Crystal Coast, NC Home Owner's Manual

HOME OWNER’S

H O M E IMPROVEMENT

MANUAL

56

Finding the Best Home Improvement Investments

ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

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WHETHER IT’S TIME to sell the house, or it’s just time to make some improvements, it’s important to know which projects will be the best investments. You may really want to put a hot tub in the bathroom, or create an outdoor room, but will you recoup any of those costs when you sell the house? Where’s the smartest place to invest your hard-earned money?

For the past 20 years, the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine have produced the Cost vs. Value Report, a detailed analysis of 30 different home improvement projects that are key to raising a home’s resale value. The report shows how much the projects cost and what they typically recoup in value when a home is sold. The figures are adjusted by region as well as shown as a national average.

The 2008 – 2009 Cost vs. Value Report indicates that while the average home price has fallen by a national average of seven percent, the value of homeowners’ remodeling investments has declined less than four percent. As the housing market has slowed, there are fewer upscale projects being done. Instead, the focus is on curb appeal projects.

In comparing the national averages, replacement projects that boost curb appeal – siding, windows, and decks – give you the greatest chance of recouping your money. Inside, only kitchen remodels can compare, at least on a national level.

The Cost vs. Value report assumes paying the full price for labor. So if you can do any part of a project, you could save costs and, therefore, get more of your money back.

Here are the top 10 projects and how much they Just how much is possible to recoup depends on several factors, such as typically pay back. the value of the homes in your neighborhood, the nature of the project, 1. Upscale fiber cement siding - 86.7 percent when you try to sell the home, as well as the condition of the overall 2. Midrange wood deck - 81.8 percent housing market.

3. Midrange vinyl siding - 80.7 percent 4. Upscale foam-backed vinyl - 80.4 percent Before investing in one of these curb appeal projects, however, make sure 5. Midrange minor kitchen remodel - 79.5 percent that the basic structural and mechanical systems of your home are in good 6. Upscale vinyl window replacement - 79.2 percent shape first. If you replace the windows but have a leaky basement, you’ll 7. Midrange wood window replacement - 77.7 percent have a problem selling the house and getting any of your money back.

8. Midrange vinyl window replacement - 77.2 percent 9. Upscale wood window replacement - 76.5 percent 10. Midrange major kitchen remodel - 76.0 percent

Prevent Future Repairs with a Professional Paint Job.

Courtesy of Family Features

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www.outerislandaccents.com ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

57

Adding Drama with Lighting CHANDELIERS AREN’T JUST for grand ballrooms or even formal dining rooms anymore. They come in so many styles and sizes that they can add a touch of drama to just about any room in the house.

Size matters when selecting a chandelier, according to Mary Beth Gotti, a lighting expert with GE Consumer and Industrial. She points out there is a simple way to make sure the fixture is not too large or too small for your room. Just measure the length and width of the room, in feet. Add the two numbers together and the sum should equal the diameter of the chandelier, in inches.

In the dining room, however, a chandelier should be scaled to the size of the table, not the room.

It should be no greater than the width of the table minus 12 to 20 inches, to prevent anyone from bumping into it. How high off the table should a chandelier be hung? “Typically, you’ll find them 30 to 36 inches above the top of the table, depending on the ceiling height,” notes Gotti.

Gotti suggests that lighting from a chandelier that beams directly down on your guests from above can cast unflattering shadows. The heat from bulbs directly overhead should also be considered. She offered these tips:

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

• Avoid high wattage bulbs as they will increase the heat and can increase the potential for glare.

• Consider decorative compact fluorescent decorative lamps to reduce watts and extend lamp life.

• Try adding shades to chandelier candelabra bulbs or a wall dimmer to help control the light and set a comfortable mood.

• For extra sparkle, consider installing small recessed downlights on either side of the chandelier.

58

The right light in the right fixture will create the look you really want. Use decorative bulbs in chandeliers, sconces, bathroom fixtures – anywhere the bulb is visible. With decorative bulbs, the bulb is just as dazzling as the light it creates. Clear bulbs can provide glitter, but also can be sources of glare if exposed. Dimming can reduce glare and provide lighting flexibility or “scenes” for various events. Coated bulbs or coated compact fluorescent bulbs provide more diffuse light, reducing harsh shadows.

Now that you have the measurement details and proper bulb selection mastered, the biggest challenge will be selecting among the dazzling fixtures available. Whether it’s a Mission style fixture hanging in the den surrounded by quarter-sawn oak bookcases, a chrome fixture with geometric glass elements hanging in a modern master bedroom, or simply a junk-store find adding a splash of whimsy to a shabby chic apartment – chandeliers can be the crowning star of a room’s décor.

For more information, visit gelighting.com.

Courtesy of Family Features

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ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

59

HOME IMPROVEMENT

The Basics of Interior Design

60

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INTERIOR DESIGN IS about more than decorating a room. It’s really about figuring out how a space will be used and then creating an environment that maximizes that use.

The American Society of Interior Designers says that there are many factors that help determine the best design solutions. Some of these are: • the space itself: dimensions, construction, potential and limitations • how the space will be used: work or leisure, entertainment or learning, etc.

• what a space suggests; the “feel” - power or playfulness, achievement or serenity Whether you’re looking to create a cozy family room, an efficient office space or a quiet bedroom retreat, there are several basic design principals to keep in mind.

Unity and Harmony: Making sure that everything in a room or space feels like it really belongs together. Harmony means that components in a room share a common trait or two, such as color, shape, texture, pattern, material, or style. For example a pillow could share the same color that is in wallpaper or in the curtains. Or two rooms – a living room and dining room – can feel unified by using the same kind of flooring.

Balance: The equal distribution of visual weight in a room. Symmetrical balance uses the same objects repeated in the same positions on either side of an object. For example, two identical tables and lamps on either side of a sofa.

Asymmetrical balance is achieved with different objects that have equal visual weight or eye attraction. A small bookshelf on one side of the room and a bushy plant of a similar size on the other would be asymmetrical balance. It’s more casual feeling, but a little harder to achieve.

Repetition: The use of the same element more than once throughout a space. Patterns, colors, textures, lines, and other elements can be repeated. If placed carefully throughout a space, it can create a pleasing sense of rhythm, or flow.

Variety: Using differing elements to create interest. Contrasting elements include color, size and materials.

Focal Point: A dominant item or area in a room – where the eye is naturally drawn.

Fireplaces, entertainment units and large windows are often the focal point in a room.

Proportion and Scale: Proportion is the ratio between the size of one part to another - is the lampshade the right size for the base? Scale is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in which it is placed – is the bed or painting too big for the room?

Details: The smaller elements of a room, such as trim, light switches, cabinet handles, lampshades, etc. These are the things that may go unnoticed at first, but give a room its finishing touch. Without attention to details, rooms don’t quite look right.

Applying these principles will help you turn an ordinary room into a beautifully finished room you can be proud of.

Courtesy of Family Features

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61

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Refresh Your Nest

62

Affordable Ways to Liven Up Your Home

AS THE SAYING goes, there’s no place like home. And these days people are looking for ways to make their home a more enjoyable living space.

“Rather than flipping homes, like people did when the housing market was strong, we’re seeing more and more families embracing what they already have,” says Bob Maricich, president and CEO of World Market Center Las Vegas. “The idea of refreshing one’s environment, even in the smallest ways, can have a restorative power and transform a house to a home.”

Home furnishing experts say that it’s important to recognize that it’s the littlest things that matter when you’re making enhancements to your home. Simple touches of a new sofa or end table, rug or even a decorative lamp shade will create a different look and feel to a room or space. This is a small lifestyle change, and not an unobtainable luxury.

A dash of silver adds sparkle.

Timeless Trends Star chest, table and chairs by Bolier & Co. Nancy Robinson and Julie M. Smith, of Nine Muses Media, have put together some time­less trends that will help you visualize and explore the possibilities for updating your home.

Calm Yourself Living with a neutral interior palette is like being enveloped by Measure, measure, measure! a cloud. Get the look by blanketing rooms in the softest neutral Too many people don’t measure shades: cream, mocha and, most especially (and perhaps surpris­ their rooms, doorways and stair­ ingly), gray. “A dash of a neutral metallic accent, such as silver, ways before buying a furniture piece. Make sure it will not only adds a welcome sparkle,” said Robinson. “It’s like sunlight fit in the room, but will fit through peeking through the clouds.” all the doorways it takes to get into Distressed to Impress the room.

Modern Country is ageless and exudes a comforting charm that takes imperfection to new heights. Natural finishes, heavily Color Trial: Just because you like distressed surfaces, reclaimed woods, rattan, wicker and other the color in the showroom doesn’t mean you’ll like it in your house. natural textures are livable finishes for busy families. And the Lighting and surrounding elements look fits farmhouse style or urban loft with equal ease. can change a color drastically. Get Ethnic Inspiration color swatches and live with them Far-reaching global influences are no longer far flung. Ethnicfor a few days before making a final inspired fabrics are turn­ing up all over in American homes. decision.

“The organic patterns, vibrant color palettes and handcrafted Reality Check: Think through looks create an aura of sophisticated warmth,” said Smith.

Black and white never goes out of style. how this piece of furniture will What to look for: motifs inspired by traditional African design; Côte de Rhône bedding ensemble by be used and who will be using it. susani patterns from Central Asia; ikats and batiks from Indo­ Amity Home.

Small children, pets, shoes on the nesia; and handblocked wood­prints from India. ottoman, snacking in front of the TV Power Play — they all can cause wear and tear A smaller footprint, lighter weight and better performance are on furniture. Light colored fabrics, important purchase considera­tions when buying a new laptop. delicate construction and fine The same things matter when buying home office furniture. In finishes might just have to give way fact, Robinson and Smith note that as laptops have become the to more practical concerns. most popular home computing choice among consumers, so, too, have writing tables and petite desks moved to the fore. Unlike their executive suite predeces­sors, these modestly scaled workstations don’t take up an entire room. Instead, they slip easily into most interiors, providing needed workspace without taking up too much space — or too much money.

Seeing Black and White The go-to item in your closet may be the little black (or white, depend­ing on season) dress. In home furnishings, it’s the combination of the two that offers the most impact. It’s twice the look in one great pro­duct, and it never goes out of style. Smith and Robinson say to con­sider making a state­ment with a black and white combo in bedding ensembles, window treatments, wallpaper or upholstery fabric.

Refreshing your nest doesn’t have to be out of reach. With a few simple changes it’s possible to fall in love with your home all over again.

Tips for Choosing Furniture

For more inspiration and tips, visit HomeYet.com.

ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

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252-726-1807 ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

63

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Sell Your Home … To Yourself

64

AS YOU LOOK around your home, it’s hard not to notice all the minor flaws. Maybe you want to move to something bigger and better, but your realtor thinks you’re better off staying put for a while. You don’t have to wait out the market in a house that makes you cringe. Instead, real estate expert and author Loren Keim offers a few simple tips to help you turn a flawed house back into your (temporary) dream home: Honey Do it Now – As you walk through the home, you’re bound to see little things that have been on the “honey do” list for years: the dripping faucet, broken closet shelves, ugly caulk in the bathtub. Set aside one weekend to tackle all these minor repairs; the house will instantly seem newer, and when it does come time to sell, you’ll already have these things completed.

Treat Your Windows – Send those dated mini blinds packing. New curtains, drapes and modern blinds may be the quickest, easiest and least expensive method of changing the entire look of a room. Old or worn window treatments can make a room look drab and dated, but a bold new style or color can instantly update a room.

Splash of Color – A home can be completely transformed by the addition of the right colors. A fresh coat of white paint on the ceiling brightens a room and gives the illusion of height, while bold wall colors drastically change the look of an entire space. Paint wall and door trim in a contrasting color to make it stand out, or match the wall color to blend into the background. Beware: dark colors generally make rooms feel smaller and liberal applications of wallpaper tend to make a home look old.

The Grass is Greener – Most realtors will tell you that beautiful lawns help sell homes because they make an entire house look new and fresh. Give your lawn an inexpensive makeover by trimming bushes and trees, weeding the garden and planting colorful flowers. Additionally, remove any large plants that hide the home’s façade and add new mulch to flower beds to really make the exterior pop.

Spread Out – A major reason people move is for more storage space. However, you can add hundreds of square feet of storage to your current property with an outdoor shed. Sheds such as those by Lifetime Products are weather-resistant, lockable, ventilated and cost a mere fraction of what you’d spend on a home addition.

Loren Keim is the author of “How to Sell Your Home in Any Market.” For more easy tips to freshen up your home.

Courtesy of Family Features

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65

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Do It Yourself or Call the Pros?

66

DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) home improvement projects continue to be popular. After all, it can save money and be very satisfying. But not all projects should be DIY. There are a number of things to consider before picking up a tool belt.

Home improvement experts recommend that you ask yourself these questions: • Do I really have the skills and knowledge to take on this project? You may be able to install a light fixture, but that doesn’t mean you can put up drywall if you’ve never done it before.

• Can I do a quality job? Some projects require more skill and experience than others. Make sure you feel confident in your ability to do a job you can be proud of. Poor quality work not only detracts from the look of a home, it can actually hurt the value.

• Do I have the time to do this? Experts recommend that DIYers double the amount of time a project is supposed to take. Do you have that kind of time to invest?

• Will I actually finish the project? Many homeowners start a project with great enthusiasm. But as time goes on and problems arise, the project gets overwhelming and often gets left unfinished.

• Can I do this by myself? If your project calls for more than one person, do you have a ready assistant who has the time and the skills to help?

• If the project requires permits, can I get them on my own? Some projects – or parts of projects – may require building permits. Call your local building authority to find out exactly what permits are required and how to get them. They can also tell you which aspects of the project require a licensed professional.

• Do I have the right tools? If not, can you borrow or rent them at a reasonable rate. Trying to make-do with the wrong tools will hurt the quality of your project, and could hurt you.

• What’s the real cost of doing it myself? It’s about more than just the supplies on a project list. Take into consideration things like gloves, safety goggles, tools you don’t own and your time. You may also want to figure in the damage factor – what it costs to do things over or repair damage done in the process.

Will it really save you money?

• Is it safe for me to do this? Lack of knowledge, experience and the right safety equipment can raise the risk of injury. If your home is older, it might contain hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-based paint. You should always have a professional do that kind of removal work.

Cosmetic changes such as painting, putting up wallpaper or paneling, and installing flooring are ideal DIY projects – if you can answer yes to most of these questions. But structural changes – foundation or system changes, major framing – are best left to the pros.

And if you answer no to most of these questions, call a professional. The money you spend on expert help will save you time, hassle, money and regret in the long run.

Courtesy of Family Features

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ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

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69

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Autumn Takes Root

70

FALL IS FOR planting. It’s true in many cases at the Crystal Coast, from Oct. 15 forward into winter is a great time to have success. There are exceptions but first … the good news. Evergreens, deciduous trees, shrubs, fall veggies, fruit trees, fall and winter annuals, select perennials and herbs all like the fall weather, just like we do. A lot of gardeners choose spring to plant and it is a good time. If you choose fall, your plant will be happier and healthier, sooner. Plant shock is much less in the fall because the plant can relax and slowly develop roots and is not stressed by the summer heat. Our soil temperature is perfect in the fall for awesome root development.

Watering is also very important in fall plantings but plants are much more forgiving in fall temperatures versus early summer temperatures. In spring try watering 1-5 gallons (depending on size) for 10 days, 1-5 gallons every other day for another 10 days and 1-5 gallons two to three times a week for the remaining growing season.

So far, your roots are happier and your watering is easier. Your bugs and fungus normally die with cooler weather, whereas they thrive in warmer weather. So, less bugs and fungus – now, that has to be a good thing. Who wants bugs and fungus? Yuk! Fall is also a perfect time to plant a tree to shade your back patio or a blueberry bush to be able to load up on antioxidants next year.

How do we plant it to have success? Choosing the right location is important. Sun, shade, soil type and salt spray are probably the biggest factors to help in making a good decision. Find a trusting, knowledgeable nursery person and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Secondly, using good soil amendment is especially important. Use 1/3 cow peat (not black cow), 1/3 vitagrow (good organic) and 1/3 existing soil. A good soil amendment will transition the plant roots into the native soil and will minimize the stress.

Lastly, I’m loving this plant start activator plus. It has over one million microbes per gram of good beneficial bacteria that will prompt root development and wash foliage. Add one tablespoon to 1 gallon of water poured over roots prior to putting soil over. Be sure to dig the hole 1 1/2 to 2 times as large and make sure not to plant too deep.

It’s better to have a plant 1 inch above grade with a nice moat around the plant than have 1 inch of soil on Order your fresh cut a tree trunk. Plants like to break at the surface and don’t Fraser Fir by like to have soil or mulch piled up on their trunks. If you want something special don’t sell yourself short on plant Thanksgiving amendment. It is a cheap solution to a potential problem.

Healthy roots … healthy tree. and receive Now, what not to plant from mid fall through winter?

• Fresh roping & wreaths It’s best to plant sable palms in June or July when they are • Custom made artificial active. Palms like it hot and it’s nice to have good deep roots & fresh wreaths before it’s winter.

• Awesome I have had success with fall planting but it may not be the Christmas Shop best time. I don’t like to plant a dormant perennial unless (Area’s most unique, it is a transplant. Let the growers make them beautiful and decorative items, beautiful then plant. There are beautiful fall perennials that will stay candles and gifts) beautiful all winter.

• Gift cards Let me leave you with this thought.

Spring is special, but sometimes I think fall is forgotten OPEN or rushed through. November and December can be the Mon.-Sat. 8-6 carolinahomegarden.com best time to be outdoors, so let’s enjoy every minute until Sun. 12-5 2.8 miles East of Cape Carteret December.

252-393-9004 4778 Hwy 24 Newport

By Brian Watson

w w w.taylored-interiors.com Cu s to m I nte r i o r D e s i g n - B e a u fo r t 2 5 2 - 7 2 5 - 4 6 9 1

Call today to schedule your in-home consultation!

Your coastal headquarters for fresh cut Christmas Trees

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ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

Remodel & Update...

Make your investments count and enjoy the results for years to come!

Listening to clients to get a feel for their sense of style and what possessions they treasure, then incorporating what they already have into the overall design in a way they could not have imagined, means our clients aren't just satisfied, but come back time and time again! Experience the comfort and peace of mind of knowing you are in the hands of competent professionals who can save you time and money. Call today to schedule your in-home consultation!

www.taylored-interiors.com ISLAND REVIEW/November 2009

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