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4 Gray trending as a home exterior color Real Estate
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Giving your home’s exterior a fresh look starts with color. And this year, many home improvement trend-spotting experts say the leading color family is gray, with its neutral yet refined elegance. “Gray is an important home exterior color because it works equally well on all home styles, from historic to contemporary, and in every part of the country,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “Quite versatile, gray tones can range from cool, clear bluish gray to a true neutral gray through a warm French gray or
even taupe. With gray, it’s really hard to go wrong.” While you may know whether you like something once it’s in place, achieving a look you love before making a commitment is crucial. Smith is offering tips for picking the perfect hues for your home: • The best gray for your home exterior is one that blends well with your roof and other fixed features, such as brick, stone or permanent design elements. For a middle tone that will work on most homes, look for a classic gray that will never go out of
style. • Light, clear gray is fresh and airy -- just be sure to look for any undertones. What appears as light gray on the swatch could seem light blue or lavender once applied. • If you’re going with dark gray as the main color, look for one that is rich but soft. Deeper shades with a harder edge are great as accents. • Gray comes alive with dramatic accent colors. Paint your door a bold color to create a strong focal point. Use other accent colors to play a secondary role.
• A touch of brass, bronze or copper warms up gray; gold or orange adds a spark of color. • Both warm and cool greens look fresh against gray; from thyme to palm or forest, green naturally brings out the beauty of gray. • Tried and true blue -- soft raindrop, bold blue paisley or admiral blue -- keeps gray fresh and clean. • Go all neutral with gray on gray for a sophisticated scheme. • If you’re updating your roof, consider the 14 shades of gray offered as options for polymer slate and shake roofing tiles at
DaVinci Roofscapes. Their newest color, Smokey Gray, reflects a deep, rich blackish gray reminiscent of real slate. Combined with softer gray roofing tones, such as Light Weathered Gray or Slate Gray, you can create a unique roofing profile. For more ways to add gray to the exterior of the home, check out the insights from color expert Kate Smith at www.sensationalcolor.com. For a home update that will signify stability, elegance and dependability, consider going gray. -StatePoint
Top home upgrades that offer long-term value
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It’s no secret that home upgrades cost time and money. But certain projects can actually save you money in key areas and improve the resale value of your home, while making it more beautiful and livable now. When it’s time to replace worn-out roofing, doors and trim, ensure you’re getting good value on your investment. Here are some guidelines for making durable, long-lasting upgrades. Roofing The roof is an integral part of a house’s curb appeal. It’s also a vital protective layer between the elements and your family. Roofing should be impact-, fireand severe weather-resistant, as well as beautiful -- especially as extreme weather events are
growing more common and severe across America. A new roof can pay off, according to “Remodeling" magazine, which cites a 71.6 percent recoup of costs in their 2015 Cost vs. Value study. Skip over bargain-basement priced roofs, even if you’re on a budget. What’s important is finding a roof that will be virtually maintenance free for years to come. You may pay more out of pocket now, but you’ll save big on repairs, inspection and maintenance in the long run. Natural slate and shake roofing materials evoke images of traditional charm and longstanding durability. However they have an inherent tendency to degrade as they age.
Check out manmade materials, such as polymer slate and shake roofing tiles, which offer the authentic look of natural materials but are more resistant to chipping, flaking and splintering over time. For example, DaVinci Roofscapes offers 50 colors, which can help you focus on your home’s 'top down' curb appeal in order to create a cohesive exterior. And some polymer roofing options can even help you get a break on homeowner’s insurance. Trim Boost curb appeal, as well as interior style, with millwork, moulding and trim. While these elements don’t always serve a functional purpose other than to add beauty and value to your home, it’s important that they
resist humidity, moisture and insects all the same, so you don’t experience warping or decay. Manufacturers such as Fypon are turning to polyurethane to create varying textures for millwork, from smooth to stone to woodgrain. These design pieces can help emphasize your house’s architecture, reflecting the style of your home and furnishings. Entryway Your home’s entryway should be welcoming, beautiful and energy-efficient. To better insulate against cold and heat, and improve long-term performance, consider upgrading to a fiberglass door. It’s a cost-effective home improvement project with true value. Indeed the “Remodeling" magazine study finds
a 72 percent cost-recouped rate for new fiberglass doors and a solid fiberglass door can be up to four times more energy efficient than solid wood. Brands like Therma-Tru carry ENERGYSTAR-qualified options to help you save on utilities, and offer decorative features, such as privacy glass that is triple-paned to create an exceptional thermal and acoustical barrier. A new app available for Android and Apple, entitled DoorWays, can help you visualize your new entryway before making any purchases. If you’re going to the trouble of making home upgrades, opt for projects with lasting value that can improve your comfort and safety. -StatePoint
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Upgrade your fireplace to improve energy efficiency Heating and cooling your home typically comprises nearly half of the average American’s utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Unfortunately, a portion of that expenditure is lost. While most homeowners know that insulating, patching and weatherizing can reduce heat loss, there is one major energy eater in your home that you may not have considered -- that charming staple of dens, family rooms and anywhere people gather: the fireplace. Traditional masonry style wood-burning fireplaces are a leading source of indoor air loss and draft, even more so than windows and doors. “Traditional wood fireplaces have a lot of charm, but unfortunately, they can be inefficient even when they aren’t in use,” says Becky Scribner, brand director at Heat & Glo, a leading manufacturer of gas and wood fireplaces, stoves and inserts. However, you don’t need to sacrifice your fire this winter to
lower your bill -- in fact, it’s possible to convert your fireplace into an energy efficient heat source with the following tips: • Don’t send your hard earned money up and out the chimney. When your fireplace is not in use, make sure your chimney damper is closed. You may also install a flue sealer, which is an affordable, inflatable stopper that fits below the damper to further seal off the chimney. • Ensure your chimney and fireplace is inspected, maintained and cleaned annually. A contractor can ensure the job is done safely and thoroughly. • Add doors or a cover to the front of your fireplace to help reduce the draft and add a nice aesthetic. • Consider a gas fireplace insert. In addition to lowering your energy bills and generating more radiant heat, they’re cleaner to maintain -- no ash, soot, or smoke -- and are low maintenance, turning on and off with the flip of a switch. Plus, a new
insert like the Escape from Heat & Glo looks great and uses energy-saving firebox technology to increase efficiency. Learn more about the benefits of a gas fireplace insert at www.heatn-
glo.com/Rekindle. • For those who love the smell, crackle and process of building a real fire, don’t despair. Pellet and EPA-certified wood inserts can be an easy, clean and
efficient alternative as well. In the pursuit of energy-efficiency, don’t say goodbye to tradition. Instead, give your fireplace a much needed upgrade. -StatePoint
Get the most out of your tech devices 7 Your tech gadgets are an investment, and with a little bit of effort, you can get even more out of them and make them last longer. Here are three steps consumers sometimes overlook, that can help you get more out of your tech. Use a Sturdy Case Your sensitive electronic devices travel with you to school, work and everywhere in between. While you do your best to avoid slips and trips, not every accident is avoidable. Take better care of these fragile items by purchasing well-fitted, hard cover cases for each. Know in advance the best way to protect your products in the event of water immersion and other common hazards. Your technology’s instruction manual is a good place to learn more. Register Your Product Many manufacturers encourage you to register your product after purchase. Don’t ig-
nore this advice. Registration usually takes just a few minutes and offers numerous benefits. For example, Casio has a fast and easy online registration process for its line of calculators, as well as digital pianos, projectors
and watches, amongst other items. Once registered, Casio consumers will get the scoop on product upgrades and special promotions. Most importantly, if you register your products, you will receive an extended warran-
ty on select models so you can rest easy knowing that your electronics are covered even if something goes wrong. To learn more, visit www.Casio.com. Customize Your Settings Read your customer manual.
Doing so will help you become better acquainted with your device so you can maximize its functionality. You’ll be able to better troubleshoot issues as they arise and gain insights into customizing your device to suit your needs. For example, you can set up your tablet to automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network when it’s in range, so you use less of your cellular data. Additionally, you can create shortcut icons to access the apps you use most frequently, as well as customize screen brightness to reduce your battery use. For calculators, reading the manual may even help you with your academic or job assignments, as these resources often contain examples of common math problems and how to use your calculator to solve them. Be a savvy consumer. Don’t just buy the best gear; make sure you’re getting the most you can out of your technology. -StatePoint
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8 Time-saving spring cleaning tips offered Real Estate
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It’s time to prep your home’s outdoor spaces for the season ahead. From the yard to the garage to the deck, getting these areas tidy is all part of a thorough spring clean. Here are some tips to make the process faster and easier. De-Clutter Workspace Your shed, your garage, your toolbox -- it’s time to take stock of what you’re storing in these key areas. Broken tools, piles of junk – these are items that will get in your way and slow you down all season long. So before you get to the nitty gritty of your outdoor spring clean, take the time to organize your workspace. Throw out what is junk, donate what you aren’t using, and organize the rest into categories. Vertical storage can save crucial room, so install tall shelves and use walls and the ceiling to install organizational systems. Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine maintenance on your lawn equipment and
tools to improve their efficiency. Multitasking Tools Check out innovations on old tools that can make your versatile workload easier. For example, you can upgrade your conventional pressure washer for a newer model with more diverse functionality. For example, Briggs & Stratton’s new POWERflow+ Pressure Washer technology has one pump with two separate cleaning modes -- high pressure and high flow, which work for different tasks. Remember, different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Whether you’re cleaning up tough mold and mildew stains from your deck or patio or washing the more delicate surface of your car, you can switch modes or apply soap directly from the nozzle. This feature eliminates the need for switching attachments or walking back to the pressure washer, making an afternoon of diverse to-dos manageable. Just be sure
you’re using the proper mode for the task. Tips and instructional videos can be found at www.PowerFlowPlus.com. Smart Yard Work If you have a larger yard, consider a riding mower to save time and energy on lawn maintenance. Remember not to over mow your lawn. Not only is it not healthy for the grass, it can
be a time suck and increase your carbon footprint needlessly. Likewise, only water your lawn and garden when necessary. During periods of rain, you can ease up on this chore. The most efficient times of day to water your lawn are morning. When the sun is strongest, you will lose more water to evaporation and your work will be for naught. By
changing up your lawn care habits, you can save time all season. While working outdoors can be fun, don’t spend more time than you need to on your household spring cleaning tasks. Finding simple ways to be more efficient will give you more time to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces. -StatePoint
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Common sense upgrades to make your bathroom safer From burns to slips to trips, bathrooms can be hazardous. In fact, hundreds of thousands of injuries occur in the bathroom annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hot water can be a dangerous bathroom peril. More than half a million scald burns occur in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. Prevent “shower shock” by setting your water heater at a maximum of 120 degrees F. One of the most potentially dangerous bathroom activities is getting in and out of the bathtub safely. Grab bars, hand grips or tub grips around your bathtub or shower can help you keep your balance. And these days, safety features don’t need to look drab or institutional. Brands like Moen are making such fixtures available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement bathroom décor. More information can be found at www.Moen.com.
Lastly, women who shave in the shower need to be extra careful. Avoid slips with a shower
seat. To make this a practical option, use a handheld shower-
head to maneuver water easily from a seated position. With a few safety updates,
you can make your bathroom a safer place to pamper and prep. -StatePoint
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How to keep tabs on what’s happening in your home
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Ignorance is not always bliss, as parents, pet owners and homeowners know all too well. Knowing what’s going on inside your entire home is crucial for peace of mind. Instead of worrying, be proactive. Several strategies, new and old, can help put your mind at ease. Tried and True Trusted neighbors can serve as a second set of eyes when you’re not around. You can even take it one step further and make them their own set of keys. If they’re friendly enough, your neighbors may even be willing to feed pets or help you out in other ways.
You can also rely on your kids for regular status reports (if they’re old enough). Have them call you when they get home safely and consider giving them some responsibilities, such as making sure the house is in order and your pets are safe and sound. Technology Innovative technologies are providing consumers with new ways to keep an eye on their homes. Such products have evolved and are now easier to use and more affordable for the average family. Indeed, brands like Panasonic are leading the charge. Their new Home Monitoring System offers four dis-
tinct kits, each of which bundles different surveillance products together. Depending on your budget and required level of monitoring, you can outfit your home with tools like motion sensors, outdoor cameras and indoor cameras to monitor your baby or pet. Keeping tabs on your home from near or far is easy, as the footage can be viewed on your computer monitor, smartphone or tablet. In addition to surveillance, Panasonic’s technology may prove particularly advantageous to those away from home, as it allows for remote control of home features like lighting and other appliances.
“Monitoring devices can provide peace of mind and minimize those lingering anxieties about being away from home,” says Lisa Knierim at Panasonic. More information is available at Panasonic.com. Professional Services Even when you’re home to keep track of things, it’s tough to handle everything on your own. In certain cases, you may want to use professionals to help keep everything humming along. If doors jam and fail to latch or you notice cracks in your walls or floors, you may want to call a structural engineer to assess the strength of your foundation.
Weeds encroaching on your prized tomato patch? Hire a gardener to fight off intruders or invasive species. A professional heating and cooling service can assess the condition of your air conditioning and heating systems, including inside vents and ducts where you can’t see. The health of your home is important, and sometimes it’s better to go with the hired hand. From trustworthy friends and cutting edge technology to knowledgeable professionals, the tools at your disposal can keep your finger on the pulse of your home. -StatePoint
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Five things families with college-bound students should consider Transitioning to college life can be difficult on both students and families. From new expenses to a new lifestyle, being prepared for what lies ahead can help you avoid common bumps in the road. Here are five things families with college-bound students should consider: • Getting involved: Being away from home and making new friends can seem daunting. Encourage your student to get involved in school activities and events. From joining the campus paper to running for student government, there are a range of extracurricular opportunities that can lead to new friendships, help students maintain an active calendar and round out one’s classroom education. • Health and wellness: Late nights spent studying instead of sleeping, as well as crowded dorm rooms, can be a prescription for colds and flu. Check out on-campus and local health care options before your student gets sick. No one wants
to scramble to research medical options when he or she isn’t feeling well. Many campuses offer student insurance. See what makes the most sense for your family. Locate a nearby pharmacist before visiting the doctor so you can provide that information at your appointment. • Financing College: College may be one of your family’s
biggest investments to date. Whether that describes your family or not, there’s no doubt about it, higher education comes with a big price tag. It’s never too late in the process to seek out new financing options, even if your child is already away out school. From filling out the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid, to exploring private loans, free online resources can help guide you through the process. Check out resources designed for college-bound students and their families, such as Wells Fargo’s “5 Steps to Financial Aid” video series, which offers helpful advice on finding a scholarship, applying for loans, and more from “Mr. Fellows, your wiser
college advisor,” at www.WellsFargo.com/fivesteps. • Staying in touch: You’re busy. Your kid is busy. But regular check-ins with your student can help you know that everything is going well. Set up a weekly appointment to chat by phone and get the scoop -- just make sure your student’s phone plan allows for sufficient texting and calling. • Money management: For many students, college is the first time they will gain some financial independence. Set your kids up for success by teaching them how to establish a workable budget. A checking and savings account designed for college students can help them stay on track. You can review moneymanagement tools for college students at www.WellsFargo.com. Don’t let the transition to college catch your family off guard. Parents can make the transition easier for students by striking the right balance of “letting go” and staying involved. -StatePoint
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