Spring Home and Garden 2019

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019

Get ready: Early spring landscaping tips

During the cold months of winter, many people stare longingly out of the window dreaming of spring and time spent outdoors. For those with green thumbs, images of tending to the garden and other aspects of their landscapes no doubt dominate such daydreams.

Draw inspiration from those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the last remnants of snow

and employ these tips to prepare for the upcoming gardening season. One of the first steps is to apply a pre-emergent weed killer to get a head start knocking out weeds that can plague the lawn during the growing season.

Killing weeds at the roots early on can mean far fewer hassles in spring and See READY, 2B

Five things to look for when selecting a lawn service Most people want beautiful, lush lawns and well-maintained landscapes. Not every homeowner has the time or the inclination to do the work, however. Many homeowners rely on a lawn service to help maintain their properties and keep their homes looking great.

Lawn companies come in all shapes and sizes — from fly-by-night workers with ill-maintained equipment to franchised companies with thousands of workers across the country to everything in between. Finding the right service for your needs may require some homework and understanding of what sets a quality lawn service company See LAWN, 3B

Spring craft combines fantasy and fun Spring is a season of rebirth marked by flowers pushing through the soil and tender green leaf buds appearing on trees.

As adults begin tinkering in their gardens and clearing away the vestiges of another winter, children also can get into the spring gardening spirit — with a touch of whimsy mixed in. A fairy garden is the perfect project.

Fairies are mythical beings of romance and folklore that appear in ancient stories passed down by various cultures. Diminutive in size, fairies are often depicted as spiritual or supernatural beings in possession of magical powers who live in close proximity to mortals.

Fairies tap into the imaginations of children, who may be enticed by fairies’ mischievous or magical attributes. A desire to capture fairies can inspire a great spring crafting project.

Fairy gardens can be constructed in just about any container and make an enchanting addition to a home landscape, patio or child’s bedroom. It’s easy to get started today.

Begin by collecting the materials needed. Materials will vary depending on each individual project, but some good suggestions include: a container, such as a flowerpot, basket, wine barrel or another vessel that will hold soil potting soil stones, pebbles and glass baubles pea gravel small plants, such as clover, moss and succulents twigs miniature garden accessories and figures Begin by filling the container with the soil. Then arrange the plants as desired while still in their individual potting containers to get an idea of the layout. When the design is established, use a spoon or small trowel to plant the greenery.

Now is the time when the whimsy can set in. The child can create a fairy home, a garden, walkways and much more with natural materials. Many craft stores even sell ceramic and plastic fairy furnishings. Gravel and stones can add color and extra appeal. Some peat moss or trailing Spanish moss can serve as the finishing touches.

Once completed, it’s time to wait to see if the fairies will come for a visit.

—Metro Creative

Outdoor improvements that boost home value

Whether home improvement projects are designed to improve the interior or exterior of a house, focusing on renovations that make the most financial sense can benefit homeowners in the long run. The right renovations can be assets if and when homeowners decide to sell their homes.

So how does one get started? First and foremost, speak to a local real estate agent who is knowledgeable about trends in the community.

While a swimming pool may be something coveted in one area, it may impede sales in another. It also helps to study generalized trends and data from various home improvement industry analysts to guide upcoming projects.

The following outdoor projects are just a few ren-

ovations that tend to add value. Fire pit: A fire pit is a great place to gather most months of the year. Bob Vila and CBS news report that a fire pit realizes a 78-percent return on investment. Outdoor kitchen: Many buyers are looking to utilize their yards as an extension of interior living areas. Cooking, dining and even watching TV outdoors is increasingly popular. Outdoor living areas can be custom designed and built. In addition, prefabricated modular units that require a much smaller commitment of time and money are available. Patio: Homeowners who do not already have a patio will find that adding one can increase a home’s value. Patios help a home

look neat, add useable space and may help a home to sell quickly. The experts at Space Wise say that refinishing, repairing and building a new patio offers strong return on investment. Deck: Deck can be as valuable as patios. A deck is another outdoor space that can be used for entertaining, dining and more.

Remodeling magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report indicates that an $11,000 deck can add about $9,000 in resale value to the home, recouping around 82 percent of the project’s costs. Door update: Improve curb appeal with a new, high-end front door and garage doors. If that’s too expensive, a good cleanSee OUTDOOR, 4B

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Benefits of freestanding tubs

Few home design elements provide the instant “wow factor” of freestanding tubs.

Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury that can help current homeowners relax and impress buyers when homes go on the market.

Freestanding tubs are typically made of cast iron or porcelain. The home improvement website HomeAdvisor notes that cast iron is durable and solid and retains heat well, which is great for those who want to spend more than a little time relaxing in a freestanding tub. However, because cast iron is so heavy, installing a cast iron tub may require structural reinforcement of the flooring, which will add to the overall cost of the project.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a tub

varies widely depending on the type of tub, the materials it’s made of and other factors, including plumbing and piping.

For example, the cost to install a freestanding tub will rise considerably if new plumbing and piping are necessary.

Before purchasing a freestanding tub, homeowners should seek estimates regarding installation, making sure to get them in writing.

Contractors will determine if structural reinforcement is necessary and include such costs in their estimates. In addition, make sure to ask contractors to investigate piping and plumbing so no surprises pop up after the tub has been purchased and work has begun.

If estimates from contractors aren’t budget-busting, homeowners

can consider these benefits of freestanding tubs before making their final decisions. Cleaning: Because they’re detached from other bathroom fixtures and not flush against the wall, freestanding tubs tend to be easier to clean than built-in bathtubs.

Freestanding tubs are accessible from all sides, making it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where grime can build up. Return on investment: In its 2018 “Cost vs.

Value” report, Remodeling magazine noted that upscale bathroom remodels recouped 56.2 percent of their cost at resale. That was a better return on investment than an upscale kitchen remodel ( 53.5 percent) and an upscale master suite addition ( 48.3 percent) . The thought of a sizable return on investment can make

relaxing in a freestanding tub that much more enjoyable. Warmth: E ven freestanding tubs made of materials other than cast iron offer great heat reten-

tion. Stone resin bathtubs, for example, provide excellent insulation on cold nights. That’s ideal for people who want to unwind in the tub without having to exit early

because the water has become cold.

Freestanding tubs can transform regular bathrooms into luxurious oases.

—Metro Creative

Service with Integrity

Time to replace old wiring?

Old homes can be charming and contain architectural elements not often seen in many modern housing developments. But what older homes may have in design appeal, they may lack in updated features.

While cosmetic changes are not necessarily difficult, one area of concern in historic homes — and sometimes even in houses built 4 0 or 5 0 years ago — is archaic wiring. Wiring provides power to every room of the home. In today’s electronics-driven society, electricity that works is an essential component of daily life. Over time, wiring can be compromised through simple aging, pest infiltration, weather or other conditions. Deteriorated wiring can present a shock hazard and also a serious fire hazard, warn home renovation experts. Furthermore, the amperage of old wiring may not be able to meet the needs of the devices

used in homes — overpowering the circuits. This can cause breaker blowouts and other problems, such as overheated wires that may spark and cause fires from within the wall.

Wiring often falls into the “out of sight, out of mind” category.

Homeowners may make allowances for inadequate electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multi-plug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, they may not be diligently keeping on top of upgrades needed to stay safe. Confirming that a home’s electrical system is safe is a necessary part of home maintenance.

For those who haven’t already done so, schedule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go over the home’s wiring.

He or she can determine if any areas pose a safety risk or do not conform to local code requirements

and the National E lectrical Code. Failure to meet code can lead to difficulty obtaining permits to make other home renovations or difficulty selling a home later on.

The electrician can also go over improvements that can improve safety and function. Additional outlets, including GFCI outlets in kitchens and bathrooms, may be part of the plan, as well as rewiring a fuse box or circuit panel to allow for better flow of power around the house. Frayed wiring or under-insulated wiring also may need to be replaced.

Owners of old homes should recognize possible electrical system dangers that require attention.

Plus, considering electrical codes change quite frequently, it is always in a homeowner’s best interest to work with a qualified electrician to keep wiring inspected and up to date.

—Metro Creative

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Ready: Prepare for spring at home Continued from page 1B

summer and may prevent new generations of weeds from cropping up each year. While it may be tempting to take a prematurely warm day as a sign that spring is in full force and purchase a bunch of annuals, it’s better to know the last of the possible frost dates ( check “The Farmer’s Almanac”) ; otherwise, you may waste time and money planting flowers or vegetables only to have them zapped by another frosty day. Amend the soil so that it is the right consistency — just crumbling when lifting it. Soil that is too muddy after spring thaw can harden, making it difficult for plants to flourish later on. Speak

with representatives at a local lawn and garden center about which types of amendments you can add to the soil in your particular area to enrich it. Lawn and garden experts suggest filling in bare patches of lawn now by mixing a few shovelsful of soil with grass seed.

Then apply this patch to the bare areas, water, and continue to care for the area until the spot fills in. Spend a day in the garage or shed tending to the lawn mower and other gardening equipment.

Clean all tools and ensure that everything works, repairing parts as needed. Give outdoor entertaining spaces a good scrubbing, clearing away dirt and grime that may have accumulated over

the winter. U se a leaf blower to blow away any leftover leaves. Check if the front porch, railings or decking need painting and/ or staining. Tackle these projects when the weather is cooler so everything will be ready for those peak spring days. Think about any annuals you might want to plant in the landscape this year that will complement any existing shrubbery or perennials. Come up with a theme so that the entire yard is cohesive.

Before homeowners know it, winter is gone and it is time to once again enjoy long days spent outdoors. Get a jump start on spring lawn prep as soon as you can.

—Metro Creative

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2019 | PAGE 3B

How tree services can protect your property Cold weather can take its toll on a property, especially in regions of the world where winters are harsh. Most parts of the landscape are vulnerable to damage from winter storms, but trees may be especially susceptible. By the end of winter, many homeowners wonder if their trees would benefit from some professional care.

Tree services provide a host of services. While fall is a popular time to remove trees from a property, doing so in spring is not unheard of, especially if trees were affected by winter storms and now pose a threat to a home and the people who live inside it.

Homeowners considering tree services can explore the following ways that some professional arbor attention can protect them and their homes. Tree services can help protect a home’s foundation. Old trees that stretch well into the sky can be captivating, but they also can pose a threat to a home’s foundation. Such trees may have especially large root zones that may extend beneath walkways and even a home. In the latter instance, foundations may crack as roots try to stake their claim to the ground beneath a home.

According to the home improvement resource HomeAdvisor, homeowners pay an average of more than $4,000 to repair foundation issues, though major problems can cost

considerably more than that. A professional tree service can remove aging trees that might be beautiful and awe-inspiring but still pose a threat to a home and the areas surrounding it. Tree services can improve visibility. Trees that have aged a bit since their last trimming might affect the view of a property from inside a home.

Overgrown branches can compromise residents’ ability to see and experience the natural beauty just outside their windows. The average homeowner may be able to trim short trees on his or her own, but if views from the second floor of a home or higher have been compromised, it’s much safer to call a professional tree service. Such services have the right tools and experienced personnel necessary to safely trim high branches on tall trees. Tree services can help prevent future damage. E ven if trees made it through a recent winter unscathed, that’s no guarantee next winter or even the coming seasons of spring, summer and fall won’t ultimately prove their undoing.

Travelers Insurance notes that weather-related roof damage, including damage resulting from falling limbs and branches weighed down by snow during the winter months, accounted for more than half of all Travelers property loss claims between 2009 and 2016 . According to

BNC Insurance and Risk Advisors, homeowners may be liable if a tree they knew posed a threat falls onto a passerby or a neighbor’s property and causes damage or injury.

Having all trees properly trimmed each year, but especially those that can fall on your home and your neighbors’ homes, may prevent future damage and legal issues.

Tree services can ensure trees maintain their awe-inspiring beauty and help homeowners protect their homes and their belongings.

—Metro Creative

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Lawn: Choose company wisely Continued from page 1B

apart from one that’s best avoided. Look to the internet.

The internet connects consumers via shared information and reviews.

Reading company and product reviews on Y elp and Angie’s List can help homeowners make informed decisions.

Homeowners also can seek recommendations via local Facebook group pages. Insist on licensure and insurance.

It’s not the standard to be licensed and insured, but it is an essential step for finding a business that stands behind its work and the safety of its employees and customers. If a worker gets injured on your property or if the mower kicks a big rock through your

storm door, you’ll be liable if the company isn’t insured. Get a written proposal.

Be wary of companies that will quote you an offer over the phone without seeing your property in person. U nderstand which types of services and treatments will be included in the weekly, monthly or annual plan. Discuss the types of fertilizers and herbicides used and whether they fit with your lifestyle and environmental consciousness. Ask for a contract in writing.

When you find a business that offers the type of work you need done at the right price, be sure that a contract is worked

up and both parties sign it. This protects you as a homeowner and could help you in the long run if guarantees are not met or work is unsatisfactory. One size fits all.

Landscaping is more than just mowing the lawn. However, some lawn companies may only mow lawns and will not plant flowers or perform spring and fall cleanup. If a company cannot fill all of your needs, find one that can; otherwise, you may need to hire specialists in each area of yard maintenance.

Lawn care companies are something to consider as the weather warms and spring projects begin anew.

—Metro Creative

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Emerging deck trends

It can be smart to hire a painting pro Few things can revitalize a home more readily than a fresh coat of paint.

Thanks in part to the affordability of paint and its ease of application, painting is something that even novice DIY ers can typically handle.

According to the marketing advice guru Brandon Gaille, it is estimated that residential interior paint only lasts around three years before it needs to be updated. E xterior paint can fade, chip and peel due to various environmental factors. As a result, many homes can likely use a fresh coat of paint in at least one room.

As DIY -friendly as painting can be, when attempting to paint the interior or exterior of their homes, homeowners may learn that some painting projects are best left to the professionals.

Painting requires skill, patience and a knowledge of how various paints — including fin-

ishes for particular applications — will hold up.

Novice painters may do more harm than good by dripping paint on expensive carpeting or floors or fail to recognize the nuances that indicate a spot-on painting job.

Professional painters have spent hours upon hours learning the ropes of what works — and what does not. Painters often understand that painstaking preparatory work is crucial to getting pristine finished results.

Walls and ceilings must be properly repaired and prepared even before a base coat is applied.

Professional painters also have an eye for details. And because professional painters make a business out of doing interior and exterior surfaces, they understand which techniques can improve efficiency. That means a professional job can typically be completed much more quickly than a DIY project.

E ven though some people think they’ll save money by painting their own homes, that’s not necessarily true.

Professionals already have all the equipment necessary, unlike novices who may need to make repeated and potentially costly trips to the hardware store for supplies.

Plus, if mistakes happen, DIY ers have to spend additional time and money fixing them.

Safety can be a large motivator for turning painting over to a pro.

Navigating exterior areas or tall interior ceilings can be challenging and may require scaffolding or tall ladders DIY ers do not have.

Risk of falls or other injuries increase with lack of experience.

Painting can give a home a facelift, and oftentimes it is smart to turn the work over to professionals to ensure the job is done just right —Metro Creative.

Custom-built decks can expand usable outdoor entertaining spaces.

Decks can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multi-tiered living spaces, improving the functionality of outdoor areas.

Certain deck trends have emerged as industry experts’ top picks for the upcoming remodeling and renovation season. For those thinking of revamping an existing deck, or building an entirely new one, these trends are on point. E stablished perimeters: “Picture framing” is not a new trend, but one that has taken greater hold in recent years. The term refers to aesthetically appealing designs that conceal the ends of deck boards for a clean finish.

Some designs feature contrasting material colors on the ends for even more impact. This helps create refined perimeters for a polished look. Roof-top decking: U rban areas also can benefit from decking to create usable outdoor spaces.

In fact, many new condominium and townhouse communities are incorporating roof-top decks into their designs, particularly in communities with water views or other impressive vistas. HGTV experts suggest roof-top decks feature light-colored materials and

fixtures to help keep the area cool even in direct sunlight. Distressed hardwood: Builder and Developer, a management resource for professional homebuilders, says that the trend for using distressed hardwoods at home has migrated outside. Some decking manufacturers have recently introduced low-maintenance composite deck boards that mimic the look and feel of distressed, rustic hardwood flooring. This weathered appearance gives the look of age without the upkeep of real aged wood. Wooden walkways: Decking can be the more traditional design people envision with a patio table or outdoor furniture. But it also can consist of wooden walkways or a low-laying patio to accentuate the yard. Mixed materials: Homeowners may be

inspired by commercial eateries, breweries and urban markets in their exterior design choices.

Decks featuring composite materials and aluminum railings blend sophistication, urban appeal and comfort. Personal touches: Homeowners can customize their decks with personal touches. It’s not unheard of to wrap columns in stone or glass tiles for more impact. And a vast array of decking colors now enables fun interpretations for outdoor areas. Fire pit conversation area: Many decks can incorporate water or fire elements for visual appeal.

Gas-fueled fire elements can expand the functionality of decks beyond the warm seasons, or make enjoying them practical on nights when the temperature plummets.

—Metro Creative

Outdoor: New landscaping Continued from page 1B

ing and new coat of paint can make an old door look brand new. These easy fixes can improve a home’s look instantly. New landscaping:

The National Association of Realtors says an outdoor makeover that includes well-thought out landscaping can net 105 percent return on invest-

ment. Installing a walkway, adding stone planters, mulching and planting shrubs are ideas to consider.

—Metro Creative