HOME & GARDEN
A Publication of The Daily Star ~ Wednesday, April 6, 2022
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25 tasks
to take care of in SPRING When the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to take care of your spring cleaning and yard work. Here’s a list of tasks to complete both inside and outside your home.
OUTside 12. Examine your home’s roof, skylights and chimney, and schedule any necessary repairs. 13. Inspect your home’s foundation and seal any visible cracks. 14. Clean your gutters and make sure they’re in good condition so water drains away from your home.
Inside 1. Sort through your belongings and throw away, sell and donate what you no longer need.
15. Check all your door and window seals and make any necessary repairs. 16. Check your home’s siding, faucets, light fixtures and electrical outlets.
2. Air out each room.
17. Wash your home’s windows and siding.
3. Dust and clean the walls, ceilings, floors and carpets.
18. Wash your deck, and sand and paint it if needed.
4. Wash the windows, curtains and blinds, and reinstall your window screens.
19. Hook up your water outlets and reinstall your garden hoses.
5. Clean out the pantry, refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, drawers and medicine cabinets.
21. Open up your pool by removing the liner and turning on the water treatment system.
6. Wipe down the inside and outside of your small and large appliances.
22. Inspect and repair your garden accessories, barbecue and tools.
7. Disinfect your garbage cans.
23. Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that are too close to your home.
8. Dust all fan blades, baseboard heaters and light fixtures.
24. Pull weeds, and rake and fertilize your yard.
9. Vacuum your chair cushions and mattresses and turn them inside out. 10. Check the attic to ensure there’s no water or pest damage.
25. Clean up your flower beds, remove any winter coverings and prune perennials, roses, evergreens and spring-flowering shrubs.
11. Test your air conditioning unit.
Don’t delay — it’s time to get to work.
20. Put away your snow shovels and de-icers.
Content for Spring Home & Garden provided in part by Metro Creative Services and Newspaper Toolbox. APRIL 6 AND 8, 2022
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Price inflation makes
VEGETABLE GARDENING more popular By Allison Collins Contributing Writer
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ccording to area experts, home vegetable gardening continues to gain popularity, with more reason than ever to get growing. “I’ve actually been seeing a lot (of interest) due to the status of the economy right now,” said Jessica Holmes, an agriculture and horticulture educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schoharie and Otsego counties. “And people are picking back up on the interest due to the increasing costs at grocery stores. “But I also think the farm-to-table (movement) and growing your own foods in general is becoming more popular, because people want to know what’s happened to their food,” she continued. “Also, people are working with their kids or doing it as a family, because it’s something they can do together. That’s something we see a lot more than a couple years ago. Especially due to the pandemic, people had to come up with other things they could do together but not in a social setting.” “Think Victory gardens,” Becca Leone, a CCE intern and plant science major at the State University of New York at Cobleskill, said. “It’s more centered around families and not only good produce, but nutritious produce and (people) want to do it correctly, so they come to us and ask how to make sure they’re getting the right fertilizer and what’s healthy for their family. You can’t go to the store and know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s a big thing for people, recently.” Unlike mid-pandemic, when seed sales surged, causing shortages, Holmes and Leone said, growers should be good to go this season. “I don’t think it’s as scarce as it was two years ago,” Holmes said. “When the pandemic started, everything was out of stock. But when you’re thinking about starting to garden, it is best to think about ordering seeds in December and January, if you know what you want, that way you’re not scrambling in February or March. A lot of local garden centers and stores should have a good selection. Garden centers and growers realize the patterns and probably have more in stock than they previously did, when they got bombarded.” A byproduct of pandemic gardening, Leone said, has been seed-saving. “I think the people that started gardening years ago during the pandemic started learning that they might not necessarily even need to buy (seeds),” she said. “By using kitchen gardening, you’re using seeds from that crop; you’re holding on to the ones that you’re growing.” “Also, when saving seeds from your crop, depending
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APRIL 6 AND 8, 2022
“I’ve actually been seeing a lot (of interest) due to the status of the economy right now. And people are picking back up on the interest due to the increasing costs at grocery stores.” Jessica Holmes, agriculture and horticulture educator with CCE of Schoharie and Otsego counties
ALLISON COLLINS
Experts said peas, such as the purple variety pictured, are an easy-to-grow early crop for vegetable gardens.
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on if it was a hybrid or an heirloom, they’re not always going to be the same variety, so people should keep that in mind,” Holmes said. Whatever’s growing, Holmes and Leone said, preparation is important. “There’s a difference between cold crops and warm crops,” Holmes said. “Your cold crops are going to be things like lettuce, peas, spinach, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale, and they’re meant to be put in the ground (earlier); if they’re a transplant, they need to be in two to three weeks before the last frost and if it’s a seed, four to six, because they need that cooler period. You’re going to harvest (cold crops) before the summer heat, whereas warm crops need warm soil and air temperatures over 50 or 55 degrees. That includes peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, basil and a lot of your herbs.” “I think people who are starting out really have to look into that first,” Leone said. “You can’t just plant whenever.” Though she said peppers are “a little tough,” Leone named tomatoes, snap peas and beans as “super-easy” crops. Prevention and maintenance, Holmes and Leone said, are also vital. “You have to prevent pests,” Leone said. “We think vegetables are yummy and nutritious, but so do the wildlife, so it’s preparing before you actually see the vegetable. People think they can wait until they see things pop, but at that point, it’s almost too late.” “Preventative measures help cut down on how much labor you’re putting into your garden,” Holmes said, mentioning mulching to retain water and ward off weeds. “You can put in five to 10 minutes a day to pick up the very small weeds that pop up, versus waiting for a week and then you’re out there for two hours. It doesn’t have to be as much work. It’s caring for something that’s living and growing, so it’s not something you can just leave alone; you have to at least check on it, but it doesn’t have to be physically intensive. “And it doesn’t have to be expensive,” she continued. “People can do container gardening on their porch or small boxes or raised beds; it doesn’t have to be a fullblown garden. Especially if people are older or don’t have the time and work, raised beds and patio containers are an option.” Holmes said gardeners should also be wary of their soil’s pH. “Vegetables need it to be 5.8 to 6.2, and that’s something you should check,” she said. “If it’s at a good level, you only need to check every couple years, but if you’re trying to adjust, you should really check once a year.” Gardeners can bring one-cup soil samples to their local CCE branch, Holmes said, for testing at $1 per sample.
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Holmes also advised careful watering, fertilizing and pest control. “You have to fertilize,” she said. “People think that because they’re planting something in the ground, it’s going to be nutritious, but we get our nutrients and everything that’s healthy in a plant from what’s already in the soil. And if you plant your vegetables in the same lot every year, your soil is becoming less nutritious. “It’s always monitoring and scouting for insects and other possible issues,” she continued. “You don’t want to water overhead – no sprinklers or watering cans – because that gets water on the leaves and watering during the middle of the day when the sun is out can burn holes in the leaves. If there are any virus issues, the water drops hit the leaves and then spread those viruses and diseases and cause the moisture on the leaves to cause pathogens. It’s always better to water right at the root and avoid hitting the leaves when possible when vegetable gardening. It’s best to water in the morning, because then when the sun is out the plants are able to utilize that water.” For more information, Holmes and Leone suggest consulting Cornell’s vegetable variety chart, released annually, or visiting cceschoharie-otsego.org.
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omeowners frequently enhance their outdoor living spaces with attractive plants and trees. When that greenery also produces food, the results can be both beauty and bounty. People who plant vegetable gardens and fruit trees in their yards can be blessed with an abundance of fresh pickings once it’s time to harvest. In fact, many home gardeners may have visions of warm evenings pulling vegetables right out of the garden and tossing them on the grill or in salads. But insects and animals enjoy fresh produce just as people do. The joy of harvesting from a garden can be diminished when unwanted guests have gotten there first. Homeowners can employ these all-natural strategies to protect their fruits and vegetables from lawn pests and critters. • Plant gardens in raised beds. Though they’re not a fool-proof deterrent, raised beds can eliminate some garden infiltration by small critters that come up and under from the ground. A raised garden bed can deter rabbits, gophers, groundhogs, slugs, and some other crawling pests. Raised beds also are ergonomical and easily accessible. • Prepare homemade insecticide. The environmental information site Treehugger provides information on making a homemade insecticide from vegetable oil and a mild soap. Use one cup of oil with one tablespoon of soap (such as Dr. Bronner’s castile soap). Add this
All-natural ways to protect food gardens from pests
mixture to one quart of water in a spray bottle. This concoction can eradicate aphids, mites, thrips, and more by coating insects’ bodies and effectively suffocating them. Soap-and-water sprays or even neem oil sprays work similarly. • Sprinkle diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth, commonly known as DE, is an abrasive powder comprised of fossilized algae diatoms. It’s commonly used
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as a filter medium in swimming pools, but also makes an effective pesticide. The material’s abrasive and absorbent qualities draw moisture out of insects, essentially dehydrating them to death. DE can be sprinkled around the base of plants, but will need to be reapplied after rain and watering. • Space out plants. One way to reduce insect or animal pest numbers is to ensure ample space between plants. Tightly planted crops create a breeding ground for fungal diseases and also provide hiding spots and warmth for pests. Leaving room between plants can help avoid these issues, according to Gardening Channel. • Use row covers or garden mesh. Specialized covers and meshes protect fruit and vegetables against insects and animals. Many plants can be covered all year long as long as the covers are lifted during flowering if the crops depend on pollination by bees. Veggiemesh® is a cover that can be laid over plants. • Interplant crops in the garden. Interplanting is a technique that involves alternating crops, herbs and flowers to confuse the pests so they have a difficult time finding what they want to eat. Alternate rows of vegetables with herbs and flowers that appeal to beneficial insects. Keeping pesky insects and animals from damaging food gardens can involve techniques that are safe and natural. – MCS
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Contractors say demand for their work is high By Allison Collins Contributing Writer
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ocal contractors said the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects have people planning projects. Unadilla resident Ed Frazier, owner of Cohen and Frazier Builders, said he’s been “flat out” through the pandemic. “Really, business has been outstanding,” Frazier, whose business is in its 25th year, said. “It seems like (people are doing more) and we’re fielding phone calls daily from people. We’re doing a lot of new construction and remodeling. We’ve been doing bathrooms and we did a new house (in Unadilla); we have a big proj-
“Really, business has been outstanding.” Ed Frazier, owner of Cohen and Frazier Builders ect in Otego going, one in Franklin and another in Franklin on the horizon; and I just turned down a project in Oneonta because I just don’t have the capacity.” Frazier said the business has “quite a steady client base, with a lot of locals or people who have moved up here from downstate.” Afton resident John Hinman, owner of JA Squared Contracting, said he, too, saw a pandemic-related uptick. “For a while, everybody
Allison Collins
Brian Tracy, a carpenter with Cohen and Frazier Builders, works in mid-March in a new Unadilla home built by the company during the COVID-19 pandemic.
had their stimulus money, so there was quite a bit more (work),” he said. “People were doing a lot of smaller projects, so we got busy. People don’t have that money now, but it’s picked up from people from downstate, because a lot bought property up here and wanted new buildings put on them or bought hunting camps that gave them an escape. We’ve been doing lots of calls recently because it’s been a cold winter and the fuel price is going so high, so we’re insulating areas of the house that weren’t so good and putting up new vinyl siding and new windows.” Among local clients, Hinman said, projects have been “things they had to do or are forced to do, like roofs or plumbing … and foundations.” Though clients represent a mix of locals and downstaters, Hinman said, JA Squared “actually stays within a 15-mile radius of Afton, (as) we’re that busy, we don’t have to leave.” Despite the boom, contractors said, the pandemic has impacted operations. “We lost a lot of employees,” Hinman said. “We went from 13 down to eight and lost that five because of the schools being out. We’re one-third female employees … and people had to stay home and homeschool when the schools closed, and
Allison Collins
Building Contractor Ed Frazier said this Unadilla home, a new construction by Cohen and Frazier Builders, is one of several pandemic projects. we never got them back. That’s had a big impact on my business, and it’s been so difficult for me to replace them.” “When they tried to shut us down, we had to lay some of our crew off,” Frazier echoed. “Then we were allowed to come back, but then, as an employer, you’re worried about your crew, your clients and their interactions and how to make sure nobody gets sick. But we were very successful with that. “(I have) six (employees),” he continued, “and I would be hiring more people, but we just can’t find them. And that’s across the industry — whether it’s lumber yards or suppliers, we just can’t find them.” Hinman and Frazier said juggling material costs and availability has also been challenging, but both are optimistic. “As far as phone calls and estimates and work, it hasn’t really affected us,
but how it has drastically affected us is the supply chain,” Hinman said. “We are having a lot of trouble getting materials and I think that’s important for people to know. We’re running around to several different jobs and, for a bathroom, we order shower doors that are supposed to be here in six weeks and it’s taking 10 or 12, so we can’t finish the job and we have to go on to another. That’s really adversely affected how we do business, but my feeling is it’s going to stay busy for the next couple years, then it will drop off … even though the economy is where it is and inflation has gone up so much.” “Things we used to get in two weeks, it’s taking 12 to 14,” Frazier said. “The materials market in the last two years … cannot be guaranteed. We can guarantee the labor price, but we can’t guarantee the price of materials. Some suppliers will hold a price for two
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
weeks, but by the time you turn around to bid and give that to the client and arrange your schedule, no way can you do it in two weeks, so there has to be price escalators. But everyone has been understanding of that. We say, ‘This is the price today’; we can hold it within a certain range, but there’s no guarantees because it’s out of our control. “I think that some of the material increases have leveled off … so it’s stabilizing and coming back with supply increases,” he continued. “A lot of mills were closing or at half staff, so some of that’s getting back into the market and I think it’s going to be better as far as pricing, and hopefully that keeps the ball going so people who were priced out of the market will be able to go back and say, ‘We can do that.’” For more information, find “JA Squared Contracting” on Facebook or call Cohen and Frazier Builders at 607-829-5426.
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Low-cost ways to revamp living areas H
ome improvement projects require substantial financial investment. But just because a homeowner wants to bring a fresh look indoors doesn’t mean he or she has to break the bank along the way. Living rooms are some of the most frequently used spaces in a home, and they can use an update from time to time to stay on trend or to make the area more functional for a changing family dynamic. Here are some budget-friendly ideas for breathing new life into living room designs. • Establish the budget. Homeowners should figure out how many dollars they can designate to a living room makeover before purchasing supplies or hiring out the work. Figure out the scope of the remodel, visit stores or suppliers to price out materials, get estimates from contractors, and then plan for some unforseen circumstances along the way to determine if this type of renovation is affordable. If not, scale things back until the project more closely aligns with your budget. • Change the paint color. Lighter and brighter colors are on trend. A can or two of paint can do wonders for updating a space without a large financial commitment. Pair that new paint color with new window coverings and complementary throw pillows to pull the theme together with minimal expense. • Update the flooring. Tired, outdated carpeting or other flooring can use an overhaul. While solid hardwood flooring may be preferable, there are many types of laminate flooring that mimic the looks
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of popular wood colors and styles for a fraction of the cost. Plus, many are sold at home improvement retailers and even at warehouse clubs or online for reasonable prices. Laminate flooring also may be a potential DIY job for a skilled homeowner, saving even more money. • Introduce a fireplace. Fireplaces were once hot commodities, but that popularity waned in the 1970s and 1980s. Homeowners with chimneys may discover a fireplace was boarded over and the bare bones still exist that can be renovated to bring back character. There also are ventless freestanding units that are quite affordable that can mimic the look of a built-in fireplace. • Reupholster instead of replace furniture. There’s no need to throw away quality furniture if the fabric is the only thing impeding design. New upholstery or even a slipcover can update designs. • Conquer clutter. Rather than adding something to the living room, remove clutter to give the room a more airy feel. This can instantly change the look of the room. Use cord covers to tame plugs for electronics and remove unnecessary furniture from the room. • Improve lighting. Another easy and often inexpensive fix is to change lighting fixtures, including using brighter, more energy efficient LED bulbs, and to assess lighting needs to eliminate dark corners of rooms that can make the space seem drab. Living room spaces in need of an update often can benefit from improvements that go easy on the wallet. - MCS
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Do you need a standby generator for your home? In the event of a blackout, a standby generator can power your home. If the electricity cuts out, this appliance can keep your home’s entire electrical system running. A standby generator needs to be installed outside your home, much like an air conditioning unit, and runs on propane or natural gas. Among other things, this appliance will: • Ensure your sump pump continues to work so your basement doesn’t flood • Provide power to your fridge and freezer to prevent your food from spoiling • Keep your heating system running to prevent your pipes from freezing in winter Additionally, standby generators don’t release fumes, such as carbon monoxide, which is a common issue with portable generators. This makes them safer and better for your overall health. Keep in mind, however, that a standby generator needs to be installed by a licensed professional to ensure it works when you need it most. – NT
The different ways to repair a driveway A
sphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pitting and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential. Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of getting the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique.
Resurfacing According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are filled in to create an even base. Then a new layer of asphalt is
applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and flatten the layers together. If the driveway has minor pitting or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving.
Resealing Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer. The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks filled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cutting-in” by hand for a neat edge. Afterward the rest of the driveway can be sealed using a squeegee or broom. This proj-
ect can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast.
Repaving A project best left to professionals, repaving typically involves the removal of an existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The sub-grade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look. Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can vary in thickness between two and six inches, depending on budget and need. The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt application or an aggregate base is practical. Assessing the condition of driveway can give homeowners a better idea about which type of repair project best suits their property. – MCS
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DECORATIVE GARDENING has been popular for centuries
By Allison Collins Contributing Writer
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xperts said beauty for beauty’s sake is taking root in area homes and gardens. Jessica Holmes, an agricultural and horticultural educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Otsego and Schoharie counties, described ornamental gardening as “any perennials, shrubs, woody plants or annuals (planted) for aesthetics, not eating, but just because it’s pleasing for us to have nature around.” “There’s something called biophilic design, and it’s the idea that we, as humans, feel better and work better and more efficiently when surrounded by nature,” Becca Leone, a CCE intern and plant science major at the State University of New York at Cobleskill, said.
Allison Collins
Experts said perennials, such as irises, make for cost-effective additions to ornamental gardens. 10
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“People are bringing more ornamentals inside, and houseplants are huge. During COVID, with everybody being inside, they needed a little bit of greenery in their house, so that skyrocketed, but it’s also outside. It’s pleasing to be able to nurture something that is specifically only there to make us happy and is pretty to look at.” Becca Leone, CCE intern and plant science major at SUNY Cobleskill Interest in ornamental gardening, Holmes and Leone said, has seen growth through the COVID-19 pandemic. “People are bringing more ornamentals inside, and houseplants are huge,” Leone said. “During COVID, with everybody being inside, they needed a little bit of greenery in their house, so that skyrocketed, but it’s also outside. It’s pleasing to be able to nurture something that is specifically only there to make us happy and is pretty to look at.” Holmes and Leone said ornamental gardening can be as fancy or free as the grower feels. “Ornamental gardening is not all formal,” Leone said. “It’s got a very long and cool history to it. It started in Mesopotamia with the Hanging Gardens of Babylon — a huge gardenscape for people to just go enjoy and look at — and then the Roman empire (used) hedges and straight lines and topiaries. Then, if we move over to England and France, they got into ‘cottage gardening,’ and really into (the notion that), ‘I want there to be useful plants,’ so medicinal and perennial flowers and it can be a little bit messy, it doesn’t have to be straight lines. Then there were romantic gardens, and just wanting to be lost in the garden and winding roads. It’s very interesting how humans have evolved to want to control parts of nature because it is pleasing for us.” “A lot of the fully symmetrical hedges and boxwood topiaries are what you’d see typically on a commercial building,” Holmes said. “But when thinking about home gardens, homeowners are think-
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
ing about what’s easy to look at and flowing with lots of kinds of plants and curved lines, so it’s more natural feeling.” While the pandemic piqued people’s interest in ornamental gardening, experts said, it also impacted buying power and priority. “I think, as far as softscapes and plantwise, people will (continue spending money on ornamental gardening),” Holmes said, “but they might stop or cut back on hardscapes, like patio design and whatnot. Plant material is not expensive, compared to putting in a patio.” “I even worked at a nursery (during the pandemic), so I was outside quite a bit and surrounded by plants,” Leone said, “and people would come in then, and even now … just looking for something they can add to their home because they might be staying there more often than they would’ve before and that’s COVID, but also economy, because they’re not going out as much, so you want to at least feel comfortable and happy in your own close surroundings.” When it comes to plants, experts said, perennial versus annual is a matter of preference. “Annuals, if people are on a budget, are the No. 1 thing people will cut, but they do give you the most color in your garden,” Holmes said. “But you do have to plant them every year, so it really is just opinion. “With your perennials, it’s typically a one-time purchase, depending on what they are, and a lot of times you can split them and get two or three plants from
Allison Collins
Perennial blooms, such as roses, make for lasting accents in ornamental gardens. them down the road and they will also add color, but for a shorter amount of time,” she continued. “They’re going to take up the most space and be the easiest to take care of, after that initial year or two.” “I think it’s slightly generational,” Leone said. “I know from my experience working in a (Buffalo-area) nursery, the baby boomer ages and up prefer annuals and are buying a lot. I always had people who were older coming in saying, ‘I want to buy flats with annuals,’ then millennials coming in saying, ‘I need to save money … and want help figuring out what perennials can go in so that I have a rotating theme of color.’ Up front, maybe that’s more money, but in the long run, you end up saving.” For more information, visit cceschoharie-otsego.org.
Popular insect repellant plants
H
omeowners choose plants for their properties based on a number of variables. Some may be into growing their own foods, while others desire their gardens to be an awe-inspiring mélange of bright colors and alluring scents. There’s no wrong reason to plant a fresh garden, but some plants offer extra benefits, such as repelling insects. Insects can be a nuisance and a threat to individuals’ overall health. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, insect-borne diseases are viral and bacterial illnesses that develop from insect bites. Mosquitoes, sand flies and fleas are some examples of insects that can pass on disease. Fever, chills, headache, and muscle soreness are just a few of the more common symptoms linked to insect-borne diseases. The good news for avid gardeners is that certain plants can help repel insects and provide the additional benefits like fresh food and aesthetic appeal that so many people love. • Basil: The aroma of fresh basil is enough to compel any gardener to make a place for it in their garden. But there’s more to fresh basil than its scent, as the Farmers Almanac notes it can be used to repel mosquitoes and moths. • Lavender: Fleas, flies, mosquitoes, and moths are not fans of this aromatic and colorful member of the mint family. Bees tend to be drawn to lavender, a durable plant that many garden centers recommend
in areas prone to drought or hot summers without much precipitation. • Mint: Mint is another plant that is instantly recognizable for its aroma. But mint lovers may not realize that it’s also great for keeping ants at bay. Mint also can be used to repel mosquitoes, but gardeners with no experience planting mint should plant it in pots. That’s because the Farmers Almanac notes mint is an especially aggressive spreader that can quickly take over a garden. Separating mint in pots can prevent it from bullying its way into other plants’ domains. • Lemongrass: Lemongrass is a tropical grass that’s so fragrant it’s often used in perfumes. Lemongrass contains citronella, which many people associate with repelling mosquitoes. A potted lemongrass plant can repel these unwanted guests, keeping them away from decks, porches and/or patios all summer long. • Chrysanthemums: The Farmers’ Almanac® recommends using chrysanthemums, which repel a range of insects from bedbugs to fleas to ants, as border plants around a home. That’s because they contain the natural insecticide pyrethrin, which can serve as something of an insect-repelling boundary around a home. Insects are unwanted guests around a home each spring, summer and fall. Certain plants can help repel insects and serve as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides. – MCS
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Popular kitchen flooring materials K
itchens have long been considered the most popular gathering spaces in a home. That popularity compels millions of homeowners to renovate their kitchens each year, and the return on those investments is often significant. A number of variables, including the value of neighboring homes and how quickly homeowners sell their homes after a renovation, affect the return on investment with a given project. According to Remodeling magazine’s “2021 Cost vs. Value Report,” homeowners recouped roughly 72 percent of their investment in a minor kitchen remodel at resale. That’s a sizable return that outperformed other popular upgrades, including vinyl siding replacement and wood deck additions. When renovating kitchens, homeowners will have to consider various components within the room, including the floors. Average flooring costs can be hard to calculate because they depend so heavily on homeowners’ choice of materials. The following are some popular flooring materials that homeowners can consider as they plan to renovate their kitchens. • Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is popular thanks in large part to its cost. According to the home remodeling experts at HomeAdvisor, vinyl flooring installation is much less costly than other types of flooring. But its budget-friendliness is not the only benefit of vinyl flooring, which HGTV notes is easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for families that routinely confront spills and stains. HomeAdvisor notes that vinyl is the best waterproof mate-
rial among all kitchen floors. • Porcelain/ceramic tile: HomeAdvisor reports that the average cost to install porcelain or ceramic tile flooring is between $885 and $2,994. That’s less than the average cost to install stone or wood flooring. Porcelain or ceramic tiles can be slippery when they get wet, though HGTV notes that some porcelain flooring tiles have been certified as slip-resistant by the Americans with Disabilities Act. • Hardwood: It’s hard to beat hardwood when it comes to aesthetic appeal. Hardwood can be especially suitable in homes with open-concept floor plans that already have hardwood floors in surrounding rooms. HomeAdvisor notes that hardwood flooring installation can be costly, which might make it a less realistic option for budget-conscious homeowners. According to HGTV, engineered wood planks
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may be something to consider in the kitchen, as these are designed to be less susceptible to humidity and temperature. That’s an important component to consider in the kitchen, where temperatures can fluctuate while meals are being prepared. • Stone: Natural stone tile is another popular kitchen flooring material. HomeAdvisor traces that popularity to its wide variety of styles and price points, which make it a realistic option for homeowners working with budgets big and small. Stone tiles also provide a unique look because no two look the same, which might appeal to homeowners who want their kitchen floors to create a one-of-a-kind impression. Kitchen flooring materials vary widely. That variety ensures there’s a material for any style and budget homeowners are working with. – MCS
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How to cut costs on home renovations
o you still have an avocado green kitchen? Is your living room dank and dark? Perhaps there is only one bathroom for a family of six? Answering yes to any of these questions could serve as the catalyst for a home renovation project. Home improvement projects come in all shapes and sizes – some with huge budgets and others that are more cost-conscious. Regardless of what homeowners hope to achieve with their renovations, a common goal across any price point is a desire to save as much money as possible. Home renovations can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. • Assess the merit of the project. Remodeling magazine annually publishes a “Cost vs. Value Report” that lists the average cost and return on investment homeowners can expect of various types of projects. If you’re planning to sell your home soon, it may be best to focus on repairs and renovations that will generate the most substantial ROI. • Hire a contractor. Even avid do-it-yourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several
different contractors and figure out the best value. • Refurbish existing features. Rather than a complete gut and rebuild, figure out where you can revitalize existing fixtures and more. For example, refinishing existing cabinets can save you up to 50 percent compared with the cost of new cabinetry, according to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), a cost comparison and business review resource. • Choose midgrade materials. Certain materials may be all the rage but they come with a higher price tag. Angi reports that granite counters could be $60 to $100 per square foot. However, a composite or laminate that looks like granite and wears well may be $10 to 40 per square foot. Figure out where you can choose middleof-the-road materials for maximum value. • Avoid peak seasons. You’ll pay more to install a deck or a pool right before the outdoor entertaining season. There also may be a premium to get work done right before a major holiday. Therefore, consult the calendar to find an off time for a renovation and book it then to save. • Do some prep work. You might be able to save by doing some of the demolition and preparatory work yourself. For example, you can tear up old carpeting
7 things to know before replacing windows
The decision to replace windows often comes down to aesthetics and necessity. Drafty windows can reduce energy efficiency in a home, requiring HVAC systems to work harder to keep interiors comfortable. The harder the HVAC must work, the more homeowners will pay in energy costs.
Old windows also may be points of entry for water and insects. Despite the importance of windows, Money magazine advises that new windows make up only a fraction of the home’s total exterior “envelope,” resulting in only about 5 to 15 percent of total energy savings.
But there are still plenty of reasons to invest in new windows. 1. Vinyl or aluminum may be best. Lumber is farmed rather quickly today and solid wood products may not stand up to elements as well as wood used a half-century ago. To avoid rot, vinyl windows often are an affordable and durable choice. Homeowners also have the option of wood windows with aluminum cladding, which are long-lasting. 2. Moisture problems indicate windows need to be replaced. Condensation that shows up as fogging between double-pane windows or on the inside of windows indicates that the windows are starting to fail. If installing a vapor barrier in the basement or crawl space, ventilating properly when showering or cooking, or using a dehumidifier indoors does not remedy the situation, it might be time to replace windows. 3. Windows add curb appeal. Beyond functionality, replace-
before the installation of new tile floors. Perhaps you can mend and patch up walls before a paint job. • Buy a display item. Former showroom kitchens and baths often are sourced at a fraction of their recommended retail prices, according to Real Homes, a home remodel guide based in the United Kingdom. Retailers often update their displays and you may score existing showroom items at a discount. Renovations can be expensive, but there are many different ways to cut costs. – MCS
ment windows immediately update the look of the home and can improve curb appeal since they are one of the most prominent features on the exterior of a home. If a house needs an update, replacing windows and can be a quick and affordable update. 4. Consider other energy-efficient upgrades. Sometimes older windows can be salvaged, especially if they are not damaged and only moderately drafty. Replacing panes, sash cords, weather stripping, and even glazing may be less expensive than replacing a window. Plus, older homes with attractive windows complement one another. To keep energy bills down, think about adding insulation to the attic and basement – which is a good idea even if you are replacing windows. 5. The wrong windows can adversely affect home value. The National Association of Realtors says homeowners get about 73 percent of their replacement window invest-
Spring Home & Garden - THE DAILY STAR
ment back when they resell a home. But choosing the wrong windows might lower the value of the home. It’s important to match the look of the original windows, including window material and the divided light pattern (the number of panes in each window) with the original windows. 6. Think about soundproofing, too. When upgrading windows, also think about how certain windows can cancel out noises and make homes more soundproof. Some windows can help reduce outdoor distractions like leaf blowers or lawn mowers. 7. Proper installation is key to longevity. Replacement windows are only as good as their installation in many cases. Poor installation and orders of standard rather than custom sized windows could result in poor fitting and seals. Homeowners should carefully vet and review window replacement contractors to find the best professionals for the job. – MCS
APRIL 6 AND 8, 2022
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Telling signs
Signs of winter LAWN DAMAGE
3 COMMON INSECTS are infesting a lawn
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ell-maintained laws are a byproduct of hard work. That hard work is a point of pride for homeowners who spend countless hours throughout spring, summer and fall tending to their lawns. All that hard work can be compromised when uninvited guests, namely insects, show up in a lawn. Insect infestations can turn a normally pristine and lush green lawn into a brown and sickly eyesore. Identifying which type of insect is damaging a lawn is the first step toward returning that lawn to its green glory. These are three common lawn insects and signs that they’re infesting a lawn.
1. Grubs Grubs like to feast on the roots of grass right below the surface. Michigan State University Extention Turf & Landscape reports that grub damage can appear from March to early May or from mid-September to early November. The lawn and garden experts at GardenTech® note that wilted grass blades are often the first indicator of a grub infestation, which is followed by patches of brown turf and eventually death. Crows, skunks and moles eat grubs, so the sight of them in a lawn could indicate an infestation.
2. Chinch bugs The experts at BobVila.com report that chinch bugs are not necessarily problematic when their populations are limited to around 10 to 15 bugs per square foot of lawn. In such instances, chinch bug populations are generally controlled by ants and ladybugs. However, extreme heat and drought, problems that have plagued various regions in North America in recent years, reduce the populations of bugs that feed on chinch bugs, thus increasing the population of these unwanted guests that feed on grass. GardenTech® indicates that damage from chinch bugs is most visible between June and September. That damage begins with grass taking on a purple tinge before it turns yellow and then brown after wilting.
3. Cutworms The lawn care experts at Scotts® note that cutworms are moth larvae that hide in the thatch layer of a lawn during the day before emerging at night to feed on grass blades. Patches of brown grass between one and two inches in width is a sign of cutworm infestation. Homeowners who notice a growing number of birds pecking away in their lawns may have a cutworm infestation, which can be confirmed by peeling up a section of damaged grass and looking for cutworms, which are brown, gray or black and tend to be around two inches long. The good news is that grub, chinch bug and cutworm populations can be controlled. Local turf specialists can recommend strategies to curtail such populations and help homeowners restore their lawns to full health. – MCS
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other Nature can be harsh on a lawn, and it’s up to homeowners to nurse their lawns back to health after they endure the elements. That’s often the case when winter ends and homeowners uncover signs of damage to their lawns. Homeowners cannot begin to repair winter lawn damage until they learn to identify it, and the following are some telltale signs that winter took a harsh toll on a landscape. • Wilted grass: Many things can cause grass to wilt over the course of winter, so homeowners may have to put on their sleuth’s cap to determine why grass that was healthy as recently as late fall is now wilted as the spring bloom begins. Grass that’s adjacent to walkways and driveways might have wilted due to the application of de-icing solutions. Such products can prevent the formation of ice on driveways and walkways. However, when they’re tracked onto the grass by people or animals or blown there by winter winds, grass can wilt. A deep watering in spring can flush any lingering solution from the lawn. In future winters, homeowners can be as careful as possible when applying de-icing solutions, making a concerted effort to avoid spreading any onto the grass and limited applications to areas of the driveway and walkways that are not close to the grass. • Brown patches: The National Association of Landscape Professionals notes that brown patches in a lawn often develop after heavy snowfall. Such patch-
es tend to develop where large piles of shoveled snow were deposited, so homeowners can inspect alongside driveways and walkways. The NALP advises homeowners to rake away part of the brown patches first. If green tissue is emerging beneath, then the lawn will likely be fine in due time. However, if the area beneath is not green and surrounding areas are already turning green, homeowners may need to rake up dead tissue before applying topsoil to the affected spots. Once topsoil is spread, some grass seed can be spread and the grass should regain its green glory. • Gray or pink grass: Another indicator of winter lawn damage linked to snow is gray or pink grass. The NALP reports that this is a byproduct of snow mold caused by lingering snow. Action may be unnecessary, as the NALP notes these circular patterns often go away on their own. If not, raking the affected areas might be enough to get the lawn on the road to recovery. If the issue continues to linger after raking, a topsoil application and subsequent seeding may be necessary. These are three common signs of winter lawn damage in areas where snowfall is significant during the coldest months of the year. Homeowners concerned about their damaged lawns are urged to contact a local landscape professional to correct any issues that linger into spring. – MCS
Did you know? It’s no secret that a good-looking lawn can entice buyers when selling a home, but homeowners may not realize just how much they can benefit from even the smallest investments of time and money in their home exteriors. According to the Top Agent Insights Q2 2019 Report from HomeLight, low-cost outdoor home improvements to a landscape provide sizable returns on investment. For example, the report found that a $268 investment in a lawn care service can lead to a $1,211 increase in home value at resale. Similarly, $340 worth of fresh mulch can increase home value at resale by $769. More than 85 percent of real estate professionals who participated in the HomeLight survey recommended other small and simple projects, including removing dirt, grime and cobwebs from a home entrance and trimming trees and shrubs prior to putting a home on the market.
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athrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered. Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about two-thirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the United States among people aged 15 years and older. Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations. • Raised toilet seat: Install an ADA-compliant raised toilet seat. Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can raise the bowl an additional two to four inches. Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet. • Grab bars: Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which don’t have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier.
Upgrade bathroom safety features
• Water temperature: Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures. Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater. StaySafe.org recommends 120° F. • Faucets: Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also,
handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off. • Nonslip mats: Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slip-resistant backing. • Rounded corners: Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners. Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury. • Shower benches and transfer seats: Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming light-headed or losing balance. • Walk-in tubs/showers: Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature. Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that don’t have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors. • Lighting: Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night. These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors. – MCS
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