At Home Living 022815

homes.cjonline.com

REALTOR

®

Saturday, February 28, 2015 An Advertising Feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Jamie Hancock Garden Column – What is your home’s fair market value – Porch enclosures, creating another living area – Designers’ Showhouse – budget and design – TCJ Pin of the Week –

2 3 7 8 11

Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal

2 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

A Note From

The Gardener

What are Extension Research Centers?

Jamie Hancock

jamiehan@ksu.edu Local Extension offices have been described as the go-to-places when you have questions. Have you ever wondered where

the agents in the Extension offices get the answers to all the questions you ask?

Good question…I’m so glad you asked.

Extension universities, like Kansas State, began when the Morrill Acts were passed by Congress and made into law in 1862 and 1890. Federal lands were granted to each state to develop and/or sell to raise funds to build “land-grant” colleges. These colleges were to focus on teaching practical agriculture, science and engineering along with classical studies in response to the industrial revolution in America.

Historically, colleges were focused on abstract liberal arts, medicine, law, and the ministry. Only the wealthy were able to attend the Ivy League colleges. Land-grant colleges made education accessible to the average citizen.

Since farmers were unable to leave their farms for extended periods for classes, Congress with the colleges developed the Extension Service. This established “County Agents” to bring free education into the local communities. Food and nutrition education was added to the cur-

riculum followed by the 4H program for children.

Additionally, the need to research better ways of doing things came to the forefront in Washington. The colleges were expanded in their focus and research centers were developed.

Kansas State University was founded in 1863 as a land-grant institution, the first in the nation. There are five formal Research Centers in Kansas manned by professionals. There are many informal centers in

HANCOCK continues on 4C

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 3

What is your home’s fair market value

By Linda A. Ditch Special to The Capital-Journal

All homeowners wonder what their house is worth. Whether selling or refinancing is a consideration, or if the house is part of a divorce or estate settlement, it is wise to know the fair market value of what is probably your biggest asset.

Fair market value is the price a buyer will most likely agree to and the seller will find acceptable for the purchase of a house under normal circumstances. Factors that impact the value include the age, condition and location of the house, as well as the health of the local real estate market. Since these factors change over time, the value of the property will change as well. Determining fair market value will only give you a snapshot of the home’s worth for that particular moment in time.

When selling a home, coming up with an accurate fair market value is key to a successful sale. More buyers will consider a home with an asking price at or below fair market value verses a higher price. Marion

VALUE continues on 5C

stock graphic/metro creative connection

4 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Hancock: Attend a field day at the extension centers Continued from 2C various counties that are tended by Extension Master Gardeners. Research in these centers, and in centers across the nation, provide helpful answers to food and agricultural questions. The best trees, shrubs, turf, vegetables, farm crops, and flowers for Kansas are determined at these Centers. Numerous publications, plant lists, and articles are generated from each of these sites. The Extension office has access to local and national extension information and makes it available to the public. Most publications are free of charge.

Research Centers In Kansas John C. Pair Horticulture Center is in Haysville just south of Wichita. Research emphasis is on evaluation of new varieties and production practices in both food crops and ornamental plants. Vegetable crops include asparagus, sweet potatoes,

pumpkin, and tomatoes. Grapes, peaches and off-season strawberries are being evaluated. Ornamentals include shade trees, flowering trees, flowers and turfgrass evaluations for their zone as well as studies of medicinal plants. Bedding plant trials are compared to those in other research centers in the State.

Tuttle Forestry Research Center is just below Tuttle Creek Dam in Manhattan.

They conduct long-term forestry research including improved tree seed production activities. Research from this facility has resulted in 22 publications and 56 articles, book chapters, and Extension bulletins, as of 2010.

Rocky Ford Turfgrass Research Center in Manhattan is 10 acres focused on identifying best-adapted turf species and cultivars for Kansas, best management practices to reduce water and pesticide usage, and improve turfgrass responses to

environmental stresses. They host a field day for commercial turfgrass managers the first Thursday of August in even-numbered years.

Pecan Experimental Field is in Chetopa, Kansas. The focus is on sustainable production of pecans for growers in Kansas and Missouri.

K-State Research and Extension Center – Olathe is 342 acres that include 150 acres of native woodland, 75 acres of bottomland, 117 acres of upland soil grassland, and has a creek running through it. Their focus is bedding plants trials, annuals and perennials, turfgrass, landscape, fruit and vegetable production and the needs of the forestry industry. They host a large, public Field Day the last Saturday in July each year.

The Olathe center is a wonderful place to visit during the Field Day. Seminars with great speakers are available. You can

walk and talk with the experts through the numerous planting beds. The trial beds have good and poor plants in them.

This is how they determine what grows well in our crazy Kansas weather. There will be over 250 patio planters with exciting new plants and color combinations, grafted tomato research, organic VS inorganic lawn fertilizer information, Master Gardener gardens, and flower bed designs sponsored by Proven Winner.

If you are an avid bedding plant or turf enthusiast, or you just like viewing colorful gardens this is the place to be. To read more information for the Olathe Center Field Day, go to www.johnson.ksu.edu.

Join us for the day and see what’s “coming-up-roses” in Kansas!

Jamie Hancock is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 5

Value: The easiest way to find the value Continued from 3C Hawks, president of the Topeka Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (TAAR), “The right price is imperative. If priced correctly for the condition and location, the home will receive the showings necessary to sell the home quickly. If priced correctly, it is possible to have multiple offers.”

The most common way to determine fair market value is to look at the prices homes are selling for in the same area.

Since every neighborhood is different, it is important to look at the houses that are for sale or have recently sold in your specific area. Comparing the prices of houses similar to yours will give you an idea of what to expect.

If the neighborhood doesn’t provide many homes for comparison, then another way to determine fair market value is to calculate the cost of replacing the home.

This would require finding the cost of the

land the house is on by comparing it with other empty lots in the area, and then adding on the cost of rebuilding the house. Be sure to add in the cost of fixtures and any improvements that would be made in the rebuilding process.

The easiest way to find out your home’s market value is to consult a REALTOR®.

A real estate professional has all of the data available to compare your home, and knows how factors such as location, school districts, and home upgrades impact the final price. Hawks explained, “Only a REALTOR® will be able to accurately assess the value, based on the homes condition and market conditions in the last six to nine months by comparing to similar homes.”

A homeowner can also hire an appraiser to determine the home’s value. Like the REALTOR®, the appraiser will conduct an on-site review of the house and then compare the property with sales of similar properties in the area.

One number to disregard is the county’s appraisal value. This number is made to determine property taxes and is rarely accurate when compared to the fair market value. For higher end and new homes, the county appraisal may be low since there are not as many like-style homes for comparisons. For older homes, the number may be too high because of the home’s deterioration or out-of-style décor.

“Actual market value is based on the current value of a home,” Hawks said.

“The County Appraiser may never see the home and doesn’t know the condition or if any additional square footage has been finished. A higher market value may mean once the property is sold for greater, then the County Appraised value may increase the taxes.”

Knowing your home’s fair market value doesn’t mean it is the price you will get if you sell your home. The number of people interested in buying and negotiations with a prospective buyer will impact the final

sale price. However, an accurate market value will give you a good starting point, and a REALTOR® can help you understand any variables that may come into play.

A Word from the Experts

6 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Six design trends to heighten your home’s style in 2015 Brandpoint

As the new year kicks off, it’s the premier time to refresh and refocus on certain aspects of your life ... and the home is no exception. Say goodbye to lackluster interiors as renowned interior designer and DIY television personality, Taniya Nayak, has forecasted the top trends for 2015 that will be sure to enhance and revive any home.

Deep, rich hues Be bold with shadowy and opulent tones; there are many ways to infuse a rich color scheme into your space. “Don’t be intimidated by dark hues,” says Nayak. “Incorporate shades from the same color family throughout a room with a coordinating accent wall, rug and decorative pieces - such as pillows and blankets. This creates a bold, yet harmonizing visual.”

“The concept of a ‘pop’ of color is blown up in 2015,” adds Nayak. “We’re seeing deep, rich hues adorning walls, lavishly upholstered furniture pieces, window treatments and area rugs. This year, we like to say ‘go bold or go home.’”

When painting with deep colors, imperfections are more visible than with lighter shades.

To ensure your painting project is flawless, use FrogTape brand painter’s tape to achieve sharp paint lines. The tape is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, which prevents paint bleed, leaving you with an impressive, crisp edge.

Gallery walls Create a room that’s uniquely yours by making a gallery wall with items of your choice. Display an array of mirrors, framed family photos,

sketches or even postcards - the key is to be creative and be yourself!

“2015 is all about you,” Nayak explains.

“Hanging a variety of frames or objects in a well thought-out cluster on the wall provides the perfect place to showcase pieces that are important and meaningful. When people walk into your home, they’ll know exactly what you love.”

Bold patterns in neutral colors Although neutrals provide a calm palette, it’s possible to infuse bold statements into these rooms, as well, with the use of patterns. Revitalize your room with a geometric rug in an earth tone, and also add window treatments with a daring floral design in a complementary, yet understated, color. When mixing prints, pair structured, linear patterns with organic ones for a look that’s polished, and not too “matchy.”

“This is a beautiful way to add drama and what appears to be ‘texture’ to a space,” adds Nayak.

60s mod The retro panache of mid-century modern decor will perk up rooms with its soft, sculptural lines, woven upholstery and bright accessories in geometric shapes. Search for vintage furniture pieces like rounded chairs and buttoncushion couches with short, tapered legs to add a sense of authenticity.

“We are going retro mod - way back to the 60s where design was about curvy forms, vibrant colors and eccentric patterns,” Nayak says. “Be prepared to leave your design fears at the door and go full throttle with the bright and loud elements found in the mod movement. “ Organic elements

Stock Photos/Brandpoint

This year, mount antlers above your mantel; or create centerpieces with shells, metallic leaves or branches for a rustic vibe. With these earthy components juxtaposed against woodsy furniture and ivory tones, you’ll create an impressive, outdoorsy aesthetic.

“It’s easy to bring nature and organic structures into your home,” Nayak assures. “Leave linear styles out of the equation. Instead, think of free flowing shapes, colors found in nature and the peaceful serenity associated with the outdoors. The goal is to evoke the same emotional responses throughout your home.”

Copper

“Each year we see a particular metal rise to the top of every designer’s list; and this year, it’s all about copper,” Nayak says.

Copper is a captivating metallic that adds a modern edge to even the simplest scheme. Small pieces make a big statement, so subtly pepper in copper pieces to your decor, like light fixtures, planters or table settings. Display copper cookware in your kitchen - it’s a great way to add a touch of glamour without being gaudy.

2015 is full of impressive design trends. Use Nayak’s expertise, and this year, your home will serve as a canvas for self-expression, creativity and style.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 7

Porch enclosures, creating another living area

By P.L. Simons Special to The Capital-Journal

In a city where Craftsman bungalows are common, a value-enhancing move is to enclose the original porch or add a deck cover to extend seasonal use while increasing overall square footage of a house. This can be a simple weekend project, putting up a lattice deck roof or adding screened windows and enclosed walls for a sleeping porch.

At the other extreme, and with a contractor’s help, enclosing an open air porch can be much more elaborate—and costly.

To make sure the remodeling of a porch or deck is a cost-effective investment in an older home, it’s a good idea to consult building experts and discuss your space needs and budget.

Walls or Roof = Privacy Homeowners on a budget may be motivated by a simple desire for added privacy, creating a social space around an open air porch or patio. Or, the house may have been designed without a sunroom or solarium, making the porch a simple pass-through to other living space. Curtained “walls” and a light-penetrating roof, of either modular plexi-glass or a lattice treatment, will answer these privacy needs economically.

Nationwide experts estimate the cost of enclosing a porch, depending on amenities and intended use, at between $2,000 and $72,000, according to an informal survey of online remodeling sites.

Enclosing a porch and converting it to a full-use room can mean adding basics like an HVAC system, electrical outlets, internet access and plumbing. It also can be an opportunity to include more luxurious amenities that improve the value of the home and add to the occupant’s quality of life: A fireplace, hot tub, solarium, sun roof or solar panels.

Ryan Passow, of Passow Remodeling, meets with homeowners twice before beginning any substantial remodeling job, first to discuss their “hopes and dreams” for the house and, afterwards, to talk about specifics and establish a budget. “We talk about the budget to see if it’s realistic” in light of the improvements a homeowner wants, he said. In nine years of business, porch enclosures and deck roofing have comprised about 10 percent of his company’s remodeling work, ranging from $1,000 for the simplest screened porch to more than $40,000—to convert a porch

into an additional finished room.

Outdoors Advantage When the choice is between retaining an open-air porch for one or two seasons of use, or enclosing it with screening or finished walls, Georgia contractor John Paulin, offers this advice: “The real difference is in how that structure feels,” says Paulin, in Remodeling. “With an open porch, you have an unimpeded view. You can cook there, since screens don’t hold the smoke in. The floor area–minus walls–feels bigger. If it’s connected to an adjoining deck–a project we often build–one space flows seamlessly into the next.” [www.remodeling.com] If entomology is not your hobby and a goal in remodeling is to screen out pesky warm-season insects, leaving a porch open to the air still is an option—particularly if a budget prevents enclosing the entire porch. Instead of finished walls and screened windows, open air porches can be kept comparatively bugless with citronella candles or an electric bug zapper.

Privacy screens or awnings--even canvas duck Roman Shades—also are economic alternatives to building walls and adding screens or windows.

That said, if the decision is to finish the walls and add screens or windows to enclose a porch, it is a good idea to contact a contractor and start with measurements, add a description of what functions you hope to gain with the remodel project and establish a list of the amenities under consideration. Get bids for adding that long sought-after, wood-burning fireplace and a solarium-style roof and window combination—if that’s the dream for updating your bungalow’s porch. As with any project, consider a range of affordable options and the impact both on added practical use of the house and your long-range budget.

It’s likely that the contractor will need to do an on-site inspection of the existing porch to determine whether the foundation and footings are adequate—or if they will need reinforcement or modifications before the enclosure project begins.

Amenities Count In calculating remodeling costs, much depends on the amenities and the extent to which a homeowner wants to extend a two-season porch to all-year use. “We put together sample drawings at the first meeting,” Passow said, illustrating ideas the homeowner has in mind for the porch

PORCH continues on 10C

8 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Designers’ Showhouse –

By Angela Deines Special to The Capital-Journal

TOPEKA – The transformation of the homes for the annual Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas Designers’ Showhouse has involved many moving parts, including the budget that is set for the design of the house.

Reva Wywadis, executive director of Child Care Aware, has been involved in the annual grassroots fundraiser for several years and said it’s a continuous process to educate the public about how the designer showhouse comes about each year. She said it’s a common misconception that the homeowners get their house remodeled a no cost to them.

“We work with the homeowner and they give the designer an allowance for each space,” said Reva Wywadis, executive director of Child Care Aware. “The homeowner is responsible for any plumbing, heating, electrical changes, etc. That investment is always made by the homeowner.”

Another myth, Wywadis said, is that the designers have free reign who redecorate each room any way they want to and that the homeowner gets very little input in the design process.

“The designer still has to get their plan (for each room) approved,” she said. “The homeowner is always in control of the designer’s plan. They approve or might ask for some changes but the homeowner is always in control of this process.”

The homeowner will set a budget for each room that will be remodeled or redecorated, Wywadis said. From there, each designer then figures out what he or she can do in that space with the money they are given by the homeowner.

Because each room’s budget is usually lower than what the designer ends up doing with the space, the designer will ask other vendors to donate additional labor and materials and will often be recognized in the showhouse’s publicity pieces.

“The goal is to stretch their budget,” Wywadis said. “They often do to a fabulous job of stretching that budget.”

Wywadis said coordinating the design of the showhouse, including this year’s home, the Washburn University president’s residence, takes someone with knowledge and connections in the design community. She said for the past six years, Topeka interior designer Jan Hutt has filled that role so that Wywadis doesn’t

Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal

Jan Hutt stands with her dog, Sissy, inside the foyer of this year’s Designers’ Showhouse, the Washburn University president’s residence at 3130 S.W. Shadow Lane. Most of the Colonial-style house built in the 1920’s, currently the home of Jerry and Susan Farley, is undergoing extensive remodeling after more than 25 years of only minor redecorating. Hutt, a Topeka area interior designer, has been involved in the annual showhouse fundraiser for many years for Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas and is now in the sixth year of leading the showhouse designers. have to be as “hands-on” during the busy showhouse season each spring.

“It was just so necessary because the showhouse took me out of my area of expertise,” Wywadis said. “Jan is on-site a lot, making sure everyone is on schedule.

She’s our liaison between our agency and all of the designers.”

Wywadis said she hopes this year’s showhouse, set to run April 25 through May 17, will raise $100,000 for Child Care Aware that provides a number of services for eastern Kansas childcare providers and families.

Recently, while having to talk over the buzzing of electrical saws and other equipment at the Washburn president’s home, Hutt said because of the relationships she

and the other designers and vendors have developed over the years, coordinating the showhouse remodeling and redecorating each spring has been smooth and is always a collaborative effort.

“The other designers are so good about helping me,” she said, adding that she sees herself more as an advisor for each showhouse. “If I call them and say, ‘I need you,’ they come through for me.”

“She’s the boss lady,” Robert Bradshaw, a Topeka carpenter, happily declared about Hutt while he worked on a portion of the master closet so Washburn president Jerry Farley would have a place to hang his signature bow ties.

Now in his eighth year in helping Hutt and another designer at the Designers’

Showhouse, Bradshaw said he believes in the mission of Child Care Aware and is happy to donate his time and materials to each showhouse.

“It takes time and it costs my time,” he said. “But I do it for the women and children. Everybody should volunteer.”

Hutt said before the designers come in with their ideas for each space, she goes through the house with the homeowners to get an idea of what they want and what each room’s budget is before the work begins. She said the designers then pitch their ideas to the homeowners and the ideas are either given the green light or modified.

SHOWHOUSE continues on 9C

budget and design

Rex Wolf/Special to The Capital-Journal

Robert Bradshaw, a Topeka carpenter, said he has volunteered his time and materials to the Designers’ Showhouses for the past eight years. He said he believes in the work done by Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas which uses the annual showhouse event to raise money to provide services and education for eastern Kansas childcare providers and families.

Continued from 8C In the case of the Washburn president’s home, Hutt said Jerry and Susan Farley were happy to have a limited amount of input into each room’s design but wanted to make sure the final designs are reflective of the 1920’s era, 7,108 square foot Colonial on S.W. Shadow Lane in Topeka’s Westboro neighborhood.

“They have been a wonderful representation of Washburn,” Hutt said of the Farleys. “They want it to be beautiful for many years.”

A committee made up of Washburn regents, the university’s architect and donors had the most input into the redesign of the president’s home that has gone for more than 25 years without any significant remodeling. In addition to new electrical

and plumbing, 11 Topeka designers are redecorating the home’s kitchen, dining room, master bedroom suite, two guest rooms and one guest bath on second floor, two home office areas, a first floor bathroom and foyer, a den and a third floor guest suite.

The residence is used for fundraising events, visiting dignitaries and distinguished alumni and other university-related activities and the committee felt it was time to reinvest in the home while Washburn is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

“It represents our city,” Hutt said of the president’s home. “I think it needs to represent Washburn even though it’s not on campus. This (Designers’ Showhouse) is a plus for the university and a plus for Child Care Aware. A lot of people are happy about this.”

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 9

10 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Porch: What do you hope to gain?

Continued from 7C or deck. In a subsequent meeting, “we may alter plans as necessary” to meet the owner’s budget and to “make it happen.” This preparation and pre-construction planning that involves the homeowner may take several weeks, with the actual work taking another two or three weeks to complete, he said.

It may be worth a homeowner’s time to explore savings from modular porches, windows and screen components. Ask manufacturers about warranties, ease of installation and compatibility with other design elements and find out whether your contractor has experience working with the manufacturers and installing their products.

Before navigating the per square foot price of a porch enclosure, it’s wise for homeowners to consider what they hope to gain, in addition to added space. Improvements can range from adding a simple latticed roof or cabana-style canvas curtains to an existing deck or open air porch—at the low-end of a remodeler’s budgets-to enclosing the porch space, insulating walls and adding windows if four-season utility is the objective. Deck roofing and privacy screening actually can be more costly than screening in a porch, Passow said, particularly if there are several levels of roofline to navigate and cover in solid wood or lattice. One homeowner recently spent $5,000 to have Passow roof a multilevel deck.

Occasionally, a homeowner’s plans change as the remodeling project unfolds, Passow said. One project began as a simple porch enclosure, adding screens to close in an open-air porch. With changes made along the way, the porch Passow was

to enclose instead became a finished room addition, complete with electrical, heating and cooling—resulting in $40,000 in construction costs.

Permits and Site Plans In Topeka, building permits are required when remodeling anticipates changes to structural elements of an existing building.

Relocating walls, adding concrete footings, plumbing or electrical are considered structural changes to the home’s original design, and require filing a site plan and obtaining a building permit from the city.

Something as simple as roofing a deck in lattice work and adding cabana-style, privacy awnings may fall into the city’s “gray area,” where the requirement of a site plan and building permit are discretionary, according to the city’s Development Services Department. Leave the building permit and site plan to your contractor, unless the porch enclosure is entirely a DIY project.

In that case, contact the Development Services Department at 785-368-3704, with specific questions and to discuss site plan and permit requirements.

Unless the plan is DIY, the site plan and building permit are the responsibility of the contractor. So, too, are any afterconstruction building inspections: The contractor “goes through any inspections” required by the city, Passow said, ensuring work done meets city building codes and conforms to the site plan.

Web addresses: Modular patios, www. patioenclosures.com; glasswall porch enclosures with removable fiberglass panels, www.monray.com; modular cedar porch systems, www.vixenhill.com; and extruded aluminum or wood frame, removable sliding glass windows, www.nanawallsystems.com. Or search online for “modular porch enclosures.”

Find out more about your favorite listings at homes.cjonline.com

stock photo/metro creative connection

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 11

Service Directory The Topeka Capital-Journal Pin of the Week Follow all of The Capital-Journal boards Pinterest – www.pinterest.com/tcjmedia/

Upcycle a Vanity Light Strip to a Hanging Pendant Light Materials and Tools We Used:

• 40” L x 8.5” W x 1” thick piece of reclaimed barn wood • Repurposed Bathroom Light Vanity Strip • Spray Paint • 6 Mason Jars • 6 Edison Light Bulbs • Drill and Bits • Screws • Rope Steps: 1. First, I painted the light fixture (remember to tape off the light sockets!).

This item was repurposed from our guest bathroom DIY make-over so all it needed was a little paint. I used my all- time favorite color of spray paint: Rust-oleum Oil Rubbed Bronze.

2. Next, drill a hole into the barn wood with a 2 1/8 inch drill bit for the electrical wires.

3. Pull apart the light fixture so it can be attached to the barn wood. Drill four holes; one on each end and two in the middle to secure just the inside piece of your light strip to the piece of barn wood.

4. Attach the exterior part of your light fixture (this particular one just clipped back into place).

5. Drill holes into the Mason jar lids using 1 3/8 inch drill bit for the light socket opening. Use a 1/8 inch drill bit to pre-drill two holes into each lid so they also can be securely fastened to the fixture.

6. Place the Mason jar bands on first, then the lids and finally screw them in.

You can also screw in the light bulbs and Mason jars at this point if you want to get a preview of your new light.

7. Using a ¾ inch drill bit, drill four holes (two on each end) of the wood to allow access for the rope that will hang your light fixture.

8. Install a ceiling hook. As you can see we have slanted ceilings in our home which makes hanging this light a little more complicated. Also, our electrical

outlet in the ceiling is too far over in this corner to be centered with our table (which drives me a little insane). So, we decided to install ours approximately 8 inches from the electrical outlet so it would be centered with our table, and also allowing me to sleep soundly at night!

9. Measure from the ceiling down to approximately how high above your table you would like your light fixture to hang. The length of the rope and height of the light fixture will depend on where you are hanging it and the height of your ceiling. *Note: If you don’t have your Mason jars attached to your light at this point make sure to account for their length when measuring for your rope.

10. Cut your rope. You’ll be cutting four different strands. Two will be used for the sides of your fixture, and will go approximately three-fourths of the way up.

The third will be to combine the first two, and then hang your entire fixture to the ceiling hook. The fourth is for decoration (I’ll get to this one in just one second!)

Use one strand on each side of the board and knot it underneath. Fold the third in half and use it to bring the two sides together; tie a knot at the top. Run the electrical wire from your fixture up the back of one side of the rope. Preferably use a strand that will not be facing out.

source: remodelaholic.com

11. Shorten the electrical cord if necessary, and then add a plastic electrical cap if you have an existing hole in your ceiling (like we did).

12. Twist a smaller piece of rope around the main rope that is hanging the fixture all the way up to the ceiling to hide the electrical wire.

13. If you’re anything like me I’m sure that the little bit of black electrical cord on the ceiling is an eye sore. All you need to do is add some white paint, and you’ll be good to go! VOILA! You are finished!

To get more information on this project and others, visit The Topeka Capital-Journal’s At Home Living – DIY: At Home Pinterest board.

12 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 13

Four tips to make home maintenance easier Family Features

Some home maintenance jobs require a significant investment of time and specialized equipment, but there are many projects you can accomplish efficiently with basic tools and the right approach. Follow these tips to get started: Update your toolbox. Take inventory to ensure your collection is complete, and replace damaged or rusted tools. Your toolbox is also a good place to store common repair items such as adhesive. For quick, fuss-free fixes with no dry time, ditch traditional glue for Glue Dots. The doublesided adhesives bond instantly to virtually any surface with no mess and let you skip using clamps.

Get ahead of potential problems. For example, have a plunger on hand to prevent clogged sinks and toilets from causing water damage, and keep gutters and filters clean to prevent structural damage or fire. You can also protect your home and valuables from damage by using adhesive to secure precious items from getting knocked over, and protect floors from traffic damage by securing rugs and felt pads to furniture.

Take a helping hand. Most phones have

levels and flashlights that can help with minor jobs, and your phone’s calendar can be set with recurring reminders so that you’ll never miss a maintenance date. In addition, find creative ways to make tasks easier. It can be tough to keep items in place while nailing or screwing into walls or ceilings, or installing features such as under-cabinet lighting. Glue Dots are a handy solution that won’t damage the surface, don’t expand and won’t make a mess.

Get organized. Daily home maintenance tasks like cleaning are easier when they are done along the way rather than letting them pile up, creating a bigger job.

Store everyday needs in each room, or on each floor. For maximum efficiency, keep cleaning supplies in both the bath and the kitchen, and a broom and vacuum on each floor.

Making sure you have the right tools on hand and taking preventive steps to get ahead of potential problems will make minor home repair jobs quick and easy so you can get back to enjoying the comforts of your home.

For additional DIY home repair tips, visit www.GlueDots.com.

Woman Attaching a Bracket to a Wall with a Screwdriver.

Alex Wilson/Getty Images

14 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 15

16 | Saturday, February 28, 2015 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home