Home Improvement - Fall 2019

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2 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

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Montana Licensed Professionals for over 60 years

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 3

Fall Home Improvement Show The 26th Annual Fall Home Improvement Show will take place Sept. 6th, 7th and 8th at the Expo Center at Metra Park. The show has grown to over 400 exhibits utilizing the entire Expo Center encompassing over 100,000 square feet of exhibit room inside and outside the facility. The exhibits come from across the United States and Canada. Admission and parking are free. Show hours: Friday - noon - 8:00pm, Saturday & Sunday - 10:00am - 5:00pm. The show always takes place the first weekend after Labor Day because summer is coming to an end, kids are back in school, families are back to their normal routines, and it’s time to get those projects done before the upcoming holidays. This is Billings’ only Fall show and continues to grow and gain in popularity every year because of the quality of exhibits and the ability to see the “latest and greatest” in home improvement trends and innovations.

There is an overall movement in the United States called nesting. This is where homeowners turn their homes into a more enjoyable living environment. Thus, you see people adding home theaters, hobby rooms, exercise rooms, outdoor kitchens, ponds, swimming pools and spas, to make their home into a private paradise.

The majority of the businesses exhibiting at the show are from Billings, thus all business transactions and the revenue derived from these transactions remains in our community. We are proud to showcase local business providing cutting edge products/services/technology.

Many businesses use the show to introduce and test the waters with new products and services. Demonstrations, such as cooking shows, are always a big hit at the show. Specialty foods & drinks will be located throughout the show for weary show goers. The Kid’s Workshop sponsored by The Home Depot is always a big hit for the Kids. This is located in the rear of the Expo Center and gives kids a chance to hone their building skills by assembling various projects. This will take place at various times throughout the weekend. Free Face Painting compliments of Big Sky Exterior Designs and Free Balloon animals compliments of Lynnrich will be available through the weekend. A complete listing of exhibitors and further show information can be found in this Home Improvement Show guide or log on to: www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com.

Home Improvement Show attendees are eligible for many exhibitor prizes and the show’s grand prize package. The grand prize package is the largest in the show’s history and consists of an all-time high eleven prizes worth over $25,000.00 including: a 95% high efficient gas furnace which is provided by White Heating & Air Conditioning, up to $1,000.00 worth of house cleaning services including carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, upholstery cleaning and tile and grout cleaning from Brices MasterClean, a wall mounted electric fireplace from the Fireplace Center, custom professionally designed home security system from Kenco Security & Technology including one year monitoring, a $1500.00 Home Insulation Package including installation courtesy of Billings Insulation, a six foot custom patio door from Lynnrich, a painter for a day compliments of Matt The Painter, a 2000 Watt Honda Generator courtesy of King’s ACE, $2000 towards a custom Hardrock firepit from Rocky Mountain Hardrock Flooring, Whole home interior/ exterior window cleaning from Alpine Window Cleaning, or a $1000 Blinds/Shutters Package from Billings Best Blinds. Prizes may be registered for during regular show hours at the “Grand Prize Room” which is located towards the rear of the EXPO Center. The drawing for the prizes will take place following the show.

There are also numerous prizes being given away via radio promotion as well, including but not limited to: a $5000 Roofing package compliments of Moonlight Construction, $1000 Clark Marten Gift Certificate, one of two Whole Home Gutter Cleanings from Mobile Grime Control, or $1000 American Granite and Tile Gift Cert., or a Retractable Window Screen from Phantom Retractable. Along with tickets to the parade of homes, and gift cards from Mountain Mudd and Rio Sabinas.

Regardless if you are looking to have a project completed before the holidays, find inspiration and material for your upcoming DIY project, if you are looking at beginning the process for a future project, or just want to spend a fun, family friendly, free day with the potential to win over $25,000 in Grand Prizes. The Fall Home Improvement Show is the place you want to be!

4 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

Arrange furniture, design rooms more easily Redesigning a room can involve several steps, from choosing a paint palette to taking down walls to buying new furniture. When it comes time to put the space back together, finding an appealing furniture arrangement or layout renovation that maximizes space efficiently can be challenging if it requires moving heavy pieces of furniture around. To make such tasks easier, homeowners can rely on a bevy of room-designing apps that enable one to manipulate a room in the digital realm.

Some people have great spatial reasoning and can work out designs in their head or by plotting items on graph paper. But many homeowners may need a little extra help. By figuring out a floor plan, anyone can start laying out their furniture and other design elements.

• Planner 5D: This is an extensive room-design tool that helps you design rooms down to the smallest architectural details. It also can be taken outdoors for landscaping and pools, utilizing 3D graphics.

• Amikasa: This app enables users to create room layouts using furniture and more from real brands. It features a walkthrough mode so you can take a virtual tour afterwards.

• Room Scan Pro: This app draws floor plans simply by having you hold the phone up to a wall. The software will then scan the circumference and plot out the requisite measurements.

• Autodesk Homestyler: Brought to you by the company that produces professional design programs for architects and designers, like AutoCAD, Autodesk and Revit, this user-friendly technology allows you to create 3D renderings and move around furniture, decorative items, appliances, and other elements right in the app.

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Let’s ALL Go!

• Ikea Home Planner Tools: The free, easy-to-use home planner tool from the popular furniture giant enables you to see how items from the store can look in your space — before you bring it home. The Kitchen Planner from the company also makes it simple to enter Ikea components and see how much the proposed kitchen design may cost.

• Magic Plan: This is another popular feature-filled app for planning designs. The technology even allows you to take a picture of your existing room and create floor plans.

Room planners come in various forms, from free downloads available through popular furniture companies to pay-for-use, third-party software. The following are some the more popular room planners homeowners can utilize.

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• Floor Plan Creator: Start with the basics by plotting out precise and accurate floor plans. This app enables you to create multiple floor rooms in 3D and get automatic figures for perimeters, walls and more.

These are just a few of the room planners that can make it easier to see what a finished design product may one day look like.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW AFdmRiSSEioEn Expo Center

Sept. 6, 7, 8 95% Efficient

Friday Noon - 8pm Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 5pm

$

Gas Furnace

6’ Custom patio Door up to $

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25,000 in PRizES!

2000 Watt Honda Generator

Home Insulation package

Custom Home Security System with 1 Year Monitoring

Wall Mounted Fireplace

2000

Custom Firepit

1000

toward any Brice’s Masterclean Services

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Blinds/Shutters package

$

www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com

Interior/Exterior Window Cleaning

painter for a Day

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 5

26th Anniversary - Fall

Home Improvement Show Name _______________________________________ Phone ______________________________________ Email _______________________________________

✔ DESIRED PRIZES 95% Efficient Gas Furnace Custom Hardrock Firepit 6’ Custom Patio Door

Blinds/Shutters Pkg. Insulation Package House Cleaning Wall Mount Fireplace

Honda Generator Home Security System Int./Ext. Window Clean Painter for a Day

Mike Hass • 406-245-3447 Check for Free Insurance Review

Date:

• Sept. 6-8 • Fri, Sat, & Sun

Times:

• Fri - Noon to 8:00pm • Sat/Sun- 10:00am - 5:00pm

Location: • EXPO Center at Metra Park

Size:

• Over 400 exhibits • Over 100,000 square feet of inside exhibits.

• Plus 35,000 square feet of outside exhibits.

Admission & Parking: • Free • • • •

$25,000 Prize Packages: Grand Prizes, Live Radio Prizes, Social Media Prizes

Special Features • • • • • • • • • •

Showcasing the latest Home Imp. Trends and Innovations Hands on Interactive Displays Custom Water Features Custom Synthetic Grass Putting Green Free Pepsi Products compliments of Dimich Pepsi of Billings.

Billings favorite food trucks on site Cooking Demos Learn to ride Segway booth “As Seen on TV” Traveling infomercial displays 1900 Gallon Live Swim Spas Demonstrations- Thompson Pools • 90% of all exhibitors are located from Billings, MT.

Family Friendly Event!

The Kids experience includes: • Kids Workshop All Weekend by The Home Depot

• Custom Balloon animals compliments of Lynnrich.

• Face painting compliments Big Sky Exterior • Virtual Reality Kids Experience

So much more……

• Continues to be Largest Fall Trade Show in a 5 state area • Over 400 exhibits and 20,000+ attendance.

Web Site:

• www.billingshomeimprovementshow.com

Prize and Promotion List Grand Prizes

6’ Custom Patio Door

Courtesy: Lynnrich Siding & Windows

Honda 2000 Watt Honda Generator Courtesy: Billings/Laurel Ace Hardware Stores

Lennox 95% Efficient Gas Furnace Courtesy: White Heating & Cooling

Wall Mounted Fireplace Courtesy: The Fireplace Center

Home Security System

Courtesy: Kenco Security & Technology

$1500 Home Insulation

Courtesy: Billings Insulation Service

$1000 House Cleaning Courtesy: Brice’s Masterclean

$1000 Gift Cert.

Courtesy: Billings Best Blinds

$2000 Custom Hardrock Firepit Courtesy: Rocky Mountain Hardrock Flooring

Interior/Exterior Window Cleaning Courtesy: Alpine Window Clean

Painter for a Day

Courtesy: Matt the Painter

Promotional Prizes

Retractable Window Screen Courtesy: Phantom Screen Doors

$1000 Gift Cert.

Courtesy: Clark Marten Photography Whole Home Gutter Cleaning Courtesy: Mobile Grime Control

$1000 Gift Cert.

Courtesy: American Granite and Stone

Whole Home Gutter Cleaning Courtesy: Mobile Grime Control

Grand Prize Social Media $5000 Roofing Package Courtesy: Moonlight Construction

6 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

How to protect wood floors from inclement weather Wood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room in a home. Even though wood floors are durable, and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors.

Certain seasons of the year can be more harsh on wood floors than others. For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and fall, can be hard on wood floors. The experts at ServiceMaster Clean say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be harsh on flooring.

Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few steps to keep floors looking beautiful.

• Clean up the salt. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home.

Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up salt is necessary to protect wood floors.

• Invest in shoe storage. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Have a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can be kept. A nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside.

• Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes.

Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubber-backed mats, as they could discolor the wood floor.

• Control humidity indoors. Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home. Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate minor temperature and humidity fluctuations. This is typically a range of between 60 and 80 degrees F with a relative humidity range of 35 to 55 percent, advises ServiceMaster.

3130 King Ave. West, Billings, MT 406.969.1727 • Mon. - Sat.: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Hydroponics Smoking Supplies Organic Supplies Grow World of Billings provides you with access to top-quality hydroponic systems. Whatever you require for indoor gardening, we have the equipment for you.

Visit or call us at 406-969-1727.

• Use the right cleaning products. Avoid excessive water to clean wood floors, and select soaps that are specially designed for wood flooring. Consult with the flooring manufacturer for a list of detergents that are safe to use.

With proper care, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow and cold weather.

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 7

This design trend is coming back Design trends come and go, but some have a funny way of resurfacing years after they first became popular. Homeowners who may have been considering renovating their home to remove a design element they believe to be passé might want to see if that feature has experienced a resurgence in popularity. In fact, one of the more derided home decor trends of yesteryear has slowly crept back into style, albeit in moderation.

Wood paneling is back and better than ever, advise many design professionals. It’s the formerly ugly duckling that filled homes starting in the 1950s, creating drab dens and faux-wood family rooms.

Paneling had long been an element of choice because it is relatively easy to install and can camouflage problem walls in a home, like those covered in boisterous wallpaper prints.

Wood paneling reach the peak of its popularity in the 1970s, and since then homeowners have been tearing down these faux offenders for years or masking them in paint to brighten up spaces. However, the experts at Apartment Therapy report that wood paneling in shades of brown are making a comeback in cozy spots such as dens or studies.

The warm tones of wood paneling elicit a retro vibe. But

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unlike their fake predecessors, today’s paneled walls are being outfitted in real wood, making them more eco-friendly and stylish than ever before.

Designers have flocked to reclaimed wood and veneer panelings to incorporate them into design elements. And while wood paneling used to be hung vertically, designers now experiment with hanging paneling.

Many people no longer use paneling to cover an entire space. Paneling is used sparingly as an accent wall or another feature for character. Wood walls can be stained in a rich mahogany to look upscale or be weathered and rustic.

Homeowners ready to re-embrace wood paneling can choose to enhance one wall in a room. Think about the space above a fireplace or a strip of wall behind a sitting chair and side table. Paneling also can serve as a headboard behind a bed in a master suite. Painted horizonally, paneling can add dimension and texture to walls, even in a bathroom.

Wood paneling is slowly making a comeback, proving that no design trend every truly goes away.

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8 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 9

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

406 HVAC------------------ 235-236 41 Realty Group---------------- 112 7K Metals----------------------- 115 A & H Turf----------------------038 A Maid Zing Maids-------------- 224 A-1 Landscaping-----------------00 AAA Leather Doctor----------- 060 AAA Trees Done Right----- Outside Space Aarons Back Company------------- ------------- 462- & Outside Space Aaron's Furnace & A/C--------- 329 AARP Montana----------------- 132 ABC Seamless--------028-029-030 Advanced Water Solutions-----302 Advantage Products------- 335-336 Aerus Electrolux----------------188 Aire Serv of Billings------- 198-199 All Kinds of Blinds-------------326 All Star Custom Seamless Gutters- -------------------------------- 044 Allstate Insurance-Hass Agency--043 Alpha Overhead Door---- 002-003 Alpine Window Cleanign----------- ------------------ Grand Prize Area American Granite & Stone--------308-309-310 America's Swimming Pool----- 181 AR Appliance------------------- 279 Arrow Septic and Sewer------- 124 AT&T---------------------------- 152 B Staged Montana------------- 433 Bailey Garage Doors----436-437 & Demo Room Bar Eleven Subdivision-------- 113 BB's Custom Painting----------434 Benchmark Window & Door------239-240 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-------------------095-097 B-Fit For Life----- 297-298 & 311-312 Big Sky Exteriors---- 127-128-129 & 140-141-142 & 006 Big Sky Insulations-------- 163-164 Big Sky Pet Resort--------------260 Big Sky Spas--- 067-069 & 098-103 Billings Adult & Community Education----------------------- 114 Billings Best Blinds & Shutters---024 Billings Best Real Estate------- 172 Billings Bypass Project--------- 154 Billings Chiropractic Accident &

Injury Clinic--------------- 233-234 Billings Insulation-------------- 072 Billings Kubota-263 to 266 & 275 to 278 Billings Real Estate Prof.-------010 Black Butte Gun Range--------- 179 Breakers Billiards--------------456 Brices Masterclean-------------429 Bridger Steel--------------- 213-214 Brighten Electrical Services---- 255 Brite Electrical Services-------- 307 B-Seamless---------------------299 Budget Blinds------------ 045-046 C R Foam------------------ 165-166 C W Designs--------------------306 Cabinet Depost & Design Center-305 Carpet Barn--- 031-032-033-034 & Outside Space Carpet Barn--------Outside Space Cellular Plus--------------------339 Central Heating & Air Conditioning---------------130-131 Century 21-------------104-105-106 Chalk Couture by Victoria------453 Choice Floors---------------186-187 Clark Marten Photo.--------143-144 Cleary Building Corporation--- 170 Collective Goods---------------464 Comfort Heating & Air, LLC--------039-040 Construction by Design-- 008-009 Costco Wholesale----------138-139 Cowboy Touch Products-------168 Cowboys------------Outside Space CPR Billings-------------------- 116 Creative Vinyl Fencing, Inc--------093-094 & 107-108 Cricket Wireless---------------- 257 CS Construction------------241-242 C's Exterior Designs------- 041-042 Culligan Water------------------180 Cutco Cutlery------------------- 147 Cutting Edge Raingutters------280 D & D Poppers-------- Outside 002 Dawgs 'N Hawgs----Outside Space Dogwatch of Montana---------061 Donahue Roofing---------- 148-149 E & P Painting------------------ 183 Exterior Design Solutions------ 134 Family Heritage Life------------ 201 Feet Solutions------------------ 126

Finishing Touch------------ 014-015 Fireplace Center, Inc------118-119 & 150-151 First Class Bamboo-------------459 First Financial Equity CorporationSponsor Fred's Appliance----------- 283-284 Freedom, Windows, Doors & Siding----------------------019-020 Frontier Fence------------- 237-238 Full Court Athletics------- Sponsor G & J Enterprises-------------- 064 Gary's Drilling----------------- 200 GEM Fitness-----186-187 & 218-219 Guardian Mortgage-------------007 H&S Bath Sudz----------------- 177 Hawaiian Moon----------------203 Health & Beauty Max-----090-091 Home Builders Association of Billings------------------------- 145 Home Helpers of Billings------ 178 Hotsy Wy-Mont------------ 340-341 Independent Financial Group-----Grand Prize Area Infinity Homes-----------------076

InnovationX-------------------- 157 Invisible Fence of the Big Sky- 460 Isagenix------------------------435 J & J Construction--------------246 J & L Industries------------------- 0 Juro's Medical------------- 248-249 JW Synthetic Grass--------- 110-111 K2 Spas & Sports--------016-018 & 047-049/051-053 & 080-082 K-Designers--------------- 073-074 Kee Properties-------------231-232 Kenco Security & Technology-----054-055 KG Post Frame------------------463 Khanthaly's Eggrolls------ Outside Space King's ACE Hardware---- 161-162 & 175-176 Kirby Company----------------- 123 Kitchen Tune-Up-------------- 089 LaSalle Plumbing & Restoration--037 Lawn Doctor of Billings, Laurel, Red Lodge---------------------- 156 Ledgestone Hotel------Host Hotel Sponsorship

10 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

Business Name------ Booth Space

Leisure in MT----------------------288-291/318-325/450-451 Linda Kay's caramel Kitchen---168 LuLaRoe - Tiffanie Jones-------226 Lynnrich -- 195-197 / 208-210 & 254 Make Like a Tree : Professional Tree Care---------------------- 088 Matt the Painter----------------025 Mattress Firm------------ 267 to 274 Medicine Springs--------------- 247 Metro Realtors-Krista Whitfield--440 MHS Construdtion------------- 259 Miller Farms---------------448-449 Mobile Grime Control--------- 440 Monat Hair Care----------------285 Montana Customs-------------- 027 Montana Dept of Labor and Industry---------------------------- ----------------------------- 173-174 Montana Reclaimed Lumber North--------------------- 065-066 Montana Shed Center--- 293-294 & 315-316 & Outside Space 005-008 Montana Silversmith----------- 155 Moonlight Construction---- 225 &

Outside Space Mountain Mama Body Butter-- 452 Mountain Mudd Espress-- Outside MT Melt-------------Outside Space MT Wood Cave------------------ 227 Murdock Family Dentistry-206-207 My Pillow-----------------------228 NCI Windows-050 & 083 & Outside Space New World Enterprise---------- 122 Newman Restoration & Cleaning-- --------- 056-057 & Outside Space Norse Construction------------059 North Acre Real Estate---------146 Northwestern Energy----- 021-022 Norwex------------------------- 441 Paramount Log Homes--------- 135 Payne West Insurance----------282 Peacock Cleaning Company---- 153 Phantom Retractable Screens----012-013 Phoenix Wellenss & Education Center--------------------------462 Pierce Flooring----------058 & 075 Pierce RV-----------Outside Space

Pinnacle Remodeling------- 084 & Outside Space Post Frame specialists---- 444-445 Premier Carpet Cleaning-------026 Primerica----------------------- 457 Protech Steel--- 295-296 & 313-314 Quality Custom Sheds---- Outside Space R&L Painting and Remodeling-332 Reliabuild Const.---------------063 Renewal by Anderson------ 120-121 Revision Custom Home Design-169 Rimrock Cabinet Co--------136-137 Riverside Cabins-----------327-328 Rocky Mountain Hardrock Flooring---------------------------- -------------------------- 005 & 171 Rocky Mountain Rug Gallery------438-439 & Demo Room Roger L Daniel Insurance------ 333 Rollin Ritos---------Outside Space RxCBD--------------------- 189-190 S Bar S Building Center- 229-230 & 243-244 Sage Designs------------------- 331 Sam's Club----------------------334 Sean O'Daniel State Farm------ 301 Seder Construction & Metal------286-287 Seder's Fireplace Central--- 092 & 109 Servopro of Billings------- Outside Space Sewing Center West----- 337 & 342 Shepherd Warrior Martial Arts-001 Shinler Cabinetry--------------262 Sleep Number------------------454 Snowy Mountain Cabinets-----455 Soft Touch Designs---------215-216 Solariums Direct---------------204 Spring Blossom Quilt & Sew---023 State Farm Insurance-Jeff Boyd---430 Stronghold Surface Solutions- 338 Sunshine Infrared Saunas----- 461 Superior Sleep Experience-184-185 Susan Walters Agency-------------085-086-087 Swift Construction------------- 281 Synlawn------------------- 442-443 Tastefully Simple--------------- 261

The Counter toppers------035-036 The Design Approach---------- 182 The Exhibex Group-------------299 The Home Center---------------258 The Home Depot-467-468 & Demo Room The Nut Shack----------------- 004 The Pampered Chef------------ 071 The Roofing Center--------- 191-192 The Spoke Shop----Outside Space 004 The Tint Factory---------------- 133 The Water Guy------------------ 431 Thirfty Nickel---Welcome Sponsor Thompson Pools-------- 220-223 & 250-253 Tidbits of Billings- Poster Sponsor Timberline Creations-- 158-159-160 Timeless Construction & Design--070 T-Mobile------------------------ 167 TNR Group----------------------202 Tupperware---------------------446 Tvetente Turf-------------- 283-284 U S Health Advisors------------330 US Roof LLC---------------- 343-344 Usborne Books-----------------434 Valley Farmers Supply- 217-218-219 Valley Federal Credit Union----256 Valley Steel--------------------- 125 Vivint---------------------------062 Wally World Satellite----------- 011 Weekly Real Estate Portfolio-- TBD Western Wood Creation MT---- 447 Westfork Sales & Marketing------077-078-079 White Heating & A/C---- 193-194 & 211-212 Wisp West----------------------303 Yellowstone County News---- TBD Yellowstone Sawmill & Firewood-117 Yellowstone Structural Systems--205 Yellowstone Valley Electric Coop-300 Young Living Essential Oils----458 Zaps Smoke Shack-------------304 Zee Creative-------------------- 447 Zilis Oils------------------------ 432 ZT Logistics-------------------- 245-

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 11

House

Powerwashing Tips Powerwashing, also known as pressure-washing, utilizes a highvelocity water spray to remove dirt and residue from the exterior surfaces of a home. It is frequently used on vinyl siding, concrete and sometimes wood decks to treat mildew and other growth that accumulates over time.

Powerwashing can be a great way to remove grime without having to scrub by hand. But it requires a delicate touch to get it right. Sometimes it is best to leave the job to professionals. But homeowners willing to give it a go can try powerwashing themselves, as various stores rent power washers.

The home improvement website ImproveNet says that, until very recently, pressure washers were almost exclusively commercial machines sold to professionals or rented to do-it-yourselfers.

Lately manufacturers have targeted homeowners looking to buy with lightweight options. For those who see powerwashing as a routine venture, purchasing a unit may be worth the investment.

It is important to exercise caution when operating a powerwashing machine. The high-velocity spray can tear through skin.

It is key to get a feel for the washer, and try less pressure first to get a handle on the magnitude of the tool.

Don safety gear prior to using a pressure washer. Gloves, eye protection and ear protection can be handy. Most units will connect to a standard garden hose. Choose old clothing and expect to get wet. Never point a powerwasher hose at anyone and do not attempt to rinse feet or hands in the spray.

The renovation resource The Family Handyman suggests starting with a wide-degree nozzle to test out the spray on the surface that needs to be cleaned. A 15- or 25-degree nozzle is usually the wand for general cleaning and paint stripping without damaging the surface of the home. Experiment with an optimal distance of the washer wand to get the desired cleaning effects without causing any damage. Work using a horizontal and slightly downward angle to avoid driving water up under the siding of a home.

Avoid spraying any electric wires or components on the home.

Also, try not to spray upward, and angle the spray away from doors, windows and vents.

Some washers have reservoirs that will hold a detergent solution. Choose the right detergent for the job. Keep in mind that cleansers containing bleach can damage surrounding plants, so they may need to be covered while the washing takes place.

Avoid the use of ladders when operating a powerwasher. The push-back from the wand can cause falls. Instead, opt for an extension wand to address the upper reaches of a home.

Powerwashing a home is an effective way to remove stubborn grime and refresh the look of a home’s exterior.

12 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

Prepare your deck for winter Homeowners 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.

B.A.N.G. • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • AUGUST 29, 2019 • 13

Why homeowners should add more exterior light to their properties

Homeowners are increasingly realizing the benefits of improving the exteriors of their home, which can be just as valuable as improving the interior spaces. As individuals design picturesque garden beds and cultivate lavish lawns or revamp exteriors with architectural features, they probably want to spotlight these improvements. This is where exterior lighting can be put to great use.

buying a home. If current residents are thinking about selling, now may be the time to invest in exterior lighting.

Improving a home’s exterior may be as simple as adding more lighting to improve functionality and beauty.

Exterior illumination can cast a glow on various features, but there are many other reasons to increase lighting around the exterior of a home.

• Safety: Trips and falls can occur at night when trying to traverse walkways and landscapes in the dark, as it can be difficult to see rocks, stairs and uneven pavement. Outdoor lighting can illuminate pathways, entryways and other areas for safer access for homeowners and their guests.

• Extend outdoor entertaining: Ample lighting can increase the amount of time one can use outdoor spaces and make them the perfect gathering spot. As autumn arrives, days become shorter. However, patios, porches and more can get extended use with lighting.

• Safeguard security: A well-lit home may be less likely to be targeted by burglars than one swathed in darkness and shadows. Lights can remain on all evening or be motion-triggered.

Setting lights on timers also ensures that the home is illuminated whether residents are home or not.

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• Create drama: Landscape lighting designers can establish focal points around the landscape and highlight the best features of a property. Uplighting in trees, silhouetting techniques to showcase plants and spotlights to show off architectural features are all options for homeowners to consider.

• Add value: The experts at Parker Homescape, a landscape design service, say that exterior lighting can add roughly 30 percent to the value of a home. They also indicate that 50 percent of all home buyers say that outdoor lighting is important when

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14 • HOME IMPROVEMENT SHOW • B.A.N.G. • AUGUST 29, 2019

Home inspections 101 The process of buying a home can be unlike any experience prospective buyers have ever had. After finding a home they like and coming to an agreement on a sale price with the seller, buyers can expect to add many items to their to-do list. One of the first things to jot down on that list is scheduling a home inspection.

Home inspections are a vital part of the home buying process.

Such inspections can protect buyers as they’re on the cusp of making what will likely be the most significant investment of their lives.

Understanding the home inspection process can help buyers during an exciting yet potentially nerve-wracking time in their lives.

What is a home inspection?

The American Society of Home Inspectors defines a home inspection as an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house. Inspectors will conduct visual examinations from the roof to the foundation of the home. Additional structures on the property, such as sheds or detached outdoor living areas, are not typically included in the examination.

What do inspectors examine?

The ASHI notes that inspectors will examine the condition of various parts of the home. The heating system, central air conditioning unit, interior plumbing and electrical systems, roof (though inspectors will not climb onto the roof), attic and insulation will

be examined. Inspectors also will examine walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, the foundation of the home, basement (or crawl space), and structural components.

Can a home fail inspection?

Homes cannot fail home inspections, which are just assessments of a home’s existing condition. Municipal inspections are separate inspections conducted by government agencies to verify that a property is in compliance with local codes. Home inspectors will provide detailed reports describing the condition of a home and indicate if any repairs are in order.

Do I really need a home inspection?

A home inspection is a vital component that can help buyers make the most informed decision possible. Forgoing an inspection can leave buyers vulnerable to potentially costly repairs and issues with a home that might have been detected with a proper home inspection. In addition, some lenders insist that buyers have home inspections conducted before they will allow them to borrow money.

Home inspections can protect home buyers as they prepare to make the most significant financial investment of their lives. More information about inspections can be found at www.homeinspector.org.

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