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SPACES Publisher

The fall season is just around the corner, so with this issue of Spaces we have started to shift the focus of our editorial features to the interior of the house.

With this issue, you will find local experts talking about the latest trends in kitchen design, how to organize the closets in your home and a topic of immediate interest with the many recent power outages in the west Oakland lakes area, supplying alternate power to your home through the use of a generator. As always, we relied whenever possible on local businesses to serve as our information sources on the key features.

You'll still find the mix of stories about outdoors projects for falll, and local home inspector Jeff LaPorte of White Lake gives residents tips on your most valued possession, the home.

This issue of Spaces is being delivered to 50,000 homes as a supplement to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, part of the SCN Communications Group, publisher of the newspaper, along with Oakland Lakefront magazine, Oakland Homes, the MonthlyAdvertiser, the West Oakland Directory and The Paper, our newest publication serving the Birmingham-Bloomfield market.

We continue with Spaces to attempt to bring you, in an upscale, magazine-format publication, editorial and advertising directed at home design and improvement.

Associate Publisher Administrative Assistant

DAVID P. HOHENDORF CAROL BARR

News Editor

TIMOTHY S. DMOCH

Staff Writers

LISA BRODY, BROOKE MEIER, KATIE MEISNER, LESLEY SHEPARD-OWSLEY, MICHAEL SHELTON

Staff Photographer Contributors Advertising Sales Representatives

AMY K. LOCKARD MIKE SCOTT, MARK H. STOWERS JILL CESARZ, DAN NEUMAIER, JULES PICKARD, LINDA STICKNEY, RON WARWICK

Sales Assistants Inside Sales Manager Inside Sales Representatives

JESSICA HOLSTEIN, KATEY MEISNER LORI SNYDER RHONDA LIBKUMAN, CINDY STAWICK, LESLIE TIMKO

Graphics Manager

CHRIS GRAMMER

Graphics Assistants

DENISE JUNGJOHAN, KAREN POLATKA, MARCIA REIMER

Systems Manager Circulation Manager

CHRIS GRAMMER DENNIS BOGGS

Circulation Assistant

DAN GRIFFIN

Accounts Receivable Manager

CAROL BARR

Accounts Receivable Supervisor Accounts Receivable Phone Address/Street

Our next issue of Spaces will publish in October, with stories designed to help the homeowner prepare for the winter months.

JAMES W. FANCY

Address/Mail

CAROLYN PETHERBRIDGE MABLE McCULLOUGH, JAN MORRIS 248.360.6397 / 248.360.7355 7196 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, Michigan, 48327-4113 P.O. Box 14 Union Lake, MI, 48387-0014

Lastly, as we always remind you, this edition of Spaces is made possible by the local advertisers you see in these pages.

David P. Hohendorf Publisher

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY THE PAPER OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY

FALL 2009 | SPACES 5

KITCHEN DESIGN

NO LONGER JUST FOR COOKING, ROOM IS NOW ‘HEART OF THE HOME’

I

t's the busiest room in the home. Everyone shuffles through the kitchen, looking for something to nibble on, or seeking to create something delicious to share. The room literally feeds into every other room in the home, nurturing your family along the way; so taking the time to create or recreate your kitchen with the latest design trends is good a recipe to follow.

From cabinets to appliances, flooring to lighting, the kitchen is the key to making a home functional and happy. With technological updates and the economy driving prices down for both labor and materials, now may be the best time to redesign your kitchen space.

Experts Rik Kowall of Accurate Woodworking in White Lake and Rick Newmyer of Newmyer Distinctive Remodeling in Commerce offer their knowledge and input to help lakes area residents have the best kitchen they can imagine and afford.

New Technology and It's Green Not even the economy can slow down technological progress, as new innovations are discovered and marketed just about everyday. Kitchen appliances are continually changing and becoming more energy- and cost-efficient. New appliances often work faster and harder, yet cost less money to operate.

"There are a few new microwaves coming out," Kowall said. "They're called flash microwaves. What used to take you 60 seconds to heat up now will take about 4 or 5 seconds."

With homeowners having less money in their pockets these days, finding appliances that don't "burn through it" to get the job done are highly in demand.

"Finding energy-efficient appliances are paramount," Kowall said. “Five Star appliances are really being pushed because of energy concerns. You don't want to go buy an old energy dragon, or something that's not going to be efficient."

Kowall himself just bought a new refrigerator for his Up North cabin, and said he couldn't believe the efficiency of the new model.

"I started reading the specifications on the model, and the energy consumption PAGE 9❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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on this thing," he said. "I read it. And I read it again. And again. It's 1.2 amps during operation, which is unheard of. That's unbelievably low. I even had a friend of mine read it."

Once customers realize their energy savings, the next thing they want is a customized look for their kitchen. Where once that was only available at the top end of the market, today there are plenty of options available in every price point for all kinds of appliances that satisfy both the built-in and traditional look.

"There are plenty of ways to make an appliance have a built-in look, but not at the built-in appliance costs," Newmyer said. "Now there are French door refrigerators. There is a lot of that look."

When it comes to choosing cooktops, in the gas vs. electric cooking debate, Newmyer said "gas is still chosen by 90 percent of our clients."

In addition to saving energy, the industry is hard pressed to keep everything as "green" as possible, so new and improved materials are finding their way into the kitchen through appliances, hardware, cabinetry and flooring — the entire kitchen area.

"There are certain organizations which are establishing a chain of command to really show and prove that companies are making products out of truly green materials," Kowall said.

"Because who really knows? Anyone can tell you something is made out of green materials, but now we can back it up."

Now Starring In Your Home ... Your Kitchen With so many more people using their kitchens, designers and builders are highlighting the kitchen as the center of attention that flows into the rest of the home.

"The kitchen used to be off on its own, but remodelers are opening the kitchen to the rest of the home," Kowall said. "There's a lot of hesitancy in this economy to start large projects. But actually, it's the best time to get value and a great deal."

According to Kowall, the people who are improving their kitchen area are looking for the "best bang for their buck, good economy or bad economy. A functional home is a comfortable home. In order to do that, if you can't move — improve. And then the instant the economy turns around, by improving your kitchen, you'll be in great shape to sell your house."

From The Sub Floor and Up New and improved materials for flooring options are both numerous and becoming less expensive. New composites such as "Plyboo" — a plywood-type material made from bamboo that is "hard as nails" — are becoming more popular as homeowners shop for price and personalization.

"There are a whole series of companies who are starting to propagate different strands of bamboo," Kowall said. "It grows up to 6 to 8 inches a day in some climates. We are seeing more and more of it in flooring and in cabinetry cases."

"Warm woods are finding their way back into kitchen flooring," Newmyer said. "Strong colors,

deep colors — cherry and maple. But there's also a mix of bamboo, hard woods, ceramics, and linoleum, which is a good way to go to save a few bucks, and it still looks great and lasts."

When looking at cabinetry, there are many options, from basic to high-end, with plenty of options in between.

"It's really just a matter of taste, function, and form, and deciding if you're committed to a piece of real estate," Newmyer said. "Are you planning on staying in the home just five or 10 years, or are they going to bury you in the back yard? If you're in the position, do everything the best that you can and your budget will allow."

According to Newmyer, there are quite a few ways to personalize and upgrade the look of your cabinetry.

"Instead of stepping into a full-blown upgrade with paint and glaze and the antiquing of a cabinet, folks are stepping back and being more frugal in the finishes they order," he said. "They aren't quite as extravagant."

But even with a lower-end cabinet, there are great amenities that are now affordable, such as slide-in shelving with full extension slides.

With countertops, the options are just as numerous as with cabinetry.

"Laminate countertops are still the most affordable," Kowall said. "But today's laminates aren't your grandma's Formica laminates anymore.

The plastics industry has really risen to the occasion because there are so many solid countertop products available. And the cost of stone has come down considerably. Because of the

competition, the laminate industry has come out with a ton of color options that you wouldn't normally see. You can do something really nice without having to get into the price of stone."

Suppliers have gotten on board with the savings. They are turning their normally produced scraps of odd and end pieces into a new stone countertop material they are calling "personalized irregular sized countertops."

Newmyer said he "used to see lots of stone scrapped by suppliers, but now it's finding its way back into the shop to be used in different sizes."

One idea that has caught on is the act of changing out the kitchen window. Newmyer said "by bumping out that window a few inches, it creates a nice window sill that we can put some stone on or paint with a glaze. We also take the slider out, and put in one piece of glass, and that gives you this nice expansive glass to look out. It really opens up the kitchen. I've gotten a lot of hugs for that one. The women really love them."

But when it comes to figuring out what you really need to do in your kitchen, it's best to work with a professional who's been there and has seen the ups and downs, who knows what questions to ask you.

"In my opinion, when you are on a budget, you really need to look at the whole picture and figure out exactly how much of the room you really want to change," Kowall said. "Are you just doing cabinets, or cabinets and countertops? Are you going into flooring? And will flooring take you into another room to make changes? How much of your house is going to be affected by your plan?

"The most important thing to do is consult with a professional. 'Big Box' store people are great for a price on a garden hose, but when it comes to planning out a kitchen, the kitchen is not just a kitchen," he said. "It's the heart of the home, and it impacts all of the areas and arteries that come out of the kitchen as it relates to traffic patterns and functions."

Kowall said an inexperienced kitchen planner will usually create a "dysfunction junction" out of the area, and create more problems for the homeowner down the road.

"Hire an established contractor," he said. "They are going to know the pitfalls."

When it comes to costs, each job is different, and costs can escalate, depending on what's hiding beneath the kitchen surfaces and cabinetry.

"Remodeling a kitchen can be like opening a can of worms. You're never quite sure what you're going to get," Kowall said. "In the word 'remodel,' you have the 're.' "You are undoing something else, and that can be your financial undoing without proper planning. It's well worth the few dollars spent consulting with a professional."

With 55 years in the business, Kowall said he has "continually learned new things to do, but I have certainly learned what not to do. And you learn from other people's mistakes. Sometimes you PAGE 11❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

FALL 2009 | SPACES 9

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get pulled into somebody else's fiasco due to poor planning."

Each business owner pushed the idea of setting a budget for the project.

"Everybody is concerned about budgets," Newmyer said. "So are we. Now is actually the best time, as we've seen some drastic changes in pricing. Labor prices are down — way down, probably as much as 25 to 30 percent. It's a good time for people. Manufacturers are having deals that really help the homeowner. But we're finding that customers are coming in saying, 'Golly, we didn't think we could have it professionally done, or that we could afford you and now we find out that we could.' But that's always been the case for us. The high price is just a perception."

And a simple kitchen makeover has its way of "leaking" into other rooms, starting new projects and expanding a budget. And with 41 years of experience, Newmyer said he has seen the "leaks."

"Kitchens have a way of spilling over into the nook, into the foyer, into the powder bath, and sometimes even into the laundry," he said. "They have a way of growing. But people are looking into all of their options. And folks like me in the business have to have plenty of price points and a variety of products available for clients."

"You need to set a budget as to what the content of your project entails," Kowall said. "Is it cabinets? Or cabinets and flooring? Does it include

countertops? Appliances? It can very easily snowball and it can appear to be overwhelming but it won't be if you take it in sections. One piece at a time and you can get to it and get through it psychologically and make the process as painless as possible."

"Many competitors and manufacturers are out of business due to the economy," Newmyer said.

"And that has created opportunities for better pricing, and we carry more lines of products for that reason."

Some manufacturers have been running specials, such as a free kitchen sink when ordering a new kitchen.

"We always pass those savings onto the client to help them out," Newmyer said. "Anything that helps them out, helps us out. There are a lot of deals out there."

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Kowall said that if you're working on a tight budget, it's better to put your money into a better quality cabinet than countertop.

"You can put a laminate countertop down and get some good use out of it," he said. "Somewhere down the road you can come back and put in a stone top when you can afford it. If you do stone first and then decide to change the cabinets out later, that's a recipe for disaster."

"When you start a project it depends on how old your cabinetry is, and how old your appliances are," Newmyer said. "Kitchens start around $30,000 for a medium-size kitchen without appliances."

One thing that both businessmen emphasized is that they make suggestions but don't lead their clients.

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FALL 2009 | SPACES 11

GETTING O CREATING MORE CONVENIENT AND EFFIC

ORGANIZED

IENT CLOSET SPACES THROUGHOUT HOUSE

F

or decades, closets mainly consisted of a rod and a shelf. You hung up your pants, shirts, or skirts and tops, and then folded everything else and put it on the shelf. Hopefully none of it would fall on your head in the morning when you needed a sweater at the bottom of the stack. As long as there was a big enough gap left between hung-up items, you would be able to find your favorite shirt or top.

For many homeowners, it's now time to reap the benefits of more than just a "rod-and-shelf" closet.

The possibilities of what your closet can become are endless. With several closet organization companies in the area, each one has the ideas, experience, and know-how to make your closet space much more convenient and efficient.

You'll be able to find things more easily, store things more safely, and get dressed with greater ease.

Closets have made their way out of bedrooms and now can be found all over the home— in basements, garages, kitchens, and foyers. Imagine how much easier life could be with highly-organized closets spread throughout your home.

"People want more and more organization," said Shelia Marcum of California Closets. "They go crazy when they see simple things such as drawer dividers."

Closet organization systems can be customized to meet your needs, and end the days of having to live according to the whims of some builder who deemed that you should only have a "rod and shelf" 20 or 30 years ago. By investing in your closet space, you'll actually increase the value of your home while making it more functional for you today.

Where Do I Begin?

Tackling the idea of organizing your closets can be daunting, but with the help of a professional, it can become quite a simple and creative task. Marcum starts by asking clients some simple questions.

"First, I ask the height of their ceilings so we can maximize the space and get them the full experience of having an organized closet," she said. "A lot of times, people will have dormer closets with an angled roof, so we have to determine the space."

Next, a designer comes in to measure the space. Then more questions are asked of the client.

"We ask who is using the closet," Marcum said. "Is it a single person or newlyweds?"

Caren Bass of Custom Closets, Inc. said she asks "What is the closet used for?

In this market, people are trying to make use of all of the space that they have.

Buying a new home for more space is not always in the cards. So you need every usable space. In this economy, remaking a closet is a much more viable option."

Closet organization companies often use computer-aided design to create customized closets. Often the answer to your closet organization is just a mouse click or two away.

"We design on a laptop to the customer's specifications and desires," said John Pratt of the Great Lakes Closet Company. "We can drag in cabinets and everything is in three dimensions, so the customer can actually see the closet before we build it."

Going from the idea in your head to completion can take as little as a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the intricacy of the design and products.

Each company offers a wealth of design options, as well as finishes, knobs, and many other accoutrements.

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few on hand, but have access to many, many more from our supplier."

From materials to options, each company and supplier is only limited by your imagination.

"We can put a variety of things in the closet," Bass said. "We can do double-hang rods for separates, like shirts, jackets, and pants. We can single-hang long dresses, and add adjustable shelving for shoes, and we can build in drawers and baskets, which are very helpful in children's closets, so they can see what's there and access it.

Basically, the key is to make the most of the space."

And with growing children, the adjustability factor adds value, as you don't have to keep rearranging the closet space and spending more and more money.

But before the new organization comes in, Marcum has some suggestions for your old closet.

"It's out with the old and in with the new," she said. "Every time you buy something new, get rid of something that's old, rarely worn, or has a stain on it."

Once your new closet system is in place, Marcum has suggestions to keep it organized and clients well-dressed.

"If you see it, you'll wear it," she said. "So fold Tshirts, sweaters, and jeans, and set them onto open shelves. Save the drawers for personal items.

Sweaters and knits keep much better shape when they are folded. Then group similar types of clothing together — skirts with skirts, shirts with shirts, and pants with pants. Even separate out your suits. Then you can combine pieces you never thought you had to expand your wardrobe."

Marcum recommends compartmentalizing accessories by hanging scarves on a rack or folding them for storage in a drawer, and coiling belts into a drawer or hanging them on a belt rack. She suggests placing "less-worn" footwear on higher shelves in see-through boxes, and putting everyday shoes on the floor for accessibility.

One key in designing your new, organized closet is to make sure it can "grow" with you as your life changes. By adding more shelves, or rearranging drawers, or adding baskets and hanging bars, you'll be able to accommodate changes in your life, and our closet will adapt with you.

I Need a Closet Makeover Pratt helps customers design personalized organization systems for every room in the house.

"We do a lot more than closets," he said. "We do garage systems, home offices, pantries, basements, and entertainment centers, and everything we do is custom."

With so many options in life these days, closets were slow to catch up — until closet organization professionals came to be.

"People are finding out that life is not the same as it was 10 years ago," Pratt said. "People would buy a home, stay in it for a couple of years, and then upgrade to a newer, larger home. These days people are actually upgrading their home because they can't sell it."

Pratt and other closet organization professionals offer what he terms "a fairly simple solution that adds equity back into the home. It gives a lot

more storage space, and it adds value."

Just about anyone who has any type of closet will benefit from an organizational system, regardless of their living situation — single, married, or with a family, "We are getting a lot of empty nesters who maybe had a four-bedroom home, and want to turn one bedroom into a home office or maybe a walk-in closet," Pratt said. "We are also getting a lot of business from folks with maybe a two- or three-car garage, and they can't park both cars in there due to so much stuff in there, and they park on the street. We come in and help organize the garage, and they can get both cars back in."

Your storage system also can be fine-tuned to meet your hobby needs, or other interests.

"We designed a storage system for a homeowner who is a horse owner," Pratt said. "We used a garage system to store riding clothes and saddles. We've made systems for pool houses, including building a locker room for the kids' swimming equipment. We've also done commercial locker rooms for golf clubs."

Marcum also said she has seen the implementation of her products throughout clients' homes.

"We've done everything from entertainment centers to play areas for children, especially to store toys and all of the electronic gadgets," she said. "We have products with hidden storage areas to help (you) stay organized."

Marcum can design a "gourmet garage," replete with high-quality finishes and knobs. And there are plenty of accessories for kitchens, including slide-out wine racks — even with a slide-out mirror for your closet.

Virtually no one is left out of closet organization. With many homeowners aging and staying in their homes longer, or handicapped people wanting to be more self-sufficient, closet organization is a key.

"Older people and those in wheelchairs can't easily reach to get things off of a shelf," Pratt said.

"So what we do is actually come in and lower everything."

Lean and Green Your new closet design may also help you have a bit smaller carbon footprint. With green products flooding the market, the closet organization systems have not been left behind.

Recycled materials are used in many of the products, so you can have a "green" closet space.

"All of our wood products are 100 percent recycled material," Pratt said. "And we are a Michigan-owned company using a Michigan-based supplier, so we are trying to keep all of the money in Michigan."

According to Marcum, her products are ecofriendly and use E1 recycled wood materials, along with eco-resins to create textures and classic looks.

One promising benefit of closet organization is its effect on the slow housing market and its help to garner sales.

"We are seeing people who have had their homes for sale for a while, and by getting one of

our systems installed, the homes are actually selling more quickly," Pratt said. "And they are getting a better dollar amount for the home."

"By utilizing all of the spare space you have, you increase the value, and it becomes more like builtin furniture than just a plain closet," Marcum said.

"People actually put this in their ads when selling a home."

Each of the area businesses has a simple line of products for easy organization, and others that offer more in-depth, personalized products. You can add lighting, crown molding, and much, much more — as much as your pocketbook and budget allow.

Look for a starting price of $600 or more to redo a simple 6-foot bi-fold closet space. Some companies offer a "do-it-yourself" kit for about a 25 percent savings.

"Cost is driven by the space, the need, and the function of the space for the client," Bass said.

"Each space is different."

Pratt said that many clients have bought furniture or household items without a real plan in mind on how it will actually work in their home.

But he provides answers.

"People are going out and buying a big, flat-screen TV, and they bring it home and say 'now what do we do,'" he said. "Do you hang it on the wall, or find a place to put it, or go buy furniture to put it on? But what I do is — you give me the dimensions for your TV and I can build a cabinet for it."

Practical Application Outside of Your Home Look around your office, building, or place of work. There are plenty of storage or closet spaces at your fingertips. Once your home storage spaces are organized top-to-bottom, why not bring that application where you need to be the most efficient — your office or workplace.

"We do commercial work as well," Pratt said.

"We build reception centers, and we even build for retail stores to help show their merchandise."

Pharmacies and many other businesses — and now especially, nursing homes — are prime candidates for organization systems to help customers see products. Many nursing homes were built decades ago with older closet setups.

But with organization systems, those living in a facility will be able to take better care of themselves — with a little thought and help from the owners of the establishment.

"Everyone has a very busy lifestyle now, and the key is to be able to find things when you're looking for them," Bass said. "When you're organized, whether it's in the bedroom, or the kitchen pantry, or the garage, or the basement, if you have easy access and everything is organized, it can make a world of difference in your life." ❏

— By Mark Stowers

RESOURCES • John Pratt, Great Lakes Closet Company 877.755.6310 • Caren Bass, Custom Closets 248.626.5520 • Shelia Marcum, California Closets 248.624.1234 FALL 2009 | SPACES 15

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Now’s the right time to deck out your deck for the cold weather months

Jeff LaPorte

M

ost of us associate backyard decks with warm weather fun, but many people relax on them during the fall and winter months, too. "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 barbeque outside all year long, and more are using gas-powered heaters to extend the time they can enjoy the deck."

Whether or not 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. 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 national home improvement retailer.

Many cleaners are available in premixed liquid concentrates. Be sure to read the manufacturer's directions before using the product 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.

Sealers and stains are either water- or oil-based, but oil-based requires less frequent re-coating and upkeep than water-based.

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."

Since hot tubs are popular deck additions, there is no reason to abandon them in the fall and winter.

"I have a hot tub that I use all year long," Mackie said. "A lot of people do that and it's great if you can."

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. And if you feed them, they will come.

Cold can be rough on birds, who 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.

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 are removing snow, avoid using metal shovels on the deck. A nylon or plastic shovel will be easier than metal on both 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. And, if possible, 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 web site at wrcla.org has a free design tool that allows users to plan out this new addition to their home.

"When you think about it, building a deck or adding to it is really the most affordable way to expand living space to a home," Mackie said. ❏ — Creators News Service

BASEMENT WALL CRACKS, HOW AND WHERE

I

nevitably, during the course of a home inspection there will always be questions about vertical wall cracks in the basement foundation. Cracks in solid concrete foundations are very common.

They are the result of shrinkage in the concrete, slight settling, or pressure against the outside of the wall from expansion and contraction of the soil. Though foundation cracks can be caused or aggravated by improper building practices, most wall cracks are no fault of the builder. In most cases, the common wall crack poses no structural concerns of foundation failure. The biggest problem they cause is leakage.

Many homeowners or novice waterproofers will try to patch the crack on the inside with a waterproof cement material (waterplug, dike, drylock or hydraulic cement). The problem is that the patch is only on the surface or a short distance into the wall and the material is rigid. Even the slightest wall movement will cause the sealant to crack or leak again.

Digging the crack up outside and patching there is not much better, and is very expensive. The repair is only a patch. This method is still used when the crack in not accessible from the inside (finished wall).

There is also a method that requires that the floor around the perimeter of the basement be broken up and a drain system is installed under the floor to a drain or sump line. The crack is covered with a plastic panel which directs the water into the drain system. This method is also effective but is very expensive and not acceptable to some customers.

An effective way to permanently and economically repair the crack is to inject a water activated urethane resin under pressure into the crack. Resin is pumped into the crack through drilled holes in the wall. The urethane resin reacts with water and forms a flexible waterproof gasket inside the crack. If the wall moves again the gasket moves along without breaking the seal, which can last forever. A residential wall crack is well within the capabilities of this amazingly effective procedure. If you are experiencing leaking cracks in your basement foundation, contact a member of the National Association of Waterproofing Contractors.

Jeff LaPorte is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) with over 10 years experience and is the owner of “The Home Team Inspection Service.” He can be contacted via e-mail at jlaporte720@comcast.net.

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GENERATING POWER MORE HOMEOWNERS ARE TURNING TO GENERATORS FOR BACK-UP SERVICE WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT

T

here are few things in life that are truly permanent; but when a product can be used at your home to ensure that at least some electricity will remain available while others in the neighborhood go without, a "permanent" generator is as valuable as a comprehensive insurance policy. That's why more lakes area homeowners are purchasing a permanentlyinstalled generator to keep the lights from going out, and keep their appliances running.

Permanently-installed generators can be installed outside any home or business.

They are connected to natural gas or propane fuel and are always ready to provide electricity in the event of a power outage. These units come in weather-protected enclosures and are designed to be in service for many years.

"Permanent generators automatically come on when there is a power loss," said Mike Matheson, owner of Matheson Heating and Air Conditioning in Commerce Township. "The automatic nature of these units is what the real draw is for most consumers."

Many permanent generators use an automatic transfer switch to start and transfer home energy usage to a permanent generator within seconds of the loss of utility-fed power. When the utility-fed power service has returned, the automatic transfer switch returns your home or business to utility power and shuts down the generator. Best of all, these generators largely operate without any significant homeowner maintenance and have the ability to self test weekly.

Permanent generators can be set up to power an entire house during an outage or just the essential loads, like the furnace, security systems, and various appliances. Whole-house distribution naturally requires a more powerful generator, and a transfer switch that carries the same rating as the home's main electrical service distribution panel.

Transfer switches, which are essentially special electrical panels, also come in manual models. While the automatic transfer switch generators are more expensive, they provide ongoing protection and reassurance for homeowners, according to Jim Corman of Volt Electric.

A manual transfer switch is less expensive and requires the homeowner to power up the generator and manually switch the home's load to the backup generator system.

Permanent generators are preferred in neighborhoods with noise restrictions

because they are housed in sound-deadening material to minimize sound output.

In fact, Corman said producers of these units are constantly attempting to make them less noisy so they can be more convenient for households in virtually any neighborhood.

"There is really little if any maintenance required with these generators," said Bill Riegner of Cummins Bridgeway in New Hudson. "They do the work they need to each week; and as long as you have a professional install it, you are good to go."

One of the most convenient features of permanently-installed generators is that they can be programmed — with the help of a licensed professional — to ensure certain parts of the home will be powered if electrical utility service is lost. For example, many homeowners may choose to have backup power for a water well, furnace, and sump pump, along with some kitchen appliances and lights in key areas of the house, in case the electricity goes out.

"You can plan what parts of your house you want to run in advance," Matheson said. "You can strategize as to what's most important. Some of my clients will choose to have two or three freezers connected to the generator so they won't lose any of their food during a power outage.

"Priorities come first and convenience comes later," Matheson said.

Some homeowners who spend part of the year in a warm-weather state choose to have a permanent generator installed in their lakes area home for peace of mind, so they don't have to worry about power outages causing pipes to freeze and then burst in the winter, according to Matheson. The permanentlyinstalled units are safe for pets that need to be left in the house for hours or days at a time, such as when a home's residents go on vacation for a week and leave the family pet at home. They also are less dangerous for neighborhood PAGE 20❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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animals such as deer, raccoons, and other common wildlife. So the peace of mind extends not just to ensuring the power stays on, but also to safety and security issues involving a home's contents and animals.

"It comes down to the idea of what you want to work when the power goes out," Riegner said. "There are really no drawbacks to the permanent generators outside of the cost."

There is a significant difference between permanent and portable generators.

Portable generators can replace part of a household load during an electrical outage; however, they are loud, can be difficult to move, require gasoline for fuel, and rarely will be able to power an entire house. These smaller, portable standby generators can be effective for homeowners who don't want or need to have their entire home powered, but they require much more maintenance and heavy lifting.

One detail that homeowners should be aware of is that permanent generators can be powered by either natural gas or propane. While natural gas lines are generally available in every house, a propane-powered generator may require the installation of an LP tank.

"You really want to get down to determining your budget, your needs, and then work out the details," Riegner said. "You can pick a generator that works best for you."

A permanent generator system can be directly wired into a household circuit panel, providing a seamless transfer from regular utility service to backup power.

Permanent generators are rated by their maximum electrical output, as measured in kilowatts. Generators with higher wattage ratings cost more, but can power more appliances when the electrical utility service goes down.

Determining what size generator is appropriate for a home's backup power comes down to listing the appliances and items that will be run during a power outage, and totaling the required wattage. It's important to account for an appliance's start-up or surge requirement, which is higher than normal running power needs.

A local generator dealer/installer or electrician can help determine a home's electrical load needs and recommend the appropriate size in a backup power system.

Common household appliances range from a light bulb that requires 50 watts to run, to a water heater that can require as much as 4,000 watts. A refrigerator needs 1,200 watts, but it consumes 3,000 watts at startup. When adding up the appliance list wattage, use an appliance's start-up wattage in the calculation. It will be listed in the appliance manual or on the appliance itself.

Not all parts of a house will easily run on a generator. Air conditioning systems, for example, will generally require a larger generator — perhaps a 20 kilowatt unit — to effectively run along with the other critical parts of a home. A 20 kilowatt unit can cost anywhere from $10,000-20,000 to install, according to Matheson. Many homeowners choose to install an 8 kilowatt unit, which can power most essentials in an average home. Matheson said those units cost approximately $5,000.

"We're in an area of White Lake where the power often goes out a few times a year," Matheson said. "We're fortunate to have a generator, which is great with three kids because then we won't have to pack up the family and go over to our in-laws for a few days."

Matheson and others stress that only professionals should install permanent generators. There are many reasons for this advice. Not only must the wiring to the transfer switch and circuit board be done according to local codes, but a plumber may be needed to set up the pipes to connect the generator to a fuel supply.

"We can secure permits and schedule any other necessary inspections as needed," Matheson said.

Riegner said the cost of permanent generators has come down in recent years as technology has advanced and made more efficient units possible. While homeowners will have to spend several thousand dollars to purchase a permanent generator and have it installed, that cost is at least several hundred dollars less, on average, than just a few years ago.

"I have customers who decided to wait a year or more and now when I get quotes to them they are surprised at how far the costs have come down," Riegner said. "It's a good value if you want to make sure your house is always powered." ❏

— By Mike Scott

RESOURCES • Bill Riegner, Cummins Bridgeway, 248.573.1557 • Mike Matheson, Matheson Heating and Air Conditioning, 248.363.4868 • Jim Corman, Volt Electric, 248.496.6888 20 SPACES | SCN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Cold case gardening Growing during winter is possible with right approach

A

round the turn of the 20th century, James Whitcomb Riley wrote a picturesque poem called "When the Frost is on the Punkin," which celebrates the late days of autumn and the change of seasons.

Nowadays, gardeners are also finding ways to enjoy the seasons by growing vegetables and other plants well into the frosty days of autumn and even the snowy days of winter — something you can do, as well.

Any time is a good time for growing, no matter the temperature. This bok choy was harvested at minus 15 degrees.

Begin by knowing your local weather conditions and what climate zone you are in. Meanwhile, space out your plantings by the time it takes a crop to mature and when you want to use it. For instance, plant beets, carrots and parsnips by late July for a fall harvest and even later for the spring; root vegetables are often hearty and succeed well in the winter ground with mulch or a light layer of snow to protect them.

Many winter gardeners in northern regions, where winter temperatures range from 35 to zero degrees, use raised beds.

"If you have raised beds, the soil warms faster, you can plant earlier and have better drainage, fewer weeds, and a more abundant harvest," said Suzy Bales, gardener and author of numerous books, including "The Garden in Winter" ($35, Rodale Books). "A raised bed is a plot raised above ground level. You can mound soil 8 to 10 inches high in rows one to 1-and-a-half-feet wide, level the top, and plant. Or build it 1 to 1-and-ahalf-feet higher and wider, using a retaining wall around the perimeter.

Some popular materials used to build

Use greenhouse to extend your cultivation time uilding a greenhouse sounds simple B enough, and it is for someone who thinks it can be made from a pile of lumber and thin plastic sheeting. But will it withstand autumn's chill or that first heavy snow?

Probably not, the experts say. If you really want to enjoy growing fruits, veggies, and flowers all year, you'll need a greenhouse that's more substantial, whether it's from a kit or custom-made. Choosing the type of greenhouse that will meet your needs is no simple matter, though.

In fact, before you lay out that first dollar, you'll need to become savvy about design, construction materials, drainage, plumbing, electric and heating needs, operating costs, location, and an assortment of add-ons, from slop sinks and window shades to automatic roof vents, timed watering systems, and even weather forecasting equipment.

You'll also need to know about the types of plants that do best in a greenhouse setting.

"Most people who purchase a greenhouse don't really know what they are going to do with it. So many people are growing food right now, so that is changing, but most people do not start with a specific plan in mind," said Michelle Moore, a 20-year veteran of the greenhouse business and owner of a greenhouse manufacturing business. "Purchasing a greenhouse that can be added on to is a very good idea. The only downside is people tend to think it will be years before they need the addition, so they are surprised to find how quickly they've outgrown the space." the walls are railroad ties and logs. A garden in a container is another way to have a raised bed."

Other ways Bales suggested to keep a garden bed warmer include garden blankets, also known as floating row covers, and hot caps, or individual hothouses of weather-resistant waxed

A good rule of thumb, she said, "is to purchase the largest greenhouse you can until you max out your space or your budget. The only caveat is it's rarely worth trading size for quality. Something big that burns plants just (means) more dead plants."

From placement to location, interior designer Dale Carol Anderson has learned a lot about greenhouses from adding one to her own home for her husband to raise orchids.

Anderson, known for creating "winter gardens" in luxury homes and estates, included a small seating area, a timed watering system, rain sensors to control window vents, a sink, floor drains, and a durable tile floor, as well as a coil-spring hose that reaches across the greenhouse but snaps back into place.

There are lessons to be learned from the pros like chefs Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier, co-owners of two restaurants. With greenhouses at the core of their operations, producing several types of mint, hard-to-find herbs, lettuces, beans, tomatoes, and even lemons, their 20 years of experience has taught them that paying attention to the basics is what counts. They include things like equipping the greenhouse with water, heat, and the best materials you can afford.

"If glass is in your budget, it's the best material and lasts the longest.

In cold climates, a propane or wood heater is essential if you want to extend the growing season," Frasier said. "Additional luxury features you can include when building a greenhouse that can only benefit the finished product are water spigots, flexible retractable hoses, or a shade screen to block the heat when the weather becomes too warm." ❏ — Creators News Service paper.

"A cold frame or a greenhouse is the only way to deal with prolonged freezing temperatures," she said.

You can also warm the soil with compost and mulch. Dig a channel completely around the plants and fill it with compost, whose decomposition

will naturally heat the soil. Cover the compost with a thin layer of soil. Cold frames placed over thin layers of cow manure or compost also provide a natural heat source.

Whether planting in the ground or in a raised bed or frame, it is a good idea to locate your winter garden in a wind-sheltered area. Raised beds that aren't protected from the wind tend to lose heat rapidly.

You may even be able to keep fresh produce on your table all year long.

Several hearty vegetables and plants thrive in cold weather and, with just a few tricks from experienced winter gardeners, you'll be able to keep enjoying home grown veggies through the fall, winter and early spring. An added benefit is that the soil is actually enriched by the seasonal plantings of winter varieties.

"The basic resources necessary to protect vegetables from winter weather are row covers, garden tunnels, unheated greenhouses, and cloches. Many can be made from simple materials. In colder climates, like zones four and lower, a double cover is called for," Bales said.

A cold frame with an additional clear plastic cover works very well.

"I have harvested bok choy from my unheated greenhouse after minus 14 degrees Fahrenheit," said Clair Schwan, owner of frugal-living-freedom.com and an advocate of home gardening — no matter the season. "Lettuce can easily go below freezing, and radishes, turnips, peas, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are also very cold-tolerant.

"Clear plastic covering protects plants from the harsh winter winds, and allows for the capture of sunlight to help heat the area where the plants are growing."

Tony Fulmer, retail manager of a nursery, reminds gardeners that the fall is the time to take care of trees and perennial bushes such as roses before the weather turns bitterly cold.

"Fall is a perfect time to feed trees and shrubs," he said.

Use high quality granular fertilizers applied according to directions and "beef up mulch over the root systems of trees and bushes." ❏ — Creators News Service FALL 2009 | SPACES 21

Insulation persuasion Save money and the environment with a simple step

C

omfort, economy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are all terrific reasons to make sure that your home is properly insulated this year. The steps you take now for the fall and winter months will serve you year round.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for 50 to 70 percent of the energy used in the average American home.

Inadequate insulation and air leakage

Installing roll insulation, usually made up of fiberglass or rock wool, is an easy do-it-yourself weekend job that saves you money.

are the leading causes of energy waste in most homes. That drafty crawlspace, attic or basement can be one of the biggest culprits behind a high utility bill.

Sealing your home around windows, doors, pipes, wires and vents, and making sure there is an ideal amount of insulation in attics, crawlspaces, basements, and walls is vital to saving energy in your home, according Maria Vargas, spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Many air leaks are easy to feel in the more common living areas. Since heat tends to rise, attics often provide escape routes. Making sure your attic floors are adequately insulated will keep the heat in and, in turn, save on those energy costs, as well as the earth.

"Imagine what a difference we can make if owners of our nation's nearly 80 million under-insulated homes realize they can easily decrease their carbon footprint by properly insulating," said Frank O'Brien-Bernini, chief sustainability officer for a leading maker of insulation products for both commercial and residential properties.

Tips on getting home ready for cold weather

C

risp autumn days, chilly nights, and the prospect of snow may seem far away when you're basking on a backyard chaise on a warm summer day. But if you're a savvy homeowner, it's never too soon to start weatherproofing your home, according to the experts.

In fact, the earlier you begin, the better, said energy analyst and home inspector Ron Isaacson, president of the National Association of Certified Home Energy Analysts. The best time to start the process is now.

"Timing will depend on where in the country you live," said Steve Ramos, co-host for HGTV's House Detective and a certified home inspector based in Santa Rosa, Calif.

"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 recommended checking historical weather data at web sites 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 prior to the first frost," he said.

Reggie Marston, president of a home inspection firm, said if you start early, you won't have to "cram all the fall maintenance into one weekend, especially during football season."

Marston recommended focusing 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," Marston said. "Look for missing or damaged shingles,

"Our best source of energy is energy we don't use in the first place."

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends attics have up to an R-

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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 as necessary for a water-tight seal," he said.

Once temperatures start to dip, 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 pro to access the roof and make any necessary repairs," he said.

Here are some 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 grill.

• Waterproof the deck. ❏ — Creators News Service value of 60. The R-value refers to how resistant it is to heat loss — thicker insulation is usually more effective.

To meet these standards, your attic

should have at least 19 inches of fiberglass batt, or roll, insulation or 22 inches of blown insulation. If you can see the wood beams, or joists, in your attic, you definitely don't have enough insulation.

Other steps you can take to keep your home operating more energy efficiently during the cold winter months is to vacuum air vents, change air filters regularly and lubricate the blower motor according to manufacturer directions. You should also have your furnace serviced professionally once a year.

Inspect and repair weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and replace as needed.

Be sure you check garage doors and other entry routes into your home as well. Don't forget to insulate around air ducts and hot water pipes.

Some types of insulation are better for specific uses than others so be sure to read the manufacturer's labels and installation directions. Batt or roll insulation is flexible, often made of fiberglass or rockwool. It is easy for a do-it-yourself weekend job.

Blown-in loose-fill insulation includes cellulose, fiberglass or rockwool in the form of loose fibers or fiber pellets and is good for walls and irregular spaces. The fill must be blown in with high-powered pressure equipment and usually requires professional installation. Professionals can apply polyisocyanurate and polyurethane foam insulation using special equipment.

Rigid insulation is made from fibrous materials or plastic foams and is produced in board-like forms and molded pipe coverings. Reflective insulation systems are made from aluminum foils with a variety of backings like craft paper, plastic film, polyethylene bubbles or cardboard.

Radiant and vapor barriers will help keep cool moist air from entering your home.

In addition to the substantial savings on your utility bill, both the U.S. and Canadian governments are currently offering generous tax credits for certain energy-efficient home improvement products.❏ — Creators News Service

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