H O M E
Bristol Villa ge Cohousin g Co-Found gather with ers Jim Men architects, b dell and Pe uilders and cutting celeb g Kamens other partn ration earlie ers for the ri r this month bbon. Photo provided
by Jim Mende
ll
• Bristol Village Cohousing offers a new dynamic for collective living • Powerwall battery enables solar energy storage • Living green through the winter • Prepare your home for cooler weather • Addressing air leaks can save you money and energy • And more!
A Special Section in the Addison County Independent
PAGE 2C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
HOME IS WHERE THE HEAT IS! If you’re building or renovating, work with plumbing and heating professionals who put their hearts into every project. From New Construction to Renovations & Maintenance/Repair of your Plumbing, Heating, A/C or Water Systems – Call us today! Dependable Delivery & 24-Hour Emergency Service.
Voted #1 Plumbing & Heating Co. in the Region!
We’ve earned the trust of more than 10,000 loyal customers by being dedicated project partners. Let us service your heating system, deliver your fuel and fix your leaky faucets!
PLUMBING • HEATING 453-2325
FUEL DELIVERY 388-4975
125 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT
185 Exchange St., Middlebury
PLUMBING•HEATING•AIR CONDITIONING•WATER SYSTEMS
BIO DIESEL • K1 KEROSENE FUEL OIL •GASOLINE • DIESEL
CVPLUMBINGHEATING.COM
CHAMPLAINVALLEYFUELS.COM
Don’t get caught in the cold! Call today for fuel delivery.
Mitsubishi Electric systems offer efficient individual room control and allergen filtration with no ductwork – so you can be as comfortable as you want anywhere in your home.
AMERICA’S #1 SELLING BRAND OF DUCTLESS dennis@newtonerac.com • 802- 388 -1431
www.newtonerac.com
A twelve (12) year parts warranty is included with a purchase from this Diamond Contractor.
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 3C
Neighborhood offers unique twist
Co-housing has shared & private spaces
By CHRISTY LYNN BRISTOL — Construction of a new housing development is under way in Bristol’s downtown that introduces a somewhat atypical living style to the area. As a departure from the era of voluminous space and energy intensive homes with rooms only used when company arrives and whole floors that get closed down to save the heating expense through
the winter, this development seeks to create modest private living spaces grouped together in a cluster and with community spaces that enable residents to share those seldom-used amenities and spaces among a wider network of people. Bristol Village Cohousing has just broken ground this month and will soon unveil a 2.5-acre community with 14 private living spaces and several communal spaces that residents will all share. Founders and supporters of the project envision a community that is walkable to the village center and that promotes a vibrant sense of connectedness both within their property boundaries as well as outward into the broader
neighborhood. Residents plan energy standards that we had to share meals together, create determined were important, space for casual gatherings, and fit within a relatively make collective decisions tight budget,” Terwilliger and foster sustainable and explained. conscientious choices. Three historic Read this story online at The project got off addisonindependent.com buildings existed on the the ground back in 2012 and watch a video of the site to begin, and the when co-founders Peg dismantling of a building original concept was Kamens and Jim Mendell to restore and salvage during site preparation purchased the three as much from these for this project. adjoining properties on buildings as possible, North Street, just a block maintaining them as the to the north of Bristol’s downtown. public face of the community from The conceptual design progressed the street level, much as they have with Katie Raycroft Meyer, a been for over 100 years. landscape architect who lives in The 3,800-square-foot Peak the neighborhood and was able to House, built in 1861 at 16 North St., help with the initial site plan. They has been a historic beacon together navigated the legal limits of in the neighborhood and the site, determined the number of will be retrofitted to units that would be permissible and serve as the community’s identified the landscaping goals in Common House. It will the community. house guest rooms, a library Kamens and Mendell then turned space, a large shared kitchen to Middlebury-based Vermont and several other collective Integrated Architecture, or VIA, spaces for gathering. to further develop the site plan and The Tomasi House at 8 North building plans and detail how each St. will be retrofitted would come together. from the inside They set high standards for energy to accommodate efficiency from the outset of the two housing project and throughout the concept units and and design process have made upgraded to careful decisions about building meet modern materials, design and long-term high energy sustainability, says lead architect e f f i c i e n c y Jean Terwilliger. standards. The “Part of our design challenge building at 12 was to develop a character for this North St., however, community of buildings that fit into is not able to be saved the neighborhood, but also meet the and while it may look
Stay green even during the whiteouts of winter (MS) — Each season presents its own unique set of challenges. From summer heat waves to spring rainstorms to snowfall in winter, the planet throws a lot at its inhabitants. Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is often simple. But sometimes the weather can make it hard to maintain a commitment to going green. Winter weather can be particularly challenging, as it can be hard to sacrifice convenience and comfort in the face of harsh weather. But there are ways to stay true to your eco-friendly roots even when winter
weather is at its most unpleasant. • Save your fireplace ashes. If your home has a fireplace that you like to cozy up next to in winter, you can make great use of the ashes left behind when the fire goes out. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, ashes from wood-burning fireplaces can be added to compost heaps. Once added, these ashes help to create a soil amendment that can deliver valuable nutrients to your garden. After each fire, collect the ashes rather than sweeping them up
and discarding them. Then add the collected ashes to your compost pile when the weather permits. • Install a programmable thermostat. If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat in your home. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy notes that homeowners can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling costs by turning their thermostats back 7 degrees to 10 degrees F for eight hours per day. Set the thermostat to drop 10 degrees F when the family leaves for
FRAMING
SIDING
FINISHING
TILING
PAINTING
WINDOWS
SHEETROCKING
ROOFS
CUSTOM SHOWERS
CUSTOM MILLWORK
Over the past 24 years, Raymond Renovation & New Construction, LLC, has established a solid reputation in Addison County as a dependable general contractor doing quality work in all phases of residential and light commercial carpentry – from new home construction to additions and remodeling. FULLY INSURED • FREE BIDS
Mark Raymond, Owner
Middlebury, Vermont
388-0742
work and/or school in the morning, programming it to return to a more comfortable level when the family returns home at night. This saves you from sitting in a cold home while also saving you money by making sure you are not paying to heat an empty house. • Have your home heating system inspected before winter hits full swing. Home heating systems, including boilers and furnaces, should be inspected by a professional each year, ideally before the arrival (See Staying green, Page 14C)
roughly the same barns, sheds and from the street, behind “A community parking lots for the front façade the like this brings it access to the various building will be torn back and kids … units. down and replaced know that they are SQUARE with a new building, welcome in more FOOTAGE this one designed to C o l l e c t i v e l y, homes and spaces units accommodate four range in size than just their own. from 880 to 1,350 family units within. A fourth multi- Relationships and square feet and family building will trust form, and we offer two to three be constructed on the believe in those.” bedrooms. Each streetscape at 14 North — Jim Mendell new unit is designed St.; it will house three with an open floor units. To the rear of plan for the living these units will be a wide common room, kitchen and dining areas and green space, with sitting areas, south-facing windows to maximize public gardens and walkable paths daylight and passive solar heat leading between each residence. gains, says Terwilliger. There are Surrounding the other three sides three apartments just on the first (See Bristol Cohousing, Page 7C) of the green are five single family “cottages” as well as a few
Architects at Vermont Integrated Architecture in Middlebury work to develop sketches, plans, renderings and detailed construction drawings to help describe each of the units as well as the site for the future Bristol Village Cohousing development. Drawings provided by Jean Terwilliger, Vermont Integrated Architecture
PAGE 4C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Duo unites solar power, batteries Green Mountain Power and SunCommon joining forces By ANDY KIRKALDY electric bill that would cover the COLCHESTER — Green Moun- $37.50 monthly fee for the battery tain Power and Waterbury solar and the finance charges for the solar power company SunCommon this array. month announced a partnership that GMP spokesperson Kristin Carlwill allow GMP customers to store son said the two companies started solar electricity for use talking this summer during a power outage about a program that “One of the — by taking advantage was officially unveiled of the power company’s real exciting on Sept. 14. existing partnership opportunities “One of the real exwith Tesla Motors Inc. with battery citing opportunities Since early this sum- storage is with battery storage is mer, GMP has been of- pairing it with pairing it with solar, fering customers the so that people can turn Tesla Powerwall bat- solar, so that that solar into a backup tery to store electricity people can turn power source,” Carlson to protect their proper- that solar into a said. “It just seemed ties during power out- backup power like a really great fit to ages. According to the source.” streamline the offerings Colchester company, — GMP so people can really fulan early Powerwall cusspokesperson ly leverage their solar tomer in Lincoln kept a Kristin Carlson with the latest in battery household running for technology.” 14 hours this summer SunCommon spokesafter an outage following a storm. person Emily McManamy described Now officials from both GMP and the process a potential solar cusSunCommon say that, through their tomer would go through with her new partnership, homeowners can company. A homeowner who conhave solar arrays installed and in- tacts SunCommon would first speak stall a Powerwall battery as backup to a “solar advisor,” then a company with no upfront costs. They say that representative would visit the propcustomers would see savings in their erty to assess the possibilities for sit-
ing arrays and examine power bills to understand the electricity need. And eventually SunCommon would design a solar system specific to the home’s needs and site. The home array produces power that goes back into the power grid, enough power to equal the home’s annual usage. Through net-metering and solar credits, the homeowner buys the solar array instead of paying GMP bills. “The way that we size our systems is we look at your annual usage, and we size and design a solar system to meet those annual needs, with the goal being at the end of the year your utility bill is zeroed out,” McManamy said. “Say your monthly power bill is $100. We size a solar system to offset that bill. Instead of paying a utility company in perpetuity, you’re shifting the payments to a solar system you own.” The new partnership allows SunCommon to design a solar array — of either ground- or roof-mounted, depending on the site — that can also cover the cost of the Tesla Powerwall, but only if they act before the end of 2016. “If they choose to do the Tesla (See Power, Page 8C)
Tag team A POWERWALL BATTERY, which can store energy from solar arrays for use at night, can be installed with other utilities in an out-of-the-way space.
PAUL VACZY, LEFT, and Gus Biederman work together on a small front porch roof as part of a larger home improvement project in Middlebury recently. Independent photo/Trent Campbell
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 5C
Tom Landscaping, Excavating & Septic Service Inc.
Serving the local community since 1985 LANDSCAPING Property Maintenance Lawn Care Landscape installation Topsoil, Mulch Excavation Driveway Repair
EXCAVATING Septic Systems Water lines Driveway construction Drainages Stump Removal
SEPTIC SERVICE Tank & Cesspool Pumping • New Systems Installed Electronic Tank Locating • All Septic System Repairs Tank & Leach Field Inspections • Camera Inspections Drain & Pipe Cleaning • Licensed & Insured Installer
tombodette.com
3881 Rt.7 South Middlebury, VT
Low monthly advertised payments are based on approved financing through John Deere. $99 payment on 1023E is shown with 0% financing for 84 months and requires a 20% down payment. Does not include sales tax, freight, setup or delivery. $99 offer ends October 28, 2016. Only for a limited time and only in certain VT and NY counties. Other Restrictions Apply. New six year powertrain warranty offer comes standard on all compact utility tractors (series 1 through 4), purchased on or after 1/1/2016. The powertrain warranty, the best in the industry, covers up to 6 years or 2,000 hours (whichever comes first). Restrictions apply. Please visit Mountain View Equipment for full details and other low payment options.
CELEBRATE FALL ! MUMS & Houseplants in the Greenhouse!
Fall Bulbs
Plant now for great early spring color. Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses and more!
Fall Decorations
Pumpkins, Gourds, Cornstalks & more.
RD ILD BI
UP Full Line of W STOCK
for men, women and kids!
SALE hru der t
Or
Area’s Biggest Selection
Bird Feeders
& Wild Bird Food
10/16
From black oil sunflower to specialty mixes. Attract your favorite birds this fall & winter
For the lowest prices of the season, check out our website for the complete order form at middleburyagway.com
Pre
Middlebury Agway Coupon
Middlebury Agway Coupon
20 OFF %
YOUR ENTIRE
CLOTHING PURCHASE Offer valid on in-stock items only – while supplies last. Can not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires 10/16/16
Fall Bulbs
Tulips, Daffodils, Crocuses & more!
Fall Bulb Packs
BUY 3, get the 4th* FREE! * Free pack must be equal or lesser value. Offer valid on in-stock items only – while supplies last. Can not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Expires 10/16/16
Come visit us for helpful hints about gardening, bird feeding and much more...
MIDDLEBURY AGWAY 338 Exchange Street, Middlebury
Mon. - Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-5, Sun. 9-4 • 388-4937
YOUR YARD, GARDEN & PET PLACE
OPEN 7 DAYS!
PAGE 6C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Indulge in a Distinctive Experience
Shop Locally - Everything You Need for Your Project is Right Here! Exclusive local dealer for Mountainside Flooring
TREAT YOUR WINDOWS RIGHT
Stay Warm This Winter with Custom Designed Drapes and Window Treatments
Tile, Fabric, Colors & Creative Ideas From Around the World are Just Around the Corner.
SPREAD THE WORD
Email it to: news@addisonindependent.com
Great Offers
Storewide Specials Unlimited Creativity and IN-HOME CONSULTATION!
388-2500
1396 Rte 7 South, Middlebury VT M- F 7:30-5:30 Sat. 8-1
www.distinctivepaintvt.com
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 7C
Marcel Brunet & Sons Inc. Windows & Siding Serving Addison County for over 30 Years Owned and Operated by Richard Brunet
• Mastic Vinyl Siding – Many colors to choose from, plus all accessories
• Harvey Classic Vinyl Windows - Free Installation of Most Replacement Windows - New Construction - Storm Windows & Storm Doors - Entry and Patio Doors
• Wood Siding • Cement Board • Standing Seam Roofing
Additions • Garages • Decks CONSTRUCTION OF BRISTOL Village Cohousing, located a block from downtown Bristol on North Street, has now begun. Part of the project involves renovating two historic homes, including this one at 8 North St.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 1-800-439-2644 • 877-2640 email: rbrunet1@myfairpoint.net
Bristol Cohousing (Continued from Page 3C) good for the planet, but it’s a good floor and all the cottages have single- investment for the future. level living options. Details like recycled standing With energy efficiency being a seam roofs last longer and are primary goal of the easier to plan ahead cohousing committee “Part of our design for, easier to attach as well as a shared solar panels to and goal for all of challenge was to are more responsible Vermont Integrated develop a character environmentally, she Architecture’s new for this community says. building projects, of buildings She says VIA Terwilliger and that fit into the tries to incorporate her team designed design that uses high neighborhood, the units to exceed quality materials that high performance but also meet the will last a long time energy codes set by energy standards (generally between Efficiency Vermont. that we had 50 and 100 years) With triple-glazed determined were without needing to be windows, walls important, and fit replaced and whose that have twice the energy usage is as insulation value within a relatively low as possible. This of a standard wall tight budget.” strategy for design — lead architect removes many of and ceilings with Jean Terwilliger the potentially rising 50 percent more insulation than the costs of living as we code requires, Terwilliger estimates move into a future where energy that the building will meet high prices could rise significantly and performance standards for at least six buildings with a huge reliance years, despite the fact that standards on energy-intensive heating and continue to rise annually. cooling systems could become either For Terwilliger, the choice to build uncomfortable spaces to be in or to this high standard is not only impossibly expensive to maintain.
“It’s a win-win-win situation, if you can put the money forward at the beginning,” Terwilliger said. Some of those material choices do affect the aesthetic of the building, she says, but they have developed strategies to make those details look natural and appropriate in scale to the rest of the design. For example, a thicker layer of insulation in the walls and roof may require larger trusses or structural beams that could change the trim details on the house, making them wider than they would be on a home without as much insulation. But thanks to the high insulation volume and relatively modest size, the new units in the cohousing development can be heated using a single split-system heat pump. Even then, Terwilliger says occupants will probably use them infrequently and will be comfortable without any heating system at all. The predicted energy costs, she says, will range from about $200-$400 per year. The purchase price of the units range from $235,000 to $345,000, with at least two units offered at an even more affordable $214,000 (See Neighbors, Page 9C)
A floor plan drawn by architects at Vermont Integrated Architecture describes the upper apartment units on one of the multi-family residences planned for the Bristol Village Cohousing development. Construction on the cohousing development is scheduled to be complete in April, 2017. Drawings provided by Jean Terwilliger, Vermont Integrated Architecture
ACORN PAINTING Interior/Exterior Honest Dependable Fully Insured Free Estimates ACORN PAINTING
802-453-5611 John Wisell Mike Dever
PAGE 8C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
Bring it to the A per-bulb nominal fee applies for more than 10 non-CFL bulbs.
The HazWaste Center is open to residents from any of the District’s 20 member towns. Most items are accepted free of charge. Not accepted: laboratory chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fireworks, flares, explosives, smoke detectors, ammunition, radioactive waste. NOTE: Businesses must pay for disposal and must call 388-2333 for an appointment time. HazWaste Center Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, to 1pm Mon.Fri., 8 8am a.m. to to 2pm noonand andSat Sat.8am 9 a.m. to 1pm Closed major holidays.
DISTRICT TRANSFER STATION 1223 ROUTE 7 SOUTH, MIDDLEBURY District Transfer Station Regular Hours: M-F, 7am to 3pm & Sat 8 9am to 1pm Questions? Call us at 388-2333 or visit www.AddisonCountyRecycles.org
Whether gearing up for Winter or planning for Spring...
VT Shade and Blind is your local choice for premium awning, screen and shade solutions for your latest home project 298 Maple Street Middlebury, VT 802.247.3883 vtshadeandblind@gmail.com
VermontShadeandBlind.com
THE
DIRECTORY
Business Service
... is a great way to promote YOUR services with readers twice a week! To advertise: Call Anna @388-4944 or email: annah@addisonindependent.com
ADDISON COUNTY
INDEPENDENT
VERMONT’S TWICE-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER Middlebury, VT 05753 • (802) 388-4944 • www.AddisonIndependent.com
Roof demo
KEITH BETOURNEY, RIGHT, and Mike Barrett of Keith’s Roofing remove the old roofing on a Middlebury home recently.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
Transform your spaces into cozy retreats to make a room seem more cozy is to layer fabrics and other accents. Layers can include throws and blankets. Remove place mats from
the dining room table and use them on accent tables or an ottoman in the living room. Table runners also can (See Retreats, Page 14C)
(Continued from Page 4C) a 12-year, 2.99-percent one.” Powerwall this year, they can choose She said the cost sounds expento cover the cost with the solar cred- sive, but also said homeowners are it,” McManamy said. “They’re able not going to be paying more than to roll that cost into their solar pay- they do now — the key is a monthly ment.” cost in line with existing power bills. McManamy also noted that home“If you’re used to paying $100 a owners who act this year month, then we want will benefit from more you shifting that $100 favorable kilowatt-per- “If you’re used a month toward a solar hour solar credits that to paying $100 system, so it mirrors expire on Dec. 31, with a month, then and replaces your utility the difference amounting we want you bill,” McManamy said. to $1,500 over the course McManamy said shifting that of Vermont’s current nethomeowners have other $100 a month reasons for going sometering program. The actual cost of in- toward a solar lar with SunCommon stalled solar arrays can system, so it or other companies, a vary widely, McManamy mirrors and “sense of predictability” said, from $10,000 all replaces your for their power bills, the way up to $50,000, with a set monthly paydepending on the size utility bill.” ment replacing seasonal — SunCommon spikes; “a sense of selfand power usage of a spokesperson sufficiency”; and, in home. SunCommon has an agreement with the Emily McManamy GMP CEO Mary PowVermont State Employell’s words, the desire to ees Credit Union, or VSECU, to pro- help Vermont and the nation “move vide what she calls a good deal on away from the antiquated bulk grid, loans. to a cleaner and more reliable energy “We offer no-upfront-cost, low- system.” interest financing through VSECU,” Some, including McManamy, McManamy said. “A popular one is choose to add a heat pump — which
can both heat and cool a home — to the mix, as well as a solar array and a Powerwall, to further reduce their home energy costs and consumption of fossil fuels. “Last summer I added a heat pump,” she said. “I no longer need to run my oil-burning furnace to heat my home. So my solar array is covering my power needs and my heating and my air conditioning needs.” One thing McManamy said homeowners shouldn’t worry about is selling a home after a solar array is added, even if a loan is not paid off. She cited a national study indicating that arrays add value, and that homeowners typically just pay off solar loans when they close a sale of their properties. “Basically what homeowners are doing is factoring in the value of the solar system into their sales price and paying off their loan at the time of sale. It is an asset you have purchased and installed in your home,” she said. “The beauty of this is when people market their homes they can say ‘Free power.’ With a heat pump, when I market my home I can say free power, heat and air conditioning.”
(MS) — Cool weather often drives people to spend more hours indoors than they do during the warmer months. Autumn is a time to winterize gardens, put away lawn furniture and prepare for the holiday season. Autumn also provides the perfect opportunity to begin home interior projects. Many people decide to redecorate their homes to reflect each season. When temperatures change, it’s time to transition from the light colors and breezy fabrics symbolic of summer to thicker, darker materials that evoke coziness. With some inspiration and a little know-how, any homeowner or apartment dweller can cozy up a space in time for fall and winter. • Invest in area rugs. While wood floors can look beautiful and work well with many different design styles, wood can feel chilly underfoot. Thick area rugs add warmth to a room and can help it look more lived-in. Area rugs also help a room appear more cohesive, coordinating with other colors in a space and providing a visual border. • Practice layering in rooms. An affordable and relatively easy way
Power
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 9C
Neighbors (Continued from Page 7A) with assistance through the Addison County Community Trust and Vermont Housing Conservation Board for families with a qualifying income. If a buyer were eligible for down payment assistance and other help from these funds, a unit at Bristol Village Cohousing could cost them as little as $170,000. For a new home that will have very low energy costs, that’s not too bad. Similar to condominium living, owners will also pay a small annual fee to the Homeowners Association for use and maintenance of the shared spaces. That fee will be $355 for two-bedroom units and $390 for three-bedroom units. SELF-SELECTING NEIGHBORS Of course, buying a home within a cohousing development is not quite the same as buying an independent home elsewhere. The cohousing model involves a much more communal and participatory operational structure, where decisions are made by consensus and each person has an equal voice and equal responsibility. According to a Wikipedia definition, “Neighbors “The commit to design of being part of the spaces a community themselves for everyone’s is the way mutual benefit. Cohousing that we cultivates a make our culture of visions sharing and of that caring. Design features and collective community n e i g h b o r h o o d size … promote happen.” f r e q u e n t — co-founders i n t e r a c t i o n Jim Mendell and close relationships.” Mendell says that fortunately for him, this population is generally self-selecting and they have been successful in attracting potential residents who are interested in making decisions collectively and living communally. “The design of the spaces themselves is the way that we make our visions of that collective community happen,” he says. Spaces are designed to encourage
Stop in today and see for yourself why Customers Love Us!
RENOVATION HAS BEGUN on the Tomasi House at 8 North St. in Bristol. The historic house will become part of Bristol Village Cohousing.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
frequent, easy and safe interaction, he explains. “When I was a kid it was normal for a parent to send their kids out into the neighborhood to bike around to friends’ houses and visit with others nearby. In many places, that’s not a safe reality in this day and age. But a community like this brings it back and kids — as well as adults — know that they are welcome in more homes and spaces than just their own. Relationships and trust form, and we believe in those.” Mendell and Kamens are also the co-founders of Camp Common Ground, a family camp in Starksboro. Mendell says Common Ground operates in many of the same ways
that they envision for the Bristol Cohousing community, including decision-making by consensus. “People often say, ‘Oh it’s going to be impossible to get anything done if you need consensus’ and ‘This is going to drag on forever,’ but then they see it function and realize that it actually works,” he said. “There’s an educational part to the process as people learn what it takes to have a productive discussion about a decision and come to a solution that can be fully accepted. But that’s part of the decision you make when you choose cohousing.” As Terwilliger says, “In pockets, I think cohousing is a great model. But it takes a certain kind of population.”
Sewing Machines by Janome & Pfaff starting at $189 Vacuum Cleaners by Miele & Eureka starting at $99 1428 Route 7 South, Middlebury • M-F 9-5, Sat. 9-1 802.388.3559 • www.middleburysewnvac.com
Since 1943
“Making friends warm is our business!”
• Heating Oil Oil heats best – always has
• Diesel Fuel & Gasoline • Plumbing & Heating Sales, Service and Installation
• Sunoco Gas Station Save .05¢ per gallon with Sunoco rewards card
49 COURT ST • MIDDLEBURY - Cash Sales - 24 Hour Card Access
213 EXCHANGE ST • MIDDLEBURY - Solar Powered - 24 Hour Card Access - Diesel Fuel & Gasoline Card Access
Owned and Operated by the MacIntyre family since 1943
213 Exchange Street, Middlebury • 388-9260 • 388-3014
PAGE 10C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Address air leaks to save energy, money (MS) — Rising energy costs coupled with the continued adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles are two factors driving homeowners to seek ways to reduce energy consumption in their homes. Reducing energy consumption is reason enough for many homeowners to make changes around the house, but saving energy sometimes means saving substantial amounts of money as well. Energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly building materials can help homeowners reduce energy consumption. But homeowners looking for additional ways to cut cooling and heating costs can address air leaks around the house to make their homes more energy efficient. • Identify air leaks around windows and doorways. Autumn is a great time of year to identify air leaks. Fall, and particularly late fall, tends to be characterized by cold air that makes it easy to detect air leaks. Feel for leaks around windows and doorways, ideally conducting such tests on cold, windy days when you can quickly detect if air is flowing in from the outside. Leaks around windows and doors waste energy because the interior of the home is either colder (in the winter) or warmer (in the summer) than it needs to be, prompting homeowners to turn up their thermostats or rely more heavily on air conditioning units. • Look for leaks elsewhere around the house. While windows and doorways are where many leaks are found, leaks also may be found around plumbing, electrical fixtures
and dryer vents. Inspect such areas by feeling for drafts or looking for signs that insects and critters might be entering. • Look up and down. Evidence of air leaks may be noticeable on both the floor and the ceiling. Dirty spots on carpeting and the ceiling may be indicative of air leaks at interior wall/ ceiling joints and wall/floor joists. Fixing such leaks may be as simple as applying some caulk. • Go with gaskets. The United States Department of Energy recommends installing foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls. Outlets and switch boxes on exterior walls provide another place for air to leak into a home and drive up energy costs. Properly installed gaskets can cut back on air infiltration, providing an inexpensive way to save energy and money. • Cover the kitchen exhaust fans when you are not cooking. Kitchen exhaust fans can help prevent fires and unfavorable indoor air conditions when preparing meals at home. But such fans provide opportunities for air to enter a home, so make sure they are tightly closed or covered when no one is cooking in the kitchen. Air leaks around a house can waste energy and contribute to high energy bills, particularly during the winter and summer when temperatures outside tend to be at their most extreme. Homeowners looking to reduce their energy consumption and save money can inspect various areas of their homes for air leaks and immediately address any they discover.
Inside and out
GUS BIEDERMAN, ABOVE LEFT, Paul Vaczy, above right, and Greg Danyow, below, work inside and out on a Middlebury home renovation project.
Independent photos/Trent Campbell
HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE 1.
2.
2
W ACRES L INBO LC A R Landscaping Natural & Cultured Stonework, Paver – Walks, Walls & Driveways Fire Pits, Outdoor Fireplaces, Grill Islands, Water Features, Landscape Lighting, Plantings & Lawn Care
388-2903 We specialize in: • Standing Seam • Slate Roofing • Copper • Wood Shingle Roofing • Gutters and Downspouts • Complete Sheet Metal Work
380 East Main Street East Middlebury, Vermont
Michael & Lisa Shannon 802-759-2225 • cell 802-373-5758 www.rainbowacreslandscape.com
murphysm@sover.net
4. Free Estimates
•Semi-Frameless Shower Doors •Screen and Window Repair
388-9049
198 Boardman Street Middlebury, VT
1
(located behind Goodro Lumber)
3.
•Frameless Shower Enclosures
3
Let our dedicated team service your roofing needs!
5. Whip-Poor-Will Walk-ins Welcome
BUILDING•REMODELING CUSTOM CABINETRY•DESIGN TILEWORK•INTERIORS
Home Services
• Small Construction • Light Backhoe Work • Remodel • Repair • Clearing • Brush Hog
Trusted Team of Professionals
Exchange St. • Middlebury, Vermont 05753 Cell: (802)989-9170 • Phone: (802)388-9781 www.woodlandwoodworks.com woodlandwoodworks@yahoo.com
Paul Vaczy H: 802-352-9883 C: 802-349-4514 pvaczy@myfairpoint.net
4
5
6. Reach Thousands through our
BUSINESS & SERVICES Advertising Section
List YOUR Business where people look for local services for home improvements of all kinds.
Call Anna at the Addison Independent 388-4944
Check out these local businesses for help with your HOME IMPROVEMENT projects!
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 11C
Prepare your stove or fireplace for the season (MS) — Fireplaces and wood- thoroughly cleaned and inspected. burning stoves not only can be Creosote can build up inside of beautiful focal points within a home, the chimney. Creosote is highly but they also provide an additional flammable and becomes more source of heat and can be used to keep difficult and expensive to clean the rooms or entire homes comfortable longer it builds up inside your flue without the need for additional and lining. In addition, animals may have potentially costly heating sources. created nest inside of the chimney Just like more modern home since the last time the fireplace was heating systems, stoves and used. A professional chimney sweep fireplaces need to be maintained, should be hired in this situation. He and that maintenance or she will be able to includes readying them effectively clean the before winter when they Inspect the chimney in a manner are used more heavily. chimney from that is the least messy Ensuring a fireplace outdoors as and disruptive to or stove is in good well. Inspect residents. working order helps to the mortar Inspect the chimney guarantee efficiency of from outdoors as well. around any use and safety during Inspect the mortar bricks in the the winter months. around any bricks Open-flame heating chimney and in the chimney and sources carry with surrounding surrounding areas them certain risks. The areas for for cracks. If left National Fire Protection cracks. unaddressed, these can Association states that, cause dangerous fires. between 2009-2013, If there are serious American fire departments responded cracks, a professional may need to to 56,000 home structure fires that make repairs or the chimney may involved heating equipment. The need to be replaced. You also can NFPA notes that the leading factor have the chimney capped with a contributing to home-heating fires screen to keep animals and debris is a failure to keep things clean, from entering. principally from solid-fueled heating INSTALL OR CHECK SMOKE equipment. The following are a AND CARBON MONOXIDE handful of ways to stay safe as you DETECTORS get ready for another cozy season Operational alarms are essential to around the fire. preventing injury or death resulting START WITH THE CHIMNEY from smoke or carbon monoxide (See Inspect, Page 14C) Begin by having your chimney
inc.
HJL
CONTRACTERS & BUILDERS
Home ideas for cozy fall living
(StatePoint) — With autumn comes crisp falling leaves, fresh brisk air and pumpkin spice aromas. It’s time to prepare your home to spend more time indoors, decorating it with warm, cozy accents to set the tone for the season. Make your home fall-ready with these six cozy ideas. 1. Freshen Up with Soothing Aromas A little “me time” is good for the soul, and sometimes you need to pamper yourself after a long day. Whether the scent is apple cinnamon, pumpkin pie or maple leaf, lighting a candle with your favorite fall fragrance creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing your sense of calm. 2. Create a Living Room Sanctuary Transform your living room into an at-home getaway by displaying
seasonal throw pillows and blankets, and adorning the space with elements from nature, like a vase filled with leaf stems and crab apple branches. Crank up the cozy factor with homemade hot cider and a crackling fireplace. 3. Refresh Interiors with Paint Give rooms a refreshing update, add color and create contrast in a space with accent walls. Deep colors like navy blue help create a relaxing retreat. Or, take a cue from the changing leaves and opt for warm colors, like mustard yellow or burnt orange. 4. Innovate with Multi-Functional Appeal.
Since you’ll be spending more time inside, transform an empty space like a basement or attic into a useful area for the entire family. With a little imagination and a few tools, you can create a vibrant and playful craft room. An exciting, multi-functional space is a great way to avoid cabin fever in the months ahead. 5. Give Guests a Warm Greeting. Celebrity designer Taniya Nayak correctly predicted home design elements that incorporate typographic elements would be a key design trend in 2016. This trend is all about setting the tone for a space with inspirational quotes, personalization and warm greet-
ings. Welcome guests by playing up the autumnal theme with phrases like, “Hello Fall” or “Give Thanks” on decorative wooden planks or burlap-textured fabric. Consider using various font types and sizes to achieve a different feel for each block of text. 6. Deck Out Curb Appeal Nothing sets a good impression like an attractive entryway and front door. Greet guests with a festive hello by decking out the porch with pumpkins and planting seasonal floral arrangements along the pathway, or creating a fall-inspired wreath to hang on the door. You can even collect a handful of colorful leaves outside to string together and post along your porch fence for extra curb appeal. Get started on your projects now, so you can kickback, relax and fully enjoy all that the season has to offer.
H.J. LeBoeuf & Son, Inc. Established 1888
802.877.3098
www.hjleboeuf.com
Serving the Champlain Valley for 125 years and counting.
We specialize in building and renovating both new and existing homes in a sustainable and energy efficient way. BEFORE
At the Mill QUALITY Kiln Dried Lumber Hardwood & Softwood
Enjoy a new contemporary look with energy saving fixtures.
AFTER John D. Fuller Master Plumber
The choices are endless! 388-2019
5118 Case Street • Rte. 116 Middlebury, VT 057753
Friendly Service • Great Specials Cash & Volume Discounts Call for pricing and availability.
HARDWOODS Rough: Maple • Oak • Birch • Cherry • Ash Butternut • Popple • Walnut • Mahogany
Call Today!
PINE
Beaded, V-Joint Shiplap Siding T&G Flooring Rough • Dressed
Bristol, Vermont • 802-453-4884 • Mon-Fri 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. www.vermontlumber.com
PAGE 12C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Winter is coming, improve air quality inside your home
(MS) — Upon the arrival of products, use natural products that winter, people in regions where get the job done without sacrificing winter is marked by cold weather indoor air quality. tend to spend significantly more • Stop smoking indoors. Tobacco time indoors. Because windows smoke can affect smokers and tend to be closed during winter, nonsmokers alike. The Centers for indoor air quality can suffer, making Disease Control and Prevention conditions inside a home less than note that secondhand smoke causes desirable. numerous health problems in According to the American Lung infants and children. Those include Association, poor air circulation more frequent and severe asthma in a home can promote the spread attacks and respiratory infections. of bacteria and viruses. Once such In addition, reports from the U.S. bacteria or viruses are Department of Health inhaled, coughs, colds Shoes can pick and Human Services and flu can spread. In have linked secondhand up dirt, dust addition, asthma and smoke to an increased allergy sufferers may and a host of risk of sudden infant experience worsening other particles death syndrome. Adults symptoms thanks to the during winter, exposed to secondhand presence of endotoxins, and if tracked smoke are at greater which are substances inside those risk for coronary heart that come from the disease, stroke and lung broken-down cells of unwanted cancer. Tobacco smoke guests can dead bacteria. contains thousands Because many people negatively of pollutants that can spend significantly more affect indoor greatly diminish indoor time indoors during air quality. air quality, so make winter than other times sure smokers limit their of the year, it’s essential smoking to outside that they take measures to improve the home throughout the year, but indoor air quality in the months especially during winter. ahead. • Take off your shoes when • Cut back on chemicals. It’s ideal entering the home. Snowy conditions to avoid heavy chemical usage inside often require a home’s inhabitants a home throughout the year, but it’s and guests to remove their footwear especially important to do so during upon entering a home, but it helps winter. Solvent-based cleaners to remove footwear in a mudroom or cleaning products with strong or just inside the front door when fragrances can negatively affect entering a home even when it’s not indoor air quality and potentially snowing. Shoes can pick up dirt, trigger allergic reactions. In lieu dust and a host of other particles (See Air quality, Page 14C) of chemically-enhanced cleaning
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 13C
Framing it up
PAUL VACZY, ABOVE, and Gus Biederman, below, work on a small porch roof in Middlebury recently.
Independent photos/Trent Campbell
CLOVER STATE WINDOW & SIDING
Sales and Installation of: Windows (replacement & new construction) Roofs (asphalt, metal & standing seam) Siding (vinyl & Hardi Plank)
Fully Insured
Construction
Decks • Additions • Garages • Porches
Roll-off containers
For all your construction waste removal needs So whether it’s roofing, remodeling, demolition or new construction... ...Call us today for a FREE estimate!
877-2102 • TOLL FREE: 888-433-0962 email: mlbrunet@gmavt.net www.cloverstate.com
Storage trailerS • ContainerS • Moving & inStallation 1-888-976-8700 • 802-388-0264 • Fax 802-388-0347 485 Rt. 7 North, Middlebury, Vt. 05753
PAGE 14C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Fall leaves can be used for more than compost (MS) — Millions of leaves fall from tree boughs each fall. Homeowners and landscaping professionals will spend countless hours removing leaves from lawns and driveways so they can be collected and ultimately added to compost piles or removed by local governments. But leaves do not necessarily have to meet with the same fate each year. In fact, there are many creative ways to use leaves gathered from lawns and
gardens. • Scarecrow: Gather a decent pile of leaves and the makings of a scarecrow, which include hay, old clothing, string, and canvas. Use the leaves to help stuff the body of the scarecrow and make him a bit more plump. • Vases: Fill an empty flower vase with different leaves that you have gathered. This makes for an engaging centerpiece when entertaining.
• Pressings: Press leaves between two pieces of paper to make a leaf silhouette. Some of the pigment will transfer to the paper, and these natural pieces of artwork can be displayed or shared. • Laminate: Laminate leaves so they can be used as place cards when hosting guests for holiday feasts. Put these ideas to the test to make fallen leaves part of your unique home decor.
checked prior to the first use of a stove or fireplace so homeowners can be certain it opens and closes smoothly. CLEAR OUT FLAMMABLE ITEMS Move flammable items away from the front of a fireplace or stove. Be sure curtains or other home furnishings are far enough away that they will not catch fire from any errant sparks or flames.
ORDER WOOD NOW Be sure there is plenty of wood for the season. Ask a wood supplier to estimate just how much will be needed, and double-check that the wood will arrive in time for the start of the season. By preparing for fireplace and wood stove use now, homeowners can ensure their winters are comfortable and safe.
Inspect (Continued from Page 11C) inhalation. Such detectors are inexpensive safeguards that should be installed on every floor of the house. Batteries should be replaced every six months, and the alarms themselves should be changed every five to 10 years. INSPECT THE DAMPER A damper is a valve or plate that stops or regulates the flow of air inside a chimney. It should be
Stark Mountain Woodworking – A full service custom woodworking company dedicated to answering the design needs of our clients in ways that are creative, sustainable and of lasting value.
359 South St., New Haven. VT 05472 (802) 453-5549 www.starkmountain.com
Improve comfort in a drafty house (MS) — For those who live in older homes, the transition to colder weather can be extra disheartening, as the vision of expensive heating bills, chilly rooms and drafty windows dance in their heads. However, it’s easy to change the outlook from cold to cozy with a few simple DIY solutions. The most effective way to improve the comfort level in
your home is to properly insulate. Insulation can be inadequate in older homes. Over time, it can settle and compact, creating gaps. Topping up attic insulation will help keep the warm air in, reducing heating bills and preventing stress on your furnace. For attics, aim for an r-value of R-50 or a depth of 16 inches. A little preparation can go a
long way to keep the cold at bay. Seal out drafts by replacing worn weatherstripping and caulking along windows, doors, baseboards, and trim. For other ways to beat the cold, consider inexpensive window insulation kits along with thicker drapes, and don’t forget to reverse ceiling fans to push warm air back down.
Staying green (Continued from Page 3C) of winter. Heating systems that are not operating at peak efficiency will cost homeowners money and waste energy. If you notice yourself frequently increasing the temperature on your thermostat just to keep your home warm and comfortable, call a local HVAC professional to inspect the system. Scheduling such an appointment prior to the arrival of winter can save you the cost and discomfort of living
with an inefficient system. • Choose an electric snowblower. Many homeowners now use snowblowers instead of shovels to remove snow from their properties. While snow shovels are the most eco-friendly snow removal tool, even the most eco-conscious homeowners recognize how snowblowers make snow removal easy and more efficient. But gas-powered snowblowers consume substantial amounts of fuel. If you must use
a snowblower, choose an electric one instead of one powered by gas. Even though electric snowblowers consume electricity, the EPA notes that such products leave a smaller carbon footprint than gas-powered snowblowers because they do not emit greenhouse gases. Harsh winter weather can make it challenging to live in an eco-friendly way. But there are many ways to withstand winter and do so in a way that does not hurt the planet.
moisture but not properly ventilated. In many homes, that’s the bathroom. Even if a bathroom has a ventilation fan, routinely inspect the ceiling and shower for mold growth. Exposure to mold can cause a host of negative side effects, including nasal and
sinus congestion and sore throat. Mold also can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Improving and maintaining indoor air quality in winter can help a home’s inhabitants stay healthy during the colder months.
to crown the ceilings or to frame doorways. If you have the space for a nook, create a window seat beneath a picture window or add a bench and cushions in a corner for a nice escape spot.
Use the colder weather as an opportunity to reinvent some of the rooms in your home. With paint, texture, fabric, lighting, and more, rooms can be quickly transformed into cozy respites from the cold.
Air quality (Continued from Page 13C) during winter, and if tracked inside those unwanted guests can negatively affect indoor air quality. • Routinely inspect bathrooms for mold. During winter, mold can grow in rooms that are exposed to
Retreats (Continued from Page 8C) add a splash of color to the top of bedroom dressers. • Play with texture. Look for fabrics that boast texture and can add a tactile feel to spaces. When used on throw pillows or small accents, faux fur can create that cozy cabin feel. Draperies made from nubby fabrics or those with grooves and ridges can add dimension to a room as well. Even a lampshade made of an unusual fabric, such as a wafflepatterned material, can add a little depth and warmth to a space. • Reevaluate your lighting. Lighting a space is more than just flipping on a switch. Finding the right balance of lighting fixtures can instantly transform the feel of a room. Create more warmth and a cozy feel by switching out bulbs from cooler shades to warmer ones — those that give off yellow and pink hues rather than cool blues. Accent lighting helps establish a comfortable space for curling up and reading a good book. Spot lighting, such as fixtures that are trained on artwork or inside of a curio or china cabinet, also can set a more welcoming mood. • Install a bookshelf and start a book collection. Piles and stacked books can add warmth to any space. Books evoke the hallowed halls of schools and quiet nooks in the library. Fill shelves with books interspersed with additional design accents, and you will instantly make a room feel more inviting. • Choose dark paint. Do not feel nervous about incorporating deeper shades in rooms. Dark colors give rooms a more enclosed feel than lighter colors, and that can create a warm and cozy feeling. This works particularly well in larger spaces that feel vast and empty. If you’re scared to paint all of your walls, try a darker shade below a chair rail or just paint one accent wall. • Add architectural elements. Think about adding rich moldings
FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016 — PAGE 15C
WE’VE ReallyGOT YOU COVERED… …INSIDE & OUT
Fall Flooring Sale!
Save on Hardwood, Carpet, Tile, Laminates, Bamboo, Cork & More.
Money Saving Promotions on Window Treatments Custom-built Modular Homes, Doublewides & Singlewides
BE IN A NEW HOME BY
Christmas
FREE Cordless Upgrade
HOUSING DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE
Last Chance Rebates
Now available through Champlain Housing Trust Down Payment Assistance Program, buying your new home made easy!
UP TO $27,500 LOAN AMOUNT WITH 0% INTEREST TOWARDS
from Beans Homes 600 ROUTE 7 • PITTSFORD, VT • WWW.BEANSHOMES.COM
$8 OFF
$10 OFF
Through October 15th Maximum Rebate $80
October 2nd - 15th Maximum Rebate $80
Per Gallon on all Cabot® exterior stains & paints
Per Gallon on all SIKKENS® PROLUXE™ Products
2017 Energy Star Model Homes on display For more info, please contact Tony Flanders at 877-999-2555 or email tflanders@beanshomes.com
Mail-In REBATES
October is Child Safety Month
16 Creek Road, Middlebury • 388-6054 Mon - Fri 7:30 - 5:30, Sat 8 - 3 • www.countrysidecarpetandpaint.com
Certified Welding Tree, Crane & Lift Rental Services • 188’ Reach - 24 Hour Emergency Service • Man Lifts 40’,60’,80’ • 5 Hydraulic Truck Cranes, up to 70 Tons • Tree Chipper up to 20’’ • Modular Homes Set • Equipment & Machinery Moving
• Steel Fabrication • Precast Setting • Rafter Setting OSHA CERTIFIED • Fork Lift Service CRANE OPERATORS • Steel Erection & RIGGERS • Fully Insured
Craig W. Brown, Owner 43 Years of Quick, Dependable Service & Reasonable Rates
Office (802) 453-3351 • Cell (802) 363-5619 275 So. Route 116, Bristol, VT • www.Brownswelding.com
Builders providing custom solutions for new construction, renovations, solar and home energy projects. www.smithmcclain.com 802-453-3001
Champlain Valley Equipment “Growing to meet your needs” Since 1970
453 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT 802.388.4967 www.champlainvalleyequipment.com Berlin, VT 802.223.0021
East Randolph, VT 802.728.5453
Derby, VT 802.766.2400
St. Albans, VT 802.524.6782
PAGE 16C — FALL HOME • Addison Independent, Thursday, September 29, 2016
Are you ready for Solar? Vermont Homeowners Recommend
802 . 453 . 2500 • BristolElectronicsVT.com
FREE ON-SITE EVALUATIONS Bristol Electronics installed our solar panels early this summer and all the sunny days have been pushing our meter backward at a good rate. It feels good to be contributing to “the grid”. Working with Chris, Steve, Dave and the other B.E. employees was a pleasure. They were well informed, patient and flexible as we worked through some early unforeseen roadblocks. We strongly recommend this company if you are interested in having solar energy at your home installed by a responsive, responsible company. The Fishers – Addison, Vt
“We want to thank Dave and everyone at Bristol Electronics for our new solar installation. It looks great on the roof. We had talked to your installers at a job they were doing up the road from us. They were extremely friendly and very willing to answer our questions. We had been thinking of solar and our visit with them cinched it. Dave came out to see our house, collect the information he needed, and explain how everything would work. The installation was so fast. Just love watching the arrow on the meter go the other way! Thanks again, Leighton & Linda Riley – Bridport Bristol Electronics installed our 20 panels quickly, efficiently, courteously and just the way we wanted them. Our roof is a difficult one due to our post-andbeam construction, but nevertheless, the crew was friendly, informative and just great people. Then even in the cloud cover, we began immediately to generate electricity! Furthermore (and most importantly for others deciding to install solar), the price was fair, competitive and honest. If we had another home, I’d want them to put the solar panels on that one, too! We recommend solar and Bristol Electronics without reservation! Lawrence & Cynthia Jones ~ South Starksboro Bristol Electronics designed and installed a photovoltaic system on our house in New Haven. We could not be more pleased with the staff and the installation of our system. Right from the start we understood what we were buying and what the installation process was about. The staff filled out all the necessary paperwork required by Green Mountain Power and the State of Vermont. This in itself made our experience with Bristol Electronics an easy and pleasant one. The installation was professional and clean. The service did not end with installation. We were contacted to insure that everything was satisfactory and if we had any questions. We highly recommend Bristol Electronics. Mike and Helen Hanley – New Haven, VT