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Fall home and garden clean-up project tips 5 Fall is the ideal season to tick items off your home exterior todo 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. 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 mediumpressure spray pattern, flush de-
tergent 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. Efficiency To switch between jobs more efficiently, consider a unit that offers versatility in its function. For example, The POWERflow+ model from Briggs & Stratton has a high pressure mode -- ideal for cleaning tough grime -- and a high flow mode which delivers up to five gallons
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of water per minute to rinse away soap and debris on delicate surfaces like patio furniture, vehicles and second story windows. For more outdoor fall cleaning tips, and for resources on
choosing a pressure washer right for your home’s needs, visit www.briggsandstratton.com. This fall, get ready for winter with quick and simple outdoor clean-up tasks. -StatePoint
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Make your home’s exterior pop with color 7 Real Estate
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Color is a fundamental component of curb appeal and can make your home either stand out from the pack or blend in nicely with its environment. But you’re not alone if you’re unsure how to incorporate color to make your home look its best. “Many homeowners are afraid to add color to their home exteriors because they don’t want to make a mistake,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “No one should feel locked into blah or standard colors though.” For the apprehensive and bold alike, Smith offers insights into adding eye-pleasing color palettes to home exterior elements.
The Roof Color is critical to personality expression, so it makes sense for homeowners to select their roof color. Consider opting for colors that complement the home’s architectural style or give a nod to a particular era in design. A blend of two to eight colors is a great way to shake things up. And certain roofing companies, such as DaVinci Roofscapes, offer a range to choose from. Their 50 standard colors include diverse hues like dark amber, smokey gray and light violet, and the brand even allows homeowners to customize. To sample potential custom blends, check out the DaVinci Color Designer Tool at davinciroof-
scapes.com/color/designer. Front Entry Are you an introvert with an orange front door? If so, you’re sending mixed messages to friends and neighbors. The front door is the home feature offering the most flexibility in color choice, and a great place to let your personality shine. Try installing smooth fiberglass paintable doors, such as those from the Classic-Craft Canvas Collection from Therma-Tru, which makes it easy to update your home’s exterior now and in the future. Their free DoorWays App allows you to try out different door and glass combinations on your home. According to Smith, here’s a look at what paint colors on en-
try doors of a home say about the occupants inside: • Red: This bright color says I’m not afraid of standing out or saying what’s on my mind. • White: Says that I prefer things organized, neat and clean. Even if my home isn’t always this way, I wish it were. • Green: Tells the world you have traditional values and enjoy being a member of the community. • Black: Says I’m consistent, conservative and reserved and my design style is timeless rather than trendy. • Blue: Tells people you’re naturally at ease and people are attracted to your easygoing personality. • Yellow: A personality simi-
lar to green but a bit less traditional, yellow says you’re most likely a group leader. • Purple: Reveals a freespirit, comfortable taking risks, thinking differently and dreaming big. For more insights into stylish color use, you can download the free e-books, “FRESH Home Exterior Colors" and "FRESH Color Schemes for Your Home Exterior," authored by Smith and available at davinciroofscapes.com/color/choosing-color/. Make your home your own. Spruce up the exterior with dashes of color to showcase your personality and complement your home’s style. -StatePoint
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Make over your front door 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,” says 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. This August, which is National Curb Appeal Month, 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 temperature 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.
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• 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. Ei-
ther 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. • Replace your door: For the chance to transform the look of your house with a “door doover” from Therma-Tru, includ-
ing a new fiberglass entry door system valued at up to $5,000 (and for full rules), visit todayshomeowner.com/DoorDoOver to enter their Door Do-Over Sweepstakes throughout August 2015. For detailed tips on evaluating your current door for form and function, and insights on
making future door purchases, you can visit Therma-Tru's Facebook page and Twitter feeds throughout National Curb Appeal Month and beyond. Home begins at the front door. Take steps to give your home a grand entrance by upgrading this important feature. -StatePoint
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What to know before upgrading your HVAC system Not all home upgrades require a ton of research. But for more complicated repairs and replacements, being informed can help you make better decisions. For example, replacing your home’s HVAC system is one thing you want to get right, as a good decision can benefit both your comfort and pocketbook for years to come. “Before talking to a contractor, homeowners should be prepared with questions,” says Karl Zellmer, vice president of Air Conditioning at Emerson Climate Technologies. According to Zellmer, here are some important factors to consider and questions to discuss with your contractor: • What size or capacity system is right for my home? • What is the expected life span of my current system? • How much should I plan to pay for a new system if mine has to be replaced? • How much will my monthly energy bill be reduced with a
new system? Are there ways to reduce it even more? • Will the new system reliably produce the desired air temperature and humidity levels evenly
throughout my home? • What maintenance will the new system require? Will it automatically notify me when it needs servicing or
repair? • What are the contractor’s qualifications? Can they provide referrals from previous customers?
• Is my system environmentally-friendly? Are there any government and utility rebates available for buying certain “high efficiency” equipment? • Am I going to be adequately covered by a warranty and how long will I be covered? • Am I purchasing the most up-to-date technology available? For example, will I be able to remotely monitor and control my home’s climate via the internet or a mobile device? To view the results from recent homeowner research, and to learn more about what type of system might be best for your home, free resources are available at www.ac-heatingconnect.com. If you own an older, problem prone system, it might be time to skip the repairs and opt for a replacement instead. No matter your priorities, long-term reliability, modest operating costs and great year-round performance are key features to seek in your next HVAC system. -StatePoint
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Give your home a fall facelift A seasonal home makeover doesn’t need to cost a fortune or be difficult to execute. Quick, easy and innovative ideas can give your home the fall flair needed to celebrate the season. “Seasonal décor updates should jive with your home’s style, while also adding something extra to the mix,” says Eric Cohler, who has been listed as a top international designer by House Beautiful and Elle Décor magazines. “Keep it easy though, so that when the season is over, you won’t end up with a lack of motivation to refresh and a space that feels passé.” To add autumn elements to your home without completely revamping your interior, consider these ideas: Rotating Gallery A digital photo display is the easiest way to showcase seasonally suitable photos of friends and family. In fall, that means Halloween portraits, autumn picnics, trips to the pumpkin
patch, and back-to-school photos. Consider rotating the artwork displayed in your home to highlight seasonal colors. Whether you want to get spooky for Halloween or focus on fall’s natural hues, this task won’t take long to do and will greatly impact the look and feel of each room. Pops of Color “With relatively little effort, you can add bright, bold colors to your home by swapping out the knobs and handles on your cabinets, credenzas and other furniture,” says Cohler. Seasonal sets of cabinet hardware can keep the look fresh in your home. All you need is a screwdriver and a few hours. A free web-based application, Splash by Amerock, offers a new interactive design and shopping experience by allowing you to truly customize hardware for cabinets and furniture. The interactive site and first of
its kind product line allows you to test various colors and shapes of cabinetry hardware and view the different looks on different style and color cabinets. From kitchens to bathrooms to bedrooms and living areas, you can make your rooms pop with bold colors. Think orange, purple and black for Halloween flair, or greens, reds and browns for a natural effect. Hardware is easy to swap out and you can give your home a
fun, fresh fall makeover inexpensively and without much hassle. To check out 20 unique color options, visit www.Amerock.com. Curtains Another easy way to make a quick look-and-feel change to a room is by swapping out curtains. It’s a great way to customize a space to better fit the mood of the season. What’s more, a quarterly rotation of window
treatments presents a muchneeded opportunity for a good cleaning. Be sure to store your freshly laundered linens in a sealed bag so they don’t collect dust. When they make their appearance the following year, they will be vibrant and fresh. Fall can be a particularly busy time of year; however, a few easily implemented ideas can go a long way to add a festive vibe to your home. -StatePoint
Seven dangerous DIY home renovations 13 Real Estate
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One in five DIY-ers tackling home renovations ends up in the hospital each year due to accidents, according to the Home Safety Council. Don’t become a statistic. Here are the seven most dangerous DIY home renovations you should leave to the experts. Tree Trimming Trees don’t always fall in a predictable manner, creating a hazard for yourself and your property. It’s best to consult a certified arborist, no matter how handy you are with power tools. “If a tree falls during a storm, a DIY mishap, or a careless neighbor’s landscaping project, take photos and contact your claims adjuster as soon as pos-
sible,” says Erie Insurance Vice President and Product Manager Joe Vahey. “Your adjuster can help evaluate the damage and explain how your homeowners insurance can help.” Asbestos Removal Many homes built before 1980 contain asbestos. Before renovating, it’s a smart idea to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by accredited professionals. Leave clean-up to experts, and limit your exposure to the area. Inhaling airborne fibers may cause harmful respiratory problems. Roof Repair When faced with severe storm damage, homeowners of-
ten look for a quick fix for roof damage. Rather than running the risk of falling or injuring yourself, have your homeowners insurance claims adjuster verify damage and schedule repair work with an experienced company. In the long run, this will save you time, money and help you avoid injuries. Electrical Repairs While it may be easy to change a light switch or install a ceiling fan (make sure your power is turned off before you start), replacing circuits and other larger projects should be done by professionals. This will prevent shocks, injuries and potential fires, while ensuring your home is up to building codes if you
eventually plan to sell. Gas Appliance Repairs Properly cutting off or hooking up gas lines can be tricky, so leave gas appliance repairs to the professionals to protect against potential gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning. Knocking Down Walls If you’re looking for an open floor plan, think before tearing down walls yourself. Do you know which walls are load-bearing and where plumbing or electrical lines are located? Professionals will know how to best navigate the project from start to finish so you stay safe, and your home stays intact. Pest Control Not all pest-control products
should be handled by the average consumer. Keep your family safe by hiring a pest control company to handle toxic substances properly. More renovations safety tips and information on homeowners insurance can be found at www.ErieInsurance.com. Before taking on your next big project, think about where you can bring in the pros to save time and money in the long run, and keep your family safe and sound. If accidents do occur during the DIY renovation process, be sure to loop in your insurance claims agent to help assess any damage. -StatePoint
14 Five ideas to raise your home’s I.Q. Real Estate
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Remember the first time you met that “out of this world” family, the Jetsons? Fast forward to today, and it suddenly isn’t all that far-fetched. While we may not have flying cars or robot maids just yet, the idea of a “smart home” is real. These five upgrades can go a long way to boost the intelligence of your house. High-Tech Hub The kitchen is the hub of the home and it sees much more than just meal prep and dinner time. From homework to casual conversation, your family expects more from this already hard-working space. In fact, the kitchen is the number one room where homeowners would like to incorporate technology, according to a recent research study by Moen: • One-third of homeowners charge devices in the kitchen, according to the Moen study. You can make this task simpler and cord-free with new countertops,
such as the Corian line from DuPont, which features wireless chargers seamlessly embedded into its surface. Or install a docking and charging station with a built-in USB power strip to maximize the number of devices you can charge at once. • At the top of consumers’ kitchen tech wish list is a handsfree faucet, for good reason. For the convenience of a faucet that senses what you're trying to accomplish, and with a wave of your hand immediately responds to your needs, check out the slim and sleek new pulldown kitchen faucet from Moen with MotionSense. In addition to the traditional handle, you can activate the faucet by waving your hand over it to turn it on and off, or by placing your hands or an object under its spout. For more information, visit moen.com/ motionsense. Tech-Savvy Details • Worried about what your appliances are up to when you’re gone? Whirlpool Smart Appli-
ances with 6th Sense Live technology now allows consumers to access appliances remotely. You can manage refrigerator temperature or lock the dishwasher control console and see when the washer cycle is complete, all from a connected application on a smart device. • Long gone are the days of shuttling a portable stereo from room to room. A smart system of HiFi wireless speakers and audio components can unite a digital music collection. With a Sonos speaker, for example, you can control what’s streaming from any device, and the music can be heard in any room. • You can transform the mood of a room at the touch of a button with new smart LED lightbulbs that allow you to change the color or brightness any time, even from your smartphone. Studies show that light can affect mood, productivity and eyestrain. By optimizing lighting for each activity, you can live better and enjoy your home
more. Being among the first to embrace new technologies in your
home can make it the smartest in the neighborhood. -StatePoint
How to conduct a DIY home energy audit 15 Real Estate
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This fall, why not consider making needed improvements in your home to help increase energy efficiency and save big in the long run? Here is a short checklist for a DIY home energy audit. Seal Air Leaks According to the U.S. Department of Energy, sealing air leaks around the house can save up to 30 percent of energy costs annually. To find leaks, conduct a thorough visual inspection for gaps and cracks by baseboards, where the walls and ceiling meet, around door frames, and near cable and phone line wall plates. Spot a gap? Caulk it. Use painter’s tape for a cleaner job. Hold the caulking gun at an an-
gle for best results, and apply in a continuous stream. Improve insulation around windows and doors with weather-stripping. Measure the gap you need to fill to identify the width of weather-stripping needed and determine whether you should apply it from the inside or outside. Before starting, read the package instructions to ensure you’re using the right materials. Cut to size and install. Lastly, check if your fireplace flue is open. If so, close it when not in use for additional savings. Make Smart Upgrades One quick way to check your windows for inefficiencies is to look for condensation, frost and other moisture. The Depart-
ment of Energy also recommends closing your windows on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the bill out, the window might be losing substantial energy and may require repair or replacement. Additionally, ENERGY STAR reports that homeowners who choose windows that have earned the ENERGY STAR save an average $101-$538 a year when replacing single-pane windows. If it’s time for an upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR qualified windows that offer innovative technologies and improve energy efficiency. Exterior remodeling companies like Window World, an ENERGY STAR partner, offer more
high-performance options featuring technologies like a Warm-Edge Spacer System, which blocks escaping heat between glass layers. Additionally, the company sells windows made with high-performance Low Emissivity Glass, featuring a microscopic silver coating that actively blocks heat gain during the summer and heat loss during the winter. To further improve efficiency, Window World’s replacement windows also contain Argon gas between their glass layers. Because Argon is denser than air, it acts as an ideal insulator. For information about innovative and cost-saving energy efficiency options, visit www.WindowWorld.com.
Change Behavior Do an audit of not only your home’s features, but of the occupants as well. Are lights left on in empty rooms? Is the television on when no one is watching it? From switching to cold-water laundry cycles to taking advantage of sunlight for warmth and light, modifications of energy and cost-saving resources don’t need to be a sacrifice. To save energy, improve the comfort of your home and do your part to be more environmentally conscientious, conduct a do-it-yourself energy audit. You’ll likely discover many areas in your home that should be improved. -StatePoint
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