Home Edition Town&Gown 2017

Home Town&Gown’s 2017

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Inside Visualizing your new home • Cooking up a kitchen makeover To DIY or not to DIY? • Hardwood flooring trends for 2017

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Home Town&Gown’s

6 Clean Out the Carpets

10

for Wood Floors Top hardwood flooring trends for 2017 • by Don Coleman

10 Wanting for a Backyard Swim Considerations for building a pool • by Sandy Cisney

12 Making a Summer Splash

Tips for choosing the perfect pool float • from Brandpoint

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14 Knowledge is Power

Easy, affordable smart home features that could help sell a house faster • from Brandpoint

16 Visualizing Your New Home

New computer tool helps buyers “see” their new home before building begins • by Mark Bittner

18 Fifty Shades of Purple

How trending home colors achieve their “hot” status each year • from Brandpoint

20 Cooking Up a Kitchen

Makeover Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms still a popular choice for homeowners • by Denny Cisney

22 Going Green in the Summer Tips for helping the environment when the weather is warm • from Brandpoint 24 When the Grass Can Be Greener Seed, weed, and feed are keys to a lush lawn • from Brandpoint

26 To DIY or Not to DIY? That is the question when it comes to home-improvement projects • by Scot Chambers 28 Ready to Party!

Fast tips to protect your home when hosting guests • from Brandpoint COPYRIGHT 2017 by Barash Media. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any process except with written authorization from Town&Gown or its publisher. Phone: 800-326-9584, 814-238-5051. FAX: 814-238-3415. Printed by Gazette Printers, Indiana, PA. 2017 Home • T&G - 3

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Clean Out the Carpets for Wood Floors

H

Top hardwood flooring trends for 2017

Wide plank hardwood flooring

By Don Coleman, Peachey Hardwood Flooring

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ardwood flooring continues to lead the list of most desirable flooring options available, and it is often regarded as one of the premier upgrades to improve the appearance and value of your home. Hardwood flooring has come a long way from the basic 2 1â „4-inch strip flooring of the 1960s, and the options available are vast and often quite breathtaking.

Some of the trends for 2017 include: Wide plank hardwood flooring continues to lead the list of top trends and will probably continue to do so for a long time. Wide plank flooring is becoming the new normal in interior design and home upgrade options. It creates a more upscale, luxurious look, and there are many species to choose from to suit every taste. Custom manufacturers such as Peachey Hardwood Flooring can create unique wide plank flooring up to 16-inches wide and 12-feet long.

Mixed width flooring

To achieve a more relaxed and casual feel, many homeowners are choosing to use different widths of flooring combined together to create a variable look to their floors. Common combinations are 3-4-5- or 6-7-8-inch width flooring in the same room. These mixed widths also are available in many species, color, and distressing options.

Reclaimed and distressed hardwood floors

Matte and satin finishes

Almost gone are the days of high gloss, shiny hardwood floors. Homeowners are now choosing lower gloss finishes that allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through and create a more natural looking floor. Lower gloss finishes also tend to show dirt and dust less than a higher gloss finish.

Made in the USA

Vintage and rustic flooring has become very popular in all types of homes and décor. Reclaimed oak and heart pine salvaged from old barns and buildings continues to capture the eye of many homeowners and creates a breathtaking floor. Reclaimed flooring also positively contributes to being green and ecofriendly by keeping old wood products out of landfills.

Distressed hardwood floors also have become popular with the movement toward more rustic flooring and toward flooring that has an appealing texture.

Distressing options include hand scraping to re-create the antique look of using a draw knife, wire brushing for subtle texturing, and skip planed flooring that maintains the circle saw marks exactly the way that they came from the sawmill.

Recent news articles on dangerous chemicals found in flooring made overseas have increased the desire for products that are “Made in the USA.” Efforts to stimulate the economy and keep jobs in the US also have added to the appeal.

However, the most important facts still remain —the United States is home to some of the finest hardwoods available in the world, and some of the highest quality hardwood flooring available also is produced here. T&G Don Coleman is president and CEO of Peachey Hardwood Flooring in Reedsville, a manufacturer of custom wide plank hardwood flooring for more than 20 years. For more information, visit peacheyhardwoodflooring.com.

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Wanting for a Backyard Swim Considerations for building a pool

By Sandy Cisney, Cisney & O’Donnell Pools

I

f you are considering putting in a backyard pool, May is a good time to start the process since it can take several months of planning before construction begins.

Safety should be the primary focus with any pool. The pool area must be surrounded by a barrier or fence; you may want to limit 10 - T&G • Home 2017

access to it by providing entry to the pool area through your home. Teach all pool users the rules, including use of locked gates, covers, and alarms. Easy-to-use automatic pool covers encourage pool users to keep the pool covered when not in use. Complete pool safety guidelines are available from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) at apsp.org.

Where the pool sits on your property is the next consideration. Keep in mind applicable zoning ordinances, such as fencing and setback requirements. Discuss the area with your pool contractor to assess what plants or trees will need to be removed and how excavation might affect rain run-off or erosion.

While pool types fall into three main categories — above ground, inground, and on-ground — I will focus on inground pools in this article.

Inground pools may be designed in any shape, size, or depth. Pools can be made from preformed fiberglass, poured concrete, or built with steel walls and vinyl lining. We recommend pools constructed with steel walls and liner because they tend to hold up better in our local climate where constant freezing and thawing can damage some materials. An

important consideration with inground pool construction is the excavation process, which involves heavy equipment and can take several weeks to complete. Inground pools often add to a home’s value and should last many decades when maintained properly.

From an energy standpoint, pools can be heated by gas, electric, or, the least expensive, solar panels. You will want to research local regulations for water usage and conservation, which can vary by municipality.

When selecting a contractor, find one that has extensive experience building pools. A good pool contractor will be a member of the APSP, fully licensed and insured, and have excellent references from happy pool owners.

If you are getting several estimates, make sure each estimate includes the same line items so you can compare apples to apples.

The agreement should have a list of the types of materials specified, extras such as water features and decks, warranties on

equipment, timeline, and pool equipment included, such as pump, pool filter, swimming pool vacuum, and others.

Determine a payment schedule of incremental payments, with the final payment due only after you have signed off on completion of the project. Keep accurate records of all papers relating to the pool, including meeting notes with the contractor and any change orders. When the pool is finished, ask for a complete orientation on the use and maintenance of pool equipment, including pool chemicals.

Building a pool is a great way to add value to your home and provide your family with long-term enjoyment. If you research pool types, costs, and pool contractors, you are sure to be happy with the result. T&G Sandy Cisney is the pool manager at Cisney & O’Donnell Pools, a division of Cisney & O’Donnell Builders & Remodelers, serving clients in Central Pennsylvania. For more information, visit CisneyPools.com.

2017 Home • T&G - 11

Large-scale inflatables such as the Intex Mega Toucan Island are very trendy right now thanks to social media and celebrity commentary.

Making A Summer Splash Tips for choosing the perfect pool float From Brandpoint

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isit any retailer’s pool aisle or Web site, and you’ll quickly realize a challenge your parents and grandparents never had to face — more pool inflatables to choose from than you could ever imagine. Whether you’re shopping for a larger-than-life float island or something to help keep your nonswimming little one safer in the pool, the sheer range of options can be overwhelming, but exciting!

“Shopping for pool inflatables is supposed to be fun, not overwhelming,” says Marvin Natareno, an inflatables expert with Intex Recreation Corp., the leading manufacturer of novelty pool inflatables. “Yet there are so many choices these days that comparison shopping for the best inflatable for your needs can be a challenge.”

Natareno offers some tips for choosing inflatables that will help keep your summer fun going swimmingly.

Inflatables for kids

Grownup fun and relaxation

When shopping for an adult-sized novelty float, Natareno says, keep comfort, quality, and originality in mind. Today’s floats can provide a unique, unexpected water experience. For example, The Inflatabull Rodeo Bull Ride On Float provides a “bull-riding” experience in the water and is around $50 at select retailers both in-store and online.

Quality counts

When investing in a large novelty float, quality certainly counts. The last thing you want is for it to fizzle flat during summer fun.

“If you’re investing in a large novelty float, you want to know it will last for many summers, not just one,” Natareno says.

“Floats with quality PVC construction, wellsealed seams, and colors that retain their vibrancy are ones to consider, especially for a more active group.”

Cost doesn’t always equal quality

When shopping for a reasonably priced, quality inflatable, Natareno recommends looking at the construction and materials and suggests looking for a brand name that you recognize and that has a long business history.

“Large-scale inflatables are very trendy right now thanks to social media and celebrity commentary,” Natareno says. “You don’t have to pay a premium price to get a quality inflatable that will provide hours of fun season after season.”

Beach balls and classic rings might have been the first inflatable toys for kids, but today there are many more options, from inflatable arm bands meant to help stabilize little ones in the water to whale and plane-shaped ride-ons. Manufacturers make a wide variety of inflatable toys for kids and offer some of the bestselling and most popular tubes and lounges that can be used from pools to rivers and lakes, such as the River Rat and River Run tubes.

“Take a quick poll of your kids and see which style of float would be of interest for this pool season.

Consider adding new ones each month as the season evolves for more creative fun,” adds Natareno.

Long live your inflatables

Inspect inflatables every time you use them, looking for any tears or sign of wear that can be repaired before they jeopardize the structural integrity of the toy or float. Although chlorinated pool water does a good job of keeping inflatables clean, using them at the beach or lake could mean some dirt. If inflatables become dirty, clean them with a soft brush and liquid soap and water.

Safety first

Most importantly, follow strict safety practices around pools. When it comes to floats, practicing good safety habits, setting and following rules, carefully reading instruction manuals, and vigilant supervision can greatly reduce the likelihood of injury as well as reduce injury severity. Take time to review all safety information to assist in keeping you and your family safe this summer. T&G The Inflatabull Rodeo Bull Ride On Float provides a “bull-riding” experience in the water.

2017 Home • T&G - 13

Knowledge is Power Easy, affordable smart home features that could help sell a house faster From Brandpoint

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resh paint on the walls, professional staging, and an asking price that ends in 999 — when you’re selling your home, you’ll do whatever you can to help it stand out and sell faster. Because the National Association of Realtors is predicting modest growth for the 2017 real estate market, as a seller you want every edge you can get.

14 - T&G • Home 2017

And on the heels of the popular Consumer Electronics Show in January, perhaps that edge is a smarter home.

“Smart home features are designed to make homes more convenient, appealing, secure, and energy-efficient — all of which are bonuses when you’re trying to sell a house,” says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. “Sellers who want to move their homes faster may benefit from adding smart features that make their properties more appealing to techminded buyers.”

According to IHS Markit and CNBC, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide last year. That’s a 64 percent increase from 2015.

Here are six trending smart home features that might catch buyers’ attention and help sell your home faster.

• Keyless/remote entry door locks.

Have you ever left the house and worried that you left the front door unlocked? If your home is equipped with a keyless/remote entry door lock — available from multiple manufacturers — you can use an app on your smartphone to lock the door from wherever you are. Some manufacturers make

versions that also will send a text or e-mail to your phone when the door opens. Locks that can be programmed with multiple entry codes also allow you to see who comes and goes and when.

• Smart lighting. From lighting automation that allows you to control lights remotely and wirelessly to energy-efficient LED bulbs that can change color to match your mood and decor, lighting has come a long way. Some smart lights work in tandem with home automation systems to allow you to turn them on or off, or even dim them, from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Others require no communication hub and can be controlled directly from your mobile device. You also can put some smart bulbs on timers (using your wireless device), sync them with certain TV shows or movies, and integrate them with security cameras and thermostats.

• DIY security systems. Don’t want to sign a contract or deal with complex security systems? Install-it-yourself security systems are affordable and offer security features such as cameras, sensors, motion detectors, and alarms or sirens, without the need for a security service to monitor them.

• Smart appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) — everyday objects that have network connectivity — includes a growing list of smart appliances. Many manufacturers are offering washers, dryers, refrigerators, and

other home appliances that can communicate with you — and each other — wirelessly. Many can be controlled remotely from your smartphone — so if you leave the house and can’t remember if you turned off the stove, you can check in and turn it off using your smartphone app.

While appliances aren’t always included in a home sale, they do make for interesting features that keep your home top of mind to buyers.

• Smart plugs. One of the easiest, most affordable smart home upgrades you can make is to add smart plugs to your home. These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs fit existing outlets and can be controlled from a smartphone app.

Plug anything into a smart plug, such as lights or a television, and you can turn it on or off remotely, track energy consumption, or even create an on-off schedule.

• Temperature controls. Programmable thermostats were just the beginning; today’s home temperature controls are even smarter.

Like other smart home features, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from your mobile device. You can program them to make automatic temperature adjustments and then use your smartphone to override the program such as turning up the heat on a particularly cold day. Some smart thermostats learn from household behavior and adjust the temperature to meet your family’s needs and save energy, while others adjust based on the number of people in a room. And several can now be operated via voice-controlled virtual assistants.

“Many of these smart home features are surprisingly easy and affordable to install,” Lewis says. “Sellers who are open to the idea of investing a little money to possibly help get a speedier sale may want to consider adding the smart features buyers will be looking for in 2017.” T&G 2017 Home • T&G - 15

Visualizing Your New Home New computer tool helps buyers “see” their new house before building begins

By Mark Bittner, Fine Line Homes

T

he philosophy that “any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black” may have worked for Henry Ford and his Model T automobile in 1909, but twenty-first-century home buyers expect to be able to choose the exterior finishes they want. Yet, it’s sometimes hard to imagine what your home will actually look like from small paint swatches and siding displays. Fine Line Homes’ exciting Visualizer sets the bar for seeing your new home in a whole new way.

The tool is simple to use: After choosing from more than 60 plans, you can change architectural and aesthetic elements as needed. Each element is simple to follow, and choices abound.

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Even those not quite ready to jump into the custom-build world will find the experience exciting and eye-opening. Ultimately, it’s much different than looking at rough sketches and designs and is geared toward providing a more satisfied result.

Using human psychology to boost home-building outcomes

Humans tend to be visually driven.

Thus, they like to be able to see something clearly before making a final judgment. In the home-building marketplace, this can be challenging.

As home buyers begin to choose everything from roof materials to door colors to window styles, they may find the experience daunting. How will they know how it all looks in the end?

What if they pick colors or window frames that just don’t match the overall look of the residence?

The Visualizer tool solves this dilemma by allowing you to literally explore hundreds of thousands of possibilities from any desktop, laptop, or mobile device. As you move through the process you may realize the “perfect” color scheme looks less appealing than you might have assumed, or that a different roof color

isn’t as nice as originally assumed. At this point, you can simply start over and make adjustments. It’s all in a continual process of change at this point.

By taking away the anxiety of potentially making unwise selections, the process empowers individuals and couples to experience a less stressful custom-built home journey.

Building dialogue between builders and clients

Builders and clients work hand in hand during every stage of the custom-building process. The Visualizer tool supplements the conversation with real-time images, progressing the dialogue faster. Clientele new to building a home will appreciate having help in this arena, as many feel unsure as to what questions they need to ask. Additionally, they may not be familiar with certain terminology; being able to refer to an image saves them the trouble of grasping with an idea or description.

With a visualization laid out before them, they have a strong starting point that everyone can see and use.

Saving, reviewing, and sharing capabilities One of the biggest challenges in building any home is being able to share ideas with others, such as trusted friends and family members.

Fortunately, the Visualizer tool has the capacity to save your selections for later review. This streamlines brainstorming and allows people to get input from others. Imagine being able to send someone across the country, or the world, a fleshed-out “dream home” before ground has been broken. Now, it can be done efficiently, not to mention for free. This opens doors for receiving input from trusted sources as well as ensuring that the final product is amazing. T&G

Fine Line Homes is leading the way with its Visualizer tool, giving clients greater understanding and power as they walk through the custom-build experience. The color Visualizer is available on the company’s Web site at finelinehomes.com/visualizer.

Fine Line Homes builds homes in Central PA, Northeast PA, and Southern NY from five locations.

The State College office can be reached at (814) 237-5581.

Mark Bittner is director of sales and marketing for Fine Line Homes.

2017 Home • T&G - 17

Fifty Shades of Purple How trending home colors achieve their “hot” status each year From Brandpoint

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ou see it every year — a “hot” new color begins appearing on phone cases, walls, ceilings, furnishings, and accessories. Soon, virtually everyone who’s doing any kind of renovation or design work is incorporating that color into their project. Have you ever wondered how home color trends happen?

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“Our team of global color experts assess societal and cultural influences from around the world to forecast what colors will be popular in home décor, consumer goods, automotive, and even on airplanes for the upcoming year,” says Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager for PPG in North America.

“We also look at what major retailers are doing in home décor and what’s happening in society and people’s state of emotion because of these events. All this information helps us predict what colors will resonate with people in the coming year.”

For example, immediately following 9/11, pinks and browns were popular because people craved comfort and security. For 2017, a blending of various cultural norms influenced the choice of purples as color of the year, Schlotter says.

“Culturally, we’re seeing a shift toward blending of gender, relationships, careers, workplaces, and living spaces,” she says.

“For example, male makeup models are now blending traditional views of masculine and feminine. Hotels, restaurants, and homes are blending indoor and outdoor spaces,

and modern offices are finding middle ground between work and play. Purple is such a blended color that it really speaks to what’s going on in the world, especially for our choices of 2017 color of the year, which combines gray, blue, and purple all in one tone.”

Shades of purple are the colors of the year for multiple paint brands, including PPG Paints, Glidden, and Olympic paints.

Glidden’s Byzantine Blue and PPG’s Violet Verbena blend blue and gray to create a hue that appears more gray when paired with dark neutrals and bluish-purple when paired with whites, similar to that of a chameleon.

Cloudberry from Olympic is a calm, soft violet that also straddles the blurred line between purple and gray.

“Blended purples evoke a lush, pampering yet calm effect that’s a comforting foil to the harshness of the world right now,” Schlotter says. “These trending colors are sweet without being feminine and gray without being somber.”

The colors also mesh with the more Bohemian lifestyles people seem to be pursuing, she notes. A trend toward spiritual exploration is driving interest in meditation and yoga, which blend elements of mental and physical exercise.

“This fits perfectly with the purple trend because this hue is thought to represent the subconscious and can be a meditative color in the right tone,” she says.

While Schlotter says homeowners have historically been shy about using purple, this year’s hues will work well in a variety of settings. The muted nature of the colors makes them gender-neutral yet impactful, so they’re great statement colors when used in a dining room, on the front door, or even as an accent wall in a child’s room.

What’s more, the color pairs well with trending home materials, such as gray flooring, black tiles, and gold décor accents. The unique blended qualities of the colors mean these purples can adapt to the surrounding environments and blend effortlessly.

“The great thing about Violet Verbena, Cloudberry, and Byzantine Blue is that they all have hints of other colors and neutrals in them,” Schlotter says.

“Gray is popular now more than ever, but many consumers don’t want a monochromatic look.

These beautiful purple hues pull in hints of blue and gray to form chameleon-like hues that adjust based on their surroundings.

They’re not your typical purple, but rather can be looked at — and used — like a new neutral.” T&G 2017 Home • T&G - 19

Cooking Up a Kitchen Makeover Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms still a popular choice for homeowners

By Denny Cisney Jr., Cisney & O’Donnell

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K

itchen and bathroom renovations are still the most popular home renovations we see today. Many homeowners want to stay in their home because they like the neighborhood, but the homes’ floor plan may be boxy and the kitchen and bath areas may be out of date.

Most kitchen remodels we see include an expansion of the kitchen by taking out a wall or completely changing the footprint of the kitchen area. Kitchen renovations often expand into an adjacent area such as a comfortable family room or dining area where family and friends can congregate.

The first place to start with your renovation is to do some research by clipping photos of kitchens and bathrooms you like from Internet sources or magazines. As you look over floorplan ideas, consider adding aging-in-place features such as lower counters, walk-in showers, and wider doorways.

If you want an expanded floor plan, talk to your contractor to find out if walls can be removed or if an addition is needed.

Keep in mind local zoning laws, permits, and construction guidelines by your township, homeowner’s association, or other municipalities.

Consider adding a large island with seating in the kitchen. Islands can be designed with legs and shelving to make them look more like furniture. Another trend is to include the microwave in the island instead of placing it over the stove. Keep in mind trends such as using white or grey cabinets mixed with dark wood or painted cabinets to give the space more eye appeal.

Once you have some sketches of the kitchen or bath layout, you may want to work with your builder to get architectural illustrations and design plans. This can help you visualize the new space so adjustments can be made before construction begins.

Once architectural drawings are done, the builder will be able to give you a fairly tight estimate on the overall cost of the project. If you are financing the project, the professional drawings and written estimate are often required by the lender to secure a loan.

Before construction starts, talk to your insurance agent to make sure the renovation is covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

If you house burns down while the project

is underway, the homeowner is usually responsible for construction costs on completed work.

Next, create a board or booklet with your color scheme and choices of cabinet style, cabinet color, flooring, backsplash treatment, counter material, and hardware such as faucets and drawer pulls.

Lighting can include under cabinet lights on dimmers, pendant lights, and even sconces. Make sure you have the exact dimensions of any new appliances so that the space is properly allocated. For instance, the new refrigerators are often higher, come in different depths, and may be wider than older models. Your builder can help with the schematics to make sure that all electrical, telephone, and gas lines are properly installed before the walls go up.

While the kitchen is being renovated, you will need to make arrangements to cook and do dishes in another area of your home such as the laundry room. Using a contractor with a larger construction team can speed up the process and get you back into your kitchen or bathroom more quickly. T&G Denny Cisney Jr. is president and coowner of Cisney & O’Donnell Builders and Remodelers, a full-service construction firm serving Central Pennsylvania. For more information, visit CisneyRemodeling.com.

2017 Home • T&G - 21

Going Green in the Summer Tips for helping the environment when the weather is warm From Brandpoint

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A

s the weather changes, so does our lifestyle.

From grilling to gardening, we’re ready to shake off winter and jump into warm-weather fun.

But what about the impact these activities have on the planet? With just a few habit changes, you can limit your environmental impact by reducing waste and energy use in the spring and summer months. And as you change those habits, don’t forget to recycle everything you can, especially batteries.

To prep for the warmer months, here are some easy tips to make your spring and summer a little more eco-friendly.

Tip 1: Go easy on the AC

Did you know air conditioning accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity consumption in American homes? That’s as much electricity as is used by the entire continent of Africa! To reduce your system’s carbon footprint, program your AC to reduce output during the day and increase the set temperature by a few degrees. Bonus: You’ll save money on your energy bills, too!

Tip 2: Bring your own water bottle

As the weather starts heating up, staying hydrated is more important than ever.

Unfortunately, bottled water is a major contributor to landfill waste; Americans throw away more than 60 million plastic water bottles each day. To live greener, be sure to bring your own refillable water bottle.

Tip 3: Trade out your charcoal

Barbecues are a favorite warm-weather tradition for many, but most grilling charcoal emits high levels of carbon dioxide when burned. To reduce carbon emissions, swap

out your charcoal grill for cleaner-burning propane option. Their carbon footprint is about one-third of standard charcoal.

Tip 4: Recycle your batteries

The warmer months bring a return to outdoor activities such as gardening. When you head to your local store to buy tools or plants, bring along your used batteries to be recycled. According to Call2Recycle Inc., 88 percent of people in the US live within 10 miles of a battery recycling location.

Drop-off locations include Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears, Staples, and many other retailers you may already visit regularly, making it easy to recycle on-the-go.

Programs such as Call2Recycle make it easier than ever to do the right thing by collecting and recycling your batteries.

By recycling your batteries, you not only reduce landfill waste but also give batteries a second life as they can be used to make new batteries, kitchen appliances, car parts, and more! To find a recycling location near you, visit call2recycle.org/locator. T&G

2017 Home • T&G - 23

When the Grass Can Be Greener Seed, weed, and feed are keys to a lush lawn From Brandpoint

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rom Sunday picnics and impromptu barbecues to games of catch, make your lawn center stage this spring.

Everyone longs for a lush, green lawn, but many homeowners aren’t sure how to achieve it. In fact, although 81 percent of Americans do their own lawn care, 69 percent say their lawns could be better, and nearly a third aren’t sure how to grow a healthy lawn, according to a survey by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

A strong, green lawn can give back to you in so many ways, and getting there is easier than you think. The lawn health experts at Scotts say the keys to a great lawn are seed, weed, and feed.

Seed

Did winter do a number on your lawn?

Heavy foot traffic, plows, snow shovels, and salt can damage your turf, and after the first melt, visible dirt spots and dead zones may appear. When spring temperatures reach 60 degrees or higher, seeds will germinate best and it’s time to repair winter damage.

Patch and repair your lawn to fill in bare spots, help crowd out weeds, and strengthen your grass to help withstand heat and drought. Start by removing debris and dead grass in the surrounding area and loosen hard soil, this will help grass seedlings take root.

Evenly apply a quality seed, such as Scotts EZ Seed, so the bare area is mostly covered, but bare ground is still visible. Be sure to only apply the recommended amount so that seedlings have enough space to access water and nutrients.

Weed

Preserve your healthy and beautiful lawn by keeping it free of weeds. Common weeds such as dandelions and clover can choke out

Welcome Home

healthy grass. Therefore, it’s important to address weeds in spring so they won’t have a chance to thrive in summer.

Removing weeds can be a challenge, especially if any roots are left behind as they can quickly grow into a new plant. Get rid of weeds by using a weed-control product such as the improved Scotts Turf Builder Weed & Feed.

Feed

Continuing to feed your established lawn is critical to its nutrition and overall success.

Your lawn requires feeding about every six weeks, and its nutritional needs will vary during the season. Choosing the right food at the right time can help ensure your lawn stays thick and green all spring and summer.

No two lawns are alike. A number of factors, including where you live or whether you have a sunny or shady backyard, affect how to treat your grass. Not sure which products are right? Download the MyLawn app from Scotts for a personalized care plan that will help you achieve your desired results. T&G

Thank You, Mary Lou!

- Tim, Jessica, and Arthur

Mary Lou Bennett ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, AHWD REALTOR ®

hellomarylou.com maryloubennett1@gmail.com

Proudly serving Centre County since 1973 1375 Martin Street State College, PA 16803

c: 800.880.0666 o: 814.231.8200 ext 315 2017 Home • T&G - 25

To DIY or Not to DIY? That is the question when it comes to homeimprovement projects

By Scot Chambers, Realtor

26 - T&G • Home 2017

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oday we are faced with decisions that just a few years ago we would have never considered. This is true for how to take care of various repairs and renovations.

With the advent of the Google, YouTube, HGTV, etc. it may appear to be easier to take on projects that we never would have in the past, for better or worse.

Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are intriguing and empowering ideas. That said, the question is whether it is a good idea or should we defer to trained and licensed professionals. A job well done will add value, but a subpar job will actually detract from the value of a property and can be downright dangerous and destructive.

Some projects may be fine to take on yourself. However, there are some projects that a homeowner should not attempt without some professional guidance or simply turning it over to the pros. Here are eight projects that should always involve professionals.

Foundation repair. Cracking or water penetration may be a sign of bigger issues that can lead to major structural problems. Get advice from a licensed professional before attempting to DIY. Electrical work. Some simple projects can be done by homeowners, but the consequences of a job done improperly can be catastrophic, even lethal.

Removal of walls. Besides the dangers of what may be inside a wall, there may be long term damage done to the structural integrity of a home.

Major plumbing. Similar concerns to those of electrical work, best expressed in the phrase “water damage.� Even with new materials and technologies, there is potential for significant damages if plumbing is not done properly.

Gas lines. Just as a small leak can cause major problems with water, the same is true of gas. There also are concerns in calculating the proper size and layout of the delivery system.

Tile and tub resurfacing. The chemicals used in these processes and the complexity of their interactions with various materials make this an area of concern and hazard. It is easy to do more damage than good to tiles and tubs.

Roofing. Problems can arise over time from even the smallest of leaks. Also, the working conditions for this kind of work warrants the hiring of a licensed professional who carries appropriate insurance. A poorly repaired or replaced roof can cause significant damage throughout a property.

Tree removal. I love playing with my chainsaw, but it is only through the grace of God that I still have all my fingers, toes, and my life! There are a lot of forces acting on trees that can turn catastrophic with a wrong move. Things can quickly turn bad despite your best intentions. Have your trees professionally evaluated before taking on this kind of work, and then let the professionals take it from there.

As with all things related to real estate, get professional guidance before you make mistakes that could have been avoided with prudent counsel. T&G Scot Chambers has been a realtor in Centre County for more than 10 years and is currently with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/GSA Realty with certifications in ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative), SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), and GREEN (NAR designation).

2017 Home • T&G - 27

Fill furniture nicks: Make furniture look new again by filling in marks and scratches the easy way with stain markers. Available in a wide range of wood-tone colors, stain markers have a convenient felt tip that delivers stain precisely where you need it, making your worn furniture look virtually new again.

Move fragile objects: Hosting can mean extra activity throughout a home, and accidents can easily happen. Rather than a friend accidentally bumping into your grandma’s heirloom porcelain vase, opt to store it for a while. Breakables are best put away when guests are over, especially when hosting large parties.

Ready to Party!

Fast tips to protect your home when hosting guests From Brandpoint

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Clean hardwood floors: Keep your floors looking great for company with a hardwood floor cleaner.

Protect finishes: A great way to preserve and protect the finish on any of your wooden furniture is with a coat of finishing wax.

Directions: Finicky furnace? Touchy toilet? Microwave with a mind of its own?

Ease guests’ stay by posting a small note card with directions for anything that might not be obvious. You’ll make them feel at home!

Set out guest towels: Overnight guests will need to shower and prepare for the day.

Set out extra towels and washrags for their use either by the guest bathroom sink or on their beds. Not only is this convenient but it also encourages guests to wipe up wet messes that will eliminate future mold and mildew growth.

osting friends and family at your home is a guaranteed way to make long-lasting memories. Not only will your guests be reminiscing about the wonderful chats and laughs you shared but, thanks to some quick tips, they’ll remember how great your home looked, too.

To prepare your home for guests, no matter how long they plan to stay, consider these nine easy tips.

Protect tabletops: To avoid unintended white rings and water spots on wooden surface, set out coasters and trivets for easy use so guests can stow drinks safely throughout your home.

Mats and rugs: The sand and dirt on the bottom of guests’ shoes act like 60-grit sandpaper, wearing away your floor’s finish as they move from room to room. Protect your floors with fresh doormats and colorful rugs on each side of your doors. Plus, new rugs add a welcoming touch while instantly refreshing your space.

Quick cleanup: No need for a full cleanup after an event, but basic steps can help avoid long-lasting damage. Make sure to visit each room and pick up plates, cups, napkins, and glasses. These often have moisture or food under them that can damage furniture (and smell) if left overnight. T&G

28 - T&G • Home 2017

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