2 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
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MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 3
How to choose a home repair professional It’s astonishing how little thought some people put into selecting the right home repair professional. Grabbing the first name in the phone book is just not smart.
credit cards. He or she insists on cash payments only
Anyone with a hammer and work boots can call themselves an expert, but finding a tr uly skilled craftsman requires effort. The home repair industry has its share of incompetent and dishonest “professionals.” Here’s how you can make sure your home repair goes smoothly.
— Large down payment or entire cost of the job is required upfront
CHECK REFERENCES Past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. Not only should you check references, you should control which references you are given.
Ask the contractor specifically for the past five jobs he or she has completed. Get the dates and details on what was done. A couple of things are accomplished with this strategy. You will get an idea of current performance, not how well work was done years ago. You also have a better chance of getting valid customers, rather than friends and family who will give biased reviews.
— Provider is going door-to-door offering his or her services
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS You are making a decision of whether or not to hire the provider. Just like any job interview, you must not only ask questions — they should be the right ones. Following are targeted questions to ask:
— How long have you been in business? Don’t just take their word for it — check to see if the business is legitimate and also whether there have been any complaints — How many times have you completed the job I am looking for within the past two years? Ask for references and check them. If possible, go see the finished product. — Can I see your license? The majority of states require general and specialty contractors to be licensed and registered.
WARNING SIGNS Although these do not absolutely point to problems, they are definitely red flags:
— Who will per form the work? Sometimes subcontractors are hired for projects. You have a right to know who will be doing your job.
— You are pressured to make a quick decision on hiring the provider — Provider will not accept checks or
— Can I see your insurance certificates? Reputable contractors carry proper ty damage, personal liability and
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worker’s compensation insurance. — Will this job require a permit? The contractor should obtain any necessary permit before work commences. GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING The potential for miscommunication with home repair jobs is enormous. Take the time to get at least three detailed bids on your job. This is your first clue as to how conscientious the provider will be. If he or she cannot put together a legible quote, what are the chances they will per form flawless work?
Every item discussed and verbally agreed to by the contractor should be reflected on the bid. What kind of materials will be used? What is the completion date of the project? What warranty is being offered? What is the payment schedule? The saying “you get what you pay for” is often true when it comes to home repair providers. Be wary of low-ball quotes. Your home repair should be a pleasant experience. The finished product needs to be something you are happy with and worth every penny. The only way to ensure this happens is to use your head and take your time in selecting the right home repair provider. This is time well-spent and something smart home owners put in practice consistently.
4 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
Reclaim your garage in a weekend (NAPS)—Is your garage dingy, cluttered and in need of a facelift? Transforming it into a “showroom” for your car or reclaiming it for a workshop, playroom or man cave isn’t difficult. All it takes is a weekend and a little elbow grease. “Many homeowners view the garage as an extension of the home—not just a place to store the lawn mower,” says RustOleum brand manager Mark Wilgen. “A clean, well-organized garage can provide extra living space, as well as add value to a home. And reclaiming it can be a fun weekend project that families can do together.”
It’s time to organize! From shelving to workbenches to storage pieces designed for sports equipment, there is a plethora of garage storage options available to help you get organized. Visit your local hardware store to find the best option for your needs. You’ll be surprised how a little organization can maximize your garage space. For more information on garage projects, floor-finishing tips and techniques, visit www.rustoleum.com.
Here’s how to get started: Get rid of the clutter. Remove outdoor furniture, sports equipment, lawn mowers and garage clutter. Bag the trash, donate too-small bikes and other items you no longer need and decide what will go back in the garage after your work is done. If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll gain a lot of space by clearing away the clutter.
Paint the walls. Most homeowners don’t think about painting the walls of their garage. Yet a coat of ordinary latex paint can go a long way in brightening the space and giving it a finished look. If the garage has never been painted—or it’s been painted with porous builders’ flat paint—make sure you prime first with a quality primer like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3. It will seal the surface for a better paint job and you’ll use less paint. Don’t forget the floor. Sweep it clean. Then remove dirt, oil or grease spots using a cleaner/degreaser and a stiff bristle brush and rinse thoroughly. To give your garage a showroomquality floor that will make you the talk of your neighborhood, finish it with a coating specifically formulated for garage floors such as Rust-Oleum Garage Floor Coating. It will protect the floor against gasoline, antifreeze, motor oil, salt and hot tire pickup and makes it simple to keep clean. And it’s easy to apply. Just mix the two-part system, allow the mixture to stand according to label directions and then apply it in 4’x4’ sections. Toss the decorative paint chips as you finish each section and you’re done.
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MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 5
Winterize your lawn sprinkler system (NAPS)—Increasingly, lawn care is becoming a year-round process. No matter the season, there are things a homeowner must take care of in order to keep a lawn looking its best. For example, if you use a sprinkler system to help keep your lawn in great shape, there are certain tasks you must perform before winter arrives. Experts recommend that you winterize your system around the middle of autumn to make certain that the job is done before any freezing occurs. The process mainly consists of getting all the water out of the lines. When water is left in the system and freezes, it can damage the valves and other system components. Here are some tips from the experts at Rain Bird:
• Start by turning off the timer. Automatic irrigation systems have a controller or timer. Most controllers have a “rain” or “off” mode that shuts off the signals to the valves. Turning it “off” allows the controller to keep all the essential programming information stored in it. The only change is that the valves will not activate. If you unplug or cut the power to your controller, you may need to reprogram it in the spring. • Make sure the water is off. Shutting off the main water supply helps to protect the system from freezing. Also, wrap the valve in insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag). If your system doesn’t have a main shutoff valve, installing one to protect your investment is a good idea. • Next—drain pipes to keep them from freezing. Those who live in colder regions will want to remove the water from pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting. There are several ways to drain pipes, including draining the valves manually and using compressed air to “blow out” the system. Since there can be some risk involved, it’s always a good idea to contact an irrigation system specialist. It’s also a good idea to insulate any above- ground pipes.
Experts say it’s best to winterize your lawn’s irrigation system around the middle of autumn to make certain that the job is done before any freezing occurs.
• Backflow preventers and valves that are aboveground need to be insulated, too. Since this can be a complicated process, you may want to speak with an irrigation specialist, such as those at Rain Bird. • Learn more. For more irrigation tips as well as information on where to find a specialist, visit www.rainbird.com or call (800) RAINBIRD.
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6 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
How to choose an electrician The electrical system in your home allows you to do some pretty amazing things, from enjoying your entertainment center to using your computer and operating a wide range of kitchen gadgets that make dining more enjoyable. But any problem affecting your electrical wiring is nothing for amateurs to fool around with. That same electrical current that offers so many benefits can also cause fires, damage and even death if not properly attended to by a professional when there is a problem.
4. Get estimates from an electrician in writing. Before you contract with someone to complete an electrical project is the time to get all your questions asked and answered, not after the job is done and you encounter surprises, overcharges and other unpleasant things. Ask how long the job will take and what sort of guarantee you have for the quality of the workmanship. Ask about payment terms and if the rate quoted is simply an estimate or the actual amount you will be expected to pay for the electrician’s work. Ask when payment is due and if you can use a credit card, check or cash only.
Here is a simple checklist to follow to ensure that you are hiring an electrician who is both experienced and professional: 1. Get qualified referrals before you are facing an emergency or disaster situation where you might be tempted to make a decision in a hurry. Ask family members, friends or neighbors who they regularly use as an electrician, then call them up and get some basic information about their rates, 24/7 availability and if they offer any specialties. 2. Don’t consider hiring any electrician who cannot provide you with a current license and references. Every state has a license board requiring contractors such as electricians to keep a valid and current license. Make sure your electrician has a valid and current license, and can provide you with references of projects they have recently completed. If the electrician seems annoyed by your questions, take a pass on hiring this person as they might do shoddy work and failed to renew their license if they even had one in the first place. When you get references, call them and ask if there were any follow-up problems and how the electrician handled it and how promptly the problem was resolved. 3. Get estimates from at least three electricians. This allows you to do several things. It allows you to compare rates and see if someone is seriously undercutting or overcharging others in the field, definitely not a good sign. It allows you to see if the electrician shows up on time and is professionally
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dressed and outfitted. If an individual’s work clothes are unwashed or dirty, their appearance is unkempt or there is alcohol on their breath, they are not a professional you want to do business with. This allows you to meet the electrician ahead of time to get a sense of their demeanor and personality. You don’t want someone surly, negative or ill mannered working around your home.
5. Don’t let prices dictate who you hire. Of course we all have certain budgetary restrictions, but the price quoted should be the last consideration in hiring a qualified electrician. The electrician quoting the cheapest price may not be the most experienced or the most professional, and just what is your safety and peace of mind worth? It’s always better to spend a few dollars more to go with an electrician who has impressed you with his knowledge and professionalism but has a higher bid than to go with the cheapest bidder whose work and attitude may be very shoddy. 6. Try out an electrician on a small job first, perhaps replacing a porch light fixture or repairing an outlet that’s gone dead. You can see if they keep their word, show up on time, do the job satisfactorily and charge you the price quoted before engaging their services for more complicated rewiring projects that might costs in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.
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Sharing your home with pets and plants (NAPS)—Plants can be a beautiful way to spruce up your home and garden, but if you share your home with a dog or cat, you’ll want to choose your plants carefully. The leaves, seeds, berries and bulbs of some common plants can be poisonous to pets. Many flowers, such as hyacinth, oleander and hydrangea, can cause stomach irritation when ingested by your cat or dog. Wisteria, lily of the valley, morning glory and narcissus are other common plants that have parts that could be poisonous such as seeds, pods, roots, bulbs and flowers, and therefore should be avoided when landscaping your yard.
settia plants, whose leaves, flowers and stems are toxic. For more information about plants that are hazardous to your pets, visit www.Petside.com/plants. Petside.com is an online destination for pet owners and pet enthusiasts from DigitalWorks @ NBCU and Procter & Gamble Productions, Inc.
Vegetable and fruit gardens should also be treated with caution. The leaves of rhubarb, shoots of potatoes and seeds of apples can be extremely poisonous to dogs and cats. Instead, try planting beets, honeydew melon or zucchini squash, none of which will pose a threat to your precious pets. If you’d like to bring your garden inside, tuberous plants are great to include in any fresh-cut arrangement. While some members of the tuberous family are completely poisonous, such as iris and lilies, others can be safe when handled intelligently. As long as their bulbs are discarded, tulips, daffodils and buttercups are a beautiful and safe way to bring nature indoors.
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In the spring, be sure not to plant azaleas, primroses or geraniums, which are entirely poisonous to dogs and cats. Consider planting impatiens, sunflowers or petunias instead, as they are all safe and will add color and beauty to your outdoor space. Floral decorations are not solely relegated to springtime, however. The winter holidays are a popular time to celebrate with seasonal plants, so be mindful as you decorate. Cats and dogs should stay away from holly and mistletoe—both of which contain poisonous berries—and English ivy and poin-
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8 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
How to choose a tree service Choosing a tree service company involves a little research and a good plan for what you expect from them before you start calling. There are companies that specialize in tree trimming and removal, while others are experts in keeping trees alive and healthy.
If the contractor wants to give you a copy of his insurance paperwork, that may be OK, but give the insurance company
Trees take a long time to grow, but they can come down quickly — sometimes too quickly. If you have a large old tree that is hanging directly over your home, you may get nervous every time the wind blows. The traditional tree removal company can come in with specialized equipment such as bucket trucks and cranes to trim dead branches or even completely remove old trees with little risk of damage to your property. Other common jobs for these companies is trimming trees that have grown through power lines or those that hang over a neighbor’s property. Trees can also get sick or become infested with a variety of pests. Tree doctors can help keep trees alive and healthy and solve problems related to insects, disease and other causes of early death.
a call to make sure the policy is still active, paid up and will cover the type of work you are seeking from them.
If you have an old tree that is dear to your heart, give a tree doctor a call to see what they can offer to help keep it around a while longer. They can recommend a variety of treatments and spot problems that you didn’t even know existed, often keeping trees alive for many more years.
Most contractors will have references from other local clients who have had a similar need in the past. Call at least one or two of these and ask them if they would use the contractor again, and if they were happy with the results of their work.
When shopping for a company, take the time to talk to them about what your goals are, and find out what they would recommend.
You may even be able to get permission to drive to a former client’s location to inspect the work yourself, if that is of interest.
A site inspection is usually a good idea, and it will give you a chance to ask them lots of questions. That lets you learn a little bit about your trees and about the potential contractors. You can take the opportunity to find out how long a company has been in business, what they specialize in, and how big they are.
The contractor may also have a portfolio of pictures of their work, or even some video footage of a particularly difficult job they performed flawlessly. This can be a source of pride for them, and can show you that they take their job seriously and are capable of performing difficult tasks. Often a company Web site will have this sort of information online, as well as other relevant information about the business.
Make sure the company you decide to use has adequate insurance. This is usually documented by the insurance company mailing you a certificate of insurance with your name and the contractor’s name on it, showing specific coverage for liability, property damage, worker’s compensation and vehicle coverage.
Get a written estimate before contract begins, along with a clear description of the work to be performed. When a company meets all of these expectations, it’s likely that they can take care of your needs in a professional manner. And it all starts with a little planning.
MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 9
Top trends in home remodeling 1. Save Money: Remodel Your Bathroom. Old tile getting a little grungy? It looks like this is the year for a bathroom update. Dennis D. Gehman, president of Gehman Custom Remodeling says, “Bathrooms are the hottest project, we think it’s due to the economy. Baths cost less than a kitchen or addition and most houses have more than one bath, so there are more available to be remodeled.” 2. Must-Do Remodeling Projects. Rather than going through major renovations, next year people will continue to only complete the projects that need to be done, like repairs to siding or roof leaks. Mitch Speck of Specktacular Home Remodeling says he is seeing a trend of people doing “‘have-to’ projects instead of ‘want-to’ projects.”
their project. They are asking the questions we have been telling them to ask for years.” 6. Paying in Cash. Rather than taking out loans for renovation projects, homeowners are using cash for projects. Steve Klitsch of Creative Concepts Remodeling, Inc. says homeowners are giving themselves a budget and picking and choosing what projects they can do with the money. One way to save money is by updating features, like cabinets, but not remodel an entire room.
9. Going Green. Bamboo floors, grass thatched roofs, and bark siding may sound like something from “Jungle Book,” but they are just a few of the newest green home products. In addition, people are getting energy efficiency upgrades. Adams says upgrades on glass will be continue to be big, and adds that “people are even asking for tripane (windows)!” 10. Industrial Flair. Exposed beams will continue to be popular, but so will “stainless steel cable and architectural products,” says Michell Milestone, director of sales and marketing at JG Development, Inc. With so many people working from home, home will take on more of an industrial or commercial look to enforce business credability. 11. Creating Relaxation Space: With home values still falling in many areas and a new prediction of three more lousy years of real estate, homeowners are more stressed than ever. So it’s no surprise that when they are developing new spaces, tranquility comes to mind. Mozen says people are asking for “zen-like” bathrooms. “The bathrooms don’t have to be big-but they have to be relaxing and soothing. They seem to prefer showers with the works-steam, seats, body sprays, etc.”
3. Warming Up The House. Warmer tiles and colors are coming back. People tend to be moving away from minimalist, white designs in favor of cozier, earth tones. The trend, however, is not rustic. Instead, it’ss a mash-up of earthiness and modern design. Judy Mozen, president of Handcrafted Homes, Inc., says she is seeing people favor rooms that are more contemporary and calming, but are “still not totally contemporary.” 4. Getting Decked Out. George Christiansen of Pequot Remodeling Corporation says his clients are building outdoor spaces for themselves. “It appears that people want to sit outside again and are staying at home more frequently. Many pools are also being built in the neighborhood.”
7. Opening Up Rooms: “Open floor plans are in, so we’re removing interior walls and opening up the spaces in older houses to modernize them,” says Gehman. Open floor plans help families be more flexible with the square footage they already have.
5. Hiring A Great Contractor. Darius Baker of D & J Kitchens and Baths, Inc. says that “consumer diligence” is on the rise. “Folks are finally getting the message that it is important to look closer at the companies they are considering for
8. Bronze Age. Along the with warmer tones in homes are warmer tones in metallic features. Kathy Adams of J&C Adams Co., Inc. says “oil rubbed bronze, aged bronze, or distressed hardware” will be big in the coming year.
12. Planning ahead: “We are seeing many clients thinking about their retirement years,” says Jillian Renner of Golden Rule Remodeling & Architecture, Inc. Her clients-even those far from retirement-are putting in easy-opening cabinetry, hand-held showers, and more accessible kitchens and baths. Renner adds, “Even though the clients don’t need those things right now, they are planning for when they might find them needed.”
10 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
How to choose a plumber If you have a plumbing problem at home, whether it seems to be a major or minor one, you will want to locate a plumber immediately in order to take care of it before the situation becomes worse. Your main concern, of course, will be finding a service provider who can do the job quickly, efficiently and at a reasonable price. WHAT TO AVOID Although the temptation to act in haste and call in the first plumber you can track down is strong, do not act impulsively. If you go this route, you may end up with a service provider who is inexperienced and incapable of handling the job according to established standards, who will charge you far more than the usual price for the same job in your area, or who will fail to provide a guarantee of his workmanship.
Here are some factors you will want to focus on: — A reliable way of finding the right plumber is to ask family members, friends and neighbors to provide you with references. If they cannot help you, then you can ask the service providers themselves to give you some testimonials or references for you to verify. No reputable company will balk at your request. — Other factors to consider when making your choice include whether this service provider is properly licensed, how long they have been in business, their usual charges, the various installation jobs they are equipped to handle, and the kinds of repairs they are qualified to make.
To determine the average price for your particular need, call a few plumbers in your area and ask f o r some quotes. You don’t necessarily want to go with the lowest bid, which could be an indication of shoddy workmanship, and the highest bid may signify that this service provider is simply too busy and doesn’t really need more work. Note also that some plumbers charge according the ser vice they are providing while others charge by the hour, and you should always ask for a written estimate before the work begins. At times, a service provider will only be able to give you a reasonable estimate that includes a “ceiling price” instead of a definite quote. However, if you have a plumbing problem within a ceiling or closed wall, your plumber may be unable to come up with a firm bid until he knows how extensive the damage is. If this happens, you can always request a “worstcase scenario” quote.
— You should always be given a time frame that will tell you long it will take to complete the job, and your plumber should also show up as scheduled. This is an indication that he realizes your time is valuable, too.
GUARANTEES MATTER Your plumber’s service warranty is also an important consideration, and failure to provide one should be a definite warning sign. Under ordinary circumstances, a reliable plumber is always ready to correct a problem related to the work that was done, or repair a leak within the given time period.
PAY ATTENTION TO PRICING This can be an extremely tricky issue, and it is also quite important, because you could end up paying a large sum for what most people would consider to be a small job.
A few companies and some independent plumbers guarantee their work for 30 to 90 days, and larger plumbing businesses might provide a guarantee that lasts even longer, based on kind of work they did.
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MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 11
How to choose a locksmith The most important rule about choosing a locksmith is to choose one before you need one.
against him. If a lot of complaints have been filed, this is a red flag.
You definitely want to find someone reputable. The very nature of the job can lend itself to foul play. Below you will find some helpful tips to help you successfully choose a locksmith.
Even if you identified the locksmith through a recommendation by a trusted friend or business, it is a good idea to ask the locksmith for a list of references or client list. If you call up a few of his clients and receive glowing recommendations, this can be quite reassuring.
GET RECOMMENDATIONS A good way to begin looking for a locksmith is to ask people you trust for recommendations. You might ask your friends, family or neighbors. Unfortunately, they are probably like the rest of us and only call upon a locksmith in emergency situations.
A better way to get recommendations is to call around to some of the small businesses in your area. Most businesses use locksmith services on a much more regular basis than individuals. If you notice that many of the businesses in your area use a particular locksmith, it is a good bet that he is a good one. LICENSED AND INSURED? Before hiring a locksmith, you definitely need to make sure they are licensed by the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALA). It’s not enough to just ask them if they are licensed: there are many inferior programs (i.e. correspondence programs) that issue licenses which aren’t recognized by the ALA.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS You may think this is a minor point, but there are a couple reasons that this may be important. If a locksmith regularly attends trade meetings, then it is likely that he will be educated on the latest technology and possess the state-of-the-art tools that he needs to give you the best service possible.
Another reason that it is desirable for your locksmith to belong to a trade association is that it shows he is active in the locksmith community. He has probably built up a reputation amongst his peers, and he will be less likely to do anything to damage that reputation. A locksmith can provide many useful services for us, such as changing the locks on your house or installing a safe in your bedroom. Most of the time, however, we only call upon them in emergencies. This is why it is of utmost importance to always choose a locksmith before you actually need one.
You also what to make sure the locksmith you are hiring is insured or bonded. This is in case he does some damage to your home, car or business while he is performing his services. If he isn’t bonded, and he tears up your front door, you might have difficulty collecting any money from him to pay for a new one. CHECK UP ON THEM This may seem like a hassle, but it only takes a few minutes, and it can save you a lot of grief later on. Once you’ve identified a locksmith, place a call to the Better Business Bureau, your local chamber of commerce, and your local police station to see if there have been any complaints filed
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BEST PRICES IN TOWN! POLE BUILDING PACKAGES STEEL SIDING / ROOFING The Name You Can Trust For The Finest Quality U.S. Made Steel! NEED MORE SPACE? ADD A GARAGE! UPGRADES, OPTIONS & OTHER SIZES AVAILABLE
DELIVERY AVAILABLE 24’X24’X8’ 24’X32’X8’ 32’X40’X8’ 40’X64’X10’
T1-11 STEEL SIDING SHINGLES SHINGLES $3,499 $3,629 $4,129 $4,459 $6,249 $6,169 $11,599 $11,389
ALL STEEL $3,599 $4,069 $5,819 $10,859
Includes 6x6 & 4x6 Treated Poles, 2 Rows of Treated T&G Skirt Boards. Engineered Trusses w/1 ft. OH. Sliding Door, Girls/Purlins & Nails WANT VINYL SIDING? CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE!
HUGE CLOSEOUT PLYWOOD SALE
*ALL 4’X8’ PINE PLYWOOD* 1/2” 3/4” 3/4” 3/8” 5/8” 3/4” 3/8” 1/4”
CDX Plywood MDO Plywood T&G Plywood Sanded One Side Plywood CDX Plywood CDX Plywood CDX Plywood Sanded One Side Plywood
M on-Fri7:30am -5:00pm Sat.8:00am -2:00pm
DEWALT 18V CORDLESS ROTARY LASER KIT W/TRIPOD & GRAD STAKE
29 gauge - 36” Coverage 16 Colors Available • Red, White or Green in Stock ONLY 2.25 LF First Quality 8 FT.............$18.00 Limited
10 FT.............$22.50 Lifetime 12 FT.............$27.00 Warranty 14 FT.............$31.50 16 FT.............$36.00 IN STOCK!!! 18 FT.............$40.50
289
$
The Name You Can Trust For The Finest Quality U.S. Made Steel!
PINE BARN SIDING PREFINISHED 1 X 8 #2 - 59¢ LF MAHOGANY
5/8” 8” OC T1-11
36” PREHUNG DOOR $
649
1300sheet WOOD SIDING SHOP GRADE $ $ 00 Only 29 sheet $ 00 Only 17 sheet $ 50 Only 12 sheet 36” SMOOTH $ 00 Only 13 sheet 10 TRUCKLOADS OF FIBERGLASS $ 00 Only 17 sheet UNFINISHED OAK $ 50 ENTRY DOOR Only 10 sheet $ 00 KITCHEN CABINETS W/MOTORIZED BLINDS Only 11 sheet Only
$
PRICES OVER 30% OFF RETAIL 200 SERIES 2-PANEL HINGED PATIO DOORS - INSWING
15.99 / SHT.
JUST ARRIVED
21 SIZES OF BASE AND WALL CABINETS
STARTING AT
28
$
ACTIVE/PASSAGE
5’X8’ - $669
REG. PRICE $1499 WHITE HARDWARE $120
6’X8’ - $699
8500 SERIES
WHITE HARDWARE $120
DOUBLE HUNG
REG. PRICE $1578 ACTIVE/STATIONARY
5’X8’ - $649
REG. PRICE $1299 WHITE HARDWARE $64
6’X8’ - $679
REG. PRICE $1362 WHITE HARDWARE $64
LOW-E3, ARGON GAS HALF SCREEN ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED
249
$
REPLACEMENT WINDOW SALE UNITED INCH WHITE SIZE RANGE 0-79 U.I. $124.00
BEIGE $133.00
80-92 U.I.
$140.00
$150.00
93-101 U.I.
$152.00
$163.00
MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 13
Choosing a storage facility Storage centers can provide a great service to us. Often, we don’t have enough room in our homes to store all our belongings. Alternatively, we might be in the process of moving, and a storage center can provide a great convenient place to store our things until we get settled into our new place. With so many options available, choosing which storage center is right for you can be a daunting task. Here are a few things you should consider when deciding where to store your valuable belongings: UNIT SIZES What sizes do they offer? Depending on what you need to store, this can make a big difference. Some places offer storage units as small as 5x5 feet (25 square feet). This is great if you only have a few small things to store. It won’t be adequate, though, if you need to store something larger, like furniture.
If you need to store your car along with your furniture, you probably need a unit that is at least 10x30 feet (300 square feet). Some people might own even larger items that need to be stored, like a boat. In this case, even these wouldn’t be nearly large enough. No matter what your needs are, there is probably a storage center that can handle it for you. Some centers may specialize in small units for college students, while others may specialize in larger units for a wide variety of vehicles. You will need to call around or check various ads to find out which is right for you. SECURITY If you are going to have your belongings put in storage, you definitely want to make sure they are secure. The only way to find this out is to either visit the premises yourself, or carefully question their representative on the phone. Some things you might want to look out for are:
go to the storage unit twice - once to drop your stuff off and once to pick it up, then this might not be much of an issue. If you are a business man who uses a storage unit to store your products, then you might be going in and out of the facility several times per week. In this case, you definitely want to make sure that you will always be able to get into your unit when you need to. Some centers offer 24 hour access, and some close at a certain hour for more security. PRICE This is what most people are concerned about. Everybody wants to get the best deal and wonder how much a storage unit will actually cost. This largely depends on what size you want.
Obviously, smaller units generally cost less, and larger units cost more. However, you might consider paying more for higher security, or for more convenient hours, or for extra services that might be offered, like having packages delivered to your unit. Selecting a storage center isn’t something to take lightly. You should carefully weigh your options, and make a choice based on your own individual needs.
CUSTOM CUSTOM HOME HOME IMPROVEMENTS IMPROVEMENTS • Kitchens • Skylights • Windows & Doors • Ceramic Tile • Baths • Custom Woodwork DESIGNERS/OWNERS: Eric Reed & Beverly Hippely
Installation Available by our own Craftsmen
1. Do they have a gate? Is it accessed by a code or a key or does a guard personally grant access? 2. How secure is the fence around the property? Is it easy to climb? Does it have barbed wire? You don’t want kids late at night to be able to easily scale the fence and break into your storage unit. 3. Is there a security guard on site? Does he regularly walk around the premises or mostly guard the gate? HOURS OF ACCESS Before you choose a storage unit, it is important to understand when you will be allowed to access your things. If you are storing something for 3 months and only plan to
Your Local Remodeling Experts
850 West State St., Salem 330-332-1244
OPEN: Thursday: 10-8; Friday: 10-5; Saturday: 10-1
14 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011
How to choose a landscaping service When a homeowner hires a landscaper, they are looking to improve the appearance and value of their home. Landscaping companies provide many different types of services for their clients, and finding one that offers the right services for your home at the right price is the key to choosing a landscaper. Here are some things that you need to consider when looking for a landscaper for your home: BEFORE YOU LOOK When you are even thinking about hiring a landscaper, take the time to look at your neighbors’ lawns and gardens and to thumb through landscape and garden magazines. This will help you to determine how you want your lawn to look and the types of plants, trees and flowers that might best fit your specific landscape. WHAT SERVICES DO YOU NEED? As you consider hiring a landscaper, make a list of your specific needs and decide which services you will require from the company you hire. Some of the services that you should consider listing include weekly or monthly lawn and garden maintenance, weed control, tree pruning and shaping, garden installations, inspection and maintenance of irrigation systems and possibly even the construction of retaining walls or other structures.
Note on your list which items you need and which items you want. When you have created this list, you can begin to search for the right landscaper. SET A BUDGET Cost is always a major consideration when hiring a landscaper. The best way to stay within your budget is to set one. Determine in advance how much you are willing to pay for the individual services you need and what you can afford to spend annually on your landscaping. This will help you to determine which services on the list you created are truly necessities.
For example, you need to have your lawn mowed weekly or bi-weekly in order to keep it under control. You may also need to have a new landscaping wall built in order to protect your home. But, you might determine that the top-notch sprinkler system you want to install is still beyond your true budget. Keep an open mind, however, because some landscapers charge less than you might expect for these types of projects in order to get your continued business. ASK FOR REFERRALS Ask your friends, family members and neighbors for recommendations when you are looking for a landscaper. Word of mouth is a great form of advertising, and a good landscaper will come with excellent recommendations.
If you are new to the area, you might want to do an online search for local landscaping companies. Then, check the BBB and the Internet for consumer reviews of the companies you find. If you see negative reviews for one company, it is probably best to move to the next one on your list. ASK FOR AVAILABILITY One of the first questions that you should ask any landscaper you interview is when they will be able to complete your limited-time projects and how often they will be available for maintenance.
Some homeowners prefer to be home during the time that a landscaper is present, while others don’t have a preference. Also, if your neighborhood has noise regulations, then you need to ensure that your landscaper is aware and willing to adhere to these restrictions. OVERVIEW Knowledge of landscaping techniques and confidence in the company you hire are the two most important elements to selecting a landscaper for your home. Be thorough in your research and ask for referrals wherever you can.
MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011 • 15
16 • MORNING JOURNAL FALL HOME IMPROVEMENTS • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011