FALL 2011
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New materials, approaches Experts outline some of the latest trends in kitchens
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oday's families spend much more time at home, so it's essential to create an environment that enhances the quality time they spend with friends and family members. And because modern families are spending more and more time together and with guests in their kitchens, improvements to that room in the house will help increase the value of a home. For many homeowners looking to create a new kitchen or remodel an existing one, the overall design and focus of their kitchen is based on the cabinets and countertops, while others are interested in new and exciting fixtures like faucets. Here's a look at some of the latest trends in kitchen design and remodeling, as reported by some of the area's experts. No matter which option you choose for your kitchen cabinet designs, it's important that you understand the installation process, the length of time required to install the cabinet designs in your home, as well as the cost associated with your designs, according to Steven Shapiro, president of Asa Builders Supply Co. in Walled Lake. "The cost, as well as the time required is dependent upon many factors, including the material you select, if the material is on hand or needs to be ordered and shipped, as well as how big the area is in which the cabinets will be installed," Shapiro said. "It's important to discuss all of the many design options with a professional who can offer you guidance and provide suggestions which are best suited for your home, design, budget, and wants." The use of cabinets in your home is a great way to ensure quality, great designs, easy installation, affordability, and durability. Shapiro said when you install new cabinets, you can use the help of professionals to discuss different installation options, different materials, and the different types of
cabinets available. "Recently, glass became a popular kitchen cabinet design option because of the brightness it brings into any area," he said. "Glass will naturally reflect sunlight or man-made light, and as such can make a small room feel and look larger. With glass shelves inside of your kitchen cabinets, you will find endless applications. You can integrate glass as the shelves in your kitchen
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cabinets, or as inlaid windows or panels on the cabinet doors. This does bring with it the downside of exposing all of the contents of your cabinets, unless you utilize a frosted or colored-glass option. With beveled glass you can add new dimensions to your cabinet doors." For modern or Oriental kitchen designs you can use lacquered cabinets. Shapiro said these offer a smooth sheen for any kitchen cabinet
design with a variety of color and finish options. The downside is that lacquered items are prone to chipping and discoloration over time. According to Shapiro, many households are seeking a new style through stainless steel cabinet designs. Thanks to modern technology there are now a variety of stainless steel designs for kitchen cabinets. Shapiro said stainless steel offers more versatility PAGE 6 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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than wood because it's not affected by temperatures or by condensation. This is particularly useful in kitchens which are prone to rapid fluctuations in both. Stainless steel is increasingly popular when integrated into wood and laminated kitchens, he said. "For stainless steel cabinets, it's typical to apply the stainless steel over an MDF base," Shapiro said. "This will provide your kitchen or bathroom cabinet designs with more substance. Of all materials, stainless steel is the simplest to clean and most difficult to scratch." Another special material used today for kitchen cabinet designs is copper. Shapiro said this is a warmer metal and offers a nice variety for kitchens which have granite countertops. It's best used as an accent for your kitchen. Steve Allos of Crown Granite and Marble in Wixom said choosing a premium-grade granite slab is one of the wisest investments you will ever make. Granite is one of the most beautiful and durable natural products in the world, lasting a lifetime. "Granite material should be cut from premium-quality granite that has been selected for its natural color, grain structure and durability characteristics," he said. "Variations in grain, pattern and markings are inherent characteristics of natural stone and cannot be construed as a defect." According to Allos, custom fabricated stone and natural quartz should be of the highest quality and installed by a professional. Choosing an experienced fabricator and premium quality materials is part of the process. Making sure to have testimonials from past customers and looking at past installations are a couple of ways to see if your contractor can deliver a job done right the first time. "Be sure to ask about a warranty that covers that the granite is free from defects and the workmanship is up to the standards agreed upon by both parties," Allos said. While cabinets and countertops are the focal point of a beautiful and welcoming kitchen atmosphere, kitchens need to be functional areas of a home. That's why some homeowners are not only interested in aesthetics, but also cabinets that
are convenient storage areas that maximize the available space. "We are installing more drawers in kitchens than ever before," said Jenny Mangin of Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling in Commerce Township. "Because of this, drawers now have a lot more functional storage options — for example, peg systems with rods that you place as necessary to hold your plates and bowls in place. The typical wall cabinet storage is moving to a more functional and easy-to-get-to area of the kitchen. A Lazy Susan spice cabinet is a
This Lazy Susan spice cabinet is a trendy favorite, but with a twist — When you open the door there is an easily accessible storage area in the front with the Lazy Susan below. (Photo courtesy of Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling)
trendy favorite these days, but with a twist, according to Mangin. When you open the door there is an easily accessible storage area in the front with the Lazy Susan below. For those people that don't care for a Lazy Susan, there are alternatives, such as a corner drawer base cabinet. Another option that Mangin cited is a custom drawer complete with a set of Wusthof knives. Each utensil has its own specific fitted area in the drawer to keep the contents orderly and accessible. Mangin said she's noticed that customers theses days are moving away from flashy, ornate kitchen designs and fixtures PAGE 7 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
Homeowners today are looking for smart storage alternatives in their kitchens, such as this corner drawer base cabinet. (Photo courtesy of Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling)
in a favor of simplicity. "Most of my customers are looking for a more transitional look in their kitchen … cleaner lines, less fussy and not too much detail on the doors, which requires more cleaning," she said. "Lastly, another common request we are seeing today is a kitchen 'facelift,'" Mangin said. "They want to keep the existing flooring and/or cabinetry, but update everything else. As long as everything you would like to keep is structurally sound and in good shape, this is a
nice alternative to a complete renovation.” ❏
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A custom drawer complete with a set of Wusthof knives, where each utensil has its own specific fitted area to keep the contents orderly and accessible, is a popular option these days. (Photo courtesy of Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling) FALL 2011 | SPACES 7
Saving a bundle made easy Maintenance tips for clothes dryers and refrigerators
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lothes dryers and refrigerators are two of the most costly to purchase and operate appliances in our homes, and a little preventative maintenance can save you a bundle. When it comes to dryer maintenance, it not only can save you money, but it may save your life — clothes dryer fires account for about 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths, and 400 injuries annually. A clothes dryer works by forcing hot air through a turning drum. Wet clothes placed in the drum are then dried by the moving hot air. It's possible for a full load of wet clothes to contain as much as one and a half gallons of water. Lint is created from the clothes as the water is removed and the clothes dry. While much of the lint is trapped by the dryer's filter, some of it also is carried through the venting system, together with moist air. The accumulation of lint in both the dryer and in the dryer vent reduces the airflow, thus reducing the efficiency. It also creates a highly flammable fuel source. In addition to the accumulation of lint, blockage in dryer exhaust vents also can occur from the nests of small birds and animals or from bends in the venting system itself. A compromised vent will not exhaust properly to the outside and overheating may result. If enough heat is produced to ignite the lint itself or nearby combustible items, such as the clothes in the dryer, the engineered safety mechanisms are compromised and fire ensues. By observing a few simple indications of poor system performance, one can examine the dryer components for any blockage or excessive heat. If you notice heavy clothes such as blue jeans or towels taking a long time to dry, or clothes feel hotter than usual at the end of the cycle, then a clogged dryer vent exhaust is likely the problem. Here are some instructions on how to clean your dryer and dryer duct:
Performing some simple, regular refrigerator maintenance chores will help you improve efficiency, as well as prevent odors from being released into your home.
• Purchase two brushes — a small dryer or coil brush and a dryer duct brush with a 10-foot flexible shaft. You should be able to purchase them both for under $20 at a local hardware or home center. • Unplug the dryer. • Disconnect the flexible hose from the dryer and from the duct. • Remove the lint trap from the dryer and insert the smaller brush into the lint trap receptacle. Use a shop vac if necessary to remove any small lint pieces the brush wont pick up. • Clean the exhaust port on the rear of the dryer. • Using the dryer duct brush, clean the exhaust pipe exiting the house • Inspect the damper on the outside of the house to make sure it's clean and working properly. If lint is stuck to it, or it feels oily or sticky, this is residue from fabric softener and it should be cleaned using dish soap and warm water. • Inspect and carefully clean the flexible hose. If there are any tears or breaks in the hose, it should be replaced. Plastic hoses should never be used because they can provide a fuel source for fire. • Before reassembling the components, run the dryer briefly to
make sure all the loose lint is out of the dryer. • Reassemble and turn on the dryer. Inspect for any leaks in the vent. Before using the dryer, check the damper for air flow and any loose lint that may have accumulated. Some dryer vents may need more frequent inspection, such as in homes with complex construction where the dryer vents exceed 6 feet from the outside, or with smaller stack dryers and dryers that are older and don't have moisture sensors or high temperature safety limit controls. This will reduce the fire risk and increase the dryer's efficiency. Outside wall dampers should have a covering that will keep out rain, snow, and dirt. However, do not use wire screen or cloth of any kind to protect the exhaust opening. It can collect lint and clog areas of the dryer vent. In order to deter birds and small animals from nesting in vents, make sure the dryer vent system and damper are working suitably. Recommendations for clothes dryer safety and efficiency include the following: • Never put synthetic materials such as rubber, plastic, foam, or pieces of cloth that have been used to sponge up flammable liquids in the
dryer, even if previously washed. • Never use a plastic flexible hose for a dryer vent. • Clean the lint out of the exhaust pipe and the rear of the dryer regularly. • Clean the lint filter with every load • Inspect your lint filter for rips each time you use it. If you see any rips, replace the filter immediately. • The exhaust pipe should be as short as possible and have limited bends to allow for adequate airflow. • Never use your clothes dryer when you are planning to leave. • Use the proper cycle for the clothes you are drying. Every fabric material dries at a particular rate. • Rather than turning the dryer to a full cycle every time you use it, estimate or under-estimate the time it will take to dry a load. If the clothes are not dry at the end of the cycle, simply turn the dryer on for an additional 10 minutes or so. After a few loads you will get a pretty good idea of how long it takes to dry each particular load. • Most dryers have a feature that prevents clothes from wrinkling after the dry cycle. The buzzer sounds and the dryer continues to tumble to prevent the dry clothes from getting wrinkles. Dryers can continue to tumble in excess of 30 minutes. This is a huge waste of energy. Make a habit of removing the clothes when you hear the buzzer sound the first time. When it comes to the other expensive to purchase and operate appliance in your home, refrigerator maintenance will improve efficiency, as well as prevent odors. The following maintenance tasks should be done on your refrigerator: • Clean condenser coils. For most refrigerators, the heat exchanger coils are underneath the refrigerator, and for some models they are along the back of the refrigerator. For models with coils underneath, there is an access at the front of the refrigerator at the bottom. This panel pops off, and allows you to clean the heat exchange coils using the same dryer brush and your shop vac. Care must be taken not to damage PAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ FALL 2011 | SPACES 9
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the coils by forcing the brush into tight areas. As the coils become covered with dust, air flow through the coils is restricted, and the dust acts as insulation, making it harder for the coils to exchange heat, which therefore makes your refrigerator have to work harder, costing more to operate, and reducing its service life. Since the kitchen is a "hightraffic" area, a lot of dust and pet hair will tend to accumulate under your refrigerator as rising heat causes air to be drawn past the heat exchanger coils. You should clean your condenser coils at least twice a year, and much more often if you have pets. • Clean the drain hole and drip pan: Refrigerators typically have a drain hole and a drip pan to catch water condensation. According to your manufacture's recommendations, clean any food particles or deposits out of the drain hole. Clean the drip pan in soapy water to prevent bad odors. • Clean and check the door gasket. Check the door gasket for cracks, breaks, or brittleness, and replace as necessary. To test the seal that the door gasket makes, first close the refrigerator door on a dollar bill. If the dollar bill can be pulled out too easily, then so will the cold air inside the refrigerator. Repeat the procedure at four or five locations around the door, and the same for the freezer section if this has a separate door. If the bill slips out too easily, you probably need to replace the gasket. Clean door gasket with warm water and dish soap. • Clean/defrost the refrigerator's interior. Clean the refrigerator compartment regularly, even if it doesn't require defrosting. To clean the interior, turn off the refrigerator and empty it. Remove all food and the interior parts that can be removed. Wash the inside compartment with a solution of 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. Follow your manufacture's instructions for cleaning plastic drawers, shelves, etc. Otherwise, wash with a mild detergent, or the baking soda and water solution.
Never use abrasives like scouring pads, as these can scratch plastic surfaces. Be careful not to use hot water, as this can crack cold glass or plastic parts. • De-frost/clean the freezer and ice-maker. Never let frost in a freezer build up more than onequarter of an inch. Do not use metal or sharp instruments to scrape off frost, as a slip could cause damage to the inside of the freezer. Clean inside with a solution of baking soda and water. Clean any mineral deposits from the automatic ice-maker, if applicable. Defrosting helps improve energy efficiency. • Check the inside temperature. If your refrigerator is operating at below 40 degrees, you are wasting energy. To check your refrigerator's temperature, place the sensing end of an outdoor-type thermometer in a glass of water that has been in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours (simply putting a thermometer on a shelf in the refrigerator doesn't sense a true temperature reading). If the temperature is below 40 degrees, then move your refrigerator's temperature control up a notch. Repeat the procedure until the thermometer reads 40 degrees. • Change the water filter (if applicable). If your refrigerator has an automatic ice-maker or chilled water dispenser, then you may also have a water filter in the water supply line. The filter in this line should be changed out in accordance with your manufacturer's recommendation. • Adjust the front support feet. If the doors of your refrigerator do not close by themselves (or close too quickly) then adjust the support feet appropriately. Doors left open obviously require more energy to operate. ❏
— By Ron Hanson, a Michigan licensed residential builder, certified home inspector, and owner of Sterling Home Services, LLC, a home inspection company (248-811-3478).
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Promoting lawn and order Now's the time for planting and landscape projects
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all is a great time for plantings of all sorts ... grass seed, perennials and trees, and yes, even landscape projects, too. With the stress of the summer heat and sun fading, grass is at its prime for absorbing nutrients. A little work now will help banish bald spots, keep weeds in check and ensure a lush, lavish lawn come spring. While fertilizing in the spring promotes new leaf growth, fertilizing in the fall promotes new root growth, and healthy roots are essential for a lush lawn. As soon as the temperatures dip, feed your lawn before the final mow with a natural organic fertilizer. The nutrients will be stored in the roots and give your
Grass seed and sod will both benefit from fall planting because soil temperatures are still warm enough to help with a speedy germination and cooler temperatures will help reduce the water requirements.
grass a healthy start in spring. Michigan grasses are cool season grasses and enjoy the fall weather with cooler temperatures and more seasonal rain. Grass seed and sod will both benefit from fall planting because soil temperatures are still warm enough to help with a speedy germination and
cooler temperatures will help reduce the water requirements. Mulligan's Landscape and Garden Center in White Lake Township has fresh sod weekly and a full stock of grass seed and fall fertilizers. Perennials and trees can also be planted well into the fall. Cooler
temperatures will ease the stress a plant can go through during transplant and again, more seasonal rain will lighten the burden on watering requirements. Trees are also starting to go dormant and will be storing more energy in their root system. Getting them in the ground now will allow them to be ready to take off in the spring. Mulligan's Landscape and Garden Center now has all of their trees 25 percent off and sales on shrubs and perennials. Even as the temperatures turn cold, landscaping projects are still in full swing. Mulligan's Landscape and Garden Center offers full design and installation services and has a good selection of items that you may need to finish your landscape project, such as mulch, stone, boulders, aluminum edging, pavers and much more. ❏
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Year-long enjoyment awaits It's time to deck out your deck for cooler weather
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ost of us associate backyard decks with warm weather fun, but many people relax on them during the fall and winter months, too. If you're among those using a deck in the fall and into the winter, now is the time to prepare your deck for the cold to come. "We're finding that more people are using their decks in colder weather," said Paul Mackie, a field representative for the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA). "Some people barbecue outside all year long, and more are using gaspowered heaters to extend the time they can enjoy the deck." Whether you plan to use it in the winter, you should properly maintain
your outside space before the weather gets too cold. "Clean the deck and its accessories and store them before they are exposed to the elements," Mackie said, adding that it's a good idea to empty planters of soil and turn them upside down. "Deck cleaners and pressure washers help remove dirt, nail stains, algae and mildew," said Abby Buford, spokesperson for a home improvement retailer. Many cleaners are available in premixed liquid concentrates. Read the manufacturer's directions and follow all safety precautions and warnings on the label. It's best to seal wood decks every two or three years. Make sure to choose a specially-formulated stain or sealer to repel water, resist mildew and prevent fading in high traffic areas," Buford said. Don't seal if rain is expected within
the next few days. Moreover, it just makes sense not to apply a sealer if leaves are going to be falling during that time. "If you are reapplying stain, be sure to do it while the temperature will allow it to dry," Mackie said. "Don't apply stain when it is below 50 degrees." Maybe you don't want to spend too much time out in the cold, but still like to look out at the creatures that are wintering in your backyard. Even on the bleakest days, birds can bring color, life and song to your deck. If you feed them, they will come. Cold can be rough on birds, which might lose up to one-fifth of their body weight overnight just trying to keep warm. They spend the majority of their days searching for food, and the winter snow might be the only water source they'll find without your help. Keep fresh seed in your feeders, offer suet to keep their energy up and replenish water in a birdbath.
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Cardinals in particular don't mind the cold. Place a few non-salted peanuts on your deck rail and before you know it, they will appear. You'll be surprised how quickly they come to trust you and will regularly fly in to pick up a treat, snow or no snow. If you’re removing snow, avoid using metal shovels. A nylon or plastic shovel will be easier than metal on the finish and the wood. "A metal shovel will scar the surface and will catch on fasteners," Mackie said. Shovel lengthwise on the deck boards. Avoid applying salt or other ice melters, as they may discolor or damage some deck finishes. The cooler months are a good time to either construct or design a new deck. The WRCLA website at wrcla.org has a free design tool that allows users to plan out this new addition to their home. ❏ — Creators Syndicate
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Jump start on winterization It's never too early to prepare for colder weather
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risp autumn days, chilly nights and the prospect of snow may seem far away, but if you're a savvy homeowner, it's not too soon to start weatherproofing your home. In fact, the earlier you begin, the better, said Ron Isaacson, president of the National Association of Certified Home Energy Analysts. "Timing will depend on where in the country you live," said Steve Ramos, co-host for HGTV's House Detective. "Northern climates may begin in September and more temperate climates may wait until late October." To get a handle on the best time to begin, Ramos recommends checking historical weather data at websites like weatherbase.com. And if you need someone else to do the work, hire a
professional early. If you wait too long, "you may have trouble finding reputable contractors to perform services," he said. You can get ahead of the game by tackling small jobs that are part of normal home maintenance early on in the fall, or even prior to Labor Day. That way, you won't have to "cram all the fall maintenance into one weekend, especially during football season." Focus on the exterior first, from roof to ground. After all the summer thunderstorms and high winds, it's a good idea to check out the roof first. Look for missing or damaged shingles, missing or deteriorated flashings at chimneys and walls. This includes the flashings around vent pipes and other penetrations through roofing material. Caulk joints where the flashings adjoin the areas they protect and "replace any missing or damaged shingles, replace deteriorated flashings and re-caulk the flashings for a water-tight seal. Once temperatures start to dip,
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low-slope roofs also may need to be resealed — something you can detect by climbing on the roof or, in some cases, using binoculars. If you're not comfortable shimmying up a ladder or the roof is inaccessible, this would be a good time to call in a professional to access the roof and make any necessary repairs. In fact, some weatherproofing jobs are best left to professionals, like trimming trees around electric lines, servicing mechanical equipment, inspecting and cleaning the chimney and handling electric work. Do-ityourselfers may be more comfortable painting and caulking, repairing windows and doors, handling small plumbing jobs, installing weatherstripping, yard maintenance and trimming trees and shrubs that aren't around power lines. Here are some other key winterization projects the experts recommend: • Clean, replace and/or repair
leaders, gutters and downspouts. • Inspect and replace damaged trim and siding. • Caulk all windows and doors and penetrations through the exterior envelope of the home — but don't caulk holes in those window systems that are designed to allow water in the lower track to drain out. • Replace air filters, have your oil or gas burner professionally calibrated and duct work cleaned if you want to trim your heating bill. • Trim trees, tree limbs and shrubs, especially those close to the house. • Check attic insulation and ventilation. • Test and replace batteries in all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. • Shut off and drain all exterior water faucets. • Clean and store patio furniture and your grill. • Waterproof the deck. ❏ — Creators Syndicate
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