Fall Home improvement September 2019 • West Central Tribune
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D2 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D3
Smart house technology growing in popularity Local appliance center manager and an electrician talk about trends in technology
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By Shelby Lindrud slindrud@wctrib.com
ILLMAR — Wireless internet seems to run everything nowadays, from cellphones and computers to refrigerators and doorbells. With a swipe of a touchscreen or a press of a button homeowners can turn on their lights, start the dishwasher and even pre-heat the oven before leaving the office. “Smart house technology can provide conveniences, energy efficiency and security,” said electrician Ryan Buer, owner of Ryan Buer Electric LLC of rural Atwater. At Willmar Home and Appliance Center, more and more brands are
getting into the smart-tech business. “It is getting more prevalent with the brands,” store manager Mike Duke said. What a smart appliance can do is pretty impressive. A range on the market can help cook a roast to perfection with the use of a smartphone. “You can scan the product you are going to consume and it (the range) pre-loads the correct cooking setting,” Duke said. The cook just needs to scan either a QR code or UPC on the food’s packaging. Duke said the appliance companies are working with the food industry to increase the number of products that can use this setting.
SMART HOUSE: Page D4
Shelby Lindrud / West Central Tribune
WiFi buttons are becoming more and more common on appliances.
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Mike Duke, store manager at Willmar Appliance and Home Center, explains the smart technology in a high-end washer and dryer combo. Appliances continue to grow smarter as brands add more technology to them.
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D4 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Shelby Lindrud / West Central Tribune
Ryan Buer keeps an eye on the cameras he recently hooked up at a home in Willmar. Cameras are just one of the growing areas of smart home technology.
SMART HOUSE From Page D3
Washers and dryers with smart technology can help choose the best wash setting for delicates or sense
whether the clothes just need a few more minutes in the dryer. “It won’t let you forget to unload your washer,” Duke said. Everything from microwaves to televisions and even grills are getting in on smart technology.
“Now, pretty much every television is smart and 4K,” Duke said. For the griller, there are probes that read a meat’s internal temperature and then send a message to a cellphone, to make sure the meat doesn’t burn. “Weber is always working on
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updating. They always have things in the pipeline,” Duke said. While most smart house technology is very user friendly and can be set up easily by do-it-yourselfers, Buer said the difficulties can be having the infrastructure in the house.
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D5 “The challenging part can be to get power from an outlet to the device,” Buer said. “For aesthetics, you don’t want a cord running down your house.” The number of property owners interested in smart technology at home is growing, including security cameras and video doorbells. Such equipment can help parents keep an eye on kids at home or open a door or garage for someone. “I’m starting to put more of it in my house. We are seeing more people become interested in that,” Buer said. For the most part, a home doesn’t need super fast internet speeds to use smart house technology. Appliances use very little, most just for data transfer, Duke said. Products like cameras might take a bit more speed, since they’re streaming video. “Your internet can definitely play a role,” Buer said, adding rural areas might have more high-speed internet issues than cities. Both Buer and Duke said it is mostly the younger generation leading the push for smart house technology, whether its security cameras or a new stove. “It is picking up steam, especially with the younger generations,’ Duke said. That being said, so far people aren’t
coming into the store with smart technology as its number one priority. Appliances with smart technology are usually the top of the line, so the smart tech is a bonus, he said. “It is pretty well received with the customers,” Duke said. And if people don’t want to use the smart tech, or it malfunctions, everything else will still operate. “You still can always use the manual controls. It still works 100 percent. It is not dependent on the Wi-Fi,” Duke said. Duke expects as prices come down and more people begin looking for smart tech, more appliance models will start offering it at a wider range of prices. “I think the smart features will be across models,” Duke said. “With technology and the way things go, it is inevitable it will trickle down.” As smart technology continues to grow and improve, consumers will want it to do more and more. Buer said consumers can personalize a system to fit their own needs. However, as of right now, you still have to load your own dishwasher. “They haven’t invented that yet,” Duke said. “I think that technology is going to be a little expensive.”
Shelby Lindrud / West Central Tribune
New smart ranges help consumers cook their food at the right settings.
Shelby Lindrud / West Central Tribune
Video doorbells allow residents to keep The vast majority of televisions today are smart TVs, with internet access and an eye on just who is asking to come in, streaming capabilities. even if no one is home. Shelby Lindrud / West Central Tribune
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D6 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
5 smart home upgrades that will pay off later W
hether you want to make the most of your home now, or you’re thinking of selling soon, smart upgrades can boost your enjoyment of your home and increase its resale value. Some upgrades improve the aesthetics of your house, while others help save on energy costs or improve the functionality of the home. Still others can add a touch of luxury.
Brandpoint
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D7 and can help decrease energy costs. The front door is an obvious place to start. You’’ll want to consider your local climate and its needs, such as good weather-stripping to keep out the cold or sturdy screen doors to keep out bugs. Garage doors are also a great choice for updating, especially if they are large and highly visible. An upscale garage door is built from highly durable materials and looks as good as it functions. For any door facing the curb, including the garage door, choose a color and style that matches the overall look of your home, and that will last many years, through a variety of weather conditions.
Cleansing seats
Haven’t you always wanted a toilet with a heated seat, plus warm-water cleansing and warm-air drying, operated by remote control? How about an automatic LED light to help you see in the dark? You can elevate your daily routine with a Kohler Cleansing Seat, designed to fit most toilets. The seats are ergonomically designed, and will complement a range of decors. The Cleansing Seat also offers carbon filters to help keep the space fresh, and the wand that sprays water is selfcleaning. The flush and lid are both
Why not consider smart upgrades for right now, instead of waiting until you’re ready to sell? You can certainly appreciate the upgrades now, while confident that they will pay off later. Here are some ideas.
Timeless hardwood floors Designers and real estate agents agree that installing or refinishing a hardwood floor can boost not only the look of a room, but will make the room easier to design around – and to sell. Most homebuyers look at replacing aging carpeting in a new home, to refresh and put their own stamp on rooms. Hardwood floors have long been coveted by real estate agents and luxury homeowners alike, as they provide a blank canvas to work with, allowing new homebuyers to choose area rugs and accents to create their own design aesthetic.
motion-activated. This toilet upgrade with customizable amenities will make you feel like you’’re at a spa or luxury hotel. Then you may wonder how you ever lived without it.
Beautiful outdoor living space
Everyone today is looking for ways to spend time outdoors comfortably – whether this means a deck, patio or gazebo. If you have a functional area outdoors, consider improvements – is the space big enough? Could you add privacy fencing or shade? Do you want a better cooking area or fire pit for entertaining? If you don’t currently have a usable outdoor space, look at your property as a whole and consider what makes sense for the space and your lifestyle. You could consult a professional to help you design a more beautiful and comfortable outdoor space. Making smart choices about home upgrades means planning for the longterm life of the house, and improving the enjoyment and functionality of your home right now. With so many possibilities, consider what upgrades would add the most benefit for your everyday routine. Brandpoint
Energy-efficient windows
This is one of the smartest upgrades you can make, as it improves the aesthetic from the outside (that allimportant “curb appeal”), enhances your enjoyment of rooms from the inside and reduces energy costs. Advances in technology behind highperformance window glass have made a huge difference in terms of the amount of insulation and energy-efficiency they provide. Low-emissivity coatings on glass help control heat transfer through windows that have insulated glazing. In addition, the latest window frames – from metal or fiberglass to vinyl – offer superior insulation and long-lasting performance over standard wooden frames. Installing the best new windows for any room, or the entire house, offers an outstanding return on investment.
New doors
Like windows, doors also present a face to potential buyers from the curb,
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D8 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Fact or Fiction 5 metal roofing myths
MetalWorks steel shingles by TAMKO
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sphalt shingles may be the most popular roofing in the U.S. by volume, but metal roofing is gaining in popularity for its durability, longevity and low-maintenance benefits. Still, many people unfamiliar with the product have misconceptions about this quality roofing option.
Myth #1: Metal roofs are loud
One of the biggest misconceptions of metal roofs is that they are loud during a rainstorm and unbearable during severe weather, making sounds like repeatedly dropping objects on tin. In reality, residential metal roofs are fastened to the roof deck, not open rafters. Metal roofs can be applied over multiple layers of old asphalt shingles, so the sound insulation between the metal shingles and your ears could reduce the noise to potentially less than more traditional forms of roofing.
Myth #2: Metal roofs attract lightning
The Metal Construction Association has released several technical bulletins outlining research that shows metal roofs are no more likely to be struck by lightning than other types of roofing. The factors that do affect lightning strikes include topography of the surrounding area, the height and size of the building and the frequency and severity of storms in the area. “Research shows that the material used in roof construction does not influence the risk of a lightning strike,” says Karl Hielscher, MCA’s executive director, in a press release. “In fact, the presence of a metal roof really shouldn’t statistically increase or decrease the chances of a lightning strike. There are many other factors that influence the actual chance of a lightning strike.”
Myth #3: Metal roofs are ugly
Metal roofs have traditionally been associated with industrial buildings or outbuildings like sheds and barns. But as metal roofing’s popularity has grown, so has the technology to make it an excellent choice for residential structures. Manufacturers have gone from standing seam metal roofs to creating metal shingles in a variety of colors that would make an attractive covering for any home. Some metal shingles are stamped and shaped to look like other types of roofing, like wood shake, stone slate and clay tile, such as the MetalWorks steel shingle produced by major roofing manufacturer TAMKO Building Products.
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D9
Myth #4: Metal roofs can’t handle hail Metal roofs are actually among the most resilient roofing options when it comes to hail. Many metal shingles are rated Class 4 for Impact Resistance by the UL testing group. The Metal Roofing Alliance reported that studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety acknowledged that all roof types can sustain some cosmetic damage depending on hailstorm severity, but “metal roofing performed best and was much less likely to puncture as compared to asphalt, withstanding even golf ball-sized hail stones without compromising performance.” Metal roofs also stand up well to other types of extreme weather. Metal shingles are often rated to withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour, and are rated for fire resistance.
Myth #5: Metal roofs aren’t energy efficient Because metal in other uses is a good conductor of heat and cold, some homeowners are concerned a metal roof will cause their homes to be colder during winter and hotter in the summer. Besides the comfort factor, the increased utility costs associated with that misconception cause major concern. The reality is, according to the MRA, metal roofing boasts some of the best energy efficiency among roofing options. State Farm Insurance Company reported that metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10-15 percent. “Unlike asphalt shingles, the secret to metal roofing’s energy efficiency is its highly-reflective surface, regardless of color,” said Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as TAMKO’s field sales training manager. “This means, in our case, all of the MetalWorks colors are ENERGY STARcertified and are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council – even the darkest color options.” The Metal Roofing Alliance reports that metal roofs also provide excellent insulation in the winter, and estimates that choosing metal could save up to 40% in energy costs for a home during the year. The Metal Construction Association also said metal roofs are considered a product of choice for snowy areas because of their superior response and tolerance to that environment. Brandpoint
MetalWorks steel shingles by TAMKO
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D10 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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7 uses for fallen leaves
y 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 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.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D11
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Basement remodeling tips
basement remodeling project can add valuable and usable space to a home. For many years, homeowners overlooked the potential of a basement remodel, perhaps thinking it would not be a smart return on investment. But that’s no longer the case. The latest “Cost vs. Value” report from Remodeling magazine says the average basement remodel can cost around $61,000 with a 70.3 percent recoup rate. In addition, HGTV says architects and contractors indicate the cost of redoing a basement is roughly one-third to one-half less than the price of putting an addition on a home. Before remodeling a basement, homeowners should think about how they want to use the space. Homeowners also must focus on some potential obstacles in a basement that will need to be addressed so that the area can be as functional as possible. Basements can be chilly and damp. That means moisture issues and heating and cooling needs must be addressed prior to any construction. Homeowners may have to consider the installation of a dehumidifier and run venting through the basement to allow for proper climate control. If a basement takes on water, either through the walls or a concrete slab, a professional waterproofing company can come in and fix these issues so they will not damage drywall and flooring afterwards. The presence of insects and pests also must be addressed. Exterminators can help homeowners figure out which insects are in their basements and how to make the space less hospitable to these unwelcome guests so that the room will become comfortable for human occupants. Space is often at a premium in basements, which may contain HVAC units, water heaters, filtration devices, ductwork, pipes, and the other appliances. Qualified contractors can suggest solutions for cordoning off appliances and camouflaging pipes and wires so they won’t detract from the finished product. However, building access panels into the design will make it easier to service or repair features as necessary. Homeowners also may want to wrap pipes before drywall is
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Certain structural and other issues should be addressed prior to a basement remodel. installed to quiet noisy drainage pipes. Uneven basement flooring will need to be smoothed out and flattened before carpeting or tile can be laid down. A self-leveling underlayment can be applied to fill in gullies, while larger crack and holes will need to be patched. Once the structure of the basement is addressed, then the design work can begin. Many professionals advise against drop ceilings, which can take away from ceiling height and look cheap. Basements can be dark, so the addition of plenty of lighting can help brighten the room. Small basement windows can be replaced with larger ones to add more light as well. Homeowners can mimic builtins and architectural details from elsewhere in the home so the basement is aesthetically cohesive and doesn’t seem like an addition. Bookcases and shelving can add valuable storage space as well. Decorate the basement with bright, neutral colors so they make the space feel more inviting. With some effort and financial investment, basements can be as beautiful and functional as other rooms in a home. MetroCreatives
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D12 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
5 household cleaning hacks using essential oils
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rom cleaners and sprays to air fresheners and more, essential oils are making their way into the mainstream as commonplace, common sense household solutions. It’s no surprise then that the market for essential oils is anticipated to grow significantly (more than 9%) over the next several years, according to Grand View Research. More households are catching onto the fact that these beneficial plant-based ingredients have a range of cleaning and home care uses. To get in on the trend, consider these cool home care uses for essential oils: Wipe Surfaces: Creating your own cleaning supplies can make chores a little easier on the eyes, nose and throat. The good news is that certain essential oils, like tea tree and lemon oil can help fight dirt and grime, as well as kill bacteria and viruses, making them an excellent addition to homemade cleaning solutions and wipes. Banish Bugs: Most traditional home insecticide products use the same active ingredients initially developed almost 50 years ago. Interestingly, the right mix of essential oils can also be highly lethal to bugs. Familiar ingredients such as lemongrass oil and geraniol in Zevo Instant Action Sprays target nerve receptors active only in insects, not people or pets. “Zevo bug sprays are effective because they target insects’ unique biology with a blend of effective
essential oils, setting them apart from traditional insecticide sprays,” says John Scarchilli of Procter & Gamble Ventures, which sell Zevo online and at select Target and The Home Depot stores. Bust Fridge Odors: Even if you regularly rid your fridge of old items and wipe down its surfaces, combatting fridge odor can be a losing battle, as the plastic components tend to absorb odors over time. Make that box of baking soda that you have in your refrigerator work a bit harder. To go beyond simply neutralizing odors, add a few drops of essential lemon oil to it for a crisp, fresh scent. Revive Fabrics: Take a natural approach to fresh-smelling fabrics. Create your own spray by combining baking soda, distilled water and a touch of your favorite essential oils. Use the formula on linens, upholsteries, window treatments or any other fabrics around your home in need of a scent boost. Create Calm: You don’t have to do a full hygge-inspired renovation project to promote a peaceful atmosphere in your home’s spaces. With just a diffuser and such essential oils as lavender and bergamot, you can fill a room with a calming scent. For clean, healthy, bug-free spaces, consider introducing essential oils into your home’s supply kit. A small but mighty dose can go a long way. StatePoint
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D13
Prepare your deck for winter
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omeowners often take steps to winterize the interior of their homes in the weeks before winter’s arrival, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well. Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the temperatures climb and the sun sets well into the evening. But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather. ► Inspect the deck for problems. Decks tend to be used more often in summer than any other time of year. That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer. Damaged boards and loose handrails should be fixed before winter arrives, especially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter. Fixing such issues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck. ► Clear the deck of potted plants. Even homeowners who intend to use their decks in winter should remove potted plants from the deck in the
fall. The home improvement experts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containers in cold weather, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay. ► Store unnecessary furniture. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter. But those with lots of furniture for entertaining guests can likely move the majority of that furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will prevent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from inconsistent weathering. ► Remove snow, but do so carefully. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can damage a deck. As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumulation is significant. HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck. Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring. MetroCreatives
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“I can’t just throw this stuff away?”
Kandiyohi County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is a regional collection facility. We help residents properly dispose of items that contain toxic and potentially hazardous ingredients...household products used to clean, maintain and protect your home and car. We Accept Free of Charge: Cleaners, paints, stains, varnishes, pesticides, oils, acids, rechargeable batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.*
Visit us at recyclekandiyohi.com
D14 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Reasons to hire an interior designer
Savoie Interior Design Deanna Savoie
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removed. Plus, an interior designer can help homeowners stay on budget. Designers also can serve as liaisons for clients who have difficulty communicating with builders and architects. Designers are trained to think about things that homeowners tend to overlook, such as placement of lighting, outlets and room flow. He or she also likely has contacts within the industry that can be utilized, saving even more time and money. A good designer can be worth the investment. The end results will be an interior that homeowners will be proud to call home.
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ow many times have you sat on the sofa pouring over a home magazine wishing your rooms could be ripped from its pages? Some people are gifted with a natural talent to impart a space with perfectly balanced colors and schemes that fit with one’s lifestyle and design preferences. Others are not as equipped. But that doesn’t mean design has to suffer. An interior designer with knowledge and resources who’s in your corner can make all the difference. Many people are hesitant to bring in professional designers because of cost. But contrary to popular belief, working with an interior decorator is not something reserved for the rich and famous. Designers actually can save homeowners money in the long run. A good designer will choose the right amount of high-quality elements that will be durable and timeless. This means less money will ultimately be spent on replacing cheap materials or redesigning rooms that have gone out of style. According to the design experts at Homepolish, utilizing a designer to transform a space can create rooms that are more in tune and balanced with homeowners’ needs, helping to improve mood and functionality. That can extend to other areas of a person’s life and well-being. Putting the task of designing a home’s interior in someone else’s hands frees up time to focus on other projects as well. Designers can look at a space with a careful eye and not be influenced by items that have sentimental attachment. He or she can help decide if anything should be repurposed or
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D15
What to know before replacing home windows
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s with any home upgrade, a little research can help ensure a topquality installation with the best materials on the market. Here are the most important factors to consider before purchasing replacement windows: Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient windows can keep utility bills in-check while helping manage climate control. Seek out the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates a product is energy efficient according to standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Numbers don’t lie so be sure to also check the National Fenestration Rating Council Label to compare performance between energy-efficient windows in the following categories: U-Factor (how well the window retains heat), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (how well it resists unwanted heat gain), Visible Transmittance (how well it lets in natural light), Air Infiltration (how
drafty the window is), and Condensation Resistance (how well it resists inside surface condensation). Test Specifications: All windows on the market are tested for their structural integrity, as well as their resistance to air and water. Investigating these ratings is important, particularly in regions that see wicked weather. Insulation: For maximum energy efficiency and comfort, look for new technologies such as Neopor insulation and INNERGY thermal reinforcements that deliver high-performance and meet ENERGY STAR certification standards. Windows offered by ProVia, for example, include these features and are tested against the most stringent requirements for air and water infiltration, wind load resistance, ease of operation, forced entry and more. Material: Windows are available in such materials as vinyl, wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Understanding the benefits of each can
help you arrive at the right decision for your home, priorities and budget, and new options even mix materials, combining different advantages into one product. Warranty Availability: Replacement Windows can cost thousands of dollars and should last a long time, so consider protecting your investment by opting for windows that come with a comprehensive lifetime warranty that’s transferable to the next homeowner. This can potentially increase your home’s value should you put it on the market. Style: The style of your new windows can complement the architectural features of your home, provide visual interest and boost curb appeal. Using online design resources and visualizer tools can help you see how particular hardware finishes, colors, add-ons, finishing options and accessories will look on your home. Recognition: Third-party recognition
for a particular brand or product is a strong indicator that you’re investing in a quality product. A recent “Remodeling” magazine survey of remodeling contractors ranked ProVia vinyl windows as number one in window quality, citing its unique ability to customize as needed, its personalized customer service, strong warranties and mix of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and human craftsmanship. Lastly, the brand was recognized for strong attention to detail, as it follows an 80-plus item checklist for quality control. More information can be found at provia. com/windows. Before upgrading, get savvy. Doing so can help you make a decision that will improve your home’s beauty, keep your family comfortable and safe and save you money. StatePoint
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D16 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
A guide to affordable home improvement
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D17
T
he holy grail of home improvement is a project that makes a big difference to the appearance or value of the home without breaking the bank. The key is to focus on low-cost, quality items that will give the most bang for your buck. Here are five to consider:
New bathroom countertop Bathroom remodels still provide some of the best return on investment for home improvement projects, but can also be some of the most expensive. If you can’t afford a full bathroom overhaul, opt for one highimpact update. Replace that outdated laminate vanity countertop with a stone version to bring an immediate touch of class to the bathroom. This update can be completed quickly and, for homeowners with a little plumbing knowledge, could even be a DIY project.
Refinish kitchen cabinets According to Home Advisor, replacing kitchen cabinets in a typical 10-by10 kitchen costs an average $4,000 to $13,000. For homeowners not able to make that type of investment, refinishing existing cabinets can provide a dramatic upgrade at a fraction of the cost. Homeowners can start by removing all cabinet doors and hardware, keeping all hardware together in a bag in case it’s needed later. Cabinets with a glossy finish should be sanded, either with blocks or a chemical product, then either stained (consider an espresso finish for a modern look) or painted. Adding new, brushed metal fixtures completes the look.
Affordable roof update For the biggest ROI on an improvement, look outside. Remodeling Magazine’s 2019 Cost vs. Value Report revealed nine of the top 10 high-return remodeling projects were exterior replacement projects. Replacing a roof can sound overwhelming, but with some smart shopping can provide a major curb appeal boost on a budget. A common misconception is that expensive products equal better products. While that can certainly be true, there are lots of examples where the most expensive option is not the best choice for every consumer. This is certainly true in large home improvement projects, where the costs can run high and the consequences
for purchasing subpar materials can be serious. But, homeowners can save money while protecting their investments by finding the low-cost leader in the product category: a product that provides the best quality for the price point. “In many product segments there is a low-cost leader – a product or brand comparable in quality to more expensive brands, but offered at a lower cost to provide the best value per dollar,” says Rick Taylor, a longtime roofing contractor now working as a trainer for TAMKO Building Products, manufacturer of the low-cost leader Heritage shingle. “Home improvement isn’t the place to cut corners, but, if you buy smart, you can save money even on big exterior projects.”
New door and porch decor A new entryway can add major curb appeal to any home, but can also come with a big price tag, especially if the front porch area is aesthetically weak and would require construction to build it out. To achieve a similar result at a fraction of the cost, replace the front door with a new, energy-efficient option with a strong design element. You may even consider painting it a bold color. Next, add a ready-made pergola around the entryway, or large concrete or sandstone pillars on either side of the door, available at most garden stores. Adding large, decorative plants to the top of the pillars, or around the doorway, can help define a dramatic entryway without ever pulling out a hammer.
Paint Adding a fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to update many portions of the home. While time-consuming, the transformative properties of paint on a staircase, exterior shutters, interior walls or even a floor are legendary. Paint is another great opportunity to utilize the consumer trick of looking for the lowcost leader in the product category. Stay away from the cheapest paint as it may chip or require many coats to cover, and in the end, cost you even more money to fix. But, also avoid the highest-end paints, aas you may be paying more for the brand name than the actual product. Look for the best quality option at the most affordable price point. Brandpoint
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D18 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Can’t sleep?
You probably need to make these changes
Colin Miller
A sleep-friendly bedroom is like a “good snuggle,” one that makes you “feel embraced and safe,” furniture designer and decorator Alex White says. Keep things “tonal and tactile with as many luxurious materials as your budget allows.”
B
By Eustacia Huen Special to The Washington Post
rain research has shown how relevant sleep is to health, so it’s more important than ever to get a good night’s sleep. In the bedroom, that means not just decorating in calming colors but also minimizing stressors and optimizing conditions for a restful night. We asked some experts for advice and products to achieve that.
Minimize noise
A key obstacle to uninterrupted sleep is noise. To reduce it, Brooklynbased architect and designer Adam
Meshberg, founder of Meshberg Group, recommends soundproofing the walls – building an additional thin wall in front of the original, adding a layer of QuietRock sheetrock, or sealing any cracks or gaps within the walls. To a lesser extent, wallcoverings can also absorb sound, he says, though a padded wallcovering will do more than a simple wallpaper. Cracks and gaps are also a problem when it comes to windows. Restoring or replacing drafty windows won’t just improve your heating and cooling bills; doing so can make a huge difference in the amount of noise seeping in.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D19 If renovation isn’t an option, some companies will install a thin window behind your existing window for extra soundproofing. CitiQuiet in New York says it can eliminate 95 percent of street noise. For a simpler fix, getting an upholstered headboard (or a bed that comes with one) helps with acoustics, says Florida-based designer Adriana Hoyos. Go for fabrics at least one millimeter thick; suede, velvet, leather and leatherette are stylish options for absorbing excess noise. Andrew Bowen, director of staging at ASH NYC, suggests a combination of loose items – a large area rug, floorto-ceiling window drapery and a fully upholstered bed – for a quiet, relaxing environment. Alternatively, try white noise. A fan might do the trick, but Julien Baeza, assistant project manager at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, suggests Spotify and soundscape machines.
Keep the lights out
Lights out is essential to bedtime. In particular, avoid exposure to the blue light from LED bulbs and electronic devices, says Pablo Castillo, sleep medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic. “The body reacts to this artificial light as if it (were) still daytime,” he said in an email, “and the pineal gland will stop producing the sleep hormone melatonin, resulting in poor sleep quality.” That’s why you should stay away from bright light for at least three hours before bedtime, reduce screen time, and set devices on night mode an hour or two before bed, plus use blue-light-blocking coating on screens or glasses if you “use computers and digital devices heavily,” Castillo wrote. To light-proof the bedroom, “blackout window treatments are a must,” said Greg Roth, a designer at Home Front Build in Los Angeles, by email. “Installing a cornice box at the ceiling level can help prevent light from escaping upward from the windows and reflecting off the ceiling.” Meshberg recommends the Shade Store and Somfy for motorized shades.
Go soft and simple
Simplify your space for sleeping only. It doesn’t matter whether you live in a mansion or a studio, you can declutter for a calming effect, according to Meridith Baer, founder of staging company Meridith Baer Home. A sleep-friendly bedroom is like a
Williams New York
A room with light sanded floors: Designed by Designer Ryan Korban says light floors lend themselves to a more serene sleeping environment. He used them in this New York City bedroom. “good snuggle” – one that makes you “feel embraced and safe,” like a cocoon, Alex P. White, a furniture designer and decorator based in New York and Los Angeles, said in an email. So keep things “tonal and tactile with as many luxurious materials as your budget allows.” As for decor, keep things light and uncomplicated, says New York designer Ryan Korban. He recommends using light-colored paints that are warm and not stark (he likes Lily White from Benjamin Moore) and light-wood floors. For the most soothing tone, Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, recommends sky blue, writing in an email that it’s a “positive color” with a sense of “dependability” that can help you fall asleep. You can create a “blue sky” by painting the ceiling, Eiseman suggests. Make it high-gloss for more definition.
Regulate your schedule Not everyone needs eight hours of sleep, but to “avoid chaos in your circadian rhythms, it is suggested that you maintain the same schedule every
day,” says Rachel Salas, sleep specialist and associate professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Lights in the bedroom should be dimmable or have the ability to adjust to a low setting,” Meshberg says. They can help your brain transition to slumber mode. Go for bedside sconces or lamps. For frequent travelers and those working night shifts, a circadian lighting system, which adjusts from a warm color spectrum to a cooler spectrum and back to mimic natural light cycles, can be especially useful. Such systems can “artificially create an ambiance that minimizes jet lag and allows for deep sleep,” Baeza wrote in an email. “Some sophisticated LED systems allow for automatic dimming and color changes over time.” The brand Ketra sells lighting fixtures, bulbs and controls that can create such natural lighting and integrate with home automation systems.
Focus on the bed No doubt, the most important component is the bed. That’s why selecting the right mattress, sheets
and pillows can help you get a good slumber. Meshberg recommends 200to 300-thread-count organic cotton sheets. They “breathe well” and don’t get “too satiny and shiny” like sheets with higher thread counts. Also, “the quality and proper weight of your duvet and down comforter are essential in regulating your temperature,” Meshberg wrote. Generally, 700-fill comforters are best for winter and 600-fill works well during summer. (Fill refers to down; synthetics might be labeled as heavyweight or lightweight.) The National Sleep Foundation also recommends setting your thermostat at 60 to 67 degrees. For a mattress, he suggests Casper’s Original ($595-$1,195) or Wave ($1,345-$2,495) for those who prefer more support. The Beautyrest Recharge Dawson 121/2-inch hybrid firm mattress ($1,299-$1,999, mattressfirm.com) works well for those sharing beds with restless sleepers because the memory foam won’t move around as much, Meshberg says. As for pillows, “synthetic is the best” because you can wash it, he says.
D20 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D21
Things to consider before warming up next to a fire this winter
A
warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather. Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames. The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthy period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety issues developed since fireplaces were last used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year. A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic
MetroCreatives
appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. Homeowners also should inspect their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper. Firewood is another thing homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that well-seasoned firewood works best, noting that wood
Cozy up for fall!
that is not well-seasoned will produce more smoke than heat. In addition, the home improvement resource This Old House recommends using dense wood that’s been split and stored in a high and dry place for at least six months. Oak is an example of dense wood that, when stored properly, can make for an enjoyable fireplace experience. Avoid softwoods like pine. Pine can produce a lot of creosote, which is a byproduct of wood combustion. Creosote is highly flammable, and as it builds up in a chimney, the risk for a
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chimney fire increases. Choosing the right wood, making sure it’s well-seasoned and having a chimney professionally cleaned can reduce the risk of a creosote-related chimney fire. A Level 1 inspection should determine if there are potentially dangerous levels of creosote deposits in the chimney. Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead. MetroCreatives
D22 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Gray is here to stay in home designs D
ecorating a home in neutral tones has long been recommended as a way to sell a home quickly. But the color gray also provides a blank canvas for homeowners who have no intention of putting their homes on the market anytime soon. Beige and white have long been go-to colors for neutral living spaces. But many interior decorators now look to gray as the neutral color of choice. Design experts advise that gray has a broad range. Gray can include everything from silver to charcoal to a dusty cloud. According to the trendsetters at Glidden Paints, gray coordinates well with other colors. Plus, the neutral appeal of gray boasts a timeless quality. Gray is not a clear-cut color that’s simply a 50-50 blend of white and black. Gray has subtle nuances that can lean toward blues, greens, taupes, and more depending on the lighting and surrounding furnishings. That means that homeowners who are ready to replace their furniture or accessories
need not necessarily repaint if they’ve previously decorated in shades of gray. Individuals need only replace small items to produce a big effect in rooms where gray is dominant. Because gray is so neutral, it works with soft, calming colors in various pastels, but equally as well with bright reds, yellow and oranges, according to Scott Bodenner, a Brooklyn-based textile designer. Gray also is a predominant color in natural stones used throughout homes in entryways, bathrooms and kitchens. It can make design sense to maintain continuity throughout by dabbling in gray elsewhere. Designers have shown how gray does not have to be cold, industrial or gloomy. It can be sophisticated in just about any room of the house. More designers are now leaning toward warmer variations of gray, such as taupes and blends dubbed “greige,” that are beautiful but not as stark as pure gray. MetroCreatives
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, September 12, 2019 D23
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D24 Thursday, September 12, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
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