(StatePoint) Over the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party. All this time in the kitchen can also mean it becomes the catch-all room for everything and everyone, making now the perfect time to create a functional space where items are easily accessible and organized with your routine in mind. From your refrigerator to that messy junk drawer, follow these DIY kitchen organization tips to revamp and refresh this part of your home. Design an easy-to-use (and clean) layout. Cooking at home more? You’ll
design you love, then paint over it. Peel back the tape to reveal a DIY design you’ll adore. Create a clutter-less junk drawer. Everyone has that one, or even two, drawers in their kitchen that house random items that accumulate over time. Master unwanted mess and add functionality and style to your junk drawer with a little organization. First, pull everything out of the drawer and toss anything that’s broken or you simply no longer need. Next, line the area with Original Grip EasyLiner to keep your mail, important notes and utensils in the right place while protecting the surface from scratches. Once you’ve purged, add small compartments and drawer organizers to give the misfits of the kitchen a proper home. If you have limited space, use a wall-mount storage rack or over-the-cabinet organizer to free up drawer space and keep items within easy reach.
want to clean and organize your fridge to make snack time and meal prep easier. Start by removing every item from shelves and drawers and toss any items that have expired. Once it’s completely empty, give your fridge a deep clean, especially in those sticky back corners. Before you return the items, place a water-resistant liner like Clear Classic EasyLiner on the shelves to add an extra layer of protection. Its smooth surface makes cleaning up a breeze when there are leaks and spills. Think about your most-used items, like snacks and veggies, and place them toward the front so they are easy to see and grab. Storing these foods using clear, labeled containers will help you track inventory and keep food neatly in order. Upgrade your backsplash. Tired of white walls in the background of your virtual work call? One easy and affordable way to instantly elevate the look of your kitchen is to decorate with removable wallpaper or DIY peel-andstick vinyl. From polka dot to vinyl wood, choose a pattern that speaks to you. Then, stick the adhesive vinyl to a kitchen surface—the side of a kitchen island,
the wall behind the sink or cabinet panels. Once you’re ready to switch things up, they peel off easily, so you’ll be ready to go for a different look! Another tried and true option to brighten walls is paint. Use a quality painter’s tape to tape off a
For additional tips or to find the right organizational solutions, try the EasyLiner Guide or visit DuckBrand. com. Once you’ve completed these simple tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’ll feel refreshed and organized to take on the day.
$180,900 $166,500
PLAN 1971
PLAN 1594
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
$216,600 $196,800
$202,600 $179,900
PLAN 2224
PLAN 1973
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
$225,500 $204,900
$200,400 $181,500
$188,500 $169,750
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
$195,500 $176,800
PLAN 2122
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
PLAN 1571
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
$207,300 $190,100
WWW .JDBTX. COM
254.518.1162
PLAN 1676
PLAN 1784
SR-Belton, TX: GNR-Killeen,TX:
$187,700 $169,000
PLAN 2045
Specializing in Custom Homes and Commercial Construction
4 Ways to Prepare
(StatePoint) Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay:
Check window and door screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. 1. Do a spot check: Check window and door screens for tears to prevent flying bugs from getting in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a quick look around for areas with standing water and try to eliminate them. Standing water
creates a breeding ground for mosquitos. Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim.
FO R
Your Home Bug Season
Bugs, especially flies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse. 2. Be ready: Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart
early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more hiding in
nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for every one you do see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first sign of ants or roaches can help you avoid big problems down the line, as these insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pathways found in bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and Target, and online at zevoinsect.com. 3. Protect your trees: Prepare for the upcoming visit of the 17-year cicadas.
In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under bark. Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack. 4. Keep an eye on pets. Pets are liable to gobble up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat! During the spring season, it is necessary to take steps both to keep bugs out, and to be ready if they do invade.
Ideas to Increase
Your Home’s Value
(Family Features) Now as much as ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing. Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways. Weekend warriors are dedicating themselves to creating more organized living spaces and making their homes better places for learning, working and living. If you’re considering upgrades to your home, consider these DIY ideas
from the experts at Royal Building Products that can increase beauty and resale value. Home Office: Spending more time at home may mean storage space is at a premium, especially if you’re relying on a makeshift home office. You can add a high-impact and functional element to your office with a built-in bookcase or workstation. Consider your materials carefully since they have a big impact on your final results. For example, a versatile alternative to wood is synthetic
Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor living space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhancements can make a big impact.
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) trim, which you don’t need to sand or prime before painting, ultimately saving time, energy and money. While PVC is slightly more expensive than some wood options, it also requires less maintenance long-term. Bathroom: By updating worn-out items, modernizing fixtures and
Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home’s ambience.
creating a more functional space, you can expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom’s remodel cost, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. If you’re considering an on-trend look like shiplap, a practical solution like Royal prefinished PVC Shiplap can help create a clean, comfortable space. It’s waterproof, mold resistant, flexible and works well in spaces with many slants and angles. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to install. Entryway: A home’s foyer offers the first impression of its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and decor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home’s ambience. Details like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a striking entryway for almost any home style. Exterior: Whether you’re sprucing up an outdoor living space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhancements can make a big
impact. For example, board and batten shutters offer an attractive, low-fuss way to highlight your home’s windows. Painting the front door is another low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or windows. Find more creative inspiration, tools, tips and practical steps for every level of DIY-er at buildroyaldiy.com.
Select a Trim Style to Match Your Home Style The right style of trim can transform a room into a whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the style of trim consistent with your home style and from room to room. Craftsman: The craftsman home style pairs well with simple, tailored and purposeful doors and minimally ornamented window casings while white, light beige and cream-colored crown moulding can create roomier spaces.
Colonial: This home style’s rustic simplicity and rich detail call for
interior trim that lends a touch of stately courtliness. Choose multi-piece trim and wider baseboards,
wainscoting and crown moulding to adorn family room floors, walls and ceilings. Cape Cod: This practical and quaintly unassuming design can be accented by subtle interior trim such as transom windows and sidelights that surround multi-paneled entry doors, casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls. Modern: The clean expansiveness of this home style lends itself to unadorned window and door casings as well as baseboards. You can go minimalist and use trim merely to protect walls and floors. Alternatively, you could rely on trim to create an appealing contrast with the wall colors. Ranch: Open, informal and inviting, this style needs
trim work that flows from room to room. Many styles work, from simple baseboards to more formal trimmed
windows and cabinetry in the kitchen, fireplace mantels in the family room and passageway casings.
(Family Features) When you decide to make the investment in a home improvement project, you’re likely entrusting a professional contractor to bring your vision to life on time and on budget. Remodeling contractors are diverse, so it’s important to take your time, ask lots of questions and do your research before selecting the right one for the job. Keep in mind these considerations from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry: Choose local. A local home improvement contractor with an established business in your area is likely connected to your community and has a vested interest in doing a job well. Referrals are an important source of business for local companies, so local remodelers are typically compelled to perform quality work that satisfies their customers in order for their businesses to survive. Discuss experience. While a skilled remodeler may be willing to take on
something new, chances are you’ll be best served by working with someone who has experience with your specific project. A learning curve can be expensive, and the results aren’t always exactly as you hope. Talk about similar projects the contractor has completed in the past and how that work compares to what you’re planning. Also be sure to ask what, if any, outside certifications a contractor may have earned that are pertinent to the project. Understand staffing. Be sure you’re clear about who will be in your home completing the work, whether it’s the person you meet to discuss a bid or an assigned team. Ask who the project supervisor will be, and if any work is to be subcontracted, who is ultimately responsible for those tasks. Check references. A reputable contractor should be able to produce a list of past customers who can attest to the remodeler’s workmanship and service. You can contact the government Consumer Affairs Office and the Better Business Bureau to check for complaints on record for the contractor. Also ask if the remodeler is a member of any trade groups or associations. Verify licensing. Many states, but not all, require contractors to be licensed, bonded or both. Contact your state or local
licensing agencies to ensure the contractor meets all requirements. Ask the remodeling contractor for current copies of applicable licenses. Confirm insurance. Ask to see a copy of the remodeling contractor’s certification of insurance or the name of his or her insurance agency to verify coverage. Most states require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance. Make sure the contractor’s insurance coverage meets all the minimum requirements. Compare bids. There are a number of different factors that go into pricing a remodeling project. Be sure that every estimate reflects the same scope of work. If the estimates don’t fully spell out what work is going to be done, go back to the contractor for clarification in writing. Find more tips for selecting a contractor at remodelingdoneright.com.
(254) 526-5117
www.jwchomesales.com
3800 S W.S. Young Dr Ste 101 • Killeen, TX Jim Wright, Broker • TX Lic # 277160
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
4100 MESA DRIVE
www.texasccim.com
4008 STAN SCHLUETER LOOP
2025 MEMORY LANE
•2,100 sq. ft. •$1.00 Monthly/ sq. ft. •Located off busy Stan Schlueter Loop
•2,200 sq. ft. •$1.45 Monthly/sq.ft. •Located off busy Stan Schlueter Loop
•Formerly a medical office, but will make a great general office space •Building Size - 12,000 sq. ft.
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR LEASE
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
1300 VETERANS MEMORIAL BLVD •$3,000 Monthly •Large free-standing building with multiple bathrooms and large media rooms •Good paved off street parking
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
4003 W. STAN SCHLUETER LOOP
•Located on West Stan Schlueter Loop in the middle of the growth corridor •Priced below market at base rent of $1.30 per sq. ft.
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
2904 SOUTH TRIMMIER
•Small business center with 1,000 and 2,000 sq. ft. offices priced below market. •Modified Gross Lease •Located near shopping and schools
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR LEASE
2301 CENTRAL TEXAS EXPRESSWAY
2703 E. STAN SCHUETER LOOP
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
CALL JIM WRIGHT at (254) 526-5117 FOR NNN LEASE
•Three suites 101-A-1,539 s.f; 104-2020 s.f.; and 106-7,000 s.f. all priced at $1.00 to $1.10 psf. • Suite 106 is a restaurant with vent-a-hoods, grease trap, etc.
• New 1,145 sq. ft. office building • Stan Schlueter Loop • $1.45 per sq. ft.
Bring More
Into Your Home
(StatePoint) Music is mood booster and can help promote mental health. This past year has been particularly challenging, inspiring many people to reap the many benefits of bringing more music into their homes. Here is how you can too:
• Be your own DJ: Music can instantaneously cause us to experience anything from joy to nostalgia to relaxation to inspiration, making it a pretty potent mood regulator. Whether you need a high-tempo blast of motivation to finish household tasks or something soothing to wind down after a stressful day, you can be your own DJ and tailor a playlist to your needs at the moment. (And if it means piping speakers into bathrooms, laundry rooms or other unusual spaces of your home, so be it!) • Learn to play: Whether you’re a novice or an accomplished musician, playing a musical instrument is good for the mind, body and soul. Not only does a daily practice routine give you something to look forward to each day, but the adoption of a new skill can boost self-esteem. To explore the joy of learning to play, consider a Casio keyboard. Forty years of musical instrument expertise is evident in the brand’s keyboards and digital pianos, which inspire students, educators, and performers around the world every day. Certain models even feature tools for new learners of all ages, and their line-up of portable musical keyboards make it possible to practice on-the-go. • Build community: It’s easier than ever to tap into a musical community online, and doing so can help beat the
social isolation of social distancing. Sites like Bandcamp give performers greater control over how they connect with fans and sell their music;
If the gym is off the table for you right now, dance can be a great alternative for working up a sweat, and free tutorials abound online that can help you master such dance forms as belly dance, ballet, jazz and tap. educational institutions like the Smithsonian are offering lifelong learners everywhere opportunities to delve into music history from the comfort of home; and dancers, singers and instrumentalists are using social media apps like Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to livestream performances. • De-stress with dance: If the gym is off the table for you right now, dance can be a great alternative for working up a sweat, and free tutorials abound online that can help you master such dance forms as belly dance, ballet, jazz and tap. Many communities also hold outdoor, socially-distanced classes in parks. Music can enhance your well-being, especially right now. Fortunately, there are brand new avenues for incorporating this age-old therapy into your life.
How to Improve
Your Home’s Air Quality
The level of air pollution in your community can affect your indoor air quality since opening a door or window brings that air indoors. (Family Features) As Americans continue to spend more time at home, it’s important to support the health and comfort of those living spaces. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces is an important step, but one often overlooked aspect of a home’s health and comfort is its air quality. Proactively addressing potential air quality issues can result in cleaner air and more comfortable living. There are
multiple factors that may affect your home’s air quality. * Indoor particulate matter consists of the visible and invisible airborne particles in the air that can enter your nose and lungs, some triggering allergies, asthma and other potential health problems.
* Carbon monoxide, sometimes called the “silent killer,” is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up to dangerous levels if not properly ventilated, causing headaches, drowsiness and, in some cases, death. * Too much humidity can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold. Too
Control humidity levels. When the air is too damp, the chance of bacteria and mold growth is higher, but when it’s too dry, your skin, lungs and furniture may feel the impact.
impact on your short- and long-term health, so proper ventilation is essential.
little humidity can dry out your skin and wood furniture.
Control humidity levels. When the air is too damp, the chance of bacteria and mold growth is higher, but when it’s too dry, your skin, lungs and furniture may feel the impact. Many experts recommend a humidity level of 40-50% for optimal air quality.
* Volatile organic compounds are emitted by everything from household cleaners and paint to new furniture and dry-cleaned clothing. These compounds can have an adverse
* The level of air pollution in your community can affect your indoor air quality since opening a door or window brings that air indoors. If you’re unsure about your home’s unique air quality needs, you may benefit from a tool like Carrier’s “Improve My Air” quiz, which was designed to help homeowners and renters determine which indoor air quality solution is a good fit for their spaces. You can also take steps to improve the indoor air quality of your home with these practical tips. Change your filters. Clean filters support your heating and cooling system’s ability to operate efficiently.
Invest in an air purifier. An air purifier is a simple way to improve your indoor air quality. Carrier has just introduced a new room air purifier that doesn’t require professional installation, making it an easy and portable solution for both homeowners and people renting their spaces. The purifier comes in two sizes and is powerful enough to purify the air in rooms up 550 square feet. Its high-performance fan and highefficiency filtration system capture airborne pollutants and its 360-degree design filters air from multiple angles while easy-to-change filters make it a low-maintenance solution for busy households. Strategically place greenery. Plants are natural air filters, so placing a few indoor plants around your living space may help improve your indoor air quality while also enhancing your home’s decor. Small plants like ferns and lilies are among the best options for pulling contaminants from the air. Find more solutions for improving your home’s indoor air quality, and take the “Improve My Air” quiz, at CarrierAtHome.com.
Imporve Wellness With
A F F O R D A B L E Bathroom Upgrades
(Family Features) Wellness is at the forefront of nearly everyone’s mind, including keeping germs at bay and creating surroundings that promote mental and physical health. Even small, but important, spaces like the bathroom can benefit from changes with wellness in mind. A bathroom can be one of the easiest rooms in your home to give a little extra TLC toward creating a healthier lifestyle. These cost-effective measures can turn your bathroom into a more practical, functional space that promotes your well-being. Switch Up Surfaces The countertops in your bathroom, much like the flooring, must be able to withstand a lot of water. Nonporous vanity tops, such as those made from quartz, hold up to being wet constantly and can help keep germs from breeding. In addition to being easy
to clean, a solid-surface option like quartz never needs to be sealed or polished, making it an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting option. Clean Green Bathrooms are often hot and steamy places, and water vapors in the air can carry potentially harmful chemicals from cleaning products. Green cleaning products are made to control the spread of bacteria and viruses using safe and effective means. Not only are they helpful in preventing asthma attacks and other respiratory ailments, but they are a low-cost way to improve overall indoor air quality. What you use to clean yourself is just as important. Using green or organic personal care items can help reduce toxin exposure and lessen the likelihood of an allergic reaction.
Reduce Humidity All that steam can affect your health in other ways, too, since it creates a humid environment that encourages mold and mildew. A heated towel rack is an inexpensive way to add a touch of luxury to your space while generating heat that helps
A bathroom’s color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming. reduce humidity and the growth of mold and mildew, therefore benefitting indoor air quality. Heated towel racks like those from Amba Products come in a variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with your decor. For
modest accommodations, the Radiant Small is a space-saving choice, and freestanding models are available if wall space is at a premium. Another advantage: Since the racks dry towels, they’ll stay mildew-free longer and don’t need to be washed as often, which helps save valuable natural resources. Enhance Air Quality Creating a green, spa-like oasis with plants can bring wellness benefits that don’t break the bank. Indoor plants help rid the environment of pollutants, and the energy and ambiance they add may have mental health benefits, too. Plants like mother-in-law’s tongue or peace lily are popular options to incorporate as natural air purifiers. Explore Color A bathroom’s color palette can also play a role in your wellness goals. Warmer shades like red and orange enhance energy while cooler colors like green and blue can be calming. Begin planning bathroom upgrades that improve your health and well-being with more tips and ideas at ambaproducts.com.
Lessons Learned From Women Business Owners
Beating the Odds
(StatePoint) Women-owned small businesses are an economic driving force. Today, nearly 13 million women-owned businesses nationwide employ 9.4 million workers and earn $1.9 trillion in revenue.
To help entrepreneurs stay open and support local jobs, the initiative is engaging CDFIs and nonprofits across the U.S. to provide women and diverse entrepreneurs with increased access to flexible capital and training.
Overwhelmingly impacted by the pandemic, 71% of women-owned small businesses reported a loss in revenues or sales in 2020, according to a recent study. Beyond cutting costs and applying for federal resources, women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs of color have had to get more creative than ever to navigate the uncertain economy.
Consider these four lessons learned from women entrepreneurs who are beating the odds. 1. Seek alternative funding sources: In addition to tapping traditional bank loans, connect with a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, or CDFI, which offers low-cost capital with friendly
“I have always thought that having strong connections enriched my life, and over the course of this year, that’s become even more evident.” repayment terms. Roxanne Best, owner of Roxtography, says she’s been able to stay afloat thanks to low-interest loans from Northwest Native Development Fund, a CDFI supporting tribal communities that received a grant from Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund, a roughly $420 million small business recovery effort. To help entrepreneurs stay open and support local jobs, the initiative is engaging CDFIs and nonprofits across the U.S. to provide women and diverse entrepreneurs with increased access to
flexible capital and training. “We have been so inspired by the determination and perseverance of the many women business owners who we’ve had an opportunity to support. We made a way to work together with the small business community to offer a mix of resources that enable a sustainable and equitable road to recovery,” says Jenny Flores, head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy at Wells Fargo. 2. Make time for a business plan: 2020 taught us to plan for the unexpected, reinforcing that a business plan is critical for any small business. Tamil Maldonado Vega and her husband, owners of Raíces Brewing Co., say they don’t regret opening a Latino craft brewery right before the pandemic. While they have had hard times like everyone else during closures and due to limits on seating and space, they felt prepared to handle those challenges thanks to a strong business plan, which they developed with the help of their banker. 3. Pivot from crisis to opportunity: Looking for new income streams? Being flexible while staying true to your business can help increase the chances of success. Kadijatu Ahene, owner of Dija’s Touch Designs, specializes in African print designs.
During the pandemic, she shifted to an online model and expanded into making stylish personal protection equipment for first responders. 4. Find strength in community: Ranjana Hans, owner of Raw Roots Turmeric, says her community has supported her health and wellness business throughout the pandemic, and she’s learned the benefits of asking loyal customers to promote her products in their social networks. “I have always thought that having strong connections enriched my life, and over the course of this year, that’s become even more evident.” Susan Wallace, head of Small Business Lending Operations at Wells Fargo, says businesses can find more tips and resources for navigating the pandemic at the bank’s Small Business Resource Center at smallbusinessresources.wf.com/. “It’s important for women business owners to understand that they don’t need to go it alone. Lean into networking and establishing relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, seek advice and counsel from others, including financial advisors, and know there is support out there,” says Wallace.
TRG PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 2602 S Fort Hood St #100, Killeen, TX 76542 • 254-526-0399
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“Making your dreams become a reality.”
Empyral Group Realtors was established in September 2019, powered by TRG Realty. In 2020, Empyral Group was launched as a part of TRG Realty that will focus strictly on clients selling and buying homes. We have a combined experience of over 40 years and the staff is dedicated to the customer’s success. We have designated personnel to help you sell, purchase, educate and communicate your needs from start to finish. Our staff are trained daily to bring you the most up-to date on information and processes. Technology has defined our operations; if you’re not in the immediate area, no problem! We will bring the house to you via video conferencing, virtual tours, virtual open houses and even live walkthroughs. The customer is number one! If you are looking for a new career, or you want to purchase, sell, or invest in real estate, we are the team for you! Visit empyralgroup.com to view information on our listings and available rentals, or apply for a position at Empyral Group at empyralgroup.com/careers!
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B ELTON • C OPPERAS C OVE • H ARKER H EIGHTS • N OLANVILLE • K ILLEEN • K EMPNER • T EMPLE • G ATESVILLE 2602 S F ORT H OOD S T #100 • K ILLEEN , TX 76542 • 254-526-0399 • E MPYRALGROUP . COM
o t s tep
7S
Save Money
(Family Features) Every homeowner has a defined budget he or she can allocate toward a remodeling project. Even if funds were unlimited, it’s still in a homeowner’s best interest to secure the best value for each dollar invested in a remodeling project, ultimately increasing the value of the home. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association for the Remodeling Industry to help save money on your next project. 1. Determine how far your budget will go. Create a wish list of everything you want to accomplish. Disregard cost and simply write down everything you can dream of. Prioritize items from “must haves” to “nice but not necessary.” Find a contractor who will work with you to determine whether your wish list is attainable for the funds you are willing to invest in your home. 2. Decide how to handle budget overages. If you can’t get far enough down the list with the available money, you could choose to stop the process and
on a Remodel
continue saving, investigate financing options, re-evaluate your wish list or consider material substitutions. 3. Make material selections you can afford. Every project will have a set of required materials, but there are options when it comes to variety, style and quality. * Cabinets: Subtle changes like forgoing custom rustic cherry cabinets with plywood cabinet sides for regular cherry cabinets with furniture board sides can achieve the same look at a lower cost. * Countertops: Natural stone and quartz countertops are popular, but advances in the design options for lower-cost countertop materials have rejuvenated their popularity, too. With the proper usage and protection, nearly all countertop materials can support your everyday needs. * Millwork: Painted millwork has dominated the market for many years and solid maple is the preferred choice because the tight grain allows for a beautiful, smooth surface. However, the cost is multiple times that of vinyl and equally appealing when finished properly. * Flooring: Advances in synthetic materials make them difficult to distinguish from natural products. Synthetics generally come with lower cost and more durability, making them a simple substitute for natural products like stone, wood, brick and marble.
4. Pay attention to project details. It’s critical to ensure every detail of labor and material is specified in the agreement with the remodeler. If it’s not included in the written agreement, it’s likely not included in the work scope. Ask your remodeler what labor and materials are not included and determine what additional expenses you’ll likely incur to complete the project. 5. Ask how you can help reduce costs. Talk to your contractor about tasks or materials you can provide that would reduce the project cost without affecting its schedule. This might include jobsite clean-up or obtaining certain materials the contractor would otherwise spend considerable time securing. 6. Plan ahead for project timing. Ask for a potential timeframe for completing the project, as well as any factors that could affect the schedule so you can anticipate costs such as eating out more often while the kitchen is being renovated or renting living or storage space. 7. Know how you’ll resolve disputes. Because of the unique stresses induced by remodeling projects, it’s a good idea to determine before you begin how disputes will be resolved, such as adding an arbitration clause to the agreement that eliminates expensive legal representation. A few deep breaths and a solution-minded approach can also save more than money if conflict arises. Find more money-saving advice for your next remodeling project at remodelingdoneright.com.
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DAILY HERALD CLASSIFIEDS?
Ask your sales representative for more information or contact (254) 501-7500.