Home Construction and Remodeling Guide - Spring 2016

HOME CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING CUSTOM-BUILT HOMES TIPS FOR SMOOTH REMODELING PROJECTS CREATING A DREAM KITCHEN AND MUCH MORE

March 27, 2016

2 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Improve your home’s curb appeal ‌Whether it’s a potential buyer or simply a visitor, within seconds of seeing your home’s exterior, that first impression will be made. That’s why experts from home builders to real estate agents sing the praises of stellar curb appeal.

that looks like new. For old or rotting wood surfaces, consider replacing that deck or patio surface with composite deck boards like Evergrain Composite Decking. This compression-molded product creates the look of wood without painting or staining.

Finish beautifying patio spaces Revamp the roof‌ with a few extra touches that Your roof is an important el- warm the area. ement of the exterior design Depending on the space aesthetic. If a dingy old roof is killing your curb appeal, a style and color upgrade can breathe new life into your home’s facade.

The first step is to evaluate roofing options for style cohesion with your home’s existing siding. For a traditional look, try TAMKO’s Heritage shingle line with colors and tones that mimic what’s found in nature.

Some styles are manufactured to resemble wood shake for a classic upscale look at a lower cost. Visit www.tamko.com for facade inspiration.

parameters, the addition of a wicker chair, a few potted plants and a new welcome mat can make a world of difference in boosting curb appeal.

Love the landscaping‌

Overgrown plants, messy mulch and low-hanging tree branches can kill curb appeal fast. Take a look at your home from the street and notice

whether plants and landscape add a fresh layer of mulch to cut beds could use a tidy touch. down on weeds and provide a Deadhead flowers and pull plants freshly landscaped look.

Source: Brandpoint that are past season. Finally,

Add Life

to your Outdoor Living Space

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

Shake up shutters‌

Don’t be tempted to ignore your shutters. Much like how jewelry adds the perfect finishing touch to an outfit, stylish shutters in attractive hues can pull your home’s entire front exterior look together. Shutters provide a great opportunity to add a splash of color for a touch of personality to your home’s exterior without going overboard.

Pull shutters down and clean them up with soap and water before adding a fresh coat of paint.

Make sure to get enough paint so you can freshen your front door in the matching color as well for a coordinating look that can enhance curb appeal.

Pretty the patio‌

Front patios should convey an inviting appearance that complements the entryway. For dated and dirty concrete slabs, special paint can instantly provide an eye-catching focal point

matthiaslandscaping.com

319-226-6000

3170 Wagner Rd. | Waterloo, IA Design | Installation Retaining Walls | Sodding Brick Patios/Walks Plantings | Hydro-Seeding

3 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

New home features keep pace with active Boomers NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

‌Baby boomers, who were the largest American generation until the Millennials took over, are either retired or quickly nearing retirement age. Some features that home builders and remodelers are seeing as they begin to cater to the boomers include: Home offices: Some boomers are choosing to work past the age of 65. As they transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job, however, they want home offices for flexibility.

Tech/media centers: The tech-savvy boomer generation wants top-of-the-line amenities for their homes such as a media room with surround sound and central control systems, which manage all media sources in one location. The house may include

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

a wireless home network, remote control lighting and security features.

Wider doors and hallways: Designing a home that is livable now but can transition and be functional as the occupant ages

is important in ensuring that the home will be a good long-term investment. Wider doors and hallways are useful for moving larger furniture today, and will also be wheelchair accessible tomorrow.

Better lighting/bigger win-

dows: The need for more lighting usually increases as we grow older.

To accommodate this, builders are adding more windows and making them larger to let in more natural light. They are also adding more light fixtures in areas including under cabinets and in stairwells.

Multiple switches and dimmer controls are other options.

First-floor bedrooms and bathrooms: More than 40 percent of new homes have master suites downstairs, a 15 percent increase over a decade ago. Boomers not wishing to go up and down stairs with bad knees and aching backs have helped fuel this trend.

The bedrooms also are also larger, with more spacious walk-in closets and bathrooms that have a separate tub and shower and dual sinks.

Easy-to-maintain exteriors/

landscaping: Yard work, painting, and other landscaping chores may no longer be enjoyable to aging home owners. Those that choose to stay in their homes might make improvements to exterior surfaces such as installing stucco, brick or low-maintenance siding. Lawns are being replaced with living patios, decorative landscaping, or low-maintenance flower beds.

Flex space: What may have once started out as a guest bedroom can be redecorated to serve as a hobby room or library. This allows home owners to stay in their homes longer as it continues to serve their needs throughout life’s stages.

Consult a Certified Agingin-Place Specialist (CAPS) for remodeling and modification ideas.

Downsizing in your Future?

Consider a condo in the new Heritage Hills III in Cedar Falls!

AKA “BOOMERVILLE”

‐Only 8 New Condo Homes ‐Customizable Plans ‐Fully Accessible Living ‐Dual Bdrm Suites or 2‐3 Bdrms ‐3 Stall Garage ‐Walkouts

Call us to reserve yours today!

319‐553‐1457

Visit our Model Home @

319 Spruce Hills Dr. CF

FairbanksBuilders.com

4 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Custom-built homes stand out from crowd fitness rooms can be added to encourage healthy living; game rooms, theaters and even a bowling alley can be added for fun; and for comfort, breezy, screened-in porches or warm hearths can make your home feel welcoming.

In a world where there’s an app for everything, buyers are beginning to expect a custom home to do more and be “smart.”

Nowadays you can control many features in your home using a phone, controlling energy usage, security systems, lighting and even the music playing in each room.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

‌Custom builders create homes designed for each owner individually or from their own, private stock of designs. While production builders build communities by restricting design to a group of preselected home types lots they have picked and purchased themselves, custom builders tend to build on land owned by the customer and start fresh with each design.

Custom home trends‌

Concern for the environment is growing among U.S. households — and so are energy costs.

Because of this, many custom builders are embracing green building techniques. Features like solar panels, water-saving appliances, insulation to im-

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

Multigenerational living‌

prove heating efficiency and efficiency.

Multigenerational families the use of renewable or recycled Specialized amenities really often build homes that include building materials are all popular set custom homes apart. Yoga the traditional “mother-in-law techniques to improve a home’s studios, resistance pools and suite” or even feature a locked-

off living space within the home.

These apartment-style spaces can have their own kitchenette, full bathroom and living areas to provide a sense of privacy and independence.

Universal design‌

As the country grows older and many baby boomers look to retirement, Universal Design features are an ever-growing priority for many custom buyers and builders. UD is used to ensure that features like wider doors, lower countertops and fewer stairs are used to create a home that everyone can enjoy comfortably. An accessible home allows owners to age in place, prolonging their ability to stay in the house independently and can also increase home value.

N OTTINGHAM 3rd Addition

Large Residential Lots IF BUILDING, YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO LOOK AT THESE LOTS FIRST. It is off of south West 4th Street onto William Dr and south on Shelley Court.

Tracts C & D Owned and Controlled by the Homeowner's Association

For More Information, Contact:

RICK YOUNG REALTY

319-290-3476

5 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

10 tips for a smooth home remodel project NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

‌Follow these tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project.

1. Establish effective twoway communication with the home remodeler. It’s essential to have good communication for a smooth home remodeling project. Does he or she answer questions clearly and candidly? Can you reach him when you need to? Does he let you know when problems arise and work with you SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

Please see REMODEL, Page 10

Building your dream home doesn’t have to be difficult.

By Design and Collins Community Credit Union are here to give you peace of mind, helping you turn your dream house into a reality.

With a construction loan from Collins Community CU you can build your dream home on a secure financial foundation. We’ll partner with you to finance the lot, construction, and mortgage, saving you time and money. So, dare to dream; knowing your local home builder and credit union have you covered from the ground up.

Construction features*: • • • • •

Low rates and flexible terms Option to lock in interest rate at construction closing Extended interest rate lock options on fixed rate mortgages Float down rates available Up to 100% financing possible when you build with By Design**

NMLS #562330

*All loans subject to approval, terms and conditions may apply. Must be or become a CCCU member to obtain a loan. Applicants must meet credit and ability to repay requirements. **For qualified borrowers.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact our Cedar Falls Home Team at 319-266-6001.

6 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Organize garage with modular storage systems ‌You drive in and out of it nearly every day. Each time you mutter to yourself, “We’re space. Then shop for hooks, shelves and cabinets.

1. Start by cleaning out the garage. Haul out evreally got to organize this erything – yes, we mean everything – and start Numerous component systems are on the market mess.” sorting. Garden tools go there, auto repair tools that can be as basic or as elaborate as desired.

Let’s face it – garages can go there.

You get the idea.

Cabinets and drawers will help keep your garage be messy. Beyond a place to clutter-free and organized. park the car, today’s garage 2. Toss out broken tools, toys, worn-out sports often ends up as the dumping gear and those “handy” items you never use (and 6. Is your garage big enough to carve out space ground for things like garfrankly don’t remember ever buying). for a work bench, or maybe you’re envisioning a dening supplies, sports gears, 3. Thoroughly clean the garage floor. Decide if you man-cave vibe with a beverage fridge and a place to ladders, outdoor holiday decperch with pals to watch TV. Now’s the time to make want to jazz it up with a garage floor coating of orations and just plain stuff room for it. that doesn’t have another concrete stain, epoxy paint, a snap-together tile home. system or other option.

7. Go vertical by storing ladders, bicycles and It’s time to get organized, other items on wall hooks, slat walls and shelves.

4.

Give the walls a fresh coating of paint.

Be bold says Brandon Davis of with color – who says it has to look like a garage?

Christie Door Co. His com8. Recycle and be inventive in creating storage, pany is now selling and inrepurposing old file cabinets, extra-large, heavy5. Think about what you have to store, how you stalling organizing modules want to store it and what you’ll need for storage duty trash receptacles for garden tools, etc. and systems specifically for garages.

“People get the itch to or- them do that. There are lots there, but we looked for sys- and have good value for our ganize, and we want to help of cheaply made options out tems that are higher quality customers,” Davis explains.

8 garage storage organization tips

You can spend as little or as much as you can afford. Flow Wall systems make organizing easy with cabinets, racks and shelves, as well as wall organizers for hanging bikes and other gear. Christie also carries the industrial-strength Ulti-Mate system, chosen as the best-buy cabinet by Consumer Reports, and the Moduline collection, offering professional-grade cabinet systems and more value-oriented options.

“Garage storage systems make the most of the space and can make a garage an attractive place that won’t embarrass the homeowner,” Davis says.

Christie Door Co. can install the units or deliver the units for DIY installers.

Thinking of

Is your contractor a member of the home builders association

?

Contact our local Home Builders Association to see if your contractor is one of our valued members at hbaneiowa@yahoo.com or call (319) 233-0565

Here are our features builders for this month:

Travis Boyle President

Reed Hunemuller

Kyle Larson

Partner

Manager

Jeff Koch Owner

Concept to Creation

Harting & Hunemuller Contractors

LGC

Koch Construction Company

Our in-house design work sets us apart from the rest. We specialize in practical, functional, and efficient layouts. You’ll value our professional consultation which will guide you throughout your entire home building process, and as always, every effort will be made to make sure your home is “Built with care from Concept To Creation”.

27 years in business, our simple philosophy of ‘Build it right, build it to last, and keep the customer happy’ still holds true today. If it’s well built, we nailed it!

Why buy a house when you can make it your own for less? LGC has transformed the process of designing and building a completely custom home into a simple, affrdable and enjoyable experience. Our unique approach affords this opportunity at any price; and with no catch or any compromise. If you are thinking about building, there is Only LGC.

Members of the Home Builders Association for over 30 years. Delivering quality and customer satisfaction from the planning stages throughout the course of the work to the time of completion and far in to the future. Satisfaction… Today and Tomorrow Since 1980.

builtbyctc.com Cedar Falls

Bill Kugler Owner

hhcontractor.com 516 Bluff St., Cedar Falls

Wayne D. Magee President

onlylgc.com Cedar Falls

John Rooff President

kochconstruction.org 215 E. Main St., Cedar Falls

Brad Trees Owner

Kugler Construction

Magee Construction Company

Rooff Development

Trees Construction LLC

At Kugler Construction, we provide a high quality custom built home. We are not just building homes, but building relationships that will last for years to come. Kugler Construction is committed to providing your family a home that is Built by Family.

Built for You.

Our goal at Magee Construction Company is to ensure that you receive quality workmanship and close attention to detail from a staff that really listens to you. Make Magee Construction your partner on your next project.

We build and develop quality singlefamily and twin homes. Our superior local subcontractors are attentive to detail.

Multiple plans and styles of homes are ready for construction. We offer “Quality Within Your Means”.

At Trees Construction we strive for excellence in craftsmanship and great customer service.

Contact us for your next project - new construction, additions, remodels, commercial or ag buildings.

kuglerconstruction.com Waterloo

mageeconstruction.com 1705 Waterloo Rd., Cedar Falls

rooffdevelopment.com 1507 Commercial St., Waterloo

treesconstruction.co 5419 W. Bennington Rd, Cedar Falls

cedarvalleyhomebuilders.com

8 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Advice for surviving your remodel hold necessities like water and Determine who you and ers begin and end work at your your home be available to workers? electricity. Will you need to va- your remodeler should contact home?

Will you allow workers to Where can workers park ‌Consistent and open commu- cate the house at any time? for daily decisions or an af What are your expectations ter-hours emergency. nication between you and your near the jobsite? play their radios at a reasonable What times will work Will bathroom facilities in volume? remodeler will enhance your un- regarding clean up? derstanding of the project, provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, and ultimately help to make the experience a positive one for everyone involved. To facilitate this process, you need to: Determine who you and your remodeler should contact for daily decisions or an after-hours emergency. For example, your contact may be the lead carpenter for the job, while the remodeler’s contact could be your spouse.

Designate a backup for each contact person to assure continuity in anyone’s absence.

Create a place in your house where the contact persons can leave messages for each other.

Speak up. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the project, be sure to let the contact person know.

One way to ensure the success of your project is to plan for and actively participate in a pre-construction meeting. This allows your remodeler to clarify procedures and explain how the job will progress. It also offers both you and your remodeler an opportunity to prepare for those issues that may arise later. You should think of this meeting as a forum for all participants to define their expectations and agree JULIE MEYERS on the anticipated outcome.

OWNER/LEAD DESIGNER Issues to cover include: What areas of your home will be off limits to workers?

Does your house have an Cabinetry Countertops Flooring alarm system? Will workers need a key or will someone always be Lighting Furniture Accessories there?

Custom Window Treatments How will you ensure that your children and pets stay out “Make it Mike, A Name You Can Trust!” of the work space?

Waterloo: 319.232.0900 Does the remodeler anticipate any interruptions of utilCedar Falls: 319.277.1091 ities during the project? If so, Waverly: 319.352.4099 when and for how long? At certain stages of construction, the MikeFeredayHeating.com project may affect basic houseNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

Why Go Outside...

When it Feels so Good Inside?

Make It

Full Service Interior Design

221 E E. Bremer Avenue Waverly, Iowa 319.352.1379

www.design360online.com

9 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Create entertainment center to fit any budget

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

Designed by I Fromkin Interiors and captured by Peter Rymwid, the kitchen features maple cabinetry painted white, a honed black granite countertop and an island with under-counter cubbyhole wine storage and a glass-door wine refrigerator.

‌Entertaining at home? Whatever you’re planning — big bash or intimate soirée, cheery beer fest or elegant wine tasting — an inviting and accessible built-in bar featuring handsome hardwood cabinetry can help transform mundane household space into the life of the party. And once the festivities are over, all the accouterments such as glasses and silverware, not to mention wine, liquor and mixers, can be stored in those cabinets, either displayed behind glass or hidden by solid wood doors.

“Today, the term ‘built-in bar’ covers a variety of possible set ups,” says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com.

At its simplest, a bar may oc-

cupy the end of a kitchen island — nothing more than a short length of dedicated countertop above a neat grid of cubbyholes to store wine and a small fridge to cool it when necessary. Slightly more ambitious bars comprise a niche or doorless closet fitted with wood shelves and cabinets, a countertop and perhaps a faucet and sink.

Then there are more imposing affairs, the modern equivalent of a traditional butler’s pantry, fully plumbed stations where not only drinks, but also finger foods and hors d’oeuvres can be prepared and served. Finally, there are dedicated sit-down bars. Complete with stools, behind-counter serving space, and semi-professional equipment, these pull-upa-chair facilities have special requirements that take them beyond

our present consideration.

Of course, larger butler’s pantry-style built-in bars cannot be hidden. Ideally, they are located discreetly in transitional spaces between kitchens and adjacent dining or living rooms. But in today’s more open-plan houses, such built-in bars, often dubbed buffets, are likely to be in either the kitchen or living area itself — wall-spanning installations that are on full public view and should therefore look as elegant as pieces of fine hardwood furniture.

Functionality is as important as aesthetics. Fine hardwood cabinetry can also be used to conceal icemakers, refrigerators, bottle-cooling drawers, dishwashers and other unsightly appliances and equipment.

Source: Brandpoint

Magee is the Key

No project too big or too small, give us a call!

After

(319) 277-0100 After

During New Home Construction | Insurance Restoration | New Commercial Construction Remodeling & Additions | Driveways | Patios | Office Remodeling | Outdoor Living Roofing | Industrial Services | Windows | Doors | Decks Before

1705 Waterloo Road | Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613

Before

10 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

Remodel From 5

on solving them?

2. Make sure you are compatible with the contractor.

It’s important to have a good rapport and trust in him or her.

3. Set a clear and mutual understanding about the schedule. Agree on the schedule upfront to avoid conflict and problems later in the project.

4. Request a written proposal. Get the proposal in writing and work with the remodeler to ensure it reflects your wishes.

5. Get a clear and mutual understanding on miscellaneous details up front.

There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts. What times of day will they be working?

How will he or she access the property? How will cleanup be handled?

6. Remember to be flexible. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life.

Being flexible means you can handle the unexpected.

7. Discuss and agree on how change orders will be handled. With home remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or other project details during the job.

Before work starts, make sure you agree with your remodeler about how these changes will be handled. Also understand that changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it’s important you have all changes in writing.

8. Agree on a well-written contract that covers all the bases. The contract should include these elements: a timetable for the project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien releases, provisions for con-

HOME IMPROVEMENT

flict resolution, notice of your right under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place of business), and details on the important issues (such as access to your home, care of the

home, cleanup and trash removal).

9. Ask for a written lien waiver from the home remodeler upon completion of the work. If the remodeler hires subcontractors for portions of the work, then it is their responsibility to see the subcontractors compen-

sated. In order to ensure this has been done and to protect yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the work is finished. This document will verify everyone has been paid.

10. Establish a project plan, covering all phases and dependencies in the work. Plan your big picture

goals with the remodeler and discuss your needs. Hire a remodeler who will plan with you, listen to concerns and answer questions.

Source: From How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler by Tom Higgins, Superior Products Home Improvement, Littleton, Colo.

It’s time for a

Home Makeover Design-Build New homes, Additions, Remodeling.

After

Before

After

Before

Mark Schleisman, LLC Contractor

319-404-4091

11 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

5 qualities of an expert contractor ‌Are you one of the more than 3 million people planning to renovate your kitchen or bathroom this year? Or perhaps you’re adding on a room or finishing your basement. When making such a significant investment, you want to make sure you’re getting a reputable and dependable professional so your project doesn’t become another horror story. It’s important to do your research, read reviews and check references before you put your home in the hands of someone else.

Look for these qualities: 1. Focus: Professional: Puts clients first and will work with you to make sure your goals are feasible and that the project can get done on time and on budget. Treats customers, their

families and their homes with respect.

Amateur: Focuses on finishing the job as quickly as possible, with little regard for your family’s personal needs and schedule.

2. Livability: Professional: Wellequipped to deal with the No. 1 threat to livable remodeling — dirt and dust. Protects you and your family from annoying and potentially dangerous air particles by using the most effective tools and processes for dust elimination, such as the BuildClean Dust Control System.

Amateur: Doesn’t have a proactive strategy to manage indoor air quality and jobsite dust.

3. Ethical:

Professional: Proactively addresses challenges head-on, immediately notifying you of an unexpected issue.

Amateur: Ignores problems uncovered during the project in order to keep it moving. Leaves behind things like hidden mold, leaky pipes or structural issues, putting the health and safety of your family at risk.

4. Risk: Professional: has a license, certifications and insurance.

Obtains all necessary permits, protecting you against unsafe work and legal issues. Guarantees their work.

Amateur: Unaware of — or doesn’t care about — building codes, required permits and health and safety regulations.

Leaves you liable for any im-

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

proper work, mistakes and in a potentially dangerous situation.

5. Value: Professional: Communicates with you to establish an estimate and negotiate a fair contract and payment schedule.

PA R A D E

2016

Amateur: Underbids a project by thousands of dollars and is likely to cut corners to meet the budget or overwhelm you with costly change orders.

For more information on selecting a professional contractor, visit: livableremodeling. com.

O F

HOMES Cedar Valley Home Showcase Dates & Times August 25 | 6-9 Pm August 26 | 6-9 Pm

August 27 | 1-4 Pm August 28 | 1-4 Pm

CedarValleyParadeOFHOmeS.COm Watch atch for the Showcase Guide on

Sunday, auguSt 14

12 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Retaining walls improve outdoor space ‌When you picture a retaining wall, do you imagine it holding back dirt? That’s the most common use for retaining walls — to address elevation changes and prevent erosion. But concrete segmental retaining wall (SRW) units are multi-purpose landscaping tools with many more uses.

Site planners, engineers, landscape architects, designers, developers and builders have long relied on SRWs to manage sloping properties, provide more usable space, or create stadium seating. Homeowners, too, have discovered retaining walls can be used to create functional outdoor features.

Most SRWs are easy to install, which is an important consideration for both landscape professionals and do-it-yourselfers,

around a patio and fire pit for fall evenings.

Raised patios built with retaining wall units are a low maintenance option to replace aging wooden decks that require continual maintenance.

Where the yard meets the driveway, retaining walls can be installed as a barrier to protect the lawn from damage caused by tire tracks, plowing or deicing. A tiered arrangement that addresses a slope in the yard adds space for plants and shrubs.

Freestanding walls are often built along property lines on corner lots to prevent unwanted traffic from cutting across the yard.

Columns created using retaining wall units can be paired with any style home, from classic to contemporary, to add curb ap-

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

Arnold said. With retaining wall systems, homeowners and landscapers can create freestanding walls, seat walls, grill islands, outdoor kitchens, columns, stairs, planters and other features without the need for special units.

While commercial installers often use SRW units for am-

phitheater and stadium seating, retaining walls can also be used to create beautiful and durable outdoor seating on a smaller scale, from freestanding walls that double as seating, to twotiered seat walls. VERSA-LOK SRWs can be used to easily create a curved “couch” seating area that works well as a solution

peal. When the front entryway is freshened up with seat walls and other features, the space functions like an old-fashioned porch for visiting and other outdoor activities.

Tree rings and planters built with retaining wall units create a tidy solution around hardto-maintain areas, such as shallow-rooted trees and other problem spots. Planters and tree rings can function as usable space for perennials, annuals, vegetables and herbs. SRWs such as VERSA-LOK can be used to create planter walls up to 4-feet tall without the need for geogrid reinforcement. VERSA-Green, a plantable wall system that mimics a hanging garden, provides a stunning living wall solution.

Source: Brandpoint

If You Can Dream It… We Can Make It We Offer:

Carpet, porcelain, ceramic, and luxury vinyl tile, Carpet by Shaw & Mohawk, Fishsticks custom line of wood flooring, pre-finished & engineered wood flooring, laminate, snap lock wood flooring, and more!

Baseboards - Casing - Custom Line of Moldings with a Builder Grade - Doors by Trustile and Timbergate - Stairs & Railings - Tables - Bar Tops - Wall & Ceiling Panels - Countertops - Mantels - Large Wood Slabs

Free Professional In-Home Design Consultation!

Ben Fisher - owner 319-415-0282 benf@fishsticks.biz Ray Phelps - Sales Manager 319-505-4011 rayp@fishsticks.biz

ShoP: 7910 Winslow Road Janesville, IA

www.fishsticks.biz

ShoWRooM: 1925 Center Street Cedar Falls, IA

13 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Some kitchen design trends are timeless ‌Some kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become timeless style statements — and enhance your kitchen with a look you’ll love as much in a decade as you do the first moment you see it.

Those are the trends homeowners should watch for this year and incorporate into their kitchen upgrade plans, says stylist and designer Emily Henderson, season five winner of HGTV’s “Design Star.” Given nearly nine in 10 homeowners plan to renovate their homes in the near future with half of them planning to do so within the next year, according to a survey by LG Electronics, being armed with the right information will help make those renovations a success.

“Timeless design has an enduring aesthetic that seamlessly complements a range of infinite kitchen styles and colors,” Henderson notes. “They create looks and enhance functionality in ways that will pay off for homeowners for years to come.”

Henderson points to five design trends to watch:

Open it up‌

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

elegance in modern kitchens.

“It’s hard to imagine improving on such near-perfection, but LG Electronics’ new Black Stainless Steel Series of appliances have done just that,” Henderson says.

The new finish from LG adds luster and warmth to the satin-smooth finish and durability of traditional stainless steel. The effect is warm and sophisticated, meshing perfectly with a range of kitchen design styles and colors. “It only helps that the finish is smudge-resistant, which is perfect for a mom like me who likes to keep things clean and pretty, especially with little ones around,” Henderson notes.

Areas that seem small or cramped have never been a staple in homes. Look for design enhancements that create a more open atmosphere, like open shelving or glass-front cabinets, which appear contemporary, sleek and functional. Open storage encourages organization, cuts clutter and eliminates chaos since the contents are always on display. They also provide a great Personality plus‌ way for homeowners to display Modern designs and the sheer their pretty dishware, Hender- number of home décor prodson notes. ucts make it easier than ever to personalize virtually any design Stainless steel revamp‌ theme. You can add a dash of Stainless steel appliances your personality to your kitchen have long been the standard of decor in many ways. Use deco-

rative accents on counters and focus on underscoring a theme you love in the rest of the house, for instance. A lived-in look with touches of style adds life to the space. “I love vintage salt and pepper shakers, brass or wooden utensils, glass canisters, wooden bowls, enamel pots and even vintage cookbooks,” Henderson says.

“You can find so many ways to add personal flair to a design, and it’s a sensibility that will never go out of style.”

Contrast is good‌

Some combinations will always be on trend, and Henderson predicts more of them will be showing up in kitchen design in 2016.

“Black and white, metallics like brass, gold or copper paired with natural and wooden touches — these combos will never tire,” she says. “They can be used alone or in combination with other elements. You really can’t go wrong with any of them.”

14 | Sunday, March 27, 2016

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Choosing right window for kitchen or bath

BRANDPOINT PHOTO‌

‌Kitchens and bathrooms are not only two of the most highly used rooms in your home, they’re also two of the most popular rooms to renovate, according to home style experts and Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report.

With any kitchen or bath renovation, there are many aspects to consider — cabinets, counters, floors, etc. And whether you’re making small updates or completely gutting the room, make sure to include window replacement in your list of must-haves.

1. Choose a window style with function in mind.

Kitchen windows are often placed above counters or sinks, while bathroom windows tend to be located above tubs, beside showers or above bathroom

counters. The placement of these windows can sometimes make them hard to reach, so choosing a window style that’s easy to open and close is a must.

Sliding windows or casement windows — which crank open and closed — are good options for hard-to-reach areas like above a counter or sink.

Ventilation is another key consideration for kitchens and bathrooms. A properly placed window can help decrease the amount of heat and moisture retained from cooking or showering. Awning windows, which can be pulled in or pushed out, are a good option for ventilation, and perform best when placed close to the ceiling or above eye level.

2. Select a window material

that fits your needs.

Kitchens and baths require windows that are easy to clean and can withstand moisture, so materials like vinyl or fiberglass are ideal.

Fiberglass windows can withstand extreme heat and cold, are energy-efficient and can have the quality look of painted wood.

Vinyl windows are easy to care for and don’t require additional painting or staining.

However, if wood is a better fit for the style of your home, make sure to select a finish that will hold up against stains and moisture, and be prepared to do a little more cleaning and upkeep.

3. Consider additional features and options.

If you want to maintain privacy while maximizing natural

light in the bathroom, choose a window with obscure or opaque glass.

Or, you can streamline the look and function of your kitchen or bath with between-the-glass cordless blinds or shades, which minimize allergens and eliminate clutter.

Take it one step further and motorize the blinds or shades.

Controlled via a remote or home automation system, the blinds or shades can customize the level of light in the bathroom or kitchen.

Pella’s Insynctive technology is just one example of motorized blinds and shades.

Visit Pella Windows and Doors on Pinterest or Houzz for design inspiration, or visit Pella.com to begin designing your new windows.

Home loans made easy and affordable.

NO

100% FINANCING

*

available

ORIGINATION

FEES

Our mortgage loans can save you money, whether you’re purchasing a home or refinancing one.

Apply now 319.236.6715

veridiancu.org/homeloan

veridiancu.org/locations

*Loans subject to membership and approval. Rates, terms and conditions subject to change and may vary based on qualifications, including creditworthiness, loan-to-value ratio and collateral conditions. Not available in all states.

BUSINESS OF THE MONTH Brought to you by Pella Windows & Doors

For a free quote call WATERLOO 319.988.4200

WINDOWS & DOORS

10% OFF • Remodels • Windows • Doors

• New Construction • Replacement

Bring this in and receive 10% off*

Doors & Windows For a free quote call

WATERLOO (319) 988.4200

*Some restrictions apply. See store for complete details. Can not combine with any other offers. *must be presented at initial time of offer

Viewed To Be

The Best