Spring
A Supplement to The Daily Star, Friday, March 31, 2017
2 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
The benefits of hiring professional contractors Cost
The DIY movement has inspired many homeowners to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own. DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had. But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.
Conventional wisdom suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.
Resale value
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
Experience A trial and error approach can work with various projects and problems. But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly. Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won’t have to go through trial and error and are therefore more likely than DIYers to complete a project on time and on budget.
Inspiration One oft-overlooked benefit of working with professional contractors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas
for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own. Homeowners without specific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.
Many homeowners renovate their homes with eyes on improving the resale value of those homes. But if homeowners want to showcase a newly remodeled kitchen when selling their homes, they should be prepared for prospective buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing potential problems down the road, some buyers might be put off by homes that were remodeled by DIYers and not professional contractors. Renovating a home on your own can be a rewarding project for homeowners. But it’s important that homeowners recognize the many benefits of working with professional contractors before making any final decisions with regard to who will tackle their next project.
Reinh rdt HOME HEATING
Est. 1937
We make warm friends. Call Reinhardt for all of your Home Heating needs TODAY!
Now offering Ethanol Free Gasoline!
www.reinhardthomeheating.com
3919 State Highway 23 West Oneonta, NY 1-800-421-2867 1-607-432-6633
Although it’s virtually impossible to count them, insects are the most diverse group of organisms on the planet. Nine hundred thousand different kinds of insects are known to exist. At any given time, it is estimated that there are around 10 quintillion individual insects living. Gardeners grow frustrated when seeing their gardens infested with insects. In an effort to restore their gardens, homeowners might be tempted to eradicate any bug that moves in their yards. But gardeners would be wise to first learn which insects are hurting their gardens and which can actually help gardens in the long run.
Harmful
The guys at ABC Plumbing would like to thank everyone for their loyalty and support, we appreciate everything.
ABC Plumbing (607) 433-5214 72 Hudson St, Oneonta, NY 13820
Helpful Plants depend on insects to transfer pollen as they forage, and many insects are quite beneficial to have around. While some pollinate, others are predators of other pests. Antlion: A foe of ants, they’ll help eat and control ant populations and pollinate flowers. They pose no threat to humans, either. Big dipper firefly: These colorful insects feast on earthworms, slugs and snails during the larval stage. Fireflies add drama to evening gardens with their twinkling lights. Garden spiders: Although some spiders can be venomous, many are quite handy to have around the garden. They’ll help control pest populations that can damage plants and crops. Dragonflies: These arial artists that zip around the yard are consuming smaller insects that would otherwise pester plants and humans. Blue-winged wasp: This wasp attacks the larvae of Japanese beetles, helping to control beetle populations. Bees and butterflies: Butterflies and bees are some of the best pollinators out there, and each can add whimsy to gardens.
ONEONTA PLAZA Towne Flooring inc. wells Fargo advisors PdQ service & suPPlies FurniTure & MaTTress ouTleT Body By sTacy The working kiTchen TiMe To Tan ★Supporting Locally Owned Business for 25 Years ★ Oneonta Plaza 5514 St. Hwy 7 Oneonta NY 13820
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
Certain insects can be dangerous to animals and plants. The following are a handful of insects that can threaten the vitality of gardens. Aphids: These insects suck on the juice needed to sustain plants, particularly when they congregate. Bald-faced hornet: Hornets tend to be an aggressive species that can sting repeatedly. Should you find a nest near an entertaining space or garden, it can cause trouble. Carpenter ants: These ants will burrow into wood causing damage. They may compromise any wooden structure in and around a home. Locusts: Various species of locust can damage plants and crops due to their voracious appetites. Treehoppers: These small, green insects mimic the look of leaves, and their appetites can affect crops and gardens. Red pavement ant: As they feed on all manner of human food, these ants can quickly overtake areas with their staggering
numbers and deliver painful bites. Grasshoppers: Certain grasshoppers, like the red-legged grasshopper, can decimate food crops and transfer parasites to birds when eaten as prey. Caterpillars: Many caterpillars, the precursor to adult moths, will feed constantly on leaves, stems and other parts of plants. The tobacco hornworm moth caterpillar can damage potato and tomato plants.
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
Helpful and harmful insects
3
Butterflies and other helpful insects, such as bees, pollinate flowers and can keep dangerous pests at bay in the garden.
4 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
Post-winter garden prep Lawns and gardens can bear the brunt of winter weather and are often in need of tender loving care by the time spring arrives. Preparing a garden for spring and summer involves assessing any damage that harsh weather might have caused. As temperatures climb, gardeners can heed the following post-winter garden preparation tips in an effort to ensure some successful gardening in the months ahead. • Assess the damage. Even if winter was mild, gardens might still have suffered some damage. Inspect garden beds and any fencing or barriers designed to keep wildlife from getting into the garden. Before planting anew, fix any damage that Mother Nature or local wildlife might have caused over the past several months. • Clear debris. Garden beds and surrounding landscapes that survived winter without being damaged might still be littered with debris. Remove fallen leaves, branches and even litter that blew about on windy winter days before planting season. Make sure to discard any debris effectively so it does not find its way back into the garden. • Turn the greenhouse into a clean house. Spring cleaning is not just for the interior of a home. Cleaning a greenhouse in advance of spring can help gardeners evict any overwintering pests that can threaten plant life once spring gardening season arrives. A thorough cleaning, which should include cleaning the inside of greenhouse glass and washing flower pots and plant trays, also can prevent plant diseases from surviving into spring. • Check for pests. Speak with a local gardening professional to determine if there are any local pests to look out for and how to recognize and remove these pets from gardens. Pests may hibernate in the soil over the winter, and such unwelcome visitors can make it difficult for gardens to thrive come spring and summer. • Assess plant location. If plants, flowers or gardens have struggled in recent years or never grew especially vibrant, then gardeners may want to assess the location of their plant life before spring gardening season begins. Some plants may not be getting enough sunlight in certain locations on a property, while others might be overexposed to the sun during spring and summer. Moving plants that are not thriving prior to the start of spring gardening season may be just what gardens need to flourish in the coming weeks. Spring gardening season is right around the corner, so now is an ideal time to prepare gardens for the warmer seasons ahead.
ä
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
See TIPS, Page 9
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
Never feed bears. It is illegal, dangerous and detrimental to bears.
relocations are rarely effective and can be dangerous. Relocated bears often return to their original capture sites, or may simply continue their bad habits at a new location. Additionally, if the circumstances that led to the original problem are not corrected, other bears may be attracted to the site and conflicts will persist. DEC says it is dangerous and illegal to intentionally feed bears. The incidental, indirect feeding of black bears, such as with bird feeders or garbage is also unlawful. To reduce the chance of negative black bear encounters, DEC recommends: • Never feed bears. It is illegal, dangerous and detrimental to bears. • If bears are being fed in your area, or you suspect a nuisance bear situation, report it to DEC immediately. • Take down bird feeders after April 1. Birds do not need supplemental food in the spring and summer, when natural foods are most abundant. • Clean barbeque grills before nightfall and don’t forget the grease trap. If possible, store grills inside when not in use. • Store garbage in a secure building. • In areas near bear habitat, put garbage containers by the curb just before the scheduled pick-up—never the night before. • In densely populated bear areas, consider using a certified bearresistant garbage container. • Clean garbage cans frequently with ammonia products.
5
DEC offers tips to keep bears, coyotes away from your home
L
iving in close proximity to nature, as many people in this area do, can be an enjoyable experience. Many people enjoy seeing the birds, small animals and deer that are frequent visitors to backyards. Increasingly, however, encounters with less-welcome visitors are becoming common. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued guidance on how homeowners can prevent negative encounters with black bears and conflicts with coyotes as warmer spring temperatures approach. The DEC said, in a media release, that nearly all negative bear encounters in New York are the result of hungry bears being attracted to human food sources. The simplest way to avoid a nuisance encounter, experts say, is to remove potential food sources. Wildlife biologists say New York is home to more than 6,000 bears that emerge from the winter denning period and need to replenish nutrients and body fat. To do so, bears may travel long distances to preferred habitats that vary from season to season. Bears must sometimes cross roads or pass through developed areas to find these habitats, and often find human foods readily accessible if homeowners do not take necessary precautions. Bears can obtain necessary food from the forest, the release says, but are intelligent and opportunistic animals that find and consume easily accessible foods including, but not limited to, bird feeders, garbage cans, dumpsters, barbecue grills, unsecured out-buildings, or vehicles containing food or waste. Once a bear learns to obtain food from people or certain structures, it is difficult to change the animal’s behavior. Those bears are more vulnerable to motor vehicle collisions in populated areas, more likely to be killed, or may become a threat to public safety. In some cases, DEC is asked to relocate bears. However, officials say, bear
Bathroom and kitchen makeovers are some of the most coveted and profitable improvements that can be made to a home. Installing new cabinetry, countertops and appliances can transform the look of a kitchen, but homeowners also must consider the functionality of design when renovating. The National Kitchen and Bath Association suggests applying the kitchen “work triangle,” which is a concept used to create efficient kitchen layouts. The triangle comprises imaginary straight lines drawn from the cooking appliance, sink and refrigerator. These are where much of the work in the kitchen takes place. The general idea is that when the work triangle is positioned accordingly — with the three components in close proximity to one another — the kitchen is easier and more efficient to use. Homeowners will be able to move freely among these elements when they are placed at appropriate distances, reducing wasted steps.
The NKBA suggests following these guidelines to create efficient kitchens. • No major traffic patterns should cross through the triangle. • The sum of the work triangle’s three sides should not exceed 26 feet. Each portion of the triangle should be between four and nine feet. • Avoid cutting through an island or a peninsula. • If the kitchen has only one sink, it should be placed between or across from the cooking surface, preparation area or refrigerator. The work triangle is a suggestion, not a law of design. As kitchens evolve and more people use them simultaneously, designers may take certain liberties — even having multiple triangles at play. Homeowners should also design their kitchens so they function best for their own individual lifestyles. Kitchen layout can be just as important as the decor and appliances within the kitchen.
• Hardwood • Laminate • Area rugs • Tile
• Luxury Vinyl Tile • Carpet • Blinds • and more...
78 Years of Our Family Serving You
1420-336161
6 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
How to create an effective workflow in the kitchen
We offer you our Best Price every time!
www.endwellrug.com
ALWAYS: FREE ESTIMATES AND INTEREST FREE FINANCING OPTIONS
ONEONTA: 8 Carbon Street • Oneonta, NY 13820 • 607-432-1105 | 3646 George F Hwy • Endwell, NY 13760 • 607-748-7366
CLAPPER CONSTRUCTION, LLC “Quality you can trust.” over 18 years experience in the roofing industry FULLY INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES
Window • g n Sidi
s • Insulation • D oors
SPECIALIZING IN ROOFING
Dependable Communication | Cost/Time Control Competitive Value | Attention to Detail We offer Senior Citizen and Military Discounts. We are Lead Certified
• Gutter s • Decking Otego, NY
607-434-1512
www.clapperconstructionNY.com Accepting All Major Credit Cards
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
decor, composite decks also can feature artificial wood grains to make them look similar to wood planks. Although composite decks are not completely impervious to the elements, with some occasional washing to impede mold growth and new technology that has Composite decking can mimic the look of improved stain-resistance, many of the wood, but requires much less maintenance. pitfalls of other materials can be avoided with composite decks. Composite decking fits in with channels for hidden fastening, and the composite deck tiles eco-friendly lifestyles. The planks are made from recycled snap into place. materials that would normally end up in landfills. Products Composite decks do have a few drawbacks. They can be from Trex, a popular composite decking manufacturer, expensive — nearly double the initial cost of wood decks. are made from 1.5 million shopping bags and wood mill And although they don’t rot, composite planks can scratch. waste. As composite decks do not rot away and are longWithout refinishing, damaged boards will need to be lasting, they will not need to be replaced frequently, which replaced. Harsh chemicals may fade color and damage the is another eco-friendly benefit. composite materials, so caution is needed. When comparing composite decking brands, look mainly at the colors, materials used in the composition and Composite decking remains an in-demand choice for outdoor spaces. Low-maintenance and long-lasting, these the fastening systems. Many are fastened with regular deck screws, offers This Old House. The newer systems have decks have quickly become favorites among homeowners.
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
Decks add character and functionality to a home, increasing outdoor entertaining space and oftentimes improving the resale value of a home. Homeowners have various options when choosing decking materials, but one such option, composite decking, is growing in popularity. Decks used to primarily be made from pressure-treated lumber. While lumber remains a popular material, more and more homeowners are opting for composite decking products. As anyone who has pressure-washed, stained and sealed wood decks can attest, such spaces require lots of upkeep to look new year after year. Composite decks require much less maintenance, making them highly attractive to homeowners who would rather spend time using their decks instead of maintaining them. Composite decking is any type of decking material that is formulated from different recycled materials. The majority of these materials include hard plastic and wood shavings of pulp. Unlike wood, which can fade, crack and rot, composite decking, which has been available for roughly a decade, does not degrade quickly and requires very little upkeep. Available in a variety of wood colors to match outdoor
7
Composite decking can be a smart choice
8 FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017 Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
?
Transplant shock occurs when plants adversely respond to being moved from one place to another. Plants may need to be moved for a variety of reasons, but homeowners should be especially careful when moving plants around their properties. When moving a plant, do your best to avoid disturbing the root, even resisting the urge to shake dirt off the roots. Keep the rootball wet throughout transplanting, too, as roots that dry out are more susceptible to damage than those that remain moist. Transplant shock is less likely to occur if most of the roots are moved along with the plant, so try to dig up as many of the roots as possible before picking up the plant and moving it. Water also can help prevent transplant shock by helping the plant acclimate to its new location, so remember to water the plant after it has been moved.
?
Did you know?
? ?
If you think that the only way to exercise and burn calories involves gym equipment, think again. Yard work can be just as challenging as a thorough aerobics workout at a nearby fitness club. To reap the greatest benefits, gardeners should use as little motorized machinery as possible. Manual tools will get you moving and can burn a substantial amount of calories. Try to vary positions and alternate which hands you use to reduce strain and get an even workout. Fitness experts say that gardening can improve strength, increase endurance and assist with flexibility. According to a report in the UK publication The Telegraph, clearing a pond or weeding can burn some 300 calories in an hour. Forty-five minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.
Opening For The Season Sat., April 1! Open 7 Days A Week Fully Stocked with Produce & Everything For Your Gardening Needs &
So Much More!
Rt. 7, East End, Oneonta • 607-432-7905 All Major Credit Cards Accepted & EBT (Snap)
Your Trusted Source For All Your Heating & Plumbing Needs. *Save Energy, Save Money and get a REBATE - Call for details
229 Chestnut Street • Oneonta 607-432-4799 or 607-433-1848 gregoryplumbingandheating.com
Proudly Serving The Community For 70 Years!
TIPS, Continued from Page 5
greater risk that a problem could occur. For additional information about the Eastern Coyote and preventing conflicts with coyotes, visit DEC’s website: Eastern Coyote - http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9359.html and Coyote Conflicts - http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6971.html To learn more about New York’s black bears, visit DEC’s website or look for DEC’s DVD: ‘Living with New York Black Bears’, available at most local public libraries in New York. For more information about bears in your area or to report a problem with black bears, contact the nearest regional DEC office. For listings of Regional DEC Offices, visit DEC’s website.
Spring Has Sprung!
Residential Roofing
• Mulch Specials • Tree & Shrub Trimming Specials • Spring Clean-up Specials • Lawn Repairs & Push Mowing (607) 226-1970
“We Gotcha Covered!”
WEBSTER’S PAVING Blacktop, Stone & Oil, Sealing & Patching
–––––– COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ––––––
(607) 432-8550 • (607) 334-4849
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
• Do not burn garbage. It is illegal and can attract bears. • Do not add meat scraps, bones, or melon rinds to compost piles. • Feed pets indoors and store pet food indoors. If pets must be fed outside, immediately remove all dishes and uneaten food. • It is important to appreciate and respect black bears as wild animals, from a distance. Coyotes are an integral part of New York’s natural ecosystem, the media release said, but can also come into conflict with people if they become habituated to humans and food sources. With the onset of warmer weather, many of New York’s coyotes will set up dens for pups that will arrive this spring. Coyotes are well-adapted to suburban and even urban environments, but for the most part will avoid contact with people. The Eastern coyote is found everywhere from rural farmlands and forests to populated suburban and urban areas. In most cases, coyotes avoid people and provide many exciting opportunities for New Yorkers through observation, photography, hunting, and trapping. However, if coyotes learn to associate people with food, such as garbage or pet food, they may lose their natural fear of humans and the potential for close encounters or conflicts increases. To minimize the chance of conflicts between people and coyotes, it is important to maintain coyotes’ natural fear of people, according to wildlife biologists. Below are recommended steps residents and visitors can take to reduce or prevent conflicts with coyotes: • Do not feed coyotes and discourage others from doing so.
• Unintentional food sources attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets. To reduce risks, do not feed pets outside; make garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals; fence or enclose compost piles so they are not accessible to coyotes; and eliminate availability of bird seed. Concentrations of birds and rodents that come to feeders can attract coyotes. If a coyote is seen near a birdfeeder, clean up waste seed and spillage to remove the attractant. • Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. • Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance. • If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior. Stand tall and hold arms out to look large. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms, or throw sticks and stones. • Do not allow pets to run free. Supervise outdoor pets to keep them safe from coyotes and other wildlife, especially at sunset and at night. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable to coyotes. • Fencing your yard may deter coyotes. The fence should be tight to the ground, preferably extending six inches below ground level, and taller than four feet. • Remove brush and tall grass from around your home to reduce protective cover for coyotes. Coyotes are typically secretive and like areas where they can hide. • Contact the local police department and DEC regional office for assistance if you notice that coyotes are exhibiting “bold” behaviors and have little or no fear of people. Seeing a coyote occasionally throughout the year is not evidence of bold behavior. • Ask neighbors to follow the same steps. If coyote behavior becomes threatening, report it to the local DEC office, as this may indicate that some individual coyotes have lost their fear of people and there may be a
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
To minimize the chance of conflicts between people and coyotes, it is important to maintain coyotes’ natural fear of people, according to wildlife biologists.
9
Free Estimates Fully Insured
F L Hall & Son 607-432-4639
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
10
Addressing spring ant problems
T
he return of warm weather in the spring often marks the return of animals and insects as well. The spring season is a popular time for insects to mate and build nests. This also may be a time when homeowners see ant “swarms” in or around their homes. Ants and termites are social creatures, and when their colonies become too large, flying ants will spread out in search of new territories and to establish new queens. This mobility may also be coupled with an increasing number of ants marching on the ground and scaling walls. Although many species of ants are harmless, homeowners do not want to see ants inside their homes – especially in large numbers. The following strategies can help homeowners address ant infestations this spring. • Identify the type of ant around your property. Consult with online guides or books to identify the species of ant on your property. Knowing which species of ant is in or around your home can help you address the problem more effectively. • Create a food trap. Ants are attracted to various food sources, such as fats, sweets and
Roofing & Seamless Gutters
proteins. Mixing a very small amount of a food with boric acid can help control ant populations. Ants will bring tainted food back to their colonies and perish. • Keep a clean house. Use vinegar, soap and water to clean areas where ants are seen. Many leave a scent trail of pheromones to tell others where to go for a food source. • Treat carpenter ants at the source. Carpenter ants will not bring back food to the nest. Instead, sprinkle diatomaceous earth, or DE, around outdoor nests to eradicate colonies. • Work with an exterminator. If home remedies do not work, consult with a trained exterminator.
&
RIVER VALLEY NEW HOLLAND
“A Job Done Right Is Water Tight"
ONEONTA 3910 St. Hwy 7, Otego 607-432-8180
Leaks Stopped
FREE SEAMLESS GUTTERS
WITH INSTALLATION OF NEW ROOF (16 SQ,min)
• • • • • • • • • •
FIRST GUTTER CLEANING FREE
WITH INSTALLATION OF SEAMLESS GUTTERS
Serving Otsego, Delaware, New Roofs Chenango, Broorne, Flat Roofs Roof Repairs Schoharie & Madison Counties Emergency Service Free Estimates • Fully Insured Seamless Gutters • Senior Citizen Discounts! Chimney & Skylight Repairs Over 25 Years Experience Fascia & Soffit 607-434-8625 All Work Guaranteed ONEONTA, NY References Available TOP QUALITY WORKMANSHIP Job Site Cleaned Daily AND MATERIALS Financing Available sandsroofinggutters@yahoo.com
$
HAMDEN 33785 St. Hwy, Hamden 607-865-8180
0%
FINANCING Available on select models
See us for a full line of compact tractors, heavy loaders and attachments.
Permits provide a blueprint by which contractors and do-it-yourselfers must complete renovations. Because inspections will take place, there is no wiggle room. Shortcuts often translate into subpar work that may lead to malfunction and injury in the long run. Safeguarding against poor workmanship means homeowners can feel confident in the work being done.
Permits reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes As inspectors go through their checklists, they may notice things that were done incorrectly and will offer advice about how to mend the problem before it becomes a larger headache. If left unchecked, an electrical error could lead to a fire or another dangerous situation. Repairs that are not structurally sound may pose problems or deteriorate more quickly than structures that are constructed correctly. Furthermore, catching improper technique early on eliminates having to tear down and redo work, which can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.
Permits protect against fines Sometimes work goes as planned even for homeowners who did not obtain the necessary permits. However, years later, when other work needs to be done, inspectors may discover homeowners never secured proper permits and inspections years earlier, leading to fines. Furthermore, if work is done without a permit and an accident occurs, any damages or injuries may not be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. Permits are an important part of the home improvement process. Homeowners should not skirt the responsibility because the permit and inspection process is in place to provide protection to occupants.
Bieritz Insurance Agency Your “Hometown” Insurance Specialists! HOME • AUTO BUSINESS • LIFE FARM • BOAT • CYCLE & MORE See the difference we can make by calling for a free quote today Representing over 20 companies 1420-336038
209 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY Office: 607-547-2951 www.BieritzInsurance.com Also - Morris Insurance Agency, 128 Main Street, Morris, NY 607-263-5170 www.MorrisInsuranceNY.com
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
Permits ensure safe workmanship
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
ou are thinking of making a major renovation to your home. Perhaps it’s time to create that master bedroom suite you long have admired or install that wrap-around porch? What is the first thing that should be done before getting down to business? The correct way to begin a home remodeling project is to obtain the necessary permits for the job. Many municipalities request individuals obtain permits for a range of work on homes or other structures, such as office buildings. Permits are generally required for all new construction as well as specific modifications that will affect structural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It’s important to check with the local building office prior to beginning work to see which permits you will need before the project can begin. Permits are necessary whether a homeowner is doing the work or hiring an outside contractor. Due to the cost and time involved with securing permits, some homeowners skip this step so they can begin a project promptly. However, this can end up being a costly mistake. Permits might seem like a nuisance, but they actually protect homeowners in various ways.
Nearly everyone has experienced a sticking door that just will not close properly. This problem may become more noticeable when temperatures rise and humidity contributes to the swelling of wood doors and frames. According to The Family Handyman, a home improvement resource, the standard remedy for alleviating a sticking door is to remove the door and pare down the edges that are rubbing so that the door will once again swing freely. While this can solve the problem, it can be a hassle, as it requires refinishing the pared-down edge and rehanging the door. Try these shortcuts first before creating more work than might be necessary. • Identify the problem area and rub it with a dry bar of soap. This should reduce friction and allow the door to close more easily. • Remove humidity with a dehumidifier or by running an air conditioning unit. • Check for loose hinges or sagging around the hinge. Tighten the fasteners to sure up the door and create better alignment. • Spray the hinges with lubricant if you suspect sticking is originating because of squeaky hinges. • Look for obstructions at the bottom of the door. Is the door dragging on carpeting or being caught on something on the floor? It may be a matter of simply clearing away the obstruction.
11
How to fix that How building sticking door permits protect homeowners Y
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2017
12
GARAGES 6048 St. Hwy. 7, Oneonta/Colliersville www.amishbarnco.com (607) 432-0527 – Call Us!
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
Sheds, Cabins, Gazebos, Horse Barns, Chicken Coops & More!
FREE DELIVERY Within 100 Miles! Family Owned & Operated Since 2005!
SMALL
MEDIUM
LARGE
Delivered in 1 Piece
Quick 2 Day Build
Customize It Your Way!
Sizes up to 14x40! Starting at $5,900
Attic Truss Storage Available!
1, 2, 3 Car Garage!
Starting at $6,265 or
282
$
Per* Mo.
12 x 20 Deluxe Classic 24 x 24 One and a Half Story Garage Starting at $10,500 or
472
$
Per* Mo.
24 x 24 Two Story
One Story Garages Starting at $14,990
1 or 2 Story!
14 x 28 B&B Dutch
t Buil On Site
Starting at $7,200 or
324
$
Per* Mo.
12 x 24 Deluxe Cape *Monthly price based on our Rent-to-own option 48 month contract. First months rent & security deposit due before delivery.
24 x 38 One Story Garage
18 x 22 Two Story