Fresno Home Magazine - Nov/Dec 2023

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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5 fall to-dos for a successful spring deck build demand and tend to book out months in advance. Securing a contractor in fall ensures you’ll have a skilled professional ready to begin work when the weather allows in the spring.

3. Plan for permits Deck construction often requires permits, depending on your local building codes and neighborhood associations, if applicable. Take advantage of the fall and winter months to research local building codes and obtain any necessary permits and approvals. This process can be timeconsuming, so getting a head start will ensure that you don’t face any unexpected delays come spring.

4. Set your budget

(BPT) - As temperatures turn cooler, it might seem premature to think about springtime outdoor projects, but when it comes to planning a spring deck build, now is actually the perfect time to start. The fall and winter months provide an ideal window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful and stress-free spring deck construction project. Here are some key steps and considerations to ensure your new deck will be ready to enjoy when the flowers start to bloom.

1. Define your vision Every successful deck project begins with a clear vision.

Spend some time this fall and winter envisioning your ideal deck. Consider its purpose - will it be a space for outdoor dining, relaxation or entertainment? Think about the deck’s size, shape and design elements. Gather inspiration from home improvement magazines, social media platforms and websites like Decks.com to help refine your vision.

Then, utilize online tools, like those offered by the outdoor living experts at Trex, to bring your vision to life. Digital tools, such as their AR Visualizer and Deck Designer, can help to further define details. You can also find a wide array of ready-made deck plans online that offer ideas and inspiration.

2. Lock in labor One of the first things you’ll need to decide is whether you plan to build the deck yourself or hire a professional.

If you have the skills to DIY, take advantage of online resources, like Trex Academy, for expert tips and step-bystep instructions to help get the job done. If you plan to work with a contractor, fall is an excellent time to start the vetting process. Quality deck builders are often in high

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Setting a budget early gives you time to make any necessary adjustments and ensures you won’t be caught off guard by unexpected costs once installation begins. Be realistic and consider all potential expenses, including labor, permits, substructure materials, decking, railing and any additional features or amenities you might want to include, such as lighting, an outdoor sound system or an underdeck drainage system. Online resources like the Trex Cost Calculator can help to ensure your vision is financially feasible. Simply answer a few questions about your space, like the material you plan to use and the deck dimensions, to determine an estimated price range for your project.

5. Research materials The choice of materials for your deck is crucial as it directly impacts both the aesthetics and longevity of your outdoor space. Fall is an ideal time to research the range of available options. Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements and sustainability when making your decision. Trex composite decking, for instance, is made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials and never needs to be sealed or refinished like wood. The brand’s latest innovation, Trex Transcend Lineage, even features heatmitigating technology that keeps the boards cooler under the sun than other composite offerings. Many above-ground decks require railing, so be sure to take that into account as well. Railing options are myriad and the costs vary widely, so planning ahead ensures you have time to make the choices that are right for your project and your budget.

Planning ahead for a spring deck build during the fall and winter months is a wise decision that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your deck construction project when the warmer weather arrives. With careful planning and attention to detail, your dream deck will soon become a reality, providing you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space to enjoy for years to come. For more outdoor living inspiration, visit Trex.com.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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Before lowering the thermostat, check the attic An attic inspection conducted by an Owens Corning AirCare® Certified Professional will measure a home’s insulation level and provide a recommendation on the appropriate amount of insulation to install. An AirCare® Certified Professional will take measurements and snap photos of insulation levels in the attic and then calculate the amount of insulation needed to achieve U.S. Department of Energy recommended insulation levels.

Ductwork’s influence on comfort and costs

(BPT) - You’ve probably heard it said that what goes up, must come down. When it comes to the summer season, higher temperatures can prompt homeowners to turn down the setting on their home’s thermostat.

While lowering the thermostat may help take the heat off inside a home, this action may not get to the bottom of a comfort issue - especially if the problem resides in the attic. Issues in a home’s attic can lead to warmer temperatures in other parts of the home, potentially leading to another source of discomfort - higher energy bills.

Inconsistent temperatures in different parts of the home may be a sign of a problem with leaky attic ducts. As the flow of air throughout a home is interrupted due to leaks or improperly sized ducts, the conditioned air may not travel to the air registers in each room. Thus, one room may consistently be chilly while another room feels too warm. An Owens Corning Certified AirCare® Professional can evaluate a home’s attic ductwork to uncover leaks and suggest strategies for properly sizing and sealing the ducts.

Why insulation matters in the summer season

Dust levels and ductwork issues

In both summer and winter, adequate levels of attic insulation are necessary to help regulate the temperature inside a home. As temperatures rise inside the attic, warm air will seek to escape into cooler air-conditioned parts of the home. Installing an adequate level of attic insulation can help defend against heat transferring from the attic into conditioned parts of the home. Attic insulation works to reduce heat transfer and helps keep the air-conditioned part of a home cool.

Beyond reducing thermal comfort, improperly sized or faulty ductwork can also allow particulates in attic air to be blown into a home’s living space. Any noticeable increase in dust levels may be a sign of a problem with attic ductwork.

How much of a difference can attic insulation make when it comes to managing heat transfer? Every home is different and variables such as the size and design of the home and local energy rates will influence energy.

The difference that attic insulation makes may be seen in lower energy bills and overall comfort throughout the home.

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Inadequate insulation is just one attic issue that can reduce comfort. The ducts inside the attic that transport air to each room of a home can also present problems.

Holes and leaks in attic ductwork or poor connections can allow cooled air to escape into the attic before it ever reaches the intended room. When air exits ducts in the attic, the result is diminished comfort and wasted energy as the system works harder to replace the lost air. The additional workload can potentially shorten the life of the air conditioning equipment or result in service calls to inspect a properly operating cooling unit.

Of course, proper maintenance of a home’s HVAC equipment is essential to supporting its optimal performance and longevity. Air filters should be cleaned or changed regularly and equipment should be serviced as directed by the manufacturer.

As temperatures soar, utility bills can rise as well. Before simply turning down the thermostat and potentially increasing your energy bill, think about the “whole home” and how addressing issues in the attic can bring a more holistic approach to energy efficiency and comfort.

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2023 - EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR HOME AND GARDEN

Discover your dream floor: Follow these 4 steps to find the perfect fit

(BPT) - Planning a home renovation project? You may be feeling some excitement, anxiety or a thrilling mix of both. Of course, making changes to your home can be fun, but there are so many choices to be made, especially when it comes to choosing flooring that will serve you for years to come.

2. Find the right style

Flooring can make a huge impact on your space, and choosing the right material and style can make the difference between a room you like and one you love.

You can see how your space will look using a digital tool available at select local flooring retail stores. Paired with an in-store consultation, you can find the right flooring that expresses your style and complements your home.

To help you through this process from selection to installation - and even make it enjoyable - we’ve created a simple, guided four-step flooring process for homeowners and pros alike to ensure that they find the flooring of their dreams.

We’ve seen how the task of selecting flooring can be challenging, especially for first-time shoppers,. This four-step process draws from our deep understanding of our customers’ needs and our ever-evolving flooring options to provide a smart, simple and streamlined experience that makes selecting floors easier than ever.

1. Find the right material First, you need to find the best material for your flooring project. Between solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, vinyl, laminate and tile, there are seemingly endless options of flooring styles to choose from.

To pick the right one, you’ll need to consider your lifestyle and space to ensure the material you choose will hold up to the elements in your day-to-day life. Factors to consider can range from your family, pets, regional climate and area of the home.

How do you want your space to feel? When choosing a flooring style, make sure it fits the overall aesthetic of your room and home by choosing colors and textures that appeal to you and your unique sense of style.

3. Finalize your choice Now that you’ve considered your needs and style, it’s time to get your hands on flooring samples. Order free flooring samples to test at home, so you’ll know exactly how they’ll look in your space. Seeing and feeling the potential options underfoot can help you make your final decision with confidence.

When reviewing your flooring samples, ask your flooring expert about previous customer reviews and doublecheck that they will suit your lifestyle and interior design. This will help you narrow down the final purchase decision.

4. Install and celebrate Finally, you’re ready to make your vision a reality.

Whether you prefer to do it yourself or hire professional installers - all the previous steps have come together to bring your home project to life. Once the final piece is in place, it’s time to celebrate your renovated space.

DIRECT MAILED MONTHLY TO SELECT HOMEOWNERS - TO ADVERTISE CALL: (559) 440-6115

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Fresno/Clovis Home Magazine 559-440-6115 P.O. Box 2406 Bakersfield, CA 93303

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