6-18-16 At Home by Messenger-Inquirer

HOME Bathroom Remodel Giveaway winner receives bathroom makeover

Home Organization Creative DIY ways to add order to your house A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

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Saturday, June 18, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

Table of Contents LETTER from the

EDITOR Welcome to At Home, the publication helping you make your house a home. Owning a home is a big step in anyone’s life, and decorating and remodeling can be overwhelming tasks. At Home gives an in-depth look at home design trends, decorating tricks and organizational tips for your new home. Update and simplify by browsing this section for all the latest home projects. Whether it’s your first home or fifth home, from floor to ceiling, At Home will make your space uniquely yours with simple tutorials and advice for updating your living space. The goal is for At Home to be your premier resource for DIY projects and local remodelers you can trust, so you can enjoy where you live. Have an idea for a local home story or suggestions on what you want to see in the publication? Send an email to mrichardson@ messenger-inquirer.com or call 270691-7233. I would love to hear form you. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor

GET ORDERLY

paint

Saturday, June 18, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

& renovate

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CORRECTLY

Changing paint colors is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to add a fresh new look to the interior or exterior of a home. Both exterior and interior paint can be used to protect homes and make strong impressions. Painting projects are fun and can be easy, but not all projects are so simple. Homeowners may need to exercise patience and devote an ample amount of time to get the job done right. One errant drip is all it takes to turn a perfect paint job into a colorful mess. While paints are much safer now than in years past, they still need to be handled with caution and disposed of with care after the job is done. Painting can be a tricky project because the fumes and chemicals found in many paints make these products more

difficult to dispose of. The Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners in the United State throw out 64 million gallons of paint per year. While latex paints are not considered hazardous waste, they should be recycled. Oil-based paints, however, are considered hazardous household waste and must be disposed of properly. All homeowners should check with their trash and recycling collection centers regarding the proper way to dispose of paints, stains and varnishes. It’s also possible to visit Earth911.com and find a disposal facility online. Not interested in painting by yourself? Check out the Home Builders Association of Owensboro website, hbao.com, for a list of professional remodelers.

pages 10-11

PURCHASE A POOL OR SPA?

PREVENT TIPOVERS

page 5

page 9

on the cover

Available

Owensboro couple receives $20,000 bathroom remodel sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Owensboro | PAGES 6-7

Exclusively at

APPLIANCES•BEDDING•FURNITURE•ACCESSORIES

1130 J.R. Miller Blvd. Owensboro, KY

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Saturday, June 18, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer

o t w Ho POOL OR SPA

embrace the wonders

one

START WITH THE ROUTER

The wireless router in your home is a technological workhorse. When the router goes down, your devices follow suit. Without a router you will not be able to access the digital signal from your Internet Service Provider and send it out to all of your devices. Many older routers broadcast on a 2.4GHz signal, the same as many other radio devices. Crowding on the 2.4GHz spectrum could cause slowdown during the busiest times of the day for Internet traffic. It may be worth it to invest in a new router that can search for other channels that have less traffic and broadcast through them.

three

GET NEW HARDWARE

Routers should be placed in a central location so that the signal can be accessed throughout the house. But router placement may depend on where your cable or fiber optic lines enter the home. If router signal interference seems suspect in slower connections, hardware, such as a greaterrange antenna, wireless access points, and wireless repeaters can help expand your router signal throughout the house. Speak with a wireless network expert about the options that may be best for your home. Another consideration is a Wi-Fi plug that uses existing electrical circuits in a home to expand the signals offered by the router.

overhaul, including beefing up the capabilities of Internet connections and wireless networks. Many Wi-Fi routers claim to be capable of supporting as many as 255 connected devices. While this is theoretically possible, having that many devices on a standard home wireless router can compromise how well a network works. The results may include slow Internet browsing abilities, long lag time and even connection interference or droppage. When considering renovation projects around the home, it may be worth it to pay attention to electronic devices and their connectivity.

Many homeowners feel pools or spas are must-have features as they attempt to turn their homes into their own personal oases. The decision to get a pool or a hot tub is not one to take lightly. Significant purchases, pools and/or spas can affect the value of a home and also require various safety modifications. Taking a thoughtful approach when considering adding pools and/or spas to their homes can help homeowners rest easy knowing they made the right decision.

DO YOUR RESEARCH FIRST

two

TEST YOUR SPEED

Relatively inexpensive software can show you your Internet speed numbers to see if your connection is meeting the speeds promised by your ISP. If your speed is slow when tested at various times in a given day, you may want to upgrade your service package to a faster service plan. If the speed is adequate, you can invest in some other options.

Expires 7/1/16

2.00

four

EXPAND GADGET LIST

Once a wireless signal is verified and confirmed as adequate, you may be interested in additional devices that can tap into the wireless network and make your home run more efficiently. Manufacturers now offer everything from wireless door locks that can be controlled with a smartphone to wireless flash memory cards that can easily transfer photos from a camera to computer to wireless lighting control throughout the entire house. With wireless speakers, you can instantly beam music to any number of units in a home or use a NAS (network attached storage) drive as a backup for photos, videos and other large files. Technology is changing the way people utilize their homes. Making sure a wireless network is up to par can make using devices easier and more efficient.

approach buying a

OF WIRELESS

Electronic devices enable us to access information, communicate and engage in entertainment. Consumer electronics also have transformed the typical household. Data from the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA and U.S. Census Bureau paint a picture of just how immersed in new technology society has become. Statistics indicate the typical home of 2.6 people has an average of 24 electronic gadgets in use, including one or more smartphones. These devices include eReaders, HDTVs, laptops, tablets, printers, digital cameras, DVRs, Bluetooth speakers, portable GPS devices, and more. To meet the demands of all of these devices, some homes need an electronics

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off

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Local pool companies, like Maurice Pools and Spa, offer a variety of different pool sizes, shapes and designs. Their website also shows finished projects, so finding the perfect pool won’t be hard. Maurice Pools and Spa has been in Owensboro for 25 years. When making any decision, it’s best to be well-informed. Read reviews on products and find out the base prices of certain pool models so you’ll have a system of comparison. Choose the type and size of pool you want. Other factors, such as the material used in the pool (i.e., concrete, metal, fiberglass, or vinyl) and filtration methods, also can affect the price, so consider each of these factors carefully before making your decision.

DETERMINE WHY YOU WANT A POOL OR SPA

The type of pool or spa you ultimately choose should depend on how you plan to use the pool. If you want a pool mainly for family entertainment, then you may want to add mood lighting or special landscaping features. If you simply want something in which you can cool off, a basic model may be most practical. If your spa is intended for therapeutic purposes, look for ones with multi positional water jets or other specialized features. Don’t fall into the trap that a large pool with a deep diving area is best. Young children and many adults do not frequently use the deep end, and you may end up with wasted pool space.

RECOGNIZE THERE WILL BE EXTRA COSTS

Some retailers sell pools and spas but do not arrange for installation. Realize that an in-ground pool will require excavation, and your yard may need to be regraded to allow for rain run-off. Electricians and landscapers are some additional costs to factor FIND A GOOD TIME TO BUY in. Make sure you understand the bigger picture and Fall and winter are some of the best times to get account for the total cost of modifying the yard. deals on pool and spa equipment because it’s no Other extra costs may come from filters and longer prime swimming season. However, there are chemicals needed to keep a pool clean. All of these deals to be had come early spring as well. Retailers products are available at Maurice Pools and Spa. may deeply discount last year’s models to make room • Inquire about insurance. Speak with the pool for new inventory. You always can negotiate if the installer about any liability and compensation price is just a bit beyond your reach. Retailers may insurance they may carry to protect you in the event be motivated to make sales in the offseason, so try to of an accident during the installation of the pool. use that motivation to your advantage. Reputable builders should be fully insured. Maurice’s offers online specials, so depending on • Learn about zoning laws and other ordinances. the time of year, a new pool may be more affordable. Rules regarding pool placement and size will vary

depending on local laws. Always consult with the town’s municipal office and get the proper permits. Otherwise, you may face fines and be forced to spend more to fix problems that need to be addressed. Pools can be entertaining additions to a home. When considering the addition of a pool to their properties, homeowners should take their time and make sure it’s the right decision for them. Maurice Pools and Spa’s website said “from simple to sophisticated, Maurice Pools and Spas is committed to making sure that we build you the absolutely most beautiful pool you can own at an affordable price.” Maurice Pools and Spa is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. They are located on 1431 Bosley Rd, or can be contacted by phone at 270-926-8658.

After giveaway recipient of bathroom remodel BY LEXINGTON SOUERS

When Debbie McBride’s husband David called her to tell her he had “jumped the gun” on their bathroom remodel and hired Miles & Thomas construction as their contractors, she knew it had to be a joke. McBride’s husband later revealed it wasn’t a joke. The couple had won a $20,000 bathroom giveaway sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Owensboro. “It was like a dream come true,” McBride said. “I didn’t fully believe (we had won) until Mr. Stallings and Mr. Miles showed up.” McBride said they had planned to remodel their master bathroom, but had decided to put it off until a later date. When they heard about the Home and Garden Show’s giveaway it gave them an incentive to attend the show and gather more ideas, as well as meet with local homebuilding professionals. Mark Miles, president of Miles and Thomas Construction Inc. said the goal of the bathroom remodel giveaway was to add traffic to the Home and Garden Show. “We knew we would never win, because we never win anything,” McBride said.

But the McBride’s form was selected from the 1,425 forms that were entered in the giveaway drawing, and within weeks the their bathroom was a flurry of activity. All of the fixtures were updated, the bathtub was removed to make way for a walk in shower and the whole bathroom was retiled. McBride said she gave “quite a bit” of input as the remodel progressed. She had researched what she wanted her bathroom to look like, but took on advice from professionals like Emily Gentry and Rachel Brown, as well as all of the other professionals who helped with the remodel. “The things like that that they knew from all the remodeling jobs and complete builds that they’ve done really came into play,” McBride said. The $20,000 remodel ran worry free, according to McBride, who said it felt almost like a vacation. Miles had a schedule and McBride said she would receive a text or phone call explaining who was coming and what they were there to do. “I am really proud of how everyone made this project come together in such a short amount of time. The homeowner is tickled to death,” Miles said. “That makes us happy.”

Miles said despite some setbacks, like the tile coming in late and some workers having health issues, the remodel only took about two months. McBride said Miles was environmentally conscious throughout the build and worked to create a house where she and her husband could age gracefully. “This was one of the best things. I’ve always heard bad stories about remodels, and it so did not happen,” McBride said. “Everybody that was there — they were so good, such professionals,” McBride said the suggestions Miles and other subcontractors provided, showed their experience and professionalism. When she asked for polished marble on her bathroom floor, those at Brown Remodeling helped to explain the differences between polished and honed marble and which would be the safer choice. “I was very surprised at how well everything went,” McBride said. “If we had done this on our own, it would have been a disaster.” While she has no major remodeling plans for the future, McBride said the ease of the project meant she would “do it again in a heartbeat.” For more information visit Home Builders Association of Owensboro at hbao.com.

Before SUBCONTRACTORS

Project Manager - Mark Miles, Miles & Thomas Construction Carpentry - Mark Miles, Miles & Thomas Construction Drywall Finishing - Lynn Harper, Overtime Drywall Electrician - Dan Vincent, Vincent Electric Heat & Air - Brad Emberton, Brad Emberton’s Heating & Cooling Insulation - Matt Purcell, Owensboro Insulators Painter - Ben Pearl, Benjamin Pearl Painting Plumber - Brad Kellems, Kellems Plumbing & Septic Service Tile Setter - Ronny Brown, Brown’s Remodeling Custom Shower Door - Jimmy Payne, General Glass

Containment & clean up - Paul Camp, Disaster Team

SUPPLIERS

Tile & Groute - Kentucky Tile, Janice Board Paint - Lowe’s Home Improvement, Justin Cain Caibnets & Hardware - Lensing Home Consultants, Lavona Pursley Plumbing Fixtures - WinnSupply, Emily Gentry Light Fixtures - WinnSupply, Emily Gentry Vanity Mirror - General Glass, Jimmy Payne Shower Door - General Glass, Jimmy Payne Granite Counter - Unique Granite & Marble, Rick Thomas Drywall Material - Nex-Gen Building Supply, Keith Thompson

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prevent o t How

TIP-OVER ACCIDENTS

Modern conveniences in a home are meant to be enjoyed. However, items such as televisions, appliances and furniture can prove quite dangerous when they are involved in tip-over accidents. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says between the years of 2008 and 2010, 43,400 Americans were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to the instability of televisions, furniture and appliances. Between the years of 2000 and 2010, 293 fatalities were reported, the highest percentage of which were among children ages one to eight. Fifty-two percent of injuries involved only furniture falling. Data from the Brooke’s Angel Wings, an organization that hopes to raise awareness about the dangers of unsecured furniture and televisions, says every two weeks a child loses his or her life to an accident involving unsecured furniture or televisions in the home. Fortunately, tip-over deaths and injuries are preventable. Individuals making improvements around their homes may want to give special attention to renovations that can improve safety in and around the house. One of the first steps to take is securing furniture and televisions to prevent tip-over accidents. One of the single easiest methods to preventing tip-over injuries is to anchor furniture, televisions and appliances to the wall. All furniture with shelves, drawers and doors — anything that can be climbed or pulled over by curious children — should be anchored into a stud with an appropriate device. Even if an item seems stable or heavy, some simple precautionary measures can help prevent an injury and possibly save a life. Many different safety devices that can prevent tip-over accidents are now available. Products from Safety First to Kidco to Hangman all offer furniture straps to secure items. However, do-it-yourselfers can use “L” brackets as well as other bolts and hardware that are sturdy enough to hold the weight of a fully loaded piece of furniture. Remember, walls can always be repaired should damage occur from bolts and straps. But lives cannot be replaced. Flat screen televisions are safer when mounted on a wall than they are when placed atop a piece of furniture. If televisions are on a TV stand, they should be secured to the surface. Homeowners hoping to prevent tip-over accidents can follow these tips. • When loading dresser drawers, put the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest items in the top drawers. • Do not put things on top of dressers that may entice children to climb up the dresser. • Keep items you do not want children to have out of sight. • Do not assume children will remember the dangers associated with climbing or always follow the rules. • Don’t forget to also secure computer monitors. • Check safety straps frequently to be sure they are still secure. • Think about other items around the house that can present a danger were they to fall. Secure everything and anything that is large and could cause injury if it fell down onto a person. Homeowners should not put off securing items around the house. Spending five minutes now can prevent a tragedy later on.

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At Home

Creative WAYS TO ADD ORDER TO YOUR HOME

Although there are hundreds of options for organizing your home, the pieces you make yourself are the ones that truly reflect your personality. Adding your own flair to standard organizing materials adds instant character and functionality to any room. Making the most of your space — including your walls — is the key to successful organizing. Channel your inner creativity with help from the crafting

Wall Organization CRAFTING TIME: MORE THAN 5 HOURS SKILL LEVEL: BEGINNER SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: 1 1-inch flat brush 1 each Homedecor Chalk Finish Paint: Teal, Sheepskin, Cascade, Parisian Grey, Oatmeal 3 large Woodline Works unfinished crates 2 small Woodline Works unfinished crates sandpaper old rag or soft cloth 1 bottle Homedecor white wax

Paint each box a different color and let dry. Paint the box again using a different color than the bottom color and let dry. Lightly to moderately sand each box to expose paint underneath to give each box a distressed look. Using an old rag or soft cloth, rub each sanded box with white wax and let dry. Buff each box to give it a finished look and feel. Hang boxes in a cluster to create a shelf organizer with multiple storage spaces.

experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores and add chic style to your storage with distressed wooden boxes hung to create artful, cubby shelves, this hanging bulletin board, which uses cleverly stylish clothespins and clips to protect your treasured photos and use these pots and jars to add pretty accent, storage pieces. Find more inspiration for your organization projects at joann.com.

DIY Burlap Bulletin Board CRAFTING TIME: VARIES SKILL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:

and staple around it to allow for holes to hang the cork board. Staple burlap along the length of the board on both sides before working on corners. Then, 2/3 yard patterned burlap take a corner piece and pull it tight toward unframed cork board center of the board and staple. If any staples are scissors sticking up, use small hammer to tap in tighter. staple gun Use coordinating grosgrain ribbon to create small hammer a decorative border. Use glue dot runner to 3/8-inch grosgrain ribbon apply glue dots to one side of ribbon along a glue dot runner high temperature hot glue gun length about 2 inches shorter than cork board. chalkboard clothespin clips Starting 1 inch in from the edge of the board, chalkboard clothespins lay down glue-dotted ribbon so that it adheres thumbtacks to burlap. At the corner, flip ribbon over and decorative ribbons and trims, such as chalkfollow same steps for the next side. A small board plaque dot of glue from hot glue gun will help keep Cut burlap about 5 inches wider and longer corners flat and in place. than cork board. To personalize and embellish board: hot Place burlap (pattern down) on a smooth glue thumbtacks onto back of chalkboard surface and center cork board (face down) on clothespins clips, which won’t puncture holes in top of it. Wrap burlap around edges of board letters or notes that are attached to the board. and staple it to the back using a staple gun, Add decorative ribbons and trim that add a pulling burlap tight as you go. Notch out burlap unique element and pop of color.

Milk Glass Jar and Jug CRAFTING TIME: 3-5 HOURS SKILL LEVEL: SOME EXPERIENCE NECESSARY SUPPLIES AND TOOLS:

Mason jar Glass milk jug Rubbing alcohol Hot glue gun and glue sticks 1/2-inch flat brush FolkArt Home Decor Chalk: White Adirondack Mod Podge Ultra Matte finish

Wash jar and jug with mild soap and water. Dry and wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue. Create dots on Mason jar with hot glue. Work in sections to allow glue to harden. Apply lines of hot glue to milk jug, starting with a swirl in the middle to create a tree knot design. Create lines around knot to achieve a faux bois effect. Allow glue to harden. Paint over glue on both glass surfaces. Apply several coats if needed, allowing drying time between applications. Seal both pieces with a coat of Ultra Matte finish. Allow to dry before applying any additional coats.

Trendy Plant Pottery CRAFTING TIME: UNDER 1 HOUR SKILL LEVEL: NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY SUPPLIES AND TOOLS: Clay pots Decorative tapes Paint of choice Teresa Collins rub-on metallic letters Plants

Decorate clay pots with paint and decorative tapes. Allow to dry. Use rub-on letters to personalize pottery with a trendy aesthetic. Add plants.

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What to know BED SHARING

WITH PETS Pets provide companionship for thousands of people around the world, so it is understandable that pet owners want to be around their companion animals as much as possible — with many even welcoming them into their beds. According to PetMd, an online animal healthcare resource, around 80 percent of pet owners allow pets to share beds with human family members. Data from the American Pet Products Association has found at least half of all pet parents allow pets to sleep with them every night. Whether this is safe, healthy or wise is a matter of debate. There are pros and cons to sharing a bed with pets. Understanding those pros and cons can help pet owners make more informed decisions. Whether or not to allow dogs or cats to share personal spaces like beds is a decision pet owners have to make. It should be based on safety, comfort and mutual agreement with any other bed partners.

Pros

• Get into a relaxed state. Companion animals can help relieve stress, which may translate into better sleep for their owners. Some people find that the rhythmic breathing of dogs or cats can help lull them to sleep. • Pets are warm. If the goal is to get cozy under the covers, animals can provide a little extra warmth, as their body temperatures run a few degrees warmer than their owners’. • A deeper connection forms between pet and owner. Many pets like to be around their owners because it gives them reassurance and comfort that they are loved. Animals that were rescued or are anxiety prone may be especially comforted by snuggling in bed with their owners. Happy pets often make for happy owners. • It’s a sign of trust. According to Victoria Stilwell, an internationally renowned dog trainer, dogs only sleep with the people or dogs they trust. Therefore, dogs who like sleeping with their owners are exhibiting trust and recognizing the same from their owners.

• Possible transmission of illness or zoonotic agents. Snuggling so close to a pet may put people at risk of acquiring illnesses that are transmitted from animal to human. In the past, MRSA skin infections and H1N1 influenza have been transferred from pets to people. • An extra body in bed can disturb sleep. Just as individuals may have trouble with a spouse or a child being in the bed next to them, pets can bring about the same disturbances. In a study from the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, 53 percent of those pet owners surveyed said their pets disturbed their sleep in some way each night. • It may cause behavioral problems. Dogs in particular may mistake sleeping in their owners’ beds as a sign of dominance. Some veterinarians suggest puppies that are more prone to issues with aggression may fully develop these behaviors if allowed to sleep with humans. At the very least, it is advisable to wait until dogs are trained and exhibiting good behavior for extended periods of time before allowing them to sleep in their owners’ beds.

Cons

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