2016 Home & Expo guide

FEBRUARY 13-14, 2016

BRAZOS COUNTY EXPO COMPLEX

www.HomeExpoBCS.com

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Chairman’s President’s message Randy Ripple

2016 Home & Garden Expo Chairman

We are excited for y’all to join us for the 37th annual Home & Garden Expo Feb. 13 and 14.

Over the past year, we have been hard at work to bring you experts in the home and garden industries. We would like to thank our title sponsor,

Brazos Valley Floor and Design and premium sponsor, Eco-Zapp Pest Control.

The Home & Garden Expo is your one-stop shop to learn about building, renovation, banking, insurance, gardening, pools, outdoor tools and more. With many experienced vendors, you’re sure to leave with new ideas and inspiration.

We have a great list of seminars lined up for you.

You can hear about things from “Raising Backyard Chickens” to “What You Need to Know about Buying or Selling a House.” You can gain a ton of insight from the experts, and then walk right out of the seminars and meet with the professionals who can make your dream projects a reality!

Located at the Brazos County Expo Complex, we have fun for the whole family. Make sure you don’t miss the petting zoo for the kids, and the “Garage Sale” benefitting the Habitat for Humanity, which will feature some household items and building materials. Please note that the Garage Sale will be Saturday only.

message Mark Webber

2016 president, Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association

I’d like to personally invite you all to the 37th annual Home and Garden Expo. This will be an exciting one! Come and see some familiar exhibitors, as well as some new ones.

This year we will feature in the pavilion our very

first “Garage Sale” provided by the GBVHBA Remodelers council, with proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity.

This event that is fun for the whole family is a great way to get ideas for ways to improve your home and its surroundings, as well as give you the opportunity to meet the people who can help you make it happen.

This year’s expo will be held at the Brazos Valley Expo Center on Feb. 13 and 14 (Valentine’s Day weekend).

I’d like to personally thank all of our exhibitors and committee members for helping out and making this a great event.

For more event information, check out the GBVHBA website or our Facebook page.

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

• Do your research first. When making any decision, it’s best to be well-informed. Read reviews on products and find out the base prices of certain pool models so you’ll have a system of comparison. Choose the type and size of pool you want. Other factors, such as the material used in the pool (i.e., concrete, metal, fiberglass, or vinyl) and filtration methods, also can affect the price, so consider each of these factors carefully before making your decision.

• Determine why you want a pool or spa.

The type of pool or spa you ultimately choose should depend on how you plan to use the pool. If you want a pool mainly for family entertainment, then you may want to add mood lighting or special landscaping features. If you simply want something in which you can cool off, a basic model may be most practical. If your spa is intended for therapeutic purposes, look for ones with multipositional water jets or other

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pool or spa

specialized features. Don’t fall into the trap that a large pool with a deep diving area is best. Young children and many adults do not frequently use the deep end, and you may end up with wasted pool space.

• Find a good time to buy. Fall and winter are some of the best times to get deals on pool and spa equipment because it’s no longer prime swimming season. However, there are deals to be had come early spring as well. Retailers may deeply discount last year’s models to make room for new inventory. You always can negotiate if the price is just a bit beyond your reach. Retailers may be motivated to make sales in the offseason, so try to use that motivation to your advantage.

• Recognize there will be extra costs. Some retailers sell pools and spas but do not arrange for installation. Realize that an inground pool will require excavation, and your yard may need to be regraded to allow for rain run-off. Electricians and landscapers are some additional costs to factor in. Make sure you understand the bigger picture and account for the total cost of modifying the yard.

• Inquire about insurance. Speak with the pool installer about any liability and compensation insurance they may carry to protect you in the event of an accident during the installation of the pool.

Reputable builders should be fully insured.

• Learn about zoning laws and other ordinances. Rules regarding pool placement and size

will vary depending on local laws. Always consult with the town’s municipal office and get the proper permits.

Otherwise, you may face fines and be forced to spend more to fix problems that need to be addressed.

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Pools can be entertaining additions to a home.

When considering the addition of a pool to their properties, homeowners should take their time and make sure it’s the right decision for them.

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37th Annual Home & Garden Expo Seminar Schedule Saturday, Feb. 13

SEMINARS IN THE EAST BALLROOM 10 a.m.

Dog Training Tips & Benefits – Ask the Expert Presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training.

Learn how training can help you build the bond and get the dog of your dreams. Our experts will demonstrate and discuss the importance of dog training. A well-behaved dog is also a safe dog.

11 a.m.

or selling a home or that you soon will be.

Come learn the necessary steps to take and get answers from REALTORS from the BCS Regional Association of Realtors.

outdoors? Learn about all of the latest features

Noon

2 p.m.

High Tech Home Gadgets

The Home Building Process

Presented by Mike Bellott, Audio Video. Our expert talks about the latest gadgets to make your house a smart home. Remote automation systems give you control at your fingertips.

From thermostats to security systems, you will be amazed at what is available.

available to create your outdoor sanctuary or entertainment space.

– Knowledge is Essential It’s the biggest investment you will ever make.

Knowledge of the home building process is essential to making sound decisions and helping you and your family recognize what

Buying & Selling a Home

1 p.m.

Presented by Amy Supak, Patty Spiller and Missy King, Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors. The average American family moves every five years. That means chances are that you are considering buying

Presented by Chad Harrell, Cunningham Gas. Many studies have shown that being outdoors creates happiness. Does your home have beautiful and enjoyable spaces that invite you

is important to have to make your house your

Outdoor Living Ideas

home. Our panel of home building experts will talk about the most important and critical steps to make your home valuable emotionally and financially.

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37th Annual Home & Garden Expo Seminar Schedule Saturday, Feb. 13

SEMINARS IN THE PAVILION

Presented by Brazos County Master Gardeners 10 a.m.

Crape Myrtle – Four Seasons of Beauty Showy flowers, beautiful bark, fall color and low maintenance make crape myrtles the most popular Texas landscape ornamental. But how to prune these beauties has become a topic of debate. Brazos County horticulturist, Charla Anthony will offer professional guidance and describe how to get the most from your crape myrtle with minimal effort.

11 a.m.

Roses are Breeding at TAMU World-renowned rose breeding expert, Dr. David H.

Byrne, professor of horticultural sciences at Texas A&M University, will reveal the secrets of developing roses for B-CS’s hot and humid environment. He will talk about the history of the project, rose diseases and the breeding progress to develop the roses that are tough enough to grow well in our challenging climate.

Noon Foodscaping: The Blended Garden

1 p.m.

Backyard Chickens – You too Can Have Fresh Eggs

Presented by Mark & Shelly McGee. Learn from the founders of the local backyard chicken tour about how to start and raise your backyard chickens. They explain how to choose your chickens, and what they need to thrive and produce fresh eggs.

2 p.m.

Cut Your Water Bill and Grow Crops don’t have to be grown in rows. Take advantage Your Landscape of your yard through a gardening experience that provides food while enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Master Gardener and vegetable enthusiast, Susan Smith will lead you into the fun, fulfilling, nutritious and delicious world of foodscaping. Learn how to grow lettuce with shrubs, plant cabbage beside crape myrtles and make use of all the unplanted spots with this blended gardening technique.

Learn how to conserve water in the landscape while saving yourself money with Jennifer Nations, water resource coordinator with the City of College Station. Jennifer will give you tips on the efficient use of water on your garden and lawn. Learn about available rebates, calculate your actual water use, and sign up for free weekly lawn watering emails from the Brazos Valley WaterSmart Network to help you use water more efficiently.

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37th Annual Home & Garden Expo Seminar Schedule Sunday, Feb. 14

SEMINARS IN THE EAST BALLROOM Noon

Buying & Selling a Home Presented by Amy Supak, Patty Spiller and Missy King, Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors.

The average American family moves every five years. That means that chances are that you are considering buying or selling a home or that you soon will be. Come learn the necessary steps to take, and get answers from REALTORS from the BCS Regional Association of Realtors.

1 p.m.

Dog Training Tips & Benefits – Ask the Experts Presented by Sit Means Sit Dog Training. Learn how training can help you build the bond and get the dog of your dreams. Our experts will demonstrate and discuss the importance of dog training. A wellbehaved dog is also a safe dog.

SEMINARS IN THE PAVILION

Presented by Brazos County Master Gardeners

NOON

RAISED BED GARDENING – DIY For the experienced gardener or the novice, raised garden beds take the hassle out of horticulture. Local

nurseryman and Master Gardener, Fred Rapczyk, combines his construction skills with over 30 years of gardening experience, to demonstrate how to construct your own raised garden bed. Learn how to do it yourself to improve soil and drainage, increase yield, and gain better pest control, less weeding and easier access to your beds. Get growing in your own backyard.

1 p.m.

GARDENING 101 VEGETABLES Are you new to vegetable gardening and unsure where to begin? Starting a vegetable garden is not as difficult as it may seem. At this talk by Master Gardener Tommy Myrick, learn the basics to enjoy fresh food from your own backyard. Nothing tastes as good as vegetables you have nurtured and grown with your own hands.

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Booth Assignments Banking/Loans Commerce National Bank

Booth # 61

Builder and/or Remodeler

Brazos Valley Floor & Design Foam Insulation/ Roofing

Water Conservation Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation

97

Windows/Treatments/Screens

Rock-Crete Foam Insulators

Bingham Construction & Remodeling

18

HVAC Sales & Services Aire Serv of Aggieland

25

Modern Amenity Homes

12

Barkers Heating and Cooling

Richmon Homes

102

RM Mullinix HVAC

Southwest Homes

80

Landscaping/ Pools

Windham Construction

68

Brazos Valley Landscape

PAV 1 & 2

Premier Pools and Spas

74

Building Materials/Supplies

92 & 93

87

42 16 & 17

College Station Utilities

RetroFoam of Austin

Blackstone Handcrafted Homes Built Green Custom Homes

52 & 53

86 & 89 57

94

Budget Blinds of College Station

64 & 65

Renewal by Anderson

44 & 46

Solar X of Texas

24

Home/Business Products/Services Audio Video

78 & 79

Batteries Plus

32 & 33

Bath Fitter

77

Acme Brick Company

26 & 27

Paradise Oasis Pools

75 & 76

Brazosland Classic Realty

90 & 91

Alco Sales– Home Hardware

70 & 71

Sunshine Fun Pools

50 & 51

Brazos Valley Safety City

30

Lowe’s

100/101

Lighting

Overhead Door Company of South Central Texas

99

Brazos Valley Floor & Design

Therma Tru Doors

15

Patio/Sunrooms/Outdoor Living

Cleaning/Resurfacing

Garage & Patio Etc.

Cre8stone 52 & 53 96

Cutco Cutlery

19

Discount Bedding

47

EcoZapp Pest Control

Hotsy Carlson Equipment

45

Lone Star Patio & Outdoor

72 & 73

Hob Knob Interior Hardware

Lightning Clean Pressure Washing

58

Magnolia Outdoor Living

34 & 35

Howdy Home Furniture

107-109

Sunspace Texas Company

66 & 67

Kitchen Craft

Miracle Method Surface & Refinishing NorthTown Group

41

Texas Concrete Design

Texas Concrete Design

69

Pet Products & Services

The Mader Way/ Norwex

11

Invisible Fence Brand

Starsheen Services

88

Sit Means Sit

Equipment (Outdoor)

69

PAV 9

54 & 55 P10 95 84 & 85 110 & 111

MLAW Engineers

56 & 59

Painfree Pillow

60

14

Program Insurance Group

31

28

Royal Prestige

Propane & Accessories

62 & 63

Suddenlink

81

Coufal-Prater

PAV 3-6

Sharp Propane

40

The Eagle

29

WC Tractor

82 & 83

Texas Propane

49

Titan Security

20

Atmos Energy

43

University Electrical Services

21

Flooring Aggieland Carpet One T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

48

BTU

36 & 37

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Building your home:

custom, semi-custom or production?

By the National Association of Home Builders When you start thinking about buying a brandnew home, it can sometimes be confusing knowing what kind of home builder you need to hire in order to get the home that best fits your family’s needs and budget. Here’s a brief explanation of the types of home builders, and some of the differences in working with each.

Custom home builders Custom homes are generally single-family homes that are built to the buyer’s specifications on land the buyer owns. A custom home is one-of-a-kind, and won’t look like any other home in the neighborhood.

The buyer works closely with the builder and architect to design and construct a home with all the features and elements that they want. Because of this personalization, custom homes are generally higherend and take longer to build. Alterations can be made at any point in the building process, which could cause the total cost to build the home to increase dramatically. Custom home builders typically build 25 or fewer homes a year.

Semi-custom home builders Semi-custom home builders build homes based on existing blueprints, but the home buyer is typically able to change the plans prior to construction to conform to their personal preferences. Once construction has begun, however, there is less flexibility to make changes.

The home can be built on land the builder or the buyer owns. Because the home is not being designed from scratch, it often costs less and is completed in a faster time frame than a full custom home.

A range of decoration and feature options -including flooring, appliances, cabinets, countertops and trim -- is also often offered. These options may or may not increase the base home price, but they enable the buyer to pick items that they desire. However, the

builder may or may not offer a selection of options that conform exactly to what the buyer wants.

Production homes are built in a range of price points, so production homes can be found in entry level, move up and luxury price ranges. The home is

Production home builders Production home builders build a large volume of homes, generally more than 25 and up to hundreds a year. The homes are built in developments, on land the builder owns. Many different types of homes are available, including single-family, condominiums and town houses.

Production builders use standard plans, but often offer a variety of plan choices and options, such as different floor plans and elevations. There will likely be multiple homes in the neighborhood that look similar to each other.

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Modifications to make

bathrooms safer Metro Creative Connection

Few areas in a home can prove as perilous as bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says every year around 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms in the United States because of injuries suffered in bathrooms. The majority of these injuries — many of which require hospitalization — result from falls.

Injuries sustained in bathrooms typically occur in and around bathtubs, usually when a person is getting in or out of the tub. Falls occur when people slip on wet surfaces or get dizzy and lose consciousness within the tight confines of the bathroom.

Although bathroom injuries are mostly associated with the elderly, anyone is susceptible to such injuries.

Debilitating diseases, instability from an accident or injury or even impaired vision can trigger a bathroom accident. Thankfully, some minor modifications can make bathrooms safer for everyone.

Grab bars Unsteady individuals may rely on towel bars or shower knobs to provide some balance when maneuvering around bathrooms. But such items were

not designed to support a person’s weight and can be slippery, making grab bars the safer choice.

Look for bars with slip-resistant surfaces instead of chrome plating. Bolted-in bars, that are fixed to the studs in a wall, provide more reliable support than bars that employ suction to stay connected to the wall.

Install the bars where they provide optimal leverage and stability, such as close to the shower and on each side of the toilet.

bench and then swing their legs over the ledge of the tub rather than stepping over while standing.

Walk-in showers Some homeowners are eliminating tubs from their homes altogether. A walk-in shower provides a barrierfree entry into the shower, making it safer for those who have difficulty stepping into and out of bathtubs.

Lever-style fixtures Knob temperature controls on faucets can be challenging to grasp for people with arthritis or poor grips. Lever-style fixtures are easier to maneuver and can help prevent scalding. These levers also are easier for children to manage. The National Kitchen and

Bath Builders Association recommends installing pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves in the bath and shower.

Forgiving flooring Tile may be preferred around the bathroom, but it can be cold and slippery. Investigate other water-resistant flooring materials that may be softer underfoot and offer greater traction. Rubber flooring made from recycled tires is one option that is gaining ground for its practicality and sustainability.

Changes around the bathroom can alleviate many of the risks that contribute to the hundreds of thousands of injuries that occur in bathrooms every year.

Chairs A bath/shower chair can make bathing safer.

Pharmacies and medical supply retailers carry these sturdy, plastic chairs and stools which can fit inside of a shower or tub. They enable a person to rest his or her legs and sit while bathing. When remodeling a bathroom, have a seating area built into the design of the shower enclosure so that the addition looks seamless.

Transfer bench Many injuries occur when people are attempting to get in and out of the tub or shower, but a transfer bench can greatly reduce the risk of such injuries. The bench is placed outside of the tub, and users just sit on the

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Save money and stay cool as

temperatures rise Metro Creative Connection

Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation.

A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your AC unit to work harder than necessary over the warmer months. Most attics are insulated, but oftentimes the amount of insulation present is inadequate, especially in older homes. Over time, insulation can settle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps.

Topping it up is easy. Ideally, you want to aim for a depth of 16 inches of insulation for an overall R-value of 50. When existing insulation is present, simply level existing insulation to the top of the joist. Lay a fire- and moisture-resistant batt insulation, like Roxul Comfortbatt, on top of joists, running

perpendicular to the first layer. Ensure batts are butted against each other tightly. Fit batts closely to cross joists; cut batt if necessary (this can be done easily with a serrated blade or bread knife) and leave no space between layers.

Don’t forget to insulate the attic hatch to the same level as the rest of the attic. Apply weather-stripping to the edge of the hatch to reduce air leakage. Keep in mind that only ICrated electrical fixtures can have insulation placed with zero clearance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building code to insulate around the chimney.

When a house is insulated properly, energy savings can add up over time. Remember, insulation starts working the moment it is installed and can last for the life of the building.

Tips on this easy, low-cost DIY project that will reduce your home’s energy loss and save you money are available at www.diywithroxul.com.

CONTACT:

Bryan and Jennifer Reece 979.635.4800 info@reece-homes.com www.reece-homes.com

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5 simple ways to

go green at home and save money Metro Creative Connection

Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills: Invest in a programmable thermostat. It will automatically adjust the temperature in your house, saving you energy while you’re out for the day, away on vacation or sleeping.

Switch all of your lightbulbs to CFLs (compact fluorescent light) or LED bulbs. They last longer and use up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent

bulbs, saving you money on your electric bills.

Insulate well. Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, to top up insulation in your attic.

Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home are well insulated, such as crawl spaces, basement headers, walls and ceilings. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit.

Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea.

Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models.

Only do laundry or run the dishwasher when you have full loads.

Remember that many little improvements can add up, providing valuable monthly savings for you, while protecting our environment for the future.

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Five electrical safety facts every home owner should know By the National Association of Home Builders Electricity is such a fundamental part of our everyday lives that we hardly ever think about how it works or any safety issues that could occur as a result of our plugged-in homes. Here are five electrical safety facts that you should know to protect your family and your home.

1. If lights flicker or dim repeatedly, you should call an electrician.

Flickering or dimming lights signifies an overload, and a professional should be contacted. Power outages due to power line accidents, strong wind, storms or extreme heat also can cause brief interruptions. You can call your power company to find out details on the situation, or check your circuit boxes for those outages. You also should call your electrician if you are constantly resetting circuit breakers or changing fuses, smell burning electricity or need to replace faulty wiring.

2. If you do lose power, turn off all appliances to prevent a circuit overload when electricity is restored.

Your house may temporarily lose power due to weather issues or even on hot summer days of high demand. If you experience an outage, it is important to turn off all of the appliances in your house to prevent a circuit overload or even another outage when the

1 4 | February 12, 2016

power is restored. Electric companies recommend leaving one lamp on so that you’ll know when the power is back.

3. House wiring eventually needs to be replaced.

Depending on the amount of use, insulation on house wires can become frayed or broken, creating a fire hazard. If you have any doubts about your wiring, have a qualified electrician perform a complete inspection. Houses built between 1965 and 1973, in particular, are at risk because many were built with aluminum wiring, which the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says is 55 times more likely to reach “fire hazard conditions” than regular copper wire.

4. A circuit breaker is not designed to protect against a ground fault.

Circuit breakers are designed to protect against high levels of electrical current caused by a short circuit.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against ground faults, when current leaking from an appliance goes to ground through a person touching the appliance. Even a small amount of current passing through a person this way can be lethal; a GFCI will trip if there’s a ground fault, whereas a circuit breaker won’t.

5. You can damage a power tool by using the wrong size extension cord.

If your electric lawn mower, hedge trimmer or leaf blower doesn’t get enough power, either because the

extension cord is too thin or too long, the motor can be damaged and eventually destroyed. Also, overloading an extension cord can cause a fire or shock hazard. Be sure to use a cord rated to provide the proper amperage the tool requires, which is listed on the tool.

Just a little electrical knowledge can go a long way.

Remember, when dealing with electrical issues in your

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home, safety should be your No. 1 priority.

For more information and tips, contact a local electrician by going to gbvba.org/ directory or visit the National Association of Home Builders at nahb.org. Some material in this article was provided by the Leviton Institute.

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1729 Briarcrest, Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher• Crystal Dupré Advertising Director • Sean Lewis 979.731.4740 • sean.lewis@theeagle.com Display Advertising Manager • Linda Brinkman 979.731.4719 • linda.brinkman@theeagle.com Special Sections, Projects & Events Coordinator • Kristi Lester 979.731.4738 • kristi.lester@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager • Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706 • jimbob.mckown@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor • Shauna Lewis Section Designer • Angela Wooten

www.ravenhomes.net Tom Allen 979.229.4382

Let’s make your dream come true!

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LOCAL BANK. LOCAL DECISIONS. There is a Difference When Banking Local.

When it comes to understanding this community, no one comes close to our experienced team of bankers. If you are looking for a new home loan, there is a difference when you bank locally. Loan approvals and other key decisions are made by people who live in our community, have face-to-face relationships with our customers, and understand our local needs. Dana and Mark are committed to helping you secure the home loan that best fits your needs.

Before you begin your search for a new home, call Dana or Mark about becoming preapproved to make your offer stronger.

Call Dana or Mark today!

B/CS Eagle/Copyright Š 2016. All Rights Reserved. 2/16

MARK O. LIGHTSEY

ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT

979.260.4149

mlightsey@banktbt.com NMLS ID#642661

DANA OO. ECKHART

VICE PRESIDENT VIC

9979.260.5105

deckhart@ deckhart@banktbt.com NM NMLS ID#394255

Local bank. Local bankers.

www.banktbt.com

Member FDIC

All loans subject to credit approval and collateral review. Rates, products, and programs subject to change without notice. Payments on loans with variable rates may increase after closing. Originating Organization NMLS ID #495002

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37 t h A n n u a l H o m e & G a rd e n E x p o

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