Fall Home Improvement 2015 by Leader Publications

HOME FALL

IMPROVEMENT

Remodel without the hassle

Tips and tricks for easy projects at home

PREP YOUR

YARD Landscaping tips to protect the lawn from winter weather

A SUPPLEMENT OF LEADER PUBLICATIONS • FALL 2015

Fall Home Improvement â&#x20AC;˘ September 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS REMODEL WITH EASE 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12

Five tips for tackling a project Cost-conscious upgrades Paint projects for weekend warriors How to improve your bathroom Create perfect paint patterns Common cleaning problems solved Home improvements to sell your home Make over your door

LANDSCAPE FOR LESS 14 16 18 19

Backyard upgrades for a year-round oasis Sustain a healthy lawn Cleaning lawn about more than leaves Now is the time to aerate

5 TIPS

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

for tackling a home improvement project

(Family Features) Whether you’ve just bought a new home or you’re looking to refresh your familiar abode, chances are good you have a laundry list of home-improvement projects to accomplish. From aesthetic upgrades (like replacing the laminate floors in the kitchen with patterned tile) to practical necessities (like removing the tree roots from the sewage pipes) there is no shortage of projects for homeowners to tackle. With so much to do, home-improvement projects can feel overwhelming. Rely on research tools and these five tips from home blogger and author Justina Blakeney to help you get started. 1. Timing is everything. Prioritize projects by needs, not wants. Blakeney advises making sure important projects like functioning air-conditioning are set before tackling less crucial ones like popcorn ceilings. Create a list of all of the things on your wish list. Then start with the most timely matters and work your way down the list. Be realistic with your goals and always factor in 20 percent more money and time than you think the project will take. This way you leave some leeway for any unexpected issues that may arise. 2. DIY or hire an expert? Some projects are simple enough to DIY, like swapping out the greenery in the yard. But other projects, like installing solar panels or getting a new water heater, may be outside your wheelhouse and better handled by experts. Honestly assess your own level of expertise, permit requirements and local regulations, your budget, your timeline and ultimate goals before deciding whether to DIY or hire an expert. Whether you need a personal organizer or a painter, a foundation specialist or a handyman, if you decide an expert is the way to go, ask friends for referrals and then head online to check business information and dig a little deeper be-

fore getting a project bid. 3. Get organized. Doing your homework before starting out on a project can help speed things up later on. Create a collection of professionals you will be working with and all the stores you will source materials from. You’ll have all of the info in one place for follow-ups, and it’s easy to share the info with friends once they start asking for recommendations. Also get a clear breakdown of all elements involved in

each project, how much each step will cost and deadlines for each step along the way. A clear plan of action will help keep the budget and timeline in check.

different colors. Explore all of your options and resources before going out and spending that hard-earned cash.

4. Get savvy. One of the best ways to save time and money is to find things second hand. Thrift shops, salvage shops and flea markets are great places to find furniture, appliances and hardware on the cheap. Or, repurpose items you already own by moving them to a different room or by painting them

5. Just get started. It’s OK to start small. Swap out the old hardware on your kitchen cabinets or fix the broken brick on your patio. Just start somewhere and build your way up to the larger stuff. If you’re feeling paralyzed, try setting and accomplishing one small home-improvement goal every week.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

Cost-conscious upgrades (Family Features) If you’re looking for ways to improve your home but don’t have the budget for a full-scale renovation, look at upgrades that add instant value with a smaller investment. Projects that enhance existing features or add new functions to the home are smart ways to spruce up the aesthetics and improve livability without breaking the bank. In between extreme weather seasons is the perfect time to

tackle home improvement projects, so this fall consider some small-scale projects that can make a big impact on your home. Revitalize worn woodwork. Nothing ages a home’s appearance faster than tired, weathered woodwork on the front porch or back deck. These structures are typically major focal points of a home’s exterior, so sprucing them up can go a long way toward

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transforming the overall aesthetic. A fresh coat of stain or paint is a minimal investment to bring fresh life back into your entryway or backyard living space. Pull out a new kitchen look. If changing out the cabinets isn’t an option, you can still create a new look with a minimal investment. Wipe down cabinets thoroughly and apply a coat of paint to make them look their very best, then look for subtle changes that bring a wow factor, such as new hardware. Simply changing out dated pulls for a more contemporary look in a new color can bring a new mood to the room. Clear away clutter and add some fresh accessories for a whole new look. Punch up the power. Adding function can be as valuable as aesthetics when it comes to enjoying your home to the fullest. When bad weather or other factors interrupt your power supply, a standby generator lets you run appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, refrigerators, clothes washers/ dryers, lights and electronics, minimizing the inconvenience of a power outage. For extended outages, a generator can even save money, preventing unexpected costs from spoiled food or hotel stays. Hooked up to a home’s existing propane or natural gas line, a standby

generator system, oftentimes called a home generator, switches on by itself when power fails. Models such as Briggs & Stratton’s newly redesigned 12 kilowatt standby generator provide whole-house power in a small footprint that maintains curb appeal. Plus, the price point of standby generator systems is continuing to drop because power management systems like Symphony II continue to get smarter. Symphony II power management, which can be included with all Briggs & Stratton generators, automatically balances the power needs of a home’s electrical loads — including high-wattage items. Therefore families get uninterrupted, whole-house power with a smaller — and, thus, more affordable — standby generator. For more information about the entire line of Briggs & Stratton standby generator systems, visit www. powernow.com. Look at new lighting. The lighting in a room has a significant impact on its overall feel: a bright, airy room exudes energy while a dimmer, soft illumination evokes a cozy impression. Changing up the lighting can completely transform a space. Use window treatments such as drapes and blinds to control natural light and lend a stylish addition to the room.

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

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Floor and table lamps are ideal for more subtle task lighting, while overhead fixtures can make a stronger statement. Explore a new floor. Over time, the rich pile of new carpeting loses its inviting spring, and once-sharp grout lines fade and crumble. If a thorough cleaning still leaves your flooring looking drab, it may

be time to explore alternatives. Replacing heavily worn carpet in high traffic areas with a more durable option such as wood or tile may not only improve the look, but also prove a smart investment as it wears better in the future. If you still enjoy the look of your tile, consider removing and replacing the grout, then sealing it to protect the fin-

ish. Don’t feel beholden to the original color; a new shade can introduce a whole new color dimension to the room. Making updates to your home is a natural part of ownership and a good way to protect and grow your investment. Fortunately, making a big difference doesn’t always have to come with a big price tag attached.

Before embarking on a home improvement project, there are several steps a homeowner can take to manage the time and expense while making the effort run more smoothly: 1. Regardless of the type of project you’re planning, research the possibilities before you get started. From comparing prices to evaluating styles and features, knowing all your available options will help ensure you make right choices for your needs. 2. When evaluating appliances or equipment, pay attention to variables that may affect the overall project cost. For example, installing a generator with a power management system can help meet your home’s backup power requirements with a smaller, more affordable generator. This can potentially knock hundreds if not thousands of dollars off a generator purchase with a little research ahead of time to find the right-size generator needed for a home. An online calculator tool at www.powernow.com can help match homeowners with the best generator for their individual needs. 3. Determine a budget, and stick to it. Be realistic and remember that a little more investment upfront may buy quality that will save money on repairs and replacements down the road. Another good rule of thumb: add at least 10 percent buffer to help cover unexpected expenses. 4. Assess whether the project is something you can tackle on your own, and whether time or ability may impede your progress. If you need to enlist help, gather estimates and check references for at least three contractors. 5. Set expectations for yourself and your family about how long the project will take. If you’re working with a contractor, get a time projection in writing, as well as a written agreement about what happens if the project runs past deadline.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

easy paint projects for weekend warriors

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

(Family Features) Homeowners are often advised to keep the home neutral and avoid decorating with anything too bold or personal. But in order to make a house your home, the decor should reflect your personality and style. The good news is you don’t have to make permanent commitments. Paint is an easy and cost-effective way to infuse color and patterns that transform the aesthetic of a room or piece of furniture. Regardless of whether you’re a masterful weekend warrior or first-time do-it-yourselfer, paint projects don’t have to be time-intensive or overwhelming – a little paint and creativity can go a long way toward refreshing your space. “The key to achieving professional-looking results is using the right tools,” said interior decorator Martin Amado. “That’s why I start all my painting projects by going to Lowe’s to pick up high-quality paint brushes, a can of paint and 3M Safe Release Painter’s Tape with Advanced Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector.” Amado suggests these painting projects you can accomplish with just one can of paint: 1. Color block your furniture. Take the dining room from drab to fab by painting the bottom halves of table legs and chairs in a bold,

solid color. Change the look each season to impress guests on every occasion. 2. Invent your own artwork. Unleash your inner artist and create unique designs on canvas or fiberboard. Use painter’s tape to make abstract designs and add

your favorite paint color before finishing each piece with a decal or monogram. 3. Enhance your tired armoires. Play dress up with your furniture, and give armoire doors a makeover. Paint a colorful border around the front of the door

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7 and adhere adhesive hooks in the middle for a stylish, yet functional, new piece. 4. Skip store-bought photo frames. Instead of purchasing frames for your gallery wall, paint basic shapes directly on the wall. Mount artwork or photos onto the painted backdrops for a pictureperfect place to preserve your favorite memories. 5. Design a lavish headboard for less. Save money and instead splurge on style by painting a “frame” on the wall just above your bed. Rectangular shapes work best for most beds and you can get creative by trying patterns such as stripes, chevron and diamonds. 6. Install faux panel moulding. No moulding? No problem! Buy inexpensive frames and paint them the same color as your baseboard trim. Adhere the frames to the wall (without the backing and glass) for a simple, yet dramatic, look. 7. Make a statement (wall). Pick your favorite pattern trends and bring them to life on one wall of the living room or bedroom. If you’re not ready to take on patterns, bold and bright colors will do the trick. For more tips to transform your rooms with paint, visit www.3MDIY.com.

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

How to improve your bathroom (StatePoint) A bathroom can and should be much more than a utilitarian space. In the best circumstances, it will be a place to gather your wits for the day ahead and unwind before bed. But building a better bathroom is necessary before you can truly relax in this space. To create the perfect at-home oasis, consider these ideas. Coordinate If you have ever replaced an appliance or fixture in your bathroom by necessity, you may have unintentionally created an uncoordinated look. If you’re tired of being mismatched, particularly in a space where you seek serenity, consider upgrading all your fixtures at once within one suite collection. Such coordination can provide a striking combination of style and performance. Suite collections are easy ways to create a unified look. For example, collections from Mansfield Plumbing include the Enso Suite, a contemporary look with sleek lines, and the Waverly Suite, offering a traditional English-inspired design. Suites include the essential toilets, sinks

and bathtubs, and in some cases, whirlpools or air massage tubs; and are also customizable for variables like size and optional fixtures. What’s more, this route makes good financial sense, as a suite collection offers less hassle and better value over a la carte purchases. New Windows What’s the point of beautiful expansive windows when you only plan to cover them

with boring blinds or shades? To solve the age-old bathroom conundrum of needing natural light but wanting solitude and privacy, think differently about your windows. Decorative privacy windows make for an ideal solution, with adornments and finishes that keep away prying eyes. To match a privacy window to your interior design needs, consider those options from a brand like Hy-Lite, which of-

fers vinyl-framed windows with silk-screened design styles inspired by a range of architectural schools of thought. Within their Home Designer Collection are diverse styles, including the Metro window, inspired by modern architecture, and the Prairie window with a transitional design versatile enough to accommodate many aesthetics. Icing on the Cake Decorative millwork can of-

fer your bathroom elegance and luxury. Remember, bathrooms are humid, so look for moisture-resistant polyurethane moulding and accent pieces, such as those from Fypon. These quick do-it-yourself ideas can be completed in an afternoon when using pieces that are pre-primed and ready for installation. • Install a set of pilasters on both sides of your shower stall and a door crosshead overhead. • Surround mirrors with lightweight polyurethane mouldings. Paint, faux finish or stain the mouldings to complement the bathroom. • Install a small wall niche in a focal point of the room to display a flower arrangement or artwork. • Add distinction to the room with crown mouldings. • Give cabinets and shelving dimension and visual appeal with brackets or corbels. There’s no place like home. And within your home, there’s no place like the bathroom. Give this important room your full attention when making home upgrades.

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Perfect paint patterns (Family Features) No matter where you turn, pattern inspiration is all around you – from modern architecture and traditional flooring to animal furs, floral arrangements and fashion runways. As homeowners and designers look to personalize spaces and create impactful interiors, patterns are being replicated with paint on walls, floors, furniture and more.

ScotchBlue Brand partnered with Patternbank, experts in modern style and design, to analyze the world of pattern and forecast five up-andcoming trends that can help take your home from boring to beautiful by adding depth, color and personality. • Striking Linework – The once simple stripe has found new life with a bold, modern twist. Sharp angles and a fractured, abstract look bring dimension to the standard stripe, and add strong visual impact to even the most awkward spaces around the home. Consider using neutral paint colors for more traditional and elegant looks or brighter colors to infuse energy into the space. • Mod Optic — Bold geometric designs are making their way into home decor with subtle shifts in scale and color. These strong three-dimensional patterns create a clean, modern style that communicates sophistication and audacity. Infuse contrast and depth to create a clean, modern backdrop for existing decor. • Geo Elemental — From north and south to east and west, global influences can be seen in architecture, interior design and on the fashion runways. Merging traditional shapes such as zigzags and diamonds with various color treatments adds a modern feel to deep-rooted tradition, creating a meeting point for contemporary and universal. The lively repetition of eye-catching, sharp lines is ideal for spaces that draw attention in one direction and evoke a strong sense of place. • ’70s Revival — With retro trends making a comeback in both fashion and design, modernizing retro-themed patterns energizes the home and carries a whimsical accent throughout the space. Give a nod to the stylish looks of the ’70s by building on lavish shapes with modern styling and fresh forms. The combination of high-contrast colors and the big impact of the pattern help make the space feel dynamic and lively. • Found Fragments — Layering pattern on pattern gives you the creative license to have fun experimenting and showcasing your personal style. With clean lines or shapes juxtaposed against existing prints and designs, this pattern keeps your space down-to-earth while still being on trend.

Before incorporating these looks into your home, remember that proper prep work is the key to achieving professional-looking results. Reference these tips and tricks to get started: • Tape around baseboards, windows and tiles to protect them from drips and to ensure sharp paint lines. • Always clean surfaces before painting and only apply tape once the area is fully dry. • Choose the right tape for the surface you’re painting, such as multi-surface tape for baseboards and trim, metal and glass,

or delicate surfaces tape for walls, cabinets, wood floors and freshly painted surfaces. • Use a pencil to sketch designs onto walls before applying the painter’s tape. Be sure to apply the tape just outside the lines so that you ultimately cover the drawn lines with paint. • Once the paint has fully dried, remove the tape slowly at a 45-degree angle to reveal the pattern. For more inspiration and project ideas, or to download the forecast, visit www.ScotchBlue.com.

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

Common cleaning problems

SOLVED

Tips for sprucing up four different areas of your home

(StatePoint) The kitchen is the perfect place for family time, entertaining and socializing. With all this activity, it’s bound to get a little disorganized. What’s more, the kitchen is actually listed as the “germiest” area in the home, according to a study by NSF International (the National Sanitation Foundation). Have no fear! Simple solutions can combat common kitchen cleaning conundrums.

A refrigerator that leaks

Between fresh produce, dairy, meat and leftovers, there’s a lot going on inside a fridge. Make it a habit every few months to wash the inside of your refrigerator, even the shelves and drawers (a location where many stubborn spills tend to be forgotten). A natural cleaning solution, like Green Works All-Purpose Cleaner is best for this area in the kitchen. It’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces throughout the kitchen and it’s 98 percent naturally derived, so you can be confident that it won’t leave behind harsh chemical fumes or residue.

A messy pantry

It’s no secret that many homeowners keep pantry doors shut for a reason — it can get a little chaotic inside. Kick the clutter. If an item has been in the pantry for three months or more, you likely won’t use it. Toss expired items and donate any non-perishables you aren’t going to use. Next, wipe down pantry shelves to remove dust and crumbs from hardto-reach corners. Before restocking shelves, lay down a non-adhesive shelf liner to protect newly cleaned shelves. Easy Liner brand shelf liner by Duck brand is a good choice, especially the new Solid and Super Grip shelf liner products which feature Clorox antimicrobial protection of the liner to help prevent the growth of odor-causing mold and mildew. They are also machine-washable, so when a big spill does come along, you can just toss the liner in the wash. Soon, you’ll have a clean pantry you’ll want to show off.

Dirty, smelly sponges Sponges are a kitchen staple, and also the germiest item in the entire kitchen, according to NSF research. And after only a few uses, they can develop a foul-smelling odor. Luckily, there’s a quick fix for getting a sponge back in proper cleaning condition. Simply wet the sponge and pop it in the microwave for two minutes to eliminate germs. Tada! It’s ready to use.

Grimy cabinets and streaky surfaces

From greasy little hands going in for snacks to frequent opening and closing during meal-prep, grease and grime on kitchen cabinets and door handles can accumulate quickly — spreading germs and making your kitchen look dirty! To disinfect and deodorize cabinets and other non-porous surfaces, a good bet is Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. First, remove any excess debris and then use enough wipes for the surface to remain visibly wet for four minutes. For food-contact surfaces, rinse with clean water. To clean hard, nonporous kitchen cabinet exteriors, wipe the cabinet on the outside and let it dry. Making it a practice to wipe down cabinets weekly will prevent a lot of grease and build-up in the long run. Carve out an afternoon for cleaning remedies that will knock out the mess and pesky germs in no time.

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

Home improvement tips to

sell your home president of Window Genie, a well-known window cleaning and window tinting franchise. Reaching those upper level windows for a good exterior cleaning can be tricky and dangerous to DIY, however. For a more detailed and precise job, consider using a professional service; it’s an affordable way to give your home a facelift.

(StatePoint) While certain home upgrades provide obvious aesthetic enhancements, it’s important to ensure the projects are worth the expense. The following three home improvements provide especially impressive returns on their respective investments, making them excellent choices to consider with an eye on selling your home. Bath and Kitchen Bathroom and kitchen renovations are great bets, according to the National Association of Realtors. However, ripping out these rooms and building them completely anew is an extreme expense that might not give you an immediate investment return. Instead, check out refinishing services, whose work can provide more value than a full replacement. For example, Miracle Method takes ugly bathtubs,

countertops, faucets and other fittings, and refurbishes them to look newly installed. This service will increase the useful life of those fixtures by more than 15 years, at a fraction of the cost and time of a replacement. In fact, company president, Chuck Pistor, started out as a very satisfied customer of this franchise. When he realized how efficient and economical the con-

cept was for homeowners, he bought the company. Wash your Windows Newly washed windows can make a huge impression on potential homebuyers. “The difference in the light streaming in, and the overall impression of the home after a professional window cleaning, is amazing,” says Rik Nonelle,

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New Floors New floors, particularly the latest in engineered flooring, are high in demand among potential home buyers. It’s no wonder; since engineered flooring is comprised of wood layers stacked cross-grain and bonded together under heat and pressure -- a process that makes them stain resistant and more durable where pets’ claws and children’s toys are concerned “Today’s engineered floors have the beauty and durability of

wood, and are available in every color and style you can walk upon,” says Tom Wood, president of the popular mobile franchise concept, Floor Coverings International. “Investing in new flooring can dramatically increase the resale value of your home.” With its mobile capability, a local franchisee of Floor Coverings International can bring up to 3000 samples right to your door, a great convenience when you are in the process of updating your home for sale. Neutral tones, such as pale gray or a dark walnut stain will make the homeselling process easier. Affordable home improvement franchises and cleaning services that offer great value abound. For those planning to sell their homes in the near future, considering each project’s return on investment is important when choosing which home upgrades to make.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

Make over your

(StatePoint) There are many reasons why a home could need a door makeover. Entry doors, like other major components of the home, can wear out over time and need to be replaced. Additionally, homeowners may “inherit” a door on a home they’ve recently purchased and wish to change the style to a better one in order to complement their home’s personality. “Homeowners don’t need to live with a front entry door that they don’t like or that has become inefficient over time,” said Donna Contat at Therma-Tru Corp., a leading entry door brand. ”From a curb appeal and investment standpoint, it can make good economic sense to replace a front entry door.” In fact, entry door replacement consistently ranks among the most valuable remodeling projects in the annual “Cost vs. Value Report,”

published by Remodeling magazine. The experts at Therma-Tru are offering tips for evaluating your current door, and insights on door aesthetics and components. • Evaluate Your Door: Touch your door. If you can feel the exterior temperatures from the inside, you may not have adequate insulation. Also check its appearance. For wood doors, check for warping or rotting. For steel, check for dings and rust. Final item: does the style of your door match the design of your home? • What’s Inside Your Door: A door is actually a system of various components. Locks should operate smoothly and be strong enough to help protect your home. A multipoint locking system that engages a series of locks at several places on the frame can offer peace-of-mind.

• Slam Your Door: Doors experience wear and tear over time. Be sure any replacement door you purchase is constructed and tested to withstand harsh treatment. Consider materials such as fiberglass, which can offer the beauty of such classic materials as wood, while being lowmaintenance and long-lasting. • Door Appeal: Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the wow factor people get when they drive by your home and the cozy feel that welcomes guests to come in and stay a while. Try a paintable fiberglass door to add a pop of color or stick to the classic look of wood grain, which, when stained, adds warmth. Either way, you can make your home’s entryway stand out with a door trim surround kit, such as those from Fypon, as well as decorative or privacy glass for doorlites and sidelites.

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204 S. 11th St. 269.684.4050

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370 N. 9th St. 269.372.0340

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805 Spruce St. 269.782.7788

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26626 W. US 12 269.651.5388

• Chain Link Fence •Wood Fence • Vinyl Fence • Aluminum Fence

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8800 Shaver Rd. 269.323.0660

South Haven 72201 CR 388 269.639.7788

*Offer ends November 30, 2015. Dishwasher model #FBD2400KS is free with the purchase of ten or more Kraftmaid cabinets. See store for details.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

(Family Features) If you’re finding it difficult to say farewell to all the fun you enjoyed in your backyard this summer, now is the perfect time to make upgrades that let you enjoy your outdoor living space all year long. When making changes to a comfortable and familiar setting such as your own backyard, it’s important to keep both aesthetics and function in mind. The following ideas let you achieve a stylish look while introducing new touches that make it possible to enjoy your backyard to the fullest, any time of year. • Extend your growing season — and lend a burst of color to the landscape — with a greenhouse that lets you continue to cultivate fresh veggies and flowers in a temperature-controlled environment. Work the house seamlessly into your backyard design by choosing from compact models that have about the same footprint as a sandbox (or even smaller) up to larger walk-in units the size of a detached shed. • Make your backyard oasis a true wellness retreat with a spa that offers therapeutic relaxation under the stars. Options such as a new spa lend a striking addition to your space with meticulously crafted models that feature architecturally molded corners, elegant exterior lighting, and cabinetry with a rich woodgrain look. • Nothing warms up a cool night like a toasty fire, and flames dancing in an open pit set a special ambiance

for evening gatherings out back. Options are limited only by your imagination: integrate a freestanding version into your existing patio layout, create a stone walkway across the yard to a seating area surrounding a fire pit ringed in stone, or introduce a whole new hardscape to your patio with a small built-in fireplace and chimney. • Full or partial patio enclosures offer a

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natural extension of your indoor space, affording the views and ambiance of the outdoor environment with protection from elements such as wind and rain. A wide range of options let you choose how close to nature you will be, from open-air pergolas that deflect precipitation to retractable screens and windows that keep brisk air at bay. • A lush landscape lends more than an

appealing appearance to a yard. Strategically planted vegetation can serve functional benefits such as deflecting wind or providing a protective canopy overhead. Adding foliage that blooms late in the season or maintains its color year- round lends a fresh aesthetic, and you can draw birds and other wildlife all year long with plantings that offer both food and shelter.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015 (Family Features) A beautiful lawn can be the foundation to a happy, healthier life and lead to spending more time outdoors. In fact, 86 percent of Americans consider their lawn important to their home and life. “A healthy lawn encourages you to live life outside more with your family, friends and neighbors,” said Dr. Kirk Hurto, Chief Science Officer, TruGreen. “There’s no time like late summer and early fall to start preparing your yard for those spring and summertime outdoor gatherings.” While a recent survey conducted by TruGreen showed that seven out of 10 Americans believe themselves to be knowledgeable about the health of their yard, the lawn care experts at TruGreen offer these helpful reminders to get your yard ready for fall: Aerating Aeration involves removal of soil cores to improve water and air movement in compacted soils, and aids in promoting deeper and more root growth and thatch management. Long term, your lawn will respond quicker to fertilizer and water runoff will be reduced when irrigating.

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Overseeding When it comes to increasing lawn thickness and health, overseeding can be essential. It can help discourage future weeds while also aiding recovery from summer heat, disease and insect activity. Seeding during late summer or early fall will give grass the maximum time to develop a deep extensive root system and mature before the onset of winter stresses.

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

Aeration is recommended when overseeding to give seeds more soil contact and provide a moist, protected environment required for germination. Feeding Fall feeding gives your landscape the nutrients needed to prepare for a healthy, green spring revival. Hiring a trained specialist with a plan customized to your region will help trees and shrubs thrive. If you fertilize your own lawn, make sure to follow the product directions and sweep all fertilizer that may reach pavement back onto your lawn. Maintaining Health and Appearance Throughout the fall, there are things you can do to maintain your yard’s appearance and health, Remove fallen tree leaves and debris from your lawn. Studies have shown mulching tree leaves back into your lawn effectively clears away tree leaf debris that otherwise can become matted and damage your lawn over the winter. Lowering the mower height by one or two settings the last couple mowings before winter reduces grass diseases associated with snow. Avoid walking on frost-covered lawns as doing so may cause brown footprints to appear later that can remain visible until spring. Clean and edge landscape beds, leaving no more than 2-3 inches of mulch in the beds.

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Pruning Pruning is an essential maintenance practice for trees and shrubs. Landscapes can quickly become overgrown if not cared for, but yearly pruning will maintain trees and shrubs to an ideal size and shape. Remove dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs to prevent rot organisms from invading the trunk and stems of plants. For more fall lawn care and maintenance advice, visit trugreen.com.

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Pool Covers on Sale Now! Call and schedule your fall pool closing. We offer technical services on all brands of Spas. Hours: M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Sun 10-2

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MK CONSTRUCTION We also install Metal Roofing, Siding and More. Over 40 years experience • Licensed Contact Michael N. Knepple at 269-476-9777 www.mikeknepplebuilders.com

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Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

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Fall garden cleanup tips that go beyond raking

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(StatePoint) Fall is the ideal season to tick items off your home exterior to-do list. The weather is finally cooler, making the work more enjoyable; and a thorough fall clean-up will give you peace of mind all winter. Your MVP during home maintenance season can be the pressure washer. Up to 75 times more powerful than a garden hose, a pressure washer is a versatile tool that offers an efficient way to get a variety of cleaning tasks done.

• Vinyl Brock Dock Free estimates all major credit cards accepted

Take a staycation!

Now is the perfect time to finish that home improvement project before winter. A 1st Source home equity line of credit can be used to pay for just about anything, from a vacation, home repairs, or to get a jump on holiday shopping.

Deck Once you’re ready to stash away outdoor furniture for the season, remember to wash it down first for a deeper clean than a garden hose can provide. Before moving these items into storage, first let them dry completely. Ensure your deck is free of mold and debris. A thorough clean will also serve to prep your deck for weatherproofing with a stain or sealant (another useful task to include on your fall checklist.) Outdoor Surfaces Rejuvenate driveways, patios, sidewalks and other large flat surfaces quickly and with no streaking using accessories like the Briggs & Stratton Surface Cleaner that works on a 14-inch diameter in one stroke. It features a dome shape to control overspray

to protect walls and flower beds. Grill Cleaning your grill is a breeze with a pressure washer. First disconnect the propane tank and move it away from the area. Disconnect any electrical lines. Prop up the hood and remove the grates. Treat the entire grill with a degreasing solution, working from the bottom of the cart up to the grill bed. Let the degreaser work for a few minutes. Be careful around gas hoses, connections, electrical components or heating elements. Using a general medium-pressure spray pattern, flush detergent and rinse any residue, working from the top down. Let the grill dry thoroughly, then coat with nonstick oil to help reduce future build-up. Safety Operate a pressure washer only outside, far away from windows, doors and vents to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide gas from accumulating and potentially being drawn towards occupied spaces. Always wear goggles and closed-toe footwear when operating a pressure washer. Don’t spray near children, pets, electrical wires, or power lines. After use, allow the unit to cool down before storing.

Don’t let fall pass you by without having some fun, getting something done – or both. Stop in today!

Commercial • Residential • Industrial

Niles – Martin’s 720 South 11th St. 687-8244

Niles – Downtown 306 East Main St. 684-1283

* Subject to credit approval. Checking account is required.

Dowagiac 223 South Front St. 782-5121

1251 Third St., Osceola 574-674-5900 custom-awning.com

Fall Home Improvement • September 2015

aerate Now is the time to

(StatePoint) Fall is a great time to aerate the lawn. Whether you do it yourself or hire a lawn care professional to do it for you, aeration at least once per year provides a number of benefits to your lawn, say experts. The main benefit is to relieve compaction and increase pore space, which promotes gas exchange and microbial activity in the soil and creates a better, more supportive environment for lawn health and vitality. Aeration also promotes better soil drainage, which helps keep disease at bay and allows more water to percolate into the soil from rain or irrigation, meaning less runoff and more water getting where it needs to go. “Ideal aeration timing depends on turf type and geography,” says Lloyd Von Scheliha of Exmark Manufacturing, a manufacturer of turf care equipment. “But annual aeration provides valuable agronomic benefits to virtually any turfgrass.” With that in mind, here are some tips from the experts at Exmark to get the most benefits from aeration: • Timing: Ideally, aeration should take place during times of active

Fall prep vital for preserving, improving lawn

2295 S. M-139, Benton Harbor, MI

269.926.8855

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm • Sat 10am-4pm

growth to help with recovery. Avoid aeration during times of heat stress or times preceding dormancy. It’s typically best to aerate cool season grasses in the spring or fall, while with warm season grasses, it’s best to aerate in late spring or early fall. • Proper equipment: Use gear that meets the needs of your lawn. For example, Exmark offers a 30inch Stand-On aerator that makes quick work of even large properties with the ability to easily maneuver around landscape features.

• Follow-up: After aeration, it’s a good idea to water the lawn, as well as a good time to apply fertilizer or overseed if needed. Be careful not to apply a pre-emergent if you plan to overseed, however, as it will prevent the new seed from growing. Don’t let this important, but often overlooked lawn care task escape your attention this season. At the ideal time for your lawn, either take it upon yourself or hire a professional to give your grass a better chance at thriving.

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Fall Home Improvement â&#x20AC;˘ September 2015

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