2011 Spring Homes and Real Estate

Hillside Home With View!

Only $314,900!

Beautiful 4 Bedroom home with Remodeled Kitchen and Bathrooms! Large Family room, Fenced backyard, paved street, garage! Enjoy Mountain Views from your back Deck! Quiet and well established neighborhood great for riding bikes or walking! Close to Fort Wainwright!

Crown Real Estate AK, Inc.

Beautiful Custom Home!

Only $329,900!

Quality throughout this custom 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home! Gracious Master Suite has jetted tub, separate shower, walk-in closet, Large Den/ study is great for craft room or could be a 5th bedroom! Energy Efficient Five Star Plus construction! Great location!

When You’re Ready to Buy or Sell,CALL GINGER 907-452-8000 • To view all Crown and MLS listings, visit www.CrownAlaska.com

3835 Sonoma • North Pole

946 Wood Way

$429,000 Kelli Powers Heather Lambert $215,000 322-1998 460-6470 www.kellipowers.com heatherlambert@gci.net STUNNING ... Renovated Efficient & Nearly New! Move-in-able with all the custom paint done. Over from top to bottom ... inside & out!!

1300 sq ft includes three bedrooms and two full baths,

This high-end home boasts five bedrooms that includes over 850 sq ft for the Master Suite finished and detailed with perfection. Great for entertaining with 3 living areas impeccable family design, two fireplaces, and over 3200 sq ft. Garage/shop has 1050 sq ft, home sits on 2 city lots with gorgeous landscaping, 3 decks to enjoy the evening sun and located in one of the most popular family neighborhoods in Fairbanks.

radiant heat on both levels. Two bedrooms upstairs are oversized for play area or office in either, third bedroom would be a great study and there is a “princess playroom” or large storage area. Great southfacing deck, tons of lush lawn on this nearly 1 acre lot. Oversized single garage with room for storage plus a carport to keep the snow off another car.

Grace Minder Realty, Inc. 2480 Allen Adale

Home Shl!ow Specia

$454,900

Grace Minder Broker

fax: (888) 863-5851 grace.minder@acsalaska.net

Home Shl!ow Specia

$400,000

• Custom Home in Sherwood Forest • Corner landscaped lot on 1.11 acres • 4 Bed + Office, family room, 2.5 baths • 3 car with asphalt drive, decks • Custom Lindal Home • On 4 acres above the ice fog • A true gem • Energy efficient with southern exposure • Great for entertaining!

57378670-3-25-11H&RE

Your Hometown Realtor cell: 378-8934 office: 479-8000

3762 Keystone

www.GraceMinder.com

2

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Get your home ready for the sale

Quick Reference Business Directory Realtors & Brokers Advantage Alaska Realty Amy Krier 388-9950 www.advantagealaskarealty.com page: 15 Chris Calhoon Real Estate 456-3401 www.buyers-brokerage.com page: 19 Coldwell Banker Gold Country 456-4653 Cbgoldcountry.com Page: 16, 17, 32 Coldwell Banker Gold Country Butch Currier, Realtor 590-2853 www.ButchSellsAlaskaHomes.com page: 31,32 Coldwell Banker Gold Country Elizabeth Schok, Realtor 322-9188 www.elizabethschok.com page: 25, 32

Grace Minder Realty 479-8000 www.graceminder.com page: 1 Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors 452-7743 www.gfbr.org page: 7 Interior Alaska Realty 455-9550 www.interiorrealty.com page: 20 Madden Real Estate 452-3000 www.wesmadden.com page: 3

Monica Dallas Realty 388-4987 www.monicadallas.com page: 8

Stepovich Realty 378-4646 www.stepovichrealty.com page: 4

Re/Max Assoc. of Fairbanks Ryan Danhauser, Realtor 452-6387 www.ryandanhauser.com page: 24

Realtor Biographies

Riverview Realty Sue Rainey, Broker 479-4410 www.suerainey.com page: 27

Eureka Builders 457-8974 page: 10

Robert Fox Realty 456-8000 www.alaska-land.com page: 13 Somers & Associates 456-7653 www.somersandassociates.net page: 2

By Nikki Whiting Getting your home ready to sell does not have to be an overwhelming task.

If you break it down by following these helpful ideas, not only will you feel empowered, it will most likely get your home sold quicker and for a higher dollar amount.

Less time on the market equals more money in your pocket. Does your home sparkle above the competition?

Please use these ideas to ensure that it does.

page: 28, 29

Builders

Summit Alaska Construction Co. 457-1970 Summitalaskaconstruction.com Page: 6

Corporation Toghotthele Corporation 907-832-5832 mailto:toghotthele@hotmail.com page: 5

MB Management Services 479-0265 www.mvirealty.com page: 9

57378676-3/25/11H&RE

Coldwell Banker Gold Country Morgan Macchione, Realtor 978-5985 www.morganmacchione.com page: 26, 32

Crown Real Estate Ginger Orem, Broker 452-8000 www.CrownAlaska.com page 1

Put your most valued Possession in the Hands of The Proven Real Estate Professionals.

Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can’t see past personal artifacts, and you don’t want them to be distracted by your personal belongings and pictures. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can’t do that if yours are there.

Declutter

57379065 3-25-11H&RE

www.somersandassociates.net

Say to yourself, “This is not my home; it is a house — a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf. Make the mental decision to “let go” of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.

Don’t look back — look forward to your exciting future.

Depersonalize

WE EXPECT A LOT FROM OURSELVES SO CAN YOU

456-7653

Disassociate yourself with your home

People collect an amazing quantity of junk.

Consider this: if you haven’t used it in over a year, you probably don’t need it.

Please see SALE, Page A4

3

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

View thousands of listings at www.WesMadden.com!

Call for details (907) 452-3000

Wes Madden Owner/Broker

810 Barnette St., Fairbanks, AK 99701

Alaska’s #1 Real Estate Team working together to achieve your Real Estate Goals!

Director of Operations/ Associate Broker

Christina Barron

Charles “Chick” Wallace

Cullen Wallace Commercial Specialist/ Associate Broker

Listing Specialist/ Associate Broker

Mike Maynard

Brandon Phillips

Charlie Rogers

Associate Broker

Buyer Specialist

Buyer Specialist

Catherine Ledger Property Manager

Joel Johnson

Buyer Specialist

Buyer Specialist

Jenn Shipman Director of First Impressions

Ashlee Whitworth

Director of First Impressions

Desiree Caywood

Ethan Wells

Buyer Specialist

Jeri Snyder

Sonny Amboni

Listing Specialist

Harry Schikora

Property Manager

Buyer Specialist

Randi Britschgi

Transaction Coordinator

Jewel Addison

Buyer Specialist

Casandra Courtillet Transaction Coordinator

Property Manager

Kim McGrath Listing Coordinator

Thurston Gray Field Coordinator

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • LAND • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

57378675-3-25-11H&RE

Stacy Risner

4

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

SALE: The more you do for your home, the easier the sale might be • Wash windows inside and out.

• Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.

• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.

• Clean out the refrigerator.

• Replace cracked floor or • Vacuum daily. counter tiles.

• Dust furniture, ceiling • Patch holes in walls. fan blades and light fixtures.

• Fix leaky faucets.

• Bleach dingy grout.

• Fix doors that don’t • Replace worn rugs. close properly and kitchen • Hang up fresh towels. drawers that jam.

Matching bathroom towels • Consider painting your look great —sometimes crisp walls neutral colors, espewhite is the way to go. cially if you have grown Clean and air out any accustomed to purple or pink musty smelling areas. Odors walls. (Don’t give buyers any are huge. If your house reason to remember your smells like cigarettes, food, home as “the house with the fido or a feline — the buyers orange bathroom.”) may not care what the house If you want to take win• Replace burned-out looks like. Instead invoke the dow coverings, built-in appli- light bulbs. buyers five senses by having ances or fixtures with you, a fragrance burner on, wall remove them now. plug ins or even a candle If the chandelier in the burning for showings. Bake dining room once belonged some cookies just prior to to your great grandmother, the showing. take it down. If a buyer nev• Clean everything. And er sees it, she won’t want it. then do some polishing too.

Once you tell a buyer she can’t have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

Make minor repairs

Rearrange bedroom closet and Remove/replace kitchen cabinets Buyers love to look in favorite items

drawers and closets to see how spacious they are and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out.

Rent a storage unit Almost every home shows

Make the house sparkle

Scrutinize Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?

Tune in to the room’s statement and its emotional pull.

Does it have impact and add interest?

Check curb appeal If a buyer won’t get out of her car because she doesn’t like the exterior of your home, you’ll never get her inside.

• Keep the sidewalks cleared, plow the drive.

• Mow the lawn.

• Paint faded window trim.

• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together in season. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Daisies are inexpensive.

• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number. Your home is sure to sell soon if you follow this advice.

“your fuel source in the air or in your home” Serving the Fairbanks and North Pole Areas

• Low Prices • • 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles • • Radio Dispatched • • Budget Plans

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better with less furniture.

Remove pieces of furniture The marketing photos will that block or hamper paths not look good if there are 20 and walkways and put them items on your counter tops. in storage. Since your bookIf you don’t need it, why not cases are now empty, store donate it or throw it away? them.

Remove all books from Remove extra leaves bookcases. Pack up those from your dining room table knickknacks. to make the room appear Clean off everything on larger. Leave just enough kitchen counters, shelves furniture in each room to and end tables. showcase the room’s purpose Think of this process as and plenty of room to move a head-start on the packing around. you will eventually need to You don’t want buyers do anyway. scratching their heads and saying, “What is this room used for?”

Continued from Page 3

5

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Selling a high-end home in Fairbanks: Will value be found?

By Monica Dallas If you have bought, sold or received professional advice about selling a highend home in the Fairbanks area, you may be aware of problems with finding an appropriate appraisal value.

To estimate and justify the value of a home in an appraisal, lenders usually require comparison of the home to three or more similar homes sold in the previous six months.

While we have many beautiful, well-built, high-end homes in Fairbanks, there simply aren’t always plenty of recent sales from which to choose good comparables.

The rarity of high-end home sales can be a problem for both buyers and sellers.

Monica Dallas Once they have successfully negotiated a contract and sales price in writing, the buyer may seek a mortgage.

Lenders offer mortgages

based on a lesser percentage than the appraised value of the property. So, what happens if the appraiser cannot estimate the home’s value at or above the contract price?

Oftentimes sellers will drop the price to match the appraisal; therefore it is prudent for sellers to be aware of recent comparable sales before they agree to list their home for sale. In some cases, buyers may agree to pay in cash the difference between the appraised value and the negotiated sales price. Occasionally a lender may allow a seller to give the buyer a second deed of trust if both parties are willing. Sometimes the parties agree to split the difference but if they can’t agree, the sale may fall through.

Homes selling for under $350,000 are fairly common in the Fairbanks area. At higher prices, sales become more rare.

In the past two years in the Fairbanks (excluding North Pole) Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service, there have been only 33 sales of homes from $350,000 to $400,000.

Jumping up in sales prices ranging from $400,000 to $450,000, there have been only 18 sales.

There were only eight sales of homes between $450,000 to $500,000, and only three homes have sold between $500,000 to $550,000 during that time period. To be comparable, recent sales should also be of similar size, construction

type, age, location, et cetera, so you can see the dilemma.

Our neighbors in Anchorage have so many more homes they don’t have this problem; however, one of our rare $550,000 homes up here would be worth over a Million down there.

So, what happens when a truly unique property is for sale here, one so majestic that on first view seems like a lodge and not a home?

Often these homes have Alaska Range views or river frontage.

The house might be a gorgeous custom log home or timber frame home, or perhaps a home that seems apparent when you walk through the front door that Please see VALUE, Page 6

NENANA VALLEY VIEW SUBDIVISION Excellent views ¥ No real estate taxes ¥ Road & power in ¥ Southern exposure Large trees ¥ Located between Fairbanks & Nenana on the Parks Highway Awesome sunrises & sunsets ¥ Commons area picnic pavilion 15 to 20 degrees higher winter temperatures than in Fairbanks or Nenana Owner financing available at 20% down, 6% interest with 10 year amortization period.

Pick up maps at the subdivision entrance - Milepost 319.7 or request a map via e-mail

Lot 1 Lot 12 Lot 13 Lot 14 Lot 15

Acres 5 acres 7.36 acres 5.26 acres 5 acres 2.37 acres

Price $39,000 $45,000 $40,000 $45,000 $39,000

Down Payment $7,800 $9,000 $8,000 $9,000 $7,800

Amortization 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years 10 years

Payment $346.38 $399.67 $355.27 $399.67 $346.38

57380504 3-25-11H&RE

For more information, contact: Toghotthele Corporation, 907-832-5832 or email toghotthele@hotmail.com

6

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

To buy or not to buy: Is the time right for you?

By GINGER OREM With all of the negative reports from national news media outlets, it is understandable that a person may think twice about investing in real estate.

There are no guarantees and plenty of opinions that defer in regards to future values of real estate in Alaska’s Interior.

No one knows for sure what the future holds but as history has taught us through the years; it is typically the gutsy investor who swoops in when prices are their lowest to pad the coffers with investment deals.

Can you imagine what would have happened if after the Great Depression investors quit investing all

Ginger Orem together?

Someone invested during and after the depression

and years later most likely cashed in on those purchases when values rose.

The last few years have been hard on our economy especially in the lower fortyeight.

I always hate to hear of someone whose home has lost so much value that it is worth less than what they owe.

This is happening in some cities across the country.

However, Alaska seems to be riding out the storm.

Yes, prices are slightly lower and there are not as many buyers in the market as their used to be but for the most part we still have a strong and stable real estate market in the interior of Alaska.

So should you buy or

rent?

First you must determine how long you will be able to hold onto your investment.

If you’re only in town for one to two years, you should probably rent but if you’re planning to be in the area for at least 3 to 5 years with a potential to stay longer then this might be the absolute best time for you to start thinking about buying a home.

Interest rates are at record lows, home prices are the lowest they’ve been in years, fewer buyers in the market make your ability to negotiate stronger.

If you purchase a home your mortgage interest is currently tax deductible.

Not sure how long Congress will let us keep our

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mortgage interest deduction but for now it’s a tax deduction.

For the most part, this is a buyer’s dream market.

You should beware of becoming house poor.

Purchasing higher than what you can comfortably afford will make life miserable.

Try to keep your mortgage payments between 28 percent to 32 percent of your gross income.

With the high cost of heating oil and electricity it is crucial to determine what your approximate monthly expenses are going to be.

Make sure you request an average utility history from the owner of the home your Please see PURCHASE, Page A7

VALUE Continued from Page 5

the owner has put a couple million dollars into its construction. Perhaps you are considering building such a home. What should these owners do? It’s good for buyers and sellers to be informed upfront that there will not be recent comparable sales in this case unless our market changes dramatically.

Usually these buyers are willing and able to part with plenty of cash on top of the appraisal, or they just pay 100 percent cash. Sellers also could owner finance if they have the flexibility and desire or offer a large second deed of trust to the buyers.

Buying or selling a highend home in Fairbanks can involve difficulties in obtaining a desirable appraisal, but as long as buyers and sellers are informed ahead of time, there are many ways to make it work.

Monica Dallas is a real estate broker with Monica Dallas Realty. She grew up in the Midwest and has lived in Fairbanks for 29 years, where she has raised her family.

7

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

PURCHASE: Consider all the factors before deciding to buy a home needed to upgrade the property. considering purchasing.

If the repairs or upgrades You should also take your are too expensive then it purchase price or appraised may not be as good of a deal value and multiply that number times your assigned as you think.

Make sure you ask about mil rate. the flood zone, flood insurThis is the number that ance is higher in some areas the Fairbanks North Star and this can translate into Borough uses to determine a higher mortgage payment your yearly tax bill. as well.

If the borough has your If you do your homework property assessed lower and obtain professional and then later raises your advice from the experts then property value to be closer becoming a home owner to your purchase price then could be one of the best your yearly tax bill is going investments you make. to go up which translates into a higher monthly mortYou have to live somegage payment. where and if you’re monthly If your purchasing a fixer- outgo is used to pay rent upper be careful to make instead of purchasing then sure you have the funds you’re supporting someone Continued from Page 6

else’s investment portfolio.

To ensure you’re making the right decisions in investing in real estate, talk to the real estate agent of your choice, ask lots of questions and together you can make an informed decision as to whether you should buy real estate or just be happy renting it.

Either way by doing your homework you could be on your way to a successful transaction.

Ginger Orem is broker/owner of Crown Real Estate AK, Inc. She was nominated as one of Fairbanks’ Favorite Realtors in the 2008 DNM People’s Choice Awards. You can contact Ginger for more information at 452-8000.

You must determine how long you will be able to hold onto your investment. If you’re only in town for one to two years, you should probably rent but if you’re planning to be in the area for at least 3 to 5 years with a potential to stay longer then this might be the absolute best time for you to start thinking about buying a home.

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8

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Tools, techniques and tips for a good spring cleaning she said.

Begin with the rooms or areas that seem the dirtiSpring is the time of year est, suggested Carolyn Forte, when homes often get a thor- director of the Home Appliough cleaning. ances and Cleaning Lab at the Using the right tools, Good Housekeeping Research techniques and products for Institute. different surfaces and types “Start with the thing that of dirt, from windows to coun- bothers you most,” she said. ters to floors, is key to doing “Do the bigger jobs first.” the job easily and effectively, Johnson and Forte offered said Debra Johnson, training the following advice for effecmanager for the Merry Maids tive spring cleaning. housecleaning company in Memphis, Tenn.

“It makes the job easier if you have the right products,” Use an ammonia-based

By MELISSA K. DUTTON For The Associated Press

Windows

cleaner and microfiber cloth, Forte said.

Make sure to use plenty of cleaner to remove the dirt.

Change the water and cloth as necessary.

Avoid washing windows on sunny days because the cleaner will dry too quickly and leave streaks.

with a clean, damp cloth.

Use a tool designed for blind cleaning to clean between the slats. For cloth blinds, use a vacuum attachment to remove dust and dirt.

Rugs

Wood floors

Wash floors with a cleaner designed for wood surfaces, Forte said. Choose the cleaner that’s appropriate for the finClose plastic blinds and ish on the floor, either wax wipe with a damp cloth, John- or polyurethane. She favors son said. using a microfiber cloth on a Reverse the slats and clean mop with a swivel head. the other side of the blinds Laminate floors: Since

Window blinds

Buying or selling high-end homes, commercial properties, land or any real estate is a huge process.

Cell (907) 388-4987 • www.MonicaDallas.com • MonicaDallas@msn.com

Send area rugs that cannot go in a washing machine to a professional cleaner to avoid discoloring or damaging them, recommended Johnson.

Set smaller rugs outside for a good airing, she added. When vacuuming a rug located in a doorway or other high traffic area, turn the rug over and run the sweeper on the underside of the rug, Forte said.

Dust

Monica Dallas Broker - Realtor Owner

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Let my expertise as a real estate broker and my commitment to conscientious client services guide you through the process.

laminate is a very durable surface, it can be cleaned with a variety of cleaning products, hot water and a mop or microfiber cloth, Johnson said.

Work from the top down to avoid dirtying areas that were just cleaned, Johnson said.

Use a vacuum attachment to remove cobwebs and dust in corners. The vacuum also is a good way to remove dust from lampshades and upholstered surfaces. Avoid feather dusters, Johnson added, as they just move the dust around.

Wipe furniture with a damp cloth because dust can scratch wood surfaces, Forte said. She suggests spraying a microfiber cloth with a small amount of furniture polish.

Tile Spray a foaming bathroom cleaner on tiled surfaces and leave it on for a few minutes.

Remove the cleaner with a clean rag or sponge.

If the grout has mildew, use a product designed to remove it. It may take several applications and a lot of scrubbing with a grout brush to thoroughly clean the grout, Johnson said.

Bathroom sinks and counters Foaming cleaners or those designed to remove soap scum will work best. Make sure the cleaner you choose is safe for any special stone or countertop in the bathroom.

Please see CLEAN, Page 9

9

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

CLEAN: Hints, tips and ideas to get the most out of your spring cleaning Continued from Page 8

Kitchen sinks and counters Use cleaners that are more acidic or anti-bacterial in the kitchen, Johnson said. Read the labels on cleaners as some may need to be left on the surface for a few minutes before being wiped off, Forte added. Make sure the cleaner is appropriate for the counter material.

Here are a few additional tips for successful housecleaning from Allen Rathey, president of the Housekeeping Channel, a website dedicated to efficient cleaning: • Clean dry to wet. Always sweep a floor before mopping.

Wetting dirt will make it harder to remove.

• More is not always better. Follow the labels on clean-

GORGEOUS HOME IN THE HILLS! 4 bd.,3 ba,on almost 2 acres Spacious floor plan Vaulted ceiling $349,900

LAZELLE ESTATES 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOME Spacious 3 bd, 1.5 bath paved streets and buried utilities Shows like new! $212,000

ing products to avoid using too much. Residue from cleaning products can attract more dirt.

• When trying to remove a spot or clean a dirty area, start wiping or scrubbing gently. Too much pressure can damage the surface under the dirt.

• Get extra life out of a clean cloth by folding it in quarters.

When one side becomes dirty, refold the cloth to reveal a clean side.

• Purchase doormats for the interior and exterior of your home. The mats will collect and absorb dirt and prevent it from being spread indoors.

• Cleaning equipment should be washed regularly.

Put sponges in the dishwater or microwave to sterilize. Wash microfiber rags in hot water without fabric softener. Clean The Associated Press brooms and scrub brushes in Merry Maids employee Esther Jimenez cleans the bathroom of a home in Burbank, Calif. soapy water or hydrogen perSpring cleaning is easier and more efficient if you use the right tools and products. oxide.

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10

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Making your home energy efficient is a way to save money We are all concerned with our energy bills, whatever they may be. Energy loss is about losing warm air or cold air penetrating through holes, cracks, or any passage where that exchange happens. Below is a list to get you started.

they are sealed, this is a quick way to let the heat out. Are they older, single pane; are there storm windows that need to be inserted? Remember, replacing windows is very costly. It usually takes years to see a return in your energy bill.

Unless, the windows are broken of course.

The doors

Crawl space

First, when closed do you see daylight coming through?

When opening and closing the door is there a secure fit? How is the seal? Is it there? Is it damaged? Is it dry rotted? Do you feel a draft? Does it need replacing? You can also assess the seal by doing a visual from the outside in the winter. If there is frost above the door the seal may be a broken.

Again can you see daylight?

Are there cracks in the rimjoist? Is there frost coming through? Is there insulation where needed, if needed?

By Heather Lambert

Heather Lambert

Windows

Woodstove/fireplace

Keep them closed in the winter. Once they have been opened it is hard to get the original seal. And make sure they are latched. Just because they are closed does not mean

When not in use is the damper shut? Is it in good condition? Fireplaces are not heat effecient, they are actually the opposite. If you do have a fireplace, a woodstove insert may be a more effective heat source and can be very beautiful also.

BUILDING THIS SUMMER?

BEWARE

Exterior vents Inspect exterior penetrations of the bathrooms, range, and dryer ducts. Are they bent, twisted, damaged, properly

insulated, or even non-existent?

Does the exterior vent cover have the proper seal; can you feel cold air coming into the house from the duct?

Ventilation system Does it need to be on high?

Most air exchanges when set on high exchange all of the interior air with cold exterior air every three hours. If the HRV’s effiency is only at 50 percent imagine the burden this is putting on the heating system when it is –40 below.

Speak with your medical consultant to find out what your household’s humidity level should be. Your local HRV technician can help you set it accordingly, and as well as any necessary yearly maintenance.

This does NOT mean turn it off; too much humidity in your house can make you sick.

Attic insulation Do you have enough? The bare minimum is 6 inches to 10 inches and can be measured with a ruler. If you add insulation, which almost any one can do, make sure to not cover the

There are numerous areas throughout the Borough identified as flood hazard areas. People building in these areas without proper guidance are risking their investment. Every year many people in our community spend hundreds or thousands of extra dollars for required flood insurance. These extra expenses can be avoided.

CHECK THE FLOOD POTENTIAL

Building Homes since 1977

It may seem that your property is unlikely to flood. But just because it hasnʼt flooded the last 10 years doesnʼt mean it wonʼt flood next year. Before building, check to see if your property is in a flood hazard area. The Borough Planning Department has a copy of the Federal Insurance Rate Maps that identify the areas susceptible to flooding.

Knowing the flood potential of your property could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

ITʼS FREE!

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It costs you nothing to check the flood potential. If your lot is in a flood hazard area you are required to obtain a floodplain permit. Damages will be minimized if a flood occurs, and any required flood insurance payments will be minimized. There is no Borough charge for the floodplain permit.

Directions: Chena Hot Springs Rd to left on Bennet Rd, Rt on Birch Knoll.

WHERE?

To plan your dream home, please . . .

Call

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The Planning Department is located on the second floor of the Borough Administrative Building, 809 Pioneer Road. If you have any questions, please call us at 459-1260.

We are committed to building energy efficient homes! Our homes are 5 Star Plus with HRVs, Triple Pane Windows, and 2" R-Tech Wrapping Building Envelope.

Bob or Marie Herting at 457-8974.

venting at the eaves. In the Alaska Interior, it is imperative that the cold air circulates in the attic space. Do a walk around in the winter. If there is frost at the end gables or if the roof snow coverage is seriously uneven this may be indications of warm air is getting out ... time to investigate.

Boiler Tune it one time a year, many say do it at the end of the summer, but always talk to your technician.

Call GVEA They can do an energy audit for a minimal fee. This is a low cost avenue to check your electric usage. One common suggestion they give is the installation of foam insulators (gasket seals) for the outlets.

You would be surprised at the air exchange in some houses at the outlets.

The professionals For approximately $500 you should be able to call in an energy rater. Always check with Alaska housing for its energy rebate program, to see if funding is still available. This individual can do a blower door test on your home and asses on a financial basis what would be the most important items for you to address. Interior Weatherization is a fabulous resource.

Not only can they give you a list of qualified energy raters but depending on your income, they can help with low cost or no “direct to you” cost with repairs or upgrades. Also depending on your income and household numbers another avenue is contacting Interior Weatherization. They may be able to help you with these improvements.

Last but not least, I am not an energy rater or an inspector. Don’t take my word as the law, these are just helpful hints.

Always call a professional for the most accurate advice.

Heather Lambert is a Realtor at Somers & Associates, Inc. Realtors.

11

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

What you need to know about insuring buildings under construction ally do not include coverage insurance during the course for liability, medical, theft of of construction phase to building materials, freezing keep premiums low and then of pipes, etc. So if these cov- again after construction is Many people in Alaska erage’s are of big concern, complete. choose, and possibly enjoy, make sure to place a policy One of the first things building their dream homes, before construction. insurance companies ask on rental units or businesses Coverage can be purapplications is “where is the from the ground up. chased on residential, compremises currently insured?”

And why not? mercial or model homes.

Having current insurance In most cases it proves to Some policies include in place continuously proves be easier on the pocket book coverage for building materi- to be more cost efficient and they get from it what als, trees, shrubs, lawns and than waiting until something they put into it. even property owned by sub- comes up and placing insurThe biggest mistake most contractors. ance later. people make is not considMost of these policies Insuring your home durering insurance to protect also cover theft of materiing the construction phase what they’re about to put als, materials in transit, will help you secure a hominto the building or, in most fire, vandalism, and debris eowners insurance policy cases, what they’ve already removal. when the time comes. put into it.

The only coverage not Some insurance compaThe most common misavailable on any building nies prefer not taking on conception is that insurance under construction is liabilthe risk of a prior uninsured isn’t needed until there’s a ity — so please be careful. building and will only offer substantial amount of mateNo matter where the a dwelling fire policy, if rials put into a building proj- project lies there is usually a offering any policy at all, ect. Why would you insure a market that the building can thus possibly resulting in piece of land that has nothbe placed in. inadequate coverage for the ing on it yet?

The best thing a property building owner.

This couldn’t be more owner should do is first place It doesn’t take much to wrong.

Insurance companies prefer to see that no construcBUILDING THIS SUMMER? tion has begun yet and that they’re starting with a clean slate. This means that before anyone decides to lay a finLocal developers, engineers, surveyors, and contractors ger on a shovel, they had should be aware of the storm water plan review and better think about placing permitting requirements in the urbanized area of Fairbanks. insurance on the property first.

Placing insurance on your soon-to-be property is easier than most people may think.

All that’s really needed is an If your total disturbed area equals or exceeds 10,000 SF idea of how much the owner in the City of Fairbanks or 1.0 acre in the City of North Pole plans on putting into the or the Fairbanks North Star Borough, you should contact project and some basic information about themselves. the City or Borough to ensure you are complying The sooner a person with local requirements!! insures the property, the IT’S THE LAW better the coverage, and premium, could be.

Obtain all necessary approvals before you dig!

In some cases, premiums are as low as $375 per year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you have already startJackson Fox ed construction on the propCity of Fairbanks/North Pole erty — that’s okay too.

459-6758 This phase of construction would qualify for a course of OR construction or dwelling fire Jennifer Schmetzer policy.

FNSB These policies require the same basic information 459-1327 that would be needed at the OR pre-construction phase. One http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/pworks/ should note that these polistormwatermanagementprogram/ cies run the risk of having higher premiums and usuBy Kristina Johnson with Ken Murray Insurance kristina@kenmurray.com

get these policies in force so that you can soon be on your way to building your dreams.

If anything, insuring a building from the get-go can be more cost efficient and

less of a headache in the long run.

In the end, you’ll be glad you did — because we all know how fun construction can be all on its own.

KNOW THE LAW

LIMIT YOUR RISK! LIMIT YOUR LIABILITY!

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12

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Carpet cleaning: Good for your carpet and your health usually about 200 degrees, combined with cleaning solution and a powerful vacuum system.

Prized for its warmth and When carpet is cleaned versatility carpet can enhance using other methods manuthe overall look of any home facturers will often void their and business interior, it acts as warranty, so it is important to safety equipment for children remember that you check the crawling and romping on the method of cleaning used by the floor and provides a soft place carpet cleaning company that to land. you are intending to use.

Keeping your carpet in good Van mounted extraction conditions ensures that your equipment is the gold standard carpets look good and will also in cleaning equipment, this prolong the life span of your system is preferred because it carpeting. removes the dirt and particuMost people would rather lates from your carpet directly maintain the life and luster of outside into a holding tank their carpets than spend thouPhil Ringstad rather than recirculation of it sands to replace worn out and around the house. dirty carpet every few years, it Additionally, truck mounted just makes sense not only for number of people and pets in systems usually are more powyour pocket book but also for your home and the level of erful than portable units and the health of your family to activity in your home. keep your environment clean.

There are a number of good do a much better deep cleaning job and get the carpet dry Carpets that are not mainaffordable hepa filtered vacuquicker. tained trap dust, animal danums on the market these days When done properly carpets der, pollens and unhealthy that when used often will keep should be dry in four to eight airborne particulates. your carpets cleaner longer. It hours depending on the climate This is not healthy for anyis recommended that the perand the amount of soiling in one, but especially children son with the allergies not be the carpet. who are usually in contact the person doing the vacuumThe high temperature of directly with carpets, and any- ing. one with allergies, asthma and Carpet cleaning is indispens- the water used in van mounted extraction kills bacteria, funrespiratory illnesses. able to properly uphold the gus, dust mites and mold, makMost professional carpet overall health and appearance ing the carpet fresh, especially cleaning companies also have of your carpet. for those with allergies. products made specifically for There are several different Professional cleaners are carpet cleaning methods availpeople with allergies or sensitrained with different carpet able, but the method which is tivity to perfumes and odors. materials and fabrics and know recommended by the world’s The simplest and easiest the best solutions to use and method to keep your carpets in largest carpet manufacturer, which cleaning solution will good condition is regular vacu- Shaw Industries, recommends best remove the stains specific professional hot water steam uming. extraction, often referred to as to your carpet.

You should try to vacuum Stains and odors can be every day if you have an allergy steam cleaning although there is actually no steam, the water removed, such as spills, animal sufferer in the home or every urine and hard to remove spots is actually high temperature other day depending on the

By Phil Ringstad

when using the proper methods.

When having your carpets professionally cleaned, consider the benefits of a carpet protector commonly known as scotchgard to help keep your carpet looking good longer as it surrounds each fiber providing an invisible shield against dirt and soil. Protectant will give you time to clean up the spill without leaving a permanent stain as it actually repels liquid.

This may be especially beneficial to homes with children, pets or light colored carpets that tend to show every spot.

If you are concerned with the cost, you may consider the protectant to be used only in the highly used rooms such as your family room or a carpeted dining room.

Finally, I am often asked the question of how often should your carpets be professionally

cleaned? This is really depends upon how much traffic and activity your carpets have. I usually recommend for residential homes every six months for a busy family and people with pets, annually for an average amount of activity and every 18 months for light activity.

Of course this also depends on the color of your carpet; white carpet will look dirty before a darker shade. Of course if your carpet looks dirty than its time.

Phil Ringstad at Ringstad Carpet Cleaning can help you with any carpet maintenance tips you may need.

You can contact him at 458-8304.

Philip has been Carpet Cleaning in Fairbanks since 1993 and is a carpet cleaning vendor for the world’s largest Carpet Manufacturer, Shaw Industries. Also specializing in Fire and Water Damage clean-up and reconstruction, Phil can answer any questions in the event of damages due to these situations.

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13

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Think floral when looking for this spring’s decor trend evoking blooms like cherry blossoms and carnations.

Handmade from 250-year-old archival samples, table flowers were once favored over fresh blooms that could wilt during dinner parties.

Serena and Lily have pretty pillows in Bloom and Gardenia, tinged with hues of heather, grass, blush and punch.

At Homegoods, find side tables hand-painted with a trailing vine and petals, and a slipper chair upholstered in crisp blue-and-white, Marimekko-style flowers.

Walltats and other wall decal retailers have several versions of flowering tree branches or spring garden silhouettes; some even have petals that tumble on an invisible (but surely warm and fragrant) spring breeze.

By KIM COOK For The Associated Press The late author and gardener Ruth Stout once wrote, “I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.”

After a grim winter, it’s fun to anticipate the first flower buds popping up. But home furnishings stores are already bursting with blossoms. Floral motifs are everywhere — on furniture, textiles, wall art and accessories. And shelter magazines like Elle Decor are featuring eye-catching florals in their spring editions.

This season, you’ll find small, dainty prints reminiscent of old country cottons, Asian-inspired designs and large-scale contemporary florals in bold hues.

For modern-style lovers, look at Garnet Hill’s Snow & Graham sateen bedding in Hydrangea, Dogwood and Rose Garden prints. Pier 1’s Liliana and Cadman chairs feature exuberant, happy florals in current hot colors like teal, berry, caramel and sage.

Chiasso’s Bella collection for bed and bath showcases an oversized citron-and-white chrysanthemum on a tranquil gray background.

Contemporary florals in one or two tones — black or brown on white, for example — are an interesting alternative to the typical array of colors. Look for throw pillows and dishware to add an accent or two.

Two’s Company’s new Chelsea collection, in sweet small flower prints that look fresh and young, includes handmade paper trays in pink/purple and yellow/blue

The Associated Press

After a grim winter, it’s fun to anticipate the first flower buds popping up. But home furnishings stores are already bursting with blossoms. Floral motifs are everywhere — on furniture, textiles, wall art and accessories. combinations, as well as a clever, printed, watering-can vase with glass liner. Garden Tea Party items include a stackable teapot-on-cup, and a teacup, saucer and spoon in patterns such as hibiscus, lily of the valley and cherry blossom.

Mackenzie-Childs introduced a large floral-themed collection this spring called Flower Market. Their designers created enamelware pitchers, tea kettles and picture

frames, among other items, all beautifully painted with tiny posies.

At Kneen & Co., splurge on Nymphenburg’s exquisite porcelain table flowers

Sourcebook: • www.garnethill.com — Snow & Graham sateen bedding in Hydrangea, Dogwood, Rose Garden and others, $38-$178; • www.pier1.com — Liliana modern floral sofa, $379.95; teal floral Cadman chair, $199.95; • www.twoscompany.com — Chelsea paper trays, wateringcan vase, Garden Tea Party teacup/ saucer/spoon; check website for retailers; • www.mackenzie-childs.com — Flower Market tea kettle, $98; picture frames, $50 and up; enamelware pitcher, $68; • www.homegoods.com — floral upholstered chair, $299.99; room divider, $199.99; painted accent table, $79.99; • www.serenaandlily.com — Bloom and Gardenia pillows, $88; • www.kneenandco.com — Nymphenburg porcelain table flowers, $279 and up; • www.walltats.com — blossoming branch wall decals, $69 and up.

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14

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Blogs poke fun at the over-seriousness of home design

By MARTHA IRVINE Associated Press CHICAGO — It started with figs, on a plate, stashed under a pool side table.

The caption under the photo in the home design catalog urged readers to “enjoy the comfort and ease of indoor entertaining with outdoor sectionals, pillows and accessories.” But Molly Erdman saw something else. She saw a chance to poke fun at something, well ... kinda ridiculous.

The actor/comedian sat down at her computer last June and wrote her own caption. “Sweetheart,” it said, “the Turners will be here any minute now! Did you put the plate of figs under the table?”

And her blog, “Catalog Living,” was born.

Erdman didn’t necessarily set out to create a daily parody of the sometimes serious, overly put-together nature of photos from high-end home accessory catalogs. She got her start as a comedian with Chicago’s Second City and moved

to Los Angeles three years ago to pursue an acting and writing career. You might recognize her as “the wife in the minivan” from a series of popular TV commercials for the Sonic restaurant chain.

One night, though, after she wrote the “fig” caption, she showed it to her boyfriend. He laughed. Then she wrote more captions and her comedian friends thought those were funny, too. She realized she was on to something — and as her blog entries multiplied, they started getting attention from Facebook fans and people in the design field.

“I’ve gotten a lot of e-mails from catalog photographers and art directors,” she says.

“They say, ’We always think what we do is ridiculous.’

“No one seems to take responsibility for lining up 30 apples on a table.”

This is a reference to the pieces of fruit or other objects that show up in odd places in some of the catalog photos. One of Erdman’s favorites showed a rowboat on a dock filled with

pillows. Her caption: “In her annual end-of-season ritual, Elaine sent the outdated summer cushions out to sea.”

This isn’t the only website like this. Another is called “Unhappy Hipsters: It’s Lonely in the Modern World.” The creator of that site prefers to remain anonymous, and thus, did not return e-mails requesting an interview.

That site has a slightly different — perhaps darker — feel, with captions focusing exclusively on photos from Dwell magazine. One photo, for instance, with a man looking into stacked storage containers was described like this on “Unhappy Hipsters”: “Someday he’d remember which pod contained his sister; until then, her piercing cries cut into his practice time.” Another, with an older man in a modern home library near a table lined with stones, reads: “A steady diet of rocks and reading had almost reversed the aging curse.”

Earlier this year (before Erdman started her site), Los

Angeles Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne called the Hipsters site “the most welcome addition to the often self-serious world of architecture and design in recent memory, not to mention a pocket of satirical warmth in the middle of a soggy, recessionary, earthquake-wracked, Martha Coakley winter.”

Could it be true that the recession has made people a bit cranky about high-end design?

Sure, it’s possible.

But Gayla Shannon, a designer in Fort Worth, Texas, thinks every trend also has a backlash. Maybe it’s no longer trendy to be trendy.

“The positive side of this phenomenon is that attractive, slick, well designed products are affordable and much more available to everyone,” says Shannon, who’s also an assistant professor in the department of design, merchandising and textiles at Texas Christian University. “The downside is that living up to the designer lifestyle also creates a transient aesthetic — the desire to have

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the latest mobile phone device, television, kitchen gadget, and discard the perfectly functional in favor of newness.

“Fashion conformity has become extremely attractive, and conformity is a great target for satire.”

So, yes, she thinks these sites are funny, too. And so do a lot of other people.

Julie Roller, a “Catalog Living” fan in Wamego, Kansas, marvels at Erdman’s ability “to make us stop and reevaluate something as simple as catalogs.” She checks the site every morning right after she reads the news online, and she likens the humor to the TV show “Seinfeld.”

“I just can’t get enough of Gary, Elaine and their wacky lives!” she says.

Gary and Elaine are the main fictional “characters” in Erdman’s blog. They’re probably in their 40s, she says. They seem to have no jobs, are very wealthy and have a “ridiculous 1,000-room house,” Erdman says.

“Gary’s sort of the bumbling fool, and Elaine has her hands on her hips, telling him what to do all the time.

“To me, they are the people who live in Pottery Barn,” she says, chuckling.

Gary and Elaine celebrate holidays, too. One recent “Catalog Living” entry has a photo of a tidy to-do list that includes “DECK THE HALLS” as one of the things to do.

Erdman’s tag line: “Oh, it’s not all holiday spirit. The Halls are our next door neighbors.”

She says she’ll keep doing the blog as long as she has ideas. There’s certainly enough material there.

“In my 15 years or so of being an actor and writer, I’ve done many things, and this was purely for fun — and it’s the thing that gets the most attention,” she says.

“It’s a good little life lesson: do what entertains you.

“I think people can tell that I enjoy doing it.”

Online: • Catalog Living: http://catalogliving.tumblr.com/ • Unhappy Hipsters: http:// unhappyhipsters.com/ • Erdman’s site: http://www.mollyerdman.com/

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

15

Top 10 do’s and don’ts when selling your home 2. Put personal collections away someplace safe, like a Top 10 do’s and don’ts bank vault in Zurich. when selling your home 3. Invest in a fresh coat of paint and get 150 percent green back on your investment.

4. Disclose everything, 1. Rationalize that a higher especially the stuff you are asking price means you will tempted not to. have more wiggle room. You 5. Fix all running toilets or could wind up sitting idle on risk flushing profits down the the market with a house full drain. of wiggle room.

6. Remember that “out2. Respond to lowball offers side” is the new “inside.” with a counter — instead, Show off all of your living respond with an invitation to spaces. re-submit.

7. Visit model homes to see 3. Refer to a leaky foundaTraci Schachle how neutrality and spacioustion as a central humidifier. ness are made to feel so invit4. Make your house smell gutters are the real estate ing. like a cherry orchard or a equivalent of dandruff.

8. Grind a lemon in the department store perfume 10. Think licks from Rex garbage disposal – it smells counter. the Bulldog will help generate great and it’s such great exer5. Air your dirty laundry. more offers. cise.

This includes leaving bills 9. Display the kind of and private papers out, or, of plants that aren’t injectioncourse, actual dirty laundry.

Please do molded and painted in a fac6. Take your prospects 1. Set your listing price by tory somewhere overseas. on A Complete History of a 10. Keep your day job. Hire utilizing area comparables, Repairs & Renovations Tour. not based upon what you need an agent and assist them in 7. “Clean up” by stuffing doing what they do best. to buy that ostrich farm. all the closets.

8. Leave unfinished DIY jobs for the buyers’ honey-do list.

9. Defer yard work. Your house only gets one chance to make a first impression.

Overgrown shrubs and broken Submitted by Traci Schachle

Please don’t

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16

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

MLS #115852 4 Bedrooms/4 Car Garage Granite Counters, Master Suite, Stone Front Call Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

MLS #115996 4 Bed/3 Ba/2 Car Garage on the Water. Just Finished. Custom Alaskan Dream Home. waterfront@ ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115997 6 Bed/6 Ba Duplex in New North Pole Subdivision payton@ ButchCurrier.net

MLS #116063 Riverview Waterfront in Great Location 3 Bed/2.5 Ba/2 Car2072 SF Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #115484 Brand New Home. 4 Bed/ 2.5 Ba/2 Car. Completed in 30 Days on 2 Acres Call Audra McGhee 590-4816

Coming Soon Immaculate Executive Home 4 Bed/2 Ba, Double Wall, Attached 2-Car Garage, Detached 4-Car Garage micah2@ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115529 5 Bd/4 Ba/2 Car In Town Living, Large Family Home Call Audra McGhee 590-4816

MLS #116134 Large 3 Story Home in Cul-de-Sac. Double Wall Construction Call Morgan Macchione 978-5985

Coming Soon Two Story Home in Pearl Creek School District w/ an Excellent View of city!

3 Bd/2 Ba/2 Car/2100 SF Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #115913 3 Bedroom/2 Bath 2 Car Garage in Aurora Large, Open Layout.

Bright Living Areas.

Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #116138 3 Bed/2 Bath/2 Car Garage Cust. Log Home. Woodstove, Wrap Around Deck, Vaulted Ceilings, Lg Kitchen, Laundry\ Berggren@ ButchCurrier.net

Coming Soon 2281 Freedom Drive 6 Bedrooms, 3 Baths Duplex or Single Family Call Michelle Evans 978-0995

MLS #115906 3 bed/3 bath/2 car Corner Lot! Privacy Fence. Very Close to Schools & UAF. Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #116200 3 Bd/4 Ba/2 Car Garage Landscaped, Immaculate Home in Fantastic Neighborhood.

DStreet@ ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115657 2515 Micah NP Micah1@ ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115812 Duplex in North Pole Large Family Home With Rental, 4 Car Plus Garage on Slough and Over 400 SF of Deck Call Traci Schachle 322-0228

MLS #114632 4 Bed/2 Ba/2 Car Located by FWW Gate Great Yard & Bonus Room Call Traci Schachle 322-0228

MLS #116022 Ranch Style Home With Wood Stove! Close to Bike Paths & Creamer’s Field. 3 Bed/2 Ba/2 Car Call Zeb Mabie 388-6348

MLS #115854 2 Bedroom/1 Bath Rock Fireplace Vaulted Ceilings In the Hills!

Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #115873 Get Away From It All! 2 Bd/1 Ba quiet setting 6524@ButchCurrier.net

MLS #115549 Great Starter Home 2 Bed/2 Bath/1374 SF Near UAF, FWW Call Jim Arend 378-5447

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME!

MLS #115849 Great 1 Acre Building Lots. Close to Back Gate of Fort Wainwright 7 Lots Available at Call Audra McGhee 590-4816

MLS #113535 Nice Residential Lot in New Subdivision on Kimberly Lake. Lake is Stocked With Fish. 1.5+ Acres!

Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #116010 Great Lot in Fantastic Subdivision. Land is Cleared.

55 x 35 Pad in for Foundation. Driveway is in Place.

Call Zeb Mabie 388-6348

Coming Soon Stone Creek Homes Denali Series 816 SF 3 Bed/1 Bath Call Michelle Evans 978-0995

Coming Soon Stone Creek Homes Durango Series 1232 SF 3 Bed/1 Bath Call Michelle Evans 978-0995

MLS #116117 & #116118 Two Side by Side Lots on Peger Lake! Full Afternoon & Evening Sun! Call Nikki Whiting 978-2297

D S

Looking for a bu

17

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

MLS #115666 Pearl Creek School Dist.

On 1+ Acre, MIL Apt. 3 Bed+Bonus/2 Bath/ 3037 SF Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #115244 3 Bed/3 Ba/2 Car. Sauna & Sunroom. Open Beam Vaulted Ceiling Located in the Hills!

Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS#115553 4 Bed/2 Ba/2 Car New Const. in Hills w/Well, 5 Star + Energy Rated Call Zeb Mabie 388-6348

MLS #115780 3 bed/2.5 Bath/2280 SF Finish Daylight Bsmt Kitchenette & Woodstove Call Jim Arend 378-5447

MLS #115778 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2 Car Garage, 5+ Energy Rating Call Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

MLS #114113 NEW–Pre-Sale 4 bd/2.5 bath Upgrades avail.

Great Location!

Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #115925 3 Bed/2 Bath/2 Car Family Room With Fireplace, Great Schools!

Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #115031 4 Bed/2.5 Bath Riverview Neighborhood!

Kitchen/Bath Remodels Updates Throughout Call Kirk Maynard 388-3560

MLS #116203 5 Star Built Ranch Off C.H.S.R. 2 Bed/2 Bath/3 Car Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #115768 4 Bed/3 Full Bathrooms 2 Car Garage On Large 1 Acre Lot! New Paint, New Carpet Call Nikki Whiting 978-2297

MLS #115811 Shannon Park Ranch Home 3 Bed/2 Ba/2 Car Garage Large Master Suite, & on over .20 Acre Call Traci Schachle 322-0228

MLS #116147 Duplex Great Investment!

Call Morgan Macchione 978-5985

MLS #116001 4 Bed/3 Bath/2620 SF On Badger Slough 1.2 Acres. Private Lot Call Jim Arend 378-5447

MLS #115861 Single Family or Duplex 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 2 Car Garage Call Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

MLS #115834 2 Bed/1 Bath, Sauna 2.5 Acres Call Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

MLS #116120 Great Home on Slough Excellent Location!

2 Bed/1.5 Ba/ 1 Car Garage 1210 SF Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #116017 Nhn Stibnite, Healy, AK Investors – Bank-Owned 9 Bed/6 Ba 4 Plex Call Nikki Whiting 978-2297

MLS #115949 Townhome With Garage!

3 Bed/1.5 Ba/1 Car Close to Park & Town Call Zeb Mabie 388-6348

MLS #115499 1 Bed/1.5 Bath Condo Convenient Location Call Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

MLS #114432 Tri-Level Home in Downtown!

3 Bed/1 Bath/992 SF Call Cameron Harter 590-3612

MLS #116177 Stone Creek Homes Cottage Series 358 SF 2 Bed/1 Bath Call Michelle Evans 978-0995

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MLS #115885 3 Bed/2 Ba/2 Car Garage Minutes From Back Gate on One Are Call Audra McGhee 590-4816

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uilder? Give us a call and we'll refer you to an expert!

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Nice Residential Development Lot in New Subdivision on Kimberly Lake. 16+ Acres.

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18

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Getting the most out of decorating and home staging

IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY Save $$$ with long-lasting benefits!

FREE Services if you qualify!

By Joan Stepovich

has assisted many Alaskan homes by saving up to 35% or more on their fuel and electric bills, the paperwork is extremely simple, and we work year round.

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:

BEFORE

AFTER

Weatherization Measures Are Delivered to: • Owners and Renters • Single Family Homes • Multifamily Dwellings • Mobile Homes

Energy-Saving Measures Include: • Thermal Doors • Triple-Pane Windows • Crawl Space & Attic Insulation • Air-Sealing • Heating System Tune-Up, Repair & Replacement • Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

DO YOU QUALIFY FOR WEATHERIZATION? Family Size 1

FNSB

DENALI BOROUGH

DELTA JCT NENANA/ CIRCLE

To be eligible for weatherization your gross income for the previous 12 months cannot exceed the income limits for your family size.

$53,800

$65,800

50,400

A household is automatically income eligible if you’ ve received Heating Assistance, SSI, ATAP, TANF, APA/IA, Food stamps or Senior Benefits within the last year.

2

$61,500

75,200

57,600

3

$69,200

84,600

64,800

4

$76,800

94,000,

71,900

5

$83,000

101,600

77,700

6

$89,100

109,100

83,500

7

$95,300

116,600

89,200

8

$95,300

124,100

95,000

Any home weatherized by us prior to April, 2008 may be eligible for weatherization again.

If you have received a rebate for work completed through the Energy Rebate Program, you are not eligible for this program.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR APPLICATION TODAY! 452-5323 or 1-800-478-5323 Ext. 0 or download application at www.interiorwx.org

713 15th Avenue • Fairbanks, AK 99701 18378840-3-25-11-HRE

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

F u n d ed thru A lask a H ou sin g F in an ce C orp., U S D ept. of E n ergy, an d the L ow In com e H om e E n ergy A ssistan ce P rogram (L IH E A P )

Home staging is the art of decorating, showng off the home’s best features for resale purposes. The market for staging is shedding a “new light” on how to promote a home in the real estate market.

With a competitive market, buyers expect a home to be staged to show its fullest potential.

First impressions are huge — buyers have already made up their mind in the first 10 seconds when they step into a home. You must create a “wow” factor. They want that “this is home” feeling. Once they fall in love with your home emotion over rules any must haves.

Have you noticed all the new shows on HGTV and the promotion for home staging?

Two years ago, many of you had not even heard the terms: home staging; room lift; home fluffing or real estate enhancement.

Fairbanks is catching on to this global trend of smart marketing to help maximize your return without spending a lot of money. Professional home stagers and decorators help the seller net 5,000 to 50,000 more in value. Everyone wants their home to sell quickly and for top dollar. Without staging first, you are only promoting your competition.

Most real estate agents can help the seller identify what needs to be done prior to putting their house on the market. However, they may not recommend staging because they think the seller will make them pay for it out of pocket or their commission. As a home owner you may be annoyed and frustrated at having to spend money to fix up your house.

Remember, buyers don’t want to deal with problems that sellers have been annoyed with or overlooked for years.

Joan Stepovich Hire a professional with a clean eye to point out what the buyers will notice and see.

An over-decorated house with too much clutter and fluff will make it hard for sellers to see all the quality features.

Remember less is best. A staged home is different than a lived in home. On the other hand an empty house does not show the home at its fullest potential. Only 5 percent of homeowners can visualize what scale of furniture will work best in the house. Don’t lose out because the home is empty.

Vacant homes also show all the flaws and mismatched fixtures and appliances.

Whether you want “full service staging” or “do it yourself,” your goal is how to make your home more appealing to homebuyers.

Home stagers should be someone you can communicate with easily, call around and ask questions. Home stagers will create an alliance with you to establish what needs to be done depending on your circumstance, time and budget.

It’s all up to you It may be as simple as declutterizing, depersonalizing Please see STAGING, Page 19

19

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011 Submitted by Doug Welton

I Am Real Estate I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise, the thrifty and prudent.

I am the poor man’s joy and comfort, the rich mans prize, the right hand of capital, the silent partner of many thousands of successful men.

I am the solace of the widow, the comfort of old age, the corner stone of security against misfortune and want.

I am handed down to children, through generations, as a thing of greatest worth I am the choicest fruit of toil.

Credit respects me.

Yet I am humble.

I stand before everyman bidding him know me for what I am and possess me.

I grow and increase in value through countless days.

Though I seem dormant, my worth increases, never failing, never ceasing; time is my aid and population heaps up my gain.

I am sound.

Fire and the elements I defy, for they canUnfailing I triumph and detractors are not destroy me. disproved.

My possessors learn to believe in me; Minerals and oils come from me. invariably they become envied.

I am sound.

While all things wither and decay, I surI am producer of food, the basis for ships vive. and factories, the foundation of banks.

The centuries find me younger, increasing Yet I am so common that thousands in strength. The thriftless speak ill of me. unthinking and unknowing, pass me by.

The charlatans of finance attack me.

I am real estate.

I am trustworthy.

— Anonymous

STAGING Continued from Page 18

Joan Stepovich is a real estate broker, interior designer and owner of White Palms Furniture.

CHRIS CALHOON REAL ESTATE Broker/Owner Colonel, US Army (Retired) “Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®)”

The Buyerʼs Brokerage

BUYERS! We are Fairbanks’ most experienced real estate office dedicated to helping buyers. We will fill out your prequalification financing forms, get you the right financing, find your dream home, negotiate the best deal & hand you the keys to your new home after closing. We’ll even be there to manage your property if you decide to leave or travel. Best of all, we serve as your buyer’s broker for free — sales commissions are generally paid by the seller.

Fairbanks’ Most Experienced Brokerage Specializing in Buyer Assistance Commissions Generally Paid by the Seller 456-3401 Bus. • 457-1167 hm • 460-7905 Cell • 456-1352 Fax chris@buyers-brokerage.com • www.buyers-brokerage.com

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and rearranging furniture and accessories for a smoother flow.

Home staging decorators will recommend professionals and assist with paint, tile, flooring selections and furniture rental if needed. Artwork and coordinating pillows can set the mood and bring a room together.

Greenery and lighting will help brighten a room. Light colored side panels help soften window frames and warm up a room.

Have an established professional or talented friend help you turn your chaos into calm, cramped spaces into open layouts.

By staging your house, homeowners will earn extra money when they sell their home, making new experiences possible in their life.

Buyers: Search current MLS listings on www.buyers-brokerage.com

20

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

When it comes to buying insurance, don’t forget about flood

By Micheline Patterson Only flood insurance protects against the risk of damage from floods.

Your business or home has a 26 percent chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30year loan, compared to a 9 percent chance of damage or loss due to fire.

Floods can occur almost anywhere at anytime — not just near water. Flooding is the No. 1 natural disaster in the United States, and has caused nearly $1.6 million in damages in Alaska and $23.8 billion in the U.S. over the last 10 years.

Flood coverage is sold separately from all other types of insurance coverage.

Protection from flood damage is available for protection from loss for commercial buildings, residential buildings/homes, and renters’ personal belongings.

Coverage is available up to $250,000 for single-family, multi-family and other residential buildings and up to $100,000 for contents coverage.

Non-residential buildings, including small businesses, can acquire coverage up to $500,000 for the building

Micheline Patterson and $500,000 for contents.

Coverage for damage from flood is not covered in any other type of policy except a flood insurance policy.

Lender placed vs. owner/buyer placed insurance

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reduction ordinance for the community. Remember if you sell your home you can transfer this policy to the new owners.

This is because the home has a basement or crawlspace that is below the base flood elevation.

Installing flood vents or filling in this space could reduce your flood insurFlood insurance premiance premiums. A LOMA or ums are based upon the LOMA-F can be filed with elevation level of the buildFEMA to have a structure ing or home. removed from the high risk A flood elevation certififlood zone and the mandacate is necessary before flood tory flood insurance requirepremiums can be determent. mined.

In order to file a LOMA This certificate must be the lowest adjacent grade completed by a licensed land has to be at or above the surveyor or professional base flood elevation. This engineer who is authorized information can be found on by law to certify elevation the flood elevation certifiinformation. cate.

This is a designated area Flood elevation certifiwith the highest risk of cates should be kept on file flooding. with your local community Flood insurance rate planning department as maps show high risk areas required by the National as Zones A, AE or V. Flood Insurance Program However, nearly 25 per(NFIP) regulation 44 CFR How flood insurance cent of all flood claims come 60.3b1, FEMA 480 Publipolicies are paid out vary from medium or low-risk cation, and the local flood depending on the type of building covered.

Building coverage on a primary residential home is paid on a replacement cost (RC) basis while on a rental and/or secondary residential Beautiful healthy bedding plants, flowers, home it is paid on an actual vegetables, hanging baskets, planted cash value (ACV) basis. containers, seed potatoes & peony root stock Buildings considered commercial are also paid out on an ACV. Contents coverage, no matter what type of building, is always paid out on an ACV basis.

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flood areas which are listed as Zones B, C and X. Anyone can purchase flood insurance whether or not they are in a special hazard area.

If you already have flood insurance, and are selling your business or home, you can assign your current flood insurance policy to the buyer at the time of closing.

What is a special hazard area?

If you are applying for a building or home loan, the lender may take the initiative to place insurance coverage for you in order for you to meet the loan requirements.

This is known as “lender placed” insurance cover-

LIVE-IN, FIX UP

age, and it often may be more geared to protecting the lender’s interests rather than your interests.

Additionally, lender placed coverage could cost you up to three to four times more than if you placed the insurance yourself through an insurance agency/agent.

Lenders will notify borrowers if flood insurance is required as a condition of the loan (National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994).

Additionally, there is no 30 day waiting period for flood insurance purchased in connection to a mortgage loan.

Flood insurance is mandatory if the lender is federally regulated and your property is located in a special hazard area.

Please see FLOOD, Page 21

21

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

FLOOD: Check with borough for new flood zone maps determine how much fill material is needed to raise your structure above the BFE which will result in The community that lower flood insurance costs. you intend to building in Remember, building above requires a flood hazard perthe BFE results in lower mit. flood insurance premiums; This permit is issued by building below the BFE the community planning office and requires property results in higher premiums.

Lower flood insurance owners to build above the premiums are available to base flood elevation. property owners who build If your building site is above the base flood elevalocated in a special hazard tion and do not have a basearea, it is be wise to have ment or crawlspace. a licensed land surveyor, Buildings with a baseprofessional engineer or regment or crawlspace can istered architect come and install flood openings in the set a temporary benchmark foundation, as long as the before construction begins.

This will allow the builder inside grade and exterior grade are the same, this is to refer to the benchmark FEMA’s preferred method. and build above the base The openings are on all flood elevation (BFE). Addisides of the basement or tionally, it will help you

New construction information

BUILDING THIS SUMMER?

CAUTION Weʼve noticed an increase in the number of people who have difficulty selling their properties. These properties may have public health and safety problems and do not meet local zoning standards. Financial institutions are reluctant to loan to potential buyers of these properties.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT– GET A ZONING PERMIT By obtaining a Borough zoning permit before construction, you can help ensure your development is marketable in the future. The Borough Planning Department issues zoning permits for projects both inside and outside city limits.

ITʼS FREE!

There is no charge for a zoning permit.

Usually we can have your zoning permit completed and back to you within 24 hours.

WHERE?

http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/communityplanning

173796328-3-25-11HRE

The Planning Department is located on the second floor of the Borough Administrative Building, 809 Pioneer Road. If you have any questions, please call us at 459-1260.

regardless of from whom you purchase the policy. For more information on rates, premiums or maps contact your local independent insurance agent.

Flood elevation certificates can be turn into your local city or borough office for safe keeping, talk to Doug Sims. The Fairbanks Northstar area is supposed Applying for flood insurance is easy. Flood insurance to adopt new flood maps in early 2011. is available through about 90 insurance companies in All information provided in this more than 20,300 participatarticle was obtained from the ing communities nationwide. following websites www.fema.gov Your chosen insurance or www.floodsmart.gov. For more agent will require a flood information call Taunnie Boothby with the Alaska State Division of elevation certificate which Community and Regional Affairs will have the necessary 907-269-4583 or Micheline Patinformation to rate the with Kenneth Murray Insurpolicy. The premium charged terson ance at 907-456-6646 micheline@ for an accurately rated NFIP kenmurray.com. policy will be the same,

crawlspace walls and allow flood waters to flow freely through the space without building up hydrostatic pressure.

How do I go about getting flood insurance?

Give. Advocate.Volunteer.

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22

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Breathe easy with anti-allergen vacuum cleaners

By Sharon Naylor Creators.com Dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, bacteria — all of these things can contaminate the air you breathe inside your home.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that indoor air pollution is one of the top five environmental risks to public health, and because the agency also reports that most Americans spend as much as 90 percent of their time indoors, that’s quite a high level of exposure

to airborne particles that can affect your, your children’s and even your pets’ health.

If any resident of your home suffers from allergies or asthma, the need to clean up your air is even higher.

Though you may have invested in air purifiers and though you may dust and clean religiously, one of the best advantages you can give yourself is by upgrading to an anti-allergen vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air filter. If your budget constraints do not allow for an investment in a $100-plus

vacuum, switch to anti-allergen vacuum bags.

Anti-allergen vacuum cleaners

21380567 3-25-11H&RE

The secret to the new class of anti-allergen vacuums is high-powered HEPA air filters.

These filters remove a reported 99.97 percent of harmful air particles, including dust, mold spores, pet dander and other particles, and they also may kill 98 percent of viruses, bacteria, black mold and germs, reducing allergy symptoms and providing for cleaner air.

A vacuum with a high-powered HEPA filter can remove dust mites, mite eggs and dead mites — in addition to dust and other debris — from carpets, couch upholstery, curtains, pillows and especially stuffed animals that your children enjoy in close proximity. You’ll find a variety of vacuum types, sizes and weights tested and rated

by Consumer Reports (accessed with a paid subscription) in the categories of upright, canister and small vacuums. Bagless vacuums are the new wave in vacuum innovations, with cyclone technology gathering your vacuumed-up debris into a container for easy emptying and impressive visual results of your efforts. The new vacuums have upgraded features, such as multilayered filters and charcoal to remove odors.

About HEPA filters According to Sarah Aguirre, the About.com guide to housekeeping, HEPA filters can trap tiny particles that filters on other vacuum cleaners would recirculate into your home.

“True, or absolute, HEPA filters must pass a test to be considered HEPA-worthy,” Aguirre says. “True HEPA filters will have a serial number assigned to them if they are able to trap at least 99.97 percent of particles of 0.3 microns.

These test results will be printed on the filter.” This type of high-functioning filter may be more expensive than other filters.

“HEPA-type, or HEPA-like, filters may be made in similar ways to true HEPA filters and

Creators.com

Protect your indoor air by purchasing an anti-allergen vacuum cleaner. may even resemble them,” Aguirre says. “They do not have to meet the same standards as true or absolute HEPA filters. They often capture only 85 to 90 percent of particles, and that percentage can fall even lower for particles of 1 micron or less.”

When you consider the performance level of a HEPA filter, you may find that a less expensive brand of vacuum performs at a stronger capacity than a brand with a popular name.

Never buy a vacuum based on the reputation of a brand name alone. If you look at Consumer Reports’ ratings and recommendations, you’ll see some surprising brand names.

Anti-allergen vacuum bags Changing to anti-allergen vacuum bags is as easy as changing your everyday vacuum bag. Most brands now

offer anti-allergen bags in their lines, and they are available at big-box stores, such as Target and Walmart, as well as at many department stores, such as Sears.

Keep in mind that vacuuming stirs dust into the air for about a half-hour. Ordinary vacuum cleaners often have bags that are quite porous, which can expel dust, dander and mites out through the vacuum’s exhaust. Improved vacuum bags with allergen capability catch these particles and keep you from breathing them during and after your cleaning session.

Check the websites for the vacuum brands that interest you. Many companies offer coupons and rebates for your purchases. RetailMeNot.com can deliver an impressive discount at stores and websites, and PriceGrabber.com and Nextag can show you where to find the most inexpensive vacuums on the market.

23

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

10 quick and easy kitchen renewal ideas

By Wes Madden Winter will not be here forever, but while you cannot go outside and work on your home’s exterior or plant in the garden, you might as well make use of the time you have inside.

Perhaps your faded kitchen needs a new and creative touch.

Maybe you don’t even like spending time in the kitchen because it’s so gloomy, but you have limited time and finances to make improvements now.

Well, kitchen renovations do not have to drain your pocket, take a lot of time, or put your kitchen in total upheaval. Try Wes Madden one or all of the following. anymore, try spray-painting them very glossy white or hand painted with oil-base in creamy Paint works wonders on white. For only a few bucks, everything. A dull room can you can paint your cabinetry, be transformed into an atmoproviding leaps and bounds of sphere that feels alive and improvements. clean with a few strokes of a After painting the cabinets, brush and a gallon of paint. repaint the walls with a latex If your old wood tone cabisatin enamel in soft sheen or nets are not catching your eye no sheen. Use a color to con-

Try painting

trast your new looking cabinets.

Replace the pulls, hinges and knobs Even the worst cabinetry can smile again after new hardware. Perhaps you should look into vintage hardware.

Expensive pulls can totally change the look of your kitchen and this is usually one of the first recommendations I make to homeowners when visiting their home on a listing appointment.

newly exposed shelving either the same color as the cabinets or create a contrast with an opposite bright color.

Replace solid doors with glass fronts By replacing the solid cupboard doors with glass fronts, you open up the room and display dishes, glassware, silver, or anything that you wish to display. The glass does not have to be just clear either, you can use frosted or put out a few more bucks and get vintage doors that are mastered to fit.

You could also add sheer fabric behind the glass fronts.

And if you’ve already thought of removing a few doors to open up shelving, the glass fronts will beautifully compliment.

Remove a few doors Examine the cabinets carefully and think about which doors could be removed to expose the shelving. Not only does open shelving make a room look larger, but you can also then display your favorite dishes, cookbooks, glasses, or whatever. This is easy to do and a new look.

• Wire suspension lights: Take this idea one step furmake any space look contempother and paint the inside of the rary and new.

Change the lighting

• Track lights: lighten up any kitchen.

• Under cabinet Lighting: gives subtle indirect lighting for warm photos or showings

Tile a countertop Tile your countertop and have new countertops in a day.

If you have a small kitchen, this is when you actually benefit, because you can get a more expensive tile and still not have to pay a lot of money.

Flooring is easy Changing your old flooring does not have to be difficult or expensive. Today there are countless, patterned self-stick tiles or planks that can be laid quickly and easily.

Faucets finish the new look You would be amazed to see Please see KITCHENS, Page 25

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24

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Common wood decking problems and solutions Creators.com

By Mark J. Donovan Creators.com Your deck takes a lot of abuse from the elements.

Rain, snow and the sun can work together to destroy your outside living space if left unchecked. It is extremely important to address wood decking problems as soon as they are observed.

Wood decking problems left unchecked can lead to higher maintenance and home repair costs down the road.

Deck mold and mildew

Wood deck water sealing After building a new wood deck, it is important to seal it quickly with a stain, paint or water sealer.

Even the hardest woods can quickly begin to experience the effects of nature’s elements, such as rot, mildew and bleaching.

By applying a protective layer to your wood decking, you can lock in its initial beauty and prolong the life of it.

Unfortunately, a wood deck needs constant maintenance, and even though you may have applied a water sealant over the decking when you initially built it, you will need to apply additional coats every year or two.

Before applying a new coat of paint, stain or deck water sealant, it is imperative that the deck be thoroughly washed and dried.

Also make sure you have

ted deck pieces, check the

A sanded deck framing underneath it and reto make sure it is still strucstained and turally sound.

-sealed deck can look as good as new.

checked the weather forecast.

The forecast should be free of rain for a couple of days, and the temperature should be at least 50 F when you apply a new coat of deck water sealant or paint.

Flaking decks With water sealants and paint, your deck could experience flaking. Before you apply a new coat of paint or decking water sealant, it is important that you remove all of the flaking paint or sealant first.

Pressure washers can help make the job go quickly, but unfortunately, they can damage the grain of the wood decking.

Consequently, it is best

You also may need to wash your deck regularly with a fungicide solution that can prevent and eliminate mold and mildew.

Decks located on the northern side of a home are frequently susceptible to mold and mildew.

Likewise, decks that have gutters or roofs constantly spilling onto them are susceptible to mold and mildew.

Make sure that your gutters drain either through the deck down to the ground below or away from it, to cut down on moisture.

If water is running directly off the roof, you might consider installing gutters.

With these few basic deck maintenance tips, you should be able to preserve the beauty and life of your wood decking for years to come.

The most important thing to remember is that when a deck problem is observed, it should be addressed quickly.

The effects of water damage can occur rapidly and can lead to higher maintenance costs later if left unchecked.

Finally, keep in mind that a deck is an important asset to your home’s valuation, so it is important to keep it up.

Alternatively, you can to use a scraper and elbow grease to remove the flaking apply a stain that matches the original color of the wood. paint.

Once you have scraped off the flaking paint, lightly sand Rotting decking is associthe decking prior to applying a new coat of paint or water ated with water problems.

Either the water sealant, sealant. paint or stain has failed prematurely or you have a water source, such as a gutter, that is spilling and causing water to stand regularly on the If your mahogany decking deck. is looking faded or bleached Frequent standing water out, try using a wood cleaner on the deck can lead to rot to restore it to its original and the infestation of carpencolor. ter ants and termites.

After restoring its origiIf there is deck rot, it is nal color, seal it with a clear important to replace it to water decking sealant. Again, prevent a dangerous safety you will need to reseal it hazard.

Mark J. Donovan’s website is every year or two.

While replacing the rot- www.HomeAdditionPlus.com.

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25

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

KITCHENS: A new look Continued from Page 23

how much of a difference a new faucet can make in your kitchen.

For the amount of money that you put into the new faucet and pull out spray, your kitchen will be singing.

Add a reflection One of the easiest and best ways to make a space feel larger, without literally expanding the room, is to add a framed mirror to the end of a galley kitchen.

You will add dimension to the room. Plus, the mirror

reflects already existing light, which will brighten up your kitchen.

Change the window treatment Curtains often fade and almost feel like furniture or part of the wall after awhile.

We forget that changing them can easily upgrade the feel and look of the room.

A matchstick blind cut to size can add texture and light control.

Wes Madden is the owner and CEO of Madden Real Estate.

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26

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Give your room a fresh look with a finished ceiling ceiling glow,” Kelsey says.

Look for interior latex with a pearl finish or Looking for a way to finpearlescent gloss that can ish off that room? Look up. be applied as a second coat.

Whether painted, wallpaIt’s less intense than a highpered or stenciled, a finished gloss finish, but the extra ceiling gives any room a shimmer makes paint pop. fresh look for not a lot of When choosing colors, money. consider the overall vibe “A ceiling that completes of the room. Lighter and and makes the space sing brighter shades make rooms makes a big statement,” feel open and airy, whereas says John Kelsey, co-founder warmer, darker hues create of Wilson Kelsey Design, an a cozy, intimate space. award-winning residential “Choose your paint in and commercial interior the context of the effect design firm. “I recently com- or feeling you’re trying to pleted a very modern galley achieve in the room,” Kelsey kitchen. explains. “A lighter color During construction, will tend to ‘lift’ the ceiling, we kept looking at the flat making the room feel larger, ceiling and feeling as if while a darker color will it wasn’t quite right. We tend to ‘lower’ the ceiling, mocked up an arched ceiling, making it feel smaller.” and the kitchen came alive.

The space went from ordinary to extraordinary.”

Take your own room from ordinary to extraordinary If the idea of color on the with a new hue. A simple ceiling makes you cringe, coat of paint is perhaps the opt for a few architectural quickest, most dramatic fix details paired with crown for do-it-yourselfers on a molding for extra drama. budget.

“If the room is tradition“The quickest DIY fix is al, consider a ceiling medalto use paint — and add a lion or rosette, particularly touch of pearlescence to the if there is a chandelier in paint. This will make the

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There’s one caveat to ceilHand-painted ornamental ing upgrades: If you plan on ceilings and overhead murals selling soon, keep it simple.

Though a finished ceiling can add appeal, buyers may not have the same taste in FREE ESTIMATES dÈcor, so subtle is better.

Opt for a look with broad and long-lasting appeal, lest your expensive upgrade be ripped out by the next owner.

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“It is still very much a buyer’s market,” Kelsey says. “A home whose ceilings are in good repair and freshly painted may not necessarily have a higher resale value, but it will enhance the impression that the home is in move-in condition C A L L 978-5985 and may help shorten the or go to time on the market.” w w w .m organ m acch ion e.com

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also make a big statement.

“The ‘wow’ factor is bestachieved with hand-painted artistry,” says Michael Boudreault, decorative finish specialist and mural painter.

Get the look yourself with self-adhesive vinyl stencils from companies such as the Modello Design Group (www.

ModelloDesigns.com). Its Decorative Masking Patterns can be used with paint, stain, glaze, plaster and other mediums for a range of textures and styles, and using the company’s vast ornamental library, homeowners can create one-of-akind designs for that custom look.

“Pick a color that is one or two shades lighter than your wall,” Boudreault says.

“Colors always appear darker on the ceiling because of the way most lights are situated, so it’s best to go lighter than you think.

Hand-painted ceilings should always complement or show off an interesting space, not overpower it.”

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Like walls, ceilings often benefit from a boost of texture, and it’s easy to get the look you want with wallpaper.

“Many people forget about decorating the ceiling. Highlight this typically forgotten area with wallpaper that coordinates with the rest of the furnishings in the room,” says Paula Berberian, creative ser-

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vices manager for Brewster Home Fashions, a leading manufacturer and distributor of wallpaper and wall art. “Wallpaper on a ceiling adds color, depth, design and dimension. Whether you add a pleasing print to create a cottage feel, a metallic wallpaper to add shimmer or a paintable wallpaper for texture and dimension, it will have everyone who enters the room looking up.”

Anaglypta wallpapers — sometimes called “paintables” — are the most versatile.

The three-dimensional papers come in a wide variety of designs, from patterns that mimic tin ceilings to textured scrollwork and contemporary facades.

“What’s great about these products is that they are truly paintable,” Berberian explains. “You can leave them white or paint them with any color of your choosing. They also hide surface imperfections like cracks, are affordable and are easy to hang.”

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the room,” Kelsey says.

“Another effective trick is to paint a border that extends onto the ceiling, matching the color of the crown molding.”

For more rustic rooms, wood beams are an attractive — yet often pricey — option. Numerous companies offer less expensive synthetic beams, but crafty homeowners can create their own faux beams with materials found at the local lumberyard.

“If you have your heart set on beams but can’t afford the cost, a series of simple flat boards edged in decorative trim can be a very cost-effective alternative,” Kelsey says.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

27

Exterior house painting: It’s all about the weather

By Mark J. Donovan Creators.com Exterior house painting is one of the most difficult projects to schedule and complete from a weather perspective.

To complete the job, you must have an ambient air temperature of between 50 F and 90 F and low humidity, and there should be little to no wind while you’re painting. If you decide to tackle an exterior house painting project outside of these weather conditions, chances are the paint will not hold up well.

Give yourself the best chance of having Mother Nature smile down on your painting project by not starting in an unsuitable climate.

In general, July and August are two of the worst months of

spring is often too rainy and humid. Therefore, the early summer months, before it gets too hot, and autumn are often your only opportunities to paint.

The do-it-yourself homeowner who chooses to do his own exterior house painting often finds himself tackling it in a guerilla warfare-type approach — painting portions of the home over an extended period of time as weather conditions permit.

In order to avoid prolonging your painting project, consider throwing a weekend exterior house painting party, where friends and family are called in Creators.com for a weekend of painting and The best times of the year for exterior painting are early cookouts. The only problem summer and fall. with this approach is that often more than just the house is the year to paint a house; the to paint. Cold weather causes house siding is simply too hot paint quality issues, and the painted. There are also some

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liability concerns if someone falls off a ladder — and even more so if he was served alcohol while attending the party.

For the best exterior house painting results, it is wise to hire a contractor who has a team that can paint a home quickly. Although they, too, are at the whim of Mother Nature, they at least have the ability to paint the house rapidly. In addition, they won’t paint your car or themselves in the process.

If you are building a new home, you could make your life easier by using pre-primed or painted house siding, which widens the weather window for applying a final coat of exterior paint. Or you could use vinyl or brick for the house siding, which would eliminate the need for any significant exterior house painting.

28

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Fairbanks Realtors Spring Into Action!

AUDREY J. FOLDOE

SUSAN RAINEY

GINGER OREM

Meyeres Real Estate

Riverview Realty

CROWN Real Estate AK, Inc.

As broker/owner, Audrey has been helping Fairbansans buy and sell real estate for over 30 years. Meyeres Real Estate, named for the founder Bud Meyeres in 1950, is now a small family business.

907-456-6000 www.meyeres.com audrey@meyeres.com

JERRIE WAGNER Wagner Realty Broker/Owner living in Fairbanks 40 years. I have 18 years experience in land development, new residential construction, remodeling, interior decorating and property management. My first priority is to meet the needs of my clients. Remember....You Always Come First!

Call Jerrie at 460-2381 www.JerrieWagner.com

Susan has successfully been helping her clients meet their real estate goals for more than 25 years! Put her indepth experience to work for you! srainey@mosquitonet.com Call Sue at 479-4410

Honesty, Integrity, Enthusiasm!

Grace is amazing! Mother of 3, active in the community. Top producing Agent & Broker. Born & raised in Fairbanks! 2007 Affiliate Realtor of the Year!“ 1st Class Service every time,Your Home Town Realtor”

Call Grace 479-8000 grace.minder@acsalaska.net www.graceminder.com

JANET SHAFER Fortune Properties of Fairbanks Broker/Owner of Fortune Properties of Fairbanks calling Alaska home for over 35 years and assisting the Fairbanks community and surrounding area with their real estate needs for over 25 years.

Call Janet at 456-4725 fortune@polarnet.com

CAMERON HARTER Coldwell Banker Gold Country

PATTY STATES

RICH KELLEY Rich Kelley Realty Realtor Since 1985!

Specializing in residential sales, Patty has lived in the Fairbanks area for over 40 years. She is very familiar with Fairbanks and North Pole real estate market trends and construction techniques. Patty will be happy to assist both buyers and sellers with all their real estate needs.

For dedicated and professional service, call Patty today at 750-0606!

Call Cameron at 456-4653 www.cameronharter.com

GRACE MOORE Fairbanks First Realty A 34-year Alaskan, Grace Moore knows the community well and enjoys helping people buy or sell their homes. She is an Accredited Buyers Representative and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Grace has worked with first-time homebuyers, military clients, Seniors, and seasoned homeowners. She’ll give you her best whether buying or selling a home.

Call Grace at 590-0306 email: gracemoore@alaska.net

www.richkelleyrealty.com, rich@richkelleyrealty.com.

Call Rich at 452-7424

EILEEN CUMMINGS EMC Realty, Inc. Eileen has lived in Fairbanks for over 30 years. Graduated from UAF, raised children in Fairbanks schools and has volunteered on many local boards. She earned a Certified Residential Specialist Accreditation (CRS), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

eileencummings@gci.net or call her at 378-1864

MORGAN MACCHIONE

JUDY SOMERS

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Somers & Associates, Inc. Graduate of University of Alaska. Holds Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Designation & Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES).

Judy stresses attention to detail and communication to ensure smooth transactions.

Buying and Selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions one will make. Choosing the right Realtor to represent your needs makes a BIG difference.

That’s why I say “Experience & Integrity are #1!”

Call Judy at 456-7653 ext. 105 www.somersandassociates.net

458-0055 • 978-5985 CELL www.morganmacchione.com

MONICA DALLAS Monica Dallas Realty Buying or selling r, whether it is a high-end home, commercial property, or land or any real estate, is a huge decision. Let my expertise as a real estate broker and my commitment to concientious client services guide you through the process.

Call 388-4987 MonicaDallas@msn.com www.MonicaDallas.com

DAVE SOMERS Somers & Associates, Inc. Committed to excellence in both residential and commercial real estate. Dave is a consistent top producer and believes in satisfied and fully-informed clients.

Call Dave at 456-7653 ext. 101 www.somersandassociates.net

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Cameron Harter, Associate Broker and Top Producer, was born and raised in Fairbanks, and earned his Bachelors in Business in marketing at Washington State University. Cameron has extensive knowledge, skills and experience in marketing and real estate, and will work hard with you to accomplish your real estate goals.

When you’re read to buy or sell Real Estate,call Ginger! at 452-8000 • www.GingerOrem.com

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GRACE MINDER Grace Minder Realty, Inc.

Ginger is a local real estate expert, licensed in Alaska since 1994 and nominated as one of Fairbanks’ Favorite Realtors in the 2008 DNM People’s Choice Awards.

29

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

GENE DUVAL RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks GENE DUVAL REAL ESTATE TEAM

I, individually, strive to offer the best professional representation in an everchanging real estate market without sacrificing old-fashioned, personalized service.

Gene is the #1 Listing and Selling Realtor at RE/MAX of Fairbanks & one of the Top Realtors in Alaska. For experience, integrity and results, put Gene and his team to work for YOU!

Call Gene at 452-4363 www.geneduval.com • gene@geneduval.com

HEATHER LAMBERT Somers & Associates, Inc. As heard on KIAK FM! I have been a REALTOR for eleven years and I work for the top local real estate company in town. I am pleased to serve you and to provide you with excellence in Real Estate!!

Call Heather at 456-7653 ext. 102 or 460-6470 heatherf@gci.net

GERRIE DUFFY

Alaska Great Land Realty Broker/Owner – ABR,CRS, Accredited Buyers Representative, Certified Residential Specialist, Past Fairbanks Realtor of the Year, Past President of Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors, Alaska State CRS Board Director. Whether you are buying or selling, let me put my years of extensive real estate experience to work for you. I work one on one with my clients to provide the very best service with proven results!

www.GerrieDuffy.com, Gerrie@GerrieDuffy.com Call Gerrie at 322-6612

BECKI STAUBER MVI Realty

Specializing in friendly & professional service for residential, commercial and investment properties. Experienced in mortgage lending, military family life, military relocation services, and listings/sales from Fairbanks to Cantwell. Quality Service Award, Certified Residential Specialist and Broker.

2006 Fairbanks Realtor of the Year.

JAY DUVAL

CHRISTINE TIMM

MARIE CHORD

jay@geneduval.com • christine@geneduval.com • marie@geneduval.com

JOYCE SPENCER

SALLY ATWOOD

Joyce Spencer Realty

Advantage Alaska Realty Sally Atwood

Joyce Spencer, Broker Experience – Professionalism, – Results!

Committed to each buyer and seller, works hard to make your real estate experience enjoyable.

ELIZABETH SCHOK

WHITNEY BOESE

MELISSA BIDWELL

RICH HARTER

Somers & Associates, Inc.

MVI Realty

Century 21 Gold Rush

Proven Results, Local Expertise, National Exposure!

Coldwell Banker Alaska #1 Realtor 2009 & 2010

Call Elizabeth at 322-9188 www.elizabethschok.com schok@acsalaska.net

I provide a positive, experienced, and energetic approach to achieving your real estate goals. I look forward to providing you excellence in Real Estate through one of the top local brokers in Fairbanks!

Call Whitney at 750-1704 whitneyboese@yahoo.com

An established high standard of quality client service. I am ready to meet the unique challenges and problems families sometimes encounter while selling their home or selecting their new home. My customers are my #1 priority.

CHRIS CALHOON Chris Calhoon Real Estate

• Specializing in Relocation • Past President of Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors • 5 Years Experience As A Board Director, Greater Fairbanks Board Of Realtors • CCIM Commercial Candidate • Commercial Property Management

Call Kirk at 388-3560 or 456-4653 kmaynard@alaska.com www.FairbanksProperty.com

• Born and raised in Fairbanks • Experience with residential and commercial transactions • Building experience to help you navigate the new construction process

Call John at 347-5853 john.theis@coldwellbanker.com

RYAN DANHAUSER

JONI SCHNEIDER

RE/MAX Associates of Fairbanks

Heartland Realty

Call Ryan at 978-2607 ryandandauser@max.com www.RyanDanhauser.com

I have been helping buyers & sellers for over 35 years. Owning & operating Heartland since 1990. Buyers… if you need someone that will take the time to listen & find the right home for you...or sellers…to get the best price for your home…then follow your heart to Heartland. President elect for the Alaska Association of REALTORS.

Call Joni at 456-1221 heartland@gci.net

Call Rich at 322-5888 rdharter@live.com www.harterrealty.com

KELLI POWERS Somers & Associates, Inc.

Chris is a decorated Vietnam Veteran who retired as Colonel in the U.S. Army after 23 years service. In 1998, he started Fairbanks’ first exclusive buyers’ brokerage. He will take care of your most important investment and negotiate the best deal for you.

www.buyers-brokerage.com chris@buyers-brokerage.com Call Chris at 456-3401

Kelli was born and raised in Fairbanks and has extensive knowledge of the area. Kelli is reliable, courteous, dependable & available to help you with your real estate needs. Kelli enjoys living in this wonderful town and all it has to offer.

Call Kelli at 456-7653 www.kellipowers.com

BUTCH & TERRI CURRIER Coldwell Banker Gold Country Specializing in Military Relocation & 1st Time Home Buyers.

Our goal is to make every aspect of your Real Estate transaction as stress free as possible for you!

Call us at any time at 590-2853 or 488-5875 www.ButchSellsAlaskaHomes.com Butch&Terri@ButchCurrier.net HONESTY • TENACITY • EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION

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Ryan Danhauser, Associate Broker for RE/MAX, has a background in education, lending and Real Estate. He is the current President of the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors. He is an Accredited Buyer Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist and loves Thai Food.

I am a long time Resident of North pole, A business owner, Avid hunter & Fisherman And best of all a Realtor. I love what I do, So For quality service you can Trust contact Rich Harter. 2010 Master’s Ruby Award Winner. 2010 Quality Service Award Winner.

Call Melissa at 322-8873 melissa@mvirealty.com www.mvirealty.com

JOHN THIES

Call Zeb at 388-6348 www.ZebMabie.com email: Zeb@gci.net

www.interiorrealty.com brucewammack@realtor.com Call Bruce at 455-9550

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Zeb is a lifelong resident of and Top Producer in the Fairbanks and North Pole areas. He is also a Certified Residential Specialist and Accredit Buyer Representative. Whether buying or selling you can expect full service professionalism, honesty, and integrity. Zeb is ready to assist you!

A 59 year resident of Alaska, Bruce has sold residential, commercial, and land real estate in Fairbanks as a 41 year member of the Greater Fairbanks Board of Realtors.

atwood@gci.net www.HomesForFairbanks.com Call Sally at 347-8486

KIRK MAYNARD

ZEB MABIE

Interior Alaska Realty

Call Joyce at 388-4412 jspencer@acsalaska.net www.JoyceSpencer.com

becki@mvirealty.com Call Becki at 378-1766

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

Coldwell Banker Gold Country

BRUCE WAMMACK

Broker/Owner, CRS, ABR, Military, 1st Time Homebuyer, National Referrals, Clients say, “Friendly, honest, trustworthy, reliable, professional, personable, dedicated, experienced, knowledgeable, no pressure, considerate, genuine caring.”

TRACI SCHACHLE

Call Traci at 322-0228 or 456-4653 traci@alaska.com www.tracischachle.com

Call Michelle at 978-0995 Michelle Evans 36@gmail.com www.FairbanksDeltaHomes.com

452-4363 • www.geneduval.com

Coldwell Banker Gold Country Selling Real Estate is one of my all time loves. Having extensive knowledge with customer relations, being reliable, tenacious and listening to your needs are qualities that make me stand out as a full time, top producing agent. With that I have developed a full complement of skills that it takes to get families into the HOMES of their dreams!!

MICHELLE EVANS Coldwell Banker Gold Country

30

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

How to find and stop leaks in your roof near the interior edge of your nail or a seam.

To prevent ice dams, plan exterior walls, the actual roof leak is likely higher up the on either shoveling off the snow along the edges of the Roof leaks can occur for a roofline. roof after every major snowvariety of reasons. They typistorm or adding heating coils cally start out small and grow along the edge of the roof. over time to be larger probYou may want to consider lems. That said, even a small having the roof re-shingled so roof leak can cause major you can install an ice and damage to your home.

Besides forming wet stain In the case in which the water shield near the roof spots on your finished ceil- roof leak signs are exhibited eves. Also, make sure your ings, roof leaks can cause mold near the interior edge of your attic is properly ventilated and and mildew growth and rot. exterior walls, chances are the insulated.

They even can cause electrical leak is associated with cold shorts. weather conditions — more Checking for roof leaks can specifically, ice dams. be a little tricky. They are typIce dams back up water ically not found directly above behind shingles, where the the damaged ceiling area. Roof water finds a path through the If signs of a roof leak are leaks tend to start higher on a roof sheathing and then gets exhibited more toward the roof and show their symptoms to the drywall ceiling. further down the roofline. So To find the path, the water center of the room, then there for example, when you see works its way down the roof is the possibility that it is a roof leak on your ceiling sheathing until it finds a loose associated with a damaged Mark J. Donovan Creators.com

Checking for roof leaks caused by ice dams

Checking for roof leaks caused by a damaged vent

ridge vent. In many cases, wind can work ridge venting loose and pop roofing nails loose. Check the ridge vent to make sure that it is fastened down properly and that the roofing nails are covered with a roofing sealer.

Also note that water that penetrates into the attic and onto the ceiling can meander its way along strapping. Strapping is commonly used to fasten drywall perpendicular to ceiling joists.

If you see a long wet line on your drywall ceiling, it is probably because water has run along a length of strapping.

Checking for roof leaks caused by damaged shingles Another possibility if signs of a roof leak are exhibited more toward the center of the room is you have damaged shingles. Inspect the roof for shingles that are curling, cupping and/or cracked.

Shingles that exhibit those types of appearances could very well be the source of your roof leak and should be replaced immediately.

Checking for roof leaks in roof valleys If your roof has valleys, make sure the shingles are not damaged in these areas.

If copper or tin is used for forming the roof valleys, make sure that it is not damaged in any way and that there are no loose or exposed nails.

The wrong types of nails used for installing copper flashing can also cause corrosion, which can lead to roof leaks.

Checking for roof leaks near roof flashing areas Check roof flashing around and near vent stacks, chimneys and roof/wall lines.

Make sure the flashing is not damaged or blocked in any way with leaf debris or snow and ice, which can cause water to back up and work its way underneath the flashing.

If the flashing looks damaged, have it replaced immediately.

Mark J. Donovan’s website is www.HomeAdditionPlus.com.

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31

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Air duct cleaning: Schedule it or skip it?

By Sharon Naylor Creators.com It makes sense that cleaning the air ducts in your home is a smart way to eliminate air pollution and reduce allergens, molds and toxins, but the Environmental Protection Agency wants you to explore the ins and outs of air duct cleaning before you call about a coupon you received in the mail for a first-time cleaning or even before you schedule your annual air duct cleaning appointment.

What’s involved in air duct cleaning?

A professional air duct cleaning company — ideally one that uses certified environmentally safe mechanisms and cleaning agents — will assess the condition of your ducts using visual and inserted video camera technology.

It will show you real-time video results of dust, mold, mildew and other buildups or blockages inside your ducts as your “before” picture.

It then uses specialized cleaning equipment to dislodge all debris and coatings, and long tubes and vacuum mechanisms remove the particles and debris into a collection tank located outside, in or by the company’s truck.

After the initial cleaning, the

company may offer to spray an anti-germ solution inside your ducts.

The dangers The EPA reports several dangers associated with air duct cleaning.

The first and most hazardous is a company’s offer to spray the inside of your ducts with a chemical biocide to kill bacteria and fungi and to prevent future biological growth.

It also may offer to spray on a sealant to prevent dust, dirt and other particles from being released into your living areas.

However, the EPA says that use of chemical biocides and sealants has not been proved effective in duct purification, and research has not yet been fully conducted to prove the absence of adverse health effects.

At present, no chemical biocides are registered with the EPA for use on internal air ducts.

Many companies advertise all-natural cleaning and decontaminating processes and materials, and you certainly should research and investigate the cleaning solutions that any company says that it uses.

You can find the solutions’ names on a company’s website, and you can call the

When is air duct cleaning recommended?

In certain situations, air duct cleaning is advised by the EPA. According to its site, you should consider professional air duct cleaning services if you see any of the following dangers: • Visible mold inside your air ducts or on other components of your cooling and heating systems.

• Evidence of rodents or insects inside your air ducts.

• Mostly or completely clogged air ducts, filled with excessive amounts of dust and debris.

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company to ask for its cleaning solutions’ brand names in order to conduct your own smart research.

Safe ingredients can be found at the EPA’s website, www.epa.gov, or at www.naima.org.

Another danger potentially caused by air duct cleaning is damage done to the ducts, connections and the air conditioner or heating units themselves through overly vigorous cleaning actions, illfitting cleaning tools and the age of the duct system itself.

No matter how experienced or careful a professional air duct cleaner is, a fragile system can give way, leading to expensive repair costs.

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Building Alaska since 1977 We’ll be here next year!

A professional air duct cleaning company — ideally one that uses certified environmentally safe mechanisms and cleaning agents — will assess the condition of your ducts using visual and inserted video camera technology. It will show you realtime video results of dust, mold, mildew and other buildups or blockages inside your ducts as your “before” picture.

• Dust and debris released into your home through the supply registers.

These air pollution dangers certainly do need to be remedied with a professional cleaning, perhaps without the follow-up chemical sprays, and the larger issue is discovering and remedying the cause of molds and mildews.

Any broken ducts where water gets in need to be replaced to eliminate the cause of molds or mildews that can make you and your family sick.

The EPA says that it is normal for return registers to get dusty, because it is pulling dust-laden air through the grates on a regular basis.

Dusty registers are not always an indicator that your entire air duct system needs cleaning.

Simply vacuum — or remove and clean — your return registers at this time of year to improve your indoor air quality, cut down on allergens and provide a better appearance on these visible facets of your rooms.

If your family members are experiencing any unusual allergic symptoms or illnesses, contact your doctor for a full checkup before self-diagnosing and then launching an expensive professional air duct cleaning.

32

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Friday, March 25, 2011

Kirk Maynard 388-3560

Michelle Evans 978-0995

Morgan Macchione 978-5985

John Thies 347-5853

Toni Brewer 322-7210

Orlando Alvarez 347-7202

Cameron Harter 590-3612

Audra McGhee 590-4816

Marlee Currier 488-5875

Traci Schachle 322-0228

Nikki Whiting 978-2297

Stacy Bidwell 978-9433

Elizabeth Schok 322-9188

Jim Arend 378-5447

John Morton 388-8123

Darren Quigley 322-6932

Zeb Mabie 388-6348

Bennie Colbert 460-6851

Lisa Maynard 388-3572

Butch & Terri Currier 590-2853

Benjamin Blackburn 388-6671

Linda Stephens 388-0176

57378663-3-25-11H&RE