Hba home show 2017

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25th Annual Spring

& Outdoor Living Show

March 24 • 1 PM-7 PM March 25 • 11 AM-7 PM March 26 • 12 PM-4 PM

Sponsored by

Little River Casino Resort Event Center

2 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

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ASK AN EXPERT ROOFING

Metal vs shingles: the great debate The most common question asked of me by a customer is which product is better for their roof; metal or shingles? To answer that question I need to answer a series of other questions. This will help determine what system is right for YOU. 1. asthetiCs – What do you think looks good? Shingles have been the most common roof covering for decades. However, in the last 10 years, many products have come out that offer the customer a wide range of profiles, colors, and material types. Men generally gravitate to the metal for the durability and resilience while women tend to like the shingle look because its more traditional and looks less commercial. A contractor should present you with all the options available so you can make a good decision.

2. bUdget – The cost is usually the most important factor a homeowner considers when choosing a roof system.

Depending on where you live, a metal roof can cost anywhere from 50% more than a base

shingle system up to 2 times more.

However, metal roofs will often last 2-3 times longer than shingles.

So not just the original cost should be taken in consideration but the the overall value.

3. hOW lOng? – Another factor to consider is how long you plan to live in the house or your plans with the home long term.

If you plan on selling or moving in less than 5 years it might not be worth the cost. But if you are going to be there longer, it might make sense.

A quality metal roof adds to the resale value of your home.

According to one report, a metal roof will add back over half of the initial cost when it is time to sell.

It stands to reason if two identical homes were for sale, and one of them had a metal roof, the home that would never need a new roof would sell for more money.

Homeowners generally work hard to make their homes maintenance free and may be less inclined to buy a home that will require additional maintenance.

4. snOW and iCe – Most people know that snow typically slides off of metal roofs but not

from shingles. If you have a house thats hard to insulate or vent or you just cant get rid of the ice dams, sometimes metal can shed the snow and ice by gravity. But not always. If you have a lower pitch or multiple valleys and other details, the snow might hang up on it.

But on ranch houses, chalets, or other simple roofs, the snow slides off like a charm. This helps aleviate weight, ice dams, and worries. But with the event of snow sliding off, it creates another issue. What will falling ice and snow damage?

Snow jacks and fences can help solve this problem. They hold the snow, or can let it be released a little bit at a time.

5. shaPe OF rOOF - This effects the cost of a metal roof more than shingles. Details like valleys, dormers, chimneys, skylights, and hips slow down the labor and add to the cost due to the trims being an expensive part of metal roofs.

Metal roofs are becoming more and more popular, but they aren’t for everyone. Be sure to ask your contractor what system will work for you.

4 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

25th Annual Spring

2017 2017 Home & Outdoor Living Show Booths

#1 #3 #2 #4 #5-6 #7-8 #9-10 #11 #12 #13 #14, 15, 16 #17 #18 #19 #20, 21 #22 #24 #25, 26 #27, 28, 29 #30 #31 #32 #35 #36 #37, 38, 39, 40 #41 #42 #43 #44 #45 #46 #48, 49 #50 #51 #52

Seating For Speakers

Bob’s Plumbing/Mech HBA of West Michigan Morley Chiropractic Smith & Eddy Adam’s Const. & General Contracting Country Acres Pools/Spas Empire Contracting Bilt on Demand Seamless Gutters Stanley Steemer Reverse Mortgage Standard Lumber/Kitchens Bath Fitter Eickelberg Construction Coldwell Banker Renewal by Andersen Young’s Const. LLC Shelby State Bank All Weather Seal Lowes Bear Lake Hardware Bob’s Roofing Outdoor Adventures Schulke Surveying Everdry Waterproof Carter Lumber Larsen’s Land Ayer’s Basement Sys Hopwood’s Heating & Cooling USDA West Shore Bank McCardel Culligan RMS Refrigeration & Mechanical Gloria’s Flower Garden Synergy Media Interstate Glass

Mike Bob Collins Dr. Morley Joe Knowles Adam Kozicki Damon Vanderzaden Andy Near Louie Wribel Jesse Linda Stenberg Carmen Barrett Isiah Law Matt Eickelberg Michael Arnold Mike Tim Jeff Riley Kimberly Phil Ryan John Renee Kim Wild Bruce/Karen Larsen Jamison Randy Debra-Ann Brabazon MaryKaye Wilkosz Cameron Jerry Rosie Richard Young Matt Young

Little River Casino Resort March 24, 25, 26 Friday 1:00 - 7:00 pm Saturday 11:00 - 7:00 pm Sunday 12:00 - 4:00 pm ON STAGE Friday 6 PM “How to Design Your Dream Kitchen” Saturday 3 PM “Fire Prevention for Homeowners”

No Admission Fee

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 5

HIRE ONLY LICENSED CONTRACTORS! In the State of Michigan, contractors who do more than $600 worth of work on a property must be licensed.

There are some serious consequences for home owners and contractors alike when work is done by an unlicensed contractor.

Homeowners: • Hiring an unlicensed contractor is usually more expensive, time consuming and stressful.

• Unlicensed contractors do not know the proper procedures and techniques. Homeowners find themselves looking for someone to fix a job that has gone wrong.

• Satisfaction can be hard to gain when dealing with unlicensed contractors. The Department of Licensing and Regulation can only prosecute them for not being licensed, and they are not members of professional organizations who have the power to influence and educate them.

• Unlicensed contractors often do not finish the job.

When you are selecting a contractor for home improvements, be sure to do the following steps: • Ask the contractor for proof of worker’s compensation and general liability insurance in case of an accident, the homeowner, not the contractor, could be liable.

• Be skeptical of an unlicensed low bidder, or any very low advertised price. If a contractor cannot pay for materials, labor or overhead, you are both in trouble. No two remodelers will do a job exactly the same way. Be as specific as possible and ask the contractor to specify the materials and brand names on which they are basing their quote.

• Ask the contractor to furnish you with names of previous customers, and follow up on them. Would they be willing to hire this contractor again? How long ago was the job done? Have they done a job similar to that of which you are asking? Are they qualified?

• Don’t ever pull the building permit for any contractor, because then the responsibility for the job is yours.

It is important for you to verify that the remodeler has the licenses and permits required to build in your city or township, and is properly insured according to Michigan’s regulations.

• Be sure you feel comfortable with the contractor, since you will be in close proximity with them and their crew until the project is completed.

A good remodeler will want you to do your homework before you sign the contract. In fact, since so much of a remodeler’s business comes from referrals, a good contractor will do everything they can to ensure that the job will reflect well on their company.

A full listing of licensed contractors who are members of the Home Builders Association of West Michigan, Inc. is available by visiting our website at: www.hbawestmichigan.com or contact the Association at : 231-854-8000

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Introducing the Home & Outdoor Living Show Home Builders Association revamps expo for 2017

BY RILEY KELLEY DAILY NEWS CORRESPONDENT It’s time once again for the Home Builders Association of West Michigan to host its annual spring home showcase event.

More than 40 western Michigan businesses specializing in building, renovation, gardening, landscaping and more will participate in the Home & Outdoor Living Show, the Home Builders Association of West Michigan’s annual home showcase expo, March 24-26, at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee.

The 2017 event marks the

‘I have a feeling it’s going to be a dynamite show ... I don’t think people will want to miss this one.’

Bob Collins Director, HBA of West Michigan

HBA’s third consecutive year at the Little River Casino Resort, and while the venue remains the same, HBA of West Michigan Director Bob Collins says the show itself is new and improved.

“We’re doing some things that we’ve never done before,” Collins said. “For the first time ever, there will be no charge for admission — admission is free for everybody.”

Additionally, Collins says the emphasis of the show, formerly known as the Home & Garden Show, has been broadened to include a wider variety of exhibits, presentations and

Join the

experiences than ever before.

To reflect this evolution, the event has been re-christened the HBA Home & Outdoor Living Show.

“Over the years, traditionally it has been the Home & Garden Show… and the difficulty with that was that it was hard for us to find a time between winter and spring to have gardeners and landscapers come,” he said.

“We had a lot of people who would come and say, ‘Where are all the flowers?’”

In past years, Larsen’s Landscaping came every year to offer gardening and landscaping exhibits, but the HBA felt that

the event’s narrow focus on gardening may have deterred some people from coming to the show.

The solution was to broaden the theme and parameters of show to include virtually anything a homeowner, renovator, cooking aficionado or hobbyist might need. The show will feature 58 booths with exhibitors offering ideas and tips for decorating, fixtures, wall coverings, windows, siding, gardening, roofing and more.

“It’s a lot more even, but with so many more kinds of things being offered,” Collins said.

“What (visitors) are going to

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on what is being done in the housing industry, the second largest industry in the U.S.

FURTHER OUR OWN INDUSTRY

“Every man owes a part of his time and money to the business or industry in which he is engaged. No man has the moral right to withhold support from an organization that is striving to improved conditions within his sphere” Theodore Roosevelt

IMPROVE YOUR BUSINESS

through the information available in publications that you receive and exchange of ideas at meetings, seminars and the NAHB Convention-Exposition.

today!

SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY’S ORGANIZATION

Standing alone, you are a “voice in the dark,” but by joining other members of the team, you will be amazed at what can be accomplished.

Membership has its privileges

INCREASE BUSINESS CONTACTS

Because every contact a businessman makes is a potential asset to himself and his business.

PROFIT IN GROUP ACTIVITIES

Where you learn more about YOUR business by participating in your association’s activities.

Learn more about our association and take full advantage of the available programs and services.

231-854-8000 | www.hbawest.com

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 7

HBA: Something for everyone at 25th annual HBA event see is a much broader representation of things that a homeowner might be interested in.”

New to the show this year will be vendors specializing in outdoor living, recreation and decorating. Returning favorites from previous years including Carter Lumber, Larsen’s Landscaping, Lowe’s and Magee Insurance will help visitors with projects ranging from designing and building to insuring and financing.

The HBA Home & Outdoor Living Show will also feature some special presentations that are also new to the show.

On Friday at 6 p.m., Carter Lumber Kitchen will host a seminar titled, “How to design your dream kitchen.”

Debra-Anne Brabazon from the Manistee National Forest Office will be giving a USDA presentation on fire prevention Saturday at 5 p.m.

Additionally, visitors will be asked to vote for the best booth in the show.

The HBA of West Michigan

DETAILS

HBA HOME & OUTDOOR LIVING SHOW THE 25TH ANNUAL Home & Outdoor Living Show is Friday through Sunday, March 24-25, at the Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. in Manistee.

THE SHOW will be held in the casino’s Event Center FRIDAY, 1-7 p.m.

SATURDAY, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

SUNDAY, noon-4 p.m.

ADMISSION IS FREE is asking visitors to take some time off, and bring the whole family to the 25th annual Home & Outdoor Living Show to see what’s offered at this year’s show.

“I have a feeling it’s going to be a dynamite show,” Collins said. “I don’t think people will want to miss this one.” riley@ludingtondailynews.com (231) 843-1122 x 309

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Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 9

Speed up your home cleaning

You don’t have to carve out an entire afternoon to take care of your house cleaning.

(NAHB) — Does the mere thought of tackling your weekly house cleaning chores exhaust you? Unfortunately you can’t eliminate the tasks entirely or you and your house will quickly become the talk of the neighborhood.

Don’t fret! Simply incorporate these quick cleaning tips into your routine to help make chores more manageable.

cleaning and then tend to another task. When you go back to the area to be cleaned, the product will have done most of the work, creating less scrubbing for you.

DAILY MAINTENANCE Give the shower and bath a quick wipe down after every use. There are several daily shower sprays on the market that will do the job. Keep a sponge or squeegee in the shower, along with the shower spray, to eliminate the build-up of soap scum and mold, which creates more work later.

KEEP CLEANING PRODUCTS WITHIN REACH Disinfectant wipes, even baby wipes, are a great way to quickly clean something when you

BEAT THE CLOCK make a mess. Keep canisters in the kitchen, bathroom and living room for quick and easy access. When they are in reach, you are more apt to clean up the mess immediately rather than put it off until later.

Also, gather all of the supplies you will need to complete a task before you begin. Put them in a tote or basket to carry around with you as you clean.

You will spend less time traveling from room to room hunting

down the products you need.

SPRAY AND WALK AWAY If you are doing heavy cleaning to your bathroom or kitchen, just spray and walk away.

Cleaning products are designed to dig deep into the stain to help dissolve it. When you spray and then immediately wipe it off, you are not giving the product time to do its job. Thoroughly spray down the areas you are

You don’t have to carve out an entire afternoon to take care of your house cleaning. Set a timer for 15 or 30 minutes and restrict your duties to that time period.

You will find that when you are “on the clock” you are more efficient and less distracted.

What you don’t get done in that time frame can be saved until the next time. By scheduling your duties in shorter segments you won’t feel as if it has taken up as much of your time.

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Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 11

Insider hints for design on a budget (NAHB) — Don’t have a big budget but want to make some big design changes to your home?

Well-designed rooms don’t always have to come with a huge price tag; in fact, designing on a budget may be easier than you think.

Many times, by changing small elements, you can give a room an entirely new personality.

Sometimes adding a few colorful pillows or picking up a paintbrush is all you need to do to make your room look like something out of the pages of a magazine.

The power of paint One of the most common fixes for a boring room is color.

“Color is easy to do and inexpensive,” says Kathy Browning, owner of Design Consultants, a design firm in Virginia Beach, Va. Updating the color of just one wall in any room will give it an entirely new feel. Painting,

Many times, by changing small elements, you can give a room an entirely new personality.

when approached correctly, can be an enjoyable experience with instant rewards. Lauren Warnock, an interior designer based in Chicago, reminds home owners that warmer colors can make a room feel cozier and more inviting.

Cooler colors like grey or “stark white,” on the other hand, may give a room a more industrial feeling. “Light airy colors open up a space, while deep, darker colors can make a room appear smaller,” Warnock says.

Connie Edwards, director of design for Shenandoah Cabine-

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try, has her own advice when it comes to color, particularly if you are looking at the kitchen.

“You can never go wrong with neutrals, but color is hot now,” Edwards says.

“Not necessarily vibrant colors — although for the right space, they can be fabulous — but think along the lines of buttery yellows, soft sage greens and nearly neutral blues.”

Accessories pack a punch Adding accents to pieces you already own can also make a large difference. For instance, if your couch is not as exciting as it once was, try throwing a few fun accent pillows on it. Remember, throws and cushions, when selected as accents, can really bring new life to a tired piece of furniture.

“The use of pillows, throws and draperies in living spaces enhances a room in many ways,” Warnock says.

Fabrics also can add beautiful softness to a room and al-

low additional patterns and textures to be brought into a room.

Rethink your artwork Another budget-friendly change is to rotate the artwork in a room.

Using the same frames but changing the images can easily create a new theme or mood, and combining several different frames in different finishes and sizes can achieve powerful results.

Love your lighting Often overlooked but strikingly effective, updated lighting can work wonders. “Lighting will dramatically change the mood of a room,” Warnock says.

Try installing a new fixture or simply swapping out the shades on current fixtures. Installing dimmer switches is another simple change that can transform any room with different looks.

12 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Enjoy the outdoors with a new deck (NAHB) — A new deck or patio can be the perfect gathering place, adding a new dimension to your yard and creating space that you didn’t even know you had. A well-planned outdoor living space can become a home owner’s backyard getaway, but the wrong deck or patio can end up as unused dead space.

Keep the following in mind and you’ll find yourself enjoying the sunshine from your outdoor retreat in no time.

PATIO OR DECK? When deciding on whether you’d like your new outdoor haven to be a patio or deck, first do some research. Some areas have building codes or terrains that dictate one or the other.

Your local home builders association can be a good source of information. What kind of budget are you looking at?

Decks can be a more affordable option than patios, but concrete, while more expenMETRO SERVICES sive, tends to be the sturdiest material with the lowest main- Composite decking can mimic the look of wood, but requires much less maintenance. tenance needs.

Several factors can deterOnce you’ve determined tion. sional pressure wash and perimine whether a deck or patio whether a deck or patio is best odic re-sealing. And no longer is best for you: for your home, the possibilities just drab grey, concrete is now How much weight does your are endless. For home owners MATERIALS MATTER available in a nearly limitless space need to hold? If you are on a budget, Tim Taylor, ownMost decks are made of variety of styles, colors and considering a huge hot tub or er of Landscape Creations in wood, ranging from pressure- patterns. spa, a patio might support its Johnson City, Tenn., suggests a treated pine and fir to more weight better. What about cli- sand and stone or brick patio. durable—and pricey—woods mate? Will the surface become Stone, brick and concrete pav- such as red cedar, redwoods too hot to walk on during ers are available in a range of and tropical hardwoods. No LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION summer’s peak? Does rain or styles and colors and are du- matter what the type, wood Before beginning your outsnow create runoff problems rable. decks require maintenance door project, assess your on a flat patio surface?

Remember that site prepa- and even then, with less expen- space.

If you have a rough backyard ration is important for drain- sive woods, swelling and warpWhere do you have the best terrain, a raised deck may end age, grade and proper place- ing will stilt occur over time. sunlight? Do you want to use up your best choice instead of ment, and can be a lot of work To reduce the amount of your space for dining or grillexpensive excavation for pa- for the DIYer. Weeds also can maintenance required, consid- ing? If so, do you have a large tios. Likewise, if you dislike pose more of a problem with er composite and vinyl deck- enough area for tables and dirt or have pets, consider a patios. When in doubt, leave it ing. These materials are less chairs? Is there one area of the raised deck. Remnants from to a professional with the expe- susceptible to swelling and yard that is quieter and has sand and stone patios easily rience, not to mention equip- also are more resistant to in- more privacy from neighbors? find their ways into clean hous- ment, you need. sects.

A good home builder, remodes. A raised deck also may work The cost, however, can be eler or landscape architect can “Flagstone and concrete paas a better option for low-lying tios also are popular among significantly higher, particu- help you design a master plan yards that tend to become sog- home owners,” Taylor said. larly if coordinating railing and that’s right for your space and gy when it rains. your ideas.

“Remember to allow for ex- balustrade systems.

Concrete decks, while much Once your patio or deck is pansion, however, to prevent cracking.” Cracking in concrete more expensive than wood or built, only your imagination is inevitable, but it can be mini- composite, are the most dura- limits the extent of your reCHOOSING THE DESIGN mized with the proper installa- ble and require only the occa- treat.

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 13

Tips for a smooth home remodel (MS) — Follow these 10 tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project.

Establish effective two-way communication with the home remodeler. It’s essential to have good communication for a smooth home remodeling project. Does the remodeler listen? Does he or she answer questions clearly and candidly? Can you reach him when you need to? Does he return phone calls promptly? Does he let you know when problems arise and work with you on solving them?

Make sure you are compatible with the contractor. You’ll spend a lot of time with your remodeler so it’s important to have a good rapport and trust in him or her.

Set a clear and mutual understanding about the schedule. You and your home remodeler should agree on the schedule up front to avoid conflict and problems later in the project.

Request a written proposal.

Often, two people remember the same conversation differently. Get the proposal in writing and work with the remodeler to ensure it reflects your wishes.

Get a clear and mutual understanding on miscellaneous details up front. There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts.

What times of day will they be working? How will he or she access the property? How will cleanup be handled? How will they protect your property?

Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life. Remember to be flexible during the project so that you can handle the unexpected and go with the flow.

Discuss and agree on how change orders will be handled.

With home remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or other project details during the job. Before work starts, make sure you agree with your remodeler about how these changes will be handled. Also

Remember to be flexible during the project so that you can handle the unexpected and go with the flow.

understand that changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it’s important you have all changes in writing.

Agree on a well-written contract that covers all the bases.

The contract should include these elements: a timetable for the project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien releases, provisions for conflict resolution, notice of your right under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place of business), and details on the important issues (such as access to your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).

Ask for a written lien waiver from the home remodeler upon completion of the work.

If the remodeler hires subcontractors for portions of the work, then it is their responsibility to see the subcontractors compensated. In order to ensure this has been done and to protect yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the work is finished. This document will verify everyone has been paid.

Establish a project plan, covering all phases and dependencies in the work. Plan your big picture goals with the remodeler and discuss your needs. Hire a remodeler who will plan with you, listen to concerns and answer questions.

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14 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Building permits protect homeowners (MS) — You are thinking of making a major renovation to your home. Perhaps it’s time to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business?

The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job.

Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings.

Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It’s important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor.

Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake.

Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways.

PERMITS ENSURE SAFE WORKMANSHIP Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and doit-yourselfers must complete renovations.

Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room.

Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run.

Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done.

PERMITS REDUCE THE OF COSTLY MISTAKES As inspectors go through

Obtain the proper permits before beginning a construction project.

Permits are necessary whether

a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache.

If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situ-

ation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

PERMITS PROTECT AGAINST FINES Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs

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to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines.

Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy.

Permits are an important part of the home improvement process.

Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 15

Lawn care for dry periods (MS) — Homeowners who put in the hours and hard work to create beautiful, lush lawns can see the fruits of all their labor gradually disappear when drought sets in. That can be both frustrating to homeowners and detrimental to longterm lawn health.

Treating lawns during drought or dry periods can be tricky, as some homeowners may be forced to adhere to water restrictions established by their local governments. Still, there are some ways to obey the law and still help lawns withstand drought and dry periods.

• Postpone fertilizer applications. Fertilizers are designed to help grass grow, but growing grass needs water it won’t have access to when water restrictions have been put in place. If a lawn needs to be fertilized during drought or dry periods, homeowners should consult with lawn care professionals, who may have experience applying fertilizer during drought. Professionals also may have ac-

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Homeowners can employ various techniques to keep their lawns looking lush throughout drought and dry periods. cess to more fertilizing products than homeowners will find at nearby lawn and garden centers.

• Pull weeds by hand instead of applying herbicides. Herbicides are substances used to destroy unwanted vegetation, such as weeds. When applied during droughts or dry periods, such products can make

it harder for grass to overcome weeds. Instead of applying herbicides during drought or dry periods, pull weeds by hand.

Doing so can address a weed problem without harming the grass.

• Water early. Water restrictions might not completely deny homeowners the right to water their lawns. Rather,

such regulations restrict how much water homeowners can use to treat their lawns during drought or dry periods. Watering early, ideally between the hours of 4 a.m. and 8 a.m., ensures as little water as possible will be lost to evaporation and as much as possible will find its way onto the grass and into the soil. During periods of drought, temperatures tend to be at their highest in mid- to late-afternoon, so change automatic sprinkler timers if they are set to water during these hours.

• Adjust lawnmower blade height. Grass grows more slowly during drought or dry periods, but lawns may still need to be mowed during drought. When mowing, leave grass on the longer side. Mowing stresses grass, which is already under considerable stress during drought. By setting mower blades to cut no more than one-third of the leaf blade at a time, homeowners can encourage roots to grow deeper.

Deep roots help the grass combat the effects of drought.

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16 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Make your home safe for all ages (NAHB) — Your 80-year-old aunt is coming to stay for a few days. You’re looking forward to the visit, but realize your home may not be entirely “older-generation” friendly.

To help enhance the safety and comfort of your visitor, here are a few quick and inexpensive things you can do to make the time less stressful for you and more comfortable for your guest:

CLEAR A PATH Consider pathways in the house. Clear obstacles, and maybe even move furniture that a person usually has to maneuver around. Move any electrical cords that are where a person might walk — perhaps taping them to a wall or using a hook.

Clear stairs of any objects — shoes, books and any other personal items that tend to collect on the lower treads. Also check that railings on stairs inside and out are secure, and make repairs where needed.

LIGHTING IS CRUCIAL Put night lights in bathrooms, the guest bedroom, any hallways near the guest bedroom, and perhaps in the kitchen.

Make sure there is a lamp or light switch within easy reach of the guest bed so that your visitor can keep a light on un-

til safely tucked in. Well-lit outdoor walkways and entrances are also key for coming or going when it is dark.

Be sure the shower your guest will use has a non-slip floor. To enhance the traction, apply non-slip strips or a suction-attached non-slip mat, both readily available at home improvement stores.

Secure or, preferably, remove any throw rugs, including bath-

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room mats. Edges of rugs can be a tripping hazard, and even a slight scoot can affect a person’s balance.

If there are rugs you want to secure rather than remove, non-slip pads can help, but safer still would be to apply double-sided carpet tape or even caulk to attach the rug to the floor. If you choose one of these methods, be mindful that you don’t mar the floor underneath.

Identify seating in your gathering rooms that is appropriately firm, high in the seat, and preferably that has arms to help a person easily sit down and get up. A chair that is too soft or too low to the ground can strand a person awkwardly. If in doubt about the available seating in the room, bring a dining chair with arms into the room as an alternative.

If you are considering other more long-term home modifications for aging in place, be sure to consult a remodeler or contractor who is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

Find one in your area using the CAPS directory.

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Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 17

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18 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Weeding through lawn care service options

(MS) — Millions of acres across North America are devoted to lush, green lawns.

According to Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment, lawns take up 40.5 million acres and individuals spend $30 billion on average for lawn and garden upkeep in the United States alone. People certainly love their lawns and often wonder if those lawns are best left in the hands of professionals.

The National Gardening Association states that 72 percent of American households do some work in their yards.

However, a growing number of homeowners also hire others to make their lawns look pristine.

Homeowners who want to leave lawn care to the professionals can consider the following factors as they search for a company that best suits their needs.

• Work with a licensed and insured company. Lawn care services that are licensed and insured provide more peace

of mind to homeowners than the alternatives. Should an injury occur on your property while work is being done, an insured business will be able to take care of it and you

won’t be liable.

• Ask about membership in a professional or trade organization. Businesses that belong to an organization invest in continually learning about the evolution of lawn care. This increases the likelihood that member companies will be up-to-date regarding the latest, most environmentally friendly lawn care techniques. Participation in a trade organization also may indicate education in the landscaping field.

• Research reviews before hiring. Although public reviews may not paint the entire picture and they often reflect only the very positive or very negative experiences previous customers have had with a given business, they can provide an idea of how a lawn care company interacts with its customers. Prospective customers who contact the Better Business Bureau may learn if there have been any glaring complaints against a particular contrac-

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• Find out which services are offered. Ask each business what services they provide. While nearly every lawn care contractor will mow the lawn and trim shrubs, many homeowners prefer companies that can adapt when the yard needs a change. This may include pest treatments, fertilization, aeration, and seasonal cleanups.

• Look for a company that’s organized and connected.

Customer service should be a factor when choosing a lawn care service. You want to be able to reach the company promptly. A company that responds quickly is ideal, especially if you need to change a service or need to inquire about additional or emergency work.

Shopping for a lawn care service can take time and effort, but the results will be well worth it when homeowners have lawns and landscapes that make their neighbors green with envy.

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20 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Understand hardiness zones before planting

(MS) — Gardening benefits the environment in myriad ways.

Maintaining natural landscapes and preserving green spaces can reduce the collective carbon footprint of the human race.

Trees, flowers and other greenery filter the air and create welcoming habitats for all species of animals and insects.

Many home gardeners set out each spring to create landscapes that cater to all of the senses. But choosing plants that are unlikely to thrive in certain climates can lead to dissatisfaction and premature plant demise and may require gardeners to use more fertilizers, pesticides and other techniques to help plants thrive.

One of the more important steps gardeners can take before spring arrives is to educate themselves about plant hardiness zones. Hardiness zones are defined by the average climatic conditions of the region and are broken down into various zones. The USDA Hardiness Zone map divides North America into 13 separate zones. Each

USDA Hardiness Zone map courtesy of the USDA. View an interactive version at the USDA website. zone is marked by 10 incremental differences from the last zone. In some versions of the map, each zone is further divided into “a” and “b” regions.

The National Gardening Association says the USDA Hardiness Zone Map was revised in 2012. The latest version was jointly developed by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service

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and Oregon State University’s PRISM Climate Group. To help develop the new map, the USDA and Oregon State University requested that horticultural and climatic experts review the zones in their geographic areas.

As a result, the zone boundaries in the 2012 edition of the map have shifted in many areas. Canada’s Hardiness Zone

map, updated in 2010, uses nine different zones.

Zone maps are tools that show where permanent landscape plants can adapt. Home gardeners who are looking for shrubs or perennials to last year after year should recognize that such plants must tolerate year-round conditions, including the lowest and highest temperatures and the amount of precipitation.

Snow cover and humidity also can impact a plant’s propensity to thrive.

While zone maps are not perfect, they can be useful in planning and ensuring the survival of future gardens. Plant and seed manufacturer Burpee says that other factors to consider that also affect the viability of plants include wind, moisture and soil conditions. The company offers an interactive zone finder on their website that will indicate the hardiness zone as well as average first and last frost dates.

Learn more about plant hardiness at www.planthardiness.ars. usda.gov/PHZMWeb.

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• Structure: The structure of the play equipment should be built from sturdy materials. Pressure-treated lumber was once the standard, but it’s not advised for kids’ playgrounds, as the chemicals used in the lumber can leach and young children may actually bite or pick at the wood. Use cedar or another wood that resists decay. Once the structure is built, inspect it frequently for damage.

• Site: Look around the landscape for an ideal place to locate the playset. There should be no obstacles that children can hit while sliding or swinging. Avoid overhanging branches and do not place equipment too close to trees or fencing. Try to keep the set out of direct sunlight, which can make components heat up and scald young bodies.

• Supervision: Do not leave children alone while they are playing.

Prevent children from using the playset in an incorrect manner.

• Safety: Follow the directions for installation. Make sure all posts are anchored into the ground securely. Railings should be spaced so that children cannot get stuck between them.

Check that metal components have not rusted and that there is no additional excessive wear. Be sure that no tools or other dangerous items are left around the yard.

Backyard playgrounds should be built with safety in mind. Learn the rules of play equipment and yard safety.

ound maintena ear-r n c e ser vi

(MS) — Homeowners often aspire to have attractive backyards that look like they belong in a magazine. While these can be picturesque and functional for adults, they may not be entirely practical for homeowners who have young children, especially when the majority of the yard is covered with paving stones or concrete.

When young children are part of a household, homeowners may benefit by designing yards that are both functional and fun. Incorporating safe play areas for kids is one way to unlock the potential of both big and small backyards.

As children run off to enjoy a playground, safety is the last thing on their minds. Kids are most interested in scaling ladders to treehouses or coasting down slides. That’s why adults must take it upon themselves to keep injury prevention in mind.

Playground-related injuries routinely result in severe fractures, internal injuries, concussions, and dislocations. In the majority of playground injuries to children younger than age 5, the head and face are affected.

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 experience more leg and arm injuries than younger kids.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission states 70 percent of children’s injuries occur on home playgrounds. More than 28,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds across Canada, according to Parachute, a national injury prevention organization.

When considering playground equipment for the yard, parents need to make safety a priority.

The Canada Safety Society advises parents to follow the “5 S’s of Playground Safety”: Surface, structures, site, supervision, and safety.

• Surface: Parents should assume that children will fall. To lessen the blow of falls, choose playground equipment with a perimeter of six feet of a softer surface, such as sand, pea gravel, rubber pieces or wood chips.

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 21

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22 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

National Association of Home Builders

(NAHB) — The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2017.

The NAHB is one of the largest trade associations in the United States, based upon 2011 annual budgets.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAHB’s mission is to enhance the climate for housing and the building industry.

Chief among NAHB’s goals is providing and expanding opportunities for all consumers to have safe, decent and affordable housing.

The NAHB also strives to provide representation for the American housing industry.

Founded in 1942, NAHB is a federation of more than 800 state and local associations. About one-third of the NAHB’s membership — more than 140,000 people — are home builders or remodelers.

The remaining members are associates working in

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HEADQUARTERS 1201 15th St. N.W., Washington, D.C., 20005 WEBSITE www.NAHB.org PHONE NUMBER (800) 368-5242

closely related fields within the housing industry such as mortgage finance and building products and services.

The NAHB’s various groups analyze policy issues, take the industry’s story to the public through the media and other outlets, monitor and work toward improving the housing finance system, analyze and forecast economic and consumer trends, and educate, train and dissemi-

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International Builders’ Show The NAHB organizes one of the largest conventions in North America, the International Builders’ Show. It is the largest show of its kind for the residential and light commercial construction industry.

Each year, the NAHB members build approximately 80 percent of new homes constructed in the United States.

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NAHB represents the industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.

NAHB also works with federal agencies on regulations affecting the housing industry in areas such as mortgage finance, codes, energy and the environment.

The organization also maintains its own research center.

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