Homestead Fall 2018 by Missoulian

Homestead 2018

Index: Right at home Restoring the Hasmark Saloon Late-season gardening Prioritizing big home projects 2018’s top remodeling trends Late summer home improvements Refresh your home Finding your first home The new ‘it’ color Pro-style kitchens Budgeting for common remodels Children and the home search

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Don’t forget sconces in your lighting plan By KIM COOK Associated Press Lighting a room seems simple: Plug in a lamp or flip a switch. Not so fast. “Nothing enhances a space more than a thoughtful lighting plan,” says interior designer Michael Wood of New York City. Many buildings in the city don’t allow channeling into the ceiling to add lighting, so as a workaround, he often uses sconces. “The right sconce at the right location, inside or out, can act as much as a statement or art object as a light fixture,” he says. “There’s an opportunity to personalize and add richness to a space.” There are practical considerations, as well. “Sconces free up space on night tables, or reduce clutter in a room with too many floor lamps,” says Wood. “For smaller spaces in particular, the less on the floor the better.” Donna Garlough, style director for Joss & Main, has noticed growing interest in sconces in the past few years. “It’s not that they’re new, but spaces featuring sconces have become extra-popular on Pinterest and Instagram lately, where a lot of DIY decorators get their ideas,” she says. “Lighting manufacturers have responded with stylish options for every budget.” The right sconce can create a welcoming glow, and accentuate furniture and architecture, Garlough says. “Used to frame furnishings like beds and sofas, sconces can give your room a high-end, custom feel, and they make furniture look like it really belongs in the space,” she says. Popular locations for sconces include the master bedroom, where they create a hotel-chic vibe, next to bathroom mirrors, around kitchen cabinetry or in hallways. Outdoors, a sconce provides great mood lighting on a wall or fence.

Wood likes sconces with an articulating arm. “It frees the light from a single illumination point, in a similar fashion to a task lamp,” he says. There are also versions that reach some distance from the wall, illuminating corners that other lighting can’t. “Brass and oiled bronze sconces are especially popular, as are midcentury-style globe sconces,” says Garlough. At Joss & Main, the Gulvason articulating sconce comes in several metallic finishes, including brass and polished nickel; it can be installed or plugged in, which is handy if you aren’t able to hard-wire anything. The Sabinal perches a little black shade on a resin post shaped liked a tree branch, clad in gold metallic for a mix of rusticity and elegance. And, available in both a swing-arm and fixed arm version, the Bautista’s round opal glass shade casts a warm glow. Wood praises Los Angeles designer Brendan Ravenhill’s new ADA sconce, which debuted during design week this spring at the ICFF in New York. “I was impressed with the flexibility — it can mount vertically or horizontally — and the finish and size options,” he says. “It would work with contemporary, industrial or classic decor.” At Pottery Barn , the Adeline sconce brings sparkle to a space with a faceted crystalline glass shade. Translucent milk glass and a riveted bronze, nickel or brass frame give the PB Classic sconce retro charm. And for a sophisticated bathroom, consider the Sussex tube sconce, with a frosted glass shade mounted on a polished nickel base with Art Deco-era elan. Finally, from West Elm, there’s a lovely adjustable sconce that plugs in. It comes in both long- and shortarmed versions, with one or two shades. Brass and a curvilinear black shade give it a cool mid-mod vibe. Homestead 2018

Ghost town revival:

Librarian, musician team up to restore Hasmark Saloon

KIM BRIGGEMAN for Homestead There are no ghosts in Hasmark, at least none that Ben Larson has seen. In the forested silence of a blue-sky July morning, it wasn’t hard to believe. But then some loose plastic sheathing on the roof of the old Hasmark Saloon suddenly flapped up and fell back in place. Just probably the breeze. Larson is a 27-year-old architect, carpenter and traveling minstrel hired by the Philipsburg town librarian to save the saloon. In the late 1800s it was a popular watering hole in Hasmark, not two miles out of Philipsburg on the road to Granite. Like so many mining camps in these parts, Hasmark sprang to prominence quickly, in this case in 1879. It flickered out just as fast, then experienced periodic revivals. Its 8

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original fortunes were attributed to the Algonquin Company’s dry-crushing mill for silver mines in the vicinity. According to local mining historian Ron Paige, the Algonquin’s investors were from Philadelphia. The company president was Henry Augustus (H.A.) Stiles. One of its major stockholders was publisher Edward C. Markely. Put ‘em together and you got Hasmark. “There was a saloon, a boarding house, a post office, several log cabins,” said Gina Vale, the librarian who bought the 7-acre town site of Hasmark with her late husband eight years ago. “I went to the historical society and tried to find information about it. There was not much there.” Hasmark had a post office for a few months in 1880. It reopened in 1892 before closing again in 1897. On Jan. 1, 1898, Hasmark and the Algonquin mill burned down. Mostly what remains is this simple log structure, 22 feet

wide and 26 feet long. Its post-saloon uses are murky but it was abandoned long ago. Larson said there’s evidence of interior walls that aren’t there any more. The building was first saved from ruin several years ago when Paige used plywood and tar paper to roof it and a number of other deteriorating buildings in the nearby ghost town of Hope. Vale’s husband, Troy Wallin, put on a tin roof before his death in 2012. That’s what has kept the Hasmark Saloon worth cleaning up, flooring and buttressing, something Vale has had in mind for five years. Several people looked over the project, she said, but there were no takers until Larson came along. “I have no idea what I’m going to do with this building. I just want it restored,” Vale said. “What I told Ben was I want the outside out and the inside in.” She recruited Larson this spring out of the library in Philipsburg, where he was hanging out using the WiFi after a house construction job fell through. He started on the restoration in late May and plans to continue until it’s finished or snow flies, in which case he’ll come back next year. Larson works alone between local guitar/singing gigs and performances with the Backwoods Dreamers. He formed the band with other architect students at Montana State University who are now spread from Missoula to Bozeman to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “The goal for me right now is to get a nice solid roof

on it, get it all cleaned up, get doors and windows in, and re-chink the logs so the building can sit and won’t rot any further,” Larson said in mid-July. He’d just moved onto the roof that morning but climbed down long enough to point out the makeshift gables on either end. The triangular structures were mishmashes of logs of a different type than those of the building walls. They supported 13 peeled poles running the length of the saloon. “The first thing is to make sure all that doesn’t fall down because those gables are all that’s holding up the roof right now and they’re just sitting up there,” Larson said. “They’ve got two screws in each one, and that’s it.” He planned to build a truss with rafters and posts to hold the gables in place rather than removing them and changing the look and color of the logs. Larson spent most of the first six weeks at and below ground level, clearing the building of remnants of pack rats and filling a mysterious 4-foot slough hole in the middle of the dirt floor. “It was nasty when I first started cleaning it out,” Larson said. “There were some serious (rat) nests in here.” One corner of the saloon had sunk 16 inches. With shovel in hand he excavated the length of the sag. Larson was surprised that his truck jack hoisted up not only the corner but the entire building. “Every day I would drive up and I’d just fill the truck

Homestead 2018

with rocks from the side of the road to restack the stone foundation,” he said. “It’s what they would have done originally.” “I’m a scrounger too, so I love the fact that he’s doing that,” said Vale, who is intent on retaining as much of the saloon’s original look as possible. Larson poured footers so the floor can float, he said, “because I assume the building’s going to continue to move with time.” This being his first time working with a building made of logs, chinking will be a new experience. “That’s my next big thing to learn,” Larson said. “I’ve been asking all the people who do it around here about it, but most people use synthetic chinking, which is pretty

expensive. So we’re pondering doing the old mortar style.” Larson comes to the project steeped in the background of historic restoration. He’s from a remote part of northern Vermont, coming to Montana after high school to attend college in Bozeman.

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“I grew up doing stuff like this,” he said. “My dad would always go and do architecture salvage. He’d take down old buildings like this, reuse them, rearrange them and put them back up.” Larson spent much of the past two years rebuilding a Vermont house from the 1790s with his father and uncle. “My dad had taken it down a decade ago and stacked it but didn’t label it,” Larson said. “So my first job was to figure out how to put it back together. I spent a whole summer doing that.” Upon finishing graduate school at MSU in 2014, Larson spent most of 2015 and 2016 hitchhiking and working his way around Australia and New Zealand. “I’d find building projects along the way, just talking to people,” he said. “They’d be like, ‘Oh, you know how to build a porch? Great. Come stay with us.’ “Or I’d meet some folks hitchhiking and I’d go, yeah, I know how to design a house, so then I’d go stay with them for three weeks and look over their design drawings.” Word spread. “They’d be like, ‘Oh, this American kid, he’s handy,” Larson said with a grin. “So it worked out really well.” So well that he wrote a book on his experiences. “Never Homeless” came out in July 2016. “Join Ben as he fights the Tasmanian guitar duel, briefly conquers a nation, discovers a Bush Doof, skis a volcano in his underwear and much, much more,” urges the online book description. He’s in the proofreading and editing stages of a followup book that chronicles his ramblings from Mexico to Newfoundland to Oregon to Spain following his return from Down Under. As for Vale, she bowed out of a stressful 17-year career in Seattle as a buyer for Starbucks in 2008 and moved with Wallin to Philipsburg. She lives in town but has 20 acres and a cabin across Frost Creek, which gurgles behind the saloon. It’s a separate parcel from Hasmark. “I love history,” Vale said. “I’ve always loved history, and the fact that I got to buy a ghost town is so cool.” Even as the saloon sat unfinished this summer, with open windows and door and wide open spaces between the logs, Vale pictured it as an ideal venue for, say, a friend’s yoga class. She knows she doesn’t want it to become a tourist destination on this out-of-the-way road, though Vale and Larson have plans for a sign over the door marking the Hasmark Saloon. “You’ve gotta get a piano in here,” the musician in Larson urged. “The possibilities are endless,” Vale said. “I feel like once it gets finished I’ll have some epiphany what I should do with, but I haven’t had that yet.” And who knows? Once Larson has the Hasmark Saloon shored up to stand for another 140 years, maybe a real live ghost will move in.

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Tips for gardening late into the summer

Homestead 2018

MADELINE BROOM for Homestead

Late summer gardening requires gardeners to keep a close eye on their plants, ensuring they’re watering both early and often, said Leah Rediske, a manager at the Pink Grizzly Greenhouse. August brings hot, dry weather along with smoke to western Montana. Unfortunately, Rediske said, there’s not much that can be done for plants when the smoke rolls in. She said the smoke shades plants. Many summer, full sun plants might stagnate in thick smoke. “We just have to hope it’s not as bad as last year,” Rediske said. “Not a lot can be done.” Hopefully, there will be less smoke this year and gardners can utilize some of Rediske’s tips for keeping plants beautiful and thriving right up until the end of the growing season. In recent years, Montana’s growing season has been stretching further into September. She recommended plants be brought inside for overwintering just before the first frost which has been mid to late October in some years. As with many things, the weather can be unpredictable so Rediske recommended gardeners keep a close eye on the weather, but bringing everything inside by Halloween can serve as a good rule of thumb. She said there is no harm in taking plants in a little early. 14

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Plants like herbs and geraniums can thrive indoors, given they aren’t over watered. Many plants such as rosemary only require about an ice cube’s worth of water per week. One solution to over-watering is to add water into the drip tray, allowing the plant to absorb the water it needs. Checking the soil by poking it with a finger is a good way to check how damp the soil is. Rediske said many plants like to dry out for a while before being watered again, allowing the plant to equalize. She also warned against misting plants. When the majority of water is falling on the leaves, then the soil may not be absorbing enough water. While it’s typically not harmful to the plant, Rediske said, it’s not very water efficient. At the Pink Grizzly new employees are trained on how to properly water the plants, ensuring they aim the hose down — drenching the soil, not the leaves. While it’s important not to over-water indoor plants, Rediske said. During hot summer months missing even a day of watering can negatively affect plants. She recommended flushing plants with water in the early mornings, allowing the plant to absorb the water throughout the hot hours of the day from noon to five. Heavy watering, even when the plants need it, can flush out vital nutrients. Rediske recommended fertilizing once a week, likening it to drinking a bottle of Gatorade to replenish your electrolytes. Rediske warns against watering while it’s windy or

late in the evening. Cool nights and damp soil can encourage fungus and mildew. If gardeners found their seeds didn’t come up that may be due to the wet conditions in the spring which may have caused seeds to rot in the soil. Watering while it is windy often leads to water loss due to evaporation before it can reach the soil. Consistency is key when watering, Rediske said. Knowing whether plants are suffering from too much or too little can be difficult as the signs are often the same. Again Rediske recommends poking a finger in the soil to check its dampness. For gardeners hoping to get a few more things in the ground before the season’s end Rediske said shrubs and perennials can still be planted. She said plants should be transplanted in the evening when it is cooler out to help with the transplant shock. She also recommended watering the soil before planting which will cool down the soil.

To keep things flowering and alive throughout the end of the season Rediske recommended giving long stemmed plants such as hanging baskets a “good haircut.” She said that trimming no more than a third of the plant, followed by fertilizing, can bring a hanging basket back to life. For vegetables Rediske said leafy greens can be harvested from around the edges, leaving the middle to continue growing. She said that harvesting one or two tomatoes, for example, can encourage more production. Squash can be harvested at any size, but often taste better when they’re smaller. During weeks of harvest Rediske said gardeners can preserve the fruits and vegetables they are unable to eat up quickly. All in all, Rediske said plants are fairly resilient and can adapt to a variety of conditions. Gardeners should keep a close eye on plants and adjust based on what the plants need to thrive.

Homestead 2018

How to prioritize big projects PAUL F. P. POGUE Angie’s List, Tribune News Service Huge home remodeling projects don’t need to be taken on all at once. Whether it’s not in the budget, you’re not able to physically do it or you just can’t deal with that much upheaval at the same time, it’s often wise to spread it out. Sometimes you can split big projects up into bitesized chunks, and sometimes single done-in-one projects can lay the groundwork for future work, also known as “phasing.” 16

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FIRST THINGS FIRST Think about practicality above all. The first things you need to focus on will be the ones that impact your ability to use the space effectively and safely. Yard leveling may be at the top of a landscaping plan; leaky roofs need to be repaired before you move ahead with a great new slate roof. Give consideration to work that can pay for itself over time. Some projects offer immediate return on investment; you should make those early priorities in a series of jobs. If you can only handle part of a room remodeling job, for

instance, energy-efficient windows are an excellent choice to start with. Anything that reduces energy or water consumption will yield an immediate savings starting with your next bill. After that, consider your current situation. Are you fixing up a starter home? Is your current home a bit out of date and you want to get rid of that shag carpeting? Crown molding, painting or wallpaper, appliances and fixtures all make an immediate impact on a home’s look and feel without necessarily breaking the bank. THINK AHEAD TO THE FUTURE If you have big plans for an area, consider how what you’re working on right now will impact what’s coming up. Sometimes creating a strong foundation for future work is a literal statement. If you have big landscaping dreams, for instance, perhaps building a patio or establishing basic mulch beds this year will yield options for next year. Think about life changes to come. If you’re starting a family, you might plan on an open-design kitchen to act

as a hub for comings and goings, and install additional storage such as a mudroom for all those boots and coats in your immediate future. Conversely, if your kids are in high school, keep in mind the kind of empty-nest renovations you might start planning in a few years. You might be able to set up those hobby rooms or devote a garage to a motorcycle workspace. Sometimes smaller, low-cost improvements can make a difference quickly. New fixtures, painting, wallpapering and minor landscape improvements don’t cost much but immediately improve your quality of life and give you something to enjoy while you work on the big picture. Plants and irrigation are great starting points for a landscaping project. Don’t underestimate the value of expert opinion. Whether you’re planning a room addition, landscaping or a new roof, professionals in the field can provide guidance and advice. And sometimes, they can even present you options you hadn’t even thought of.

Homestead 2018

5 Top Remodeling Trends for 2018 LAUREN WHITE, HOMEADVISOR Tribune News Service This is proving to be another strong year for remodeling. And while some trends are carrying over from last year, technology, millennial dollars and a healthy economy are driving some standout demands in 2018. This year, sustainable materials, universal design, natural elements and outdoor living are dominating the home renovation trajectory. 18

Homestead 2018

1. Outdoor living Outdoor kitchens are a top remodeling priority for 2018. Outdoor kitchens fit in with the greater trend toward exterior remodeling and landscaping projects. Now that we can carry our movies, TV shows, books and news in our pockets, we are free to wander away from the couch and indulge in both sunshine and entertainment at the same time. And this has us shifting some of our remodeling energy — and dollars — to the outdoors. Other popular accommodations include outdoor-rated TVs, speakers and eating areas to create an extended livable space.

2. Workhorse kitchens In 2018, homeowners are really putting their kitchens to work. Open concepts continue to dominate so that activity in the home can be centralized. And smart technology is quickly becoming a must in kitchen remodeling. Dedicated work areas, hidden charging stations, creative new storage options and integrated appliances are maximizing every corner of the kitchen — and making more counter space for notebooks, school projects and laptops. 3. Bigger bathrooms Bathroom remodels are popular year after year. But as homeowners move toward remodeling for aging in place and universal design, they’re sending bathroom size high up the priority list. Bigger, more accessible bathrooms are in demand, and bathroom additions are on the decline. Demand for large walk-in showers is continuing to trend from last year — both because they increase accessibility and safety and because they add an element of luxury. 4. Sustainable everything Designers and homeowners agree: Sustainability is becoming the new standard for remodeling and materials. The millennial generation is really driving this trend,

as they’ve put a strong focus on renewable resources and green materials. Folded into this trend are energy-efficient home features and appliances, locally sourced and/or ecofriendly materials, and even home automation. 5. Au naturel Natural elements have always been a popular part of interior design. However, with material and production technology improving, the opportunities to incorporate these elements have multiplied. Tiles can now mimic the look of wood and stone without the price tag and maintenance associated with the real thing. Wood plank tile is in high demand as a flooring option, as well as for other surfaces. And faux marble is being used to elevate remodels at a more affordable rate. It’s easy to see trends as cyclical, but this year, it’s clear that technology is driving the remodeling industry in a fresh direction. Manufacturers can not only create more options and natural looks than ever before, but they can also adapt materials to be more efficient for new uses. Smart devices and home automation are simplifying life and increasing home efficiency. And green building technology is changing the way we think about our material sources and building practices.

Homestead 2018

Late summer home improvements Brandon Purdum HomeAdvisor Summer is here, and there’s no better time than now to tackle those much-needed home improvements. A remodeling project may be just what you need not only to add long-term value to your home, but also to live out your summers in style for years to come. Here are five home improvement projects that will make your home the hit of the season: 1. Add a deck. A new deck or patio provides the perfect outdoor space for BBQs, parties and more — not to mention the perfect backdrop for relaxing and soaking up the sun throughout the summer. One of the hottest trends in home improvement, a new deck not only enhances your home’s value, but it also opens up your property in ways you never thought possible. 2. Upgrade your AC. Does the heat of summer push your utility bills through the roof? If so, it may be time to consider an upgrade to your home’s air conditioning (A/C). Updating to high-efficiency A/C can help take a major bite out of your home’s energy costs — and it can immediately and dramatically improve the comfort and appeal of your home’s interior. There are many A/C replacement and upgrade options available to homeowners, so be sure to do your research before committing to a new system. 3. Replace your siding. Warmer days provide a great

opportunity to refresh and revitalize your home’s exterior. Replacing your home’s siding can do just that, enhancing your home’s appearance while providing a new level of durability and value that will last for years down the road. As you sift through your home siding options, look to your local

area for clues to determine which choice is right for you. Styles vary by local climate, region and neighborhood, making it important to consider a number of factors before starting on your project. Understanding what works best in your area can help you determine the siding material and solution that best fits your needs. 4. Replace your roofing. Replacing your roof is one of the best things you can do to enhance the quality, value and durability of your home. A new roof renews your home’s ability to withstand the elements no matter where you live, providing you with a sense of security and peace of mind few

other home improvements can offer. There are a variety of roofing materials available, and each comes with a unique level of dependability, durability and cost. The typical roof will last 20 years or more. So, from asphalt and tile to slate and metal, it’s important

to know and carefully weigh your options. 5. Improve your landscaping. Summertime is the perfect time to improve a lackluster landscape. A few key updates to your outdoor space can have a lasting impact on your home’s value, curb appeal and enjoyment, providing you a scenic display you can take pride in well into the future. Whether it’s adding a flower garden, installing a new fountain or re-sodding the entire backyard, a local landscaping professional can help you conceptualize and realize your vision for a more beautiful outdoor setting. Homestead 2018

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Affordable ways to refresh your home Lauren Schwahn NerdWallet Home improvements can rejuvenate a stale dwelling. But remodeling and renovations could set you back thousands of dollars for each room. A “midrange minor kitchen remodel” — including hardware, countertops, flooring and a refrigerator — is about $21,000, on average, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2018 Cost vs. Value report. But with the right approach, you can give your abode some TLC without busting your budget. “If you’re strategic with the planning, especially if you’re willing to put in a little sweat equity, there are definite simple fixes that you can make,” says Dan DiClerico, a home expert at HomeAdvisor. Try these ways to update your home for less. REARRANGE FURNITURE Here’s a solution that won’t cost a dime: a new room layout. You can work with what you already have to make your space feel new again. Consider ideas like moving the bed to the opposite wall or swapping the location of the sofa and chair in the living room. GRAB A PAINT BRUSH Slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls for a quick makeover. Hiring a professional to tackle the entire interior can set you back close to $2,000, DiClerico says. But you’ll cut costs by taking on the project yourself. Don’t have the time or money to paint the whole house? Choose one or two areas that you spend the most time in, such as the living

room or bedroom. “If you’re able to do it yourself, certainly under $100 is going to get you a bucket of paint and all the necessary tools to totally transform that space,” DiClerico says. Try the same tactic with furniture. Fresh paint or a new finish can revitalize old cabinets, tables, dressers and other items. REPLACE FIXTURES AND HARDWARE New light fixtures, faucets or cabinet hardware can give a room a completely different look and feel. Cosmetic changes can benefit your wallet, too. You can find cabinet handles and knobs at most home improvement and hardware stores for a few dollars each. Some faucets and shower heads reduce water use, which means you could save money each month. LIMIT YOUR UPGRADES You don’t have to revamp every inch of a room. DiClerico suggests that you “splurge on the things you’re interacting with on a daily basis.” So rather than shell out half a year’s salary for a complete kitchen remodel , upgrade a few select items. “You can do a sweep of appliances — the fridge, the range, the dishwasher — for a few thousand dollars or less,” DiClerico says. Explore other ways to scale back on costs. You might purchase a coffee table or chair in lieu of a living room set, or install new flooring in a small, heavily trafficked location instead of every room. ACCESSORIZE Redecorating can be much more affordable — and just as effec-

tive — as major upgrades. You can cozy up a space and add a pop of color with throw pillows, lamps, area rugs or plants. Dress up windows with brand new curtains. Or, pick a statement piece for the wall, like a large work of art or mirror. “It’s about zeroing in on the focal points in that space to get the bang for the buck,” DiClerico says. COVER YOUR FURNITURE Salvage couches and armchairs that have minor wear and tear with slipcovers. While getting a piece of furniture reupholstered or buying an entirely new piece can cost hundreds to several thousand dollars, you can buy a quality cover for less than $100. SHOP SMART Knowing when and where to shop can help you trim expenses. For example, January white sales are prime time for discounted bedding. Presidents Day sales in February often include furniture, while November’s Black Friday deals feature appliances. Map out your purchases accordingly, if you can. Check thrift stores, yard sales and local online marketplaces like Craigslist throughout the year for cheap or free secondhand furniture and home goods. “Making your home more beautiful, more functional, more energy efficient shouldn’t have to put you in the poorhouse or into debt,” DiClerico says. With careful planning, you can find solutions within your budget. Homestead 2018

Tips to help you find your first home

Deborah Kearns Tribune News Service First-time homebuyers might well wonder: Where are all the starter houses?

They’re right to ask because starter homes are becoming increasingly scarce in many housing markets. Housing inventory is low and home prices are soaring.

What’s a first-time buyer to do? Here are five tips for finding a starter home: • Be realistic about today’s market: Sellers clearly have an

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advantage in the current market. Inventory is low, which keeps pushing home prices to record levels, according to the National Association of Realtors. Buyer competition is fierce as homes in the lower price ranges fly off the market. Unfortunately, that leaves many firsttime buyers –– especially those with tight budgets –– on the sidelines. If you’re searching for your first home, be realistic about what you can afford and what amenities come with that budget. (Hint: You may have to forgo top-ofthe-line appliances and shiny quartz countertops.)

One way to strengthen an offer is to present a loan preapproval that includes everything but a title search, appraisal and hazard insurance.

A starter home isn’t necessarily your forever home. Be prepared to make some compromises to get your foot in the homeownership door. • Adjust your wish list: Buyers shopping for their first home need to be open-minded about the location, size and condition of the home they want to buy, said Tim Deihl, associate broker with Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty in Boston. For many buyers, a classic starter Homestead 2018

home, which traditionally doesn’t have many amenities, is more achievable. “If your first home is the place you’re going to have your family, maybe build an addition and stay there forever; that’s one set of criteria. If your starter home will be a financial launch pad into a larger, better home, that’s a different approach,” Deihl said. Another strategy: Look for an older home in a wellestablished neighborhood. Resales typically cost less than brand-new homes, said Bradley Hunter, chief economist for HomeAdvisor.com, a home-improvement matching service based in Golden, Colo. Older homes typically need more maintenance and repairs, which offset some of the savings. However, Hunter said, buyers who choose a used home might be able to do repairs and renovations over time, pacing themselves to make the cost manageable. –– Hire the right real estate agent: When you’re up 30

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against stiff competition, working with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market is key. Look for an agent who specializes in the neighborhoods you’re interested in. Savvy agents should be able to answer your questions about neighborhood amenities, local schools, crime and nearby home values. A good agent shines when it comes to negotiating the deal and writing a strong offer letter backed with solid data. Your agent can suggest certain strategies to win in a competitive market, such as limiting contingencies or writing a personal letter. Ask friends and relatives to recommend agents they have used and were happy with. Also, interview two or three different agents. Find out how they prefer to communicate with clients and how often you’ll get updates. Finally, research the agents

you’re considering online to see what past clients have said about their work. –– Rethink location: If you’re thinking about starting a family in the future, don’t focus too much on your home’s location, size and school district just yet, Deihl said. Resetting those parameters can make it easier to buy a first home. “Buyers may be in a position where schools won’t impact them for six or seven years,” Deihl said. “That’s a good opportunity to buy in the city, make some money and roll that into a community where they want to be longer-term with the kids.” Buyers who sacrifice location for affordability can find themselves in a neighborhood far from major job centers with a long daily commute and expensive transportation costs. Sometimes that trade-off makes sense, but not always, said Cathy Coneway, a broker for Stanberry & Associates Realtors in Austin, Texas. “You have to look at how much you make and how much you can afford to spend for gas,” Coneway

said. “You might actually be better off buying a house that’s closer to town so you have more cash flow for property taxes, insurance and living expenses.” –– Make a strong offer: When a well-priced starter house comes on the market, the quest to buy it can be “super competitive,” Deihl said. One way to strengthen an offer is to present a loan preapproval that includes everything but a title search, appraisal and hazard insurance, said Jay Dacey, a mortgage broker at Metropolitan Financial Mortgage Co. in Minneapolis. A strategic phone call might help, too. “We call the listing agent and say, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Jones submitted an offer on your property. Not only are they preapproved, but they’ve gone through the underwriting approval process with our bank,’” Dacey said. “That makes the offer stronger.” Other ways to entice sellers: Offer above asking price (if you can afford to), keep repair requests to a minimum, make a larger down payment or give them more time to move after closing.

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150 shades of gray KATHERINE ROTH Associated Press

When it comes to painting rooms, gray is red-hot. Benjamin Moore carries over 150 shades of gray, and Sherwin-Williams says that of their top 50 colors for interiors, 30 are grays. “The trend toward gray started in Scandinavia, became big in the U.S. around six years ago, and is still on the rise,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. Andrea Magno of Benjamin Moore says, “Gray is not going anywhere, and is still growing in popularity. It updates things instantly, and it’s evolving over time. And we’re seeing more gray cabinetry and more trim in gray now.” Just 15 years ago, she says, “if you told someone you were going to paint your room gray, they would groan and say, ‘How depressing.’ Before about 2010, it was all about warm Tuscan colors. Since then, it’s really about cool modern grays, and not just for paint colors. Stone, marble, tile and wood have also gone a lot cooler.” But picking the correct shade of gray can be tricky. “It’s crucial to pay attention to the undertones, and also how the light reacts to it,” Magno says. “Gray is a very sneaky color.” Grays have undertones of blue, purple or green, and you’ll want to make sure the undertones are compatible with sur32 Homestead 2018

rounding tile, furnishings and fabrics, designers say. “We typically try to steer clients away from purple undertones. Usually, we stick to true warms and true cools, and the middle ground, often referred to as French grays. They are pretty true grays,” says Cate Dunning. In addition to undertones, there’s a big difference between cool and warm grays, with the former better suited to modern interiors and the latter often better for traditional homes with warmer-colored furnishings, according to Dunning. “My best advice is to select your three favorite grays, paint a poster board with each one, and look at them in your home over a weekend. If you plunge in before doing that, you may regret it,” says Dunning. While undertones are hard to spot in a paint chip, they become more obvious on a larger surface like a poster board placed in the room you are planning to paint, Magno adds. What about trims? Although grays are generally used with lighter grays, whites and off-whites, the latest trend is toward trim in the same or even a darker shade of gray. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, sees gray with gray trim as a trend. “White still feels safer to some people, but it’s easy to overlook how harsh white can feel. Give gray a chance,” she says. “And if you’re nervous starting out, I’d recommend going with a shade with blue undertones.”

Right at home:

Pro-style kitchens for the home cook KIM COOK Associated Press Avid home cooks often want to outfit their kitchens with the kind of high-end appliances and gear used by professional chefs. There’s that aspirational notion that somehow having the right equipment will lead to better food. So what’s in a pro kitchen that works well in a home kitchen? Chicago-based kitchen designer Mick De Giulio is a firm believer in buying high-quality gear. “Appliances sustain a lot of hard use,” he says. “They’re expensive at any level and people expect them to last.” From an aesthetic standpoint, De Giulio says, commercial-looking models impart a sense of strength to the kitchen design. And their ramped-up features can also be attractive. “Pro ranges have higher BTUs on burners, but also finely tuned settings to maintain lower temperatures for simmering,” he says. Big Chill has a 48-inch range equipped with eight powerful burners and a large-capacity oven with a rapid preheat feature. It’s available in tasty hues like green, orange, red and yellow. Keeping food warm before serving it is a prime concern in restaurant kitchens. At home, we’re inclined to just put a microwave lid on a latecomer’s plate. But to retain just-prepared flavor and moistness, consider a warming drawer like the pros use. Wolf has one with several stainless-steel compartments, and the drawer can be set for various temperatures. Use it to warm plates and bowls, too, or to proof bread. Celebrity chef and James Beard Award winner Wylie Dufresne, who last year opened Du’s Donuts in Brooklyn, just re-did his New York City home kitchen. “So much about functionality of a kitchen is tied to movement within it,” he says, noting that in a home setting, there may be multiple cooks, kids or guests in the space. Isolating task zones is a good idea. Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Thomas

Keller recently partnered with global design firm Snohetta to renovate his Yountville, California, restaurant, The French Laundry, incorporating elements that he says are just as important in residential kitchens. Think smarter, not bigger, when doing a renovation, he advises. Durable surfacing is worth every penny, Keller says: “Zero maintenance can be a benefit to both professional and residential kitchens.” He chose Dekton, a brand of solid surfacing material made of resin and natural minerals that resists spills, heat and wear. Corian’s another big brand. Quartz, a durable composite of resin and hard stone or glass materials, is also popular; brands include Silestone , Cambria and Caesarstone . No room for snazzy, fullsize appliances? Consider Wolf’s multi-function countertop cooker. The versatile appliance lets you slow-cook, saute, sear, sousvide and make rice via a range of programmable controls. A removable steel vessel also works on any cooktop, including induction. IKEA’s new Kungsfors rail system was developed in consultation with Swedish chef Maximilian Lundin. It includes stainless-steel grids, hooks, open shelves, containers and clips. American Standard’s new Beale MeasureFill faucet can be preset to deliver a half cup to up to 5 cups, eliminating the need for measuring cups. But equipment and appliances aside, a well-organized kitchen may be the true mark of a pro-style kitchen. “In terms of tools, don’t clutter your drawers with things you don’t need,” says Keller. “Take stock and eliminate the gadgets or one-purpose tools.” The multiple James Beard Award winner ticks off his go-to gear: “A good-quality cutting board, scale, plating spoons, sauce whisk, timer, kitchen shears. Quality paring, utility and serrated bread knives.” And one more thing: a good attitude. “Remember, cooking should be fun,” Keller says. “It’s rewarding, and it gives us the opportunity to nurture others.” Homestead 2018

Remodeling:

Budgeting for common projects LAUREN WHITE, HOMEADVISOR

Tribune News Service It’s easy to imagine the end result of a remodeling project — an updated spa bathroom, an open-concept kitchen with new cabinets and countertops or a basement converted into a convenient guest apartment. But it’s harder to imagine just what these renovations will cost — and even more so, how far your own budget will take you. Here’s a look at what you can achieve with modest, average and luxury budgets for three common remodeling projects, according to data from HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide. 34

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BATHROOM REMODELS Even small modifications can have a big impact in a bathroom remodel. On average, homeowners spend around $6,000 to $14,000, depending on the size and extent of the project. Modest: With a budget of around $2,500, you can give your bathroom a fresh coat of paint, upgrade the toilet and sink, add new decor and update the lighting. Average: For closer to $10,000, you can swap out surfaces and fixtures, so long as you don’t move plumbing or electrical. You can get new cabinetry, flooring and countertop materials — and

even upgrade to a curbless walkin shower. Luxury: With a budget of around $24,000, you can move plumbing fixtures, invest in highend flooring and countertop materials, and install new, custommade cabinetry. You can also add tile installations, radiant floor heating and a luxury shower. KITCHEN REMODELS Most people have a vision of their “dream” kitchen, but not everyone can afford it right off the bat. Homeowners tend to spend $12,500 to $33,500 to create a kitchen that both appeals to their tastes and complements

their lifestyle. Modest: With around $4,000, you can either reface or refinish the cabinetry, upgrade your countertops or get all-new appliances. And your budget could also include detail work like painting, new plumbing fixtures and lighting. Average: With a budget of closer to $22,000, you can paint, get new countertops, reface or replace your cabinets, and invest in highquality appliances. You can also add a kitchen island or remove a wall. Note that removing a load-bearing wall could cost over $10,000. Luxury: Most homeowners spend over $50,000 for a luxury kitchen remodel. With this, you can change the layout, knock out a wall, install new windows, get high-end flooring and countertop materials, and upgrade to the latest and greatest appliances.

On average,

homeowners report pay-

ing $10,500 to $27,500

on basement remodels.

BASEMENT REMODELS Remodeling your basement offers a prime opportunity to add usable square footage and value to your home. On average, homeowners report paying $10,500 to $27,500 on basement remodels. Modest: With a basement that is 600 to 700 square feet, you can create a family room, home theater or wet bar for around $5,000. Keep your costs down with affordable materials and furniture. Average: With closer to $20,000, you can renovate a basement of 700 to 1,000 square feet. You can use higher-end flooring materials, add cabinetry and storage, and frame the basement to add rooms or separate spaces. You can even have a bathroom installed, though it will cost $10,000-$15,000 for the plumbing, electrical, fixtures and walls. Luxury: A budget of over $40,000 can transform your basement into a living space with bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, a kitchenette, cabinetry and high-end flooring materials. When it comes to high-end basement remodels, the opportunities are endless.

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The next chapter:

Including children in search for a new home DANIELLE BRAFF Tribune News Service In choosing a new home, Camille McClain’s kids had a single demand: a backyard. That seemingly reasonable request turned the Chicago family’s home hunt upside down, as there weren’t many three-bedroom apartments on the North Side — where the family was looking — that came with yard space. Still, McClain and her husband chose to honor their 4- and 6-year-old’s request. “We worked with a few apartment brokers, and it was strange that many of them didn’t even know if there was outdoor space, so they’d bring us to an apartment, we’d see that it didn’t have a yard, and we’d move on,” said McClain, who runs Merry Music Makers in Lakeview, a business focused on music education for children. 36

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McClain’s little ones aren’t the only kids who have an opinion when it comes to housing, and in many cases youngsters’ views weigh heavily on parents’ real estate decisions, according to a 2018 Harris Poll survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults. Fifty-five percent of homeowners who have a child under the age of 18 said the opinion of their child factored into their homebuying decision; 74 percent of millennial parents (those between the ages of 18 and 36) listened to their kids’ opinions before they bought their homes. Renters paid attention to their kids’ preferences even more: 83 percent said their children’s opinions will be a factor when they buy a home. The most common requests from kiddos? Fiftyseven percent want their own bedrooms; 34 percent want a large backyard; 25 percent want to be close

to parks or other activities; 24 percent have an opinion about schools; 24 percent want to be near friends; and 21 percent want a swimming pool, according to the survey, which was commissioned by SunTrust Mortgage. Pam Wynne, who is in the process of moving from the South Loop neighborhood to River Forest, said she and her husband asked their two elementary school-aged children for their opinions, took them to open houses and included them in all aspects of the house hunt. “They have requested to have their own rooms, a basement, a nice yard and other kids to play with in the neighborhood,” Wynne said. “We have asked them what they would like in a house and have talked to our fourth-grader about starting a new school in an elementary school or entering in middle school — and how she feels about both.” While more families buck an older-generation proclivity to leave kids in the dark about real estate decisions, realty agents and psychologists have mixed views about the financial, personal and long-term effects kids’ opinions may have. The idea of involving children in a big decision is a great idea because it can help them feel a sense of control and ownership in what can be an overwhelming process, said Ryan Hooper, clinical psychologist in Chicago. “Children may face serious difficulties in coping with significant moves, especially if it removes them from their current school or support system,” he said. But, he warns, one of the biggest dangers would be soliciting advice from kids when parents or guardians aren’t able to accommodate their requests. In that case, instead of feeling involved in the process, they might feel rejected or pushed away, Hooper said. If you can’t act on their housing requests, he said, opt for clear communication about the move, including the reasons for relocating and what to expect. Greg Jaroszewski, real estate broker with Gagliardo Realty Associates in River Forest, said he’s not convinced that kids should be involved in selecting a home — but their opinions should be considered in regards to proximity to friends and social activities, if possible. “If they are into sports, clubs or music activities, they will likely need to be close to where those activities are held,” Jaroszewski said. Younger children should feel like they’re choosing their home — without actually getting a Homestead 2018

choice in the matter, said Adam Leitman Bailey, real estate attorney based in New York and author of the upcoming children’s book “Home,” about the search for the perfect home from the viewpoint of a child. Asking them questions about what they like about the backyard of a potential home — or asking them where their toys would go in the house — will make them feel like they’re being included in the decisionmaking process, Bailey said. When it comes to younger children, he said, “most parents already know their desires and needs” and “moving decisions are likely at a level above the child’s thinking capacity when choosing a home.” Many of the aspects of homebuying aren’t a consideration for children, said Tracey Hampson, a real estate agent based in Santa Clarita, Calif. And placing too much emphasis on their opinions can ruin a fantastic home purchase. She has a client who has been house-hunting for a 38

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while, and he always asks his young children their opinion. But when this buyer finally decided to write an offer on a home with a pool, his children burst into tears because they didn’t want a pool. “They ended up not submitting an offer,” Hampson said. “So speaking with your children before you make a real estate decision is wise, but I wouldn’t base the purchasing decision solely on their opinions.” The other issue is that many children — especially older ones — may base their real estate knowledge on HGTV shows, which tend to focus on superficial aspects of real estate, said Aaron Norris of The Norris Group in Riverside, Calif. “They love Chip and Joanna Gaines just as much as the rest of us,” he said. “HGTV has seriously changed how people view real estate. It’s not shelter, it’s a lifestyle. With that mindset change comes some serious money consequences.”

Kids tend to get stuck in the features and the immediate benefits to them personally, Norris said. And while their opinions on those elements shouldn’t reign supreme, the homebuying process could be a time to start talking to kids about money, budgeting, homeownership and other financial decisions. “What are the costs of specific amenities and the ramifications of them?” Norris said. “We could get a pool or we could save the money on repairs, maintenance, electricity and insurance, and eat out more.” Parents also need to remind their children that their needs and desires may change over time, said Julie Gurner, a real estate analyst with FitSmallBusiness.com. “Their opinions can change tomorrow,” Gurner said. “As as harsh as it may be to say, that decision should likely not be made contingent on a child’s opinions, but rather made for them with great consideration into what home can meet their needs best — and give them an opportunity to

customize it a bit and make it their own.” This advice is more relevant now than ever before, even as more parents want to embrace the ideas of their children, despite the current housing crunch. Today, wannabe homebuyers have to be more open when it comes to must-haves and what you can compromise on, Hampson said. And speaking of compromise: The McClain kids, hungry for outdoor space, fell in love with a home in the North Park neighborhood that had a large yard. But it wasn’t ideal by their parents’ standards. The family ended up renting a house in North Center that had a smaller yard, but it was still big enough for playtime. “I had to do a bit of a sales job with the kids since they loved the yard in North Park,” McClain said. “But there’s a hammock they lounge on, a spot to jump rope, a place to play in the sprinkler, and an area to write with sidewalk chalk.”

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