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IMPROVEMENT MARCH 20, 2013

Remodeling Pointers Strategic ways to remodel around your home

Postponed Remodling Plans Curb Easy and Economical Solutions Appeal

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Buffalo Center Tribune • Kanawaha Reporter • Pioneer Enterprise • Sheffield Press • The Leader

Home Improvement • March 20, 2013 - Page 2

Improve indoor lighting and mood Want to improve your mood, productivity and general well-being? Consider turning on a light. The psychological effects of lighting have long been a subject of study. It has been documented that the intensity and quality of light can impact the psychological and physiological well-being of a person, affecting daily mood. The Mayo Clinic says that a lack of adequate lighting can make people feel depressed. That’s because light deprivation can affect the production of the hormone melatonin, leading to physiological imbalances. An abundance of light can get bodily systems back in check and also may be an alternative therapy for common emotional issues. Lighting is such an important factor in mood that even stores and businesses study the impact certain lighting can have on people and their impression of a space. In fact, lighting design is an art and a science. Lighting designers must have an understanding of the visual quality users of a space need for their health, safety and enjoyment. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America lists the basic body of knowledge on lighting in the IESNA Handbook. It includes summaries of recommended practices based on research and consensus of successful lighting for specific applications. But individuals don’t need an extensive knowledge of lighting principles to improve their own interior lighting situations. Instead, a cursory understanding of what works can do the trick. Here are some things to consider. * People are attracted to light. If lighting is necessary for safety, brighter illumination will guide the way. * Brightness focuses personal attention on a particular object or area. * To create a more pleasant atmosphere, use wall lighting instead of overhead lighting in a space. * In public spaces or areas where individuals need to be alert, overhead lighting is the best option. * Dim lighting is best for rooms in which relaxation is desired. That is

why table lamps are often used with a shade to diffuse the light. * Homes typically need a combination of lighting sources. An overhead light paired with ambient light and task lighting can help most people get things done. * According to light bulb manufacturer Sylvania, think in terms of layering light. Light sources should be placed at different heights throughout a room to supply adequate illumination as well as visual interest. * For those who want to boost mood, consider full-spectrum light bulbs that mimic the spectrum of outdoor light. * Another easy remedy (during the day) is to simply let more outdoor light in. Keep blinds open wide, especially those that face west and south. Bedrooms with windows facing the east may help people rise with the sun. Skylights can help light shine indoors when the sun is directly overhead. There are also sun tubes that help direct sunlight into rooms under an attic where traditional skylights cannot be installed. Remember, bright light can energize a person, so it is important to wind down from a long day by dimming the lights and preparing for sleep in the evening. Individuals often take light for granted and only realize something is off kilter when their homes are not adequately lit. There are different ways to remedy inadequate lighting situations. Speaking with a lighting designer may help.

Page 3 - March 20, 2013 • Home Improvement

Dress up a home with an interior door remodel With minimum remodeling savvy and a modest budget, it’s possible to change some items in the home to be more in tune with personal style. Although many homeowners gravitate toward new paint colors or furnishings to revamp the look of different rooms in the home, replacing tired-looking doors is another affordable option. The switching out of doors can be a high-impact project for little cost. Think about the room in the house where the door(s) add little appeal. Perhaps a bathroom door has been marred with holes from a former towel rack. A bedroom with simple, flat doors may lack panache. Some doors have been warped by moisture or have been damaged. These eyesores can be replaced. A trip to the hardware or home improvement store can yield a number of options in new doors. Hollow core doors are typically more affordable than solid wood doors. If cost is a factor, select among the various styles in hollow designs. Switching out a door can be a challenging endeavor and is often easiest as a two-person job.

Some people simply use the old door as a template for the new door. Remember, not all doors are the same size (width and height) as the existing door opening. Therefore, some cutting and fitting will be necessary. Here are some steps to follow. 1. Measure the width and height of the old door. Many doors are a standard width of 13/8 inches, though older doors may be different in width. 2. Doors are sold as pre-hung doors or door blanks. Pre-hung ones are surrounded by a jamb. When using these doors, measure accordingly taking the jamb under consideration. Blanks are simply the door with no holes for hinges or locksets already included. 3. Remove the old door by taking out the hinge pins, starting from the bottom and working up. You may need a screwdriver and a hammer to tap out stubborn pins. Keep the pins in a safe spot. 4. Lay the old door on top of the new door and trace the dimensions for cutting. Be sure to line up the lockset edge so things will line up. There should be 1/8 inch clearance on the sides of the

door and 5/8 inch clearance on the bottom. 5. Use a circular saw to cut the door accurately. If only a little needs to be removed from the door, consider using a hand plane instead. If you need to remove more than 1 inch, take half off the bottom and top of the door so it will be even. 6. Place the old door back on top of the new. Mark the location of the hinge mortices (the recessed area and holes where the hinges will fit) with a utility knife and straight edge. 7. Lightly chisel out the hinge mortices so that they are the right thickness to house the hinge hardware. Test the hinge in the mortice. 8. Test the door’s fit within the opening to ensure all cuts are accurate. Plane areas if there is anything that is off or if the door rubs. 9. Mark and drill the space for the lockset and doorknob. Test the fit. 10. Attach the new door and interlace the hinges. Have a helper put in the hinge pins. 11. Put in the knob and be sure the entire set up works correctly. 12. Enjoy the new door.

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Home Improvement • March 20, 2013 - Page 4

Customize Your Home To Suit Your Lifestyle (MS) -- Homeowners who opt to stay in their homes rather than buy new ones or those who need to reallocate space to accommodate an extended family can create a “new� living environment tailored to their tastes and needs with some well-planned changes. Check out the following Woodcraft tips and tools to help you. Envision A New Look Give your entrance a fresh appearance by installing a new front door or painting the existing door. Update your home’s interior with crown molding, chair rails and trim that reflect your tastes and give your living space a unique architectural look. Bring new life to your kitchen by replacing countertops and installing new cabinet hardware -- or buying or building new cabinets. Explore Space Management Look for creative ways to make maximum use of space. Use shelving and modular storage units in closets, bathrooms and garages, and incorporate bookcases or decorative shelving -- built-in or freestanding -- for more storage and a custom look in other rooms. If space is really cramped, consider removing a wall to create a larger, multiuse area or, if you live in a year-round warm climate, build

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an enclosed porch or deck to gain more living space. Listen To An Expert Veteran remodeling contractor Danny Lipford, host of Today’s Homeowner (television) and Homefront with Danny Lipford (radio), offers the following advice: “If you are a beginner DIYer, start with modest projects, and then move on to more ambitious tasks once you have the confidence and a little more experience. Also, do your research to choose the right tools for the job; it will minimize the frustrations.� Then Round Up Some Tools & Supplies To Help! Several user-friendly tools will make these projects easier. * The Rockwell BladeRunner is a portable, multipurpose precision cutter that utilizes any TShank jigsaw blades. The variable speed motor control and simple blade changing mechanism allow you to cut wood, metal, plastic, aluminum and ceramic tile. The 18-lb. tool can be operated on any benchtop surface or mounted to the wall (bracket included). * For quick and easy joinery, choose the Kreg Jig K4 Master System that includes what you need to create strong pocket-hole joints with only a saw and drill.

* The new Rockwell 3Rill 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill -- a three-in-one cordless tool that functions as a drill driver, screwdriver or impact driver -- is another handy helper. Use it to drill holes in wood and metal, drive small screws with controlled torque, or fasten bolts or screws with high speed. * Kreg Crown-Pro Mitersaw Guide gives trim carpenters and DIY enthusiasts alike a fast and easy way to add beautiful crown molding to any room. The CrownPro works with molding up to 51/2� wide and is easy to use for inside and outside corners. * Tackle nearly any sanding task with a 5� or 6� lightweight (2 lbs.) Mirka Ceros Random-Orbital Sander, powered by a brushless DC motor that delivers controlled variable speeds from 4,000 to 10,000 RPMs for an ideal finish in a variety of applications. * Titebond Molding Glue is specially formulated for finish trim and carpentry, including crown molding, baseboards, and window casings. * For indoor projects, Waterlox Original and General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Clear Finishes are nearly goof-proof, provide superior results and age well.

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Andrew Bondi, Woodcraft power tool sales manager, “test drives� Mirka’s new Ceros Random-Orbital Sander. * General Finishes Milk Paint is a tough, durable premixed waterbased acrylic for both indoor and outdoor applications. Traditional milk paint colors produce a flat finish, but an overcoat can be applied to change the sheen. * OneTIME Wood, an exterior finish available in five colors, works for new wood or wood that has

had a previous coating removed. * System Three Spar Varnish and Waterlox Marine Finish are exterior coatings suitable for extended duty. For more information about Woodcraft, contact the store nearest you, visit www.woodcraft.com or call (800) 535-4482.

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Page 5 - March 20, 2013 • Home Improvement

Color My Home

Show me the color! That’s become one of the most common requests for homeowners in today’s marketplace as people look to add more colorful features to their homes as part of remodeling and new construction projects. “A well-chosen color scheme for a home’s exterior can bring out architectural details, downplay flaws and enhance the overall look of the home,� says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. “I always recommend starting from the top down when considering the colors for a home. Start with the roof, work down to the siding, then consider the windows, entry door and trim.� When offering color consultations on home exteriors, Smith begins with the roof. “Depending on the style of a home, as much as 40 percent or more of the visual you get when looking at a house is the roof,� says Smith, a color consultant for DaVinci Roofscapes. “The more roof that is shown, the more important it is to allow the roof color to help define the home’s style. “I’m a great fan of color blends for roofs, which you can easily find in polymer roofing products. When you select blends with different shades of a color or two in it, the entire roof seems to merge and

unify the home extewith trim pieces such as rior. This softens the crossheads, shutters and roof visually and promouldings, create stunvides you with more ning accents. I’ve seen long-term options for that urethane pieces accent colors to ‘pull from Fypon accept out’ from the roofing paint colors extremely blend color.� well and can help to After determining a make the windows and roof color, Smith will doors more focal feathen look at the siding tures of the home.� of the home to deterBoth garage and mine how the texture entry doors are also priplays into the overall mary products that beg home’s appeal. Fixed for color on a home’s features like stone, exterior. According to brick and stucco need Smith, having a door to be considered, that is painted in a along with paint colbright, warm color can ors for some exterifocus attention on the ors. welcoming aspect of a Moving to the winhome. dows, Smith believes “Generally, if a a growing trend for garage door is clearly homeowners is to sevisible from the street, lect energy-efficient it’s best to blend its vinyl framed wincolor to the siding dows with color exand trim,� says Smith. teriors to complement The bronze exterior frame on this Simonton window, “When the garage is in the overall look of a highlighted by white Fypon millwork, provides the line with the front door perfect accent for this home’s exterior paint color. home’s exterior. or behind the home, “There are product you can potentially add that offer unique color options such lines from Simonton Windows for as Brick, Pine, Chocolate, Bronze, more color. But, keep in mind that both replacement and new con- Cream and Driftwood,� says Smith. you want the main entry door to struction windows and patio doors “These frame colors, when matched ‘pop’ more than the garage, so re-

serve your key color push for that area of the home.� One of the easiest ways to add color to the front door is to select an entryway especially designed for painting. The Classic-Craft Canvas Collection from Therma-Tru features smooth, paintable surfaces on fiberglass doors with embossment details so that homeowners can select the paint color they wish to accent their energy-efficient entryway. “Color fascinates all of us, but some people are afraid to make a mistake by using the wrong colors,� says Smith. “If you have a Colonialstyle home with a blend of grays on a roof and white or cream siding, you can easily make the house details pop out with red window frames and a red front door. Or, you can have an Arts-and-Crafts style house with an Aberdeen blend of five neutral colors on the roof that flows down to a rustic wood siding. Deep green accents around the windows, trim and entry door would perfectly accent that type of home.� Visit www.sensationalcolor.com for more insights into exterior colors for the home and to download the free “How to Pick the Perfect Colors for Your Home’s Exterior� guide.

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Home Improvement • March 20, 2013 - Page 6

Free Deck Plans Offer Inspiration and Beauty

(MS) -- Ever researched deck plans, only to find nothing fits your home just right? The design isn’t right, it’s too big for your home, it’s too small for your home, it’s too high off the ground, it’s too low to the ground, you don’t like the grill bump-out, the stairs are in the wrong place ... isn’t there a deck out there that’s perfect for YOUR home? Now there is. A brand-new series of free, inspirational deck plans entitled Destination: DECK is available online at www.realoutdoorliving.com. Featuring five deck plans ranging in side from a townhome to a two-story deck on a traditional

home to a gorgeous standalone gazebo, there’s a style and size to fit everyone’s taste. Each of the five plans -- The Townhouse, The Stratford, The Colonial, The Islander and The Tranquility -- have their own informational page that includes free downloadable plans and a complete materials list. Additional deck plans will be added to the site in the coming months. Customizable Deck Plans Love the decks -- but your backyard has a different layout than in the pictures? Not a problem! While the deck plans, as pictured, are free

downloads, each plan can be customized for a very small fee. Simply choose a plan you like, then click through from the deck plan page to the designer, give them your home dimensions, and the designer will return deck plans perfect for your home at a fraction of the cost. Designed by Shawn Miller of Classic Designs Inc., in Denver, Colorado, and Bobby Parks of Peachtree Decks & Porches in Atlanta, Georgia, all of the deck designs offer interesting angles, bump-outs and unexpected features intended to inspire. Far from being typical rectangle decks on the back of a house, the Destination: DECK series of deck plans offer style, elegance, creativity and personal touches. Build green? Choose real wood. Each of the decks in the Destination: DECK series was constructed using real, natural, authentic pressuretreated wood.

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The number-one decking material in the market and a long-time favorite of DIYers, builders and remodelers everywhere, wood is strong, durable, beautiful and environmentally friendly. Worried about trees, forests and the environment? A recent study concluded that pressure-treated wood is a better decking material choice for the environment than alternative decking materials. Why? * Wood decking production uses 8.5 times less energy than alternative decking production. * Wood decking production uses 14 times less fossil fuel than alternative decking production. * Wood decking emits 3 times less greenhouse gas during production than alternative decking. * Wood decking production cre-

ates 2 times less smog than alternative decking production. Additionally, wood from sustainably managed forests means that trees and wood will be around for generations to come -- after all, wood is a natural, renewable resource. The forest industry plants more trees than are harvested each year and our forests are in better shape than they were a century ago. Now is the time! Go online to www.realoutdoorliving.com and find your perfect deck. Then enjoy your beautiful, natural outdoor living space with your family and friends. For more information on real wood or to read the environmental impact study comparing wood to alternative decking, please visit www. realoutdoorliving.com.

Page 7 - March 20, 2013 • Home Improvement

Easy and Economical Solutions for Those Postponed Remodeling Plans by Gale Steves If you cannot wait any longer to make some much needed changes in your home, you are not alone. Americans are once again getting ready to begin the home improvement process. This pent-up energy often begins in the kitchen, a room that gets a lot of wear and tear but also seems to go out of fashion more quickly these days. This time around, you will be more cautious like many consumers are with their choices and costs ... and yet you want to make observable changes. The most obvious change is installing a new countertop. Remember that countertops represent 30 percent of the color in any kitchen. Create new excitement by simply replacing your tired, scratched or stained counter surface with one made from the latest generation of premium laminate. The latest additions to the popular Wilsonart(R)HD(R) High Definition(R) design series reflect new interest in natural, classic and tumbled marble, limestone and travertine. The good news is this fashionable look is available without the high cost of stone or the constant maintenance those stones require. These lighter, less patterned

laminate designs are perfect for today’s hectic lifestyle. In fact, the new cost-efficient countertop can be installed within a few hours and without disrupting family life. They also give an existing kitchen the promise of a whole new look that’s universally appealing. That equals a big change for small change. All of these new designs are available in a new surface effect of a lower matte-gloss sheen that seems almost glazed. The “Glaze� texture is actually a layering of matte features over a glaze of semi-gloss. This creates a timeworn result that is less reflective and more restrained. It’s a perfect balance for the sophisticated dramatic materials that are part of today’s kitchen: stainless steel, chrome, copper, and even glass. Wilsonart patterns benefit from AEON Enhanced Performance technology. AEON brings four times the scuff and scratch-resistance of conventional laminate, as well as five times the wear resistance to the surface. Unlike granite, the surfaces of these new laminates are non-porous and never need to be sealed. Here are some other remodeling ideas that will have high impact without high expense:

* Replace your old refrigerator with an energy-efficient model. Look in the big box stores for floor models or even those with a little dent on the side, which will never be seen. * Refresh your cabinets with a coat of paint, and change all the cabinet hardware in the process. This makes everything look new. * Swap out your old ceiling light fixture and install under cabinet lighting as well. A little light can make a dramatic difference. * Change your sink or sinks. Consider a new Wilsonart(R) HD(R) sink when adding a laminate countertop. These sinks were designed to be mounted to a laminate surface. Still puzzled by the process or need more help choosing the right color or pattern for your countertop? Visit www.WilsonartHD.com for many good answers. Gale Steves is a frequent contributor to home design publications.

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Home Improvement • March 20, 2013 - Page 8

Seven inexpensive ways to update a home now

Oftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to f r e s h e n - u p Throw pillows are accessories that can easily and inexpensively their spaces change the look of a space. out of perdetails. Switch out cabinet knobs for somesonal preference instead of need. But even thing updated and modern. Take inventory the most well-intentioned projects can be of wall outlets and light switches and think waylaid if budgets are tight. about selecting new ones that coordinate What many homeowners may not realize with your home decor. is that there are many ways to make updates 5. Use plants. Empty corners or spots and changes to a home that do not require a you’re not certain how to fill may benefit major overhaul or a large price tag. The fol- from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways lowing are seven projects that won’t break to add instant color and visual appeal to a the bank. room. Plus, having live plants can help im1. Move around furniture. You may be able prove indoor air by filtering out contamito change the look of a room without spend- nants. A home with plants also feels more ing any money. Interior designers know how cozy. to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, 6. Hang new wall art. It may be time to but the average homeowner can do it, too. look at your photos and artwork and make Find a focal point in the room and angle the a few adjustments. Finding new prints to furniture toward it. Don’t make the focal hang could instantly change a room’s ambipoint the television, however. Try changing ence. And you needn’t spend a lot of money the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply on professional photography, either. Grab moving a curio cabinet from one corner to your camera and take a few close-up shots another may also make a difference. of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. 2. Add lighting. Lighting at different lev- Many of today’s home printers can produce els in the room can create a vibrant impact. professional-quality prints in minutes. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a 7. Try a new coat of paint. After you’ve couple of table lamps and think that will be exhausted other avenues, choosing a new adequate. However, properly illuminating paint color may be the new look you dea room means varying the lighting to cre- sire. Painting is one of the least expensive ate different moods at different times. Plus, yet most dramatic methods of changing more light can make a room feel more wel- a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to coming. choose from, and new apps that enable you 3. Add new pillows or drapes. Changing a to take snapshots of things in nature or in few aspects of a room can give it an entirely your life and match them up to a paint color, new look. If you want to add a splash of you will have scores of opportunities to excolor but don’t know what to do, think about plore fresh new colors for your home. incorporating some new throw pillows or When you get inspired to make improvechange the curtains. An accessory here and ments to the home but fear how much it may there in a bright color also can incorporate a take out of your wallet, consider inexpennew hue without it being overwhelming. sive tricks that can induce a big “wow� fac4. Change knobs or small accents. Give a tor. room a new look by focusing on the small

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Page 9 - March 20, 2013 • Home Improvement

Six home and renovation flicks There are so many people who are anxious to get kneedeep in home improvement projects. Still others are more than happy to leave the work to a professional and sit back and enjoy the results. Those who choose to hire a contractor can certainly get their fill of home improvement projects by watching films where homes or renovations are central to the plot. 1. “Money Pit�: No list

would be complete without including this movie starring Tom Hanks and Shelley Long, who attempt to renovate a mansion only to be met with disaster after disaster. 2. “The Notebook�: Nicholas Sparks’ novel turned into this unforgettable, romantic film is a love story at its core. However, the renovation of a Victorian home in the Carolinas is also central to the story and makes for

amazing imagery. 3. “Poltergeist�: This movie showcases what can go wrong when a home takes on a life of its own as malevolent ghosts take over. 4. “Under the Tuscan Sun�: While renovating a home might be considered interesting, doing so in the remote beauty of the Italian countryside makes for a much more visually appealing film. 5. “House of Sand and Fog�: A woman is evicted

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from her home after it is wrongly repossessed and auctioned. Together with a sheriff ’s deputy the woman begins harassing the new owners of the home in an attempt to get back her residence. 6. “Field of Dreams�: Although it is not the house that is getting a makeover, but rather the fields behind this impressive farmhouse, viewers can be mesmerized by the magic that ensues afterward.

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Home Improvement • March 20, 2013 - Page 10

Make the most of small bathrooms Renovating bathrooms is commonly at the top of home improvement to-do lists. Though some rooms around the house may remain timeless, bathrooms, like kitchens, show their age (and era) much more easily, which could be why homeowners are always on the lookout for new ideas. Although many people may dream about creating a spa-type oasis in their homes, not everyone is lucky enough to have a large bathroom, much less a large budget for a full-scale renovation. Small bathrooms are common, particularly in older homes, but they needn’t force homeowners to compromise on style when renovating. Small bathrooms may be a halfbath on a main home level or even a full bath, depending on the home. By thinking creatively, homeowners can maximize their spaces and redo bathrooms in ways that bring out their best assets. * When space is at a premium, it’s best to look for fixtures and items that fit with the scale of the bathroom. Although you may want a large vanity and cabinet in which to hide all of your toiletries, this simply may not be practical -- taking up most of the bathroom real estate. Instead, look for elegant pedestal sinks that have a much smaller pro-

file. They’ll also help you control the clutter in the bathroom because there won’t be anywhere to hide it. * Use optical illusions to make the bathroom appear more roomy. For example, lay tile diagonally to create the impression of space. A large mirror will reflect the room back and make it appear much larger than it really is. * Select lighter hues in paint colors and accessories. Dark paints and fixtures could make the room feel cramped. Dark colors are generally used to make spaces feel more cozy. In a small bathroom, it may make the space feel claustrophobic. Instead, think light and bright and the room will instantly feel more airy. * Minimize wall hangings and keep fixtures smaller. Filling the walls with knickknacks may contribute to clutter and make the space appear closed in. Use decorative items sparingly. * If possible, store towels in a closet outside of the bathroom. This way you won’t have to devote space inside the bathroom to a closet, leaving more room for other things. * While some people like the thought of a separate bath and shower, in smaller bathrooms this may not be possible. Instead, look

for a combined shower and bath, or select a walk-in shower with a much smaller profile. * Windows are often welcome in bathrooms because of the ventilation they provide, but they could be a hindrance in smaller bathrooms because they take up prime wall space. Cover a window in a shower stall to free up space. Just be sure to install a venting fan to reduce moisture in the bathroom. * Maximize wall space if you need storage. Find cabinets that will fit beneath windows or be able to fit in thin areas between sinks and toilets. Over the toilet is prime area for cabinetry. * Consider a frameless shower. This is a partitioned area of the bathroom that’s set aside for the shower and is typically only cordoned off by a thin wall or piece of glass. Or a shower with no walls at all is the ultimate in space-saving. The entire bathroom floor is decked out in tile, and a portion is sloped toward a shower drain. * Think about installing a skylight if you prefer natural light, but there is no room for a traditional window. Thinking creatively can help turn a cramped bathroom into a spacesaving and well-designed room homeowners desire.

A frameless shower can take up less space in a small bathroom.

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How to improve your home’s curb appeal

Men and women who have tried to sell a home are likely familiar with the phrase “curb appeal.” Curb appeal is similar to getting ready for a big date, only you’re not dressing yourself up to make a strong first impression. Instead, improving curb appeal involves dressing your home up in the hopes it makes a strong first impression on prospective buyers, many of whom will have a strong opinion about the property before they even get out of their cars to have a look around. A home with strong curb appeal can entice buyers who are likely to believe that a home with a well-maintained exterior is likely to have an equally impressive interior. Homeowners who want the process of selling their home to go smoothly can improve the property’s curb appeal in a number of ways, many of which don’t necessitate a substantial home improvement budget. * Clean up. The most effective way to improve curb appeal is to clean up the property. Many homeowners are savvy enough to remove toys and other items from the yard before showing a home, but cleaning up goes beyond removing clutter from the property. Make sure all hedges are trimmed and remove weeds, sticks and other debris from any flower beds. Lay mulch in the flower beds and garden, as mulch prevents weed growth while helping the soil retain moisture, resulting in more attractive gardens to catch a buyer’s eye. * Get an “edge” on other sellers. Edging is another easy and effective way to improve curb appeal. Edge driveways, sidewalks and other walkways around the property, removing or trimming anything that is hanging over the driveway or walkways. If the boundary between your driveway and lawn is not distinct, consider installing edging materials such as stone or bricks. The edging can be level with the driveway or elevated, but keep in mind that elevated driveway edging can protect the lawn, preventing kids from riding their bicycles onto the lawn or cars from driving onto it. Adding edging is not a very difficult do-it-yourself project. * Take to the trees. Many homeowners grow accustomed to overgrown trees around their property and may not notice that low-hanging, unsightly branches are hiding the home from view. Buyers want to see the house, so take to the trees and trim any branches that hang too low or obscure your home. * Clean the gutters. Leaves and sticks hanging from the gutters are a red flag to buyers, who tend to associate clogged gutters with roof

damage. Clean the gutters thoroughly before putting your home up for sale and keep them clean throughout the selling process. If your property includes lots of trees, install guards to keep twigs and leaves out of the gutters. * Make the home accessible through the front door. Many homeowners enter their home through a side door or through their garage. If you fall into this category, keep in mind that prospective buyers will be entering through the front door, so make this area accessible. Clear any clutter, such as overgrown hedges, away from the front door, and consider upgrading the door handle to a more modern feature. In addition, make sure the lock on the front door doesn’t stick, forcing the realtor and buyers to immediately struggle before entering the home. You want buyers and their real estate agents to get in and out of the home as smoothly as possible. * Make sure all plants, including flowers, are living. Dehydrated or dead plants and flowers are eyesores, and they will give buyers the impression that you didn’t pay much attention to your property. Make sure all plants are alive and thriving and replace those that aren’t. You can replant new flowers or plants or just use potted plants instead. When purchasing new plants, choose low-maintenance varieties that appeal to buyers who want good vibrant plants but might not want to put in much work into the garden. When selling a home, homeowners can employ a number of tactics to improve their home’s curb appeal.

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Page 11 - March 20, 2013 • Home Improvement

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