IMPROVEMENT
A publication of Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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Kitchen and bath upgrades to do before the holidays (BPT) - Days are beginning to shorten and the evening air has a hint of coolness, which means soon there will be thoughts of planning for the holiday season. Many homeowners saved money during the past year due to putting vacations on hold, working from home and not spending as much on events. More households have the money for the home renovation they may have been planning. “People are beginning to think about the holidays and renovating spaces where visitors will gather,” said Christopher O’Rourke, Mercury Insurance Vice President of Property Claims. “Before you set out remodeling the kitchen of your dreams, consider the quality of the type of materials you will be using, how much they will cost.” Time is another item to consider. The average kitchen remodel can take anywhere from six to eight weeks while bathrooms can take four to six weeks. Here are three kitchen and bath upgrades you can still do before the start of the holiday season. 1. Update lighting and fixtures The right kitchen lighting can create the optimal holiday mood where a warm glow can stir feelings of cozy comfort for your guests. A dimmer switch in the bathroom can offer calming light for a bath. “A change in lighting can make all the difference in the look of your home, but when considering any electrical changes it’s best to hire a qualified electrician to examine your home’s electrical system,” said O’Rourke. “Updating old electrical installations may eventually reduce your homeowners insurance cost as older electrical systems are more likely to be considered fire hazards, which can impact the cost of your coverage. Updated electrical equipment can lower this cost.” 2. Replacing old appliances with high energy-efficiency appliances Smart refrigerators and dishwashers will generate looks of admiration from your guests while making holiday meal prep and cleanup easier and less time consuming. These appliances go beyond their aesthetically pleasing qualities as they can also lower energy consumption and costs. “Innovations such as improved design and reduced water and energy con-
sumption make Energy Star appliances a smart choice when replacing older appliances,” said O’Rourke. 3. Update floors and countertops Granite and marble countertops, wood cabinets, and stone floors are some of the more popular materials being used to give homes a modern look. These highend renovations will increase your home value, as well as your premiums, but not by as much as you think. “There is a misconception that premiums will jump significantly with the installation of contemporary materials, but on average, Mercury Insurance policyholders may only see an increase of several more dollars a month added to their policy,” said O’Rourke. It’s important to review any home renovations with your insurance agent in a timely manner. If not, there could be gaps in your existing coverage that may not protect your new investment if disaster strikes.
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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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Creative ways to enjoy gardening this fall BPT) - When the weather starts to cool down, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fall gardening season, both indoors and out. All it takes is a little creativity - and the right plants.
Use flowers for festive fall decorating Fall is all about festive colors - and Cool Wave™ Pansies will not disappoint. They are available in many rich colors that complement the bold hues of the changing autumn leaves. From golds and lavenders to deep purples and burgundy hues, Cool Wave™ Pansies grace any porch or patio with their truly trailing cascades of color. They are the fastest-growing, longest-lasting flowers that you can continue to enjoy through the frost. You can place them in the ground, window boxes, lush hanging baskets or other decorative containers.
Eat your garden If you enjoy using fresh herbs and vegetables to help create flavorful meals, you can still grow them yourself inside on a sunny windowsill or kitchen counter, or outside on a patio table or balcony. The new Kitchen Minis™ collection of tabletop vegetables from PanAmerican Seed gives you cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers or hot peppers even if you don’t have a garden at all. These compact potted vegetable plants come fruiting so you can harvest and enjoy your own tasty veggies with the satisfaction of success right in your own home. Bring outdoor plants inside To add an extra layer of visual appeal and texture to any room, choose vivid plants and flowers that make a bold design statement, contrasting beautifully with your plush pillows and chunky throw blankets this fall. Here are a couple of traditionally outdoor plant options that also do well indoors once the temperatures start to drop. * Jurassic™ Rex Begonias have a fascinating variety of colored, differently sized and patterned leaves, and they can easily thrive indoors. Rex Begonias are ideal for novice gardeners or those who do not have much time for maintenance since they do not require intense care.
Beyond the garden, you can take outdoor decorating to the next level with fun DIY projects: 2 Use hollowed-out pumpkins or other gourds as containers for small pots of pansies. 2 Take a fresh approach to entertaining by using Cool Wave™ Pansies in multiple colors to decorate your alfresco fall tablescapes next to candles and pinecones. 2 You can even use the pansy blooms as garnishes in everything from cocktails and cheeseboards to salads, cupcakes and more - Cool Wave™ Pansies are edible! * ColorBloom™ Gerbera offer long-lasting flowers that help bring living color to your indoor décor. Their friendly blooms take center stage in so many seasonal color choices of autumnal reds, yellows, pinks, oranges and white.
As summer comes to a close, a new opportunity to garden is just beginning. No matter where you live, plants and flowers like these can help you enjoy the fun and satisfaction of indoor and outdoor gardening well into fall.
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Heating & Cooling
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Renovating your home? Don’t forget the heating and cooling system (BPT) - As the pandemic continues to keep many Americans in their houses, home improvement projects are on the rise. With long durations of time spent at home, more homeowners value a comfortable and functional living space. Today, renovation and repair are preferred by 61% of people over relocation. One key aspect of creating a comfortable, connected and healthier home is its heating and cooling system. There are multiple considerations in implementing temperature and airflow control as part of a home improvement project: * More than half of homes in the U.S. were built before 1980. It’s crucial to maintain the durability of a home with quality heating and cooling systems that will last, while still preserving the architecture of an older home. * Spending on home improvement projects is growing at twice the rate of other retail categories in the U.S. As the economy recovers and home prices rise, more homeowners are choosing to invest in remodeling projects to stay on trend. As homeowners tackle improvement projects, they can take steps now to improve a home’s temperature and airflow control with these feasible tips: Place a plant shade outside: On bright and hot days, solar rays enter the home from different angles and overheat various living spaces. A tree in bloom can block up to 70% of radiation, while also adding beautiful landscaping to your property. Invest in a ductless unit: A ductless system is an ideal solution for homeowners with limited space or older homes, as advanced technology enables the preservation without major construction.
Or, consider if VRF is right for you: Variant Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems are versatile and powerful. In fact, a VRF single-phase heat pump designed for residential use delivers similar flexibility and control to that of a standard VRF system used to heat and cool large office buildings or industrial spaces. Homeowners can also take advantage of VRF equipment that allows for multi-zone application within a compact footprint, allowing comfort and efficiency at the same time. Clean your current system: Dust and other in-
door pollutants tend to populate in overlooked areas of the home. During home improvement projects, it’s best to call a professional for system cleaning, which will allow you to continue renovations and design for better temperature and airflow control. The home improvement industry isn’t set to slow down any time soon. Find unique, innovative ways to renovate your home’s temperature and airflow control system by reaching out to a Carrier dealer to explore Carrier Residential’s expansive suite of Ductless and VRF solutions.
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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Why now is the ideal time to aerate and seed your lawn (BPT) - As a homeowner, you likely associate lawn care maintenance with mowing, watering and weeding - but there are a few other important steps you might be missing. Aeration and seeding are often overlooked, essential steps to ensuring a vibrant, healthy lawn that can help fight weed growth. In fact, according to a new survey TruGreen released in partnership with Opinium, four in five Americans with lawns don’t have aeration and seeding services performed for their lawn. “For many areas of the country, late summer into fall is the best time to give your lawn some extra TLC,” says Brian Feldman, director of technical operations at TruGreen. “Performing aeration and seeding at this time provides more time for your lawn to establish a strong root system before the stresses of the hot summer months.” “As one of the more complicated lawn chores, it’s optimal to consult a professional service for help with aeration and seeding for the best,
Feldman offers the top five benefits of lawn aeration and seeding - and why you should have these essential services performed during the late summer to fall. 1. Aeration lets the soil breathe If you have a lawn, chances are it experiences a lot of foot traffic during the sunny summer months. The aeration process helps relieve soil compaction due to lawn traffic, which allows the lawn to receive nutrition. 2. Aeration reduces dead grass spots Aeration helps manage dead grass build-up by introducing thatch-decomposing microorganisms from the soil to the top layer. Leaving your lawn untreated can be detrimental as it can make it more susceptible to insect and disease problems. 3. Aeration improves overall lawn health Aeration works to provide your grass greater access to air, water and nutrients by opening a pathway to the root system. This will help your lawn look greener and healthier.
most efficient results,” says Feldman. “According to our recent survey, 90% of people who have outsourced lawn care tasks to a pro are satisfied with the results. By partnering with a professional service provider, homeowners don’t have to worry about purchasing or renting tools, using heavy equipment or risking injury - all while ensuring the highest quality for your lawn. In fact, experts such as ours at TruGreen, can confidently
select and use the highest quality seeds that aid in germination potential and provide improved disease and drought tolerance.” As you prepare your lawn for the changing seasons, make sure you’re including all the important steps in your lawn care regimen. Aeration and seeding can make or break your lawn, and now is the best time to perform this treatment for healthy, lush grass come spring.
4. Grass becomes ready for a green spring Aeration promotes root development and growth to help grasses overcome seasonal stresses such as summer drought. For cool-season grasses, seeding performed alongside aeration can improve the density of your lawn and enhance its color. Soil cultivation enhances the seed to topsoil contact necessary for germination and creates a moist, protected environment optimal for seedling growth and development. 5. Seeding helps fill in the gaps Seeding can dramatically improve your lawn’s appearance by filling in bare spots and addressing thinning areas. Filling in any empty spaces also helps crowd out encroaching weeds.
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
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Design ideas to give your home a farmhouse feel Farmhouse style homes are having a moment. A 2020 survey from Homes. com asked more than 5,000 adults across the United States about their favorite house style from a list that included bohemian craftsman, mid-century modern ranch, French chateau, and Tudor, among others. Modern farmhouse was the runaway winner, as participants in 42 of the 50 states indicated this simple, cozy style was their favorite. Home renovation projects can help homeowners put their own unique stamp on their homes, and such projects can be both aesthetic and functional in nature. The following are some farmhouse design elements homeowners can consider as they look to transform their home interiors with this popular style in mind. • Exposed beams: Exposed beams instantly evoke images of a farmhouse. The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that this rustic renovation project can utilize real wood or faux beams that look like the real thing. Decorative beams that have nothing to do with a home’s structural integrity can be installed by skilled do-it-yourselfers. However, even faux beams are heavy, and BobVila.com recommends homeowners have an engineer assess their existing structure prior to installation. • Distressed wood finishes: Distressing is designed to make something look less than perfect. Distressed wood finishes can be found throughout many farmhouse style homes. Furniture and picture frames can provide the distressed look farmhouse fans are looking for. This is a relatively inexpensive project that many homeowners can tackle on their own after watching some online tutorials that recommend the right tools and techniques to get the job done right. • Kitchen sink: Many components combine to create a truly classic farmhouse kitchen. But perhaps no compo-
nent is more essential than the classic farmhouse sink. The renovation experts at HGTV note that a classic farmhouse sink features a deep, wide basin. Farmhouse sinks are large enough to handle all the dishes that come after a big family meal. Old-fashioned porcelain sinks are worth consideration by
?
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homeowners who want their kitchen sinks to evoke a traditional farmhouse feel. • Countertops: HGTV recommends butcher block countertops for homeowners who favor European farmhouse style. Homeowners overhauling their kitchens to create a farmhouse
feel should consider installing a large island with a walnut butcher block countertop for an authentic farmhouse feel. Some simple renovations can help homeowners with a fondness for farmhouse style bring this classic look into their homes.
When remodeling a home with the ultimate goal of making it more attractive to prospective buyers, homeowners can benefit from taking stock of current trends, including the style of home that’s most popular. According to a 2020 Homes.com survey of more than 5,000 adults across the United States, modern farmhouse is the most favored house style. The survey asked participants to choose from a selection of styles, including mid-century modern ranch, Spanish colonial/southwest, bohemian craftsman, Italianate, French chateau, and Tudor. The modern farmhouse style was the most popular choice in 42 of the 50 states, proving that home style preference is not beholden to geography. Respondents gave a host of reasons for favoring the modern farmhouse look, including that the style is “aesthetically appealing but not boring” and that it looks “simple, cozy, and not too busy.”
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3 health-conscious home updates worth the investment (BPT) - The pandemic has brought new focus to home enhancements that not only add value, but also support wellness. Today’s homeowners are investing in thoughtful improvements that prioritize safety and well-being, helping to substantially increase the home’s health quotient. Here are three, big-impact home improvements trending in 2021 that support health and safety: Upgrade your home’s water From drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning, water is in constant use in a home. Essential to life, high-quality water that helps your family live healthier is vitally important. However, many homes are plagued with poor water sources that may contain toxins or contamination. A good first step is to get your water tested - many communities and organizations offer free testing. If taste or water quality is a concern, a filtered water system can help provide safe drinking water at the tap. If you have hard water, you may want to research systems that condition the water such as a water softener. These systems remove excess minerals and produce water that helps appliances run more efficiently and is easier on the skin and hair while bathing. Keep in mind, older homes may require upgraded plumbing systems to replace aging and deteriorating pipes. One modern solution for repiping homes is using Uponor AquaPEX™ a flexible polymer piping material that resists corrosion, pitting and scale
buildup. Flexible pipe like this lasts longer and makes repiping easier, bending around corners and fitting into tight spaces without having to cut large holes in drywall. Install a snow and ice melting system Much of the nation faces seasonal snow and ice, which presents many challenges for homeowners. As winter weather begins to cover driveways and walkways, slip hazards increase, not to mention the risk of injury during removal. Hydronic radiant snow-removal and ice-melting systems are a smart solution that melts snow and ice quickly, eliminating the need to shovel and plow, as well as the use of toxic ice melt chemicals that are harmful to the environment. How do they work? Installed by a professional, the Uponor residential snow and ice melting systems use durable PEX tubing buried in concrete, asphalt or a sand bed to circulate a warm water and glycol solution that heats the surface until it is warm enough to melt snow and ice. A simple on/off manual switch can control the system, or it can be fully automatic, sensing when melting is needed. These systems improve the health and safety of a home by eliminating slippery ice and snow, which in turn reduces the likelihood of injuries, as well as the associated liability and lawsuits. The system also helps meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations if a home is opting to follow those standards. Plus, at the time
of resale, it’s a notable healthy home upgrade to catch the eye of a potential buyer. Elevate air quality When you heat or cool your home, conventional forced-air systems push treated air through ductwork in the walls and ceilings, which often circulates pollutants as well as dust and allergens that lower overall indoor air quality. This is a concern because Americans spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, where the concentrations of some pollutants are two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. A whole-home air filter system is worth considering for ongoing air treatment as well as other steps that reduce reliance on these systems. For example, hydronic radiant heating
works by warming water at a heat source and circulating it through PEX piping installed beneath the floor. There is no fan to circulate dust, allergens and odors, so you can breathe easier while enjoying warmth and comfort. In addition to improving your home’s heating and air conditioning methods, it’s important to take steps to limit new pollution in a home. When doing home projects, be mindful of using supplies and materials with high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can infiltrate the air you inhale. VOCs can be found in various home-building products, including paint, plywood, fabric, carpet and foam. It may cost more to purchase items with low VOCs, but people are increasingly willing to make this investment to support home air quality.
Popular renovation projects during the pandemic Spending so much time at home during the pandemic led many homeowners to spruce up their homes. According to HomeAdvisor’s 2021 State of Home Spending report, spending on home improvements increased by an average of $745 per household in 2020. In the face of travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines, many homeowners pivoted in 2020 and spent money they initially intended to use for vacations on home improvements. Though many such projects required the services of a professional contractor, others, including the most popular project among the 5,000 homeowners who participated in the HomeAdvisor report, were do-ityourself endeavors. That not only gave homeowners’ homes a new look, but also gave them something to do during quarantine. The following are the five most popular home improvement projects of 2020 according to the HomeAdvisor report. 1. Interior painting: Just under 35 percent of participants reported taking on an interior painting project in 2020. Interior painting projects can be perfect for DIYers, but homeowners also can trust this task to skilled professionals.
3. Flooring: Floors took on a lot of extra traffic during the pandemic, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that flooring projects were popular in 2020. More than one-fourth of participants told HomeAdvisor their homes were updated with a new floor during the pandemic. 4. Landscaping: With nowhere else to go to escape the daily grind in 2020, many homeowners took to their yards. Twenty-four percent of those homeowners reported making their backyard retreats more appealing by repairing or upgrading the landscaping outside their homes.
2. Bathroom renovations: Real estate professionals routinely report how much prospective buyers love updated bathrooms, so it’s no surprise that roughly 31 percent of homeowners who took part in the HomeAdvisor report indicated they renovated their bathrooms in 2020.
5. Kitchen: Another project that makes sense given the circumstances, kitchen renovations were the fifth most popular home improvement project in 2020. Restaurant closures and social distancing guidelines led many people to dine in more often than they otherwise would. As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic, many homeowners who caught the renovation bug while in quarantine also will be emerging with what feels like an entirely new home.
How to maintain hardwood floors
pears, then the floor is surface sealed. If a smudge is created, then the floor has been treated with a penetrating seal. How often should floors be polished or waxed? Wood flooring professionals recommend polishing floors that can be polished once every few months. Waxing wood floors does not need to be done as frequently, and most can benefit from a fresh coat of wax every 12 to 18 months. What can I do on a daily basis? Some simple tricks and daily maintenance can help wood floors maintain their impressive look. Utilize floor mats. The HDA notes that floor mats near entryways can reduce the time it takes to clean hardwood floors and reduce the wear and tear they endure. Tiny particles like dirt can scratch the floor and contribute to the kind of minor damage that adds up to significant scarring over time. Floor mats near entryways ensures that most of that dirt never makes it to the wood floors.
Vacuum without a beater bar. Some vacuums contain beater bars, which are designed to pick up human hair, dog hair and other things that conventional vacuums may not be able to pick up. The HDA advises vacuuming without the beater bar, as it can contribute to small scratches in the floor. Sweeping with a high-quality broom or microfiber cloth is another way to pick up dirt without damaging floors.
Use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products. Local home improvement stores sell a host of hardwood floor cleaning products, but the HDA notes that many flooring manufacturers now sell their own hardwood floor cleaners designed specifically for their floors. These products are likely homeowners’ best bets. Homeowners who can’t find them can seek recommendations from a local flooring retailer.
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FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Hardwood floors have long been sought after by home buyers. In its 2019 “Remodeling Impact Report,” the National Association of Realtors® revealed that new wood flooring was the fourth most popular project to attract buyers. Of course, hardwood floors aren’t just for buyers. Homeowners who already have hardwood floors know just how impressive these floors can be. To polish or not to polish? Polishing floors is an inexpensive way to keep them looking good. Not all floors can be polished, and determining which ones can depends on the finish. Floors with waterproof barriers such as urethane will benefit from routine polishing. However, floors with penetrating finishes like tung oil will need to be waxed rather than polished. What finish is on the floor? The Hardwood Distributor’s Association recommends a simple way for homeowners to determine which type of finish is on their hardwood floors. Homeowners are advised to rub a finger across the floor. If no smudge ap-
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