At Home Living 021817

Saturday, February 18, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

House Buying

Financing a home How to start and what to do

page 6 n Jamie Kidd on houseplants, page 2 n Help with your DIY projects, page 3 n Water heater woes? Hire a pro, page 4

home.cjonline.com metro creative connection

2 | Saturday, February 18, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Houseplants add to decor, feelings of well-being Some foliage also can improve air quality in home Seventy-degree days in February is just weird.

I’m telling you, just weird.

I would like to say I know what the weather is going to be like in March, but I can’t.

What I can be more accurate about is the weather inside your home: Upper 60s to mid-70s during the day, mid- to lower 60s at night. No precipitation, unless the shower leaks.

Little to no sunlight, so partly cloudy. No drastic changes in the near future, unless someone leaves the door open. Then there’s lots of yelling, but that’s a different article.

So how is a plant person supposed to sustain themselves in this so-called winter? Houseplants, of course.

New houseplants fill in

JAMIE KIDD

jamiehan@ksu.edu

the empty gaps left after the Christmas decorations are taken down and bring life back into the home. Local nurseries are stocking plants waiting for a new home to grace.

Houseplants, like puppies — they both leak on the floor — need a good home. But, before you race out the door, let’s talk about the “then and now,” where and why of houseplants.

TIP OF THE WEEK: DOWN THE DRAIN

Here’s a simple maintenance task that will refreshen the drains in your sinks and showers: Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt.

Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes. Run hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.

Note: This won’t unclog drains, just refreshen them.

Source: Heloise via goodhousekeeping.com

Roots of houseplants

Historically, archeologists have discovered artwork from ancient Egypt depicting houseplants and urns. Ancient Greeks and Romans often had atriums in their homes.

Around the 15th century, European explorers brought back exotic houseplants for their kings and queens. Affluent people from the Victorian era used houseplants as status symbols, particularly Boston ferns, cast-iron plants and palms.

Houseplants became popular in America in the 1950s-60s because of more precise tempera-

ture control in the home.

Two of the most popular plants were Swedish ivy and philodendron. The 1970s brought macrame hangers — remember those? Today, the variety of houseplants available is endless with local and online shopping.

Decor tips

Let me stretch your thinking beyond the “pots of plants” in your home.

Consider this term: “interior landscape design.”

Plants can bring a room to life by adding a sense of drama unequaled by any other decor. Just as we can enhance or hide an unsightly view, direct traffic or bring color and

UPCOMING EVENTS

n The Shawnee County Extension office is offering “From Llamas to Lodging,” a one-day workshop on the limitless possibilities of agriculturebased businesses, including the cottage industries of U-pick berry farms, pumpkin patches, vineyards/wineries, barns for weddings, etc. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Ravenwood Lodge, 10147 S.W. 61st St. Registration is required. Call (785) 232-0062 for more details. n The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will present “Trees” at 7 p.m. March 2 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Learn when to plant, what to plant, where to plant and how to plant and care for your new tree until it gets established. fragrance to the atmosphere outside, we can accomplish these same things inside.

Through placement, plants in unique containers can accent a piece of furniture or fill a void in the room. Combined with lighting, they can create patterns on a wall or help establish a filtered-light atmosphere. Combined with

other decorative items, they can bring pizzazz to a table top or floor arrangement.

Here are a few decorating ideas: n Soil-holding pots come in all kinds of colors, shapes, sizes and styles, ranging from Victorian to primitive. Setting a plain KIDD continues on 7

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Classes give do-it-yourselfers an inside edge Home Depot offers workshops for children, too

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve undoubtedly studied the kitchen cabinets, walls or ceilings of your home, dreaming of changes you’d like to make. Same thing with your yard and garden.

Do-it-yourselfers can get a leg up on their projects by signing up for clinics and presentations offered in the community by Home Depot and Shawnee County Master Gardeners. Also, books on a variety of DIY subjects are available at the library.

Home Depot, 5900 S.W. Huntoon St., offers several free home improvement clinics for the public, including a workshop geared toward children and DoIt-Herself classes designed

especially for women, store manager Ryan Steinhoff said.

The clinics are taught by experts employed by the home improvement supplies retailing company.

Scheduled in the next few weeks are: n Feb. 18: Do-It-Yourself clinic: “Paint Trends and Tips,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. n Feb. 25: Do-It-Yourself clinic: “Installing a Tile Backsplash,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. n March 4: Children’s workshop, 9 a.m. to noon. n March 11: Do-It-Yourself clinic: “Outdoor Lighting,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. n March 16: Do-It-Herself clinic: “Vertical Herb Garden,” 6:30 to 8 p.m. n March 18: Do-It-Yourself clinic: “Installing a Ceiling Fan,” 10 to 11:30 a.m.

n March 25: Do-It-Yourself clinic: “Installing Wall Tile,” 10 to 11:30 a.m.

To sign up for the classes, go to homedepot.com.

More programs

The Shawnee County Master Gardeners also offers presentations that can benefit do-it-yourselfers interested in maintaining or making improvements to their home and landscape.

Among the presentations this spring at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., are: n March 2: “Trees,” 7 p.m.

Presenter to be announced. n March 30: “Spring Lawn Care,” 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., by Steve Paige, Shawnee County Master Gardener. n April 13: “Planting for

metro creative connections

Homeowners can learn how to install a tile backsplash during a clinic being presented Feb. 25 at Home Depot, 5900 S.W. Huntoon St. Curb Appeal,” 7 p.m., by Diane Green, Shawnee County Master Gardener. n June 1: “Exciting New Plants, Roses and Shrubs for 2017,” 7 p.m. Presenter to be announced.

For more information,

contact the Shawnee County Extension Office at (785) 232-0062 or visit shawnee.kstate.edu.

On the shelves

If you can’t attend the clinics or classes, don’t be

discouraged. Help is also available in the stacks at the Topeka library. Here are a few of the books you can check out: n “Real-life Decor: 100 Easy DIY Projects to Brighten Your Home on a Budget,”

by Jean Nayar. n “The Quick & Easy Home DIY Manual,” by Matt Weber. n “Do-it-yourself Home Improvement: A Step-bystep Guide,” by Julian Cassell. n “Black & Decker the Complete Outdoor Builder, From Arbors to Walkways: 150 DIY Projects.” n “The Best of Ask This Old House: 44 Common Household Projects Done Right.”

For more information about home improvement and gardening books available at the library, go to tscpl.org.

4 | Saturday, February 18, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Water heater installation should be left to pros

By Joshua Palmer Angie’s List

Have your showers gotten shorter because of a lack of hot water? The average lifespan of a traditional tank-style natural gas water heater or electric water heater is eight to 12 years,

which makes replacement one of the most common home improvement investments.

So, how much should it cost?

Mary Geiger, of All About the Pipes Plumbing in Charlotte, N.C., says it’s hard to provide a reason-

able estimate without seeing the installation site.

“Cost depends on the type of installation, and that’s unique to each individual project,” she said.

“It depends on what type of unit the customers currently have, what they’re replacing it with and what

has to change to bring the installation up to current code.”

Geiger says most of her customers choose 50-gallon natural gas water heaters. According to Bluebook International, which publishes residential repair and replacement costs, install-

ing that kind of water heater runs from $795 to $1,550.

There’s a reason installing a water heater isn’t a DIY project for most homeowners.

“Installing a water heater is dangerous, and we encounter improperly installed water heaters on

a daily basis,” said Steve Hyde, of Washington Water Heaters in Bellevue, Wash. “On electric installations, you’re dealing with 240 volts of electricity. On a gas water heater, if a gas leak occurs and it’s not corWATER continues on 5

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Water: Hiring licensed plumber is safety measure Continued from 4

rected, it could result in catastrophic damage to the house or its occupants.”

Other considerations include making sure the unit is adequately plumbed, installing it with enough clearance and ensuring drip pans are equipped, if needed.

Jason Hanleybrown, of Fast Water Heater Co. in Bothell, Wash., says one of the most important elements for gas-fired tank or tankless water heaters is to ensure the unit is properly vented to prevent exposure to carbon monoxide gases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning causes 400 deaths each year and 20,000 hospital visits.

Hiring a licensed plumber with experience in water heater installation — including how to properly vent exhaust gases — and one who pulls a per-

mit are safety measures every homeowner should take when installing a water heater.

“Because of the carbon monoxide issue, we say people should always question anyone who is not pulling a permit,” Hanleybrown said.

If you plan to invest in highenergy efficiency with an ondemand or tankless water heater, expect to pay more for its purchase and installation. Installing a tankless model takes much longer, a full eight to 10 hours versus the two to three it takes for a traditional water heater.

It’s also something only professionals should do, because they need to install a dedicated gas line that can supply large amounts of gas when the unit’s in use, electrical work that may be necessary and any special venting.

For the unit alone, an electric tankless water heater costs from $595 to $1,530, and a gas

katelyn kinney

Water heater installation is a task best left to an experienced plumber. tankless version costs from $1,005 to $1,770, according to Bluebook International. However, because of the prolonged

and complicated installation, expect to add several hundred to a couple thousand dollars more in installation costs.

6 | Saturday, February 18, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

house buying

Seek financing first, then look at homes Pre-approval lets you know the amount of loan you’ll receive

By Shanna Sloyer

Special to The Capital-Journal

From researching neighborhoods and school districts to juggling inspections and signing necessary paperwork, buying a home can be an overwhelming process.

Financing what is the largest purchase most of us will ever make can certainly compound that stress.

“The whole process, from application to closing, can be stressful,” said Tim Murray, Capitol Federal Savings Bank senior mortgage consultant. “Find a lender you are comfortable with, provide the requested documentation and ask questions.”

Murray recommends prospective buyers begin the financing process before they ever start looking at homes.

“I suggest gathering all of your income information, debt information, possible budget range, and to start thinking about a down payment,” Murray said.

Lenders use the information to prepare a prequalification document, which provides an estimate of the amount of mortgage for which you could be approved. This process can be done in person or via phone or e-mail.

Capitol Federal offers an online mortgage calculator at capfed.com that allows borrowers to see what they can expect to spend on a home loan and helps them select the best mortgage option for their situation.

If they qualify, borrowers can choose to take out a conventional loan, also

known as an FHA loan, or a government-backed, or VA loan. Generally speaking, a conventional loan can be the less expensive option over the life of the loan. However, borrowers who begin with a lower credit score may be able to qualify more easily for a VA loan.

Consumers also will need to decide whether to take out a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgage.

Fixed-rate mortgages guarantee the interest rate will remain the same over the life of the loan and offer peace of mind that monthly payments will never change.

An adjustable-rate mortgage typically has a lower initial interest rate than a fixed-rate loan. The lower rate will remain the same for a specified number of years, usually three, five or seven. After that, the interest rate will change annually. According to Murray, adjustable-rate mortgages can be good for borrowers who plan to sell or refinance their home after the initial term ends.

Pre-approval important

Once the best mortgage option has been selected, borrowers can move on to the pre-approval process, which involves completing a loan application, requesting a credit report and gathering necessary financial documents.

“A strong pre-approval letter allows you to house hunt with confidence,” Murray said. “You know exactly how much money you will be able to receive

keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Tim Murray, left, Capitol Federal Savings Bank senior mortgage consultant, joins Jessica Zwiesler and Chris Spargo in front of their new home. Murray says buying a home can be stressful, so he advises prospective buyers to begin the financing process before they start looking at homes. from the bank, because your credit, income and assets are verified. Also, it will show motivation when putting in an offer and makes the rest of the paperwork easier at closing.”

Potential buyers who take out a traditional FHA loan can expect to need a down payment of at least 3.5 percent of the sale price of the house at closing.

Capitol Federal has a minimum requirement of 3 percent down on conventional loans for borrowers with a credit score of at least 720.

In the event less than 20 percent of the sale price is put down as payment on the home, the borrower will be required to take out and pay for mortgage

insurance, which protects the lender in case of default.

“It’s also important to note, the more you put down on your home, the lower your monthly mortgage payments will be,” Murray said.

For first-time buyers or anyone without an established credit score, the lender may require a larger down payment to qualify for a loan.

“If you haven’t established traditional credit, now is a good time to get started,” he said. “Banks want to see that your credit report includes a good payment history on at least four items for at least 24 months.”

Credit advice

Murray offers the following tips for establishing or improving credit ahead of applying for a mortgage loan: n Keep credit card balances at less than half of your credit limit and make monthly payments on time. n Diligently review your credit report and refute any inaccuracies that show up on your credit history by contacting the nationwide credit agencies. n Within the first few months of being approved for a home loan, don’t open any new lines of credit. n Only open new credit lines if you intend to use

them. n Don’t rush to close unused credit cards. The longer credit history is better for you.

Murray also urges borrowers to choose a lender carefully. With options that range from local banks to large, national financial institutions, choosing a local mortgage lender can have many benefits.

Smaller, local lenders often have knowledge about the local market and offer one-on-one customer service that may be lacking when applying for a mortgage loan online. You also run the risk that a larger institution will sell your loan immediately after you sign on the dotted line.

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Bare root is way to go when creating an orchard Tip: Buy varieties that match climate

By Maureen Gilmer Tribune News Service

You can’t judge a book by its cover, so don’t select fruit trees for your home orchard from photos of fruit. First, determine if that particular fruit type, and more importantly the specific variety, is capable of bearing in your yard.

Bare root is the most economical way of creating a home orchard. The added weight of shipping soil with a fruit tree is costly, and that expense is passed on to you. When you buy bare root, the saplings will get a better start in native soil and develop a more extensive root system.

Bare root season rolls around each year at the end of winter. For milder winter zones, it begins in February, when the fruit trees start showing up in garden centers. They will be bare root, dug while dormant from fields and shipped before they begin to come alive again with spring.

A quality local nursery should carry only variet-

Before planting a cherry tree, always verify if your area experiences enough winter cold to meet its dormancy needs. ies that are regionally appropriate, but that’s not guaranteed. Here’s what to look for: n Bloom season. Areas prone to late frosts in spring or inclement weather during bloom season often result in trees that flower but won’t fruit.

It’s because those conditions prevent bees from flying that early or delicate flower parts freeze.

This is why each variety is designated early, midseason or late blooming.

The problem is everybody wants early fruiters, so they choose early bloomers, which is fine for super mild southern California, but few other locales.

Those with late frosts need late bloomers so bees and flowers mate perfectly. Because it takes years for a fruit tree to bear well, you can’t afford to make this mistake.

Think patience, because unless you live in the low desert summer heat, late bloomers are safer. n Chilling hours. Check the chilling hour rating, which shows how well the trees are suited to very cold climates. Double check with a local fullservice garden center to verify any you wish to buy are compatible with your winters. n Tree size. Grafting allows growers to produce the same fruit tree in three sizes. Standard trees are large, require orchard ladders, are best in deer country, demand a lot of area, and their crops are largest. Semi-dwarf trees fit better into yards, are easier to prune and

photographs by tribune news service

To ensure fruit, your tree must flower when the bees fly uninterrupted by rain, freezing or late snows. have all the benefits of a larger tree. Dwarf forms are optimal for containers, smaller homes or for obtaining more tree diversity in a limited area.

No matter what size tree you choose, the fruit is al-

ways the same.

Garden centers that ship in bare roots en masse will heel them in sand or sawdust to keep the dormant roots from drying out because they’re very freshly dug. The sooner they go

in the ground, the better they start, so shop early.

Selling bare roots in plastic from mass markets can result in a totally unsuitable plant already breaking dormancy and highly dehydrated by shipping.

Kidd: Plants can affect emotions, reduce stress and relieve anxiety Continued from 2

pot inside a basket, teapot, pail or other containers expands the possibilities. n Combined plants create impact. Plants can be combined in a “garden” created in a big basket, iron urn or large, low bowl. n A dish garden is a great place to add seasonal color. If you give the plants some growing space, they should last for six to 12 months before

you need to replace them with smaller ones. Be sure they all have the same watering requirements. You can sink blooming plants into the dish garden in their original pot to make changing them easier. n Groups of plants in separate decorative containers can create instant decor in a corner or other space that seems empty.

Odd numbers of plants or planters often make the most pleasing arrangements, particularly if tall-

er, heavier-looking plants form the background and shorter, less massive ones are in front. n Hanging a plant or group of plants adds a vertical accent, lifting the eye to a different level in the room. For the best effect, as well as ease in plant care, hang them no higher than eye level.

Effects of foliage

So why should you use plants in your house? Here are a few reasons:

n Plants can affect emotions. Working with live plants can chase the doldrums away. Studies have shown houseplants reduce stress, which can lead to greater immunity against colds and flu. Caring for plants can take the focus off one’s self, help break the repetitive thinking associated with depression and anxiety, and provide a sense of nurturing and accomplishment. n Plants improve air quality in our homes and,

therefore, our health. As a general rule of thumb, two or more medium to large plants — 14- to 16-inch containers — per 100 square feet of area are recommended for improving air quality in the home. This may not be easy to do in every room.

Plants alone may not be the total solution when serious indoor air quality problems exist, but it’s a great start. n Plants can soften harsh modern designs, stone, brickwork and an awkward line or too dominate room

feature. Plants can add accent color. They don’t all have to be green. Today’s tropical plant selections feature colorful foliage and blooms. The splash of color takes the monotony out of winter.

Houseplants also help us remember that it will be spring before we know it, even if it feels like spring already.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

8 | Saturday, February 18, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Corner bathtub may create more bathroom space Some fixtures feature whirlpool, bubble massage

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed, you are my plumbing guru and I wanted to ask you a remodeling question for my smaller bathroom. I really want to have a whirlpool tub and need to ask: How can I fit a larger than standard tub into my new bathroom?

— Paul, Texas

A: For any bathroom layout, you need to get all your fixture specifications first to make sure everything will fit into your space.

Now that this basic info is out of the way, I recommend that you look into a corner bathtub with a builtin apron. Corner install tubs can be a little larger than a standard tub, and with the finished apron-

front side, you may open up even more bathroom space.

More good news is many corner baths can be ordered with a whirlpool or bubble massage features.

Also, some corner bath layouts may even include lumbar support, heated surfaces and room for two users.

Bottom line: With this space-saving tub, you can put yourself into a corner

without being punished.

Q: Dear Ed: I am planning a new bathroom and want to include natural stone sinks in my budget. All I care about is the sinks are natural stone, so I am open to style suggestions. What types of stone bathroom sinks have you installed, and what do you like?

— Fred, Ohio A: For all-around ease of installation, product availability and dramatic style, I like vessel-type bathroom

sinks made from natural marble. Many of these natural material sinks are handcrafted from a single piece of stone, making them one-of-a-kind items.

Because it is a vessel design, you get to show off the marble on both sides of the sink. A stone vessel sink can rest on top of a natural stone countertop, allowing you to create striking contrasts.

Your faucet choices will be limited to wall-mount or

tall vessel-type faucets, and both can be pricey. Natural stone sinks also are very high-end items, and the choice may not be practical if you’re looking for rockbottom prices.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

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Monitor cracks in basement’s walls

By C. Dwight Barnett Tribune News Service

Q: We moved into a new walkout basement home two years ago, and I’m noticing a crack in the front basement wall. The crack is in the center of the wall from top to bottom. I then found a small crack on the outside brick on the opposite wall. Is this something I need to have inspected?

A: A basement wall is made of poured concrete or concrete blocks. Either type of wall rests on a poured concrete footing. It’s not uncommon for the footing to shrink as it dries, creating strains on the basement wall.

Settlement usually occurs within the first few years after construction. If settlement continues over several years, you need to have the walls inspected by a professional.

The crack in the middle of the wall is common, and as long as it doesn’t expand beyond a simple vertical crack, there is no need to worry.

The crack should be monitored to make sure it has stabilized. Make a mark with a pencil or magic marker at the widest point of the crack. Measure the width at the widest opening, and write that measurement on the wall where you made the mark. Also, indicate the date when the mark was made. In

the future, you will be able to determine if the crack has expanded or not.

A crack in the brick is usually near a window or door opening. Once the crack reaches the window or door opening, the stress is relieved and the cracking should stop. Again, measure and mark the crack. Take pictures of the cracks for future reference.

If the cracks continue to expand, there are companies that specialize in foundation stabilization, but the repairs are expensive. You should contact a qualified building inspector or structural engineer to make recommendations before calling a foundation contractor.

Service Directory

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