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Does your house have what homebuyers are looking for? Whether your home is on the market, or you plan to sell one day, knowing homebuyers’ preferences can help you make smart upgrades that will increase your home’s value and offer a great return on investment. Luckily, a 2012 survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is giving savvy homeowners a clear look at what potential buyers are looking for. Here are a few insights: Windows When it comes to windows, energy efficiency is the prime consideration for consumers. ENERGY STAR rated windows, triple-pane insulating glass windows, and Low-E insulating glass windows are the three top “must haves” and “desirable” types of windows among new and potential homebuyers, according to the NAHB survey. With that in mind, when replacing your home’s windows, you’d be wise to look for those from an ENERGY STAR partner that’s committed to meeting the strict criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. For example, Simonton Windows has developed glass packages for each climate zone -Northern, North Central, South-Central and Southern -which utilize insulating glass units to drastically reduce the transfer of heat and cold, as well as block ultraviolet rays. As far as materials are concerned, opting for lower maintenance vinyl frames is a good bet, as survey results from the study also show that vinyl framed windows are the leading preference for homebuyers for their lowmaintenance features, durabili-
ty and great insulating factors. More information about ENERGY STAR qualified vinyl windows can be found at www.simonton.com/energystar. Storage Homebuyers want great storage features, like laundry rooms, linen closets, garage storage and walk-in pantries, says the NAHB survey. If you don’t have these features or the budget to knock down walls or build additions,
you can at least make the most of the storage you do have. Get organized and use easy-to-install closet systems that fit into your existing closets. Doing so will put your home in the best light possible. Entry Doors Homebuyers want quality and beauty in their doors and entryways, according to the NAHB study, and fiberglass doors are gaining popularity. It’s no wonder, since the door is the
first thing anyone sees when entering a home and fiberglass doors are durable as well as aesthetically pleasing. With quality in mind, consider selecting a door with a complete system of components engineered to work together and sourced from the same manufacturer. A door system designed to work together for lasting performance, security and energy efficiency, such as Therma-Tru fi-
berglass doors, can withstand severe weather conditions along with day-to-day family activity. They also provide the home with strong protection from air and water infiltration. Don’t forget to add some beauty and detail to your entry door. Request decorative, clear or privacy doorlites and sidelites to reflect the personality and style of your home. - StatePoint
Home improvement tips to help you go maintenance free tiles, like those from DaVinci Roofscapes, are fire- and impact-resistant. Along with helping protect against potential wildfires and severe weather, these roofs often come with a homeowner insurance discount. They also have a 50-year limited warranty. Windows If you find the windows in your home don’t operate easily, there’s air leaking in or out of the units or condensation builds up between the glass panes, it may be time to replace them. Consider vinyl framed windows, which are energy-efficient, visually appealing and durable. Plus, they don’t come with the maintenance hassles of wood windows, such as rotting frames, scraping and repainting. For example, Simonton vinyl windows have a strong product warranty and are ENERGY STAR qualified. Accessory Features Check shutters, trim and louvers. Look for water spots, decay or peeling paint to see if they’re deteriorating, suffering from insect infestations or warping. When it’s time to replace these items, select low-maintenance urethane or PVC products, like those from Fypon. The lightweight pieces are easy to install, add curb appeal and resist moisture. Main Entry Door Can you see light around your door from the inside? Is the door hard to close or lock? Is the door itself warped? These are signs it’s time to replace your entry door. And even if you can’t see light, air may be moving through gaps in the weather stripping at a surprising rate. Consider replacing an entryway with a high-performance fiberglass door, like those from
Want to save time and money? If you’re a homeowner, consider improvement projects that can reduce the need for ongoing home maintenance. You’ll find the upfront cost and energy well worth it down the line. It could be as simple as replacing older materials with newer products that are longerlasting and less susceptible to wear and tear, say experts. “Every element of your
home’s exterior will eventually need to be replaced,” says Mark Clement a professional contractor and host of the MyFixItUpLife home improvement radio show. “When that happens, make a sound investment by opting for energy efficient, durable products that can reduce your maintenance efforts.” Not sure where to start? Beginning with the exterior of your home will give you the added
benefit of boosting your house’s curb appeal. Clement offers homeowners a handy checklist: The Roof Look for problem areas, such as missing or broken shingles, along with roofing tiles that are “flapping” in the wind. These indicate that a new roof may be in your future. Newer products on the market, such as polymer shake and slate roofing tiles, are impact-resistant. And some
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Therma-Tru. Fiberglass doors can have up to four times more insulating value than wood doors. And, selecting a door with all its components made by the same manufacturer -- such as weatherstripping, sills and sweep -- assures that you’re purchasing a strong, reliable entry door. For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com. If you have limited time and resources to complete home improvement projects, stick to those upgrades that will have a lasting impact. - StatePoint
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8 What you need to know about lighting Real Estate
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Housing starts are on the rise, according to The National Association of Home Builders, which predicts that in 2013 there will be 955,000 housing starts, a 172,000 jump over 2012. If you’re among those building a home or planning to, experts say the time to plan lighting upgrades is now. “As the homeowner, you’re the only person who truly knows what the home will look like at completion,” says Jeff Dross, trends expert at Kichler, a manufacturer of decorative lighting fixtures, landscape lighting and ceiling fans. “Builders don’t know your sense of style or how you are ultimately furnishing the home, so it’s important to be involved with choosing a lighting package that best suits your style and needs.” Here are some things to consider during the building process: • Going green: Builders won’t always put energy-efficient options in their basic packages. So if you’re looking to save on energy bills, opt for energyefficient upgrades now to save money down the line. To maximize savings, prioritize energy-efficient options -such as LED lighting or CFLfriendly choices -- in those areas of the home that use the most light. If you’re looking for a ceiling fan with an integrated lighting fixture, consider DC motor or ENERGY STAR-rated options for the highest energy-savings. • Functionality: When you`re building a home and considering what upgrades to
make to your lighting, it`s important to know how you will use your home’s space. For example, task lighting is crucial in your high-volume activity areas. So if you’re a home cook who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, be sure to install sufficient lighting, such as Kichler’s Design Pro LED Modular, to ease prep.
• Think furnishings: Your home furnishings should complement your lighting choices. For instance, the standard-sized chandelier that your builder uses may not work with your massive dining room table. Look at your options to ensure the size won’t look odd when paired with your furniture. The same goes for style. From classic traditional to the
more sleek and modern, consider how lighting fixtures or ceiling fans will blend with your furniture and décor. • Layering: “Lighting is one of the most powerful elements in interior design,” says Dross. “Ask your builder to weave together task lighting, accent lighting and ambient lighting to maximize the appearance and functionality of your spaces.”
Multiple light sources help balance a room by minimizing glare and shadows, while adding depth and dimension. When evaluating options during the build, carefully consider the most functional, attractive lighting options to ensure your design and function stay consistent and your home is a happy one. - StatePoint
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Top tasks for your fall home maintenance checklist Keeping your home in shape may not top your daily to-do list, but completing certain small seasonal tasks can save you money, time and the need to complete larger, more expensive projects in the future. “Investing a small amount for preventative fall home maintenance can save thousands in the long run,” Leah Ingram, personal finance expert, says. Don’t know where to start? The following checklist from HomeAdvisor can help homeowners prepare their homes for the cooler months: • Clean gutters: During the year, debris such as leaves and twigs can pile in your gutter. Cleaning them once a year prevents problems such as water damage, roof damage and flooding. •Service your furnace: A well-maintained furnace can help save on heating costs and prevent the need for repairs. Before temperatures drop, schedule your furnace to be serviced. • Install weather strip-
ping: As fuel and electricity costs continue to rise, keeping your home warm without wasting money and energy is important. Weather stripping your doors and windows can make a big impact. • Winterize sprinklers: Removing all the water that’s in the lines, pipes, fittings, valves, sprinklers and pumps will prevent your equipment from freezing, expanding and potentially breaking. Hire a professional to attach an air compressor to the system to blow out the water from the lines, pipes and other parts. The service is inexpensive and a professional will know the proper amount of volume and pressure to use to ensure no water is left in the system. • Clean your chimney: Chimney maintenance is not optional. Deadly fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and expensive chimney repairs are serious consequences associated with neglected chimney maintenance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) rec-
ommends all fireplaces, chimneys, flues and venting systems be inspected at least once a year by a pro. • Flush your water heater: Generally speaking, water heaters are fairly reliable, so they usually aren’t top of mind. But flushing your water heater periodically can prevent leaks and promote efficiency. “Hiring a professional for fall maintenance tasks like these is a great idea,” Ingram says. “Use a resource such as Cost Guide to research the average price of a project in your zip code before hiring a pro.” To use Cost Guide and find a professional, visit www.HomeAdvisor.com. - StatePoint
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Stay safe when completing home improvement projects Finally fixing that loose step? Planning to use power tools? Doing your own home repairs and projects can feel empowering, but if done improperly, it can be dangerous too. Last year, one-third of DIYers reported injuries while working on a home improvement project, yet 77 percent admit they’ve skipped wearing the proper protective gear. “Whatever your experience level, you need to use caution when making repairs or doing general home maintenance,” says Lou Manfredini, host of HouseSmarts TV and home improvement contributor on NBC’s ‘The Today Show.’ Here are some tips from Manfredini to ensure you are safe when completing common DIY tasks. • Updating the front door: Want to add some pizzazz to your home? Consider repainting the front door. With a little sanding, priming and a new coat of paint in a bold color, you can change the entire look of your home. Just make sure you wear a proper respirator while sanding, and use appropriate protective eyewear. • Mowing the lawn: Before mowing, take time to inspect for items lying on the ground. Sticks and stones can break your bones -- particularly if the blade of the mower picks it up and throws it at high speed from under the mower's deck. When doing yard work outside, help protect your eyes with safety eyewear like ForceFlex MAX Flexible Safety Eyewear. • Easy bathroom fix: Replacing a broken ceramic tile is
easy if you follow these steps. Remove all the grout around the tile. Then use a chisel to remove the tile. Consider wearing proper safety eyewear. Clean up the surface and then install the new tile with tile adhesive. When that dries, re-grout the new tile. When tackling this project, make sure you wear a good pair of gloves, as broken tile pieces can be sharp.
• Fixing up furniture: Refinishing furniture is a great way to revive old items. But remember, some finishing products may be harmful to lungs and skin. Always read the safety information for the products used. Wear a good pair of quality painter’s gloves, protective eyewear, and an appropriate respirator. • Using power tools: Anytime you use power tools like a circular saw, sander or a compressor, you should protect your ears. Disposable foam ear plugs, such as those from 3M TEKK Protection brand, are easy to use and can help reduce the noise level, which is important, as noises over 85 decibels can lead to permanent hearing loss over time. Also consider safety protective eyewear when using circular saws, sanders and other power tools. • Adding Insulation: Adding insulation to your home is one of the best ways to increase its energy efficiency. For safety, wear pants, a long sleeve shirt and eye, hand, and lung protec-
tion. When it comes to your health and safety, don’t take chances.
Doing it right means doing it safely. - StatePoint
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