain untouched and with lowered energy consumption and less tapping of natural resources every day, imagine how much your house will contribute to recapturing a sustainable environment over the years.”
4. A more comfortable space. Outside cold can easily travel through a typical wood-framed wall, causing thermal bridging and creating uncomfortable cold spots inside your home. If you build the envelope of your house with concrete instead of wood, you can say goodbye to cold spots, drafts and even mold. 5. A faster building time. All new homeowners can’t wait to get into their new house, but construction delays often postpone move-in dates. But ICF construction takes up less shipping
space and require less manpower at the site, and the assembly is faster than wood framing. Time-strapped builders and eager homeowners benefit equally from this efficiency, taking you to that new-house smell that much sooner. If you want your builder to use ICFs, be sure to discuss it early in the plans. Find more information online at nudura.com. TF169445
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Home on the Rio Grande
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
The basics of kitchen cabinet refacing Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a brand-new look without the expense or the hassle of a full-scale renovation often gravitate toward kitchen cabinet refacing. Cabinet refacing is less expensive and more eco-friendly than a full replacement of existing cabinets, and experts estimate refacing costs roughly two-thirds less than a complete cabinet renovation. Refacing involves replacing the doors and drawer fronts of existing cabinets during which the cabinet boxes are veneered to match the wood color chosen for the refacing, while the structure and layout of the cabinets remains unchanged. Essentially the kitchen footprint will remain the same as it was before the refinishing took place. Kitchens are popular rooms in the home and much of the renovation investment made in the kitchen can be recuperated at resale. Homeowners looking to put their homes up for sale soon may find cabinet refacing is beneficial, as it is a relatively quick renovation that can reap big rewards. Homeowners have options when refacing their cabinets. While some projects, such as stripping off old paint and repainting, can be a do-it-yourself project, refacing cabinets may be best left to the professionals. Veneer work, which is often part of cabinet refacing, is not a skill one can learn overnight, and it often requires the hand of a professional carpenter. Many cabinets can be resurfaced successfully. Older cabinets are prime candidates, as
they often are more sturdy than newer cabinets. In general, cabinets can be refaced as long as their substructures are sound. In addition to providing a new look for the kitchen, cabinet refacing is an eco-friendly project. By not demolishing existing cabinetry, homeowners are preventing old materials from ending up in landfills while saving trees from being cut down to construct new cabinets. Refacing also reduces the amount of chemical products used in the building of new cabinets, including stains, adhesives and chemically treated wood. Homeowners can choose among wood, veneer, metal, and even glass doors as replacements in the kitchen. Coupling cabinet refacing with replacement of old appliances can completely transform the appearance of the kitchen in relatively little time. Many refacing projects go as follows. * Measurements are taken and technical drawings are made so that new cabinet materials can be manufacturered to the kitchen’s exact specifications. * Homeowners choose the type of finish they prefer for the new cabinetry. * Manufacturing takes place, and homeowners will schedule a time when the work will commence. * Existing doors and drawer fronts will be removed and recycled or disposed of. * If cabinet frames and boxes need to be repaired in any way, some refacing companies
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Cabinet refacing can transform the look of a kitchen, and such a project costs considerably less than complete cabinet replacement. will take care of this. * Cabinet boxes and frames are covered in a matching veneer or plastic laminate. * The new doors and drawer fronts are installed, as are new handles, pulls and moldings to complete the look. Many companies specialize in cabinet refacing. Homeowners should request esti-
mates from potential candidates and review workmanship prior to hiring a particular company. Cabinet refacing is often a fast, relatively inexpensive renovation project. It can improve the appearance and functionality of a kitchen in a small amount of time, while also improving the value of a home. FH139468
How to transform a fixer-upper into a profitable deal The real estate market will always have its ups and downs, but real estate is an oftprofitable investment. Real estate investors do their investing for various reasons. Some see a house as a place to hang their hats for years and years, while others look at properties as nothing more than investments. Buying 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 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. 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. • Don’t bite off more than you can chew. 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, 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. • Seek the help of experts. Some flippers 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. • 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 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 and not what you want. Renovate with an eye toward prospective buyers’ needs. Keep things neu-
tral 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. 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. FH168344
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Home on the Rio Grande
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Expect the unexpected when renovating a home
The benefits of hiring professional contractors
The DIY movement has inspired many homeowners to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own. DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had. But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.
particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.
Cost Conventional wisdom suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset Experience A trial and error approach can work with vari- those savings. ous projects and problems. But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is Resale value risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention Many homeowners renovate their homes with costly. Experienced professional contractors eyes on improving the resale value of those with strong track records (seek recommenda- homes. But if homeowners want to showcase tions from friends or neighbors) won’t have a newly remodeled kitchen when selling their to go through trial and error and are therefore homes, they should be prepared for prospective more likely than DIYers to complete a project buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing on time and on budget. potential problems down the road, some buyers might be put off by homes that were remodeled Inspiration by DIYers and not professional contractors. One oft-overlooked benefit of working with Renovating a home on your own can be a professional contractors is the likelihood that rewarding project for homeowners. But it’s they can draw up ideas for projects that home- important that homeowners recognize the owners might otherwise never have thought up many benefits of working with professional on their own. Homeowners without specific contractors before making any final decisions ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with regard to who will tackle their next project. with various scenarios before committing to a SH172749
According to projections released in 2015 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a growing number of people in the United States planned to renovate their homes in 2016. The report estimated that spending on remodeling and repairs in 2016 would climb 8.6 percent to $310 billion, a figure that is close to the peak reached in 2006. While it is still too soon to tabulate all of the figures from 2016, a quick glance at the data indicates renovations have increased across the country.And one only need travel through communities to see a greater number of contractors and homeowners working on homes. Tackling any renovation project is an exercise in patience. Renovations can impede on daily activities and cause a certain level of upheaval in homeowners’ lives. Homeowners planning renovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their expectations. Remodeling, particularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unforeseen issues that only arise in the face of the renovation. So what can homeowners expect during a renovation? The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects. • Dirt and noise: Homeowners can count on dust, debris and noise throughout the renovation process. Dust appears when walls come down or go up, and construction teams typically erect temporary walls or tarps to contain the debris. Air filtering systems also can limit dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If it becomes troublesome, arrange to be outside of the home when the bulk of the construction is taking place. • Delays or schedule changes: Even the best contractors cannot control every aspect of the job. They rely on subcontractors and vendors to do portions of the work. Materials may not always arrive on time, or they may fall short of homeowners’expectations. This can push back the project schedule. Homeowners should hope for everything to be done on time, but it can be less stressful if homeowners anticipate delays and be a pleasant surprise if there are no delays.
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Homeowners often discover hidden problems when delving into renovations. Budgeting for remediation can help remove some of the stress of unexpected delays and concerns. • Hidden issues: Contractors may uncover all sorts of issues that need to be addressed before a project can progress. Examples include the presence of asbestos (common in older homes), plumbing problems, incorrectly wired electrical systems, and leaks or moisture issues. These problems also can impact the cost of the project, so set aside some money in the budget for unforeseen expenses. Chances are you are going to need some extra money to handle a few surprises during the project. It’s important to expect the unexpected when embarking on home renovations. Budgeting for hidden costs, expecting delays and coping with the upheaval to daily schedules are par for the remodeling course. However, the end result is often well worth the time and effort. SH172755
Budgeting home improvement projects Home improvements can add value and aesthetic appeal to a home. However, to reap the rewards of a remodeled room, home addition or any home improvement project, homeowners will have to invest both their money and their time. Establishing a project budget can be helpful and prevent overspending. According to Visually, a marketing information service, nearly half of the homeowners surveyed said the cost of their renovation projects did not exceed their budgets. However, more than one-third of those surveyed reported going over budget on their projects. To keep costs down, consider hiring a contractor. He or she will have industry
contacts and may be able to get materials at a lower cost. While you will pay for labor, working with a contractor greatly reduces both the time spent on the project and the risk of costly mistakes being made. In addition, think about the way you finance the renovations. Industry experts have found that homeowners who finance their home improvement projects with lines of credit end up spending more money on average than those who use their savings to fund projects. While it may be tempting to take out a line of credit for a home improvement project, spending only money you already have may be the more responsible route to take. FH168342
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Home on the Rio Grande
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
How to find the right replacement windows Replacing old windows is often a worthwhile investment for homeowners. Energyefficient windows can prevent heating and cooling loss and keep homes more comfortable throughout the year. Such windows also can improve a home’s resale value, proving a good return on investment for homeowners who want to upgrade their homes before putting them on the market. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners might find it more cost-effective to replace very old and/or inefficient windows to improve their energy efficiency. Such an upgrade can save homeowners substantial amounts of money on heating and cooling costs. Window replacement projects can be costly, so it pays to get the job right the first time. Before beginning a window replacement project, homeowners should research which windows will meet their specific needs, learning the subtleties between finishes and features, as well as comparing prices for the windows and installation. Choose the right time of year The best time of year to plan window replacement is when the weather will be warm, ideally in the spring or early summer. However, homeowners do not want
conditions to be too warm, as each room where new windows will be installed will temporarily be exposed to the elements. Furthermore, caulk adheres better in warmer weather and will dispense easily. Consider available features When replacing windows, homeowners may want to install the same style windows they currently have. But the problems that led to the need to replace windows may still exist even when new windows are installed. When replacing windows, consider energy performance ratings based on the locations of the windows in the house. To make sure they make the most educated decision, homeowners can investigate the solar heat gain coefficient, U-factor, visible transmittance and light-to-solar gain. Explanations of these ratings are available at Energy.gov. Don’t ignore maintenance needs Maintenance costs involved with cleaning, repairs and painting can add up. When shopping for windows, consider the amount of maintenance they will need. Woodframed windows may require more upkeep than aluminum, fiberglass or vinyl. Also, consider if certain window types, such as double-hung windows, casement windows,
awning windows, or slider windows, would are good at their craft, window replacement be practical. projects should not be a terrible inconvenience. According to American Window Keep home style in mind Products, Inc., seasoned professionals will A poor match between windows and the be able to complete a replacement window style of the home can produce unwanted upgrade in a short amount of time depending changes in the appearance of the home. on the size of the home and the number of Replacement windows should match the windows being replaced. style and appearance desired. Replacing windows can be a costly task, but one that will provide a more energy efExpect minimal disruption ficient home that can help homeowners save room. This can make a small room seem larger When homeowners hire professionals who money in the long run. SH172787 and a dark space instantly brighter. • Install new windows and doors. If the budget allows, installing larger windows in a home will allow more natural light in. French doors or sliding doors also may make a home’s interior more bright. Think about adding windows to a side of the house that has none, or increase the size of the windows on the side of the house that gets the most light. • Maximize sunlight from above. Skylights will bring light into a home as the sun passes overhead. Tubular skylights can bring natural sunlight into spaces where you may not expect skylights to be practical. According to Houzz, a design and architectural resource, tubular daylighting devices, or TDDs, can make a big difference. TDDs are reflective pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a clear plastic dome. • Use reflective decor. Reflective surfaces, including glass and metal, can brighten up a room and diffuse light around a room. Glossy backsplashes, pendant lighting and shiny metal that reflect light can increase the natural light, balancing out dark spaces. • Routinely clean windows and glass doors. Dirt and other grime can prevent light from getting through. Regularly give windows a thorough washing.
Bring more natural light into a home Maximizing natural light in a home is a smart and sometimes low-cost renovation. Homes that are dark and drab can drain energy levels and reduce productivity. In addition, dark rooms may not be inviting places to gather as a family or when entertaining. Certain factors contribute to a dark home. Houses that face north or east may not get the same level of sunlight as those that primarily face south and west. Geographic location also plays a role in the amount of natural sunlight. Mountains, buildings and even latitude can affect the amount of natural light that enters a home. • Assess the situation before renovating. Walk around the house and determine which rooms get the most light and which conditions may be contributing to the problem in other areas. Dark floors and walls may be absorbing natural light and compounding the situation. You may find that only one or two rooms need attention, saving you the cost and effort associated with a major home overhaul. • Lighten up window treatments. Heavy drapes or thick blinds can be replaced with translucent alternatives. Translucent shades will allow light into the room without compromising privacy, say the experts at HGTV. • Use mirrors strategically. A mirror placed opposite a window will reflect light all around the
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Replacement windows can be a smart investment in comfort and design appeal of a home.