essenger THE 2022 Home ImprovementFall
Jaw-dropping features can sell a home in a heartbeat. A penthouse apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic view of a city skyline likely won’t prove a hard sell, nor will a home with an infinity pool overlooking a landscape of rolling hills. As aweinspiring as such features can be, some more subtle components, such as authentic hardwood floors, also can do much to make a home more appealing to prospective buyers. Hardwood flooring is a sought-after commodity. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that 54 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for hardwood floors. In fact, NAR figures indicate that 28 percent of buyers between the ages of 35 and 54 consider hardwood floors “very important” when looking for a home. Homeowners who are considering selling their homes, or those who simply want to upgrade their existing flooring, may want to consider installing hardwood flooring. Though it’s a project best left to professionals, hardwood flooring can be installed by skilled DIYers. In such instances, homeowners may want to keep these dos and don’ts in mind. DO hire a professional if you have limited or no DIY flooring experience. Hardwood flooring installation is not generally a project for novice DIYers. Hardwood flooring projects may present some common challenges, but no two homes are the same. So unless they have prior experience installing floors in multiple rooms or homes, homeowners may save themselves time, trouble and a significant amount of money hiring a professional to do the job. DON’T ignore the subfloor. New hardwoods won’t erase the problem of subfloors in poor condition. According to the home renovation experts at BobVila.com, squeaky floors could be an indication that the subfloor has begun to warp or twist. Sinking floors are another indicator of deteriorating subfloors. Subfloors should be somewhat level before new hardwoods are installed, so DIYers should inspect and address subfloor issues before installing new flooring.
2 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement SALE Call for 515.955.5398appointmentanTODAY! 1718 CENTRAL AVENUE • FORT DODGE FREE SHOP-AT-HOME DECORATING SERVICE Hrs: Mon-Thurs • 10AM-5PM, Fri & Sat by appointment SUE BAEDKE, Owner & Decorating Consultant suesdraperies@frontiernet.net Custom drapes & panels Roman shades & bedspreads • Blinds & shades SUE’S DRAPERIES, ETC.
955-4190 PEDERSON SANITATION COMPACTOR & ROLL-OFF SERVICE Locally Owned Since 1950 Fort Dodge, IA INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • RURAL Wood floor installation dos and don’ts
Rick Titus in His 46th Year of Selling and More Efficient Fireplace Inserts & Vent Free Gas Logs. Call Rick at 515-532-3881 or 515-293-2455 or visit
Installing
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If you have a fireplace that burns wood, you know that it loses all of its heat up the chimney. Rick Titus has a wood burning insert that will burn with the efficiency of a wood stove and fit inside your fireplace so it keeps your fireplace look. If you have a gas log in your fireplace it also sends all of its heat up the chimney. Rick has Vent Free gas logs that can burn as efficient as a gas cook stove and burn with the damper closed, thus keeping all the heat in the house. If you have one of the newer gas fireplaces that vents out the side of the home or up a chimney, Rick can convert it over to a Vent Free log and keep all the heat in the home. So no matter what kind of fireplace you may have, Rick has an efficient solution for it. Call Rick or email him at yahtitus@gmail.com or go to his web site below. Rick even has new fireplaces and wood stoves that can heat your home even during a power outage.
www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com
DON’T skimp on tools. A DIY hardwood flooring installation might be less expensive than hiring a professional, but homeowners should resist any temptation to increase those savings further by purchasing less costly tools or fewer tools than is necessary to complete the job. BuildDirect notes that DIYers will need at least a miter saw, table saw, cleat-nailer or stapler, finish nailer, compressor, jamb saw, chalk line, nail set, and tape measurer when installing hardwood floors. Purchase all necessary tools and read product reviews to ensure each tool is up to the task.
Wood floors can be awe-inspiring. Some homeowners can install such flooring on their own, and the project can be much easier if they learn as much about installation as possible prior to beginning the project.
- photo by Les Houser, Wright County Monitor
DO expose wood flooring to the elements in your home prior to installation. The home improvement resource BuildDirect recommends acclimating hardwoods to the space where they will be installed. Skipping this important step could result in gaps during the winter and cupping over the summer. To acclimate hardwoods, open the boxes and spread them out for about a week while running the air conditioner or heater at normal levels. When storing hardwoods prior to installation, avoid keeping them in potentially moist areas like a basement.
4 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement
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• Sow salad seeds. Lettuce, spinach, radishes, and arugula tolerate cooler temperatures. Try new and interesting lettuce varieties and enjoy salads well into the fall season.
• Take inventory of the sun. Positioning a garden carefully means maximizing hours of sunlight, which begin to dwindle in the fall. Experts say gardens grow best in sunny locations that receive six hours of direct sunlight each day. This is where container gardens can be helpful, as they allow gardeners to move plants into spots that will get ample sunlight.
• Think about fall annuals and bulb planting. Near the end of September, start planting cool-weather-loving pansies and violas for pops of color as summer flowers fade. Also, it’s a good idea to stock up on bulbs that will bloom in the months to come before they sell out in stores. Wait until the temperatures really cool down before planting them in desired spots for spring sprouts.
• Fill in landscaping gaps. Some fall plants can add color around the landscape and brighten up homes to add curb appeal. In addition to pansies and violas, asters, kale and chrysanthemums are fall blooms. Keep in mind that mums can come back year after year. So take them out of those flower pots and get them into the ground. They can be enjoyed next year as well, sprouting in early spring and developing leaves and buds through late summer.
Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners. However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens.
Furthermore, fall is often the ideal time to plant, fertilize and keep a garden going or to get a head start on next year’s bounty. Here are some tips to make the most of the fall gardening season.
• Clean up unwanted growth. Fall is an ideal time to cut back spent vegetable plants and get rid of errant weeds. Rather than bagging leaves, mow them with a grass catcher and then add the mix to a vegetable garden as an excellent soil insulator. The nitrogen and carbon will fertilize the soil, enhancing growing possibilities and limiting weed growth.
The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that soil temperatures in many regions of the country may still be warm enough to encourage root growth well into the start of winter.
• Propagate plants in the fall. As temperatures gradually begin to cool, start taking cuttings from perennials, gathering seed
• Continue to water plants. Water is essential in the fall and winter as roots can still be growing. Gradually reduce watering duration as plants go dormant. Fall planting and maintenance can extend gardening season and improve the chances of growing a healthy spring garden.
pods from azaleas and rhododendrons and dividing hardwood cuttings, says the resource Gardening Know How. Consult with a garden center or horticulturist on the proper ways to propagate stems using rooting hormone and other techniques.
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7 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement *See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating Maytag brand retailers. Rebate in the form prepaid card by mail. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/™ © 2020 Maytag. All rights reserved. D191752MMC UP TO 700 VIA A VISA ® PREPAID CARD BY MAIL WITH PURCHASE OF SELECT MAJOR MAYTAG ® APPLIANCES* 524 Central Ave. Fort Dodge 515-955-2330 Monday 8:30 am 7 pm • Tue-Fri 8:30 am 5:30 pm Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm“Where You Can Afford The Best” Wrap up summer with big savings Labor Day Deals 8/25/22–9/14/22 Shop In-Stock Now Wrap up summer with big savings Labor Day Deals 8/25/22–9/14/22 Shop In-Stock Now
• Distressed wood finishes: Distressing is designed to make something look less than perfect. Distressed wood finishes can be found throughout many farmhouse style homes. Furniture and picture frames can provide the distressed look farmhouse fans are looking for. This is a relatively inexpensive project that many homeowners can tackle on their own after watching some online tutorials that recommend the right tools and techniques to get the job done right.
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• Exposed beams: Exposed beams instantly evoke images of a farmhouse. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that this rustic renovation project can utilize real wood or faux beams that look like the real thing. Decorative beams that have nothing to do with a home’s structural integrity can be installed by skilled do-it-yourselfers. However, even faux beams are heavy, and BobVila.com recommends homeowners have an engineer assess their existing structure prior to installation.
• Kitchen sink: Many components combine to create a truly classic farmhouse kitchen. But perhaps no component is more essential than the classic farmhouse sink. The renovation experts at HGTV note that a classic farmhouse sink features a deep, wide basin. Farmhouse sinks are large enough to handle all the dishes that come after a big family meal. Old-fashioned porcelain sinks are worth consideration by homeowners who want their kitchen sinks to evoke a traditional farmhouse feel.
Home renovation projects can help homeowners put their own unique stamp on their homes, and such projects can be both aesthetic and functional in nature. The following are some farmhouse design elements homeowners can consider as they look to transform their home interiors with this popular style in mind.
• Countertops: HGTV recommends butcher block countertops for homeowners who favor European farmhouse style. Homeowners overhauling their kitchens to create a farmhouse feel should consider installing a large island with a walnut butcher block countertop for an authentic farmhouse feel. Farmhouse style homes are wildly popular. Some simple renovations can help homeowners with a fondness for farmhouse style bring this classic look into their homes.
Farmhouse style homes are having a moment. A 2020 survey from Homes.com asked more than 5,000 adults across the United States about their favorite house style from a list that included bohemian craftsman, mid-century modern ranch, French chateau, and Tudor, among others. Modern farmhouse was the runaway winner, as participants in 42 of the 50 states indicated this simple, cozy style was their favorite.
Design ideas to give your home a farmhouse feel
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Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement 10 515-890-8993 • 515-393-7217 • www.zinnelroofingandexteriorsia.com 4 Roof Inspections 4 Steel Roofing Systems 4 Gutter Systems & Covers 4 Roof Repair 4 Siding 4 Custom Built Residential Roofing Systems Owens Corning Roofing System/Harbor Blue, Siding, Built Out Windows w/Wraps, Seamless Gutters, Fascia & Soffits Enerbank Financing Available to Qualified Buyers OLD, NEW & EVERYTHINGINBETWEEN Owens Corning Roofing System/Dessert Tan & Seamless Gutters Owens Corning Duration/Estate Gray & Seamless Gutters Owens Corning Roofing System/Harbor Blue, Siding, Built Out Windows w/Wraps, Seamless Gutters, Fascia & So ts 3635 Maple Drive, Fort Dodge • donpeartcustomhomes.com • Home Improvements • New Homes • Remodeling & Additions • Custom Design Service Call Us Today To Plan Your Build
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement 11 (515) supreme.painting.fd@gmail.com571-2445 BEST PAINTER We o er commercial, residential, interior, and exterior painting along with power washing. *Free estimates* WE DO IT ALL! Tub Liners Tub and Shower ReplacementsTub-to-Shower Conversions 1 - 833 - 246 - 2119 bath-fitter.com/local24 1Tub-to-shower conversions and fiberglass replacements typically require a two-day installation. 2Lifetime warranty valid for as long as you own your home. *Offer ends 10/15/2022. All offers apply to a complete Bath Fitter system only, and must be presented and used at time of estimate. Minimum purchase required. Terms of promotional financing are 24 months of no interest from the date of installation and minimum deposit. See representative for details. Qualified buyers only. May not be combined with other offers or applied to previous purchases. Valid only at select Bath Fitter locations. Offers and warranty subject to limitations. Fixtures and features may be different than pictured. Accessories pictured are not included. Plumbing work done by P.U.L.S.E. Plumbing. MD MPL #17499 NJ MPL #10655, DE MPL #PL-0002303, MD MPL #82842 VA MPL #2710064024, IA MPL #18066, OH MPL #37445, WV MPL #PL07514, MI MPL #8111651. PA HIC #PA017017, NJ HIC #13VH03073000, WV HIC #WV053085, MD HIC #129436, VA HIC #2705155694 MD HIC #122356, VA HIC #2705096759, IA HIC #C112725 WV HIC #WV038808, MD HIC #129995, VA HIC #2705146537 DC HIC #420213000044. Each Franchise Independently Owned And Operated By Bath Saver, Inc, Iowa Bath Solutions, LLC, Ohio Bath Solutions, LLC, Mid Atlantic Bath Solutions, LLC. Book your FREE design CONSULTATION today! 2 OUR BENEFITS Easy to Clean, Virtually Maintenance Free Seamless Wall One-Day Installation BIGGEST OFFER OF THE YEAR OR * FITS YOUR standards With quality you can trust and a lifetime guarantee, Bath Fitter doesn’t just fit your bath, it fits your high standards. Why have over two million people brought Bath Fitter into their homes? It Just Fits.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement 12 Services: •Inspections • Free Estimates • Repairs • Maintenance • Commercial Roofing • Residential Roofing • Insulation • Energy Efficiency Improvement • Tear off • Site Cleanup • Metal Roof Coating • Metal Roof Retrofitting Family Owned & Operated • Professional • Trustworthy • Competent 1824 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge | 515-955-2061 www.kgroofingiowa.com AmericanSanitationLLC.com Dumpsters & Roll-Offs Multiple Sizes 515-539-4USA 3 cart sizes available!
13 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement Call The Experts For All Your Garage Door Needs! Overhead Door Company of Webster County 515-955-DOOR (3667) www.ohdwebstercounty.com GreenState guarantees you’ll get the Best Rate on your CD or IRA! If you find a better advertised rate at a local financial institution, we’ll not only match it …we’ll beat it. If you find a better advertised yield on a CD or IRA at a financial institution based in the counties we serve, GreenState will beat it. Guarantee available for a limited time only. Applies only to CDs or IRAs with comparable terms and conditions. Does not apply in those cases where the credit union does not offer a comparable product. Not available to public organizations or other financial institutions. Maximums apply.
CostCost is often the primary consideration when mulling a home renovation, and that’s even more significant as the world confronts the rising costs associated with inflation. The cost of installing floor-to-ceiling windows depends on a host of variables, including how many windows will be needed and where homeowners live.
Homeowners considering floor-to-ceiling windows are urged to receive several estimates for the project prior to choosing a Lightingcontractor.and energy efficiency
515-290-1704Jewell,IA
According to Modernize®, a service that facilitates connections between renovation-minded homeowners and local contractors, a floor-to-ceiling window wall costs somewhere between $700 to $1,600 per linear foot. Framing and glazing will add to those costs.
Modern homes showcase many dazzling features, but perhaps none draw as much as instant attention as floor-to-ceiling windows.
One of the more appealing aspects of floor-to-ceiling windows is all the natural light they allow in. Of course, all that light also can drive up energy costs on sunny summer days. One way around that is to install energy efficient windows. Such windows include extra insulation to prevent cool air from escaping the home on summer days, which can reduce the need to lower the thermostat on your air conditioning. A wall of glass also can provide less insulation against the cold. The extra insulation in energy efficient windows also helps keep warm air from escaping a home in the winter. Energy efficient windows may cost more than less efficient alternatives. However, over the long haul, a wall of less efficient floor-to-ceiling windows will likely cost more due to excess energy consumption.
What to know about floor-to-ceiling windows
Often seen in high-rise apartments that boast panoramic city views, floor-to-ceiling windows also are right at home in singlefamily Homeownersdwellings.considering floor-to-ceiling windows may have lots of questions. The following rundown can provide some basic information that can help homeowners decide if floor-to-ceiling windows are right for their homes.
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Privacy and fading It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the view floor-to-ceiling windows provide, especially in homes surrounded by serene natural settings like woods or properties that abut waterways. But that view outward also provides a view in, potentially compromising privacy. All that extra exposure to sunlight also can cause fabrics to fade over time. Floorto-ceiling blinds and shades can protect homeowners’ privacy and reduce fading on furniture, but this extra feature will add to the final cost of the project. Smart window tinting is another way to improve privacy and reduce fading, but this feature also will drive up the cost. Floor-to-ceiling windows can be aweinspiring. Homeowners considering such windows for their homes are urged to do their homework to ensure their homes are well-suited to this unique feature.
15 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement *Includes product and labor; bathtub, shower or walk-in tub and wall surround. This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions may apply. This offer expires 9/30, 2022. Each dealership is independently owned and operated. **Third party financing is available for those customers who qualify. See your dealer for details. ©2022 BCI Acrylic, Inc. • Tub-to-Shower Conversions • Replacement Tubs • Replacement Showers • Walk-in Tubs • Low-Barrier Showers • Soaker Tubs • Accessories and more! OFFER EXPIRES 9.30.2022 Military & Senior Discounts Available $500 OFF* No Payments & No Interest For 18 Months** OR (877) 354-1459 • 900+ Authorized Dealers • Made in the U.S.A. • Factory-Trained & Certified Installers • Limited Lifetime Warranty CALL NOW ! The Bath or Shower You’ve Always Wanted IN AS LITTLE AS 1 DAY
16 Wednesday, August 31, 2022 | The Messenger | Tuesday, September 2, 2022 | The Daily Freeman-Journal | Fall Home Improvement DURABLE CONCRETE DESIGNS DCD DCD FLOORS COVERS THE ENTIRE STATE OF IOWA PREP IS KEY, WE HAVE THE BEST EQUIPMENT ON THE MARKET WE INSTALL SEVERAL EPOXY SYSTEMS, SPECIFIC TO YOUR PROJECT • FLAKE • METALLIC • QUARTZ • CONCRETE SEALER • DIAMOND BLASTERS • SHOT BLASTERS Joe DCDwww.notjustgarageflteague@netins.net515-835-2552Teagueoors.comgaragefloorsonFacebook 14 YEARS EXPERIENCE LICENSED AND INSURED WE OFFER WARRANTY AND TIMELY SERVICE
