Home show 2014 pgs

2014

22nd Annual Spring

HOME &

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2 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

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Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 3

Home Show offers something for everyone

BY MELISSA KEEFER DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER If you are looking for ideas to improve or remodel your home, or just want to see the latest in-home products, head out to the fairgrounds April 25-27 to meet with builders and people in the business of homes at the 22nd Annual Home Show, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of West Michigan.

Bob Collins, the association’s executive officer, said he is expecting more vendors for this year’s show.

“I am really excited about the response we are getting from vendors,” Collins said. “Things are picking up. Last year, many of the vendors told me they were getting business from the show which is also good because the people turning

out for the show are interested in more than just looking for ideas.”

Collins said vendors expected at the show include lumber yards, contractors, home builders, remodelers, roofers, people who specialize in foundations and foundation coating, siding people, window vendors, door vendors and bath remodeling vendors. The vendors bring their products to help people research, learn, plan, and get to know various contractors for home improve-

ment projects and builds.

Besides more interest, Collins said, he has vendors coming to the show from a wider geographic area, including from all over the state of Michigan.

“We have new vendors and many of the same returning,” Collins said, nothing the turnout could be because of the gradual improvement in the industry.

New to this year’s show is, the entire building being heated for the event and Collins said in addition, there will be

a food vendor and more door prizes than before, for both adults and children.

Other than vendors, the Mason-Lake Conservation District will have a booth at the show in addition to the tree sale, also at the fairgrounds and Collins said he wasn’t 100-percent sure yet as of the interview, but had hoped the 4-H group with a petting zoo and a group of Boy Scouts would be at the event.

The show is held at the Mason County Fairgrounds in the commercial building on Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. There is a small entry fee of just $1 for adults, with children under 12 attending for free.

FOR MORE information, contact the Home Builders Association of West Michigan, P.O. Box 247, Hesperia, or by phone at (231) 854-8000.

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Tips for having a beautiful lawn (MS) — Homeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn.

It is often the centerpiece of a completed landscape, and can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home’s overall curb appeal.

Typically lawn maintenance is time-consuming and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner.

However, by employing a few tips it can be much easier to establish and help a beautiful lawn to endure.

Start with the right type of grass Not all grasses are alike nor compatible with specific climates. Some are drought-tolerant and others are more akin to wet weather situations.

Early fall is a great time to

start a lawn provided it is done 30 days or so before the first hard frost in the area. This establishes the grass before winter and it will get a head start on the next spring/summer growing season.

Install an irrigation system

Mow conservatively

A lawn needs a steady dose of water and ample sunlight to thrive. Some homeowners water too little or water inadvertently pools on the surface of the lawn without reaching the roots.

Irrigation systems, particularly drip irrigation systems put water at the roots of landscape plants where they need it most.

This helps conserve water by preventing it from evaporating in the sun or watering unnecessary parts of the landscape, such as driveways and sidewalks.

There are even kits that install on home downspouts that use rainwater for extra irrigation.

Lawns needn’t be scalped, otherwise known as cutting the lawn too short.

When the weather has been hot or dry, it may not even need to be cut every week. Thin, closely cut lawns can lead to dying out grass, shallow root systems and eventually a poorlooking lawn.

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Enjoy the lawn Some homeowners want a grass showpiece and fail to ever step foot on the lawn.

But with the right type of grass that is thoroughly established and hardy, the lawn will remain durable to kids playing, pets frolicking and simply spending time out in the yard.

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

6 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Protect your patio from wear and tear Patios are typically the go-to spot for warm weather outdoor meals.

Whether hosting friends or simply enjoying a relaxing meal under the evening sky, homeowners tend to spend as much time as possible on the patio once the weather warms up.

Because it’s such a high-traffic area, the patio should be protected from wear and tear.

Wear and tear on the patio can result from Mother Nature or be a byproduct of all those spring and summer evenings spent relaxing outdoors. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways homeowners can keep their patios looking pristine through the summer.

• Stain the concrete. Staining concrete protects it from natural elements, which can cause the color of a patio to peel or flake.

Concrete stain penetrates deep and infuses the concrete with a permanent color that’s less likely to fall victim to the elements. Stains are generally solid-color stains or acid stains.

Solid-color stains, as their name suggests, provide a more even and solid look, while acid stains provide a more marble-like appearance. While neither are

likely to fade or peel quickly, over time an additional coat or stain might need to be applied to counter natural factors like sunlight.

• Cover the furniture. Patio furniture can vary significantly in price and quality. Homeowners who picked up a few plastic chairs at the nearby grocery store might not feel furniture covers are worth the investment. For those with more expensive patio furniture, durable furniture covers that can withstand year-round weather are a sound investment. Waterproof and heat-resistant fabric is ideal, as the furniture will be vulnerable to spring rains, summer showers and high temperatures during the summer party season. Covers should also fit snugly around the furniture to provide optimal protection.

• Consider retractable aw-

nings. Retractable awnings might cost a little money, but they can also pay homeowners back over the long haul. First and foremost, retractable awnings protect patio from sunlight and ultraviolet rays in hot weather. A retractable awning can also protect friends and family members should an unexpected summer shower appear or keep them safe from sunburns during summer afternoons when the UV index is high.

• Plant trees. An eco-friendly way to maintain and add to a patio’s aesthetic appeal is to plant trees around the patio.

Trees can protect the patio from sunlight and ultraviolet radiation while providing some shade for friends and family members who want to spend some quality time outdoors on hot afternoons.

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Which windows are right for you?

COLUMBUS, OHIO — When it comes time to replace the older windows in your home, make sure you consider selections that add both style and returnon-investment to your house.

“There are dozens of different types of windows on the market today,” says Matthew Minerd. “The choices can be daunting. Start by researching the type of frame material you’re looking for, and then move on to the type of energyefficient glass insert that will serve you best, such as doubleor triple-panes of glass.

“You can’t go wrong with requesting ENERGY STAR® qualified windows and seeking out windows that have the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Gold Label Certification. Those are some of the best made windows on the market today. Vinylframed windows are also considered of high quality, because they offer strong insulation value and low long-term maintenance.”

To help you determine which replacement windows are right for you, consider this checklist offered by the experts at Simonton Windows:

REQUEST LAMINATED GLASS If you live near an airport or in a busy neighborhood, request laminated glass or double-paned windows to help reduce noise transmission into your home. Glass packages such as impact-resistant SafePoint™ glass can help deter noise while also helping to protect your home from burglary attempts.

If your home was constructed before 1978, make sure to

hire a window replacement expert certified in lead safe renovations.

Many homes built prior to 1978 had lead-based paint on the exterior and in the window cavities, so it’s critical to use a qualified window contractor to remove that paint when windows are replaced.

SELECT VINYL WINDOWS FOR UNIQUE OPTIONS Select vinyl windows with unique options, to add style and decorative appeal to your home.

CONSIDER A GARDEN WINDOW For hard-to-open window locations (such as above a kitchen sink) think about replacing existing windows with a garden window.

This mini-greenhouse style features dual, fully-operational casement side windows that crank open to bring air and sunlight into the room.

As a bonus, you can grow small plants on the shelves or use the space for displaying collectibles.

Slider windows also operate easily and can be a good option.

COMPARISON SHOP BEFORE PURCHASING REPLACEMENT WINDOWS Research a company’s history, industry achievements, the product warranties and the reliability of the product line before investing in windows for your home.

TILT-IN WINDOWS CAN BE EASIER FOR CLEANING If selecting Double Hung windows for your home, make certain to request those that have sash that tilt-in for ease of cleaning.

8 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Bringing the resort feel home

With backyard ponds

BY MICHELLE SPITZER ASSOCIATED PRESS

About this time of year, Lee Neiman walks outside to his backyard every morning and impatiently counts the days.

It’s not until late March or early April that the backyard paradise at his Pittsburgh home usually returns to life. The cascading waterfall starts running again and the pond catching it thaws. The fish that went dormant below a sheet of ice during the winter swim back into view.

“I’m looking forward to that first cup of coffee by the pond,” said Neiman, a doctor practicing internal medicine. “What I really like is at night when I can open the windows and hear the waterfall.”

Backyard ponds, which range from the simple to the elaborate, can become a passion for many gardeners. And technological improvements over the past 15 years have made it easier and more economical than ever to build one.

“The pumps today are much more energy-efficient and last a lot longer,” said Randy Stewart. “As for the filtration systems, some can clean with minimal maintenance. You can now maintain your pond wearing dress clothes instead of standing in the pond, pulling out the system and getting dirty.”

Neiman was introduced to backyard ponds about 15 years ago when several of his friends had them.

“I was envious of what I saw and decided to proceed and do it myself with the help of my son,” Neiman said.

Three years ago, he hired someone to expand the orig-

inal pond. It now stands 6 feet wide and 12 feet long, and has 16 fish — koi, goldfish and one catfish. The larger pond is more practical and beneficial for fish and plants, Neiman said. Plus, it looks nicer.

Many people who build backyard ponds end up expanding them.

Landscaping companies will be able to dig a hole and assist in building a pond like this, but you can do the digging yourself with some help.

Before you dig, design the pond, taking into consideration the surrounding trees and vegetation. Be sure to follow any homeowner’s association or other regulations for the property.

Once the hole is dug, Dorrance said, line it with a quality, thick liner. Investing a little more will be worth it to avoid holes or tears.

It’s a myth that backyard ponds do best in warm climates, he said. They can thrive pretty much anywhere.

Northern ponds just need a little extra preparation for winter.

“All you have to do is get a lightweight net and put it over

the top of the pond to keep leaves and debris out of it,” Dorrance said. “Also, make sure you pull any accessories out of the water, like filters or UV lights, so they don’t freeze.”

Those who live in colder climates may lose some vegetation each winter, but if you plan you can minimize the loss.

And winter should not hurt the fish that call your backyard pond home.

“All the fish will go to the very bottom of the pond and go dormant for the winter,” Dorrance said. “You do need to have a small hole to allow any gases to escape.”

Algae buildup is usually the biggest problem pond owners face wherever they live, he said.

The solution is a water pump and an ultraviolet clarifier, a small device that exposes algae to UV light and kills it. They can run anywhere from $100 to

nearly $2,000.

Living in warm, central Florida, Sonny Alansky gets to enjoy his pond year-round. Just off his backyard porch, the pond measures 37 feet in diameter, and includes three waterfalls, 14 koi, and a plethora of tropical vegetation such as palm trees, hibiscus and birds of paradise.

“I’m out here every day enjoying it,” Alansky said. “I love coming out and feeding the fish. They see me coming and they swim right up to me.”

He’s always adding something new, whether it’s more decorative stones or more devices to deter predators; he’s already lost one fish to a heron.

Fake alligators and owls and even a motion-detector sprinkler help protect the fish.

He has spent roughly $20,000 on the pond so far. It has three pumps, which run constantly, resulting in a $100 per month increase to Alansky’s electric bill. He said the extra expense is worth the enjoyment he and his wife get out of the pond. Friends and neighbors also admire the view and enjoy the murmur of the waterfalls.

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 9

Ask a designer: Florals return to decor (AP ) — After years of simple solids and geometric prints, the lowly flower is making a comeback in decor.

Floral patterns have been blooming all over fashion runways in recent months, and they are slowly finding their way back into the world of home decorating, too.

It wasn’t long ago that any mention of floral upholstery or wallpaper brought back memories of 1980s cabbage roses, flowery Shabby Chic borders stenciled high on bedroom walls, and suburban homes designed to feel like precious cottages swathed in pink and green.

But today’s new patterns aren’t your grandmother’s florals. And they can be a refreshing antidote to the minimalist patterns that have dominated home decorating in recent years.

“It’s what we’re all craving,” says New York-based designer Jon Call, founder of Mr. Call Designs. “It’s romance, it’s a softness ... and it feels fresh again, because no one has defined it for our generation.”

While brands like Laura Ashley delineated the floral look of a generation ago, the new florals have no rules. Which makes them more fun — and more challenging — to use successfully.

Here, Call and two other interior designers — Betsy Burnham of Los Angeles’ Burnham Design, and Brian Patrick Flynn, executive producer of HGTV. com’s Spring House series — offer advice on working with this fresh crop of floral patterns.

WHAT SIZE? “Scale is the most important factor in modernizing the look

and feel of florals,” says Flynn.

He suggests avoiding flowers that are depicted at their actual size. Instead, pick patterns where the flowers are bigger — between 50 percent and 200 percent larger than life-size.

Call agrees: He’s a fan of using vintage prints in “the largest scale you can find,” so that the print’s eye-popping size contrasts with its traditional style.

But Call and Burnham also think floral prints can look modern if they’re printed on a

very small scale, especially if they’re used on smaller items like throw pillows.

WHICH PATTERN? Find a floral print that really appeals to you personally, Burnham suggests. “Nothing corny, nothing ordinary,” she says. You want “something really special.”

You might try “chinoiseries that include figures and florals,” Burnham says, “or flora and fauna... That’s a way to do it if you’re kind of scared of just

flowers.”

Another option is choosing a pattern that’s more “botanical” than flower-filled.

“Homeowners with aversions to super-girly florals featuring rosebuds or elaborate petals may find botanicals a better fit,” says Flynn. “While floral prints include shapes and silhouettes of actual flowers, botanicals rely more on stems and leaves.”

Call points out that designers like Vivienne Westwood have created digitized, pixilated floral prints that mix traditional and modern style. But, he says, even the most classic chintz fabrics can look great in a modern home if they’re handmade and high quality.

Flynn encourages clients to mix floral patterns with other prints.

“The floral cottage style of a decade ago was all florals and ribbons,” Flynn says. “Anytime I’m dealing with a home occupied by couples arguing over masculine and feminine styles, I’m likely to mix botanicals or florals with classic masculine prints such as gingham, check or plaid.”

SEE FLORAL PATTERNS, PAGE 11

10 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

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Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 11

FLORAL PATTERNS: Can work well on sleek, modern furniture FROM PAGE 9

That juxtaposition of “classic girly prints with iconic patterns used for men’s spaces” creates a modern, gender-neutral room.

WHERE TO USE IT? Floral patterns can work especially well on sleek, modern pieces of furniture, Burnham says. Rather than choosing a floral sofa that’s rounded and tufted, use floral upholstery on a simple sofa with straight, clean lines.

And rather than hanging floral draperies in a bedroom or choosing a floral bedspread, use solid colored fabrics in those locations and then upholster the headboard in a bold, oversize floral.

WHAT COLORS? A great pattern can look dat-

ed if you pick the wrong color palette, says Flynn. “Florals with mustard yellow and burgundy palettes instantly feel old and stuffy. To make them fresh and fun, look for those with unexpected color palettes, such as black and violet or springy greens and punchy pinks. The pattern will keep its

classic appeal, but with a youthful update.”

Burnham says floral patterns done in just two colors (or in two shades of the same color) can look more modern than florals that include several colors.

And “if you go for something on a crisp white background,” she says, it “might read more

current than something on a tea-dye that’s more muted.”

Call’s thinks just about any color can work, though he prefers to steer clear of pinks and purples. “It gets too sweet, too endearing,” he says. You have to “be careful with the sentimentality,” he says, or you’ll lose some of the modern edge.

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12 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

THINKING ABOUT BATHROOM REMODELING:

The first five things you must do (BPT) — So you’ve decided it’s time to remodel your bathroom.

Whether you’re excited at the idea of creating a new look that will add value to your home, or simply relieved that you’ll no longer have to look at dated fixtures and cracked tile, you’ll be facing a lot of decisions about materials, colors, fixtures, flooring and more. The options are vast, and you may wonder: What is the best way to get started?

Bathrooms continue to be a remodeling priority for many homeowners.

The average mid-range bathroom remodel costs $15,782 and returns more than 65 percent of that investment at the time of resale, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs.

Value Report. An upscale bathroom remodeling project costs about $50,000 and returns more than 58 percent when you sell.

Doing some or all of the work yourself can save thousands in

labor charges and money you can put into choosing the best materials, as long as you know how to do it correctly.

Homeowners should begin by considering five key points: 1. Consider how you will use the space and allow it to guide your renovation plans.

Do you want your bathroom to be a spa-like retreat for the masters of the house? Or is it more important that the room be able to handle more intense use from the whole family?

Gather input from every-

one who will use the room, and evaluate what’s already present that works and what doesn’t.

2. Will you hire a professional or attempt to do the job yourself?

While DIYers may save on labor costs, professional designers and licensed contractors may be better able to help you maximize your space and stay on budget. Ultimately, hiring professionals may save you time and money.

3. Measure everything!

Nothing‘s worse than falling in love with a vanity or jetted tub only to find neither fits in the space you have for it.

Before you begin shopping, determine how much space your bathroom has for key fixtures such as the sink, toilet, shower and furniture. And mentioning tubs, be sure the one you choose will fit through the bathroom door before you buy it.

4. Get educated before heading to the store or showroom.

Compare products and prices and check out product reviews. Decide what materials to look for and identify how you want installations to be done.

5. Set a budget and establish priorities.

A professional can help you best determine how to achieve your objectives within the framework of your budget.

Remember to allow yourself a budget cushion in case surprises crop up during the process, and they almost always do.

Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW 13

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14 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

Keep flaws hidden with texturing (BPT) — When it comes to home decorating, texturing can do for your walls what a good coat of wax can do for your car’s finish — hide a host of flaws.

Poorly patched holes, uneven sheetrock, ugly wallpaper and even multiple layers of peeling paint can all be hidden beneath a beautiful layer of texture.

Texture’s beauty, versatility at covering imperfections, and ease of application have made it a long-loved technique.

There’s a texturing technique to fit virtually every budget, decorating theme and level of expertise.

Here are some tips for adding a textured look to your home decor: • Keep it simple. You don’t have to do anything complicated, difficult or even particularly time-consuming to achieve a good textured effect.

In fact, the easier the process, the more you will enjoy it and that enjoyment will

show through in your work.

• When working by hand with a trowel, roller or paint brush, you can use your favorite paint and any color you choose.

Simply mix your paint of choice with regular drywall joint compound. Or, if you want to be cautious with color, you can apply the joint compound first, then paint over the completed texture once it has dried.

• The range of textures is virtually endless. Popcorn (most often used for ceilings), knock down and orange peel are among the three most popular, and simple, textures.

• Nearly anything can be used to put the texture in the compound - from commonly used items like sponges and paint trowels to whisk brooms and even window squeegees.

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Perennials easy for not so green-thumbed Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb.

Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Designing a landscape and keeping the garden looking beautiful can take a keen eye.

It also may require a lot of time and commitment.

If home gardeners have to replant items year after year, gardening can become timeconsuming and expensive.

Turning to perennial plants and flowers to serve as the anchor for a home garden can make the process easier.

Perennials are plants that live indefinitely. In terms of flowering plants, perennials will bloom every year. In essence, they have the staying

power of shrubbery but are more delicate in nature and often appealing to the eye.

There are perennials for every season, soil type and sun exposure. Perennials come in a wide variety of blooming flowers or attractive foliage.

Chances are if a homeowner wants to add perennials to the garden, there is a variety available that will fit his or her needs.

Here are some perennials that can be added to the garden: * lavender * ornamental grasses * asters * chrysanthemums * irises * poppies * milkweed * goldentufts * anemones * columbines

* daylilies * peonies * hostas Once perennials are in place, there is relatively minimal maintenance that is required.

The tune-ups that may be needed are some deadheading to promote new and stronger growth and some cleaning up after winter before the new blooming season takes place.

Once the early spring season arrives and the ground is not too muddy or rain-soaked, clear out any leaves and debris that have gathered around where perennials are located.

Gardeners can also till the mulch or soil in these areas to aerate the planting beds.

Using shears, cut down any dead grasses, stems and stalks from spent perennials that overwintered.

Remove any dead wood and

broken branches. Be careful not to trim spring-blooming shrubs because some flowers bloom on year-old stems and this can cause the plant not to flower.

Perennials that aren’t flowering as well as they used to or have dead centers may need to be divided to promote stronger growth.

This should be done in early spring before the plant blooms or late fall before the winter arrives. Dividing plants and replanting not only grows the garden, but also it is a healthy revitalization for the plant.

Gardeners who prefer to take a laid-back approach to gardening may appreciate the ease with which a beautiful and easy-to-maintain landscape can be created with perennials.

16 Ludington Daily News/HOME SHOW

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