2018 Spring Home Improvement

2018 SPRING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SURVIVE YOUR RENO PAGE 2 GROW YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL PAGE 6 PEST CONTROL PAGE 11

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BANGOR HOME SHOW GUIDE & MAP

A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News New ws l Friday, y March 30, 2018

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

SURVIVING A HOME RENOVATION

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omeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly.

Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up. Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray.

Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better. Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.

Discuss the project before it starts.

All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you

can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish back-up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices.

Do one project at a time.

It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maximize motivation and renovation materials.

However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels.

Don’t think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up.

Have everything in place...

Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.

...but expect delays.

In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time. Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen—even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.

Plan an escape zone.

Construction environments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

TACKL ING T H E ICE DA M C HA LLENG E COURTESY EFFICIENCY MAINE

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f your home’s roof is prone to ice dams (an icy buildup along the roof line marked by impressive icicles), you need more than a snow rake and a low insurance deductible. You need to get at the root of the problem.

Ice dams form when warm air from your home escapes through the roof, melting the accumulated snow. The resulting water runs down to the colder overhang of the roof and freezes. As that process continues and the dam enlarges, it can force water back up under shingles where it leaks down into the attic and wall cavities.

Water damage from ice dams is among the most common causes of property damage that insurers see.

During the record-breaking snowy winter of 2015 in the northeast United States, the majority of insurance claims filed were linked to ice dams.

Getting up on an icy roof to prevent damage is “a wicked hazard,” according to John Atkinson, owner of Atkinson Builders on Mount Desert Island. But, he adds, if homeowners ignore the ice dam and water “leaks in and wrecks sheetrock, it’s a crisis.”

The best prevention for ice dams lies inside your home: stopping heat from escaping through the roof and setting off the thaw-freeze cycle there.

Adding insulation and air-sealing (stopping air leaks) can break that cycle. Insulation and air-sealing can also deliver lower heating bills and greater comfort.

If you need to get your house weatherized, the spring season is a good time to get started. Reach out to contractors and “get on their ledger and locked in so it’s not a panic in the fall,” said Atkinson.

Getting help with insulation and airsealing is easy through the Efficiency Maine website, efficiencymaine.com, where you can find a registered vendor in your area who will schedule the work at your convenience.

Better still, Efficiency Maine offers financial incentives of up to $4,700 to improve your home’s insulation levels and seal air leaks. Those incentives typically cover up to about half the total project cost if comprehensive insulation and air sealing work is done.

If you need a loan to pay for weatherization, you can apply for a Home Energy Loan through Efficiency Maine, borrowing up to $15,000 over 10 years (with no fees and interest rates as low as 4.99 percent APR).

Learn more at Efficiency Maine’s blog, by reading the posts on air sealing, insulation and finding contractors.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

THE BENEFITS OF CHILD-SAFE HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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ll family members should be considered when home improvements are being planned, especially the youngest household residents who may not be responsible enough to avoid accidents and injuries.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidental injuries are a leading cause of death among the country’s youth, with one fatality occurring every hour from something entirely preventable. The CDC notes that the leading causes of child injury include suffocation, drowning, poisoning, fires, and falls. More can be done to keep children safe, and many strategies start at home.

INSTALL SECURITY SYSTEMS A security system can be just as effective at keeping little ones inside as it is at keeping unwanted guests outside. Alarms can be set to sound anytime a window or door is breached,

which can deter curious children from trying to leave the house without permission. Pair the alarm system with secure locks and high latches that can also stop children in their tracks.

REMOVE FALL HAZARDS Safety devices installed on windows that are above ground level can keep children safe. Stair rails should be secure and in good working order.

Temporary gates can block kids from getting on stairways. Improve lighting around staircases to help children and adults avoid falls, and remove any obstacles.

ANCHOR HEAVY FURNITURE The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that unanchored televisions and top-heavy furniture can tip over onto children and cause severe injuries and even death. Everyday furniture can be tempting to climb; therefore, using anchors to secure furniture to walls for security is a must.

INSTALL LOCKING CABINETS Locking cabinets can keep medications, household chemicals, home improvement paints and solvents, and other potential poisons out of reach.

ERECT FENCING AROUND POOLS AND YARDS Install fencing around pools to keep children from wandering close to the water’s edge. Towns and cities may require certain fence heights or self-latching gates to keep little ones safe. Young children should never be left to their own devices around any source of water, whether it’s a pool, tub, or toilet.

TEST AND REPLACE SMOKE ALARMS Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are only useful if they are functional. Homeowners should inspect such devices regularly to ensure proper operation and promptly replace old or faulty detectors to improve safety.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

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R EPLACEMENT WINDOWS:

The Renewal by Andersen Signature Ser vice Promise

COURTESY RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN

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“Our installation was quick. The installers continued working until the job was completed. Everything looked great and they cleaned up when they were done. The windows are amazing, we love them, and our customers have said they do as well. Would love to have them in ANY home I own. We couldn’t be happier with our service from start to finish.”—The Countryside Restaurant & Bakery, Corinth, Maine

enewal by Andersen’s Signature Service is committed to giving you the best customer experience possible, through the perfect combination of the best people in the industry, a superior process, and an exclusive product.

Check out these benefits of Renewal by Andersen’s Signature Service: • Professional installation. With Renewal

by Andersen, you get the product reputation of Andersen Windows with the master work of passionate installers.

• Superior performance. Andersen’s exclusive Fibrex composite material lasts longer, performs better, and is stronger than vinyl (see warranty for details).

• Cost savings. Renewal by Andersen’s energy efficient windows and patio doors are ENERGY STAR certified and can reduce heating and cooling costs.

• Hassle-free process. Renewal by Andersen

eliminates the need to work with multiple companies. We are responsible for all aspects of your window and patio door replacement and installation.

• Long-term value. Our comprehensive, hands-on approach ensures your window, patio door and installation quality, beauty, and energy savings last for many years.

• Unrivaled beauty. Renewal by Andersen offers a wealth of window styles, colors, and grilles to fit any home.

From design and sales through manufacturing, installation, and service, we own the entire process—giving you a single point of contact and helping make your experience the most streamlined homeimprovement project you’ve ever done.

It’s the kind of service you would expect from the Andersen Windows name, and it’s only available at Renewal by Andersen.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

3 WAYS TO

USE YOUR LAWN TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL R

eturns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, “Remodeling” magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home.

MAINTAIN A LUSH GREEN LAWN

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for.

Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought. When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

ADDRESS BROWN PATCH

Even well-maintained lawns can fall victims to brown spots. According to the lawn care professionals at TruGreen, lawns in regions with hot temperatures and high humidity can be infected with “brown patch,” a common lawn disease that is caused by fungus, which can produce circular areas of brown, dead grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences notes that removing dew that collects on grass leaves each morning, which can be accomplished by mowing or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such sites, buyers will likely be less inclined to click on a listing if exterior photos of the property are not eye-catching.

Various projects, including tending to lawns and gardens, can improve curb appeal. An added benefit to focusing on landscaping to improve curb appeal is it promotes spending time outdoors in spring and summer. In addition, many lawn- and garden-related home improvement projects need not require professional expertise.

Curb appeal can go a long way toward helping homeowners sell their homes, and a lush lawn can be used to catch the eye of prospective buyers.

CONFINE DOGS TO CERTAIN AREAS

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas. That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots. Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018 COMPANY ..................................................... BOOTH# AAA Northern New England ..................................... 153 Aerus Electrolux .....................166, 167, 407, 408, 315 Allenfarm Fence Co., Inc ..................................... 116, 117 Ambit Energy ..............................................................403 American Concrete Industries ................................. 316 American Foods ......................................................... 427 American Sleep Therapy ................................. 338, 341 Anchor Design Co. ....................................................... 112 Anderson Windows .........................140, 149, 306, 309 Andy’s Pool Store ....................................................... 185 Another Look .......................... 427, 428, 133, 415, 416 Aqua-Max of Maine ....................................................208 Aquaduct Seamless Gutter Systems ..................... 337 Ashes To Ashes Pet Crematory .............................. 127 B. W. Hewes & Associates, LLC ..............................202 Bangor Daily News .....................................................401 Bangor Natural Gas ...................................................220 Bangor Region Public Health and Wellness .........405 Bangor Savings Bank ................................................. 142 Bath Fitter ............................................................159, 313 Better Homes & Gardens .......................................... 193 Black Bear Media Blasting ........................................ 210 Box Drop Mattress ....................................................426 Broughman Builders, Inc. ..........Outdoor Exhibit, 328 C & I Custom Builders LLC ........................................ 211 Capt. Mowatt’s ............................................................ 146 Casanova Remodeling ............................................... 178 Central Maine Moving & Storage ............................100 Central Maine Stone Works ..................................... B/A College Pro Painters .................................................. 219 Collegiate Entrepreneurs .......................................... 128 Cross Insurance .........................................................304 Daily Bread ...................................................................418 Dave’s World ......................................................... 179, 171 Dead River Company ................................................305 DePaola Landscaping & Property Maint. ................ 161 Designed Living ........................................................... 123 Dickel Floor Corp .......................................................220 Disabled American Veterans .................................... 413 Dogwatch Hidden Fence of Greater Bangor ..... 307A Dorr’s Equipment Co. ................................................ 335 Dunnett, Inc. ............................................................... 323 East Coast Mortgage Group, LLC ........................... 207 Eastern Maine Medical Center ................................400 Edward Jones .............................................................. 217 Ellsworth Building Supply .................154, 155, 311, 312 ERA Dawson Bradford ............................................... 215 Evergreen Builders ...............................Outdoor Exhibit Flagpole Farm .............................................................. 187 Flagstones .................................................................... 216 Floor Ever Maine ......................................................... 122 Forever Boards ..........................................................420

Frank Webb’s Bath & Lighting Center .................... 318 Fresh Air Systems .....................................................204 Gagne & Son ................................................................ 310 Gateway Title .............................................................404 GC Renovations ...........................................................108 Gene’s Electronics ..................................................... 229 Generators of Maine .................................................. 109 Gibraltar Pools ............................................................ 179 Godin’s General Contractors, Inc. .......................... 203 Goliath Tech of Maine ................................................ 134 Graduate Painting ......................................................402 Granville Stone & Hearth ......................................... 329 Green Thumb Lawn Service ..................................... 138 Greenscape, Inc. ...............................................443, 444 Greenway Equipment Sales .............................319, 320 Grey Goose Gourmet ................................................. 412 Hammond Lumber Co ........................................314, 317 Harbor Shore Landscaping, Inc ......................... 112, 113 Hawaiian Moon ............................................................. 411 Hazelton Woodworks ............................................. 336A Hickory Dickory Decks .....................................331, 332 Hill View Mini Barns .............................Outdoor Exhibit Home Depot .............................................222, 223, 224 Home Energy Answers .............................................208 Home Heat .........................................................104, 404 Hubbard Promotions ................................................. 427 Insource Renewables ...........................Outdoor Exhibit Joshuas Trees ............................................................. 415 Just Grass, Inc ............................................................. 110 Katahdin Cedar Log Homes ..............................175, 176 Ken Curtis Construction, Inc. ................................... 150 Kitchen Craft/Lustre Craft ......................................423 Lakonia Greek Products ............................................ 213 Lee Builders ................................................................. 218 Legacy Home Improvements, Inc. ...........................148 LePage & Eaton Countertops ......................... 183, 184 Life Style Properties of Maine ................................. 124 LipSense ...................................................................... 427 Little Giant Ladders ................................................... 120 Lowe’s .......................................................................... 225 Lyman’s Farm Store ................................................. 339 MAC HEAT Pumps ..................................................... 327 Maine Accessibility Corp ........................................... 212 Maine Campah Rentals ........................Outdoor Exhibit Maine Concrete Repair .............................................. 163 Maine Construction Group ........................................410 Maine Energy Systems .............................................. 195 Maine Home Recreation ........................................... 302 Mainely Pallets ............................................................414 Mainely Water, LLC .......................................... 200, 201 Marshalls Magnetic Jewelry ....................................406 MMJ Promotions .........................................................401 Moosehead Cedar Log Homes ................................406

Myerowitz Chiropractic & Acupuncture ................. 191 Nagy Sales Partners ................................................... 119 NaturaLawn of America ...........................................209 Nelson Candies & Fudge.............. Main Floor Entrance OdorGone Solutions ................................................... 173 Old Tyme Kettle Corn ................................................ 419 OMG ................................................................................ 118 Overhead Door Co. of Bangor .........................137, 303 P.D.Q. Door .................................................... 114, 115, 301 Pella Windows & Doors ....................................322, 325 Phillips Lawn & Landscape ....................................... 126 Pine Tree Waste ........................................................... 141 Portland Glass ............................................................ 334 Premier Pools and Spa .................................... 421, 422 Prestige Homes ...................................................197, 198 Prestige Products Direct ......................................... 222 Quality Home Products ............................................324 Quirk Insurance ........................................................... 221 Renally’s Services, LLC ............................................424 Renewal by Anderson of Greater Maine ......330, 333 Residential Roofers .................................................... 107 ReVision Energy ......................................................... 177 RH Foster Energy, LLC ............................................. 326 Sam’s Club .................................................................. 222 Sandollar Spa & Pool ............................................. 300A Scentsy .........................................................................188 Seacoast Security ...................................................... 213 SERVPRO of Bangor/Ellsworth ............................... 214 Sherwin-Williams ........................................................ 143 Showcase Homes ............................................... 105, 106 Sleep Number Store ........................................... 181, 182 Smith Builders ............................................................228 Solar Energy Systems Solutions & Supply ........... 158 Stone Farm Farm Creamery ...................................... 119 Sundog Solar ............................................................... 147 Superior Fence Inc. .............................................131, 132 TC Hafford Basement Systems ..............................308 Techno Metal Posts of Maine ................................... 103 The Jerky Hut .............Perimeter location/main floor The Maine Cut ............................................................. 135 The Wine Slushie Guy ................................................ 129 Timberhaven Log Homes .......................................... 102 To the Queen’s Taste .................................................. 121 Touch of Purple ..........................................................206 U.S. Cellular .................................................................144 Up & Up Post and Beam Homes, Inc ...................... 139 Valley Home Services ....................................... 417, 418 Viking Lumber .................................140, 149, 306, 309 Wallboard Supply Company .....................................205 West Mobile Home Transport ............Outdoor Exhibit Williams Roofing ........................................................ 227 Your Space Bangor ...................................................... 111

2018 VENDORS BANGOR HOME SHOW

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

MAP 2018 BANGOR HOME SHOW

APPEARANCE AREA Maine Basketball Legend Cindy Blodgett on Friday 1-5 Wicked Tuna’s Captain Paul Hebert and 1st Mate Rick Schrafft on Saturday from 12-3.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

2018 BANGOR HOME SHOW SET TO BE BIGGEST YET For organizer, promoter, it’s a family affair

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or 48 years, the Bangor Home Show has been bringing the best home home product vendors to Bangor.

The event is billed as the “third largest attended show in New England.” This year’s Bangor Home Show promises to be the biggest and best Home Show yet, said Dean Appleman, the event’s organizer and promoter. He expects the number of vendors this year to top 300.

“It’s going to be an incredible show this year,” he said, noting that he’s now selling vendor space in the venue’s upper hallways due to vendor interest. “[Attendees] come to the home show because of the quality of the companies that are here. They are the best in the business.”

In addition to the expected vendor categories— kitchens, baths, walkways, windows, builders, remodelers, and more—Appleman said the 2018 show will feature multiple manufactured home displays

PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 BANGOR HOME SHOW

BY MATT CHABE

outside. At current count, the show will have six homes showcasing everything from renewable energy capabilities to “tiny houses,” both of which are current trends in the market.

For Appleman, the Home Show is a family affair—his father started the first Bangor Home Show 48 years ago.

He said organizing and promoting the show today is as natural as can be.

“I’ve been to basically every single home show but one [due to an illness],” he said. “My dad would cart me around as a little boy to these events. The show has gotten absolutely enormous, and the quality of the vendors over the last dozen years has really been top shelf.”

The 2018 Bangor Home Show is scheduled for April 6-8 at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. For more information, admission, and hours, visit homeshows.com.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

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HOW TO CONTROL COMMON SPRING PESTS J

ust when winter thaws out and people are anxious to enjoy the blooming flowers and luscious lawns of spring, pesky pests can appear and impact comfort levels and safety.

Many pests resume their levels of activity as spring draws closer and temperatures warm up. The presence of these insects and rodents may cause problems in and around a home, which makes it essential to recognize them and avoid issues. The following are some of the more common spring pests and how to remedy infestations.

Homeowners can take the steps necessary to cut down on pests in and around their homes.

PAVEMENT ANTS Pavement ants are some of the most common pests residents encounter inside and outside of their homes. These ants are light brown to black with appendages that are lighter than the rest of their bodies.

Small in stature, pavement ants have parallel lines on their heads and thorax, according to pest extermination company Orkin.

Although pavement ants nest outdoors, they can enter homes through small crevices in search of food scraps. Their large colonies may not disappear until treatment is introduced. Keep foods in tightly sealed containers, clear counters and floors of crumbs, and address water sources, such as leaks. Pesticides may be needed in extreme conditions.

FLEAS Fleas are tiny, jumping, biting pests that must find a host upon which to live. As ectoparasites, they feed on blood while living on the body of living hosts. Pets can bring fleas inside the yard and home in warm weather. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, flea larvae develop more quickly at higher temperatures. At normal room temperatures, the entire life cycle of a flea is about 18 days.

Several flea control products are available to control fleas on cats and dogs. There also may be powders and sprays to alleviate flea infestations in the home. Vacuuming is also very effective in killing larvae in the carpet and at picking up adults.

WASPS An errant wasp, hornet, or yellowjacket may have survived winter and ridden out the colder temperatures within a home.

Once the weather warms, queens will begin to look for places to lay eggs and establish colonies. Treating areas where wasps are seen entering and leaving the home is key.

Seal holes as soon as possible.

Although wasps help control other insect populations, their painful stings and potentially aggressive nature can make them challenging to have around a home. If a nest is found, hire a professional to remove it.

SPIDERS Many spiders are not harmful enough to humans and pets to be much of a problem.

In fact, spiders can be helpful to have around to control the populations of other insects. Still, many homeowners would prefer these web-slinging friends remain outdoors. Therefore, sealing cracks in a home’s foundation and repairing small openings around windows and doors can help keep spiders out. Also, alleviating moisture issues in basements, garages or attics may keep out other bugs that would be prey to spiders.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

CONSIDERING A KITCHEN REMODEL� Consider these must-have features.

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omeowners looking to renovate often see room for improvement in their kitchens and bathrooms. The National Association of Home Builder’s Remodeling Market Index Survey, which measures conditions in the remodeling market, indicates that in recent years the two most common remodeling jobs were bathroom and kitchen remodels. And according to HGTV and Statistics Brain, a new kitchen remodel for a kitchen measuring 12 by 12 feet may cost homeowners anywhere from $17,000 to $37,000.

Before investing so much into their remodeling projects, homeowners should think carefully about the features that will improve their time spent at home. When planning a kitchen renovation, homeowners may want to consider the following upgrades to make the room more enjoyable while improving its functionality.

Kitchen remodels are a sizable investment, and renovations can be customized to make the kitchen more hospitable for all in residence.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018 BOTTOM’S UP People likely spend more time raiding the refrigerator than the freezer on any given day. Rather than having to bend down to seek out that favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, choose a model with the fridge on top and freezer on the bottom, especially if anyone in the household has mobility issues.

When shopping for refrigerators, French-door style units may offer even more access, making it easy for homeowners to slide fruit trays, sheet cakes and other large items into the fridge.

OVERSIZED SINK Although high-efficiency dishwashers are popular, deep sinks to soak soup pots or woks are still useful. Deep sinks may be preferable to double sinks, especially for homeowners who use lots of kitchen tools when preparing meals.

EXTRA LIGHTING A kitchen should be a balance of form and function.

A combination of overhead lighting, decorative lighting and task lighting can illuminate all areas of the space effectively.

SOFT-CLOSING HINGES When replacing cabinets (or just the hardware), consider installing softclosing hinges and slides on doors and drawers. These devices eliminate slamming and caught fingers, reducing noise and injuries in the kitchen.

FOOT-PEDAL WATER OPERATION When outfitting a sink, think about foot controls, which are popular in doctors’ offices and hospitals. Turning on the water with the tap of a foot can reduce the transfer of pathogens to faucets from hands during food preparation.

These pedals also free up hands for other tasks.

APPLIANCE GARAGES Architectural and design resource Houzz says that appliance garages are popular kitchen additions, too. Set at countertop level, these cabinets allow people to keep small appliances plugged in but tucked neatly behind closed doors.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

PREPARE YOUR HVAC SYSTEMS FOR WARMER DAYS AHEAD

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he arrival of a new season can be an exciting time. Homeowners may have renewed vigor to start home renovation projects or even tackle some cleaning and organization tasks. Before the weather starts to warm up too much, homeowners may want to evaluate their home cooling needs and ensure that all equipment is in good working order.

Spring air conditioning inspections and tuneups are essential steps in system performance. Homeowners should not take for granted that a system that performed optimally last year will do so this year when temperatures climb. Various factors, including weather damage, dust and grime, mechanical wear and tear, and even rodent or insect infestations, can compromise HVAC systems. Since HVAC systems have so many moving parts, a thorough inspection of such systems can save headaches and money down the road.

According to some experts, the

extreme weather conditions that come along with fall and winter can be especially taxing on homes and the systems that keep them comfortable.

During a spring visit, an HVAC technician will perform maintenance on the air conditioner and make sure it is ready for the heat of summertime.

This maintenance may include cleaning the unit, checking controls, calibrating the thermostat, lubricating moving parts, checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, and clearing any clogs. Homeowners are urged to also change the filter at the start of the cooling season.

Correcting any issues in the HVAC system well in advance of the arrival of warm weather can help ensure comfort when air conditioning is needed. As an added advantage, homeowners should install programmable thermostats if they do not already have them to keep cooling as cost- and energy-efficient as possible.

2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

FOR ELLSWORTH BUILDING CONTRACTOR, MODULAR�S THE WAY TO GO. COURTESY OF BROUGHMAN BUILDERS

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he 2018 building season is kicking into gear, and Mike and Daisy Wight of Broughman Builders are ready to assist you with your new home experience.

Broughman Builders at 6 Acadia Way in Ellsworth has been constructing homes for over 40 years. With the addition of their new location, Pray’s Homes at 218 Congress Street in Belfast, they are able to expand their reach and reputation throughout Maine.

With five new lot models since last year, it’s a great time to stop in and see what’s new.

A common misconception is that a modular home is limited to customization.

This couldn’t be further from the truth!

Broughman Builders customizes modular homes with an expert team of master carpenters. In fact, today’s modular homes are nearly indistinguishable from stickbuilt homes. Some of the models offered by Broughman Builders even feature such luxuries as solid-core pine doors, wrought iron railings, and Cambria countertops.

Broughman Builders can assist with your entire project—from the first shovelful of gravel to the last drop of paint, and everything in between. With their in-house realtor, Daisy Wight, Broughman will purchase your favorite piece of land and install your dream home for as little as 0-3.5% down for the entire project. With many financing options available, it’s easier

than ever to purchase the perfect home, designed especially for you and your family.

Modular homes can cost up to 30% less than a comparable stick-built home.

Coupled with the speed, controlled costs, and as much as a 10-year warranty, modular homes are becoming the home of choice. Mike and Daisy invite you to view and enjoy the model homes on display at their two locations for ideas and inspiration. Any one of the expert sales consultants on staff are available to answer questions and get you on the path to new home ownership. To view homes remotely, Broughman Builders offers virtual tours at broughmanbuilders.com.

Visit Broughman Builders at the 48th Annual Bangor Home Show on April 6-8 where they will be displaying two new models and providing tablets with virtual tours of their models. On April 21, they will host an open house at both locations from 9-5; all are welcome to attend.

In addition to modular home services, Broughman Builders provides custom stick-built homes, renovations, remodels, additions, decks, out buildings and garages. In 2007, they were selected as the general contractor for ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” project in Milbridge, Maine. For more information, visit broughmanbuilders.com.

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2018 SPRING HOME IMPROVEMENT • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 30, 2018

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