Home & Garden

A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers

www.valcomnews.com • Fall 2018

3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

Returns on home improvement projects vary.

In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home. Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on

a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

1. Maintain a lush green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can pro-

mote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

2. Address brown patch.

Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with brown patch, a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional

landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

#

SALE

OCT 6-14 10 A.M. - 6P.M.

Open to the public twice a year

# # # # ! # ! # " # # ÂŹ ÂŹÂŹsÂŹÂŹWWW KODO ARTS COM

â—† â—† â—† â—†

A-2

Home & Garden • Fall 2018 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Moles, voles and gophers: How burrowing wildlife can damage your lawn and garden Soft, spongy lawns may be indicative of various problems underfoot that occur relatively sight unseen. Barring a septic system backup or considerable flooding, insects or animals may be to blame.

In many areas, burrowing wildlife can wreak havoc on landscapes. Identifying which critter is causing the damage helps homeowners develop the most effective solutions to issues involving wildlife.

Moles Moles will spend much of their lives underground, rarely coming up to the surface.

They spend their days digging long tunnels from their dens in search of grubs, earthworms and tuber plants all year long. Moles can be gray, black, brown, or gold and will be between six and eight inches in length. Their wide front feet are designed for excavating, and moles have very small eyes and angular snouts.

Many times moles are to blame for zig-zagging lines across a yard. Channels are typically dug between five to eight inches below the surface of the soil, according to the home and garden resource site Hunker. The tunnels are only about 1.5 inches in diameter and one may see small molehills of excavated soil in areas around the yard. Mole tunnels can be followed through the yard thanks to the appearance of elevated ridges on the surface of the soil.

Voles Even though their name is similar, voles look nothing like moles. They are also known by the name meadow mice and look more like mice than they do moles or gophers. Voles are small as well and primarily feed on foliage and plant roots.

It can take a trained eye to differentiate between holes created by moles and voles, but foliage eaten around an entry or exit hole suggests the presence of voles. Unlike moles, voles don’t create soil masses on the surfaces of landscapes, which can make recognizing infestations more difficult.

Groundhogs, gophers, prairie dogs Groundhogs, gophers and prairie dogs also are burrowing rodents. These rodents are larger than moles and voles.

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are the largest of the group, followed by prairie dogs and gophers.

Prairie dogs tend to be more social than groundhogs and gophers and may be seen congregating together. Gophers tend to stay below ground and will pull food into their burrows, says the Florida-based A Wildlife Whisperer. Groundhogs often stretch their subterranean tunnels to dens, which they may like to set up under

Fireplaces • Stoves • Inserts

backyard sheds or other protected areas.

Groundhogs’ size and desire to forage and eat their fill above-ground often make them easy to spot.

Once the animal doing the burrowing has been identified, homeowners can begin removing food sources and altering conditions to make their yards less critterfriendly. In the instance of moles, using a

grub-killer can diminish their numbers.

Wire mesh fences buried underground can deter digging into garden beds. Homeowners who are vigilant about disrupting burrows and tunnels may encourage rodents to relocate.

If burrowing wildlife prove problematic, homeowners can work with professional exterminators to assess the situation.

Chinese Community Church 35th Annual

Fall Fellowship and Food Festival

Radiant Medium

Saturday, October 13th, 2018 Fall Special

11 AM to 6 PM � ONE DAY ONLY

$100 OFF

ADMISSION IS FREE

of purchase $1000 or more (with ad) Ends 10/15/18 5545 Auburn Blvd.

SACRAMENTO 916.331.2423

Mon-Sat 9am to 5:30pm

customfireside.com

9097 Elk Grove Blvd.

ELK GROVE 916.714.4423 Tues-Sat 9am to 5:30pm

Delicious Chinese Food – BBQ Chicken, Pot Stickers & More Live Entertainment and Activities for Kids

Chinese Community Church 5600 Gilgunn Way Sacramento, CA 95822

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2018 • Home & Garden

A-3

Upgrade your tool collection for fall home projects

1828 29th St. Sac, CA 95816 916-382-4823

GET NAME-BRAND PRODUCTS YOU KNOW AND TRUST, while removing single-use plastics from the waste stream!

Still tossing your empty soap bottles in the recycling?

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, professionalquality 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 ergonomicallyshaped 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, hookand-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.

To learn more about these and other products, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www.woodcraft.com.

LAKE FRONT SERENITY! 11 Cove Court | $659,000

Enjoy a stunning view of Lake Greenhaven from your own private deck and dock.

This one-level home is tucked away off the court that offers a private retreat. In addition to a formal living and dining area, the home offers a family room with a fireplace that is open to large deck and the lake. The home has been loving cared for and updated through years including hardwood floors in the living area and newer roof. Come home to boating and fishing and moonlit nights

Sue Vitiello (916) 212-1215 CalDRE# 00826116

A-4

suevitiello@comcast.net

5IF 1PXFS PG

8F %FMJWFS

,iÂŤĂ•ĂŒ>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŠÂ°ĂŠĂŠ Â˜ÂœĂœÂ?i`}iÊÊ°ÊÊ œ˜iĂƒĂŒĂžĂŠĂŠÂ°ĂŠĂŠ ÂœÂ“Â“Ă•Â˜ÂˆV>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŠÂ°ĂŠĂŠ,iĂƒĂ•Â?ĂŒĂƒ

Home & Garden • Fall 2018 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

A guide to safely removing fallen leaves Raking leaves is a chore many people immediately associate with autumn. Even though raking seems like a simple activity, it’s still possible to be injured while removing leaves from the yard.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center advises that pain from outdoor leaf chores can range from strained back muscles to twisted knees. Blisters on the hands and sunburn are other potential side effects.

Many people do not realize that raking is a thorough cardiovascular workout. Individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease or those who have recovered from surgery may not be well enough to rake leaves.

Here’s how to make autumn leaf removal more of a breeze when the job is done safely.

• Pay attention when using a leaf blower. Be cautious not to point an operational blower in the direction of people or pets, as debris can be blown about and cause injury.

• Stretch out before raking leaves. Warm up muscles beforehand so they are less likely to cramp. UPMC experts suggest taking a short walk prior to raking to stimulate circulation.

• Use proper raking form. Much like snow shoveling, one should emphasize proper

posture when raking, with legs slightly bent and weight distributed evenly. Hold the rake handle close to the body and keep one hand near the top of the rake for better leverage.

• Use the proper gear. A leaf rake fans out like a triangle and comes in various widths.

Choose a lightweight material that can be easily maneuvered. A metal rake is for stones and dirt and shouldn’t be used for leaves. To get between bushes, a smaller version of a leaf rake, called a shrub rake, should be used.

• Wear protective gear. When raking or leaf blowing, protect your eyes against debris. You also may want to use a mask to prevent inhalation of leaf mold and other particulates. Gloves can protect hands from blisters.

• Follow manufacturers’ directions. Read the instructions for powered leaf blowers, and never modify the device in an unauthorized way.

• Use a tarp and lift wisely. Rake leaves onto a tarp that can be dragged to a garbage pail or to the curb for municipal pick up. For those who must lift bags of leaves, do so by bending at the knees, not from the waist.

MERCHANTS

NATIONAL BANK HAD HAD THE THE PERFECT PERFECT RECIPE RECIPE TO TO HELP HELP FREEPORT FREEPORT BAKERY BAKERY RISE. RISE.

• Wear sunscreen. Protect skin from the sun. Even though temperatures are cooler in the fall, this does not mean the sun’s rays are any less harmful. Also, take breaks to rehydrate frequently.

• Use a secure ladder. When removing leaves from gutters, be sure the ladder is sturdy and secure. Consider having a friend serve as a spotter, holding on to the ladder to offer greater security. Do not overextend to stretch for leaves.

If at any time during leaf clean-up you feel sharp or dull, incessant pains, stop working. Listen to your body’s signals and start the task anew the next day or when you feel better.

Marlene & Walter Goetzeler

7 uses for fallen leaves By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season, and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance, and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to.

It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year, or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial.

Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial.

1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover tender perennials or root crops/ bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter.

2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compost-like material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it’s actually

a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water.

Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil.

3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to improve the health of the compost being formed.

According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost.

Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them.

4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow.

5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight.

6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as

“Merchants had the solid safety ratings, continuous ownership and reputation for service that we were looking for – we couldn’t be happier.”

Owners, Freeport Bakery

A

added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost.

7. Gather a few of the best-looking leaves and preserve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect.

Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.

fter their bank was bought out yet again, Marlene and Walter decided it was time for a change.

With a little research they found that, in addition to offering a full spectrum of free1 services including checking, online banking, bill pay and more, erchants National Bank is also rated one of the most secure banks in California.2 A level of security that, along with a dedication to personal attention, has enabled Merchants National Bank to help community members and business owners build success on a solid foundation since 1921. Call today for the personal attention you deserve.

MERCHANTSNATIONAL.COM r 916) 442-3883

1 Certain restrictions, limitations, and requirements apply. 2 Ratings according to Bauer Financial Reports, Veribanc and Institutional Risk Analytics.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2018 • Home & Garden

A-5

Closing the pool for another season

Gary’s Painting

Estima

tes

• Warranty • Senior Discounts • Professional & Reliable • Interior & Exterior Painting • Using only Kelly-Moore Paint

(916) 725-8781 McClatchy ‘67

FREE

CSL #734323

Gayla Mace Senior Executive Associate Top Producer

(916) 765-0210 Certified Senior Specialist

GMace@GoLyon.com GaylaMace.com CalDRE#01432489 2580 FairOaks Blvd. #20, Sacramento, Ca 95825

Closing a pool at the end of the swimming season can be bittersweet. Homeowners may be sad to bid adieu to the lazy days of splashing and swimming, but ready to embrace the cooler weather and the beauty of autumn. Before the leaves begin to fall from the trees, pool owners must prepare to close, or winterize, their pools.

• Gather your supplies. Make a list of the supplies you need to close the pool. Having everything on hand will make the process far more efficient than trying to wing it.

Closing a pool can be a large job, so it pays to have some extra hands available. Enlist some helpers who will be available to hand you materials or to assist with placing the cover on the pool — which can be challenging to do on your own.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase necessary chemicals. The chemicals used throughout the season will also be needed in the winterization process. Therefore, be sure you have enough before pool supplies become difficult to find in area stores. These include sanitizer, algaecide and pH-balancing chemicals.

• Clean the entire pool area. Ensuring the pool water and the surface of the pool is clean can make reopening the pool easy.

Vacuum the pool thoroughly, removing any debris and organic matter that can contribute to algae growth. Don’t forget to brush down the walls of the pool and clean the jets and area where the filter skimmer meets the pool. Pool walls have plenty of crevices where algae can hide and multiply.

• Test the water. Leading pool products manufacturer Hayward recommends adjusting the pH to between 7.2 and 7.8 to prevent stains, scaling and algae growth.

Alkalinity should be 80 to 125 ppm for plaster/gunite pools and 125 to 150 ppm for other pool types. Test the level of available chlorine, and super-chlorinate the pool to maintain a sanitation level of at least 4 ppm. Once the pool cover is on, the amount of chlorine that escapes due to sunlight and evaporation will decrease. An algaecide may be used, if desired, as well. In very cold climates, a pool-water antifreeze may be necessary. Check with your pool supply retailer for more information.

• Run the filter. Run the filter at least 24 hours before disassembling the filter for the season. This will help circulate any chemicals added through the water.

Charming, Cute & Comfortable

Wonderful Sierra Oaks

4111 Lusk Dr. $395,000

3390 Sierra Oaks Dr.

3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,257 Sq.Ft.

2-3 Beds, 3 Baths, 1,953 Sq.Ft.

Adorable East Sac

Charming High Water Bungalow

50 36th Way $548,000 3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1,240 Sq.Ft.

A-6

• Drain the pool’s water to the appropriate level. Water should fall just below the skimmer opening. Many pools do not need to be completely drained for the winter.

• Shut off the filter pump, heater and any other equipment. Let all water drain out and allow equipment to dry before storing them away. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for lubrication and covering. Install freeze plugs if you choose to use them.

• Adjust electricity settings. Turn off the circuit to outdoor outlets that feed the pool equipment, testing to make sure the power is off.

• Put accessories away. Remove any ladders, diving boards, slides, external drain lines, and other recreational materials from the pool, storing them in a garage or shed so they are not subjected to potentially harsh winter weather.

• Inflate air pillows to roughly 80 percent full if you will be using them. Gather your helpers to attach the pool cover or leaf catcher net. Secure it thoroughly with anchors, water bags, wire fasteners, or whatever method is applicable for the cover and pool type. Remember, a quality pool cover will last for several years and keep leaves, dust and other unwanted items out of the water.

Come early autumn, homeowners can begin closing their pools to keep them secure and clean until the next swimming season begins.

$825,000

1010 7th Ave $558,000 2 Beds, 2 Baths, Lovely Yard

Home & Garden • Fall 2018 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Blending Honesty, Trust, and Integrity with Accountability, Skill and Expertise.

Love i s i n the Air!

Be proactive and get your furnace „Tune-Up BEFORE you need it, and rest assured that it will be Safe and Reliable when you need it.

� Service & Repair � Tune-Ups � System Replacement � Ducting � Inspection � Whole House Fans

Call to schedule an appointment today! 916.714.1143

Who DOESNÊT want Love and Care for their home?

www.LoveandCareHVAC.com CSLB 1023861

FALL SPECIAL!

System Tune-Up ONLY $57* With coupon. One coupon per household. Generally cannot be combined with other offers Expires 10/31/18 VCN *Excludes Home Warranty Programs www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2018 • Home & Garden

A-7

Preparing your fireplace or stove for the season Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves not only can be beautiful focal points within a home, but they also provide an additional source of heat and can be used to keep rooms or entire homes comfortable without the need for additional and potentially costly heating sources.

Just like more modern home heating systems, stoves and fireplaces need to be maintained, and that maintenance includes readying them before winter when they are used more heavily. Ensuring a fireplace or stove is in good working order helps to guarantee efficiency of use and safety during the winter months.

Open-flame heating sources carry with them certain risks. The National Fire Protection Association states that, between 20092013, American fire departments responded to 56,000 home structure fires that involved heating equipment. The NFPA notes that the leading factor contributing to home-heating fires is a failure to keep things clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment.

The following are a handful of ways to stay safe as you get ready for another cozy season around the fire.

• Start with the chimney. Begin by having your chimney thoroughly cleaned and inspected. Creosote can build up inside of the chimney. Creosote is highly flammable and becomes more difficult and expensive to clean the longer it builds up inside your flue lining. In addition, animals may have created nest inside of the chimney since the last time the fireplace was used. A professional

A-8

chimney sweep should be hired in this situation. He or she will be able to effectively clean the chimney in a manner that is the least messy and disruptive to residents.

• Install or check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Operational alarms are

essential to preventing injury or death resulting from smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation. Such detectors are inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms

themselves should be changed every five to 10 years.

• Inspect the chimney from outdoors as well. Inspect the mortar around any bricks in the chimney and surrounding areas for cracks. If left unaddressed, these can cause dangerous fires. If there are serious cracks, a professional may need to make repairs or the chimney may need to be replaced.

You also can have the chimney capped with a screen to keep animals and debris from entering.

• Inspect the damper. A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly.

• Clear out flammable items. Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnishings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames.

• Order wood now. Be sure there is plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season.

By preparing for fireplace and wood stove use now, homeowners can ensure their winters are comfortable and safe.

Home & Garden • Fall 2018 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Household items that can be reused Complete these home improvements

“Reuse, reduce, recycle” is a mantra used by many eco-conscious men and women.

Reducing, reusing and recycling is not just a great way to conserve energy and natural resources, but also an effective means to saving money.

Men and women may not know it, but they likely have many items around the house that they can reuse and repurpose.

This can reduce the amount of trash sent to landfills and help conserve the resources used to manufacture new products. The following are some common household items that can be reused or repurposed.

• Containers: Glass jars and coffee cans are two examples of containers that don’t have to be discarded once the pasta sauce or coffee grains have been used up. Foodies who like to make their own sauces or spreads can repurpose old pasta sauce jars into storage for their homemade foods, such as marmalades, while coffee cans can be turned into storage for miscellaneous tools such as nails or screws. Parents of young children

can even turn old pasta jars into banks for their children, who may grow excited as they watch the jars gradually fill up with coins.

• Plastic milk jugs/water bottles: Gardeners can turn gallon milk jugs that would otherwise go into the recycling bin into watering cans for the plants in their gardens. Water bottles can be reused to water indoor plants.

• Takeout containers: The organization Ocean Conservancy notes that single-use plastics, including plastic takeout containers, are among the biggest threats to the world’s oceans. But plastic takeout containers need not be used once and discarded. Many such containers are microwaveand dishwasher-safe, meaning they can be reused over and over. Use such containers to store leftovers or as serving dishes when hosting less formal affairs at home.

• Toothbrushes: In lieu of discarding plastic toothbrushes once they’re no longer effective at cleaning teeth, men and women can repurpose them as cleaning utensils to use for hard-to-reach spots. Toothbrushes can be used to clean rims around toilets and to scrub grime between bathroom and kitchen sink fixtures.

Many inexpensive items people are accustomed to discarding can be reused and repurposed, which can help remove tons of garbage from landfills and reduce the amount of plastics that find their way into the world’s oceans.

over the weekend Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as homeowners channel the rejuvenating feelings of spring and tackle their home to-do lists. Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.

If time is of the essence, these weekend or one-day projects may satisfy homeowners’ desires to fix up their homes.

• Create an accent wall. Painting a focal wall in a home can create a serious impact. The bonus is it will not take as long or require as many materials as painting an entire room.

Accent walls frequently feature a bold color, so decide on placement and tackle this project in less than a day.

• Install stair runners. Dress up hardwood stairs with decorative carpet runners. Runners come in elongated pieces of carpeting or individual pieces that can be placed on each step. If carpeting doesn’t fit with the home’s design, painting individual stair treads also can create visual appeal.

• Dress up the entryway. An entryway is a guest’s first impression of a home. Many entryways can use a minor overhaul, both inside and outside. Paint the front door a different color so it pops from the curb.

Install a new mailbox or decorative house numbers. A new welcome mat can change the look as well. Inside, consider laying a new floor. Resilient vinyl tiles come in many different patterns and can mimic the look of wood, travertine or marble. Installing a floor

can take a day or two.

• Install a new faucet. Instantly improve a kitchen or a bathroom with new fixtures.

New faucets can provide aesthetic appeal and low-flow faucets can help conserve water.

• Create a gallery on the staircase. Gather and arrange framed photos, artwork or wall accents so that they ascend the wall of a staircase. This creates a designer touch and can dress up an often barren area of wall space.

• Install a fresh light fixture. Improve drab spaces with a little illumination. Better Homes & Gardens suggests replacing an existing fixture with something new and vibrant. If hanging a new fixture is not within one’s skill set, free-standing table or floor lamps also can cast a new glow on a space.

• Add molding. Molding can add instant aesthetic appeal to a room. Molding is appropriate near the floor, at the top of walls where they meet the ceiling, or even mid-wall as a chair rail. Some homeowners like to create framed molding on walls in formal living spaces.

• Update kitchen or bathroom hardware.

Replacing hardware is a fast and easy project, but one that can have immediate impact.

Swap out tired or outdated hardware for newer brushed metals and more impactful shapes and designs.

Home renovations do not need to take weeks or months. Many projects can be completed over the course of a weekend.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2018 • Home & Garden

A-9

Additions Kitchens Bathrooms

Lic.# 480492

* Room Additions * Kitchen Remodels * Bathroom Remodels * Custom Cabinets * Solar Power

Call us for a FREE consultation!

Welcome Fall with m o o r h t a b r o n e h c t i k a remodel by Lytle Construction

916-422-6639

w w w. l y t l e c o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m A-10

Home & Garden • Fall 2018 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Make Floors Shine Like New Also, resist the urge to use too much soap.

Soap can leave behind a residue that dulls the finish of the floor.

Vinegar-based solutions can work well on a wide variety of flooring types and help cut through any sticky residue left behind from cooking, cleaning and the activities of daily life. Many wood-flooring cleaners and polishes are oil-based to condition the wood in the process. Whenever making one’s own solution, test a small amount in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it will not damage the flooring.

Flooring should last for years. The online home improvement resource HomeAdvisor estimates that the average cost of a flooring project ranges from $357 for vinyl or linoleum flooring to $4,240 for wood flooring.

Homeowners investing in new flooring do not want to replace floors too frequently, and keeping floors looking like new takes effort and maintenance.

Sweep and clean Restoring shine to flooring involves making sure the floor is clean. Dirt and grime can diminish the color and look of flooring.

Homeowners are urged to use products designed for their particular flooring material, such as wood, laminate, stone, or vinyl.

Products oftentimes are not interchangeable.

Begin by thoroughly sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Clean along all surfaces of the floor, including under furniture where dust and dirt tends to accumulate. Use the hardfloor setting on a vacuum to avoid having the brush rolls scratch or damage the flooring. Laminate can scratch easily and hardwood flooring is not impervious to dings and scratches. Quite often a dry mop or a static-charged mopping cloth effectively picks up debris left behind on many flooring surfaces.

Although many commercial cleaners can clean flooring, homemade mopping solutions are sometimes just as effective. Keep

Protection

in mind that wood, laminate and vinyl should not be soaked in water. A little liquid can go a long way on these surfaces.

Get Rid of those Ugly Stumps

Water and other liquids can seep between laminate and wood boards, potentially contributing to swelling and damage over time.

Another way to prolong the life of flooring is to protect it from wear and tear. Removing shoes before walking indoors can help. Avoid high heels and athletic cleats, which can create divots in hardwood and some other types of flooring.

Place indoor and outdoor mats at the entrances of the home to catch any dirt that would be ground into the flooring. Furniture protectors will help prevent scratches from furniture feet while moving pieces around a room.

Remember to wipe up spills when they occur to prevent the formation of stains.

These steps can keep floors in top form and prevent premature aging or damage.

Floors that are in especially bad shape may need professional restoration or replacement.

20% OFF Any stump grinding service

OR

$50 OFF

Licensed & Insured 1201800036

Call or text NOW! (916) 837-6251

Any Service of $250 or more with this ad.

Cannot be combined with other discounts Exp 10/31/18 VCN

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Fall 2018 • Home & Garden

A-11