At Home Living: July 8, 2017

Saturday, July 8, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

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Home remodeling

Personal design vision Tecumseh couple goes against kitchen trends page 6 n Clinic diagnoses sick plants, page 2 n Decision: To buy or to build? page 3 n Fixing broken bathroom tiles, page 5

Keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Experts to diagnose plant ailments Are your trees, shrubs, flowers or vegetable plants looking puny, or maybe they’re dead and you’re wondering why? Or maybe your plants are getting eaten up by some Alice Brooks weird-looking insect.

Here’s where you can get some answers: Shawnee County Master Gardeners will offer its Sick Plant Clinic July 15 at Fairlawn Plaza, 2114 S.W. Chelsea Drive.

Kansas State University experts, area specialists and Master Gardeners will help solve your plant and insect problems. The clinic runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the comfort of an air-conditioned location. The clinic has been going on for more than 20 years, but this is the first time the event will be on a Saturday.

Here are some guidelines for bringing plants and insects to be analyzed. n Trees and shrubs.

Bring in a section of the affected twigs or branches, about 18 inches long with

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

n Shawnee County Master Gardener Elsie Gibeson will present “Attracting Bees and Butterflies” at 7 p.m. July 13 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. n Shawnee County Master Gardeners and Kansas State University specialists will diagnose what’s making your plants look puny or dead and what you can do about it at a Sick Plant Clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15 at Fairlawn Plaza, 2114 S.W. Chelsea Drive. Bring your plant samples. n Master Gardeners will answer lawn and garden questions from 7:30 a.m. to noon July 22 at the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market, S.W. 12th and S.W. Harrison. n Want to become a Master Gardener? The Shawnee County Extension Office, 1740 S.W. Western Ave., will be offering classes for future Master Gardeners from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, September through October.

Information and an application can be found at shawnee.k-state.edu. Applications are due Aug. 11. leaves attached. Multiple samples that reflect different stages of the plant, if still alive, are helpful.

Also, pictures of the entire plant and the affected and unaffected parts of the

tree or shrub showing the “transition area” will give the experts more information to make a proper diagnosis and recommendations. n Vegetable garden

plants and annual flowers. Include in the sample the entire plant with roots intact, if reasonable. These plants have a short lifespan, so diseases and insects have to move

fast and may already be in your garden or flower bed just waiting for your plants and the right environmental conditions. Or, they may have come with your purchased transplants. n Perennial flowers and ground covers. Dig up and bring in some of the affected part of the plant showing leaves, stems and roots. n Turfgrass. Samples should be 6 to 8 inches square and a couple of inches deep to include BROOKS continues on 3

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Decision: home building vs. buying Improvements in materials make energy-efficient home a factor to consider

By Liz Montano

Special to The Capital-Journal

With the kids out of school, summer is a popular time for those starting the hunt for a new home.

Perhaps you rely on the Internet to start checking listings or drive through neighborhoods you find appealing, or maybe you contact a real estate agent to help with the search. An option that may not be as Weichert commonly considered is having a house built.

Ivan Weichert, president and CEO of Topeka Home Builders Association, took time recently to discuss why building your next home could be the perfect solution.

Q: Why build as opposed to buying an existing home?

Weichert: There are a number of reasons building may be the right option.

One of the more obvious reasons is the ability to design it so it’s exactly what you want it to be, where it fits your family and lifestyle. If you’re buying an existing home, there’s bound to be some compromises between what you want, what you can find and what you can afford.

Something often heard from people looking for a home is they want to put their own stamp on it — change this or that to reflect who they are.

A common catch phrase nowadays is “open concept.” Most homes built 20

years ago don’t fit into that category. It’s expensive to remodel to achieve an open concept, and, in some cases, it can’t be done because of the structure of the home.

When you build, you decide whether you want the space open or if you prefer a separation of rooms. You choose the style of home, countertops and flooring and the number and size of bedrooms and bathrooms.

Q: I would imagine building a new home would offer savings through energy efficiency?

Weichert: No doubt about it. There have been revolutionary improvements in materials from the ground up — flooring, lighting, insulation, roofing. Cedar shake shingles were once a coveted type of roofing. They have a long life, but after 10 years or so, they aren’t as pretty and they’re extremely flammable.

There’s a type of roofing today that resembles shake shingles (that) stay looking nicer longer and isn’t the fire hazard.

Appliances — we all have to have them in our homes — are far more energy-efficient and safer today than they were a decade or two ago, when a water heater, for example, had to run continuously to keep water hot.

Even the direction a home is positioned on the land can make a substantial difference in energy costs.

While the cost of materials is higher today, in the long run, there are definite financial advantages to be gained from building a new home in comparison to

buying a house that’s been around a number of years.

Another thing to consider is the cost of upkeep. The longer you have a home, the more you can expect to spend maintaining it. You won’t have to worry about replacing a roof or hot water heater anytime in the near future when you have a newly built house. And, there are some very good home warranties associated with new builds that you may not have with an older property.

Q: Is there a difference for investment purposes?

Weichert: Buying existing real estate used to be considered a good investment. You could expect to buy a house that‘s been around a while, maybe make a few changes, then sell it a couple of years later and make $30,000, $40,000 or $50,000 or more profit from the investment. We aren’t seeing that kind of return on your money today.

That said, when you have a newer, more energy-efficient home built with better materials, it’s more appealing if you decide to sell.

Q: What about the timeline? Doesn’t it take quite a long time to have a house built?

Weichert: You can expect it to take at least 90 days. I would say three to six months. But, once you have it done, you have a home that’s exactly what you want.

Liz Montano is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at (785) 230-3907 or newsbizliz@gmail.com.

Brooks: Event offers chance to confer with experts Continued from 2

roots. The sample should be taken where the good grass meets the problem area. n Plant identification. To make identification easier, bring in as much of the plant as is reasonable. As a minimum, bring enough to see the leaf pattern on the stem and flowers or seed. If the plant is causing an allergic reaction for you, assume that it will do the same for others and

properly bag it and warn the people examining the sample. n Insect identification. Insects should be complete with all body parts intact. Insects shouldn’t be alive and can be placed in a clear jar containing rubbing alcohol. n Come prepared. You may be asked about the age and location of the plant, when the problem began and if the same problem has happened in other years. You also need to tell about any chemicals used

in your or your neighbor’s yard and nearby recent soil disturbances. Also, tell the experts what your intent for the plant is. If all you want to know is what it is and how to get rid of it, that could be a very short conversation about the right chemicals and proper use to avoid affecting desired plants.

This is a great chance to confer with experts about your plant problems or concerns, and the Saturday date may allow some of you to

attend who haven’t been able to come during the previous weekday clinics.

If you are lucky enough to have no plant problems, come to the clinic to meet Ariel Whitely, the new Shawnee County Extension horticulture agent, or do some shopping at or walk around the mall to get some exercise. See you there.

Alice Brooks is a Shawnee County Master Gardener.

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Monochromatic color schemes serve design function

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

Love color? Sometimes your most powerful color statement may actually be lack of color. Many homeowners long for neutral color palettes, typically consisting of white, cream and sometimes gray.

Sound boring? Neutral colors can actually be the foundation for an elegant, minimalist palette if used effectively. n Tone on tone. Tone on tone is a popular color trick used by professional interior designers. The technique involves using tints, tones and shades of the same or similar colors. The result can be a

blended palette of similar colors that work well together. n White. So often, people forget white is actually a color. In fact, many designers use white as an accent color. From white furniture to artwork, accessories and accents, white can be a powerful color in your toolbox. n The beauty of brown.

Brown is a fabulous foundation color that doesn’t have to look muddy or drab. Instead of the usual deep chocolate tones, which are certainly rich and elegant, consider other tones such as camel, toffee or cream.

It’s also perfectly acceptable to mix browns, and even use the color of woods that may already exist in the

space, such as architectural features, as inspiration. n Gray. From silver to charcoal, grays may be warm or cool. Gray is one of the most popular colors for those looking to create a neutral, inviting palette.

When it comes to using gray, don’t overlook the power of metal. Finishes that you may include in your space, such as chrome or nickel, can also help to blend with the gray accents and accessories.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs. com or cathyhobbs.com.

design recipes/Tribune news

A living room featuring a monochromatic cream color palette creates a soothing look.

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Repairing bathroom tiles can be a challenge

By James Figy Angie’s List

Broken bathroom tiles let moisture seep below the surface to cause real damage.

You should always fix a broken tile, but experts say it may require more than yanking out one to set another.

Replacing a single cracked or chipped tile is like surgery. Technicians dig out grout around the tile and pry it up without damaging adjacent ones. Then they repair the backer beneath and any waterproof membrane before setting the new tile and regrouting.

Finding matching tiles is key. If you don’t have spare tiles, it’s difficult to find a match that’s the same size and thickness, especially with older, likely discontinued tiles.

Sometimes, installers can remove a portion of the floor or shower and use a different type of tile as an accent, but you can avoid the trouble entirely by setting aside extras during initial installation.

Matching grout also poses problems because colors fade and mixtures at the hardware store might be off, but the tile company could color seal the grout, staining the repair to match.

As with any home repair, price varies depending on the tile, bathroom size, type of waterproof membrane and other factors.

Many tile companies charge an hourly rate plus materials, with a minimum cost per job. You might pay anywhere from a $150 minimum to a $400 per day rate, plus materials.

Expect to pay more to regrout the entire

Tip of the week: Vinegar and vim

Vinegar (white or apple cider) is great for salad dressings or pickling foods, but it also has other uses.

Check these out: n Eliminate paint odors: Place a bowl or two of vinegar in a freshly painted room to dispel the odor. n Clean chrome: To remove soap or hard-water buildup on chrome fixtures, put tissues over stained areas, then pour full-strength vinegar over them. Let sit for a minutes before removing and rinsing. n Create a crispier crust: To improve the crust of homemade bread, brush the top of the loaf with vinegar just before baking. n Wash away odors: If your hands smell from handling fish or an onion, wash them in apple cider vinegar. Odor gone. n Stop the itch: For relief from insect bites, soak a cloth in vinegar and place it over the affected area. n For shiny hair: Rinse freshly washed hair with a solution of 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup water to get rid of soap buildup and give shine.

Source: heloise via goodhousekeeping.com

Companies can replace single cracked or chipped tiles, but often surface issues indicate larger, unseen problems. bathroom. Angie’s List members nationally report an average price of $411 to regrout an area of ceramic tile.

A simple bathroom tile repair might be the wrong choice. Broken tiles look unappealing, but the damage beneath is probably worse.

Surface issues usually indicate improper tile installation. Seeping water has likely damaged the subfloor or framing and could be feeding mold. This happens most often

Did You Know…

Our Local Real Estate Market in the month of May had…

503

New Residential Listings on the Market

Median List Price

$129,900

401

Homes Sold/ Closed

Median Sold Price

$122,500

39

Average Days on Market

This information is provided by the Sunflower Association of Realtors and is for all of the residential properties in their entire MLS database, which includes but is not limited to Shawnee, Douglas, Jefferson, Jackson, Osage, Pottawattomie and Wabaunsee counties.

Artwork provided by The Topeka Capital-Journal

MAY 2017

Moen

with busted shower tiles, requiring the installer to replace the entire area.

Determining the problem’s extent may prove impossible before cutting in, making some installers wary of such jobs.

It’s always important to hire a knowledgeable professional, preferably one with certifications from tile organizations.

Bathroom tile experts will tell you if the problem requires more than a patch — or, better yet, do it right the first time.

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Home remodeling

Bucking kitchen trends

photographs by keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Pat Dale wanted wooden cabinets instead of white ones because she believed they gave the room a warmer feel.

Tecumseh couple opts for wood cabinets instead of white

By Linda A. Ditch

Special to The Capital-Journal

The kitchen’s new island contains the white cast-iron farmer’s sink Pat Dale always wanted.

TECUMSEH — One of the reasons Orval and Pat Dale decided to update the narrow galley kitchen in their 1960s-era Tecumseh home was to have the open concept popular in today’s modern style. Removing just one wall gave them a clear view not only into their dining and living rooms but also to their backyard deck and beautiful Lake Jivaro.

As for the other current kitchen-style trends, the couple went in the opposite direction.

Pat wanted wooden cabinets instead of popular white ones because she believed they gave the room a warmer feel. Instead of a seating area around an island, she had Levi Niedfeldt, of Custom Woods Products, design the front to look more like a piece of

her dining room furniture.

And though she wanted black appliances, she went with white ones because — well, that’s what they had already.

“The refrigerator was practically new,” Orval said. “So was the dishwasher.”

“I’m doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing, but you’ve got to do what makes you happy,” Pat added.

PDQ Construction had remodeled the couple’s master bathroom in 2008.

Because the Dales were pleased with the work, they decided to use them again for the kitchen project.

Pat started planning for the remodel in fall 2016.

She went through the kitchen cupboard by cupboard while taking notes about what she wanted in TRENDS continues on 7

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Tips to make small patios look bigger Brandpoint Do you have a small patio?

Do you think you can’t do much with the space due to its size? There’s probably a lot more potential than you think.

From the influx of urban dwellers, empty-nesters in transition and even the tinyhome movement, the trend of downsizing continues across the United States. Contrary to popular belief, you can have an impressive patio even if you have a smaller abode.

Here are a few design ideas to help bring your limited patio area to life while maximizing the space: n Rugs. Add visual interest under foot with a patterned rug. A rug properly placed under a table can break up a

smaller floor, giving the illusion of more square footage.

Colored rugs are readily available in a variety of designs.

Pick your favorite striped, chevron or paisley variety and see what a difference it makes. n Water features. The natural elegance, gentle gurgle and sparkle of a flowing water feature can add a sense of peacefulness to any patio.

For smaller spaces, easily turn a decorative waterproof container or planter into a beckoning water feature by simply adding water and a smartpond Low Water Shutoff Fountain Pump.

The smart pump automatically shuts off if the water becomes too low, preventing pump burnout. It’s also a great replacement pump option to

revive a decorative premade fountain that has quit working.

Learn more at smart-pond.com. n Think vertical. To get the most out of a limited space, think upward instead of outward. Hanging plants are a classic option, but vertical wall gardens are a top trend that’s sure to be a conversation starter. n Built-ins. Look for furniture and features that multitask to help save space while maximizing functionality.

An easy solution is to opt for a table that opens to become a cooler for beverages or a bench to hold blankets and other patio extras. Just remember to keep scale in mind so you don’t overwhelm your space with massive furniture. n Mixing materials. Match-

ing is out for 2017, so forget about perfectly paired combos and explore a variety of decor. A great way to try this trend is to add visual interest by experimenting with different materials. Inject your own personality through various finishes. Example: Consider setting black resin pots next to a handwoven wicker for an eclectic blend of textures. n Vibrant colors. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a small space must have muted colors. Vibrant hues inject energy and style, often making a small patio feel larger than it is in real life.

From ocean blues to ferocious fuchsia, an accent pillow here and a throw blanket there will transform your space dramatically.

brandpoint

A decorative waterproof container or planter can be turned into a water feature for a small patio by simply adding water and a smart fountain pump.

Trends: ‘The more you think about it ... the easier it will come together’

The backsplash is made of tan stone, featuring a glass-tile border running through the middle and a special design for the stovetop area.

Continued from 6

photographs by keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Pat Dale went through the kitchen cupboard by cupboard and took notes about what she wanted for her space. When she was done, she had a three-ring binder full of information.

her new space. By the time work was to begin, she had a three-ring binder full of information, right down to the color and style of light switches she wanted and the exact placement of the pendant lights over the island.

“The more you think about it and do your homework, the easier it will come together,” Pat said.

The Dales met with PDQ project coordinator Bobby Miller in November to compile the estimate. Project manager Rick Hudkins and his team started work in late January and finished just five weeks later.

The rich wood cabinets in the new kitchen include a custom-made vent hood over the stovetop, which was a last-minute change requested by Pat and created by Niedfeldt. A kitchen wall was styled to resemble

‘‘

I’m doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing, but you’ve got to do what makes you happy.”

Pat dale

an old-school butler’s pantry. Pat was quick to point out details such as the builtin HVAC vent in one of the side cabinets, which she feels shows the quality of the work done by Niedfeldt.

The quartz countertops are a subdued gray tone with marbling that looks like granite. The backsplash is made from shades of tan stone, featuring a glass-tile border running through the middle and a special design for the stovetop area.

The new island contains the white cast-iron farmer’s sink Pat always wanted. Underfoot, the existing wood flooring was extended to account for the larger space.

After living with the finished room for a few months, the only thing Pat said she would change is the location of the kitchen faucet’s on/off handle. Otherwise, she and Orval are pleased with the result.

“The reasons we like PDQ are, one, they’ll listen to you and what your ideas are, and two, then you can ask them what they think,” Pat said. “They want to do what you want done, but if you ask, they come up with good ideas. They’re not afraid to say, ‘I don’t think that will work.’ We were blessed to have them.”

Linda A. Ditch is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at lindaaditch@gmail.com.

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Midrange improvements can help sell your house

By Staci Giordullo

Angie’s List

Prepping your house for sale is necessary to get top dollar, but don’t sink too much into a property that soon won’t be yours. Recouping some of those funds at closing is ideal.

Aside from general housecleaning, organizing and staging, here are some of the top midrange home improvement projects that yield the best return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s “2017 Cost vs. Value Report”:

Fiberglass attic insulation

A home that’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer is often taken for granted, but not every house is insulated properly. If you suspect your house has issues, have an insulation pro inspect the attic floor to make sure it’s sealed to prevent air leakage.

Then cover it with fiberglass loose-fill insulation until the proper “R” factor for your climate zone is achieved.

The R-value measures the insulation’s ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the value, the better the performance. A minimum value of R-30 is recommended.

Cost recouped: 108 percent

Entry door replacement

If your steel entry door is faded or damaged, swap it out for a new version. Consider taking it up a notch by adding glass panels alongside or in the door. For a consistent look, try matching the new door with the garage door and/or the shutters. Complete the look with new hardware in a modern finish.

Cost recouped: 91 percent

Manufactured stone veneer

The classic look of stone is a top trend in today’s market, and if you’re able to incorporate the look in your home’s exterior, it’ll be worth it.

There are a couple ways to get the look of a “stone” house, including replacing the existing vinyl siding from the lower portion of your home’s streetfacing facade. You also can use the stone veneer to highlight an archway or porch columns.

Cost recouped: 90 percent

Minor kitchen remodel

If your kitchen is dated, certain updates can help attract

buyers. Just keep it neutral.

Potential buyers want to picture themselves cooking and enjoying the space; they don’t want to be distracted by your ceramic rooster collection or wine-bottle wallpaper.

Replace or reface the cabinet surfaces and hardware, and make sure the appliances are energy-efficient and match. Replace laminate countertops with a neutralcolored stone (granite or quartz are popular) and update the flooring if necessary.

Cost recouped: 80 percent

Garage door replacement

It’s often overlooked, but the garage door can have quite an effect on a home’s overall appearance.

If you’re stuck with a builder-grade garage door, upgrading to a more stylish model is worth consideration. You can choose from steel, glass, wood, faux wood or aluminum doors that come in modern, contemporary or classic looks. Most garage door dealers have software programs that allow you to virtually “try on” different options using a photograph of your house.

Cost recouped: 77 percent

Receiving rosettes at the Topeka Daylily Club’s annual American Hemerocallis Societyaccredited flower show on July 1 were, from left, Judy Briggs, Jess Danner, Chris Tyler and Aiden Mack.

Photo by emilie gahnstrom

Daylily show’s results The Capital-Journal A dozen people took home ribbons, rosettes or other honors at the Topeka Daylily Club’s annual American Hemerocallis Society-accredited flower show July 1 at Fairlawn Plaza.

More than 150 entries were judged in the horticulture division. American Hemerocallis rosettes were award to: Judy Briggs, best extra-large flower, best large flower, best small flower and best miniature flower; Chris Tyler, best double flower and best unusual form flower; Jess Danner, best spider form flower; and Aiden Mack, best youth entry.

The best in show award went to Briggs for her miniature flower, Pardon Me. The sweepstakes award for the most blue ribbons went to Tyler.

A number of purple ribbons also were awarded: one each to Steve Paige, Elaine

Holmstrom, Aiden Mack and Eric Mack; three to Dale Vail; eight to Danner; nine to Briggs; 14 to Tyler; and 16 to Jim Fry. The design division had 12 entries.

Three blue ribbons went to Holmstrom, whose At Gage Park daylily was selected as the top design and received the Tri-color Award. Runners-up were Danner, with two red ribbons, and Carolyn Litwin, with a red ribbon.

Twenty-two images were entered into the photo contest. Eric Mack received two blue ribbons and a purple ribbon.

Robin Rusco received a blue ribbon.

Runners-up receiving a red ribbon each were Mary Lou Widenback, Fry and Paige.

The People’s Choice Awards went to Briggs in the horticulture division for her cultivar, Not Tonight Josephine, Danner in the design division for her At Gage Park, and Eric Mack in the photography division.

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Service Directory

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