Homes&Design
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March 2016
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March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
EXTERIOR
Easy ways to beautify and protect your home exterior this season When considering home improvements, people often picture costly, time-intensive endeavors. But enhancing and protecting your home this season can be enjoyable – and deliver plenty of bang for your buck. For easy, high-impact ways to upgrade homes rely on distinctive Mid-America Siding Components from The Tapco Group. One of the fastest, easiest ways to dramatize your home’s windows is to install vibrantly colored window headers and matching shutters. Decorate the sides and back of the home exterior too, not just curbside. With the emergence of outdoor living and yards as gathering places, elegant window décor creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Popular craftsman-style Flat Panel and geometric-style Classic Dentil headers are both available from Mid-America. For functional, professionally installed shutters, select a design from Atlantic Wood-Composite Premium Atlantic Architectural, Classic, ProSeries and Storm-Rated Collections. For purely decorative, ultra-low maintenance, choose Mid-America
Exterior Vinyl Shutters, which never fade or crack. Mid-America offers endless, enduring possibilities. The special-order program delivers shutters in about 10-20 days, from custom Board-N-Batten and Panel-Louver combinations to shutters for doublewide, arched and long narrow windows. Trend-wise, board-and-batten shutters are on the move, while raised-panel shutters are the most sought-after. Black is ever popular for shutters and headers, and neutral colors are holding their own. But the trend toward richer tones is growing. Lush forest greens, autumn reds and deep blues are gracing more homes, creating attention-grabbing contrasts between shutters and siding. For the main entryway, understated white or cream door surrounds complement richly toned shutters. “Shutters and matching window headers are the easiest way to upgrade your home if you don’t want a massive undertaking, but want the biggest impact for your investment,” says Trisha Anderson, product manager of Tapco’s Mid-America brand.
Adding small details like spindle hinges to plain vinyl shutters can make a big impact on a home’s curb appeal. When choosing architectural additions to a
“Shutter and header colors change everything by enhancing the tone of your whole home. You’ll gain more satisfaction from rich-colored matching shutters and headers than from virtually any other exterior home improvement.” Decorative hardware on shutters is another easy, economical way to upgrade exteriors. Yet this fine detail often gets overlooked. Beautifully crafted, historically accurate Atlantic hardware, including elegant pintle and hinge combinations, make functional shutters pop on homes, adding dimension and drawing attention. Artful, refined MidAmerica hardware, including enchanting hinges and spindle-hooks, can make vinyl shutters indistinguishable from functional shutters, boosting curb appeal. During new construction or exterior remodeling, Mid-America’s SturdiMount fiber cement mounting blocks offer a simple, affordable way to enrich architectural beauty and provide water management capabilities that prevent costly damage to fiber cement, stucco and wood siding. “SturdiMount is an innovative solution
for mitigating water in fiber cement cladding. It’s an essential detail that protects home investments long-term, enhances aesthetics, is easily installed, and saves contractors time,” Anderson says. Designed with a robust, built-in flange, SturdiMount offers four distinct profiles, which professionals can install right outof-the-box for exterior finishing touches that cover every need. SturdiMount’s solid, level, crackproof surface makes it easy to mount décor, such as coach-light fixtures and necessities, including outlets and vents. For seamless aesthetics, SturdiMount blocks can be maintained in original white or spray-painted to color-match exteriors during whole house paint jobs. Distinguishing and fortifying home exteriors has never been easier. With Mid-America solutions, you can make a huge impact this season that lasts a lifetime. For more information, call (800) 521-8486 or visit thetapcogroup.com/ homeowners.
(BPT)
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
home, pay attention to the style of the exterior so the added pieces accentuate the existing design and not distract from it.
HOMES & DESIGN
March 2016
Page 3
INTERIOR
Energy Star-qualified solar powered fresh air skylights brighten your kitchen while venting cooking heat and odors. Solar powered designer blinds add style, light control and even more energy efficiency. Both are operated by a programmable remote control and qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as do installation costs. Get details at www.whyskylights.com
Sell or stay, these home improvements pay off in the long run
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Homeowners undertake home improvements for two basic reasons: to please themselves or to please others who may one day buy their home. Some types of improvements are for the sake of a speedier sale, such as planting a row of shrubs between your backyard and a busy street behind your home. Others are for your own enjoyment, like painting your rec room your favorite shade of neon pink. The best home improvements, however, pay off in the long run whether you’re staying or selling. Here are a handful of projects that are worth the investment whether you’re hoping to please potential buyers or make your home more enjoyable for yourself: Add skylights Any real estate professional will Homes & Design March 2016 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St., Delavan, WI 53115 (262) 728-3411
agree: buyers love balanced natural light. You probably do as well. Adding Energy Star-qualified no leak skylights is a costeffective improvement that enhances a home’s appeal to potential buyers, as well as its livability for the people currently occupying it. They’re particularly popular in bathrooms (where fresh air and privacy is a concern) and kitchens (where they also provide passive ventilation of cooking odors and excessive heat), but skylights can go in any room where you want more natural light, an open, airy feeling and a brightened appearance. Solar powered fresh-air skylights, like those from VELUX America, can help improve indoor air quality while brightening things up and cutting down on the need for artificial light. Add solar
powered blinds to boost the energy performance rating by as much as 45 percent and you’ll love your skylights even more. Solar-powered skylights and blinds are operated by a touchpad programmable remote control and are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit, as is the cost of installation. And skylight blinds can help you decorate while boosting energy efficiency. They are available in a variety of designer colors and patterns to coordinate with your décor while giving you complete control of the light that enters your rooms. The choices include light diffusing, light blocking, and light controlling Venetian blinds, all of which can be operated manually or by remote control. To further differentiate home spaces such as hallways and closets, which never
Homes & Design
seem to have enough light, consider Sun Tunnel tubular skylights which are inexpensive and easily installed in a matter of hours. They also offer light kits for 24/7 functionality. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more. Add or upgrade a deck When the weather warms, your family will want to spend more time outdoors and a deck is the perfect platform for outdoor enjoyment. Potential buyers also perceive it as a benefit, and adding or upgrading a deck can boost your home’s value. In fact, a wooden deck will recoup 75 percent of its installation costs at time of resale, and a composite deck recoups
•See SELL OR STAY – Page 4
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March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
• SELL OR STAY – from page 3 64 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Bigger is better right now in the world of deck building, with more homeowners looking to increase the size of their decks. Multi-level decks are also on trend, with many people dedicating different deck levels for different functions, such as an outdoor kitchen, spa area with hot tub, and entertainment seating. Exterior paint Repainting the exterior of your home is a big job, but one that’s well worth the investment, whether you’re trying to impress potential buyers with great curb appeal, or simply make your house a more enjoyable place to return to each day. Exterior paint greatly affects the overall look of a home, plus quality paint helps protect siding from the elements. Your color choice could also affect your utility bills; if you live in a hot environment, lighter colors will help reflect heat away from your home. If you’re selling, a fresh, attractive paint job could increase your home’s purchase price.
Magazine. Whether you plan to put your home on the market this spring or summer, or intend to stay put for years to come, it pays to invest in home improvements that enhance both resale value and your enjoyment of your home.
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How to get the most out of your programmable thermostat
Programming options Choose from four standard models, each of which offers a distinctive scheduling style. • 7-day programming – a flexible option that meets the heating/cooling needs of homeowners with erratic schedules by allowing them to set seven different Thermostat basics schedules Choose a thermostat that will work for • 5-1-1 programming – allows you to set those who will use it. Some have traditional one heating/cooling schedule for the week push buttons while more advanced models and two different plans for Saturday and feature intuitive touch screens for quick Sunday and clear navigation. • 5-2 programming – same as 5-1-1 Consider a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat, except Saturday and Sunday have the same such as the Luxaire Acclimate Residential plan Communicating Control, which will allow • 1-week programming – allows you to you to control the temperature in your home, even when you’re away. See THERMOSTAT – Page 8 Programmable thermostats can help homeowners conserve energy and reduce utility costs, but only if they are selected, installed and used properly. To help realize the potential savings that come with this technology, it’s a good idea to keep the following tips in mind.
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FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
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Kitchen cosmetics Great kitchens sell homes, and the kitchen is also the room where many families spend the greatest amount of time, so anything you do to improve a kitchen is well worth the investment. Taking care of basic items like replacing old cabinet hardware, upgrading faucets and lighting, and investing in quality countertops can be cost-effective ways to elevate your home’s value and boost the usability of the kitchen. Even a minor kitchen remodel can recoup more than 83 percent of its cost at the time of resale, according to Remodeling
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FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Don’t waste time, narrow your search to a thermostat that’s compatible with the heating and cooling system installed in your home.
HOMES & DESIGN
March 2016
Page 5
INTERIOR
From modest to magnificent
Create an entertainment space for any home
Entertaining at home? Whatever you’re planning –big bash or intimate soirée, cheery beer fest or elegant wine tasting – an inviting and accessible built-in bar featuring handsome hardwood cabinetry can help transform mundane household space into the life of the party. And once the festivities are over, all the accouterments such as glasses and silverware, not to mention wine, liquor and mixers, can be stored in those cabinets, either displayed behind glass or hidden by solid wood doors. “Today, the term ‘built-in bar’ covers a variety of possible set ups,” says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo. com. At its simplest, a bar may occupy the end of a kitchen island – nothing more than a short length of dedicated countertop above a neat grid of cubbyholes to store wine and a small fridge to cool it when necessary. Slightly more ambitious bars comprise a niche or doorless closet fitted with wood shelves and cabinets, a countertop and perhaps a faucet and sink. Then there are more imposing affairs, the modern equivalent of a traditional butler’s pantry, fully plumbed stations where not only drinks, but also finger foods and hors d’oeuvres can be prepared and served. Finally, there are dedicated sit-down bars. Complete with stools, behind-counter serving space, and semi-professional equipment, these pull-up-a-chair facilities have special requirements that take them beyond our present consideration. “Many houses and apartments have a closet or unused space that can easily be converted into an attractive and useful builtin bar,” says Laura Bohn, a New York-based interior designer who has done this for several clients over the years. “If you live in a house with stairs, the space beneath them is often an ideal place to install a small, modestly equipped drinks center. It should be able to accommodate enough countertop to prepare cocktails, enough storage for a liquor cabinet, and maybe enough room for a fridge or wine cooler.” A sink is not an absolute necessity, but if the small space you requisition is near a kitchen, powder room, laundry or bathroom, you may be able to make use of the existing plumbing and create a true wet bar. As Bohn notes, one advantage of using such confined spaces for built-in bars is that they can be closed off when not in use, so that a commandeered closet looks just like a closet, an appropriated staircase just like a staircase. “But a well-designed, well-crafted hardwood mini-bar needn’t be hidden,” she adds. “Made of walnut, cherry or some other distinctive wood – my favorite is maple – it
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Designed by I. Fromkin Interiors and captured by Peter Rymwid, the kitchen features maple cabinetry painted white, a honed black granite countertop and an island with under-counter cubbyhole wine storage and a glass-door wine refrigerator.
can be an integral and pleasing a part of the décor.” Of course, larger butler’s pantry-style builtin bars cannot be hidden. Ideally, they are located discreetly in transitional spaces between kitchens and adjacent dining or living rooms. “Walnut is very popular right now for this type of bar,” says Christine Donner, a kitchen designer in New Canaan, Connecticut. “It is an elegant wood and its cool tones complement the white-and-silver palette that my clients currently favor. It can be bleached to a lighter tone, left natural, or stained much darker, almost all the way to black. Limed oak, bleached to a lovely honey-blonde color, has a marvelous midcentury-modern feel that is slowly catching on, too.” For Donner, functionality is as important as aesthetics. “Wine connoisseurs often have an extensive collection of varietal-specific glasses that they want displayed, so I get asked a lot for glass-fronted cabinets with interior lighting,” she says. “Much of this stemware is oversize or extra tall, so I make sure the shelves can accommodate their height. And I always include solid-door cabinets to stow motley collections of assorted liquor bottles.” Fine hardwood cabinetry can also be used to conceal icemakers, refrigerators, bottle-cooling drawers, dishwashers and other unsightly appliances and equipment. “A small bar sink is also very useful,” Donner continues. “Less for the water coming out of the spout than as a place to dump out old drinks or melted ice.” Loading up your built-in bar with such practical, laborsaving features will free you up to enjoy your own party to the fullest. And that, surely, is the point of the exercise. To learn more about cabinetry for built-in bars and other products made from American hardwoods, visit www.HardwoodInfo.com. (BPT)
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
In today’s more open-plan houses, such built-in bars, often dubbed buffets, are likely to be in either the kitchen or living area itself – wall-spanning installations that are on full public view and should therefore look as elegant as pieces of fine hard-wood furniture.
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March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
Does your household need a generator?
What to consider
With increasingly volatile weather patterns and a growing reliance on technology, more people are becoming familiar with the benefits of having a back-up generator at home. But beyond the importance of immediate back-up power in the event of an outage, a generator can have many other benefits in your life – at home and when you’re on the go. Given the lower prices of today’s models, generators are becoming a product more consumers choose to purchase. Here, Jason Sutton, vice president of Sales & Service at FIRMAN Power Equipment offers tips for finding a suitable back-up generator for your household, and advice on getting the best use out of it. Go camping or hunting Take your campsite to the next level. Even if you’re roughing it, you’ll be happy to be able to charge the gadgets and keep the music going at your campsite. For ease of travel, consider a lightweight inverter generator designed for mobility. Inverters provide fuel efficiency, clean power for sensitive electronics, and a quiet motor that won’t bug fellow campers at neighboring campsites. On the water A backup generator can make your next boating trip a more comfortable
experience. Just be sure to follow safety precautions – never operate your generator in an enclosed or wet space.
Tailgating Cold pizza never hurt anybody, but you can do better than that at your next tailgate party. And a backup generator can assist you with this culinary effort. Whether you’re blending up a batch of margaritas, or keeping the chili steaming throughout the day, you’ll be glad to have a source of longterm power. Shopping for a generator When shopping for a generator, make an informed consumer decision with a little groundwork. First, determine your wattage requirements by listing the running watts and starting watts for each device you intend to power at once, and add them together. Other factors to consider are the type of fuel you prefer and what your generator’s primary use will be – whether that’s home emergencies, RV road trips or tailgate parties. To learn more about FIRMAN generators, which cost about half or less the price of other leading brands, visit www.shopfirman.com, to take advantage of a special price offer of 15 percent off by entering promo code “readers” at checkout. (STATEPOINT)
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
At home and on the road, sometimes power is critical. For peace of mind and happier trails, consider a backup generator for your family and household.
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HOMES & DESIGN
March 2016
Page 7
LAWN & GARDEN
Stack the deck in Mother Nature’s
favor with these green deck-building tips Communing with the bounty of nature in your own backyard is one of the many advantages of having a deck. Not only does it boost home value, a deck gives you a comfortable venue for enjoying the outdoors - and what could be more environmentally friendly than spending some time with Mother Nature? But is your deck really as “green” as it could be? Some decks are simply greener than others by virtue of the materials used in their construction. If you’ll be adding a new deck to your outdoor environment this year, or refurbishing or replacing an old one, keep these eco-friendly deck-building tips in mind: Deck board options Wood and composites are the two primary types of boarding used for decks. Wood is a renewable resource; more trees can grow to replace the ones harvested for your deck boards, and when your deck’s usable life ends, you can recycle the wood it was made of. However, pressure-treated lumber is not recyclable. While the preservatives it’s treated with make pressuretreated lumber last longer than many types of untreated wood, it’s less eco-friendly in the long run because it must be disposed of instead of reused. If you prefer a wood deck, look for naturally weatherand pest-resistant wood varieties like California red wood, western red cedar or ipe. Composite boards can also be greener. Many are made from recycled materials such as reused plastic and reclaimed or recycled wood. Composites tend to be more long-lasting than wood, and require no special treatment like staining or sealing. Their longevity can make them a greener choice, but be aware composites can’t be recycled.
•See STACK THE DECK – Page 8
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
A good green thumb knows an early start in the garden or yard ensures lush, healthy plants, especially when planting trees. Young trees do best when planted in spring.
Getting an early start on spring As soon as the first morning frost appears and the first snowflakes start to pile up, many begin looking forward to spring. Images of green leaves, red and orange blossoms, fresh vegetables and herbs help keep the cold winter days manageable as you wait for the ground to thaw so you can start planting. Many people do not realize that they shouldn’t wait for summer. Young trees do best when they are put into the ground in spring and have ample time to establish themselves in the soil before either extremes of heat or cold hit. Therefore, if part of your winter landscaping daydreams include planting trees, it’s important to know you’ll need to be ready to plant early. Winter is an opportunity to begin planning.
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Enjoy a clearer view of your garden with cable railing.
Five simple ways trees are practical and beautiful Few things can be so practical and as beautiful as a tree. It’s no wonder that with the rising popularity of the do-it-yourself lifestyle, more people are deciding to plant trees in their yard. Here are five simple reasons why – • A mature tree can add up to $10,000 to your property value. • Trees can reduce energy costs by providing
shade to a house in the summer. • Trees naturally offset carbon emissions. • Because many change from season to season, trees add a variety of different colors to your yard and allow for a range of creative choices and combinations. • Trees help make memories. Watching a tree grow in your yard from year to year builds a connection between you, your family, your home and the memories you make there. An easy way to get started The nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation is encouraging people to get an early start on their tree planting this year by offering 10 free flowering trees with a $10 membership. Which 10 flowering trees a new member will receive is based on what the state forester recommends or other trees selected for your area to ensure they thrive when planted. The 6 to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow and will be shipped in March or April, a perfect time for optimal, early season planting. So if you’re already getting excited about spring projects, visit www. arborday.org/earlyplanting to make sure your trees arrive at the right time for planting where you live.
(BPT)
Page 8
March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
• STACK THE DECK – from page 7
Greener railings Just as wood and composites are the primary materials for deck floors, they’re also commonly used for railings. However, given the railing’s exposure to the elements and its importance in the safety and beauty of a deck, it’s worth exploring other green alternatives. Stainless steel cable railing, like Ultratec by The Cable Connection, not only provides unobscured views from your deck and a sleek, attractive look, it’s also 100 percent recyclable. What’s more, Ultra-tec is made from recycled stainless steel, meaning fabrication requires less consumption of resources like fossil fuels,
• THERMOSTAT – from page 4
less consumption of minerals through mining, and a reduced environmental impact. Greener railings can also save you some green; you can easily install stainless steel railing yourself on a new or existing wood or composite deck. To learn more, visit ultra-tec.com.
to it. If you opt to build your deck with wood, some types will require regular maintenance like sealing and staining. Rot- and pest-resistant woods may not need to be sealed, but will weather to a silver-gray color unless you stain them every year. Many stains contain a blend of agents meant to inhibit the growth of fungus or deter pest infestations, and may also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for stains and sealers that rely on natural ingredients, such as hemp oil, beeswax, carnauba wax and water.
Maintenance If you choose to construct your deck of composites – and add a stainless steel railing – it will require little maintenance. Stainless steel is inherently weatherresistant and will stay shiny and beautiful for years without you having to do anything Icing on the cake Of course, adding life to your deck is one of the greenest things you can do. It’s easy to add built-in planters as you’re
constructing a new deck or retrofitting an existing one. Or, you can simply place flowers, vegetables and herbs in containers on the deck. Be sure to protect wood decks with a tray placed under containers to catch water runoff. Lighting is also a great way to boost the visual appeal and usability of a deck. You can enjoy mood-making light that’s also eco-friendly by using solar lights, rather than electrical ones, throughout your deck. A variety of solar deck lights are available online and in home-improvement stores. You can even find solar-powered decorative post caps for deck railings. Choosing greener deck options can help ensure you enjoy your outdoor environment throughout the year, and help preserve the environment for future generations.
set one heating/cooling plan that will be repeated daily for the entire week. Set energy-saving temperature levels based on the habits in your household. Standard models offer four daily temperature changes, although models offering six or more settings are available. Consider programming the thermostat for a comfortable temperature when you wake up, an energy-saving temperature for when you’re at work, a comfortable temperature when you’re home and another for when you’re asleep. Ideally, a temperature change should remain at that temperature for at least eight hours to take full advantage of potential energy savings.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for installation, or ask your heating, ventilation and air-conditioning contractor to do the installation. Think about using multiple thermostats to take advantage of zoned heating and cooling and maximize energy savings. Use the permanent “hold” setting to save energy when you are on vacation or to override preprogrammed settings. However, consider changing your settings when you find you’re using the hold feature too often. Change the batteries in the thermostat annually. Some thermostats offer prompts for this as well as changing filters and scheduling maintenance for your heating/ cooling system. Installation and usage tips To learn more about programmable Install the thermostat on an interior thermostats and their potential impact on wall, away from drafts and supply registers, energy savings, visit www.luxaire.com, or FILE PHOTO Homes & Design heat-generating appliances, skylights, follow on YouTube and @Luxaire HVAC There are many options available when constructing a new deck. From comfireplaces, windows and doorways. on Twitter. (NAPS) posites to real wood, the range of materials available are plentiful.
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March 2016
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INTERIOR
Seven steps
to allergy relief with spring cleaning Longing for allergy relief? To stop the endless cycle of sniffles, sneezes and wheezes, it’s time to ready your vacuum and rubber gloves. “People who suffer from allergies may not realize there’s a direct connection between cleaning your home and reducing allergy symptoms,” says allergist Bryan Martin, DO, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “The more you can rid your home of dust mites, mold, cockroaches and pet dander, the easier you’ll breathe.” ACAAI recommends seven spring cleaning steps to remove allergens in the home and avoid accidentally letting more in.
Step 1: To sleep, perchance to
dream – and breathe Start in the bedroom where you spend eight to 10 hours a day. Dust mites can flourish during cold, dreary months, so wash your sheets and comforter regularly. Most mites die by drowning, but if you want to use hot water (which will kill slightly more mites) don’t use water that’s over 120 degrees F because it can scald. Remember to also wash decorative pillows. Finish by adding allergy-proof casings to the mattress, box spring and pillows. Keep pets out of the bedroom as their dander can cause symptoms to flare.
Step 2: Gaze out, but don’t open
Window treatments are a magnet for dust and allergens. Pull them down and dry clean, or vacuum each thoroughly. Don’t forget to vacuum blinds and windowsills as well. Tempted to open the windows to let the spring breeze in? Don’t. Unwanted pollen can enter your home and spread everywhere.
Step 3: When the dust settles,
wipe it off Suit up to win the war on dust by wearing protective gloves and a facemask so you don’t breathe in microscopic mold spores. Next, ditch cotton cloths and
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Spring cleaning helps eliminate allergens so you can relax, breathe easy and enjoy the season. Now is the time to change the filters on the ventilations system and give everything a good vacuum and scrub down.
feather dusters that kick up allergens, and instead use microfiber-cleaning cloths, which trap and remove triggers. Wipe down all surfaces including picture frames, knickknacks, plant saucers and ceiling fans.
Step 4: Nature abhors a
vacuum – you shouldn’t Move all furniture, and vacuum the dust and dander that collects underneath. Use a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Additionally, clean vents and return registers to limit dust recirculating. Consider shampooing carpets to remove deeply embedded allergens.
Step 5: Scrub-a-dub the mold
In bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces scrub any visible mold and mildew from surfaces with bleach, or borax mixed with water, then dry completely. The key to reducing mold is moisture control, so use bathroom fans and clean any standing water immediately. You can also help ward off mold by keeping home humidity below 50 percent.
Step 6: Change is good – for filters Keep the air that circulates through your home’s ventilation system clean by using filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12. Change the filter at the change of every season, or every three months. (Set a calendar reminder to remember).
Additionally, change filters in HEPA appliances. This helps eliminate allergens, and prohibits mold growth.
Step 7: Get out – and about Check your home’s exterior for any concerns that may have emerged due to cold weather. Chipped paint, roof damage or cracked siding can lead to mold problems. Make repairs as necessary. These seven spring cleaning steps may take a few weekends to complete, but they’ll help reduce allergens all season long. For more information, or to find an allergist in your area, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
(BPT)
Appliance Gallery takes the lower level to the next level More homeowners are opting to renovate their basements into an entertainment space rather than a storage space cluttered with old science projects and outgrown clothes. Appliance Gallery, Wisconsin’s premier appliance store, offers advice on how to transform your drab dwelling into a functional lower level and the appliances that will send it over the top. “Customers used to come in just for washers and dryers for their basements,” Appliance Gallery’s Ralph DeNisco said. “But now a lot of people are looking to put in a kitchen or bar to make entertaining easier.”
REFRIGERATION
Depending on the space provided, a compact or mini fridge is prefect for
storing appetizers and keeping beverages at arms reach to prevent you from running up and down the stairs to keep your guests refreshed. “I would also recommend installing a beverage center or wine storage,” DeNisco said. “We offer a wide variety of brands and styles that provide precise cooling control.” Cooking: Consider what you will be cooking and the amount of space you have to determine what kind of appliance you will need. Range ovens and cooktops allow you to cook full meals and turn basic ingredients into a culinary art form. “If you’re more limited on space and only looking to keep food warm, wall ovens, microwaves, or warming drawers are perfect for saving space and keeping your dishes piping hot,” DeNisco said. “If
free up a lot of space and provide a higher air quality,” DeNisco said. Before deciding what to put in your basement, consider your family’s lifestyle and create a space you’re able to enjoy DISHWASHER together. Also, pay attention to the amount Adding a dishwasher to a lower level of space you have. Instead of a full kitchen, kitchen makes cleaning up a cinch, allowing a kitchenette, including smaller appliances, you more time to spend with your guests. may be a good alternative. Make sure to pay attention to basement With more than 25 name-brand plumbing prior to designing the layout of manufacturers, Appliance Gallery’s the kitchen and installing appliances. spacious Milwaukee showroom at 4550 W. Wisconsin Ave. features a knowledgeable, VENTILATION friendly, and experienced sales staff Since many basements are enclosed offering competitive pricing, and service without windows, proper ventilation is a after the sale. crucial aspect for lower level kitchens in Call (414) 727-7550 or visit order to stay safe. appliancegallerywi.com for more “Wall hoods and under cabinet hoods information.
you’re looking to do more in-depth food preparation, a convection microwave is an excellent option, as it broils, roasts, and bakes.
Page 10
March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
CALL RYAN TO FIND THE BEST LAKE VALUES!
Lakefront Specialist
(608) 852-3156
www.DelavanLakeProperty.com
202746
Ryan Simons
175980
CARS WANTED! Fast Payment & Pick Up! Generous Finder’s Fees!
Jaguar, Xk-XKE, MG T series; MGA Triumph TR-2-3-4-250; Mercedes 190, 220, 230, 250, 280SL; Porsche 356, 911, 914; Austin Healy; Riley; Alfa-Romeo; Singer, Mustang 1964-1967; Model T, A Also Other Interesting European & American Made Cars
630-553-9023 • email sbcinc@aol.com
Wayne DuPont
P.O. Box 406 Elkhorn, WI 53121
Elkhorn: (262) 742-3159 WhitEWatEr: (262) 473-3400 Fax: (866) 804-1463 lakesareagaragedoorllc@charter.net
176125
198530
Actively Buying Cars for Over 20 Years... Any Condition!
Paul Swartz Nursery & Garden Shop
Landscape plans by design professionals Locally grown nursery stock on 250 acres Complete line of landscape materials Landscape Maintenance Services Tree, Shrub & Lawn Services Insect & Disease Control
Beautiful hardware for your cabinets & furniture www.nottinghill-usa.com 262-248-8890 • Made in Walworth County!
In Business for over 60 Years 176132
2 Miles north of Wilmot on Hwy F 262-537-8083 • paulswartznursery.com
Available at
Geneva Cabinet Company Dunn Design Center
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220391 235109
HOMES & DESIGN
March 2016
Page 11
HVAC
New comfort for older homes
The charm of an older home is an attractive selling feature. Less appealing are the inefficiencies of an older heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system or the absence of a cooling system. Updating to an HVAC system improves comfort and often makes good economic sense, but it requires careful planning. Asking the right questions and enlisting the help of a qualified HVAC contractor can make it possible to create a comfortable, efficient environment without spoiling the character of these classic structures. Step 1: Determine how much equipment you need. Ask your HVAC contractor to conduct a “Manual J” load calculation to determine your home’s unique heating and cooling needs. This calculation analyzes everything that affects air temperature in your home – things like windows, orientation to the sun, and duct leakage. Using this calculation, your contractor can recommend the rightsize equipment for your home. Step 2: Determine the location of the unit and inspect ductwork. Ask your contractor where the new equipment will be located and whether your ductwork is properly sealed, insulated and sized for the equipment. Dust and debris in the ductwork can reduce the HVAC system’s efficiency and damage its components, so have the ductwork inspected before shopping for a new system.
Your contractor should also inspect the home’s electrical system to be sure it provides enough power to handle a new, upgraded HVAC system. Step 3: Discuss your efficiency and “stage” options. Whether shopping for a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump, always check the efficiency of the unit you are considering. The efficiency of a fuel-burning furnace is expressed as the annual fuel utilization efficiency. Air-conditioning systems are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio and heat pump efficiency is expressed as the unit’s heating seasonal performance factor. Generally speaking, a higher AFUE, SEER or HSPF means increased efficiency and reduced operating expenses. If you’re in the market for a new furnace, choose from a single-stage, two-stage or modulating furnace. Single-stage furnaces operate at full capacity all the time. Twostage furnaces have two separate heating settings – a lower setting that is used when the furnace turns on and runs during milder winter days and a higher stage for colder conditions. Modulating furnaces, such as the York Affinity Series gas furnaces, can run at any speed within a set range, allowing them to choose the precise speed that’s most efficient for the given heating demand and offering the most energy-efficient heating solution.
FILE PHOTO Homes & Design
Also, consider installing a programmable thermostat to control your new HVAC system. These thermostats offer accurate, reliable, energy-saving performance, and in some cases they include Wi-Fi® support to work with mobile devices to easily program a system remotely. Step 4: Understand your warranty. Finally, be sure to check the warranty coverage offered by the equipment
• CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT Apartments
Twin Lakes Apartments
TWIN LAKES - 1 bedroom for seniors 62+ or disabled of any age. Rent starts at $426/month. Elevator, on-site laundry & community room! Call 262-877-2212. Equal opportunity provider and employer. Equal Housing Opportunity.
APARTMENT FOR RENT Silver Lake, large two bedroom, stove, frig, AC, no pets. W/D on site, $650 + dep. 815-529-0429
Waterford Apartments
FURNISHED ROOM IN LYONS AREA for rent. Kitchen & bath privileges 262-757-3173.
WATERFORD APARTMENT 2BR, 1.5 bath, garage, all appliances, immediate occupancy, $780/month Call 262-492-7200.
Burlington Apartments
Duplex
1 BR, GROUND LEVEL APT. Fridge/Range, A/C., water included, no smoking/pets. Single occupancy. $400mo. + sec. Avail. 4/1. 262-2102962.
SILVER LAKE DUPLEX LOWER stove, refrigerator, CA, washer/dryer, water softner, no pets, $680/mo + security, Call 815-529-0429.
2BR UPPER w/appli, close to Richter’s sm. pet considered. $625. + sec. 262-492-9535. 4 BR/1BA lower, new carpet, appl. incl., NO PETS., NO SMOKING, VERY CLEAN, near school, $1050/mo. + sec, avail. 3/1. Call Doug 262-206-0514. 480 SUNSET DRIVE, BURLINGTON One Bedroom, $565, Two Bedroom $695, Appliances, carpeting, Ceiling fan, drapes, One year lease, no pets, 262-661-4881. BURLINGTON STUDIO, high ceilings, great location, $345 month includes gas, water, TV, (262) 949-6997. CUTE OLD FASHIONED, 1BR upper w/patio. $525/mo, $525/security. 262-930-5289.
Fox Lake Apartments FOX LAKE 1BR Kitchenette, all utilities included, $175/weekly. 847-962-4847 or 847-587-0605
Houses/Town/Condos 1 BR. RUSTIC RANCH appl. incl., lg. lot, close to Hwy 59, $700/mo + utilities Call 847-587-2735. 2 BD. HOUSE, GENOA CITY (NIPPERSINK) 1 car garage, appl., incl., no pets, $650 + utilities + sec. Call 262-215-6634.
When updating a home’s heating, air conditioning and ventilation system, it’s important to ask the right questions to determine what system will meet your needs.
manufacturer. Your contractor should be very clear about what’s covered. Also, ask whether an extended warranty is available and what advantages it offers. To learn more about energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) products, visit www.york.com, www.youtube.com/yorkhomecomfort and @YorkHVAC on Twitter or call (877) 8747378.
CALL 262.728.3411 TO PLACE YOUR AD
WATERFORD 610 B CORNERSTONE CROSSING 3 brm, 2 full ba., 2 car garage, deck, large yard. Available March 1.$1,150 mo. 262-2106211.
REAL ESTATE
Other for Rent
500 RACINE ST. WATERFORD OPEN SUNDAY 2/21/16 1-2:30PM WELCOMING FRONT PORCH, HARDWOOD FLOORS, 3 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 BATHS ON .6 ACRE IN HEART OF BEAUTIFUL WATERFORD, CLOSE TO SCHOOLS, SHOPPING AND RECREATION. $185,000 PEGGY SHUMWAY 262-989-7100 AMERICAN HOMES REALTY, INC.
FOR RENT: TWIN LAKES Large 20x30 room w/ fireplace & bar, private bath. Utilities & cable included. Plenty of storage and parking available. $500/mo. Call 224-440-5607
Roommates Wanted 2 BDRMS FURN FOR RENT in 4 bdrm clean house Twins Lakes, Wi, ba., kit., lr.. 1 room $600 + $50 for ga. parking, lrg room $700 + $50 for ga. parking. 815- 262-3045. Contact Kung Fu Al. MALES ONLY fully furnished room for rent in Brown’s Lake Mobile Home Court, must have full time job and be able to pass a background & credit check, $400/mo. includes all utilities, full house privileges, Call 847-546-2881 ask for Nancy.
BRAND NEW HOUSE 3 bedroom, 3 bath, 2.5 attached car garage, big yard, $1380/mo Call 262-492-7454.
Business Office Rentals
RICHMOND CONDO, Kensington Manor, $850, 2 br., 2 ba., gar., no pet or smoke, Deb New Era Realty 262-206-1316.
PRIVATE OFFICE SPACE, great Burlington location with bath. From $150/mo. (262) 949-6997.
Homes for Sale
Lots/Acreage
LOOKING TO BUY 1/4 ACRE on channel that leads to Chain O’lakes, Call 847-370-7638.
Open House
OPEN HOUSE 2/21 12-2PM 7310 N Tichigan Rd., 3 br., 3ba., private pier, a must see home at $397,000, Image Realty 262-770-9570.
Commercial Real Estate
COMMERCIAL UNIT AVAILABLE 1020 sq. ft. High visibility on Hwy 36. Available April 1st. Former use was Hair Salon. Call 262-893-6100.
Page 12
March 2016
HOMES & DESIGN
Residential & Commercial Heating & Air Conditioning
Free Estimates on New Installations.
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Burlington 763-4333
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Elkhorn 743-2665
Twin Lakes 877-4328
Walworth 275-3150
Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical Services
230209