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Satisfying Dreams and Budgets

Welcome to

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t’s almost fall and I’m excited. Not because the weather is changing (I love summer), but I’m already pondering what I’d like to do in my home. I am eager to paint a room or maybe even wallpaper. Color trends seem to change every few years, and painting is such an easy way to update and change the look of any room.

Are you ready for holiday company? Is your home? Yes, the holidays will soon be upon us, and that means friends and relatives will be visiting. Are there some home improvements that you’d like to take care of in the near future? Would you like to freshen up the look of a room?

The kitchen is the room that is most often used in your home. We cook there, eat meals there, and very often when we have guests, we end up chatting at the kitchen table. It’s comfortable. No wonder it is one of the most frequently renovated rooms!

New window treatments, accessories, or artwork can give a room a totally new feel and look. It doesn’t need to cost a lot, and an interior designer can help you select the perfect pieces for any room.

Is the outside of your house ready to withstand the winter weather? Keeping the siding, roofing, and gutters in good repair is important and deters damage to the inside of the house.

Inside or outside, now is the time to start planning for whatever renovations you’re contemplating. The advertisers within atHome have shared their knowledge and expertise to get you started. I hope you will contact them when considering hiring a professional.

If you do any kind of remodeling project, email some pictures to crupp@onlinepub.com! We’ll post your before-and-after pictures on our BusinessWoman Facebook page. Share your accomplishments with your colleagues!

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Christianne Rupp Vice President and Managing Editor

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Pillow Talk – Pick the Perfect Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep Replace Those Drafty, Worn Windows Transforming Your Kitchen to Enhance Your Lifestyle

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Finishing Touches Give Your Home Personality Top Off Your Kitchen with Natural Stone A Room-by-Room Checklist for Fire Safety Creative and Affordable Kitchen Makeovers

www.BusinessWomanPA.com

12 atHOME August 2013 1

Pillow Talk – Pick the Perfect Pillow for a Good Night’s Sleep Written by Claire Yezbak Fadden

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’d spent the better part of the night fluffing, bending, and punching my pillow. No matter which way I turned it, it wouldn’t contour to my head. The next morning, I woke up with a stiff neck.

Convinced I was sleeping on the wrong pillow, I set out to find a better one. After a bit of research, I learned all pillows aren’t created equal. Even the way you sleep can lead to restless nights.

If you’ve lost sleep because you nestled your head on the unsuitable cushion, consider these tips before you start your quest for the perfect pillow.

Sleeping Styles Pillows are constructed differently to accommodate different sleep positions, according to Rachael Risinger, a spokesperson for Bed, Bath & Beyond.

“One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a pillow is the position in which you sleep,” she said.

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center agree, suggesting that it’s important to know your sleeping style.

If you sleep on your stomach, a softer pillow works because it allows your neck and spine to release into a flatter angle.

Back sleepers are more comfortable using a medium to firm pillow to provide needed support. If you sleep on your side, the best choice for you is a firmer pillow.

Pillow Filling & Density What’s inside the pillow is important too.

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“Knowing the difference among some common pillow fills can assist in making a better choice,” Risinger said.

Natural fill pillows are made of feathers or down or a combination to create its core. They are long lasting, so you avoid having to replace your pillow more frequently.

A synthetic-filled pillow is an economical alternative to down. They are composed of manmade materials, and because they are easily laundered, they are often the choice of allergy sufferers.

You will need to replace them more frequently, cautioned Risinger.

Many people choose memory foam pillows because they easily contour to the shape of your head and neck. They are especially comfortable to sleepers who prefer a firm pillow.

“These pillows feel dense,” said Risinger, “but they soften to conform to your head. They can help adjust sleep positions to alleviate aches, pains, and snoring.”

Water-based pillows offer the flexibility of increasing or decreasing the pillow height simply by releasing or adding water. These pillows “showed a significant advantage over the roll pillow and the standard pillow” in relation to neck or cervical pain, according to a study by the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center.

Pillow Types “Typical bed pillows range from 4 to 6 inches in height,” said Risinger. “This measurement refers to the crown, which is the center of the pillow.”

Before you buy a pillow, try it out. If it feels too high and fluffy, it can cause neck pain from sleeping at an awkward angle. If it feels too low and flat, it may not support your neck correctly.

What’s It Going to Cost?

Less expensive pillows from the discount store might seem like a great value in the short term, but they tend to flatten quickly and need to be replaced

more often. An old pillow can cause improper neck alignment, according to sleep expert Michael Breus, Ph.D. “It can throw off a person’s entire spine, resulting in back, neck, and leg pain, headaches, and sleep deprivation,” he said.

Natural pillows cost more than most synthetics, but they are also more durable. Water-based and memory-foam pillows can be expensive, but if they provide you with your best night’s sleep or alleviate neck and back pain, they are worth the extra cost.

Breus, who authored The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep, recommends changing your good-quality pillows at least every one to two years.

“Change less expensive ones more often than that,” he added.

If you have allergies or asthma, the National Sleep Foundation suggests purchasing a hypoallergenic cover designed to protect from possible allergic triggers such as dust mites.

• Freelance writer Claire Yezbak Fadden, a side sleeper, is happy with her new firm-support pillow. Follow her on Twitter @claireflaire.

KIDS AND PILLOWS Although parents and grandparents like the idea of decorative pillows, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against using them— as well as blankets and bumpers— during the first year of baby’s life.

Though they’re often sold with crib bedding sets, pillows are not recommended for children under 2 because kids that small can easily suffocate while using one. To learn more, download a PDF of the AAP’s A Parent’s Guide to Safe Sleep at healthychildcare.org and search “pillows.”

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Replace Those Drafty, Worn Windows

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ou’re comfortably sitting by a window, a drink in hand, reading a novel by your favorite author, and you feel a slight breeze waft across your neck.

Normally, that would be OK, but it’s December and you realize that breeze is coming from a closed and locked window! Not only is it time to acknowledge that your windows aren’t as air tight as they should be, but also that you are wasting money on lost heating and cooling.

Now, while it’s still warm, is the perfect time to take a good look at your windows and the caulking around them.

Are they single-pane windows, not the double-paned windows often used today for more energy efficiency? Do the windows have mold or rotting sills? Do you see condensation or water damage in or around the window? Is the caulking around the windows loose or missing?

These are a few tip-offs that you may need to replace your windows.

When replacing windows, consider the all-vinyl, no-maintenance window.

Vinyl windows are the closest to a maintenance-free product that you can find among exterior building products.

With vinyl you can choose from a variety of colors and even styles, including bow, geometric, garden, slider, bay, and double-hung windows. The finishing touch can be given to your replacement windows by wrapping the wood around the windows with coil, also available in a selection of colors. It gives your home a whole new look and there’s no more painting the window sills.

What you’ll like about Everlast Windows is that they manufacture their Glassee windows in their shop in Newville, Pa. What you’ll love is that cleaning is a breeze. Wiping them down on the inside and outside takes just minutes because they tilt in for easier cleaning. And what you’ll be thrilled about is the savings you’ll experience in your utility bills from replacing

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Double-hung windows with tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning.

inefficient windows.

When selecting a company to work with, carefully consider how long the company has been in the business; what reputation do they have; do they offer references; and do they stand behind their work?

Replacement windows are an expense well worth the money. They not only save you money now and in the future on cooling and heating bills, but they also add value to your home, important when the day comes that you decide to put it on the market.

We manufacture high-quality vinyl replacement windows & doors in the southcentral PA area.

We are capable of assembling all styles of windows in any shape or size required.

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atHOME August 2013 3

Transforming Your Kitchen to Enhance Your Lifestyle Written by Eileen Riddle, CKD

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Clockwise from top: Overall kitchen view; cooking zone; prep island and clean-up zone.

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hen it comes to our kitchens, we want it all: no-nonsense efficiency, great design, and professional-level performance.

During your remodeling experience, researching and selecting products can be a most enjoyable process, from choosing appliances and storage options, to selecting cabinet finishes and lighting.

How do they all come together to create a functional and inviting living space where friends and family gather?

Well, let’s start with your existing kitchen. It is important to know what you like about your space and, most importantly, what you don’t like. What you have now does not have to define what you end up with.

I often hear, “I don’t have enough storage and countertop workspace,” “My kitchen is too dark,” or “When the refrigerator door opens, traffic flow comes to a stop.” A well-designed kitchen starts with functional space planning.

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A carefully designed floor plan ensures a better flow in your kitchen.

The main working functions in a kitchen are carried out between the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator. These three points and the imaginary one between them make up what kitchendesign professionals call the “work triangle.”

If you’re thinking you don’t have room in your home for an efficient triangle in your kitchen, don’t worry!

The working triangle can be effectively achieved in many different layouts, according to preference and the shape of your room.

There are many choices for storage available now, from numerous corner options, to spice pullouts and drawer organizers.

One of my favorite storage solutions is putting dividers in the cabinet over the refrigerator. (You know, the one that you can’t remember what you put in it.)

This cabinet makes for easy access to reach for trays and baking pans: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

Countertop workspace can be frustrating if your kitchen isn’t well planned. Most of the time, food prep takes place between the cooking surface and the sink. Increasing the distance between the cooktop and the sink can be one of those “ah ha!” moments. If you’re fortunate to have a sizable island, adding a prep sink will help with increasing your prep area. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Lighting is high on the list for a wellplanned kitchen. I cannot stress enough how important lighting is. It’s true that darker-toned cabinets absorb light; however, with the lighting options we have today, you can feel comfortable

with your choice of finishes.

The main sources of light in your kitchen will be ceiling lights, task or under-cabinet lighting, accent lights, and pendent lighting. Make sure to add dimmers to your lighting. A kitchen professional will help you to place the right type of lighting for your style and room size.

Of course, everything in your kitchen should be centered around your method of cooking and refrigeration. There is a wide selection of brands and possibilities, from induction cooktops, to microwave drawers and steam ovens, just to name a few. Also, wine coolers and beverage centers have become popular with casual entertaining.

The distinctiveness of your lifestyle will reflect in the overall design. The kitchen is indeed the “heart of your home,” and properly redesigning it will enhance your lifestyle in both beauty and functionality. Enjoy the journey.

Built to Last, Attractive, Strong & Proud For Years to Come From the building materials to the construction crews, quality is evident throughout every stop of the process at Morton Buildings. Our components and building methods have been designed and tested to provide the best to you.

With a wide range of building styles, sizes and pricing available, you choose exactly what you want and need in a building - all while knowing that you are getting a highquality structure that you can be proud to own.

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©2012 Morton Buildings, Inc. All rights reserved. A listing of GC licenses available at mortonbuildings.com/licenses.aspx. Reference Code 043.

atHOME August 2013 5

Finishing Touches Give Your Home Personality Written by Anita C. Yoder

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fter the new floors are installed, walls are painted, and new furniture delivered, your new space will need those special finishing touches.

Your house will start looking like a home when you add artwork, area rugs, accessories, window treatments, and more. Finding the right finishing touches is like a treasure hunt. We all have a few existing decorating items, such as family heirlooms, gifts, etc., to blend in with new items.

There are several options for a starting point. It could be a favorite piece of artwork, an original rug, or a musthave fabric for window treatments, furniture, or pillows. Whether you enjoy coordinating your own designs or you

are working with an interior designer, coordinating colors, patterns, and designs are important so the end result looks great.

Remember to consider your wants and needs along with your lifestyle for your home. There are pros and cons to every option and choice that you make.

Finishing touches need to coordinate, but don’t be too matchy. Give your home some personality with color and pattern.

Depending on your style, classic or trendy accessories will reflect the personality of you and your home.

Artwork, pottery, area rugs, floral designs, accessories, and lamps are great items to add color, pattern, and texture.

There are beautiful fabrics available for your window treatments, furniture,

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Please, Join Us! E Create an accent or focal point in any room by selecting artwork or accessories that give it the perfect finishing touch.

regardless of size, shape, and budget. For privacy and light/energy control, Hunter Douglas blinds, shades, and shutters are a quality product for your windows. We take care of all needed measurements and the installation of all of your window treatments.

From twin to California king size, we have a great selection of fabrics and patterns for your bed, along with padded headboards and pillows. Stop by and see the beautiful options from the Eastern Accents bedding line.

Next time you need help on a small decorating project or a larger project, such as a renovation or an addition, give Heritage Design Interiors a call.

Visit www.heritagedesigninteriors.com or our Facebook page for more information.

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pillows, and bedding. These can be great focal points or just accents.

Whether you like a theme or time period or just have an eclectic style, it will take time to find all of the finishing touches. From furniture stores and decorating shops to art galleries and artist shows, there are so many great places to find beautiful artwork and accessories.

Heritage Design Interiors specializes in window treatments and home décor along with interior design. Our store is a great place to find beautiful and unique accessories. We can help you coordinate your finishing touches and window treatments.

With more than 50 window treatments on display and hundreds of fabrics, trims, and decorative rods available, there are many great options for your windows

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Top Off Your Kitchen with Natural Stone Written by Lynda Hudzick

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othing enhances the beauty of a finished kitchen or bath more than the use of natural stone.

The varieties of product available are many, and the finishes never turn out the same way twice, adding not only beauty, but also individuality to your home.

Don and Mary Senft are the owners of Natural Stoneworks, located on Ice Avenue in Lancaster, a premier stone fabricator, tile installer, and retailer. The Senfts and their experienced 12-member staff strive to ensure that their customers are not only delighted with the final product, but that they feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process, too.

“We care a lot about customer service, quality, and craftsmanship, and have over 100 years’ combined experience,” Mary Senft said. “We have an indoor slab gallery

Island top – Seafoam green.

Perimeter tops – Cambrian Sussex.

Tile – Walker Zanger in Waterfall Moss.

with over 100 slabs in stock and a very nice showroom. We do everything from tile backsplash to floors … we also have smaller slabs for vanities, fireplace surrounds—and anything else you want to put granite on.”

Natural Stoneworks specializes in the fabrication and installation of polished and honed granite, marble, quartz surfaces, limestone, and slate as well as the sale and installation of stone and ceramic tile.

Granite is the fastest-growing choice for countertops because of its natural beauty, durability, and quality pricing. Polished granite is still very popular, but the stone also comes in a wide variety of finishes, including honed, brushed, antiqued, leather, and velvet.

Granite does have pits and fissures, part of the natural structure of the stone. The appearance can be minimized by applying sealer to the surface of the countertop.

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Fissures may resemble cracks but they are not a structural defect; rather, they are merely a natural result of the high pressure and heat formed in the granite.

Although it is a porous stone when it comes out of the ground, the surface is filled, polished, and sealed and, thus, does not promote bacterial growth and is extremely heat resistant. For hundreds of years, granite has been used in the kitchens of professional chefs, for everything from rolling dough to preparing food directly on the stone.

Granite is easy to clean with mild soap and water, or with StoneTech products, available through Natural Stoneworks. It is also highly resistant to scratching, chipping, or burning. Every stone countertop is sealed upon installation. The need for resealing is unique to the individual stone and usage. Once per year is generally recommended for lightcolored granite, and between two and five years works well for darker granite. The process is easy: basically wiping on and then wiping off.

Once considered too expensive for the average homeowner, new technologies have led to a decrease in price over the past 10 years for this highly functional and beautiful choice of stone. Today, the average price is comparable to Corian and other solid-surface tops.

Of course, quality does matter. A quality piece of stone will have very clear crystals and exhibit the color and characteristics of its type. Natural Stoneworks uses only the best-quality stone available, never offering inferior, commercial-grade stone and never using several seams to adjoin small stone pieces.

Other stones are available as well, each with a unique look and properties. Some of those include marble, soapstone, limestone, travertine, and slate. Marble is beautiful and elegant but not recommended for kitchen countertops because it can become etched and scratched under heavy use. It is much better suited for vanities and showers.

No matter what stone you choose or what project you choose it for, deciding who cuts and installs your stone does matter greatly. Accurate templating and cutting are the beginning of a quality stone job.

Polishing also requires expertise. The polish should have a mirror-like shine without swirl marks from the polisher. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

Perimeter tops – Cambrian black antique granite with an eased edge.

Island top – Ice Brown granite with ogee edge.

Artistic tile – Claridges.

The experienced craftsmen with Natural Stoneworks also ensure that smooth seams are placed in discreet areas.

The slab layout is maximized to achieve the least amount of seaming possible.

When needed, strength is added to somewhat fragile stone by drilling and inserting rods in the back of the slab. This is another sign of quality stonework.

With so many choices and options available, just getting started may seem overwhelming. The staff at Natural

Stoneworks suggests that you visit their showroom and bring along your cabinet doors, wallpaper, paint samples, etc. They welcome you to bring along your own designer and any drawings you may have as well so that, together with the professional designers at Natural Stoneworks, you can make selections that will lead you to the perfect end result.

The staff at Natural Stoneworks would like to acknowledge the photographic assistance of Barbara Herr Kitchens and their clientele.

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atHOME August 2013 9

A Room-by-Room Checklist for Fire Safety Written By Sandra Gordon

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very 15 seconds, a fire department responds to a fire in the United States. Cooking and heating equipment are the leading causes of home fire injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are the leading cause of home fire deaths.

But when it comes to fires that start in the place where, ironically, we feel safest, it’s people that are often the real problem.

Smoke detectors are hot issues among fire-safety advocates. And for good reason. Having at least one detector that’s in good working order on every level of your home reduces your risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent.

To keep your detector operating efficiently, test it at least once a month and clean it regularly. Replace the batteries once a year with fresh ones.

Replace detectors when they’re a decade old.

In addition to practicing these firesafe habits, learn where potential fire hazards lurk. Complete the following checklist to help protect your home sweet home room by room.

Kitchen • Is your stovetop clear of combustibles, such as food scraps, grease, recipe cards, kitchen towels, and pot holders?

• Is your oven clean and free of grease and food residues?

• Do you avoid cooking after you’ve been drinking or have taken medication?

Falling asleep while cooking causes a 10 atHOME August 2013

significant number of home fires.

• Do you turn off burners every time you leave the kitchen? If that’s not practical because you’re stepping away for just a minute, take an oven mitt with you or set a timer as a reminder to return to the kitchen.

• Keep cooking temperatures low and appropriate. If a pan fire breaks out and it spreads beyond your stovetop, get everyone out of the house and call 911.

If the fire is still in the pan, however, you can try to put it out yourself.

Instead of using a home fire extinguisher, which can actually backfire because the force of the dry chemicals can spread the burning matter, try Tundra by First Alert, a fire extinguishing spray made from potassium lactate.

You can use Tundra for up to 4 feet away and quickly see if you’re making progress. Plus, it’s biodegradable and cleans up easily.

• Do kitchen appliances have cords without frays, cracks, and broken plugs?

If not, have a qualified electrician replace them or replace the appliance entirely.

• Are unused electrical appliances kept unplugged? Are appliances that are in use away from the sink?

• When cooking, is loose clothing, such as shirt sleeves or belts, tucked in or rolled up?

• Are smoke detectors located away from cooking vapors to prevent nuisance alarms?

• Are heat-producing appliances, such as toasters or coffee pots, plugged into different outlets so circuits won’t overload?

• Are matches and lighters stored in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach?

Living Room/Den • Are space heaters, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves at least 3 feet away from anything that burns?

• Do you turn off heating equipment

before leaving the room or going to bed?

• Are wood-burning stoves clean and in good condition?

• Are ashtrays deep and wide so that they don’t tip over? Douse butts with water before emptying. Better yet, if you’re a smoker, smoke outside.

• Is your chimney inspected at least once a year and cleaned and repaired as often as necessary? If not, ash from your fireplace or oil from your furnace can build up in the flue and catch fire. To reduce fireplace buildup, know what type of wood to use. Aged cherry, apple, and oak are the best. Avoid pine.

• Does your fireplace have a metal or tempered-glass fire screen?

• Are electrical cords on lamps, televisions, and stereos free of cracks, frays, broken plugs, and loose connections?

• Is at least one working smoke detector on this level?

Dining Room • Are candles far away from draperies and other combustibles? Never leave burning candles unattended. Better yet, buy flameless candles, which are battery powered. If you lose power, use flashlights.

• Is the room clear of extension cords across doorways, under carpets, and pinched under or behind furniture?

Bedrooms • Do you avoid the temptation to smoke in bed?

• Are smoke detectors inside and outside bedrooms? Consider sleeping with bedroom doors closed. The newest alarms on the market operate with wireless technology so that when one alarm sounds, they all go off simultaneously. If a fire breaks out in the basement, your bedroom alarm will sound, too, giving you and your family extra time to escape. If you’re building a home or renovating, consider installing www.BusinessWomanPA.com

a home sprinkler system.

such as Grandpa or Grandma, sleep on the ground-floor level of your home?

in an unbreakable, properly labeled container, away from heat and flame? Is it out of children’s sight and reach?

Basement and Utility Room • Is your home’s wiring up to local fire codes? If you’re not sure, call in a qualified electrician.

• Have you considered learning how to use a fire extinguisher and purchasing one for your garage?

• Are your water heater and furnace at least 3 feet away from all combustibles?

Hallways and Stairwells • Are stairwells and hallways clutterfree?

• Is your central heating system inspected and cleaned once a year and whenever you suspect a problem?

• Apartment dwellers: Count how many doors away your apartment is from two emergency exits. In case of a fire or power outage, you can feel your way to safety.

• Can all doors and windows with security gates be opened from the inside without a key?

• Is a working smoke detector on this level?

• Do children (age 5 and older) and elderly family members understand the meaning of the smoke detector’s alarm and what to do? To make sure, develop an evacuation plan, and have your family practice it twice a year.

Set off the smoke alarm so your kids recognize the sound. Teach them to touch the bedroom door with the back of their hand. If it feels hot, they should escape through a window; if it’s cool, they can open the door slowly and crawl on their hands and knees to the nearest exit.

During an actual fire, superheated air and toxic gases rise and quickly fill a room. For a short period of time, a safety zone of breathable air exists roughly 12 to 24 inches above the floor.

You’ll need to rescue children age 5 and under, so make stopping by their bedrooms part of your evacuation plan.

They’re too young to self-rescue.

As part of your family evacuation plan, do you have a designated outside meeting place, such as the mailbox or a neighbor’s house? Tell your child never to go back into a burning building for any reason.

Garage • Are oily rags stored in tightly sealed metal containers?

• Is a smoke alarm at the top of the stairs leading to the basement?

• Are oil-based paints and other flammable liquids sealed tightly in their original containers?

For more ways to fireproof your home, call your local fire department and request an inspection. This house call is a service they are often happy to provide.

• Is gasoline stored in small quantities

• Do bedrooms above the first floor have an escape ladder? Escape ladders for two- and three-story homes are available at hardware stores. Store the ladder near the designated window.

Also, read the instructions and practice.

• Do family members who might have difficulty escaping from an upper story, www.BusinessWomanPA.com

atHOME August 2013 11

Creative and Affordable Kitchen Makeovers Written by Markus and Lisa Reidler

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as wear and tear caught up with your cabinets? Are the colors and styles out of date?

Whether you are looking for a refreshing change, want to give your kitchen an updated feel, or you’re getting ready to sell your home, there are makeover options that are both creative and affordable.

Know your options: reconditioned cabinets, adding new doors to reconditioned cabinets, refacing your current cabinets, or installing completely new custom cabinets.

If you’re happy with the cabinets that you already have but not the condition, reconditioning may be the answer. It cleans and revives existing cabinets.

Reconditioning removes the dirt, grease, wax, smoke, and dust from the existing cabinets. Colors are corrected and a fresh coat of finish is applied.

If your cabinet boxes are in good, solid condition or if you’re happy with the current color of your cabinets, cabinet redooring may be a good option for you.

The doors and drawer fronts are replaced with new ones in your choice of style that are color-matched to blend with your existing cabinet boxes. Top that off with new pulls and knobs and voila! You have a completely new look.

If the cabinet boxes are in good condition but you don’t like the color, perhaps refacing would be a consideration. Refacing gives you the ability to completely change the wood species and stain or paint color of your current cabinets. Finish it off with organizational components to make your kitchen work better.

Or would you rather dramatically change the appearance or functionality of

12 atHOME August 2013

Left and above: Cabinet refacing.

Below: Drawer front and cabinet refinishing.

Before

your kitchen? Custom cabinets and perhaps an island or pantry may be more in tune with what you’re looking for.

Give thought to what you’re looking for in style, amenities, and organizational components in your new kitchen.

Consider these tips before you call: 1. Establish a budget. Knowing what you can afford and what you are comfortable spending will help you stay on budget.

2. Establish priorities. Is it a “must have,” a “want,” or a “nice to have”? If the sink must change location, then probably changing the plumbing location is a “must have.” Establishing these types of priorities will help you evaluate the merits of each change and will help you realize what will truly benefit you the most.

3. Establish a timeline. How soon do you want the work to be accomplished? If you have a special event or holiday dinner you are planning at your home,

After

you’ll need your kitchen available. Work your timeline backward from that date to ensure you are on track for a successful event. Then, be sure to communicate this timeline.

4. Research. Knowing what style of kitchen, doors, or wood species you would enjoy will help keep you focused.

And how do you go about choosing a company to work with? Start with a company that has proven know-how and excellence, and one that offers services that are scalable to the needs of their clients, whether it’s large scale for commercial properties or a smaller scale, such as your personal residence.

We strive to exceed our customers’ expectations, so knowing what best services your needs is of critical importance to us. Contact Markus and Lisa Reidler at Kitchen Tune-Up for free consultations and estimates, ideas, or information on how Kitchen Tune-Up can help you transform the look of your kitchen with affordable options. www.BusinessWomanPA.com

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