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Spring Home Improvement | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
| Spring Home Improvement
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Make a grand entrance
a modern feel. Other subtle improvements like adding modern lighting fixtures, detailed railings, a new mailbox, stone columns or house numbers can also go a long way in enhancing a home’s custom look.
Whole-home overhaul For those ready to create a whole new style, installing new siding and trim can infuse life into a bland exterior. Vinyl siding, stone veneer and designer accents have evolved over the years, with vastly expanded color palettes, easy maintenance and a natural look.
The great outdoors The perfect addition to any exterior design renovation is an outdoor living area to entertain friends, enjoy a summer barbecue or just relax with the newspaper. To extend your interior space to the outdoors, consider projects such as installing an outdoor fireplace or kitchen with durable stone veneer, or a low maintenance vinyl privacy or picket fence. Whether you’re looking for a small refresh or a completely enhanced look, many of this year’s hottest home design trends are waiting outside.
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ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS
“Be wary of contractors who go door to door”... This article is a reprint from a November 2010 Press Release from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Lisa Madigan regarding storms and home repair. ....Madigan warns residents with damaged property that home repair scam artists frequently swoop in after tornadoes and storms to take advantage of people scrambling to make repairs. Madigan said these “storm chasers” try to catch people when they are desperate and pressure them into making a quick-often expensive-decision.
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...’’Unfortunately scammers see severe weather as an opportunity to prey on people desperate to make quick repairs in the aftermath of tornadoes and storms,” Madigan said. “As they put their lives back together, families and businesses need to make sure scam artists do not add to the misery caused by Mother Nature. The Attorney General offered the following tips to help protect individuals and companies from being duped by dishonest contractors: 1. Call the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Hotline to check out a contractor and to find out how many consumer complaints, if any, have been filed against a particular business (800-386-5438) or visit www.IllinoisAttorneyGeneral.gov. 2. Be wary of contractors who go door-to-door to offer repair services. Home repair con artists are often transients who move quickly into a troubled area. Ask for recommendations from people you know and trust and, whenever possible, use established local contractors. 3. Even if there is a need to act quickly, shop around for the best deal. Get written estimates from several contractors and don’t be rushed into a deal. 4. Be aware you have the right to cancel within three business days if you sign a contract based on a salesman’s visit to your home. 5. Get all the terms of a contract in writing and obtain a copy of the signed contract. Never make a full payment until all the work has been completed to your satisfaction. Do not pay on cash. 6. Ask to see required state or local permits or licenses. Insurance adjusters must be licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance, and roofers must be licensed by the Division of Professional Regulation. Madigan also reminded consumers that the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act requires contractors to furnish customers with written contracts for any repair work costing more than $1,000.00. A contract must be signed by both the customer and the contractor.
• Saturday, April 6, 2013
For experienced DIYers considering a weekend project, painting the front door or replacing shutters is a simple solution with dramatic results. These small changes create a focal point for the house and provide a warm, inviting appearance with
Spring Home Improvement | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
(BPT) - The busy home remodeling season is a great time for homeowners to focus on increasing curb appeal. The percentage of homeowners who feel now is a good time to spend money on home improvement has doubled since 2009, according to a recent survey among Better Homes and Gardens readers. Considering two of the top four features consumers have on their wish lists for their next home are low maintenance exteriors and a private backyard. From small touch ups to large renovations, projects such as replacing boring and beige with colorful vinyl siding and trim, updating entryways with bright front doors and shutters, and sprucing up outdoor living areas can make a big difference in the look of your home and neighborhood. Consider these upgrades to get magazine-ready looks for your home exterior.
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
| Spring Home Improvement
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Set yourself up for the perfect season of outdoor entertaining (BPT) - As temperatures warm, many of us can’t wait to get outside and rediscover the joys of our outdoor spaces. One of the best ways to ensure the enjoyment of your space all season long is with some spring cleaning and upkeep of your yard and outdoor living spaces. There are a few spring cleaning projects that benefit every homeowner and make spaces much more inviting for the hours you’ll spend enjoying the summer sun. The following checklist of improvements will have your outdoor space looking great in no time: * Take the time to prune. Before the season heats up and the first leaves start to appear, it’s the perfect time to shape up your trees and shrubs. Doing so before the growing season is less stressful for your plants, easier to clean up and will promote the type of growth you envision to keep your greenery looking great all season. Make sure your tools are sharp, as cleaner cuts are easier on plants. * Clean up leftover leaves. While you probably spent much of the fall raking and mulching fallen leaves, stragglers collect throughout winter, clogging gutters and drains. In addition to cleaning areas of your yard blanketed with leaves, rake your lawn to rid it of matted leaves that can inhibit healthy growth. Break these chores into separate days so you don’t have to do it all at once. Using a blower also helps you clean up your yard in short order. * Bring out the power washer. Winter tends to leave
its mark, and the exterior of your house, deck, sidewalks and driveway can all show grime once spring rolls around. A pressure washer is a convenient way to clean these surfaces. * Check in on your deck. Once it’s been pressure washed, it’s time to see if you need to re-seal it. If you drizzle water on your deck boards and it beads up, your seal is still effective. If not, it’s time to apply another coat of sealant. Pleasant spring days are ideal for re-sealing and staining and once you’re done, you can enjoy the whole season without worry.
* Design your dream outdoor room. Once you’ve cleaned up your space, you might realize there’s more that could be done to enhance it. Spring is the perfect time to consider a new patio set, or even a patio extension using decorative pavers. Dress up existing patio furniture by staining wood furniture or buying fresh new covers or cushions. This is also the perfect time to buy that new and improved grill you’ve had your eye on. Spring is an exciting time to get back outside and take care of some of the improvements you’ve been dreaming of all winter.
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Spring window checklist:
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(BPT) - With spring quickly approaching, it’s a good time to begin thinking of home improvement projects that will look great, but also save energy. Window replacement is one project that will help increase the energy efficiency of your home and improve curb appeal. There are often telltale signs a home may be in need of new windows, including air leakage, difficulty operating, condensation between glass panes, or exterior paint peeling. Below are five important questions to ask your contractor before beginning a project. Today’s window options go beyond color and style. When meeting with a contractor, homeowners should plan key questions to ask. Installation methods, energy efficiency and issues such as lead paint should be discussed with a contractor to make the most out of your investment for seasons to come.” What do I need to know about lead paint? Due to the risk lead paint poses, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program to help protect homeowners. This program requires contractors and personnel be trained to use lead-safe work practices. When meeting with a contractor, homeowners should ask for an EPA certificate. At least one certified contractor needs to be on the job site, with a valid certificate, if a home was built before 1978 and contains lead-based paint.
Proactively developing a checklist of questions to ask your contractor before starting window replacement projects will help ensure you get the correct windows for your home.
Coefficient (SHGC). U-factor, or thermal transmission, measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping. SHGC, or “shading” factor, measures how well a window prevents sun glare and heat from entering the home. The lower the U-factor, the better the window prevents energy loss, and the lower the SHGC, the better shading properties it has. Look for windows that meet ENERGY STARrequirements in your climate region, available on www.energystar.gov. Replacement windows with double or triple glazing are another consideration. Double- or triple-glazed windows reduce the amount of energy escaping from the home, and help keep the home cool in summer months and warm in winter months.
I don’t want white or beige windows. What are some other color options? Today’s options have grown to include a range of light and dark hues for window exteriors, as well as a variety of solid colors and wood grains to match the interior design. Homeowners now can choose from a variety of options to enhance curb appeal and existing architecture. Many window companies offer homeowners a range of color options beyond white and beige. What installation method will you be using? Poor installation techniques can reduce the advantages of window replacement and may result in air or water leakage. Ask your contractor if they will be doing a “pocket replacement” or a “full-frame” installation. Using pocket replacement, the contractor will remove the operating sash, but leave the outer frame intact. Full-frame installation removes the entire window down to the rough opening. For both techniques, proper flashing, sealing and insulation help ensure the best performance. To close any gap between the window and frame, low-expanding window and door foam should be used.
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• Saturday, April 6, 2013
Can I expect energy savings with my new windows? The window industry measures the energy efficiency of windows using two methods, U-factor or Solar Heat Gain
Can I match the design of my windows to my house style? There are numerous window style options that complement the design of any home. Key elements to consider are operating style and grille pattern. Single or double hung operating styles are ideal for most homes, but casement, awning or architectural shapes can provide visual interest, depending on the house style. Consider grille patterns to give plain glass character.
Spring Home Improvement | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
5 questions to ask your contractor before replacing windows
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Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
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| Spring Home Improvement
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Homeowners take on projects to improve their homes for a variety of reasons. Some may do so to make a home more functional, while others may do so to improve their home’s resale value. Some homeowners take on a home improvement project to make their homes more eco-friendly. Such projects are often mistakenly assumed to be costly undertakings, but there are several cost-effective ways to make a home more eco-friendly. Upgrade your appliances A home improvement project does not have to require the use of a hammer and nails or the hiring of a contractor. A simple home improvement project like upgrading older appliances, including the washer and dryer, to newer, more efficient models can give a home a fresh look while reducing energy consumption. That reduction in energy consumption is a byproduct of the stricter standards placed on manufacturers who must adhere to guidelines to produce products that are more energy-efficient. For example, the Natural Resources Defense Council notes that today’s energy-efficient refrigerators will use less than half the energy of models made as recently as 15 years ago. Add more insulation
Install a programmable thermostat Installing high-efficiency water fixtures, including a low-flow showerhead, is an affordable and eco-friendly home improvement project.
allow you to keep the thermostat at a more reasonable number. Install high-efficiency water fixtures Few people think about how much water they consume over the course of a typical day, but the figures might be
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Programmable thermostats present another affordable way to improve a home and benefit the environment. Some of today’s programmable thermostats can record personal preferences and usage and determine the best course of action for heating and cooling your home. Temperatures can be adjusted room-by-room, and the programmable thermostat allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling while they’re out of the house, ensuring they’re not paying to heat or cool an empty house and wasting energy in doing so.
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• Saturday, April 6, 2013
Adding more insulation or replacing older insulation used to be an especially laborious process. However, in many instances insulation can now be added or upgraded to a home without any major reconstruction or demolition, reducing the cost of the project considerably. Adding more insulation to a home can reduce energy consumption in the winter, when the home will feel warmer and
eye-opening to those who hope to adopt a more ecofriendly lifestyle. According to the United States Geological Survey’s Water Science School, it’s generally accepted that the average person uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. Showers seem to be especially wasteful, as older shower heads might be using as much as 5 gallons per minute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Older fixtures that consume such massive amounts of water can be easily and affordably replaced with newer, more efficient fixtures. Today’s high-efficiency low-flow showerheads can provide a strong shower stream while reducing water consumption. Such showerheads are also less taxing on your water heater, reducing your energy consumption as a result. Homeowners can also install high-efficiency toilets that use as little as 1.3 gallons of water per flush (compared to older models that consumed as many as 5 gallons per flush). The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion annually.
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Spring Home Improvement | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
Cost-effective and eco-friendly home improvements
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
| Spring Home Improvement
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Various materials can be used to pave a driveway When renovating a home, many homeowners look to increase the home’s curb appeal. “Curb appeal” is a term used to describe how the home’s exterior appears to buyers the moment they pull up to the curb. A home that impresses prospective buyers before they even go inside is said to have a strong curb appeal, and that curb appeal can add significant value to a home. Homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal of their home can do so in a variety of ways. One often overlooked yet effective way to make a home’s exterior more appealing is to revamp the driveway. Driveways may not be high on a homeowner’s renovation totem pole, but a cracked or unsightly driveway can give prospective buyers the impression that a home has not been properly taken care of. When addressing a driveway, homeowners have a host of paving materials at their disposal.
Brick
Brick is among the more expensive paving materials, as brick is a labor-intensive material to install. But brick allows homeowners to create distinctive patterns that can add quite a bit to a home’s curb appeal. Once installed, brick driveways don’t require much maintenance, though cracked bricks will need to be replaced.
Concrete
Concrete is perhaps the ideal paving material for the homeowner who wants to express his or her individuality. That’s because concrete driveways can be laid in a variety of colors and designs, adding a touch of personality in a place many homeowners likely thought such expression was impossible. Though affordable, concrete can fall victim to the elements, as extremely cold temperatures can cause the concrete to shift and ultimately crack. Concrete pavers can remedy this problem, though that will add to the overall cost of the project.
Asphalt
Asphalt is an affordable paving material, which likely plays a role in its popularity among homeowners. Asphalt is also easy to install and requires little maintenance, two additional benefits to homeowners who don’t have much time to install or look after their driveway. Asphalt is made from a combination of concrete, gravel and tar, and though it’s easy and affordable to install, asphalt, as any kid can tell you, can get awfully hot under the summer sun. Asphalt can also crack rather easily, so homeowners must weigh its immediate affordability against the likelihood that perhaps it will need to be replaced sooner than other materials.
ful to maintain, as weeds can penetrate the cobblestones rather easily. Loose or missing stones can be unsightly and will need to be replaced. Many homeowners who love the look of cobblestone choose to use it along walkways or on their patios, as these areas won’t require as much materials, saving both money and the time it takes to maintain the cobblestones.
A well-maintained driveway can add to a home’s curb appeal.
Cobblestone
Cobblestone can be very pleasing to the eye, but that aesthetic appeal won’t come cheap. Among the more expensive paving materials, cobblestone can also be a hand-
Gravel
A gravel driveway can give a home a historical look that few of today’s homes can boast. Gravel is an affordable material that requires little maintenance, though weeds can grow through gravel and must be removed to maintain the driveway’s appeal. Washout is a concern for some who want a gravel driveway, but edging the driveway with a material like timber or bluestone can prevent the gravel from washing away should heavy rains fall.
Five tips to upgrade your outdoor living space for summer
No. 1 - Discover your inspiration
Your deck is a natural extension of your home and your style. Think about the type of design elements that will best fit your family’s activities and complement both outdoor views and the layout of your yard. Flip through favorite magazines to find photos that jumpstart your inner designer, go online to experiment with virtual planners that allow you to try out different colors and configurations or use mobile apps to create outdoor living space designs anywhere at any time.
No. 2 - Choose materials manufactured to last
Installing a new deck may seem daunting at first, but with the proper tools and resources, you’ll not only save money on labor costs - but you’ll also take pride in knowing you successfully completed a home improvement project with your own two hands. As you create a list of essential materials for your project, think about incorporating a hidden fastener system - rather than traditional nails or screws. Hidden fasteners can make the installation of decking boards easier and faster and create a more professional look. Your deck’s surface will be smooth, seamless and more comfortable underfoot.
No. 4 - Consider a deck makeover
If your budget doesn’t allow for a complete deck rebuild this year, you can resurface an old wooden deck that’s starting to wear, warp and rot with new materials. Simply remove the existing boards and check that the sub-structure remains sturdy before installing wood-alternative decking. Giving your wood deck a facelift with durable, beautiful composite materials will increase curb appeal, lengthen its lifespan and cut down on maintenance requirements for years to come.
No. 5 - Add finishing touches
Even if you’re already the proud owner of a gorgeous outdoor living space, take style and comfort to the next level with weekend warrior-worthy projects. Add new modular railing in contrasting or complementary colors to create a perfect frame for your deck, or establish cozy conversation nooks with weather-resistant furniture. Construct an elegant pergola to lend shade from the harsh summer sun and install energy-efficient deck lighting to create ambience for twilight cocktail parties.
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• Saturday, April 6, 2013
If you’re investing in a brand new deck, select materials that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids, pets, dropped grilling tools, heavy outdoor furniture - and even the harshest of weather. New high-performance wood-alternative decking combines superior durability and long-lasting good looks. It offers resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold - while offering hassle-free maintenance. Unlike the upkeep required of wood decking, you’ll never need to sand, stain or paint - and you won’t have to worry about rotting, warping, cracking or splintering. Combining enduring beauty and performance - but priced at a value that appeals to do-it-yourselfers.
No. 3 - Look for easy-to-install solutions
Spring Home Improvement | Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com
(BPT) - From grilling and dining to simply relaxing, your home’s deck is frequently the center of family life during warm weather months. That’s why there’s no better time to give your outdoor living space the upgrade it deserves. Whether you’re building a dream deck from scratch - or sprucing up an existing space - here are five tips for do-ityourselfers who want to start turning their outdoor living aspirations into reality this weekend.
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Quality• Beauty• Inspiration
Northwest Herald / NWHerald.com • Saturday, April 6, 2013
| Spring Home Improvement
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Visit our Garden and Landscape center to browse our outdoor living areas and theme gardens for inspiration to create the perfect outdoor living retreat.
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