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Spring

HOME & GARDEN

Planning outdoor living space .................................................................................6 Beware of unwanted guests in your new home ....................................................8 Spring is the time to enjoy outdoor rooms ...........................................................10 Proper wiring saves lives ........................................................................................12 Your grass can be greener .....................................................................................14 How to choose the right wood flooring for your home decor ...........................16 Plant a self-sustaining garden ................................................................................17 Home repair mistakes to avoid to give you peace of mind .................................18 Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining ..............................................................20 Having a clean home should not take all of your time .......................................22 Published by Morning Star Publications, Inc.

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Planning outdoor living space

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Family Features

f it's time to think about making some improvements or additions to your home, outside may be the best place to get started. Exterior additions and improvements are high on homeowner's lists.

Among the top ranking features people want in their next homes are decks or patios, and low-maintenance exteriors. When it comes to the top ranking living spaces people want, outdoor grilling or living areas came in at 67 percent. So whether you want to make some improvements for selling your home, or just to enjoy for yourself here are some tips to help you plan the perfect outdoor oasis.

Define the Space An outdoor room could be the entire yard, or just a small part of it. Think about it having walls, a ceiling and flooring, just like an indoor room.

there, like the branches of a shade tree. u Flooring could be the existing lawn, a mulched pathway or a created floor such as a concrete or flagstone patio, or deck.

Decide the Elements.

Once you know where your oasis is, it's time to figure out what needs to go in it. Here are some elements to consider: Decking A low-maintenance composite deck adds versatility and beauty that you can customize to meet just about any need. And it can pay, off, too. Composite deck additions are among the projects that recoup the most of their cost upon home resale.

are vertical elements that help define a space, such as hedges, trees, lattice screens, raised garden beds, railings, a gazebo or fence to frame your space.

u When planning a deck, don't make the mistake of building one that's too small. Mark the area you want to use, then put your outdoor furniture in it to see if you have the space you need.

u Ceilings provide shelter and shade. Think of awnings, umbrellas and pergolas. Or use what's naturally

u Use an online planning tool to explore designs, materials, colors and accessories.

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u Be sure to check on local building codes and permits needed before starting any construction.

Fire and Food Use your outdoor room any time of day by planning a place to cook and eat. u An outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a portable grill or as elaborate as your budget will allow. A DIY pizza oven can also be a fun way to enjoy cooking outside. u Fireplaces, fire pits and chimineas bring coziness along with great function - and they help extend the outdoor enjoyment in cooler weather.

Accessories Just like indoor rooms, outdoor rooms benefit from appropriate accessories. Make sure you plan for them in your budget as well as in your designs. u Lighting - Landscape lighting, lanterns, candles or strings of white outdoor lights can all add beautiful ambience. u Sound - Add pleasing audio with outdoor stereo sound systems, trickling water features or even just simple wind chimes. u Color - Garden art, tablescapes, container plantings and fabric can put colorful finishing touches on your outdoor room.

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Beware of unwanted guests in your new home

By Sandy ‘Ladybug’ Honess Ladybug Pest Management

As exciting as looking for a new home can be (buying or renting), it can also be extremely stressful. Diligent house hunters need to also be on alert for pest infestations. Sometimes pests can be the last thing on your mind or you may not be sure what to look for. Most of the time we are looking at potential roof leaks, faulty wiring and hanging insulation - many of which can lead to pest problems.

Bugs are good at hiding, so watch out for these red flags.

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hide under rocks and/or in the mulch up against the house. Many times you can even find their trails which can eventually lead or do lead into the home.

2. Pest droppings Mice droppings and even rat droppings can resemble small black rice sized pieces. Rat droppings are larger than mouse droppings. Bed bugs can leave fecal spotting like spilled pepper on baseboards and walls, mainly in the bedroom areas. Cockroach egg casings can be visible.

Educate yourself on some of the common pests by “googling” them online.

3. Dead bugs Check window sills and basements. Large accumulations of dead bugs normally mean they

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live on the property. Keep an eye out for spider webs. Vacuum down when you see them.

4. Odd odors/smells Pest experts claim that mice give off a musty/ urine smell and rats smell like ammonia. Roaches have an oily odor.

5. Evidence of gnaw marks or nesting material Mice/rats will make nests out of whatever material they can gather (shredded paper is a favorite). Also, keep an eye out for chewing or gnaw marks throughout the home.

6. Signs of termites Check the wood in the home. Note any visible holes or sagging floors. Shed wings of termites or the fecal pellets that look like sawdust may be signs of an infestation. If buying a home a termite inspection is typically required by a professional.

7. Outdoor inspection. Check for ant hills or mole tunnels (lines of mounds throughout the yard). Also, if you are near a pond or wa-

ter, mosquitoes may be an issue. Get rid of any standing or stagnant water near the home. Damaged plants near the home or patterns of lawn damage may be signs of a pest infestation.

These are just a few tips as to what to be on the lookout for when checking out your potential new home. Ladybug Pest Management recommends a thorough outside perimeter and crawl space spraying of your home before moving in or shortly thereafter, by a licensed and professional pest management company.

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

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Spring is the time to enjoy outdoor rooms Family Features

Designing outdoor living areas comes with its share of challenges.

Understanding the basics from the ground up simplifies the process.

The patio is more than a hard surface. It can serve as the outdoor room’s focal point around which other materials and features are styled.

The textures and shapes of stone flooring can lend a dimensional feel, while a deck’s color allows it to contrast or blend with the environment.

When planning the floor, spacing is the most important com-

ponent. Determining up front if a dining area or outdoor kitchen is desired, and how many people the space will accommodate are key considerations. The patio should be planned to house these installations.

Patios, along with outdoor structures, provide exterior spaces with foundational dimensions and protected placements for furniture and accessories. “Foundations delineate the room and establish the space that belongs to the room, and that which does not,” says Sarah Kinbar, editor of Garden Design magazine, a leading outdoor design publication. “Edges

and boundaries created by foundations are the outdoor’s answer to walls.”

Outdoor product manufacturers offer exterior structures, furnishings, fabrics and designs to provide permanent enhancements that increase property values.

Through a recent partnership, the outdoor room innovators at Walpole Woodworkers and ShadeFX Canopies unveiled versatility and quality as top priorities for outdoor spaces. As a result, the two companies launched a line of shade pergolas that combine cellular vinyl pergolas with retractable and integrated canopy systems.

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“As a design element, shade pergolas moderate the transition from indoors to outdoors,” explains Steve Ostrowski, president of ShadeFX Canopies. “The structure defines the space and provides a sense of privacy that makes dining tables and cushioned furniture feel more appropriate in outdoor areas.”

Shade pergolas offer homeowners the ability to create sanctuaries that are covered from rain, protected from sun, impervious against wind, and immune from the stresses of daily life.

Since the canopies are retractable, homeowners can switch from sun to shade at their leisure.

The cellular vinyl pergolas are a low- to nomaintenance realistic wood alternative and last more than 25 years. The durable canopies offer 10 to 15 years of use.

“With their height, depth, and width, using shade pergolas adds dimension and substance to outdoor rooms,” says Lou Maglio, president of Walpole Woodworkers. “Outdoor structures such as these can reflect and enhance the integrity of a home’s architectural style.”

When adding an outdoor structure, a homeowner should first decide where in the landscape to place it, keeping in mind views from interior windows, sunlight, and proximity to the home. “Typical retractable awnings extend less than 16 feet, and a shade pergola can be used to cover a large area up to 600 square-feet,” says

Ostrowski. “A design decision is whether it should be affixed to or separate from the house.”

The remaining outdoor living area should be designed like any interior, implementing function and cohesive style. Outdoor fabrics and accessories should reveal personality while adopting juxtaposed colors, textures and lines that translate easily, as if the interior naturally extends outdoors.

According to Kinbar, outdoor rooms have always existed; they are becoming more defined as new products arrive on the market that make these spaces as livable as indoor rooms.

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Proper wiring save lives Electrical mistakes can be the most costly Family Features

W

hether you’re remodeling your home for resale or to improve it for your own enjoyment, safety during the process is a key concern. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the safety of the home’s electrical system.

Each year, electrical fires claim approximately 485 lives and cause $868 million in property damage. If you’re planning on doing any home improvement, take some time to make sure your home is wired for safety.

Many remodeling projects impact the home’s electrical system: tearing down a wall, putting one up, adding lighting fixtures, moving wall receptacles or replac­ing the wiring. Before you get started, make sure you have a clear idea of what your electrical needs will be and how you can meet them.

Homeowners should obtain the appropriate Get Inspected permits and The Electrical Safety Founda­tion have the work International (ESFI) recommends inspected as called that homeowners have their for in local code homes inspected by a qualified requirements. licensed electrician if: Check with your n The home is 40 or more local government years old. to find out what n The home is 10 or more the requirements years old that has had major are in your area. renovation, an addition or An impor­tant note: major new appliance. some jobs are best n You are the new owner of a done by a qualified previously owned home. electrician — it’s better to consult one early in the planning stages than to try and take on a dangerous job by yourself.

Electrical Plan Lighting. Adding or changing the lighting plan for a room requires electrical work. n What kind of lighting will you use? Ceiling fixtures, wall-mounted fixtures and recessed lights all need interior wiring; table or floor lamps need outlets. n Will you be changing to a dimmer switch or adding additional switches? n Is there proper support for the new fixtures?

12

Illustration courtesy of Getty Images

Electronics. Think through the electronic devices that will be used in the room and make sure you have the proper electrical service for those needs and protection for the devices, such as surge protectors. n Computers and peripheral equipment n Televisions, DVD or Blu-ray players, gaming systems n Power tools Appliances and other equipment. Adding a bathroom or wet bar adds to your electrical needs. n Ventilation fan n Refrigerators

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

n Exercise equipment n Heating and cooling elements

Arc Faults and AFCIs

the electrical needs associated with a bigger remodeling project may require the installation of additional circuits to the home’s existing load center.

This is a job best done by a qualified electrician.

Do a Box Check the electrical safety Foundation international (esFi) recommends checking your fuse box or circuit breaker regularly — the start of a remodel project is an excellent time to look for the following: n Is your fuse box or circuit breaker box appropriately labeled? Labeling helps to easily identify what circuits power each room in your home. n are you regularly resetting tripped circuit breakers?

Circuit breakers that are constantly tripping indicate that the circuit is overloaded or that other electrical hazards exist. Consult a qualified, licensed electrician. n is your home protected by arc Fault Circuit interrupters (aFCis)? aFCis are devices that replace standard circuit breakers in the electrical service panel and that greatly reduce the risk of home electrical fires.

Arc faults occur from damaged wiring, overheated or stressed electrical cords, worn electrical insulation, wires and/or cords in contact with vibrating metal, damaged electrical appliances and other conditions.

This potentially dangerous situation creates highintensity heat — which may exceed 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit — resulting in burning particles that can easily ignite surrounding material, such as wood framing or insulation. aFCis are special circuit breakers that detect electrical arcing. they are designed to recognize when arc faults occur and automatically shut the circuit down before it becomes a fire hazard. AFCI technology is already required in all new home construction, according to the National electrical Code. However, aFCis can also be retrofitted to older homes, where older wiring and outdated electrical work may increase the threat of an electrical fire. if you are interested in having aFCi protection added to your home, consult a qualified, licensed electrician. aFCis can be found at electrical distributors, hardware stores and home centers across the country for approximately $30 to $35 each, not including the cost of installation, which is essentially the same as a standard circuit breaker.

When it comes to remodeling, put the safety of your family and home first. Investigating and preventing potential electrical hazards lets you enjoy your improved home with peace of mind.

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Your grass can be greener When you feed your lawn is important Grass is like any other living thing, it needs nutrients to grow strong. Just like humans need several small meals, so does your lawn. Here is a menu to help you make your green space great.

Early spring

Feeding your lawn in the spring is the lunch that strengthens roots and gets it off to a good start before the heavy growing season. If you have had crab­grass in the past, now is the time to apply a combination fertilizer with a pre-emergent to control it.

Late spring

Grass is busy growing and using up stored energy. If you are

bothered by the dandelions and other weeds popping up, use a weed and feed combination product that gives the lawn nutrients and helps control broadleaf weeds. If your lawn has only a few weeds, use a liquid spot weed treatment. If weeds don’t bother you, a dinner of lawn food is great to continue keeping your lawn strong.

Summer

Heat, drought, foot traffic and insects can stress grass out. Your lawn might appreciate a snack to help protect and strengthen it against these problems.

If weeds or bugs don’t bother you or aren’t a problem in your

lawn, you can substitute an application of a straight lawn fertilizer for any of the meals on the menu above.

To find out how to take care of your lawn year-round, visit Soil Service at 177 New Street, Seaford, just off High Street.

Fall

Think of fall as the breakfast for your grass: the most important meal of the day. Many experts say this is the single most important lawn feeding of the year. Feeding right before the winter months gives your grass nutri­ents to recover from summer damage and increase nitrogen storage for an early spring green-up next year.

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Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

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R&L Irrigation creates outdoor oases

By Carol Kinsley R&L Irrigation Services Inc. has been providing the Seaford area with affordable, professional irrigation services for more than 15 years. More than that, a branch of the company, R&L Lawn Services, provides lawn maintenance programs, including liming, crab grass prevention, fertilizing and everything a landscape needs. Site work for new construction is also offered, from rough grading, hauling in soil, final grading, seeding and sodding. R&L Custom Landscaping, also under the corporate umbrella, provides hardscaping and concrete work, paver patios and sidewalks.

For those taking the next step, R&L creates outdoor kitchens, fire pits and fireplaces.

Additionally, R&L provides

landscape lighting, which owner Rick Williams said, “has gotten big in recent years because of security issues.”

Eighteen years ago, Williams’ family quit farming and he went from farming ag land to residential land. “Half my life I was paid to kill grass, now I’m paid to grow grass,” he said.

Williams’ company was the first in Delaware to be certified under a “Liveable Lawns” program in which companies agree to use best management practices and minimize fertilizer use. He teaches customers about soil sampling, the right time to fertilize and the right time to water.

Most customers want a nice, thick lawn that looks like a golf course, Williams noted, “then one of their biggest complaints is that they

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need a bigger lawnmower.”

Williams’ experience in agriculture gave him a good background in nutrient ratios and the importance of oxygen in the soil. He was growing hydroponic tomatoes 20 years ago when Disney’s Epcot Center in Florida began experimenting with them.

He has appeared on local television shows explaining what to do and not do when trying to grow a lawn.

R & L Irrigation Services will help your garden and lawn look better while saving you time, money and water. For a free on-site estimate or to schedule a service appointment, contact Williams at 628-3755 or by email at rlservices4747@comcast.net.

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How to choose the right wood flooring for your home decor Wood is one of the most beautiful floorings you can choose for your home. No other flooring offers the warmth, beauty and value of wood.

There are not only countless colors available but there are also many dif different species as well, each with their unique characteristics.

This is why choosing the right wood floor to meet your specific taste and decor needs can be a challenge. According to Michel Collin, Marketing Director of Mercier Wood Flooring, there are a few key factors to consider when choosing wood flooring. First, you should consider the finished look you want to achieve for your decor. "It's always best to start with your floor when decorating," advised Collin. "If you want a modern or contemporary look, you should consider wood species that have a cleaner look with less texture and grain such as Maple, Birch, or Cherry. If you prefer a more rustic

look, then White Ash or Oak would be best."

Another factor to consider is the type of furniture you select for the rooms. If it's wood furniture, it's important to ensure it doesn't clash with your new wood floor. "You can either match the wood furniture to the floor or you can opt for a contrast which gives a very nice look," he added.

Dark mahogany, oak or cherry furniture, for example, will show up much better on a light colored wood floor than it would on a dark wood floor.

There are also many different sizes of width and lengths of wood flooring available to consider. Keep in mind smaller widths and shorter lengths will give off a busier look since there will be more variation, while wider widths and longer lengths tend to open up the look of a room.

Then there's the finish. Solid hardwood floors come either unfinished or prefinished.

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Another popular trend is toward engineered wood flooring, a veneer of hardwood in the species of your choice glued on top of three to seven thin sheets of wood.

Solid wood will expand or contract with heat and moisture, whereas engineered wood flooring, because it’s made of crossbanded layers of wood, offers more dimensional stability. It’s ideal for kitchens and basements where moisture is a factor.

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Plant a self-sustaining garden

G

ardening is a rewarding hobby with thousands of devotees. Backyard gardens provide beauty and aesthetic appeal to a landscape, and they can be a source of homegrown food and a natural habitat for outdoor wildlife.

A self-sustaining garden can be an efficient addition to any home, but gardens require upkeep and a certain measure of dedication. A self-sufficient garden is a garden that sustains itself through proper planning and execution. Such gardens can almost take care of themselves so long as the soil is healthy soil, the seeds are reused and organic material is produced.

When planting your own selfsustaining garden, consider the following tips.

• Start with soil. Healthy soil is essential to a thriving garden. The soil must have the right pH, correct texture and composition, and be full

of nutrients. Very often the native soil in yards is not adequate to keep a garden thriving. In such instances, the soil needs to be improved.

Adding compost -- which can be produced in the yard as well -- to the soil will enrich the soil with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

• Maintain proper soil consistency. Soil that is the right consistency, meaning the optimum balance of sand, clay and actual soil, is another necessity for a self-sustaining garden. The ideal ratio should be 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt and 20 percent clay. Having the right balance of soil can secure root formation and promote proper drainage.

• Test the pH. Certain plants need a specific pH in order to grow.

A neutral pH range is typically ideal for growing vegetables. A pH tester can be purchased from a gardening center. Amend the soil accordingly to get the soil back to its correct

level.

• Know the growing season.

Vegetables should be planted during the season in which they will thrive. Peas, beets and cabbage, for example, are cold-temperature vegetables, while cucumbers, squash and melons thrive in warm climates.

Plant accordingly so that the vegetables will have the best chances for success.

• Purchase quality seeds. Use fresh seeds, particularly ones that have been harvested from your own garden the year before, to have the best chances for germination. Or buy seeds from a reputable source, like a local garden center.

• Start seedlings indoors. You may want to work with seedlings indoors so that you can monitor growth and care for them more easily. Then transplant the seedlings outside when they are stable enough for the elements.

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Home-repair mistakes to avoid to give you peace of mind

H

ome improvement projects seem to drum up images of shyster contractors or bumbling do-it-yourselfers.

However, home repairs don't have to turn into an unorganized mess. By avoiding some common mistakes and taking common-sense precautions, you can end up with renovations that wow.

1. Accepting the lowest bid. Smart homeowners shop around for everything --including work done on their home. But accepting the lowest bid right off the bat to save money may cost you more in the long run. A low bid certainly may be a great deal.

But generally it could be a sign of an inexperienced contractor, or one who plans to use subpar materials or skimp on the job. Contractors will have similar prices. Shop based on experience and recommendations, not price alone.

2. Choosing friends and family. There certainly are skilled professionals that also may be a close friend or family member. But mixing business and pleasure could be a recipe for trouble, especially when workmanship and an exchange of money are involved.

"We had a friend replace our home's furnace," says Beth in Pennsylvania.

"While we got a great price, we found out later on when there was a glitch in the system that certain things weren't done up to code. We had to spend more money to have it repaired, and the friendship has since suffered."

Some relatives are adamant about doing repairs but they may not be skilled or know the correct laws governing remodeling. Stick with a third party contractor with whom you'll feel comfortable talking if you feel repairs need

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to be done a certain way.

3. Thinking you can handle it. Many do-it-yourselfers (generally in an attempt to save money) believe they can learn every DIY task from a book or magazine. There are some jobs, however, that should be left to the professionals, including major plumbing work or electrical repairs. There's no need to risk a fire, injury or death by doing inexperienced electrical modifications.

4. Letting maintenance slide. Many homeowners think once the repair is made that they're all set --failing to keep up with routine maintenance. But complications can arise by not maintaining a new appliance or keeping up with an improvement.

"Our homeowner's association required proof that the dryer venting for our clothes dryer was replaced on an annual basis," offers Bill in California.

"I'd simply go out and buy a new box of the venting material and submit

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

the receipt as 'proof' so I could save the money on a professional installation. But one day the lint trapped in the venting, which I hadn't bothered to change, caught on fire. It not only damaged the venting, it damaged the entire dryer -- resulting in the purchase of a new dryer. Luckily no one was hurt. I've since learned my lesson."

5. Following every trend. Anyone who has a harvest gold or avocado green appliance collecting dust in the garage or basement knows how interior style choices come and go.

Instead of jumping on every trend (granite countertops and stainless steel refrigerator, for example), think about what will work for your home and be

timeless. Otherwise you may end up having to update every few years.

6. Asking questions later. Make a list of every question you can think of and ask it before the work gets started. This way you're left with few surprises and can do changes without costing yourself time and money. Don't wait for the finished product before you start to question the hows and whys.

7. Expecting things to be perfect. If you go into a project with the idea that there will be no mishaps, even minor ones, you may end up stressed out when one arises. Everyone makes mistakes --even professionals. If you think something is not being done correctly, speak up or get a second opinion.

Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining

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ew things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests.

Having a great outdoor space enables a person to host parties or intimate gatherings all year long.

Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are essential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some landscaping and decorating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, consult with a contractor.

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Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

• Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family members are good, and you can also double-check qualifications by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio.

The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weatherrelated damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• Plan well-defined areas. Just as rooms serve different purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served.

Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too

uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaleddown amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety.

It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, emphasize comfort, safety and functionality.

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Our design professionals can help you create that special Wood Mode or Brookhaven look for your kitchen, bath or any room in your home.

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Corner of Arch & State Sts., Seaford, DE Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

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Having a clean home should not take all of your time Family Features

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rom yard work and pest control to cleaning and taking care of home systems, there’s a lot that goes into maintaining a house. Everything Home offers practical tips and expert know-how to help anyone take good care of their home.

Having a clean and tidy home is a high priority for many people, but so is having time for fun and relaxation.

Cleaning can take a lot of time, but there are some handy tools that can cut down on how long it takes to get that satisfying clean.

“If you have a plan of attack, and then equip yourself with a few time-saving tools, you really can get your house clean in a lot less time,” said Debra Johnson, training manager at Merry Maids, a nationwide cleaning company. Here are Johnson’s five house cleaning “must-have” tools for saving time while getting the job done right:

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u A 50-foot heavy-duty extension cord. This lets you plug in the vacuum cleaner once, instead of having to lug it around to different outlets. u A sturdy step ladder. Having a two- or three-foot step ladder lets you get to those hard to reach areas, like air vents near the ceiling, light fixtures and the highest shelves. u A cleaning caddy. A portable tool caddy lets you keep most of what you need right at hand. Stock it with a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner, oil soap for wood surfaces, nonabrasive cleanser, microfiber cloths for dusting, paper towels, sponges, latex gloves to protect your hands, and a squeegee for windows, mirrors and tub and shower doors. You may want to get a caddy for each floor of your home and stock them with appropriate cleaning supplies.

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2014

u A sturdy carpenter’s apron. These handy canvas aprons have multiple pockets that can hold additional items, such as old toothbrushes for cleaning grout and hard-to-reach areas, a widget (a small tool with a blade for removing stubborn dirt), and dryer sheets for cleaning mini blinds and computer and TV monitors. u A steamer. Cleaning with steam lets you clean and deodorize multiple surfaces around the house. Johnson says that steam is quick and powerful, and since you’re only using water, you eliminate the need for using products. You can get a handheld steamer for smaller jobs, or an upright version for tackling floors. If you have hardwood floors, make sure the model you have is made for cleaning sealed floors.

Before you put your cleaning tools away after each clean, Johnson says it’s a good idea to make sure they’re ready for the next cleaning session.

“Make sure your spray bottles have enough cleaner in them, and that your brushes, sponges and wipes are clean, dry and ready to go. That way, when it comes time to clean again, you can just grab your tools and get started. And the quicker you can start, the quicker you can get done.”

SCOTT WHALEY Certified Irrigation Contractor Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor

302.875.7422 443.783.5717 scott@precisionirrigationllc.com

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