SpringHomeAndBuildersGuide_2023

HOME BUILDERS

Quick and easy ways to give your kitchen a new look

(Metro Creative) Installing uplighting beneath kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look. Kitchens are o en described as the busiest rooms in a home. Kitchens are where meals are prepared and tend to be go-to gathering spots on holiday get-togethers and during other events when homeowners host family and friends.

With so much time spent in the kitchen, it's easy to see how homeowners might grow a little bored by these rooms. e cost of a kitchen remodel won't be cheap, as the home improvement resource Angi.com notes that the typical cost of such a project in the United States is between $13,000 and $38,000. Angi. com estimates even indicate that a high-end remodel could cost homeowners as much as $61,000. at's beyond many homeowners' budgets. But the good news is that there are many quick and easy, not to mention less expensive, ways to give a kitchen a new look.

Repaint and restyle the cabinets

Cabinet space is an undeniably precious commodity in a kitchen, especially as more and more homeowners embrace their inner chef and cook more complicated meals at home. A er all, the more expansive a home chef's culinary repertoire, the more space that person needs to store all the tools of the cooking trade. A full cabinet replacement is unnecessary if the cabinets are still functional and not overcrowded, so repainting them can be a great way to give the kitchen a new look while keeping costs reasonable. During the painting project, homeowners can install new cabinet knobs and/or drawer pulls to freshen up the style of the cabinets even further.

Install under-cabinet lighting

Another inexpensive way to give a kitchen a new look is to install under-cabinet lighting. Under-cabinet lighting serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, under-cabinet lighting can make a kitchen feel more warm and keep the kitchen illuminated when meals aren't being prepared and homeowners don't want to have their overhead lights on but still want to be able to

navigate the kitchen safely. During meal prep, under-cabinet lighting can illuminate counters so it's easier to chop, peel and perform other prep tasks.

Replace existing backsplash

Replacing backsplash is another simple, inexpensive and e ective way to give a kitchen a new feel. Homeowners can opt for something neutral that won't upset their existing decor or go with a more bold backsplash that immediately draws the attention of anyone who enters the room. is simple job can be done by the average do-it-yourselfer and the cost of new backsplash won't break the bank.

Replace existing seating

Whether you have an island countertop with bar stools or a breakfast nook with cushioned seats, replacing the seating is a budget-friendly job that can create a new look when entering the room. Countertop bar stools come in many styles, so giving this area of the kitchen a new feel can be as simple as shi ing from classic, high-back stools to more modern swivel stools with a chrome base. For the breakfast nook, replacing a light-colored bench cushion with a bolder alternative can instantly transform the look of the space.

Kitchen remodels can break the bank. But there's a host of budget-friendly ways for cost-conscious homeowners to revitalize these popular spaces in their homes.

Spring cleaning is a ritual in many homes, though some might be forgetting to address an area of their homes that can be especially vulnerable to insect infestations. According to PestWorld. org, kitchen cabinets and pantries used to store spices and baking items, such as our, can make for inviting hideouts for various types of pests. These unwelcome guests include beetles, Indian meal moths and ants. To remedy this issue or prevent insects from becoming an issue, discard stale spices or dated baking items. Once such items have been removed from the cabinets and pantry and discarded, wipe down the interior of the spaces before installing fresh shelf paper. If the critters didn't make their presence known in the cabinets, that doesn't mean they haven't made your kitchen home over the winter. Some might have opted to spend their winters behind appliances, including the stove and the refrigerator. As a result, it's best to pull these appliances off the wall each spring, sweeping or vacuuming the dust and crumbs you nd before mopping the oors.

Ask a Pro…

We asked a pro for tips on maintaining your gutters and downspouts. Ed and Rose Averkamp have been the owners/operators of General Aluminum since 2012. Take a moment to read through these helpful hints about gutter maintenance. e sta at General Aluminum are highly knowledgeable, o er meticulous quality work, and o er honest suggestions to improve the function and look of your gutters.

Basement ooding:

Not all signs of deteriorating gutters are outside of a home. Many homeowners have dealt with a ooded basement. Such ooding can be caused by aging, ine ective gutters. Deteriorating gutters allow water to leak near the foundation of a home, contributing to basement ooding.

Gutters hanging off the home:

Gutters were once installed with spikes. However, many professionals now install gutters with hangers instead of spikes. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging o the home. Gutters hanging o the

home don’t necessarily need to be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with a gutter hanger. e hanger hooks into the front of the gutter and is then screwed into the fascia of a home.

Gutter separation:

Gutters that are no longer fastened together can leak and contribute to issues that a ect the home's foundation, siding, and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold much weight. Separated gutters should be replaced with seamless gutters to prevent future leaks and problems.

Gutter guards:

Gutter guards o er a simple solution to a major problem. Gutter guards prevent your gutters from being clogged by leaves, sticks and other debris. Most importantly gutter guards ensure you no longer have to climb the ladder. Many accidents happen this way, and gutter guards eliminate the hazard.

If you still have questions. Call Ed today at (608) 348-2443 for a FREE estimate! O ering seamless gutters, downspout services, gutter guards, and power washing. ey are sure to get your home ready for years to come!

Soft Wash LOW Pressure Cleaning Methods combined with the highest quality cleaning solutions, enable us to provide your property with a maximum level of cleanliness & curb appeal. This method is recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) to remove moss, lichen, black streaks or stains on a roof and will not void warranties

Problem - Power washing or pressure washing is the use of high pressure water to remove contaminants from a surface. It will produce enough pressure to cause significant damage to any surface including concrete, stone and brick. High pressure power washing machines, even small electric power washers, can cause serious, irreversible damage when not used properly. Pressure Washing and Power Washing can and will damage soft surfaces such as vinyl, paint, wood, and shingles if not done correctly.

Solution - Specialized Accessories & Techniques have been developed to create what is called Soft Washing or Soft Wash. This involves the use of a variety of cleaning solutions to lift and remove the contaminants from siding, roofing and paving materials The process consists of applying a cleaning solution & then rinsing away the unwanted material while using only LOW PRESSURE. The low pressure is similar to that of a garden hose.

Soft washing is safe for use on dryvit, EIFS, stucco, vinyl, aluminum, wood and just about every other siding material. Trex and other synthetic or semi-synthetic decking materials clean up incredibly well with our process Black streaks or black roof stains don’t stand a chance against a good soft wash.

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How to create more privacy on your property

(Metro Creative) An inviting backyard can serve as a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. A er a long day at the o ce or an exhausting day spent transporting kids to and fro, it's hard to resist the allure of a peaceful outdoor space in which to unwind.

Privacy is a key component of any backyard oasis. Some homes may be so remote that privacy isn't an issue. But many suburban homeowners recognize they might need to tweak their landscapes if they hope to create a private oasis outside.

Fencing or planting?

Most homeowners looking to create more privacy on their property will have to choose between fencing and planting. Fencing provides immediate privacy because, once it's installed, no one can see into the yard. Fencing also doesn't require watering or other immediate upkeep, which will be necessary when planting to ensure tree roots can establish themselves.

But planting has its bene ts as well. Planting for privacy is essentially creating a living fence that can grow over time and provide even more privacy as trees reach maturity. Plants also tend to be less costly than fencing. e home renovation experts at BobVila.com estimate that fencing projects typically cost between $1,667 and $4,075. However, fencing projects can cost considerably more than $4,000, especially for homeowners with large properties they want to enclose. Large, mature trees can be expensive, though it's unlikely they will cost as much as fencing. In addition, fencing requires more maintenance and will potentially need to be replaced, while native trees won't require much upkeep and can last for generations.

Planting

Homeowners who choose to plant for privacy will next have to decide which type of plants to add to their properties. Evergreens provide year-round privacy because they don't shed their leaves, so these are the ones most o en chosen when creating a living fence. A number of varieties of evergreen trees can do the job, but it's important that homeowners consult with a landscape architect prior to choosing

trees so they can ensure the trees will thrive when faced with the growing conditions on their properties. During such a consultation, homeowners may discuss the following popular privacy trees.

• Leyland cypress: e Arbor Day Foundation® notes that the Leyland cypress is popular for hedges and boundaries, likely because a typical tree reaches a mature height of 60'-70' and can spread as wide as 25'. e Leyland cypress grows fast, which may appeal to homeowners who don't want to wait to establish privacy.

• Green Giant Arborvitae: ere are di erent varieties of the arborvitae, but the Green Giant tends to be the go-to option for privacy. e ADF notes that Green Giants will grow up to three feet per year until they reach maturity, providing a fast-growing option for privacy planters. e Green Giant can spread as wide as 20 feet at maturity, which is another attribute that makes it so popular among homeowners desiring privacy.

• Eastern White Pine: e ADF notes that the eastern white pine, which can reach heights as high as 80 feet, is favored in spacious yards. at's likely due to its height and its potential spread, which can reach 40 feet. Homeowners who choose the eastern white pine might like it for its resemblance to a Christmas tree, and in fact it is widely used for that purpose. e privacy provided by the eastern white pine is signi cant, but it might be best suited to especially large properties.

Whether it’s fencing or planting, homeowners have many options to consider as they seek to create more privacy on their properties.

Dog owners often nd that having a fenced-in space gives pets an opportunity to run around offleash and enjoy time outdoors and can make it easier for pets to go out on bathroom breaks. Still, pet owners must recognize that inquisitive dogs can get into trouble even in seemingly safe yards. One potential danger is ingestion of potentially toxic mushrooms. It is essential for homeowners to check their yards for mushrooms all year long, but especially during wet springs and in the fall. Mushrooms can pop up overnight. Depending on the type of mushroom and the size of the dog, ingesting even a small amount can result in gastrointestinal distress or more dire circumstances, like liver failure. Certain mushrooms give off a shy smell and they may entice dogs who are prone to indiscriminate eating. According to the animal care resource Preventative Vet, signs of mushroom toxicity include vomiting, salivating, yellowing of the skin and "whites of eyes," coma, seizures, and loss of balance. Other dogs may experience diarrhea or refuse to eat. Any pet owner who has suspected a dog has eaten wild mushrooms should consult a veterinarian. Early treatment can help and prevent more serious organ damage or death. Pet owners who cannot trust their dogs unattended in the yard should bring their pups out on leashes or keep careful watch on them while they're outdoors.

Building your dream home anytime, anywhere

5 TIPS TO CREATE A COMFORTABLE FOREVER HOME

(Family Features) For most homebuyers, their dream homes are not something they’re likely to nd already on the market. With a unique vision of your dream home’s look, location and features, building a custom home is generally the easiest way to make that dream a reality.

To keep things moving as smoothly as possible amid what can be a complicated process, consider these tips as you embark on the journey.

Set a Realistic Budget

You’ll need to start by determining how much you can spend on your house. Typically, the cost of building a home is around $100-$200 per square foot, according to research from HomeAdvisor. You’ll also need to account for the lot price as well as design fees, taxes, permits, materials and labor. Materials and labor should make up about 75% of the total amount spent, but it’s wise to build in a bu er for price changes and overages. While building your budget, consider what items and features are “must-haves” and things that should only be included if your budget allows.

Identify the Perfect Location

ink about where you’d like to live and research comparable lots and properties in those areas, which can give you a better idea of costs. Because the features of many dream homes require a wider footprint, you may need to build outside of city limits, which can make natural gas more di cult to access. Consider propane instead, which can do everything natural gas can and go where natural gas cannot or where it is cost prohibitive to run a natural gas line. Propane also reduces dependence on the electrical grid, and a propane standby generator can safeguard your family if there is a power outage.

“As a real estate agent and builder, I have the pleasure of helping families select their dream homes,” said Matt Blashaw, residential contractor, licensed real estate agent and host of HGTV’s “Build it Forward.” “ e homes we design and build are frequently in propane

country, or o the natural gas grid. Propane makes it possible to build an a ordable and comfortable, high-performing indoor living spaces and dynamic outdoor entertaining areas.”

Keep Universal Design Principles in Mind

Many homebuyers want to ensure their space is accessible to family members and guests both now and for decades to come. As the housing market slows and mortgage rates rise, buyers may look to incorporate features that allow them to age in place. Incorporating principles of universal design – the ability of a space to be understood, accessed and used by people regardless of their age or ability – can make it possible to still enjoy your home even if mobility, vision or other challenges arise as you age.

For example, the entryway could have a ramp or sloped concrete walkway leading to a front door wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair with a barrier-free threshold. Inside, wider hallways and doorways, strategic lighting and appliances installed at lower heights are mainstays of universal design. Counters of varying heights, drop-down cabinet racks and roll-under sinks in kitchens and zero-entry showers, slip-resistant ooring and grab bars in bathrooms o er enhanced accessibility.

Consider Alternative Energy Sources

With today’s electric grid, more than twothirds of the energy is wasted; it never reaches homes. Unlike electricity, propane is stored in a large tank either above or below ground on the property. A 500-gallon tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of an average single-family home –enough to power major systems in a home.

Propane pairs well with other energy sources, including grid electricity and on-site solar, which makes it a viable option for dual-energy homes. Like natural gas, propane can power

major appliances such as your furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, replace, range and standby generator. O en, propane works more e ciently with fewer greenhouse gas emissions than electricity, meaning your home is cleaner for the environment.

Propane can even power a whole-home standby generator, which is o en a big selling point. When a homeowner purchases a standby generator, a licensed electrician installs the unit outside the home and wires it to the home’s circuit breaker. When a power outage occurs, the generator automatically senses the disruption of service and starts the generator’s engine, which then delivers power to the home. From the warm, comfortable heat of a propane furnace to the peace of mind o ered by a propane standby generator, many homeowners trust propane to provide a safe, e cient, whole-home energy solution.

Build a Team of Experts

Hiring the right people can make the process of turning your dream into reality go much smoother. Start by researching reputable builders, paying special attention to the types of homes they build to nd a style that matches what you’re looking for as well as price ranges for past homes they’ve built. Consider how long the builders have been in business and if they’re licensed and insured.

Depending on your builder’s capabilities, you may also need to hire an architect or designer. In addition to your real estate agent to assist with purchasing the lot and selling your previous home, you may need assistance from other professionals, such as a real estate attorney, landscape architect and propane supplier. A local propane supplier can work with the builder to install a properly sized propane storage tank either above or below ground and connect appliances.

Find more ideas for building your dream home

Trending colors and textures inspire 2023 home design

(Family Features) Over the past year, architectural design saw a surge in natureinspired, earth tones, such as calming shades of blue and green. Homeowners can expect this trend to continue into the coming months, but with warmer, richer colors.

is ongoing interest in warm neutrals with earthy undertones and pink and blush shades is likely to be increasingly popular in 2023 as homeowners become more adventurous with their color choices as a form of creative expression.

Trending Colors

Selecting the right colors for your home project is o en in uenced by both your personal preferences and the latest design trends. Some contemporary options to consider include:

• Earth Tones: Warmer, natural-looking earth tones are versatile, working seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Some trending hues include muted terracotta, green, yellow and plum.

• Warm Neutrals: Although they’re not typically used as statement colors, warm neutrals bring a sense of comfort while also o ering an inviting, blank canvas to let individuality ow freely. On-trend options include shades of dark brown, caramel, tan or o -white.

• Rich, Dark Colors: ese deep, saturated hues can make a house stand out and look more modern while still o ering a nod to warmer hues. Chocolate brown, brick red or dark jade are popular choices for those who prefer rich hues.

• Pink and Blush Shades: Various shades of pink, rose and blush will be increasingly popular choices for homeowners exuding a greater sense of self-expression. In home design, look for these colors to appear in coral, pink, red-orange, raspberry or blush tones.

• Sweet Pastels: ere are signs homeowners are ready to bring colors back into their homes. Expect to see sweet pastel shades

like so pink, mint green and light purple in furniture, decor and accessories.

Materials with Texture

With warm neutrals and earth tones dominating the color palette, both interior and exterior design will depend heavily on texture to add de nition. More design choices will move away from faux nishes and instead focus on natural and authentic looks, many of which can be achieved through brick and stone.

Brick and stone give designers options for adding depth and dimension, integrating a play on light and shadows with a variety of textural elements.

Brick carries a sense of tradition, character and timelessness while also serving as a popular choice for homeowners due to its design exibility. Qualities such as low-maintenance, resilience, durability, sustainability and beauty make brick an option that allows homeowners to balance function with appearance.

Homeowners can nd more than 600 brick and stone products with Glen-Gery’s extensive product line that o ers endless design possibilities and timeless beauty. From handmade to glazed bricks and everything

in between, these building products come in a diverse array of colors, textures and sizes, making it easy to personalize living spaces with the latest design and color trends.

Try a virtual design tool like Picture Perfect, which can help you visualize projects.

Find other style inspiration at

Bring Color with Brick

Brick is often selected for its functional bene ts, but it’s also an appealing building product due to its versatile color, texture and size combinations. Color can evoke a certain mood and assist in achieving a desired outcome. Often, architects and designers even incorporate multiple colors or create custom looks by using multiple brick colors and styles.

To help homeowners hone in on the perfect look to match their vision for contemporary design and align with anticipated 2023 color trends, Glen-Gery will introduce its inaugural Brick Color of the Year, a program that showcases trending hues that lend well to trending aesthetics.

Re ecting contemporary earthy, nature-inspired color trends, the Pitt Cafe Series consists of four soft, neutral-toned, versatile bricks, ranging from creamy white to earthtone and brown-gray with highly pronounced textural features. What’s more, the series can be used for both interior and exterior applications for modern or contemporary designs.

Real estate nancing options

(Metro Creative) e decision to buy a home is signi cant. Real estate is the biggest investment the average person will make in his or her lifetime, which underscores just how signi cant the home buying decision can be.

e real estate experts at Zillow recently reported that the national median price of a home in the United States is $272,446. However, since the National Association of Realtors reported a record low housing inventory late in 2020, the average house price has been rising rapidly nationwide. e Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis estimates the median home sales price at $374,900, and certain states have much higher prices. WOWA, a real estate and nance technology company, says the average sale price of a home in Canada was $679,051 in July 2021.

Most people do not have $300,000 to $600,000 in savings on hand to purchase a home in cash. at means they'll need to rely on nancing to pay for their dream homes.

Conventional lending

Conventional lending refers to when a bank or another nancial institution loans a home buyer money to buy a home. is is one of the most common ways to fund a home purchase. Personal credit score as well as credit history help determine eligibility and interest rates for conventional loans. Availability of assets as well as income level are some additional determining factors. Conventional loans are traditionally 10-, 15- or 30-year notes and will require a certain percentage as the down payment to secure the loan. e bank will determine the down payment requirement, which is typically somewhere between 3 and 20 percent.

FHA loan

A Federal Housing Administration loan is issued by an FHA-approved lender. ese loans are designed for low-to-moderateincome borrowers, according to the nancial guide Investopedia. FHA loans require lower minimum down payments and lower credit scores than many conventional loans. FHA loans also require mortage insurance up front, plus annually for 11 years or the life of the loan depending on the length of the loan.

HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly called a HELOC loan, borrows against the available equity in your home to create a line of credit, much like a credit card. ese funds can be used for large expenses or to consolidate higherinterest rate debt on other loans, according to Bank of America. It may be possible to use a HELOC to secure funding to make improvements to a home for those who want to ip it as an investment property.

Private money lenders

Individuals investing in real estate who do not

intend to use a property as a primary residence may turn to private money lenders. ese investors can tap into capital from personal connections and lend at speci ed interest rates and payback periods, according to Fortune Builders, a real estate investing resource. Keep in mind the interest rate will likely be higher with a private lender than through a conventional lender. e repayment term also will be shorter.

VA-backed loan

e U.S. Department of Veterans A airs has a program for acquiring loans through conventional lenders that will be partially guaranteed against loss through the VA. is enables a lender to give better loan terms, such as the option to pay no down payment. Interested parties need to qualify for a Certi cate of Eligibility and then work with quali ed lenders.

People have several options to nance the purchase of a home. ese loans can help make the dream of home ownership a reality. Potential buyers are urged to speak with mortgage professionals or nancial planners to consider their options.

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