Thursday, April 27, 2017
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Mold. Mildew. Dirt. Oil. Grime. They are not
usually requires a lighter touch, about 1,500 pounds per square inch. The cleaning of concrete may take more.
pretty, and if left long enough, they can wreak havoc on a home. Spring brings nice weather and green gunk on and around your home. Hosing away the gunk is a necessity for the health and happiness of your home, and the best way to go about it is with a pressure washer.
Most exterior surfaces can be pressure washed, from decks and patios to driveways and sidewalks to brick, stucco and siding. The key is to adjust the pressure for each surface and attack the gunk from top to bottom, standing at least three feet away. This will prevent damage from intense pressure. If you have heavily soiled areas, you may want to look into using some type of cleaner and a scrub brush.
A pressure washer makes quick work of outside cleaning. Water is directed through a high-pressure nozzle to sweep away all of the mold, mildew, dirt, oil and grime from siding, brick, stucco, decking and more. A pressure washer is not a hose. It is a tool, and it must be used properly to prevent damage and obtain a thorough clean.
Read up on the surfaces you intend to clean and prepare accordingly. You should also take
You can purchase a pressure washer or rent one for the day. Many brands
time out to prep the site. Close all windows and doors. Remove all obstacles. Cover all plants. Then get ready to clean the surface from top to bottom, washing the dirt down. This will save valuable time and energy.
are available. If you are buying a pressure washer, make sure you do your homework. Read up on the various brands available and choose the one that is right for you. Generally, the more powerful the washer, the more it will cost but the heavier jobs it will be able to tackle. Choose a model that will serve your long-term needs and your budget.
Pressure washing is not hard, and doing it routinely could save you money and time later. If left long enough, gunk and grime can take a real toll on a home and cause rotting and other structural issues. It can also take a toll on your health. Don’t leave it to Mother Nature to care for the exterior of your home. A good hard rain won’t do as good of a cleaning as a pressure washer will. Borrow one, rent one or buy one and take the time to make the surfaces on and around your home shine.
Once you get the pressure washer home, make sure you know how to use it. Read the owner’s manual and know what pressure to use for the job. The cleaning of brick, stucco and wood siding
Looking to add a little pizzazz to a room? Consider splashing some glitter onto the walls. There are a couple of ways you can go about this. You can use paint with crystals or apply a glitter glaze on top of the base coat. Both the crystals and the glaze come in a variety of colors, and when you grow tired of the look, all you have to do is prime the walls and apply a fresh coat of paint. Adding crystals to paint is easy. Just visit your local hardware or paint store and select the color of crystals you want. One to two packets per gallon will suffice, though for a really glittery look, you may want to use more. Drop the crystals into the paint, and to prevent them from settling to the bottom of the can, use a drill with a mixing attachment. Then, just paint the room as you would normally and prepare for a sparkling outcome.
Unlike the crystals, glitter glaze is a two-step process. First, you need to paint the walls. Then, you may apply the glaze. Several brands and shades are available. Directions for use will vary from product to product, but most will require you to apply the glaze on top of a dry base coat. Don’t worry if the glaze appears milky. It will dry clear. You should work in small sections using a roller and a brush for hard-to-reach areas. Rolling at different angles will prevent ridges and lines. The glaze will remain wet and workable for about five minutes or so and dry to a shimmery finish. Transforming plain walls into glittery glam is easy with the products today. Head to your local hardware or paint store to see what’s available. Consult with the sales staff and select the right product for your needs. Then, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions. With just a little bit of work, you can make the walls shine!
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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
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• Thursday, April 27, 2017
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| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
Generally, the lighter the paint color, the airier and more open a room will feel. Some rooms, however, look dark no matter how light the color on the walls. Basement rooms, in particular, can be dull and dreary. How do you lighten up a room when the paint on the walls in not the issue?
Let there be light
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
Light is one of the easiest ways to make a dark room brighter. Study the lighting in the room. Where could you add more? Could you light up a dark corner with a floor lamp or add more task lighting with a table lamp behind the sofa? If you’ve got the budget, you might want to replace all old light fixtures. At the very least you should replace the light bulbs with brighter, more efficient ones. Does the room have windows? Use them. Throw open the blinds or drapes and give the windows a good cleaning to let in as much natural light as possible. You might also want to look into adding some skylights to the room.
Let there be space Nothing can make a room feel darker and more closed in than clutter. Take stock of the contents of the room. Is there anything you no longer need or want? Get rid of it! Have a yard sale or make a donation. Pay particular attention to the furniture in the room. The more pieces in the room, the tighter it will feel. Donate or sell what you don’t need and give the room space to breathe.
Let there be color You may have a light color on the walls, but what about elsewhere? Caramel-colored sofas and chairs set against
caramel-colored walls will make the room look dark and drab. While replacing the furniture might not be in your budget, adding some colorful accessories should not cost you too much. You can shop for inexpensive accessories or pull them from other parts of your home. Sheets make great slipcovers and a vase of flowers from the yard will really perk up the fireplace mantel. Add some colorful throw pillows, books and prints, and a rug underfoot, and you might be surprised by how much lighter the room feels.
Let there be personality Does the room speak to you and your tastes? Could someone walk into the room and learn something about you? No? Time to change that. Think about what you love most and find a way to incorporate it into the room. Do you love to travel? Display some vacation mementos or photos. Do you love animals? Bring in some of your favorite animal photos or statues. Give the room some personality, and it will feel brighter.
Let there be music Music can dramatically change the feel of a room and help you see it in a different light. Bring in a radio or stereo and turn it on often. Making a room feel brighter doesn’t always require a complete remodel. The simplest of changes can make a world of difference. Give these suggestions a try and see what happens. That once dark, unappealing room might just become your favorite place to be.
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424 W. Terra Cotta Ave (Rte. 176 & Oak St.) • Crystal Lake • 815-459-4380 • www.gulgren.com
• Thursday, April 27, 2017
graduation, he joined the family business full-time in 1982. Mike and Greg are very honored to be running a family business that has been serving McHenry County for more that 58 years. Over the years they have seen many independent stores come and go, and many box stores close up like Highland, Fretter, Circuit City, Silo and recently, H.H. Greg and Sears. “They’ve all come and gone but we are still here,” Mike said. Mike and Greg attribute Gulgren’s success to a knowledgeable sales team, outstanding service, and competitive pricing. “Some of the big box stores will try to create the perception of a lower price, but charge extra for delivery, installation, and removing the old item, which are all things we include. So in the end, the total price you pay with us ends up being the same or often lower than what you pay at the chain stores,” said Mike. Gulgren’s 5,000 square foot showroom means there are plenty of models in stock, and ready for delivery. “Our approach is to educate customers about what different manufacturers and models offer, and guide them toward the best decision for their needs and budget. Since we don’t have a lot of turnover, our salespeople really know the products,” Mike said.
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Not only are Mike Gulgren and Greg Danielson proud to be the second generation to run Gulgren Appliance of Crystal Lake, they’re also proud to sell products manufactured in the United States. “We’re really pleased some of our manufacturers have brought their operations back to the U.S. We’re very happy to be selling products that are made here,” said Mike Gulgren. Known for outstanding service and selection, Gulgren Appliance carries a variety of makes and models, from basic to premium appliances, by quality manufacturers such as Maytag, Whirlpool, GE, KitchenAid, Wolf, SubZero and many more. Brothers Gene and Leroy Gulgren opened Gulgren Appliance in 1959. “They grew up on a farm and learned to be handy and hard working. My dad loved working on cars, small motors and appliances, so he ran the service department. My uncle Leroy handled the sales end of the business,” Mike said. Greg Danielson joined Gulgren as a high school student participating in his school’s work-study program. “He started working here at sixteen, met my sister Sue, they got married and now he’s been here for over forty years,” said Mike. Mike started working at the store part-time while attending Crystal Lake Central High School. After
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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5 simple projects to recreate your backyard
(BPT) - Your focus changes during the warm weather months. Your backyard becomes your new living room and the most memorable evenings are spent outdoors with friends and loved ones. This is provided, of course, that you have the perfect space for such gatherings. If you don’t, not to worry, the right project can get you there. DIY was made for goals such as this, and a simple weekend project can recreate your backyard space into the outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted. Below are five projects you could tackle in a single weekend to recreate your backyard space. Review each to see which inspires you. You can always learn more about the step-by-step process to complete these projects through project blueprints and video at www.realcedar.com.
• A bar for the deck. A deck bar is an easy weekend project to house your cooler and act as a serving station for weekend events. Start this project by laminating four two-by-sixes together to form the top. Cut notches from four four-by-fours to build the legs for the bar and add the adjoining pieces to build the outside of the frame. Then add your cooler and connect your top to the frame with a hinge for a finished look.
• A bench for sitting or storage. A beautiful bench that’s perfect for sitting or storing comes together in three simple steps. Build the frame from notched pieces of Western Red Cedar, before filling the back with narrow strips of wood to form the back rest. Finally, build the bench and attach it to the frame with a series of hinges, ensuring the door can be opened whenever a little storage space is needed.
• A doggy décor crate. If you’re looking for a safe place for your pooch, one where they can rest on their bed without fear of being trampled, a décor crate delivers. The design is available in three different sizes based on the size of your dog and project plans for smaller dogs even include stairs. You can find free, downloadable building plans for each at www.realcedar.com.
• Time to dine on your new table. Great memories are built around the dining room table, so when you want to spend more time outdoors, don’t be afraid to take the table with you. Building a stylish cedar table is easier than you think, and the matching benches make for a cozy gathering spot perfect for a collection of family and friends. Follow the simple building plans and remember if you choose to finish your table, you should coat all six sides before installation.
• Modern privacy right in your garden. Your garden is where you spend hours doing hard work, so why not make it a relaxing destination as well? A garden privacy nook can turn your favorite destination into a peaceful oasis with just a few rim joists, carriage bolts and Western Red Cedar two-by-fours. Download the plans at www. realcedar.com and find your oasis today. Warmer weather is here but the season only lasts so long, so make the most of it while you can. Bring any of these five projects into your backyard and your favorite warm weather hangout space will be a spot you can enjoy all season long.
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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Quality, Commitment & Customer Service is why Hogan Exteriors is on TOP!
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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How to get the best-looking lawn for your time and money
Photo courtesy of The LaurelRock Company/LoveYourLandscape.org (BPT) - If grubs overtake your lawn this spring, will you know how to get rid of them? Do you have the time and skill to effectively patch those ugly bare spots that developed over the winter? A lush lawn and beautiful landscape are on virtually every homeowner’s wish list, but a lack of time and knowledge commonly keep people from effectively caring for their own lawns. Americans spend an average of just 20 minutes a day on lawn care, according to the American Time Use Survey. What’s more, many homeowners don’t know how to properly care for their lawn and landscape, a Harris Poll reveals. Conducted on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the survey found that while nearly seven in 10 Americans said their lawn could be better, nearly one in three didn’t know how often to water their lawns and nearly a third admitted to not knowing how to grow a healthy lawn. “A healthy lawn isn’t just for cosmetic appeal,” says Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs for NALP. “Properly maintained lawns can not only elevate home value but also reduce exposure to weed-induced allergies and help purify the air in communities.” Of the 94 percent of people with landscaping around their homes, 44 percent hired professionals to help over the past year. Working with lawn care professionals can help ensure your lawn remains healthy and attractive all year round.
NALP offers some advice for getting the most for your money when you work with a lawn care professional:
professional can work with you to include specific tasks in a contract that sets expectations for both parties.
* Put some thought and research into the hiring process. Look for lawn
* Be open to your lawn care professional’s suggestion about types of grass seed for your landscape. Often,
care companies that are members of an industry association, and ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. When you’re interviewing companies, find out how long they’ve been in business and the experience level of staff. If you live in a state that requires lawn care professionals to be licensed, make sure the one you’re considering has a valid license. Ask for a written, detailed contract that specifies what work the company will be doing in your yard.
* Talk with your lawn care professional about your long-term vision for your yard so you can develop a master plan together. For example, if you envision large planting beds in front of your house or a shade garden in the backyard, they can help suggest how to progress in phases that will fit your budget.
* Be clear about your budget and expectations before hiring a lawn care professional. Will you want the company to aerate and seed the grass? Manage weeds and troubleshoot problem areas? Your lawn care
professionals prefer working with grasses and plants that are native to your region since they’re most likely to thrive in your landscape.
* Follow your lawn care professional’s guidance for watering and any other lawn care tasks that you’ll be handling yourself. Ideally, your DIY efforts should complement the work your professional is doing, rather than undermine it. For example, if your lawn care professional seeds your lawn to fill in some bare spots, follow his or her instructions for watering the seed to ensure the best possible results. Seventy-five percent of Realtors have suggested home sellers do a standard lawn care program before putting their homes on the market, according to the 2016 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of Realtors and the NALP. What’s more, 14 percent say professional lawn care helped close a sale for them, and the project recovers 303 percent of its investment value at the time of sale, the report found. To find a lawn care professional near you, visit www.loveyourlandscape.org.
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Building Codes
What are the building codes in your area? Can you abide by them in your attic conversion without breaking the bank? Get a list of applicable codes and required inspections for your conversion and make sure you can follow them. The work will be inspected, and if it is not up to code, the entire job could be shut down.
Staircase
Do you have a staircase leading up to your attic? If not, do you have the space to install one? A straight staircase is the easiest to build, but it will take up a great deal of space. A spiral staircase will take up less space, but it won’t allow for easy transport of large items like furniture. If you have no space inside for a staircase, you may be able to construct one outside. Check with the zoning laws in your area first. An outside staircase could turn your home into a multiple-family dwelling, which may not be permitted in your area. You will also need another exit like a window. Make sure you have the space to install one if there isn’t one already.
Ceiling
How high is your attic ceiling? Is it high enough to allow enough headroom after the installation of insulation and venting? Most building codes require at least 7-1/2 feet of headroom. If you don’t have that kind of headroom, do you have the budget to alter the roof framing and expand the ceiling height?
Support
How strong is your attic flooring? Is it strong enough to withstand an addition, or will it have to be reinforced? You will also need to make sure the rafters can support the weight of drywall, electrical and heating and cooling system components. Keep in mind that adding joists will reduce the headroom available.
Electrical
Do you have electrical in your attic already? If not, can your electrical panel handle a heavier load? Is there room for more breakers? Consult a licensed electrician to know for sure.
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How do you plan to heat and cool the new space? Attics tend to be cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and your current forced air blower may not circulate enough air to heat and cool the attic space. You may need to add other systems, such as electrical baseboard heating or a window air conditioner. Depending upon the systems you choose, the contractor may have to install wiring,
ductwork, thermostats and whatever else the building codes demand. Converting an attic can provide you with more living space. It is not always feasible or practical, however. Talk to a few contractors, review your budget and building codes, and consider if the investment would be worthwhile. If you plan to live in your home for a long time and you are really short on space, it might be a good idea. If you’re not, you may want to just rework the living areas you already have. Getting rid of some clutter and shuffling some things around could give you the extra square footage you need.
SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
When homeowners are in need of additional square footage, one of the first places that may come to mind is the attic. Converting an attic into living space is an idea, but it is not always a feasible one. Here are some factors to consider before signing a contract.
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Kitchens are often the heart of a home. They’re the place where people gather together to enjoy each other’s company as they prepare food, pay bills or do other chores. Kitchens work overtime and can take a real beating over the years, especially the cabinets. While some homeowners choose to reface their cabinets, others choose to replace them entirely. There are pros and cons to each, of course, but either way, the heart of the home will get a much-needed facelift. Refacing cabinets is generally the less expensive option of the two. With refacing, cabinet boxes are left in place while the exposed frames are refaced with plastic veneer or wood and new cabinet doors and drawers or drawer fronts are installed. For an additional cost, other accessories may be incorporated, such as pull-out shelves, a lazy Susan, flip-out drawer fronts, a wine rack or a pull-out trash bin. Some refacers will even replace countertops, sinks and flooring. Need a cabinet above the refrigerator? No problem. Your refacer can custombuild one for an additional fee. Refacing works best on cabinets that are in good condition but could use some updating. The average cost for a job runs from $5,000 to $8,000. Replacing is just what it sounds like. All of the old kitchen cabinets are removed and new ones are installed. This option is much more time
consuming, but if your cabinets are in terrible shape or you are looking to create a better layout or add storage, new cabinets are your best bet. But, be prepared to shell out some money. New cabinets can cost anywhere from $5,000 on up. Add in the cost of installation and extras like molding, and you can see why replacement is the more expensive option. Both options have their pros and cons. Refacing can generally be done in a week or less, whereas installing new cabinets can take weeks. New cabinets mean new everything inside and out, whereas with refaced cabinets, you get just new doors, drawers and hardware. If your cabinets are older, that could be a plus as many cabinets built 20 or 30 years ago are of better quality than some of the cabinets on the market today. Refacing will do nothing for cabinets that are in poor condition or misaligned due to sagging floors. To determine the best option for you, consult
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with some reputable contractors. They can tell you whether your cabinets are in good enough condition to reface and advise you as to the best route to take. If you are looking for more counter space, for example, new cabinets may be the way to go. Budget is always a factor. How much do you have to spend? Generally, it costs twice as much to replace cabinets as it does to reface them. Should you purchase stock cabinets or install them yourself, however, you may be able to save enough to afford new cabinets. Look around and do your homework. The right cabinets, new or updated, can enhance the feel of any kitchen. Review the options carefully and make the right choice for you. Reface or replace, you’re sure to end up with a kitchen your friends and family will enjoy hanging out in.
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SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
5 indoor projects to add to your spring cleaning list
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• Thursday, April 27, 2017
(BPT) - Spring cleaning is a seasonal tradition. You’ve been setting house projects aside all winter, and now’s the perfect time to make sure the warm weather season starts with a cleaner, happier home. So open the windows, turn on your favorite song, and start your spring cleaning with these five todos.
* Clear the clutter.
Removing excess clutter is a great cleaning tip any time of year, but finishing this task when the weather was colder may not have been as tempting. Tackle your home room by room and analyze the items you find. If you haven’t used something in a year or more, it’s time for it to go.
* Freshen up the floors.
After a season of tracking dirt, snow and mud, your floors could use some attention. If the damage is minor, a thorough vacuuming will do the trick. If the wear and tear is more significant, you may need a more comprehensive solution. If you have carpet, renting a carpet cleaner allows you to tackle the job yourself, saving you money over hiring a professional or purchasing your own machine. And if you have hardwood or tile floors, rent a floor buffer. It’s the easiest way to give your floors back their shine in no time. * Pretty it up with paint. The windows are open and a gentle breeze is moving air through your home. This is the right time to cross that painting project off your to-do list. Small painting projects can be handled with a
single can and a brush, but for your larger painting endeavors, rent a paint sprayer. It’s the best way to get an even, professional coat in a short amount of time so you’re finished before the breeze dies down. * Better the baseboards. Baseboards provide a stylish accent to any room in your home, but when they’re dirty, they stand out for all the wrong reasons. To clean them, start by vacuuming your baseboards and scrubbing each with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dry each with a towel before wiping them with a dryer sheet. This last step will help repel dust from landing on your baseboards. Plus, it’ll give your home a fresh scent.
* Clean the vents.
One of the joys of warmer weather is the increase in fresh air that flows through your home - as long as that air is clean. To improve the air quality in your home immediately, clean the vents. Dirt, hair, pollen and other debris collect there, so vacuum the vents out to remove particles from your air for good. Rent a wearable vacuum and you’ll make your reaching points easier without the complications of lugging a traditional model. Apply some care and focus to these five spring cleaning tasks, and you’ll be happier with your home in the pleasant months ahead. To learn more about renting the tools you need for your spring cleaning projects, visit RentalHQ.com.
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Thursday, April 27, 2017
| SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT
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