2017
FALL
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Clarion PRINCETON DAILY
2 HOME IMPROVEMENT
Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
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The Daily Clarion Sunday, September 17, 2017
Steps to take before an appraiser’s visit Homeowners unfamiliar with the appraisal process might not know if there is anything they can do to make the process go more smoothly. While certain variables involved in the appraisal process, such as location of the home and the value of surrounding homes, are beyond homeowners’ control, the Appraisal Institute recommends homeowners take the following steps before an appraiser visits their home.
CLEAN THE HOUSE. A dirty home that is full of clutter will not make the best impression on appraisers. Dirty homes may be vulnerable to insect infestations that can lead to structural problems with the home. While a dirty home is not necessarily an indicator of infestations or a reflection of a home’s value, a clean home will create a stronger first impression with the appraiser. MAKE ANY NECESSARY REPAIRS AHEAD OF THE APPOINTMENT.
Homeowners who have been putting off repairs should make them before the appraiser arrives. Homes with repairs that still need to be made will likely be valued less than similar homes with no such repair issues. Though repairs can be costly, investing in home repairs will likely increase both the appraisal and resale value of the home.
OBTAIN ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS BEFORE THE APPRAISER ARRIVES. Homeowners
who have certain documentation at the ready can speed up the appraisal process. Such documentation may include a survey of the house and property; a deed or title report; a recent tax bill; if applicable, a list of items to be sold with the house; purchase history of the home; and the original plans and specifications of the home.
INFORM THE APPRAISER ABOUT RECENT IMPROVEMENTS.
Homeowners can inform appraisers about any recent improvements to the home and the cost of those improvements. The value of home improvements with regard to a home’s appraisal value vary depending on a host of variables, but having such information at the ready can help appraisers make the most informed appraisal possible.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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KITCHEN MUST-HAVES CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
Homeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that, in 2015, the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom remodels (81 percent) and kitchen remodels (79 percent). According to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000. Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality.
OVERSIZED SINK
Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals.
SOFT-CLOSING HINGES
When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing soft-closing hinges and slides on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in the kitchen.
FOOT-PEDAL WATER OPERATION
When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors’ offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation. These pedals also free up hands for other tasks.
to bend down to seek out that favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues. When shopping for refrigerators, French-door style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge.
EXTRA LIGHTING
A kitchen should be a balance of
form and function. A combination of overhead lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively.
APPLIANCE GARAGES
Architectural and design resource Houzz says that appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, too. Set at countertop level, these cabinets allow people to keep small appliances plugged in but tucked neatly behind closed doors.
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4 HOME IMPROVEMENT
Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
EXPECT the UNEXPECTED CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
According to projections released in 2015 by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, a growing number of people in the United States planned to renovate their homes in 2016. The report estimated that spending on remodeling and repairs in 2016 would climb 8.6 percent to $310 billion, a figure that is close to the peak reached in 2006. While it is still too soon to tabulate all of the figures from 2016, a quick glance at the data indicates renovations have increased across the country. And one only need travel through communities to see a greater number of contractors and homeowners working on homes. Tackling any renovation project is an exercise in patience. Renovations can impede on daily activities and cause a certain level of upheaval in homeowners’ lives. Homeowners planning renovations also may find that they must have some wiggle room when it comes to both their budgets and their expectations. Remodeling, particularly with regard to older homes, may unveil unforeseen
issues that only arise in the face of the renovation. So what can homeowners expect during a renovation? The following are a few issues that might arise during home improvement projects.
DIRT AND NOISE
HIDDEN ISSUES
Contractors may uncover all sorts of Homeowners can count on dust, issues that need to be addressed before debris and noise throughout the a project can progress. Examples include renovation process. Dust appears the presence of asbestos (common when walls come down or go up, and in older homes), plumbing problems, construction teams typically erect incorrectly wired electrical systems, temporary walls or tarps to contain the and leaks or moisture issues. These debris. Air filtering systems also can limit problems also can impact the cost of dust particles. Noise is unavoidable. If the project, so set aside some money it becomes troublesome, arrange to be in the budget for unforeseen expenses. outside of the home when the bulk of the Chances are you are going to need some construction is taking place. extra money to handle a few surprises during the project. It’s important to expect the DELAYS OR SCHEDULE CHANGES unexpected when embarking on home Even the best contractors cannot renovations. Budgeting for hidden costs, control every aspect of the job. They expecting delays and coping with the rely on subcontractors and vendors to upheaval to daily schedules are par for do portions of the work. Materials may the remodeling course. However, the end not always arrive on time, or they may result is often well worth the time and fall short of homeowners’ expectations. This can push back the project schedule. effort.
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The Daily Clarion Sunday, September 17, 2017
BENEFITS CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
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
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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.
of hiring professional contractors
HOME IMPROVEMENT
COST
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.
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
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
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.
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6 HOME IMPROVEMENT
Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
When the last cookout is history and it’s time to move indoors and on to fall home and shop projects, Woodcraft suggests that you consider adding some new tools to your collection for easier home improvements and repairs. Change the look of your decor with new hardware in every room, and try out some new jigs from Kreg — Drawer Slide, Concealed Hinge, and Cabinet Hardware Jigs, along with the Kreg Shelf Pin Jigs (1⁄4” and 5 mm). “Kreg Hardware Installation Solutions make it easy to add the perfect final touch to your projects by allowing you to confidently install knobs and pulls, concealed door hinges, drawer slides, and adjustable shelves,” Woodcraft senior product development manager Peter Collins said. “These durable, adjustable jigs position your hardware and guide your drill so you get accurate, repeatable, professional-quality results every time. These jigs are an essential part of the Kreg ‘Kitchen Makeover Series’ that provides a helping-hand for those folks that aren’t building new but rather
changing hardware and paint colors.” Installation of hardware, shelving, cabinets, doors and windows and many building projects require a driver, like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3⁄8” Drill Driver that comes in a kit. Lightweight and compact, the lithium-ion Bosch driver delivers 265 inch-pounds of torque and is great for overhead and tight area work. For projects that require crosscutting, whether straight or at an angle for joining crown molding, framing doors and windows and more, the lightweight, portable DeWalt 10” Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw will do the job. It has a 15 amp, 5,000 RPM motor and tall sliding fences that support 41⁄2” of crown molding vertically nested. Sanding is a necessary part of many home and shop projects. For hand-sanding, the Preppin Weapon is an ergonomically-shaped ABS plastic sanding block that fits comfortably in your hand to reduce fatigue. Use wet or dry and load as many as four sheets of sandpaper at one time, removing each one as the abrasive wears out. For power sanding, the Norton 5” Random Orbital Sander features a 2.0-amp
motor that generates 12,500 orbits per minute and provides a 3⁄32” orbit that helps make quick work of most sanding projects. Ergonomic, rubber palm grip is comfortable and eliminates fatigue. An 8-hole, hook-and-loop pad face offers increased versatility in abrasive selection. For cutting, grinding, sanding, carving and polishing, the Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool with 24 accessories is a good choice. The upgraded tool features an EZ Twist™ nose cap with an integrated wrench that allows the nose cap to function as a wrench to tighten accessories. A more efficient fan design and side vents for a cooler running tool make it comfortable for extended use. Once a project reaches the finishing stage, the new HOMERIGHT Finish Max Fine Finish HVLP Sprayer is a good choice for application. The Finish Max will handle any solvent- or water-based product — latex paint, milk paint, chalk paint, furniture paint, stains and finishes. It is easy to set up, use and clean. Features include precision volume control and an adjustable spray pattern. HOMERIGHT Small Spray Shelter and Large Spray Shelter will help contain
overspray and drift when using the sprayer. Brighten your workspace with the lightweight, portable Keystone 1200 Lumen Work Light that can be set nearly anywhere the 6’ cord will reach. Light can pivot 360° around its axis. Products for working safely and in a clean environment are always important. FastCap Safety Glasses offer UV protection and have clear anti-fog lenses to allow maximum light transmission. Six-mil-thick Powder Free Nitrile Gloves in three sizes provide inexpensive protection for your skin, keeping your hands free of stain and glue. Deluxe Neoprene Gloves in three sizes are designed for heavy-duty tasks such as stripping paint or finish. Lightweight, muff style SAS Hearing Protectors can be your first line of defense against hearing loss. They are rated of NRR 23. Keeping a clean work area is safe and healthy. The 6.6-gallon Karcher WD5/P Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum has a powerful, 1800-watt, variable-speed motor. The onboard power outlet allows the vacuum to come on and go off automatically when the tool is turned on or off.
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The Daily Clarion Sunday, September 17, 2017
REPURPOSE those DRESSERS CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
One of the benefits to becoming a skilled do-it-yourselfer is the chance to embrace projects that can breathe new life into objects that others might designate for the trash or donation pile. Renovating such items can save money and provide an entirely different purpose for the object. After upgrading design styles or moving, there’s a good chance the average homeowner has a spare dresser or chest of drawers he or she may no longer use. Repurposing such furniture can make for an enjoyable weekend DIY project. With a change of color, removal of drawers or a few minor modifications, dressers can be transformed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas to get started.
TELEVISION STAND
Sand and paint or stain the dresser to match the color scheme of your living room or family room. Remove the top row of drawers from the dresser to have
cubby space to house electronics, such as cable boxes or DVD players. The remaining drawers can hold movie collections, spare remote controls, gaming systems, and much more.
SERVING BAR
Paint the dresser in an eye-catching shade and make sure to seal-coat it with a finish that is impervious to moisture. If time or budget allows, attach a piece of glass or tiles on top of the dresser to create a water-resistant, strong surface area. Store various serving glasses and cocktail accoutrements within the drawers. Place a few bottles of your favorite spirits and a decanter on a decorative tray.
KITCHEN ISLAND
Small dressers can be repurposed into kitchen islands with a few modifications. Install casters on the feet so it can be moved around when necessary. Place butcher block wood or stone on top so you’ll have a sturdy cutting or preparation surface area. Hooks hung on the side can hold frequently used kitchen utensils.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
STORAGE SHELVING
Remove the drawers from the dresser and turn it into a storage mecca by using stackable plastic containers in spaces once occupied by the drawers. Keep craft supplies, collectibles or anything else you can think of inside.
CHANGING TABLE
Turn an older dresser into a changing table for a new baby. In addition, add a cushioned pad and some decorative trim to serve as a frame that keeps the pad in place. The drawers will keep wipes, diapers, onesies, and other supplies at the ready.
BENCH
Remove the top drawers from the dresser. Add a piece of plywood to make a seat. Use the removed drawer faces on the inside back of the dresser since this area will now be visible. Paint the entire piece or stain it as desired. Fashion a cushion for the seat, and the bench is ready for an entryway or wherever you have space.
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8 HOME IMPROVEMENT
Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
FALL
LAWN
CARE TIPS CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
Spring and summer may be the seasons most often associated with landscaping and lawn care, but tending to lawns and gardens is a year-round job. If lawn and garden responsibilities dip considerably in winter, then fall is the last significant chance before the new year that homeowners will have to address the landscaping around their homes. Fall lawn care differs from spring and summer lawn care, even if the warm temperatures of summer linger into autumn. Homeowners who want their lawns to thrive year-round can take advantage of the welcoming weather of fall to address any existing or potential issues.
KEEP MOWING, BUT ADJUST HOW YOU MOW
It’s important that homeowners continue to mow their lawns so long as grass is growing. But as fall transitions into winter, lower the blades so the grass is cut shorter while remaining mindful that no blade of grass should ever be trimmed by more than one-third. Lowering the blades will allow more sunlight to reach the grass in the months ahead.
REMOVE LEAVES AS THEY FALL
Much like apple-picking and foliage, raking leaves is synonymous with fall. Some homeowners may wait to pick up a rake until all of the trees on their properties are bare. However, allowing fallen leaves to sit on the ground for extended periods of time can have an adverse effect on grass. Leaves left to sit on the lawn may ultimately suffocate the grass by forming an impenetrable wall that deprives the lawn of sunlight
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and oxygen. The result is dead grass and possibly even fungal disease. Leaves may not need to be raked every day, but homeowners should periodically rake and remove leaves from their grass, even if there are plenty left to fall still hanging on the trees.
REPAIR BALD SPOT
Summer exacts a toll on lawns in various ways, and even homeowners with green thumbs may end up with a lawn filled with bald spots come September. Autumn is a great time to repair these bald spots. Lawn repair mixes like Scotts® PatchMaster contain mulch, seed and fertilizer to repair bald spots, which can begin to recover in as little as seven days. Before applying such products, remove dead grass and loosen the top few inches of soil. Follow any additional manufacturer instructions as well.
AERATE THE TURF
Aerating reduces soil compacting, facilitating the delivery of fertilizer and water to a lawn’s roots. While many homeowners, and particularly those who take pride in tending to their own lawns, can successfully aerate their own turf, it’s best to first have soil tested so you know which amendments to add after the ground has been aerated. Gardening centers and home improvement stores sell soil testing kits that measure the pH of soil, but homeowners who want to test for nutrients or heavy metals in their soil may need to send their samples to a lab for further testing. Fall lawn care provides a great reason to spend some time in the yard before the arrival of winter.
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The Daily Clarion Sunday, September 17, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
9
5 WAYS TO MAKE HOMES SAFER CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
Promptly remove snow and ice from driveways and walkways. For those who live in cold climates, heated concrete can help melt precipitation before it accumulates.
Injuries that occur around the home contribute to millions of medical visits and tens of thousands of fatalities each year. Falls account for the largest percentage of home accidents, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 30,000 fall-related fatalities occur each year in the United States. Many home accidents are entirely preventable when proper caution is exercised. As homeowners prepare for home-improvement projects, improving safety inside and outside the home should be a priority.
3. MAKE NEEDED REPAIRS
Repair loose floorboards and pull carpet taut if it has started to stretch out. Address cracks outdoors and ensure that patio stones, bricks and pavers are secure and level to reduce tripping hazards. Fix areas of the landscape where water may pool and freeze, creating potential hazards.
4. DECLUTTER ALL SPACES
1. IMPROVE LIGHTING
One of the easiest ways to reduce the risk of falls is to improve lighting around the home. The National Institutes of Health state that adequate lighting is important at entrances to the home, stairways, hallways, and other frequently traversed areas. Make sure lighting fixtures are using the highest wattage light bulb allowed. Artificial lighting sources become even more vital in fall and autumn, when natural light is less abundant in a home. In addition, install lighting outdoors by the front door, over the garage and where garbage pails are stored to facilitate safe passage.
2. ELIMINATE SLICK SURFACES
Improving traction around the house also can
YOUR
Remove unnecessary items and furniture from rooms to free up more space to get around. Be sure there are no obstructions in walkways, entryways and near doors. Keep staircases clear at all times. minimize falls. Throw rugs and runners can be made more secure with nonslip rubber backings. Bath rugs can reduce slipping on wet surfaces in the bathroom. Also, nonslip mats can be used inside of showers and bathtubs. Use shoe trays to reduce puddling from melting snow or rain runoff in entryways. Mop up spills quickly, and consider the use of matte- or textured-finished flooring to improve stability underfoot.
5. INVEST IN ASSISTIVE DEVICES
Handrails, grab bars, nonslip stair treads, and many other devices can make homes safer for people of all ages and abilities. Outfit cabinets and closets with organizers that put frequently used items within easy reach. A sturdy step stool can reduce the risk of injury while reaching for items stored on high shelves. Taking measures to reduce the risk of falling around the home is a worthwhile home improvement project.
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Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
DOING DOUBLE DUTY CONTRIBUTED CONTENT
will need a space to work. In tight quarters, bedrooms may be the only Many homes do not have space for available area. An armoire-style desk guest rooms, kids’ play areas and home will blend in with the decor and can theater lounges that are possible in hide paperwork and electronics homes with substantial square footage. behind doors. Otherwise, a makeup But they may not be missing out at all. vanity can serve the dual purpose of While large homes remain popular, providing a place to get ready for a many people are embracing the night out and a ready space to house a benefits of smaller residences. Small laptop during the day. homes help homeowners save money, Many homes do not have space require less maintenance, have smaller for guest rooms, kids’ play areas and environmental impact, and reduce the home theater lounges that are possible temptation to accumulate “stuff.” in homes with substantial square Owners of small homes or footage. But they may not be missing apartments can still enjoy the benefits out at all. of larger spaces, they just need to equip While large homes remain popular, rooms to perform double duty. many people are embracing the benefits of smaller residences. Small homes help homeowners save money, LIVING ROOM/GUEST ROOM require less maintenance, have Entertaining guests is easier when there’s a dedicated space where visitors smaller environmental impact, and reduce the temptation to accumulate can feel at home. When furnishing a “stuff.” living room, keep the guest room in Owners of small homes or mind. A sofa that opens up to a bed apartments can still enjoy the benefits or a convertible sectional can be a comfortable place for guests to lay their of larger spaces, they just need to equip rooms to perform double duty. heads. Side tables provide guests with places to store their belongings, and an empty storage chest can house bed LIVING ROOM/GUEST ROOM linens or guests’ clothing. Entertaining guests is easier when there’s a dedicated space where visitors can feel at home. When furnishing a DEN/PLAYROOM living room, keep the guest room in Children tend to accumulate toys mind. A sofa that opens up to a bed and games. And as kids grow from or a convertible sectional can be a children to young adults, their list of must-have items — from video gaming comfortable place for guests to lay their heads. Side tables provide guests with systems to other electronics — grows places to store their belongings, and along with them. Storage can make a an empty storage chest can house bed room functional for both adults and linens or guests’ clothing. children. Devote an entire wall to a closet or drawer system where toys can be stored out of sight when necessary. DEN/PLAYROOM Storage ottomans can be used for Children tend to accumulate toys extra seating while also providing and games. And as kids grow from somewhere for homeowners to stash children to young adults, their list of stuffed animals or games for easy must-have items — from video gaming access. When choosing furniture, look systems to other electronics — grows for fabrics that are resistant to stains along with them. Storage can make and modular pieces that can be moved a room functional for both adults around as necessary to create room for and children. Devote an entire wall playing or entertaining. to a closet or drawer system where toys can be stored out of sight when necessary. Storage ottomans can BEDROOM/HOME OFFICE be used for extra seating while also In 2015, 24 percent of employed providing somewhere for homeowners people in the United States did some to stash stuffed animals or games for or all of their work at home, says the easy access. When choosing furniture, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bringing look for fabrics that are resistant to work home means men and women
stains and modular pieces that can be moved around as necessary to create room for playing or entertaining.
BEDROOM/HOME OFFICE
In 2015, 24 percent of employed people in the United States did some or all of their work at home, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bringing work home means men and women
will need a space to work. In tight quarters, bedrooms may be the only available area. An armoire-style desk will blend in with the decor and can hide paperwork and electronics behind doors. Otherwise, a makeup vanity can serve the dual purpose of providing a place to get ready for a night out and a ready space to house a laptop during the day.
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The Daily Clarion Sunday, September 17, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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1704 HART STREET, VINCENNES 812-882-1191 • rcsappliances.com
Hours: Mon - Thurs 9am-5pm • Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm
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12 HOME IMPROVEMENT
Sunday, September 17, 2017 The Daily Clarion
MEMMER’S
Hwy. 41 N. at Lyles Station Rd., Princeton, IN Start Right. Start Here
812-385-2641